FROM CONCEPT TO ORBIT: CUBESAT PROJECT EXPERIENCES WITH ESA

Jarkko Antila is the CEO of Kuva Space, a pioneering Finnish Earth observation company. He has a strong background in deep-tech entrepreneurship and a proven track record in product innovation, fundraising, and effective leadership. Jarkko’s experience includes leading technology teams at renowned organizations like the Finnish Research Center (VTT) and Inficon. In 2014 he co-founded Spectral Engines, a successful spectral sensor company, where he served as CEO for six years before its exit. Prior to his role at Kuva Space, Jarkko founded Leaping Boulder, a deep-tech business consultancy firm.

With a Master’s degree in Space Technology, he has been involved in various space projects, including the development of hyperspectral payloads for satellite missions such as OMI and Aalto-1. Jarkko brings his extensive expertise and passion for space technology to drive innovation and business growth at Kuva Space.

Florian is responsible for defining and preparing future missions as well as securing institutional contracts. Florian holds an Msc of Aerospace engineering from ISAE-Supaero and more than 10 years of technical and commercial experience across multiple roles, including: programme management and advanced concepts at the Satellite Applications Catapult, telecommunications applications and project assessment at ESA, student researcher at NASA and technical procurement at Airbus.

Dr. Margherita Cardi is an experienced professional with a background in space engineering. She joined Tyvak International as third employee, and has covered various roles in the company, from system engineer to program manager to VP Programs. In her current role as VP Programs and Business Development, she is responsible for Tyvak International program managers team, business development team and system engineering team, working in programs and opportunities with commercial and institutional customers. As Program Manager, she led multiple missions among which the Hera Milani mission, launched in October 2024 and on its way to the Didymos asteroid.
Before Tyvak, she worked at Vitrociset S.p.A focusing on the Vega launcher ground segment, and spent more than one year at the European Spaceport in French Guyana.
Dr. Cardi holds a Master’s Degree in Space in Space Engineering from Sapienza University of Rome.