Space Industry Risks in Steep Vertical Integration

Brooke is a Partner in McKinsey’s Aerospace & Defense practice and leads McKinsey’s global Space practice. She supporting a range of clients – established companies, disruptors, and investors – on space and defense engagements. Her focus is on growth strategy, innovation, and transactions related work, including topics such as go-to-market strategies, market sizing, strategic portfolio reviews, ecosystem market scans, equity story development, and market diligences.

In addition to her client engagements, Brooke has co-led McKinsey’s space knowledge partnerships, including collaborations with the Aerospace Industries Association and the World Economic Forum. She has also spoken at industry events and in the media on space industry dynamics, in addition to serving as a mentor to early-stage space companies via the Creative Destruction Lab incubator program.

Her published work covers topics such as space investment funding trends, satellite constellation performance analysis, the role of space in global priorities, and industry R&D funding analysis.

Brooke’s background prior to McKinsey is in finance and economics, and included work with a boutique financial and economic analysis firm, where she worked closely with leading economists on complex analysis of financial markets. She is a graduate of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pennsylvania Law School, as well as Bucknell University.

Mr. Gelerman, President and Chief Executive Officer of SpaceBridge Inc, is a visionary engineer, innovator and businessman with over 40 years of experience in the telecommunications industry.

Prior to founding SpaceBridge, Mr. Gelerman held various management and design engineering positions at Nortel Networks, where he oversaw the development of several multibillion-dollar microwave terrestrial radio systems. In 1988, Mr. Gelerman founded Advantech Wireless Inc. At the helm of Advantech Wireless as President and Chief Executive Officer, he steered the company from humble start-up to dominant global player in the satellite ground communication business, both in radio frequency and networking.

In 2018, following the acquisition of Advantech’s radio frequency division by a third party, Advantech Wireless continued its VSAT and modems business, rebranding to SpaceBridge Inc. Through organic growth and acquisition, the company has today become one of the largest exporters in Quebec. Forging ahead in the Satellite Networking industry, Mr. Gelerman keeps in tradition with continued strength as a best-in-class industry leader, pushing the pace of innovation with one of the most advanced VSAT satellite network platforms.

Mr. Gelerman holds a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (MSEE), specializing in Wireless Communications and Broadcasting.

Ryan P. Kelley advises large and small companies on their legal needs, from early inception to global operations. He counsels venture capital funds, start-ups, emerging, growth, and established companies in the technology, government contracting, space, biotech, AI, and cybersecurity industries. Ryan is known for engaging deeply with these clients on their domestic and cross-border corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, financings, joint ventures, capital raises, strategic investments and alliances, and corporate restructuring.

Dr. Behzad Koosha has over 12 years of experience in aerospace and terrestrial communications. He holds a PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering from The George Washington University, focusing on satellite communications. Dr. Koosha’s multifaceted career spans technical development, business strategy, and commercialization. His early roles at T-Mobile (formerly Sprint) involved work on wireless terrestrial networks. He has since gained extensive experience at Intelsat, Hughes Network Systems, SpaceLink, and Terran Orbital (a Lockheed Martin company), where he contributed to the development of satellite communications systems while also honing his skills in business development, sales, and marketing. Dr. Koosha has a proven track record in commercializing technologies, developing go-to-market strategies, and driving revenue growth in the aerospace sector. Throughout his career, he has worked on commercial and government proposals, successfully winning contracts as prime for the aerospace and defense industry. His blend of technical expertise and business acumen makes him a valuable asset in bridging engineering innovations with market opportunities. Dr. Koosha is also an adjunct professor at The George Washington University, where he shares his industry insights with the next generation of engineers.

Scott Rodriguez is Vice President of Government Programs for Voyager Space 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 two 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.

Pratish brings over 30 years of engineering, business development, marketing, and management experience across enterprise, consumer electronics and space and defense industries to Aitech. For the last 15 years, Pratish has led global aerospace and defense companies, identified new opportunities, leading mergers and acquisitions and built successful businesses.

At Aitech, Pratish leads the US Business Unit, oversees Global Marketing and Product Strategy to support the company’s global growth initiatives.