Manfred Jaumann is Vice President, Head of Low Earth Orbit & Suborbital Programmes at Airbus Defence and Space and Managing Director of the Joint Venture Company Starlab Space GmbH.

Jaumann has been responsible for all Low Earth Orbit Space Exploration activities, including the European part of the International Space Station (ISS) and the Sounding Rocket Programme, since 2017.

Since January 2025, he also leads Starlab Space GmbH, the European arm of a global joint venture aiming to ensure a seamless transition of human spaceflight, microgravity science and research into the post-ISS era with the next-generation Space Station ‘Starlab’.

Prior to this role, Jaumann was Airbus Defence and Space’s Head of Engineering for Space Exploration from 2015 to 2017.

He began his professional career in 1979 in the German Armed Forces, where he served as Battery Control Officer and then Tactical Director of a Surface-to-Air Missile HAWK Air Force squadron. In 1991, he moved to Airbus Defence and Space (Deutsche Aerospace and succeeding companies at the time), where he held numerous management positions in the Space sector and served as Director of International Offset from 1998 to 2001.

Dr Patrick Rapp was born on 28 January 1969 in Stuttgart. Mr Rapp studied forestry science at the Albrecht Ludwig University of Freiburg and subsequently completed a doctorate at the Institute for Forestry Policy of the Albert Ludwig University.

After working as a management assistant to the executive board in the food industry and as a personnel manager in the timber industry, Dr Rapp was first elected to the State Parliament of Baden-Württemberg in 2011. After his re-election in 2016, he became chairman of the Rural Areas and Consumer Protection Working Group and has been the speaker on tourism policies for the CDU state parliamentary group since 2011. In 2021 he was elected again to the State Parliament of Baden-Württemberg.

On May 12th, 2021 Dr Patrick Rapp was appointed State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism of the Federal State of BadenWürttemberg.

Frank De Winne is the first ESA astronaut to command a space mission, which he completed as commander of the International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 21. He is currently in charge of ISS operations at ESA and serves as the ISS Program Manager. Frank previously flew to the ISS as a flight engineer and led 23 experiments in the fields of life and physical sciences and education. 

Prior to his astronaut career, Frank was in the military with the Belgian Air Force and served as a pilot, led flight safety programs, and led flight test programs. He has logged more than 2300 flight hours on high-performance aircraft.

Carlos Garcia-Galan is the Deputy Manager for the Gateway Program, bringing more than 27 years of experience in human spaceflight to this role. In this position, he supports the overall management and development of Gateway, a key element of NASA’s Artemis campaign that will enable sustainable lunar exploration and provide a foundation for missions to Mars.

Previously, Garcia-Galan served as the Manager of the Orion Program’s European Service Module (ESM) Integration Office at the Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. In this role, he was responsible for the integration of the European Space Agency-developed ESM, including design activities, assembly, and testing with other modules of the Orion spacecraft.

A native of Malaga, Spain, Garcia-Galan joined the Orion Program Office in 2010 at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, where he held various technical and management positions. His work encompassed integrated spacecraft design and performance, mission analysis, cross-program integration, and launch and flight operations support.

Prior to his involvement with Orion, Garcia-Galan was an International Space Station (ISS) flight controller, supporting multiple Space Shuttle-ISS assembly missions and increment operations from Mission Control in Houston and Korolev, Russia. 

Garcia-Galan has been recognized for his contributions to human spaceflight with numerous awards, including the Honeywell Space Systems Engineer of the Year (Houston), NASA Silver Achievement Medal, Exceptional Achievement Medal, Johnson Space Center Director’s Commendation, Orion Program Manager’s Commendation, and the prestigious Silver Snoopy Award.

Manfred Jaumann is Vice President, Head of Low Earth Orbit & Suborbital Programmes at Airbus Defence and Space and Managing Director of the Joint Venture Company Starlab Space GmbH.

Jaumann has been responsible for all Low Earth Orbit Space Exploration activities, including the European part of the International Space Station (ISS) and the Sounding Rocket Programme, since 2017.

Since January 2025, he also leads Starlab Space GmbH, the European arm of a global joint venture aiming to ensure a seamless transition of human spaceflight, microgravity science and research into the post-ISS era with the next-generation Space Station ‘Starlab’.

Prior to this role, Jaumann was Airbus Defence and Space’s Head of Engineering for Space Exploration from 2015 to 2017.

He began his professional career in 1979 in the German Armed Forces, where he served as Battery Control Officer and then Tactical Director of a Surface-to-Air Missile HAWK Air Force squadron. In 1991, he moved to Airbus Defence and Space (Deutsche Aerospace and succeeding companies at the time), where he held numerous management positions in the Space sector and served as Director of International Offset from 1998 to 2001.

Volker Schmid is an accomplished aerospace and space systems engineer. He earned his Master’s degree in Space Systems Engineering from the University of Applied Sciences in Aachen (RWTH), Germany, and Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. Prior to his academic pursuits, Volker gained several years of hands-on experience working as a mechanic in industry.

Since 1996, Volker has been employed at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). His expertise includes six years of systems analysis and preliminary design for future launchers, where he developed and utilized advanced software methods.

From April 2001, Volker worked at the German Space Administration (now the German Space Agency at DLR) within the Human space flight, ISS, and exploration division. He served as acting Head of the division from November 2018 to March 2020. His responsibilities included overseeing the International Space Station (ISS) programme, ISS utilisation, and programme elements such as the European Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV).

From 2011 to 2021, Volker represented Germany as an ESA delegate for the Human Spaceflight Programme Board and the Exploration and Utilization Board. Additionally, from 2011 onwards, he served as the Lead Mission Manager for two of ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst's ISS missions: Blue Dot and Horizons. In this role, he was responsible for the German contributions to these missions, as well as for the Cosmic Kiss mission of ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer. Volker also initiated and managed several ISS experiments for DLR, including the AI-assistant experiment CIMON (Crew Interactive MObile CompanioN).

Currently, Volker serves as Senior Advisor on Aeronautics and Space Matters for the Chair of the Executive Board of DLR.

Dr. Shirakawa is the Director of Space Environment Utilization Center, including promotion of the use of International Space Station (ISS) and Japanese Experiment Module named “Kibo”, in the Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). He also serves as the Deputy JAXA ISS Program Manager.

Shirakawa joined the National Space Development Agency of Japan (currently JAXA) in 1994, and has since worked at the Tsukuba Space Center in various departments concerning human spaceflight technology, space environment utilization, and the International Space Station Program. From 2002 to 2003, he became a visiting researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. From 2004 to 2006, he worked for the Directorate of Science and Technology Policy (Secretariat of the Council for Science and Technology Policy) at the Government of Japan’s Cabinet Office.

Before taking on the current role in 2022, he was responsible for integration of life science missions in Kibo, development of JAXA’s new rodent research capability, which has been conducted since 2016, and international coordination and strategic planning for Kibo utilization as the Head of Kibo Utilization Planning Group.

Ulrich Kübler is Sales Director for Space Exploration at Airbus Defence and Space located in Friedrichshafen, Germany.

Ulrich started his career at NASAs Ames Research Center as a designer for a new gravitational biology facility, before joining Airbus, covering various positions related to microgravity research & space exploration, incl. program & innovation management, strategy, business development and sales.

Ulrich has more than 35 years of experience in Space Station design and operations, especially for space life science, crew habitation and life support. He is a permanent member of the International Academy of Astronautics 

Born 1958 in Frankfurt am Main, Thomas Reiter studied aerospace engineering at the University of the Bundeswehr in Munich. He is a Diplom-Ingenieur and General a.D. As a pilot of the Luftwaffe, he was deployed on the Alpha-Jet and Tornado aircraft. From 1990 to 1992, he completed the training to become a test pilot. 

In 1992, he was recruited into the ESA Astronaut Corps and in March 1995, he was nominated as a flight engineer for the longest manned ESA space mission ‘Euromir95’ to date.

From September 1997 till March 1999, Thomas Reiter led the Flying Group of the Tornado Fighter-Bomber Wing 38 ‘Friesland’ as commander. His second mission ‘Astrolab’ took him as a flight engineer from July - December 2006 to the International Space Station ISS. He spent a total of 350 days in space and conducted more than 70 scientific experiments and 3 spacewalks.

Following his active career as an astronaut, he was appointed to the board of DLR in 2007, responsible for space research and development.

From April 2011 to December 2015, he headed the ESA Directorate for Human Spaceflight and Mission Operations based in Darmstadt. As ESA Director, he was responsible for the European contributions to the International Space Station ISS, ESA activities in the field of astronautical spaceflight, as well as the operation of manned and unmanned spacecraft and the ground segment.

From 2016 until his retirement in May 2021, Thomas Reiter took on the tasks as Coordinator International Agencies and Advisor to the ESA Director General.

Claudia Stern has been active in aviation and space medicine for over 25 years as a clinician and researcher. She is an Aeromedical Examiner class 1 and ophthalmologist by training. The main focus of her department lays on the medical selection, examination and certification of astronauts, aviation personnel, as well as on occupational health and support of research studies such as head down tilt-bed-rest studies for ESA and NASA.

She participated in the European Astronaut selection of 2009 and 2022 and was the project manager of the psychological and medical selection of the first German female astronaut. During the ESA SciSpace Roadmap development, she chaired the SANS group and the spotlight astronaut 2.0. Her scientific emphasis focuses on research of numerous eye changes in astronauts in the scope of the Spaceflight associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). One of her experiments flew on the ISS-Expedition 66/67 mission.

She lectures at different universities on the topic of aviation and space medicine. She held several board positions that include President of the German Society of Aerospace Medicine, Vice-President of the European Society of Aerospace Medicine and is a member of the German Civil Aviation Authority Waiver Appeal Board.

She is Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association and Academician of the International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine.

Richard Aked is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Space Applications Services. He holds MSc in Physics from the University of London. He has more than 40 years expérience in human spaceflight experience from ESA/NASA Shuttle/Spacelab missions at NASA KSC, MSFC, JSC and ESA. He was member of the European Commissions' Space Advisory Group FP7/H2020. Richard has established the first European PPP agreement with ESA for commercial use of the  ISS (ICE Cubes).

Michael is currently Director of Business Development at Starlab Space. In 2022 he was responsible as the Senior Program Manager for the initial Development of the Starlab Space Station thru 2024. Prior to that, he was Program manager of several large aerospace development programs. Michael has over 40 years of experience in program management and began his career in 1983 on the NASA Space Shuttle program, managed integration and successful launch of 17 successful Air Force, NASA, and Commercial satellite programs, and was the program manager for development of several human spaceflight and space launch programs. In addition to the Program Management Institute Certification from Lockheed Martin, Michael holds several degrees including a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, a Masters of Science from the University of Denver, and a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering from New Mexico State University.   

Ralf Zimmermann is the Head of Space Exploration at Airbus Defence and Space.

Before assuming this position in 2024, he was the company’s Head of Moon Programmes as well as the Project Manager of the Orion European Service Module (ESM), which makes up half of the Orion Spacecraft used by NASA and its international partners to return humans to the Moon within the Artemis Programme.

Prior to this, Ralf Zimmermann was Chief Programmes Officer and Managing Director of TESAT Spacecom, an Airbus Defence and Space subsidiary delivering electronic equipment for satellites.

Before joining TESAT he headed a multinational department for Active Radar and Microwave Instruments in Airbus Space Systems’ Earth Observation perimeter. 

Earlier career stations encompass: Head of German national and Export Satellites, Programme Manager for the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) serving the International Space Station (ISS), and different positions within the Columbus Programme.

Ralf Zimmermann holds a Diploma in Computer Science from the Technical University of Braunschweig.

Reinhold Ewald, a retired ESA astronaut, holds a diploma in Physics and a PhD in radio astronomy from University of Cologne with a minor degree in human physiology. He joined the German astronaut team in 1990. In 1997 he spent 18 days onboard the Russian Space Station MIR, performing a suite of life science experiments. From 1999 on, in his responsibility for the control teams for ESA’s precursor missions to ISS, he led the build-up and initial operation of ESA’s Columbus Control Center near Munich. He retired from ESA in 2018. From 2015 to 2024 he has been teaching at the University of Stuttgart as a full professor for astronautics and space stations. In 2025 he was appointed ‚Ambassador for Space matters‘ by the State of North-Rhine Westphalia.

Since 2022 Lorenz Herrmann is Head of the Department "Advanced Materials and Surfaces" at Empa and a member of Empa's directorate. In this function he is responsible for Empa's Research Focus Area "Nanoscale Materials and Manufacturing Technologies". Lorenz Herrmann studied Physics at the University of Regensburg and Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris. He followed a binational PhD program in solid state physics and re-ceived his degree in 2010 from the Université Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris and the University of Regensburg. Afterwards he joined ABB Corporate Research in Baden-Dättwil, Switzerland, where he worked as a scientist, group leader and department head on technology development projects in the context of the company's product portfolio. His personal research field is material development and characterization in the context of electrical engineering applications.

John M. Horack, Ph.D., is the inaugural holder of the Neil Armstrong Chair in Aerospace Policy at The Ohio State University, with tenured, full-professor appointments in the College of Engineering’s Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.  A 30-year veteran of the spaceflight industry, Dr. Horack also currently serves as the Senior Associate Dean of Engineering at Ohio State, and is a globally-recognized leader in space-based research, flight hardware development, program management, and space policy.

Prior to joining Ohio State in 2016, he served for four years as Vice President of Teledyne Brown Engineering’s Space Systems group in Huntsville, Alabama, with responsibility for overseeing all government and commercial Space programs, including Science, International Space Station Payload Operations, Test Support, Flight Hardware, Launch Vehicle and Component Development, and Earth Imaging, including the deployment of the MUSES commercial imaging platform to the ISS and the installation of state-of-the-art Hyperspectral instrumentation for commercial remote sensing.

From 2009-2012 Dr. Horack served as Vice President of Research for UAHuntsville, where he had fiscal oversight for the entire University’s research enterprise, including 14 research centers and laboratories, growing annual research expenditures from ~$65M to nearly $100 million. 

Dr. Horack had an impressive career at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) having achieved the level of Senior Executive Service. His last position at NASA was as manager of the Science and Mission Systems Office, where he was responsible for advanced, complex science and exploration research and nearly 400 civil service personnel and contractors.  For work in this role, he was awarded the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal.  

He began his NASA career in 1987 after graduating from Northwestern University with a B.A. in physics and astronomy.  He earned a M.A. and Ph.D. in physics from UAHuntsville in 1992 and 1993, respectively.

Jeffrey Manber is Special Representative to the Chairman and CEO at Voyager Technologies. He also serves as Chairman of the Board for Nanoracks (since acquired by Voyager).

Jeffrey is the Co-Founder andfirst employee of Nanoracks. He served as CEO from 2009 until 2021 where he broke barriers for access to space and oversaw the growth of numerous commercial ISS programs. Jeffrey also directed the development of the Bishop Airlock, the first and only commercial airlock on the space station.

As the only American to ever work officially for the Russian space program, Jeffrey served as Managing Director of Energia USA, the American arm of RSC Energia. In 1991, he negotiated and executed the first commercial contract between NASA and the NPO Energia in the Soviet Union to use the Soyuz crewed capsule as an escape vehicle for Space Station Freedom. Later, he represented Energia in contract negotiations to construct and operate the ISS.

As CEO of MirCorp, he leased the Russian space station “Mir” and oversaw the first ever commercially funded 70-day crewed mission. His experience developing the business base for Mir and on theISS, paved the way for Nanoracks to grow into a commercial space station company.

In 2012, Jeffrey was awarded the NASA Exceptional Public Achievement Medal and the Space Frontier Foundation’s 2017 Pioneer of New Space Award.

In April 2025, Hiroshi (Marc) Uchida assumed his current position as Deputy General Manager leading Life Science Space Utilization Business Development. He is part of the Space Business Team within the Defense and Aerospace Department, which is under the Infrastructure, Ship & Aerospace Division of the Urban Development & Infrastructure Group at Mitsubishi Corporation. In this role, Uchida continues to leverage his extensive experience and leadership skills to drive innovation and growth in the life science space utilization sector.

He graduated from the Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Economics at Kyoto University. He began his career at Mitsubishi Corporation in April 1992, joining the Aircraft Team in the Aerospace Department. Since then, Uchida has been involved in business development for the defense sector under the Defense and Aerospace Department before assuming his current position in 2025.

In 1997, Uchida transferred to the Nagoya Branch as Assistant Manager of the Aircraft Team. In 2001, he was appointed Manager of the Aerospace Department at the Dallas Office in Texas. This role marked his first international assignment and provided him with valuable global experience.

In 2008, Uchida returned to Tokyo, where he took on the role of Assistant General Manager in the Defense Systems Dept. In 2011, he was transferred to the Nagoya Branch again and assigned as Team Leader of the Aerospace Team.

In 2017, Uchida transitioned to a new role in the Internal Audit Department. This position allowed him to gain a comprehensive understanding of the corporation's internal operations and governance. In 2019, he was appointed Assistant General Manager of the F-35 Project. In 2024, he became General Manager of Fighter Aircraft in the Aerospace Division at Mitsubishi Corporation Machinery, Inc.

Frank De Winne is the first ESA astronaut to command a space mission, which he completed as commander of the International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 21. He is currently in charge of ISS operations at ESA and serves as the ISS Program Manager. Frank previously flew to the ISS as a flight engineer and led 23 experiments in the fields of life and physical sciences and education. 

Prior to his astronaut career, Frank was in the military with the Belgian Air Force and served as a pilot, led flight safety programs, and led flight test programs. He has logged more than 2300 flight hours on high-performance aircraft.

Mathias Spohr is the Managing Director/CEO of Lufthansa Aviation Training GmbH, a position he has held since 2021. He brings a wealth of experience in both management and aviation to his role.

Spohr's management career within the Lufthansa Group began in 2013, where he served as the Flight Operations Manager at Eurowings and later as the Head of Fleet at Germanwings. His extensive pilot career started in 1995, during which he held various notable positions, including Captain of the A320 at Lufthansa, Training Captain at Eurowings and Germanwings, Training Captain of the A320 at Condor, and Senior First Officer of the A340 at Lufthansa.

Prior to his aviation career, Spohr completed his studies in economics at Ruhr University Bochum and underwent pilot training at Lufthansa.

Winfried Aicher started his career 40 years ago in the German spaceflight industry with increasing responsibilities over the years related to development management, integration and operation of ISS payload facilities for materials science research and life support. 

In addition, he served as astronaut and cosmonaut crew instructor for ISS bound payload training for more than 15 years. 

At Starlab, Mr. Aicher is responsible for the Payload System covering Payload Laboratory, Integration and Operations.

Winfried Aicher started his career 40 years ago in the German spaceflight industry with increasing responsibilities over the years related to development management, integration and operation of ISS payload facilities for materials science research and life support. 

In addition, he served as astronaut and cosmonaut crew instructor for ISS bound payload training for more than 15 years. 

At Starlab, Mr. Aicher is responsible for the Payload System covering Payload Laboratory, Integration and Operations.

Birgit has been working for Lufthansa Aviation Training for more than 20 years and has been involved with a multitude of challenging, multi-national and innovative training programmes and concepts since then. Since 1995, she has been leading training development and implementation programmes in the aviation and space sectors, including the ISS Programme at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne for ESA, for which she has been involved since 2001. Leveraging her vast experience, she is now the Training Lead Engineer for Starlab.

Elisabeth is an Astronaut and Ground Segment Personnel Instructor at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne for the last 17 years, which also includes experience in ISS Operations. 

Elisabeth has been involved in the development and delivery of various training activities in the frame of the European contribution to the ISS programmes. For Starlab, Elisabeth is a subject matter expert for training and crew operations topics.

Uwe has more than 20 years of experience as an Astronaut and Ground Segment Personnel Instructor at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne where he has developed and delivered countless training activities in the frame of the European contribution to the ISS programme. 

Additionally, Uwe has also held various active operational duties for the ISS programme and counts with vast ISS operational experience. For Starlab, Uwe is a subject matter expert for training and crew operations topics.

Ricardo has held different roles within Product & Quality Assurance, Systems Engineering and Assembly Integration and Test (AIT) at Airbus Defence and Space before spending a few years at the European Spacecraft Operations Centre in Darmstadt as Product Assurance responsible for the Sentinel Spacecraft Missions. Since January he is now the Project Lead for Lufthansa Aviation Training’s role as Starlab Training Lead.

Daniela Dobreva-Nielsen has been growing the European space ecosystem, by supporting space innovation from concept to commercialization across the entire value chain for the last 10 years. From the initial stages of ideation through incubation, acceleration and matchmaking with customers or investors, Daniela has supported numerous space companies towards success in and outside the Space
domain. Currently she is Director Space Applications at bavAIRia e.V., the
association of Bavarian stakeholders in civil and military aviation, space and space applications, also commissioned by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy to manage the Aerospace Cluster in Bavaria.
Daniela holds a M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering and a Certificate in Management from The Open University, London.

Having pioneered management consulting for the space sector in Europe, Rainer combines consulting, entrepreneurial and investment expertise. For over 25 years his strategic advice has empowered private and institutional clients worldwide - Rainer’s proficiency includes strategy development, market analysis, international cooperation, organisational optimisation, and investment advisory. 

Winfried Aicher started his career 40 years ago in the German spaceflight industry with increasing responsibilities over the years related to development management, integration and operation of ISS payload facilities for materials science research and life support. 

In addition, he served as astronaut and cosmonaut crew instructor for ISS bound payload training for more than 15 years. 

At Starlab, Mr. Aicher is responsible for the Payload System covering Payload Laboratory, Integration and Operations.

Mathias Albrecht is a seasoned professional in the aerospace sector, currently serving as the Head of Space Station & Infrastructure in LEO/Suborbital Programs at Airbus Defence and Space. His role involves strategic resource management, fostering cooperation across various functions, and contributing to strategy and R&D roadmaps, including projects such as Starlab and Post-ISS Scenarios.

Prior to this, Mathias led the ISS Columbus Programme Phase E, managing a team of approximately 80 and coordinating with key stakeholders ESA and DLR. His responsibilities included overseeing Flight and Ground Segment Service Phase E Work Packages and contributing to strategic initiatives.

From 2020 to 2023, Mathias served as the Operating Manager for the Airbus Defence and Space Bremen Site, merging programme departments and ensuring operational efficiency. His earlier roles included leading ISS Flight Segment Engineering and managing ISS Sustainability & Evolution projects, showcasing his expertise in both technical and managerial capacities.

Jana is a Forward Deployed Engineer at Palantir Technologies based in Zurich, Switzerland, where she specializes in deploying AI solutions and data-driven workflows across different industries. Jana holds a PhD in Quantum Computing from ETH Zurich and worked on topological quantum computing at Microsoft, building expertise across quantum computing, physics, and AI. At Palantir, she has a particular focus on advancing AI applications in space technology and aerospace systems, currently focusing on AI-driven payload and research capabilities.

Torsten Vogel joined Airbus in 2001 and has worked the major part of his career on human spaceflight projects. He has led the development of Columbus Infrastructure Equipment and Payloads before joining the international study team on the Lunar Gateway. Since the beginning of the collaboration on Starlab Torsten Vogel has been working as Principal Engineer, representing the Chief Engineering function for the European contributions to the program.

Anna Grinberg is the Starlab IPT Lead for Crew Support Systems, which develops equipment onboard Starlab to support crew habitability, as well as Crew Performance, Medical and Operations, which develops on the operational capabilities to support crew during their training and preparation, on-board mission, and post-flight rehabilitation. With degrees in Electrical Engineering, Space Studies, and Cardiovascular Physiology (with a focus on the impact of long duration space flight), her passion for human spaceflight and exploration led her to a career at Airbus focussing on the development and operations of ISS payloads. Her payloads work includes roles as Payload Integration Manager of the European Modular Cultivation System (EMCS), trainer and flight controller of the Life Support Rack, and Payload Engineering Manager of the Materials Science Laboratory (MSL). This broad experience provided a solid foundation to join the Starlab, and be part of the team working to create commercial manned spaceflight opportunities with the crew's experience in focus.

Barbara Imhof is a space architect, researcher, and educator whose work bridges design, science, and technology to shape how humans will live and work beyond Earth. She is co-founder and managing partner of LIQUIFER, a Vienna- and Bremen-based practice pioneering human-centered architecture for space exploration. Her projects span habitats, spacecraft interiors, life support demonstrators, and analog missions, integrating engineering with architectural and design approaches.

Imhof has led international teams on projects for the European Space Agency, NASA, and industry partners, focusing on interior configuration, transformable spaces, and the development of new materials and technologies, translating speculative visions into testable prototypes. Beyond practice, she teaches and lectures worldwide, advocating for space as a design frontier that redefines architecture itself.

John Kennett is an aerospace engineer turned exercise and rehabilitation specialist, whose career spans Concorde, the Boeing 747, clinical practice, and university lecturing in anatomy, sports injuries, and sport psychology. He is the creator of HIFIm (High Frequency Impulse for Microgravity) - a breakthrough exercise system enabling over 100 exercises, including repeated jumping and hopping, without requiring a Vibration Isolation System (VIS), saving around 1000 kg compared to other systems. HIFIm also reduces daily astronaut exercise from 2.5 hours to less than 30 minutes (if desired), delivering huge time and financial savings. Validated in multiple ESA and CNES parabolic flight campaigns, including a landmark test in 2021 with the world’s first amputee analogue-parastronaut, HIFIm sets new standards for astronaut and parastronaut health. John’s unique combination of aerospace engineering expertise and human exercise and physiology insight positions him as a leading voice on sustainable, inclusive living in space, while HIFIm also shows strong potential for clinical, medical, and military applications on Earth.

Dr. Kate Rubins is a scientist and a former NASA astronaut who became the first person to sequence DNA in space. She holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University and previously headed a research lab focused on genomics and viral diseases at the Whitehead Institute/MIT. Since becoming a NASA Astronaut in 2009, she has led the development of spaceflight hardware and techniques for studying molecular and cellular biology in microgravity and worked extensively on the design and testing of NASA’s new lunar spacesuits. She has completed two long-duration missions, four spacewalks, and spent 300 days aboard the International Space Station.

Brad Henderson is the Chief Commercial Officer at Starlab Space. In this role, Brad is responsible for overseeing the business strategy, market generation, and revenue management of all commercial aspects of Starlab Space across its international footprint. 

Prior to joining Starlab, Henderson served as the Vice President of Space Habitation at Sierra Space, where he led space station development efforts, identified commercial space station uses, collaborated with non-traditional space industries, and developed commercial facilities and systems. Additionally, he served as the Habitation product line manager for Sierra Space’s LIFE™ habitat. Henderson also spent nearly three years at Sierra Nevada Corporation where he was focused on its NASA portfolio and eventually helped develop the business approach for Sierra Space. NASA programs he supported include: NextSTEP-2 inflatable habitat program, Mars Transit Vehicle, Lunar Surface habitat, Orbital Outpost, Human Landing systems logistics vehicle, and other programs.

Brad has extensive leadership experience in the military. He served as a Systems Engineer Technical Advisor on behalf of the Air Force Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities (AFTENCAP) and 20 years as a U.S. Special Forces Green Beret serving as a senior technical and communications Subject Matter Expert. 

Winfried Aicher started his career 40 years ago in the German spaceflight industry with increasing responsibilities over the years related to development management, integration and operation of ISS payload facilities for materials science research and life support. 

In addition, he served as astronaut and cosmonaut crew instructor for ISS bound payload training for more than 15 years. 

At Starlab, Mr. Aicher is responsible for the Payload System covering Payload Laboratory, Integration and Operations.

Anna Grinberg is the Starlab IPT Lead for Crew Support Systems, which develops equipment onboard Starlab to support crew habitability, as well as Crew Performance, Medical and Operations, which develops on the operational capabilities to support crew during their training and preparation, on-board mission, and post-flight rehabilitation. With degrees in Electrical Engineering, Space Studies, and Cardiovascular Physiology (with a focus on the impact of long duration space flight), her passion for human spaceflight and exploration led her to a career at Airbus focussing on the development and operations of ISS payloads. Her payloads work includes roles as Payload Integration Manager of the European Modular Cultivation System (EMCS), trainer and flight controller of the Life Support Rack, and Payload Engineering Manager of the Materials Science Laboratory (MSL). This broad experience provided a solid foundation to join the Starlab, and be part of the team working to create commercial manned spaceflight opportunities with the crew's experience in focus.

Brad Henderson is the Chief Commercial Officer at Starlab Space. In this role, Brad is responsible for overseeing the business strategy, market generation, and revenue management of all commercial aspects of Starlab Space across its international footprint. 

Prior to joining Starlab, Henderson served as the Vice President of Space Habitation at Sierra Space, where he led space station development efforts, identified commercial space station uses, collaborated with non-traditional space industries, and developed commercial facilities and systems. Additionally, he served as the Habitation product line manager for Sierra Space’s LIFE™ habitat. Henderson also spent nearly three years at Sierra Nevada Corporation where he was focused on its NASA portfolio and eventually helped develop the business approach for Sierra Space. NASA programs he supported include: NextSTEP-2 inflatable habitat program, Mars Transit Vehicle, Lunar Surface habitat, Orbital Outpost, Human Landing systems logistics vehicle, and other programs.

Brad has extensive leadership experience in the military. He served as a Systems Engineer Technical Advisor on behalf of the Air Force Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities (AFTENCAP) and 20 years as a U.S. Special Forces Green Beret serving as a senior technical and communications Subject Matter Expert. 

Daniela Bezdan is an expert in space health and omics, based at the University Hospital Tübingen, where she focuses on astronaut health and pathogen surveillance on the International Space Station (ISS). Her work combines genomic innovation with spaceflight applications to advance healthcare in extreme environments.

She is also the CEO of dxOmics GmbH, a diagnostics company specializing in rare diseases, cancer, and astronaut health. The company develops cutting-edge, AI-driven solutions using non-invasive sampling and long-read sequencing to enable precision medicine on Earth and beyond.

Previously, she served as Director of the Green Space Center Baden-Württemberg, where she advanced the ecological use of space technology, biotech, and medicine. Before that Daniela was Chief Scientific Officer at YURI GmbH, a company specializing in microgravity experiments on the International Space Station (ISS), where she developed innovations from space for better health on earth. She has also co-founded several ventures, including Poppy Health, focused on pathogen surveillance, and Analog LLC, dedicated to astronaut training.

Alastair is Global Head of Semiconductors at Space Forge Inc. His role is to bring the two very different industries of space and semiconductors together to find a viable commercial route to in-space manufacturing of inorganic crystals.

He has over 40 years experience in the semiconductor industry in the UK, the US and South East Asia, directing process development and exploitation of a wide range of silicon and non-silicon technologies. For the last 20 years, his focus has been on system-level integration of wide bandgap semiconductors such as SiC and GaN into market applications by working with transport, energy and defence supply chains to co-develop disruptive system-level solutions using these technologies.

Wim H. Sillekens is Portfolio Scientist in the Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration of the European Space Agency (ESA), and in that capacity overseeing ESA’s microgravity research programme on materials science. Research platforms include parabolic flights, sounding rockets and the International Space Station.

Wim obtained his Ph.D. from Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands, on a subject relating to metal-forming technology. Since he has been engaged in aluminum and magnesium research. In his current post, focus is on materials research in reduced gravity, which encompasses a wide range of (metallic) materials. His professional career includes positions as a post-doc researcher at his alma mater and as a research scientist / project leader at the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO). International working experience includes a placement as a research fellow at MEL (now AIST) in Tsukuba, Japan.

Scott Rodriguez is Vice President of Government Programs for Voyager Technologies and is based out of their Houston office. He serves as the primary point of contact for NASA and other clients and entities as the company grows into emerging space markets. Scott’s involvement stretches across Operations, Finance, Engineering, and Business Development. 

Scott has over 2 decades of experience working with governments and the private sector including direct experience with NASA as a part of the Operations Management and Program Controls Team for Lockheed Martin Space Operations. He has extensive experience operating both domestically and internationally and across multiple organizations and disciplines, making him well suited for his role of “Chief Diplomat” for Voyager as they continue to strengthen and grow their relationship with NASA and a growing list of commercial space partners. 

Scott also serves as the Program Manager for the NASA HUNCH Program. This ‘Project Based Learning’ program works with high school students to develop 21st century skills through the participation in the design and fabrication of NASA flight hardware.      

Scott joined Voyager after a long and successful stint as an independent contractor for various government agencies. Prior to starting his career, he received a BBA and an MA from Midwestern State University and attended South Texas College of Law. 

Leonardo Surdo is the ICE Cubes Service Project Manager. He holds a MSc in Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine from the University of Bari and a MSc in Space Sciences from the International Space University in Strasbourg. He has more than 12 years experience in human spaceflight from ESA ISS programme at ESTEC, and has been managing space commercial projects and missions for private and public organisations across the world via the ICE Cubes Service.

David Stefano Zolesi (b. 1972, Italy) is President of Kayser Italia S.r.l. and Managing Director of Kayser Space Ltd. (UK), companies specializing in scientific payloads and advanced technologies for space research. With a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Pisa, he has over 25 years of experience in the aerospace sector. Since joining Kayser Italia in 1995, he has managed and directed complex international projects for major space agencies, driving innovation, R&D, and institutional engagement. In 2015 he founded Kayser Space in the UK, extending Kayser’s legacy into one of Europe’s key space ecosystems. His career is dedicated to advancing science and exploration through technology, international collaboration, and entrepreneurial leadership.

Victor is Lead Germany & Central Europe Business at The Exploration Company, a European start-up that builds reusable spaceships, which fly to space stations around the Earth and the Moon – with the ability to return to Earth. He has served in various roles at Airbus and Airbus Defence & Space both in engineering and strategic management roles: from starting as development engineer for navigation satellites, followed by a system engineering role for Earth Observation Satellites, to supporting the SVP Top Executive Management & Talent Acquisition at Airbus Group. He was co-founder of a non-profit organization within Airbus, called The Moon Race, that aimed for a sustainable exploration of the Moon. He served as curator and global shaper of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shaper Hub in Munich, a non-profit organization of young changemakers committed to improve the state of the world by driving dialogue, action and change. He graduated from University of Applied Sciences Munich and the Technische Universität München (TUM). 

Jens Strüker is a Professor of Business Informatics at the University of Bayreuth, Deputy Head of the Business Informatics division of the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology (FIT), and Head of the Fraunhofer Blockchain Laboratory. 

Through research, teaching, and publicly and industry-funded projects, Prof. Strüker and his team investigate the economic potential of digital technologies such as blockchain, AI, and IoT. 

Dr. Cora Thiel is the Vice Director and Chief Scientist at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine at the University of Zurich and Director of International Relations at the Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein. She is elected Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics, elected Vice President of the German Society for Aerospace Medicine, member of different advisory boards for aerospace agencies and companies and recipient of research awards.

She is an expert in Cell and Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Gravitational Biology, with her research focusing on the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of gravity sensitivity and the effects of altered gravity on human immune and musculoskeletal cells.

Cora is an active investigator for the ESA and NASA Space Life Sciences programs, bringing over 19 years of experience as a scientific co-leader of 17 parabolic flight campaigns, 9 suborbital rocket missions, and 9 International Space Station (ISS) experiments.

She also was the project leader of the UZH–Airbus “3D Organoids in Space” project, advancing our understanding of how human tissues can be produced in space.

Dr. Luis Zea is the Chief Scientist at Starlab Space and an adjunct professor in the Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department at the University of Colorado Boulder. He holds a Ph. D. in aerospace engineering sciences with a specialization in bioastronautics from the University of Colorado Boulder. 

His career spans academia, industry, and entrepreneurship, with experience in both business development and scientific research. Dr. Zea has worked on 26 spaceflight experiments, from the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station. He has served as a principal investigator for multiple NASA-funded projects, including experiments conducted in low Earth orbit and aboard Artemis I's mission around the Moon. Dr. Zea is a co-editor of Springer Nature's Handbook of Space Pharmaceuticals and served as co-director of Guatemala's first satellite. His honors include an honorary doctorate, the Karman Fellowship, and the Thora Halstead Award from the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR). He is also a member of ASGSR's governing board and serves on the organizing committee for the Central American Space Congress. Dr. Zea has advised NASA and the United States National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, contributing to the 2023-2032 Decadal Survey on Biological and Physical Sciences in Space as well as NASA's science strategy for human exploration of Mars. With expertise in space science, engineering, business development, and lean startups, Dr. Zea is dedicated to advancing Starlab Space's mission"”ushering in a new era where microgravity fuels innovation and unlocks transformative benefits for industries and humanity alike.

Matthias Spott is an aerospace engineer by background - and one of Europe's first NewSpace pioneers. Since 2014, in the face of many adversities, he has been developing and executing the business plan of using an European constellation of hundreds of satellites to provide high-speed, low-latency Internet to industry customers around the world. It was quite a bumpy ride.

Now, he uses his knowledge and experience to prepare for the next wave of NewSpace and the use of other deep technologies. In particular, he helps his fellow entrepreneurs set ambitious yet achievable goals and stay on course in uncharted waters - often on rough seas and in challenging conditions.

Since his childhood in Northern Germany, Matthias has been a passionate sailor. Trips on the North Sea, Baltic, Atlantic and Mediterranean have left a lasting impression on him, shaping his work as an advisor, leader, and entrepreneur.

After 15 years in the ICRAVE NYC studio, Jesse is now located in London leading a multi-disciplinary studio focused on serving the European and Middle East markets across all sectors.

With 23 years of experience in architecture, interiors, strategy, and branding, Jesse has gleaned a unique set of insights on the role of strategically driven design.

He has been a creative shepherd for an array of project types including hospitality, entertainment, healthcare, retail, commercial planning, corporate strategy and brand development. He is adept at leading cross-functional project teams and is a valuable collaborator with owners and brands as they contemplate the evolution of their businesses.

Jesse has worked with a wide range of international companies such as MSG, Blackstone, Vornado, RXR, Disney, Marriott, Hilton, Compass Group, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and J.P. Morgan Chase. He has also created compelling work with boutique groups such as Sir Hotels, Sage Hospitality, The Tao Group, and Groot Hospitality.

Jesse holds a degree in Architecture from Syracuse University. He is a returning visiting professor teaching Hotel Strategy and Brand Design at the Institute Lyfe through EmLyon business school in Paris.