Downlink 9 – SGx

Have you seen the SGx Speakers? Jump-start your professional career by attending SGx, the best place to network with and learn from leading satellite industry experts. SATELLITE 2019, in partnership with the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) and the Future Space Leaders Foundation (FSLF), is delighted to announce the first round of speakers for the 2019 SGx program series.

SGx 2019 Speakers:

  • Sirisha Bandla, Business Development and Government Affairs Manager, Virgin Orbit
    Sirisha Bandla currently works at Virgin Orbit in the D.C. operations office on Government Affairs and Business Development, supporting both LauncherOne and SpaceShipTwo programs, specifically for science and technology payloads.
  • John Conafay, Business Development and Operations Manager, Astranis
    John Conafay is a graduate of the design school at Arizona State University and veteran of the United States Air Force. He has worked with multiple labs and space initiatives at ASU before joining Astranis Space Technologies, a GEO telecom start-up out of San Francisco, CA.
  • Christian Davenport, Space Correspondent, Washington Post
    Christian Davenport covers the defense and space industries for The Washington Post’s Financial desk and has had an array of assignments, including covering the D.C.-area sniper shootings, the Abu Ghraib scandal, and more.
  • Alissa Haddaji, Senior Researcher, Harvard Business School/COSPAR
    Alissa Haddaji’s research investigates decision making processes of International Space Risk Management (Planetary Protection, Planetary Defense and Space Debris Reentry) using ethnography, with a focus on the relations between Space Science and Space Law.
  • Antonio Abad Martín, Chief Technical and Operations Officer, Hispasat
    Antonio Abad Martin is responsible for the definition and implementation of satellite systems, launchers, control centers and ground stations as well as their operation and control.
  • Peter Platzer, CEO, Spire
    Peter Platzer co-founded Spire with the vision of gathering data from a network of small satellites from any location on Earth. He is considered one of the pioneers of the commercial space industry in terms of earth observation.
  • Ryan Whitley, Director of Civil Space Policy, National Space Council, The White House
    Ryan Whitley currently works in the Executive Office of the President at The White House on the National Space Council. The National Space Council is directed to review United States Government space policy, including long-range goals, and develop a strategy for national space activities.
  • Thomas Zurbuchen, Associate Administrator, NASA
    Thomas Zurbuchen works to ensure that NASA’s science missions are part of a balanced portfolio that enable great science, help us unveil the unknown and facilitate a better understanding of our place in the cosmos.Since day one at NASA’s Headquarters in Washington, DC, Zurbuchen has focused on inspiring learners of all ages and fostering an inclusive team of science leaders.
  • Eleanor Morgan, Senior Crew Systems Engineer, Bigelow Aerospace
    Major Morgan is a combat aviator and veteran with world-wide, operational experience in both manned and unmanned aircraft. An accomplished U.S. Air Force officer with over twelve years of service, Major Morgan is a time-tested and battle-proven leader with an extensive track record of safety and success in high stress environments and time sensitive situations.
  • Mandy Sweeney MA, Vice President, Operations, Museum of Science Fiction
    As the vice president of museum operations, Mandy manages educational outreach, human resources, project management, risk management, research and library services, marketing, and public relations. Mandy is a graduate of Harvard University with a Masters degree in Finance.
  • … and more! Check out the full lineup here!

SGx will take on Monday, May 6 from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The cost is $45 for young professionals and students under the age of 35 and $145 for all other industry professionals. If you haven’t already done so, register now!


New for 2019: SGx will be hosting its first networking breakfast. This is the perfect opportunity for students and young professionals to ask questions and learn from experienced aerospace industry leaders while everyone is still fresh and full of energy. The networking breakfast is only open to SGx registrants, so add SGx to your registration today!