The Role of Ground Networks in Hybrid Space Architectures

Phil Carrai is President of the Space, Training and Cybersecurity division of Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, Inc, where he is responsible for all aspects of business operations, sales, mergers and acquisitions. Kratos Defense is an approximately $650 million public company focusing in Aerospace and Defense products and services. 

David Andres has over 20 years of experience in the satellite and broadcast industries performing various senior roles in sales, presales, marketing, business development and technical consultancy. He initiated his career in the UK in 1998 working for BT Media and Broadcast, Arqiva and Grass Valley. He moved to Spain in 2013 with his family and he is currently the VP of Sales and Business Development in Santander Teleport. He holds an MSc in Telecommunication Engineering and a master’s degree in Management of Alternative Energies.

Mr. Slava Frayter is the Regional Vice President, North America for Gilat Satellite Networks.

Joining Gilat in November 2019, Mr. Frayter oversees Gilat’s business operations in the region. He is responsible for developing and executing the company’s growth strategy in North America, as well as cultivating opportunities across various market segments such as cellular backhaul, enterprise, mobility, and government.

Mr. Frayter has an extensive experience in satellite communications. Prior to Gilat, he had a decade-long tenure with Newtec, a Belgian-based satellite communication technology company, where he held several management and C-level positions. During his time there Slava was instrumental in developing market strategy and leading significant expansion in the regions.

Mr. Frayter holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Riga Technical University in Latvia and an MBA in International Business & Finance from the University of Connecticut (UCONN). He speaks English and Russian fluently.

Aaron Hawkins serves as the Director for Viasat’s Real-Time Earth (RTE) Ground-Segment-as-a-Service (GSaaS) business area. He is charged with enabling the network’s global expansion, strategic business development, and creating innovative solutions to enhance the RTE customer experience.  Aaron has also led business development efforts within Viasat’s Antenna Systems full-motion antenna business area.

Aaron brings over 17 years of defense and commercial aerospace experience. He started his professional career as a national security representative within the executive branch of the United States government where he led efforts domestically and internationally to confront transnational threats through engagement with allied partners, often utilizing geospatial tools.

Mitja currently holds the position of CEO of STN, based in its headquarters in Slovenia, Europe.

As one of the company’s founders in 2004, Mitja has more than 17 years of experience in the industry and has been key to its commercial success. With strategic planning and forward-thinking, the company expanded rapidly and is recognised globally today. Offering a spectrum of services in satellite, broadcast, telemetry tracking & equipment co-location, STN has become a trusted partner for hundreds of respected clients and their projects worldwide.

Mitja is currently on the Directors board of the WTA (World Teleport Association), regularly participating in their Washington events and collaborating with the team on many industry research reports.

Before 2004 and his current profession, Mitja held senior positions in different industries and resided in both Switzerland and London during his career.

Mitja holds a degree in Economics and fluently speaks English, German, and Slovene.

Alexander Mueller-Gastell joined ND SatCom in September 2017. His main focus at ND SatCom is to manage the success-oriented organization and define and implement the growth strategies for the three business units Government & Enterprise, Defence and Broadcast. Before joining ND SatCom, he was Presidentx&xCOO of Signalhorn, where he was responsible for managing the company´s daily operations and strategic direction including the growth strategy through acquisitions. Alexander started his career as a controller at Alcan and served in various companies as CFO.

Alexander Mueller-Gastell holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina, USA and the Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany.