Meet the Speakers!
Bringing together leading voices from the global space sector, we welcome experts and decision-makers from NASA, ESA, the European Commission, EUSPA and ICEYE to share insights and explore the future of space.
Rodrigo da Costa
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AGENCY FOR THE SPACE PROGRAMME
Rodrigo da Costa is Executive Director of the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). An Aerospace Engineer with extensive experience in the space industry, he previously managed Galileo services and held leadership roles in space exploration and satellite programmes. He drives Europe's space capabilities, competitiveness and innovation.
Christoph Kautz
DIRECTOR for SPACE POLICY, SATELLITE NAVIGATION AND EARTH OBSERVATIONÂ DG DEFIS, European CommissionÂ
Mr. Kautz is Director for Space Policy, Satellite Navigation and Earth Observation at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space. With over two decades of experience in European policy, he oversees key EU space programmes, including Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus, driving Europe’s strategic ambitions in space.
Libby Jackson
Former Head of Space Exploration, UK Space Agency – Former Columbus Flight Director, European Space Agency
Libby Jackson OBE is Head of Space at the Science Museum, with over 20 years of experience in human spaceflight. Formerly a Flight Director at ESA and Head of Exploration at the UK Space Agency, she is a recognised space advocate, author and expert in space exploration and public engagement.
Ricardo Mendes
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, TEKEVER
Ricardo Mendes is co-founder and CEO of TEKEVER, a leading European company specialising in AI-driven autonomous systems. With a background in computer science and artificial intelligence, he founded TEKEVER in 2001, transforming it into a major defence technology company delivering advanced drone capabilities for military, maritime surveillance and security operations.
Lieutenant General João Caldas
Portuguese Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff
A fighter pilot who flew the A-7P and F-16, with more than 2,000 hours in combat aircraft. He served as Military Adviser at Portugal's NATO delegation, commanded Air Base 5 and led the cabinet of the National Aeronautical Authority. He holds a Master's in Defence Studies from King's College London.
Major General Michael Traut
Commander, German Space Command
He began as a conscript in 1983, studied computer science and trained as an air defence controller. He worked in armament policy, led the Operation Wing at Mazar-e-Sharif in Afghanistan, headed the Air Force Officer School and attended the Royal College of Defence Studies, before taking command in April 2023.
Major General Isaac Crespo Zaragoza
Commander, Spanish Space Command
A fighter pilot with more than 2,700 flying hours, he flew 73 combat missions over the Balkans and has shaped Air Force programmes and operational plans. He helped plan operations in Afghanistan and the Indian Ocean, and served as the Space Command's Chief of Staff before taking command in February 2024.
Rear Admiral Sébastien Goinère
Deputy Commander, French Space Command
A naval officer who commanded a hydrographic survey ship and the Fort-de-France naval base, he led space affairs from 2023 to 2025 at France's General Secretariat for Defence and National Security, overseeing the security of France's role in the European space programme. He joined the Space Command in September 2025.
Victor Glover
ARTEMIS II PILOT AND EMERITUS NASA ASTRONAUT
Victor Glover is a husband, father, warrior, explorer, and leader whose faith and experience serve humanity. He is a former NASA Astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Captain who served in combat, on staff in the U.S. Congress, aboard the International Space Station, and piloted Artemis II to and from the Moon.
Eric Jensen
Global Chief Operating Officer, ICEYE
Eric Jensen is Chief Operating Officer at ICEYE, a leading space intelligence company. With extensive experience in the space industry, he previously held executive leadership positions at ICEYE US and Boeing, specializing in satellite systems and services. His expertise spans space technology, strategic operations and the delivery of advanced satellite capabilities.
Tiago Pardal
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Omnidea
CEO of Omnidea since 2005, he is a Mechanical Engineer with experience at the European Space Agency (ESA). He leads the Viriato project, developing reusable suborbital launch technology as a stepping stone towards a Portuguese microlauncher. His work contributes to advancing Portugal’s space propulsion capabilities and technological independence.
Rui Costa
Chief Executive Officer, ICEYE Portugal
Rui Costa is CEO of ICEYE Portugal, leading its Lisbon Center of Excellence in space intelligence, AI and systems integration. With extensive experience in emerging technologies, he previously held leadership roles at Veniam, Nexar and Indie Campers. An inventor with 16 international patents, he also teaches AI at Porto Business School.
André Oliveira
Chief Executive Officer, N3o
André Oliveira is CEO of N3O and Director of CEiiA’s Space and Ocean unit. An Aerospace Engineer with extensive experience in space technology and international R&D projects, he has worked with ESA, NATO and the European Commission. He currently leads N3O’s contribution to the Atlantic Constellation’s Earth Observation satellites.
Marco Fuchs
Chairman of the Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer, OHB SE
Chairman of the Executive Board of OHB SE since 2000, he has played a key role in advancing Europe's space industry. With a background in international law, he also serves as Vice President for Space at the German Aerospace Industries Association, contributing to the development of European space capabilities.
Richard French
Vice President, Business Development and Strategy, Space Systems, Rocket Lab
With over a decade of experience at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, he contributed to major missions, including the Curiosity Rover’s landing on Mars. Now leading business development and strategy for Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division, he brings extensive expertise in spacecraft engineering, satellite technologies and international space missions.
General Sérgio da Costa Pereira
Portuguese Air Force Chief of Staff
A helicopter pilot with over 3,600 flight hours, he commanded a UN helicopter detachment in Timor-Leste and served in NATO's Allied Command Transformation and Combined Air Operations Centre. He held several senior leadership positions in the Portuguese Air Force, including Air Commander, before becoming Chief of Staff in March 2026.