WASHINGTON, July 23,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SmallSat Alliance (SSA) is proud
to announce the appointment of Dr. Angel
Smith as its new Executive Director. Dr. Smith, a
distinguished combat veteran and retired Marine Corps C-130 pilot,
brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the organization.
With a background that includes serving as a former House
Intelligence Committee staffer, where she oversaw the military
intelligence portfolio and her most recent role as GM at Microsoft
Corp., leading Strategic Global Enablement, Dr. Smith is poised to
guide SSA into a new era of innovation and growth.
![Dr. Angel Smith appointed as Executive Director of SmallSat Alliance. Dr. Angel Smith appointed as Executive Director of SmallSat Alliance.](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2466472/Dr_Angel_Smith_appointed_as_Executive_Director_of_SmallSat_Alliance.jpg)
SSA has been at the forefront of advocating for proliferated Low
Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations to enhance resilience against
vulnerabilities and revitalize the industrial base. The Alliance
successfully conceptualized and promoted the Hybrid Space
Architecture, integrating large, exquisite satellite constellations
with new commercial satellite architectures to create a cohesive
and synchronized space environment.
Under Dr. Smith's leadership, SSA will continue to champion the
commercial and small satellite economy, focusing on leveraging
advancements in the tech sector to maximize the potential of
low-cost constellations for government use. This includes
exploiting the benefits of cloud computing, edge processing, AI/ML,
and autonomous surface systems to support missions from LEO to
cislunar orbits.
"I am thrilled to be selected to lead the SmallSat Alliance into
an exciting future," said Dr. Smith. "With the Space Development
Agency having successfully tested and validated the concept that
small satellites can offer significant support to the warfighter, I
am eager to collaborate with government entities alongside our
member companies to leverage the power of commercial technology.
Together, we will not only ensure victory in conflicts but also
establish a robust deterrence against adversaries that threaten
global democracy, positioning us to get to the left of
conflict."
"There is no one who can truly appreciate the value of space to
modern warfare and intelligence collection like a combat Marine
pilot providing direct support to ground forces," added
Charles Beames, executive chairman
and founder, SSA. "Angel is a military leader, Washington insider, and one of the leading
industry executives. I can speak for all the member companies in
welcoming such an extraordinary professional to lead the Alliance
and bring the full complement of American commercial know-how to
win this new space race."
The SmallSat Alliance is dedicated to advancing the use of small
satellite technologies and ensuring the U.S. remains at the cutting
edge of space innovation. With Dr. Smith at the helm, the Alliance
is well-positioned to continue its mission of fostering
collaboration between the government and commercial sectors to
secure America's leadership in space.
About the SmallSat Alliance
The SmallSat Alliance
(SSA) is at the forefront of advancing the small satellite
industry, with a particular focus on proliferated Low Earth Orbit
(LEO) systems. Our mission is to enhance national security and
defense capabilities through the deployment and integration of
innovative small satellite technologies. Comprised of industry
leaders, academic researchers, and pioneering companies, the
Alliance advocates for policies and initiatives that support the
strategic growth of LEO satellite constellations. By fostering
collaboration and driving technological advancements, the SmallSat
Alliance is committed to ensuring our nation's security,
resilience, and leadership in space. For more information visit
smallsatalliance.org.
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SOURCE SmallSat Alliance