Starlab Space announces leadership team
Image courtesy NASA
Tim Kopra (above) will leverage his extensive expertise in space exploration and experience overseeing the Starlab programme at Nanoracks (part of Voyager's Exploration Segment) to lead the joint venture as it continues down the development path. Kopra will also serve on the Starlab Board of Directors.
Tim has been a career military officer, astronaut and now senior business leader. He was previously the President of OneWeb Technologies and was the Vice President for Robotics and Space Operations at MDA, a Canadian space company.
He served in various leadership and operational roles at NASA as an engineer, astronaut and International Space Station Commander. While at NASA, he completed two spaceflights, three spacewalks and logged 244 days in space.
As an Army aviator, he deployed to Operation Desert Storm and then commanded an AH-64 Attack Helicopter Company. Following these assignments, he was the Developmental Test Director for the Army's Comanche Helicopter Program until his assignment to NASA in 1998 and astronaut selection in 2000. Tim remains active in military affairs as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. He is also involved in the Texas entrepreneurship ecosystem as an advisor to Greentown Labs Houston.
"I am honoured to lead Starlab in our mission to transform space exploration," said Kopra. "The collaboration between Voyager Space and Airbus reflects an unparalleled level of expertise, embodied by this top-notch leadership team. Starlab Space is not only positioned to meet and exceed current space exploration standards but also to revolutionise the commercial space sector as a whole."
Mohit Sharma, currently Head of Mergers and Acquisitions Finance at Airbus Defence and Space, joins Starlab as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). After 15 years at Airbus, Sharma will oversee all financial and fundraising aspects of Starlab, expanding and developing the joint venture's financial strategy to foster the company's continued growth.
"We are entering a pivotal moment in the aerospace industry and I feel privileged to be part of Starlab's leadership team," said Mohit. "As we navigate the financial landscape of this innovative international venture, our focus will be on ensuring fiscal strength and strategic allocation of resources. I am honoured to contribute to the success of this ambitious endeavour, creating value for our stakeholders and establishing a solid foundation for the bright future of space exploration."
Voyager Space's CTO Marshall Smith, Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, Airbus US Space and Defense's SVP and Head of Space Systems Debra Facktor and CFO Mohamed Denden also join Starlab as esteemed members of the Board. In addition, Dr. Marc Steckling, SVP and Head of Earth Observation, Science and Exploration at Airbus Defence and Space, will be a permanent guest in the Starlab Board.
