Sirotin Intelligence Community

George Guy Thomas is a globally recognized expert in maritime security, intelligence operations, and space-based surveillance systems. With over six decades of service and expertise, Thomas has been instrumental in creating the systems and strategies that define modern maritime awareness and global security.

A retired U.S. Navy Commander, Thomas dedicated 23 years to intelligence and reconnaissance operations, serving in hostile environments on ships, submarines, and aircraft. As one of the first U.S. Navy officers designated as a space operations sub-specialist, he was the first to achieve quadruple qualifications across surface, submarine, air, and space domains. Throughout his service, Thomas operated in high-stakes Cold War missions, participated in 28 MiG encounters with nearly 20 successful engagements, and contributed to classified intelligence collection efforts. His career highlights include leading the operational testing and evaluation of the Navy's EP-3E reconnaissance aircraft and bringing to life the Air Force's RC-135V/W Rivet Joint Block III fleet of 16 aircraft, advancing airborne intelligence capabilities. He also contributed to the development of classified and tactical intelligence systems, including the conception of the Tactical Information Broadcast System (TIBS) and helping to create the Integrated Broadcast System (IBS).

Thomas is the inventor of Satellite AIS (S-AIS), a transformative technology enabling global ship tracking and improving global maritime safety and security. This innovation has been widely recognized as one of the most significant maritime advancements since radar. Building on this achievement, he conceived and developed C-SIGMA (Collaboration in Space for International Global Maritime Awareness), an international initiative that integrates unclassified space-based systems to enhance maritime situational awareness. C-SIGMA, which remains a cornerstone of global maritime awareness, directly supports U.S. National Space Policy (2010) and fosters international collaboration to improve safety, environmental protection, and resource conservation.

A pivotal contributor to the National Maritime Security Strategy (2005) and the National Maritime Domain Awareness Technology Roadmap (2005), Thomas played a central role in shaping the international approach to maritime domain awareness, with these documents having far-reaching impact beyond U.S. borders. While Task #1 of the U.S. National Space Policy Implementation Directive (2010) focused on international cooperation in utilizing space systems for maritime safety and security, its implementation was unfortunately shelved due to unknown internal disagreements.

Currently, Thomas serves as Chairman of the Maritime Situational Awareness Working Group within NATO ACT Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence, which operates under the leadership of a U.S. Navy 3-star admiral and British Commodore deputy. In this role, he facilitates collaboration among international stakeholders to address maritime security, environmental, and economic challenges. As an advisor to the NATO Maritime Security Centre of Excellence in Istanbul, Turkey, Thomas continues to contribute to the development of NATO's maritime strategies, enhancing global coordination in maritime surveillance and situational awareness.

Thomas's contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Space Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award (2021) for his pioneering work in maritime safety using space system capabilities, the USGIF Individual Achievement Award (2015) for advancing space-based maritime awareness, the Distinguished Civilian Service Award (DCSA) - the highest award given to a civilian by DHS and the first awarded to someone assigned to the USCG in 4 years, and multiple nominations for the National Medal of Technology and Innovation and the Space Technology Hall of Fame. As an author, he has published foundational works, including "A Silent Warrior Steps Out of the Shadows" and "New Sentinels of the Seas – Satellite AIS and the Birth of Global Maritime Awareness."

Read his story here.

Michael J. Listner is an attorney, advisor, and the founder of Space Law & Policy Solutions, where he provides expert consultation on outer space law, policy, and national security. With a background in lawfare and hybrid warfare strategy, Michael has served as General Counsel (pro tem) and Senior Advisor to Lesath International, authored the quarterly space security briefing The Précis, and participated as an observer in the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities.

Learn more:

Space Law & Policy Solutions

Read his story here.

Jules Ross is the founder, CEO, and lead designer of Joules Space Technology, where he has spent 16 years developing Space Station EO, investing $200,000 in man-hours on its first stage. With a background in calculus and computer science engineering from the University of Florida, he collaborates with professors from prestigious universities and stays current through lectures from NASA, JPL, and MIT. His expertise spans artificial gravity, AI, and space architecture, complemented by his unique background as an award-winning physical comedian and Venice Beach performer. This blend of technical knowledge and artistic creativity drives his company's mission to make space human-friendly.

Read his story here.

Christophe Bosquillon, founder and CEO of Autonomous Space Futures Ltd, brings decades of Indo-Pacific experience to his work in space policy and development. Drawing from his background in engineering, business, international relations, and Asian languages, he focuses on the intersection of space economics, security, and geopolitics. As a senior fellow at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies and partner at SAY Communications Ltd, he advocates for balanced approaches to space security while promoting industrial development in orbit, cislunar space, and beyond. His work includes mentoring space entrepreneurs, contributing to lunar business development through UN-affiliated NGOs, and publishing insights on space governance and technology with institutions like MIT, all while maintaining a pragmatic, non-partisan approach to advancing both civilian and defense space policies. 

Mike Kaplan is a thought leader in multiple space domains, with extensive experience in government (NRL and NASA HQ), industry (Ball Aerospace, Boeing, SSL/MDA, Raytheon Technologies, and LeoStella), and academia (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University). His success spans from "Legacy Space” to “New Space,” where he has directed teams in developing new space technologies and products, including highly complex payloads, spacecraft subsystems, spacecraft buses, planetary landers, robotic satellite servicers, and complete missions from LEO to deep space across the civil, commercial, and national security sectors. He has created and secured over $15 billion in USG and commercial markets, boasting a career capture success rate of over 70%. Mike has led the creation of several transformational space missions, such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the Spitzer Space Telescope, and the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). Recently, he has focused on proliferated low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations for Earth observation/ISR, communications, and space domain awareness missions. Mike earned a BSE in Aerospace & Mechanical Sciences/Engineering Physics from Princeton University and an MS in Electrophysics from The George Washington University. He is also an Adjunct Faculty member at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he teaches “Space Technology & Systems" and “The Launch Industry” classes to master's students. Mike was elected an Associate Fellow of the AIAA, is a member of the Small Satellite and Space Systems Technical Committees, a Senior Member of the IEEE, and part of the Space SMART think tank. He enjoys technology, travel, hiking, and photography, and resides in Boulder, CO, with his wife, Karen Miller, and their Goldendoodle, Luke Skywalker.

Read history story here

Ram Riojas is a globally acclaimed CEO, Aerospace and Intelligence Executive, Defense Consultant, Senior Military Advisor, and decorated combat veteran with 29 years of proven service across the defense spectrum. As the CEO and President of Delta Defense Group, LLC, he brings deep operational expertise in Air, Space, Missile, Nuclear, and Cyber Operations—coupled with hands-on experience in Intelligence, Special Operations, Defense Budgeting & Procurement, Foreign Affairs, and International Security Cooperation. His career is a testament to mission-focused leadership and real-world impact.

During his 26 years on active duty, Ram served with the U.S. Air Force, NATO, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, various Combatant Commands, and the National Reconnaissance Office. Retiring as a Colonel in 2022, he earned respect and credibility through assignments in the U.S., Middle East, Asia, and Europe—completing eight combat deployments and over 150 combat missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Horn of Africa. His extensive field experience and commitment to excellence resonate with military professionals who value discipline, precision, and accountability.

Renowned for his ability to execute multi-billion-dollar budgets and lead cross-functional, multi-domain, and multinational teams of more than 500 personnel, Ram transitioned seamlessly from government service to a global defense leadership role. His achievements were recently recognized with an induction into the 2024 Who’s Who in America by Marquis Publications. Today, he is a trusted advisor to the U.S. Government and its most critical allied partners—including key Ministries of Defense—providing pragmatic counsel on national security, military modernization, and transformative defense initiatives.

About Delta Defense Group, LLC

Delta Defense Group, LLC stands at the forefront of defense consulting and military advising. Our global team delivers trusted, professional services across the defense, air & space, intelligence, cyber, nuclear, munitions, and drone sectors. With decades of combined military (DoD & NATO), intelligence community, and private sector experience, we support foreign Ministries of Defense & Interior, U.S. DoD & DoS, intelligence agencies, and commercial enterprises. Our battle-tested, in-theater expertise ensures that we meet your tactical, operational, and strategic needs with proven effectiveness.

Learn more:

Delta Defense Group, LLC

Read history story here

Eleftherios Plafountzis is the Founder and CEO of Prometheus Space Technologies, bringing over fifteen years of aerospace experience and prestigious certifications from MIT and Harvard to his pioneering work in space technology and AI for wildfire risk management. His company's journey began with space debris management innovations like the Charybdis Active Debris Removal Satellite System (CADRESS) before pivoting after the devastating Greek wildfires of July 23, 2018. This event inspired the development of the Prometheus Fire Guardian platform, a cutting-edge solution utilizing GIS tools, machine learning, and multi-orbital satellite imagery. As an accomplished author of two books on aerospace and astrophysics, and through strategic partnerships with NASA and NOAA, Eleftherios continues to drive Prometheus's mission to safeguard communities from wildfire threats.

Learn more:

Prometheus Space Technologies

Read history story here

Kevin M. O’Connell is a recognized expert on space commerce, the global space economy, and U.S. national security matters. For almost four decades, he has focused on space commercialization and technological competitiveness and how to advance them in global markets. He has also focused on how these innovations impact U.S. and allied national security.

Mr. O’Connell is the CEO of Space Economy Rising, a firm that provides advisory services to space companies, related high-tech companies, and stakeholders in the space economy. There, Mr. O’Connell provides strategy, finance, and regulatory advice, helps investors assess space market trends and investment opportunities, and identifies pathways for increased participation in the space economy. Aside from several private sector boards, he Chairs the Advisory Board of the Institute of Space Commerce and sits on the advisory board of the Association of Commercial Space Professionals and the Lunar Policy Platform.

Mr. O’Connell was the winner of the 2024 U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation’s Lundahl-Finney lifetime achievement award for his enduring work on geospatial issues and space commercialization.

Mr. O’Connell’s previous role was as Director of the Office of Space Commerce (OSC) at the U.S. Department of Commerce, from 2018-2021. He was the principal U.S. government advocate for the commercial space industry, including identifying new ways to facilitate innovation and increase market size. He focused on the growing role of the private sector in space, encouraged new space partnerships, worked to ensure the competitiveness of the U.S. commercial space industry, encouraged regulatory reform, and advanced American leadership in space safety and sustainability. Mr. O’Connell has testified before Congress on seven occasions about space policy and regulatory issues, U.S. space competitiveness, and the growth of space commerce. He was awarded the Vice President’s Dedicated Service Award for his support to the National Space Council.

Mr. O’Connell also expanded international outreach on space commerce with a number of U.S. allies and partners to promote new partnerships, effective regulation, and to advance space safety and sustainability. His overseas space activities included participation in the U.S.-Japan Comprehensive Space Dialogue, as a member of a Space Delegation to Luxembourg, and high-level discussions with the EU, India, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Commonwealth partners. He continues many of these international discussions about space policy and market issues in a private capacity today.

Mr. O’Connell’s prior roles include positions in The Department of Defense, The Department of State, The National Security Council, Office of the Vice President, and Office of the Director of Central Intelligence. Within the private sector, Mr. O’Connell was a senior research analyst for almost a decade at RAND and served as the first Director of RAND’s Intelligence Policy Center. In 2007, he founded Innovative Analytics and Training, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in assessing high-tech market trends in areas of space and geospatial markets, cloud computing, and cyber analytics.

Mr. O’Connell is a recognized expert on the policy, security, and commercial aspects of satellite remote sensing technology and markets. He served as the Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission on the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) in 2000 and later as a senior advisor to multiple directors of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. He was a long-standing member of NOAA’s federal advisory committee, ACCRES, including as Chair between 2012 and 2016.

Mr. O’Connell has been a regular author on space commerce and regulatory issues. Recent articles have covered how countries increase their participation in the global space economy, the need for space mission authorization, and the economic and business aspects of space sustainability. He contributed to "Space Policies for the New Space Age: Competing on the Final Economic Frontier,” by Bruce Cahan and Mir Sadat (NewSpace New Mexico, December 2020). Earlier, he co-authored Commercial Observation Satellites: at the Leading Edge of Global Transparency(ASPRS/RAND, 2000), which foreshadowed the roles that commercial satellites have today on global security matters.

Mr. O’Connell has over twenty years of graduate instruction in Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and the RAND Graduate School.

He currently serves as a Professor of Practice in the Thunderbird School of Global Management and is a frequent lecturer on space commerce at prominent academic and research organizations including MIT, SDA Bocconi, The George Washington University, and the University of Tokyo. He is co-host of the Space Economy Insights podcast produced under the SpaceWatch.Global brand.

Learn more:

Space Economy Rising

Read history story here.

Jess Sponable is the President and Chief Technology Officer for New Frontier Aerospace (NFA), Inc (www.nfaero.com). NFA is currently testing a new class of full flow staged combustion (FFSC) rocket engine with the reliability and safety features of jet engines. Key NFA products include advanced FFSC rocket engines, high ops tempo orbital maneuvering/vehicles, and high-speed point-to-point aircraft that fly at up to Mach 9 enabling two-hour flights to everywhere. With a wide-ranging background in industry and government, Jess has extensive experience developing space, hypersonic, and reusable space launch systems and technologies. In November 2017 he left the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency where he served over two separate tours and seven years as a program manager. He led multiple space initiatives including the experimental spaceplane, high power solar electric propulsion, autonomous robotic arm, and solar thermal propulsion programs. With a combined budget of over $400 million and 50+ contracts, his efforts included technology maturation of satellite projects, power systems, solar cells, rocket engines, electric propulsion, and space launch. Prior to DARPA he spent over 30 years in the United States Air Force as both a military officer and civilian. His career supported diverse jobs ranging from Atlas launch operations at Vandenberg AFB to project management jobs developing and deploying the early Global Positioning System. Prior to the Space Shuttle Challenger accident, he was selected as an Air Force Manned Spaceflight Engineer and trained as a Space Shuttle payload specialist, then transitioned to support development of hypersonic flight at the National Aero-Space Plane program. Starting in 1991 he served in the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization managing multiple programs including the vertical take-off and landing Delta Clipper-Experimental (DC-X), which inspired many follow-on entrepreneurs. In 1994 he transitioned to the Air Force Research Laboratory supporting NASA’s follow-on initiatives DC-XA, X-33, X-34, and related technologies. In the Air Force he led or supported numerous projects and studies maturing hypersonic aircraft, orbit transfer vehicles, reusable space launch/military spaceplanes, and prompt global strike systems. Jess also spent several years in the entrepreneurial space launch sector working for Universal Space Lines and Pete Conrad, the Apollo 12 and Skylab commander. He has served on numerous national space transportation studies and panels. He is a graduate of the Air Force Academy with a bachelor’s degree in physics and holds advanced degrees in Astronautical Engineering and Systems Management. He is a graduate of the Defense Systems Management College.

Learn more:

New Frontier Aerospace

Read history story here.

Christopher Stone is a prominent figure in space policy, currently serving as a Senior Fellow for Space Deterrence at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies, where he focuses on research related to space warfare strategies and deterrence, particularly in the context of great power competition; he previously held a position as a Special Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy at the Pentagon, giving him significant experience in the field of U.S. space policy development at a high level.

For more information, reach out to Chris at cstone@thinkdeterrence.com

Read history story here.

Robert Feierbach is President of Maritime Launch USA, Inc., the US division of Canada’s first and only commercial spaceport based in Nova Scotia, and Founder and CEO of 0-G Launch, a Washington-DC based company deploying a fleet of specially-modified commercial aircraft to provide high-precision microgravity flights and horizontal air-launch services to the fast-growing aerospace industry.

Mr. Feierbach, a well-recognized space industry expert, has an impressive track record in groundbreaking satellite technologies and services around the world, with leadership responsibility in companies generating $150 million - $2 billion in annual revenues. During the past 30 years, he held CEO/CCO/VP leadership positions at Echostar in the Netherlands, SES Global in Luxembourg, various Eutelsat / ViaSat partnerships in France, Italy and the USA, Hughes Network Systems’ International Division, Space Systems Loral (Maxar), and SpaceX, the private rocket company. Mr. Feierbach also led the commercial launch of the world's first Ka-Band spot-beam high-throughput satellite (HTS) for Eutelsat.

Mr. Feierbach holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Applications from the University of Utah, and an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. Robert speaks seven languages fluently and has lived and travelled across the Planet.

For more information, reach out to Chris at robert clarkebelt.com

Read history story here.

Chris Newlands is one of the UK’s most connected entrepreneurs in the Technology and Space sectors. In December 2021, he was named in 4th position, in the world’s top 10 space entrepreneurs list, beaten only by Branson, Musk and Bezos. He was featured by Computing in their Top 100 IT Leaders “Definitive ranking of the UK’s foremost technology professionals 2024” list.

After serving in the Royal Navy, he carved out a successful career in financial services as a Chartered Financial Planner and NED. Over the last decade, Chris has become a true entrepreneur, creating Space Aye Limited, supporting his patented method that controls the merger between IoT data and real-time satellite imagery.

In 2021 the Scottish Government awarded him the title of Global Scot and became a Professor of Practice in entrepreneurship. He is an Affiliate Member of the Scotland International Space Advisory Committee, the Co-Chair of the Open Geospatial Consortium UK&I Forum and a Member of the World Geospatial Industry Council.

Currently lives near Glasgow, Scotland, also known as “Satellite City” with his wife and children.

To learn more about Space Aye’s groundbreaking technology, contact Chris Newlands at info@spaceaye.com or visit www.spaceaye.com.

Interview coming soon...

Patrick McClure is the Chief Operations Officer (COO) for Space Nuclear Power Corporation (SpaceNukes) and a Nuclear Engineering Consultant with over 35 years of engineering experience in nuclear reactor design and nuclear safety analysis for large reactors, micro-reactors, and space reactors. His most important contribution to the field of nuclear engineering was being the Los Alamos National Laboratory lead for the Kilopower project. Kilopower was a project to design, build, and test the first novel reactor concept in decades. His accomplishments on Kilopower include the development of a novel process that allowed for the project to successfully navigate past substantial political and safety barriers.

Mr. McClure was a senior manager and researcher at LANL for 27 years and a senior engineer at SAIC for 6 years before helping to found SpaceNukes in 2019. He has a B.S. from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. from the University of New Mexico. 

For more information, get in touch with Patrick at mcclure@spacenukes.com

Interview coming soon...