Emerging Markets and Applications for SmallSats

Business

Date: May 28, 2025 Time: 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Miguel Valero
Managing Director
Space Strategies LLC Miguel Valero, Managing Director, Space Strategies LLC

Miguel is the Managing Director and Founder of Space Strategies LLC, a 24-year-old consulting firm specializing in the space and satellite technology sector. He spearheads the development and refinement of strategic initiatives and leads the practice of strategic planning and structuring for space and satellite businesses, driving growth within the emerging new space economy. Miguel has served as a Board Member for publicly traded space companies and currently advises a diverse portfolio of companies—both small and large—on their strategic pursuits in the space industry. Additionally, he mentors organizations across the United States, Europe, and Asia. An avid endurance runner, Miguel brings the same passion and perseverance to both his professional and personal pursuits.

Richard Adams
Sales Director
Bright Ascension Richard Adams, Sales Director, Bright Ascension

Richard Adams is a seasoned professional with many years of experience in software and technology sales, specialising in helping innovative space tech companies bring complex solutions to market. Known for his strategic approach and deep understanding of client needs, Richard has a proven track record of driving growth, building long-term partnerships, and delivering results in fast-paced, high-tech environments.

Thys Cronje
Chief Commercial Officer
Simera Thys Cronje, Chief Commercial Officer, Simera

Over the course of his career, Thys has built a unique blend of experience across the space, medical device, and software development industries. He began as an electronic systems engineer, contributing to the development of Earth Observation payloads for satellites—a role that immersed him in the high-stakes technical environment of the European and South African space sectors.

Transitioning into product leadership and business development, Thys served as CEO of a medical device startup, where he successfully led the company from concept to market launch in the United States with a practical, hands-on approach.

Since 2018, Thys has returned to the satellite industry as Chief Commercial Officer at Simera Sense, a leading provider of optical payloads for small satellites. He was instrumental in positioning the company as the preferred supplier of optical payloads in the international small satellite market.

Stephen McCall
Founding Partner
Cislunar International Stephen McCall, Founding Partner, Cislunar International

Stephen McCall Founding Partner, Cislunar International Stephen McCall is a recognized leader in defense, aerospace, and government affairs, with over 25 years of experience. As former Head of Government Affairs at Firefly Aerospace and senior staffer in the U.S. Congress, he played a key role in shaping U.S. space and defense policy, including the creation of the U.S. Space Force. At Firefly, he led an $800M+ portfolio, securing major funding wins such as $8.2M from the Texas Space Commission and millions in congressional appropriations for programs like Tactically Responsive Space. Named a Top Lobbyist in 2023, Stephen now operates from Spain, helping bridge European innovation with U.S. defense and space markets. He is also an Off-Broadway producer, best-selling author, and proud father of two adopted sons—proving that professional success and personal purpose can go hand in hand.