Optical Communications for the Next Generation of Space Networks

Torsten Kriening is the Publisher and CEO of SpaceWatch.Global, an independent platform for space activities in a geopolitical context.
A seasoned business executive with academic and professional experience in space management, satellite communications, and broadcast technology, Torsten holds an electrical and telecommunications engineering background and pursued information technology and computer science at the Technical College Berlin. His career trajectory commenced with software development, transitioning to sales management and business development roles at esteemed organizations such as 3Com, Lucent Digital Video, SES Astra, Bertelsmann, and PTScientists – dreaming Moonshot.
As a proud Berliner with a global perspective, Torsten further broadened his horizons by attending the International Space University (ISU) and obtaining an Executive MBA. Torsten’s contributions extend to the creation of widely recognized space outreach formats, including the Space Café talk series and the Space Café Podcast.

Mr. Burgess is vice president and general manager of the Space Systems Division at General Atomics in Englewood Colorado, with operations in the Boston, Huntsville, and San Diego areas. Mr. Burgess leads a portfolio of satellites, advanced optical payloads, and laser communication systems. He came to Colorado in 2013 to join Sierra Nevada Corporation Space, working in multiple executive roles. Previously, he led the National Security Space division at Orbital Sciences Corporation in Northern Virginia. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from MIT and the General Manager’s Program Certificate at Harvard Business School. He also chairs the Aerospace Engineering Sciences External Advisory Board at the University of Colorado Boulder, and is an associate fellow of the AIAA.

Hirokazu Mori is Group Chief Strategy Officer at Warpspace and CEO at Warpspace USA. He has been working as a space business consultant for national and international governments and large companies in the space sector and has also been serving as a board member, director, and advisor for several national and international companies and associations. He graduated at the top from the University of Edinburgh, reading theoretical astrophysics. He has received funding from the Royal Society of Edinburgh to conduct research in theoretical astrophysics at the University of Cambridge (a modified theory of general relativity that can be tested with directly observed gravitational wave signals).

Jean-François Morizur is the CEO and co-founder of Cailabs, a global deeptech company. Before launching the company in 2013, he worked at the Boston Consulting Group as Senior Associate.
A graduate of the École normale supérieure in Paris, Jean-François holds two doctoral degrees in quantum optics, from Sorbonne University and the Australian National University. While working on his thesis at the Kastler Brossel Laboratory, he co-invented Multi-Plane Light Conversion (MPLC), a groundbreaking technology that underpins Cailabs’ products.
As Cailabs’ CEO, he is responsible for driving the company’s vision and strategic direction. Under his leadership, Cailabs has emerged as a leading company in its field, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in the world of optical products with groundbreaking applications in space, defence, energy and other major industries.

Since 2023 Head of Sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Tesat-Spacecom in Backnang, Germany.
Responsible for sales and key-account management for the complete product portfolio including RF, Laser, Digital and Payload products.

2006 – 2023 Project and Program manager for various equipment, payload and development programs at TESAT.

PhD and Diploma in Physics from Karlruhe Institute of Technology, Germany.