At fifty-three years of age, Stefan Gardefjord comes to SSC from Logica where he currently serves as CEO of Logica Sweden and a member of the Group Executive Committee. Since 1987, Stefan Gardefjord has been active in WM-data which was acquired by Logica in 2006.

During this time, he served as subsidiary CEO, Business Line General Manager, and Group Director of Marketing, Sales and Communications.

"SSC has undergone significant structural change in recent times," according to Hans Karlander, Chairman of SSC's Board of Directors.

"Ever since the company divested itself of its satellite development, we have focused on more commercially attractive business lines and further expansion primarily in the area of satellite communications calling for a more market oriented business approach.

"We are also investing in the continued development of rocket and balloon operations. With his significant experience from the highly competitive IT sector and strong achievements in a globally operating and publicly listed company, Stefan Gardefjord has all the necessary qualities to lead SSC down this new road."

"SSC is an exciting and uniquely competent business with great innovative capacity and enormous potential," says Stefan Gardefjord.

"There is a tremendous development opportunity in the space technology industry and the competition is fierce. I look forward to becoming a part of this interesting business and to be able to lead SSC in its continued development, expansion, and integration."

Stefan Gardefjord assumes his position as CEO May 1, 2012.

]]> Thu, 09 FEB 2012 08:59:04 AEST Washington DC (SPX) Apr 18, 2011 - The Commercial Spaceflight Federation is pleased to announce that Rear Admiral Craig E. Steidle (U.S. Navy, Ret.) has been named as President, effective May 15. Admiral Steidle was approved for the position by a unanimous vote of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation's board of directors and will serve full-time in this capacity working from the organization's headquarters in downtown Washington, D.C.

Admiral Steidle has a long and distinguished track record in aerospace as a former senior NASA official, flag officer, program manager, aerospace engineer, Naval aviator and combat veteran, and technology innovator. At NASA, Adm. Steidle served as the first Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems, one of the most senior positions in the agency.

In 2004 and 2005, Adm. Steidle built the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate from the ground up into a $3 billion a year organization, personally initiating several innovative programs including efforts to foster commercial space transportation to the International Space Station, the Centennial Challenges prize program, and a far-ranging program of advanced technology development.

During his tenure at the Navy, Admiral Steidle became most well known for serving in the mid 1990's as Director of the Joint Strike Fighter Program - the single largest Department of Defense development program in history. As program manager, he implemented the innovative "fly-off" competition between the X-32 and X-35 prototype aircraft. Under his command, the Joint Strike Fighter Program was awarded the David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award.

Adm. Steidle also commanded the Navy's F/A-18 Program, naval aviation's largest production, research and development program, as well as the largest foreign military sales program, and the Secretary of Defense presented Steidle with the Navy's Outstanding Program Manager Award. Earlier in his career, Adm. Steidle flew carrier night combat missions as an attack pilot during the Vietnam War and has served as a test pilot and test pilot instructor.

A graduate with merit as an aerospace engineer from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., Adm. Steidle also has M.S. degrees in aerospace engineering and aeronautical systems management from Virginia Tech and the University of Southern California, respectively. Adm. Steidle is currently a distinguished visiting professor at the U.S. Naval Academy, and serves as a consultant to the Department of Defense.

Admiral Steidle will succeed Bretton Alexander, who has served as the President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation since December of 2006. Alexander stated, "We are incredibly fortunate to have someone of Admiral Steidle's caliber able to devote his full-time attention to our organization.

It's been a delight to serve the Commercial Spaceflight Federation as President these last four years, during what has truly been a time of dramatic change for the space industry. Commercial spaceflight is now the law of the land and will be the primary way NASA gets astronauts to and from the International Space Station.

This robust partnership between NASA and U.S. industry will transform human spaceflight, providing the opportunity for all people - not just government astronauts - to one day travel into space. Membership in the Federation has grown from under 10 companies when I joined to over 40 now, providing a strong foundation for our members to work together to open spaceflight to all. Admiral Steidle's vision for commercial spaceflight while at NASA convinced me then that this was truly the space program of the future, and I can think of no better person to lead this effort moving forward."

Eric Anderson, Chairman of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation and CEO of Space Adventures, Ltd., stated, "We could not have found a more qualified candidate to lead the Commercial Spaceflight Federation than Admiral Steidle. He is a true visionary who knows that commercial spaceflight is the key to unlocking humanity's future in space, and he is a proven manager and engineer who understands what is necessary to make our dream of becoming a true space-faring people a reality."

Anderson added, "Bretton Alexander has done an outstanding job leading the organization during a critical period of dramatic industry and policy changes, operating under very limited resources, and we look forward to building on his record of success."

Admiral Steidle stated, "It is an honor to be selected as President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation. The commercial space industry truly represents the future of America in space, and I'm excited to be a part of it. This industry is inspiring kids, keeping America economically competitive, creating thousands of jobs, and ensuring our leadership in space. It is a privilege to lead the Federation as we embark on the grandest adventure of the 21st century: opening up space to everyone."

Admiral Steidle added, "The commercial spaceflight industry encapsulates all that is best about American entrepreneurship - the Wright Brothers' can-do attitude, Thomas Edison's penchant for innovation, the job creation fostered by a Steve Jobs or Bill Gates, and the youthful excitement of Google and Facebook. America badly needs commercial spaceflight to succeed. What could be more motivating to our nation's youth than a good-news story about job creation, entrepreneurship, inspiration, and old-fashioned can-do spirit?"

]]> Thu, 09 FEB 2012 08:59:04 AEST Bonn, Germany (SPX) Apr 12, 2011 - Gerd Gruppe took up his post as Director of Space Administration at the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR), joining DLR's Executive Board and filling a vacancy that had been open for 18 months. DLR's Supervisory Board, the Senate, unanimously appointed him on 25 November 2010.

DLR Space Administration is responsible for the management of national space programmes and bilateral cooperation with and contributions to the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). The total annual budget for this area is about 900 million Euros. DLR Executive Board Chairman Johann Dietrich Worner expressed his pleasure at the beginning of the term of office of his new colleague.

Space for the benefit of society and the economy
After working for the Bavarian State Government for more than 20 years, Gruppe is now looking forward to his new field of work. "I am grateful for this challenge in space - it is an area I'm familiar with from my previous role and I can relate to its goals," he said as he took up his post at the DLR Space Administration office in Bonn.

"At the interface between politics, technology and the stimulation of research, I will be working to ensure that space benefits both society and small and medium-sized companies in Germany."

As well as promoting scientific projects, Gruppe will also stress the importance of space as a technology of the future; this includes the commercial exploitation of space technology. He says the European Galileo satellite navigation system and the EU Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) project are outstanding examples of good marketing opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses.

These large-scale European projects offer these companies a multitude of opportunities to develop innovative devices and services. Gruppe believes that DLR should actively shape the process of networking with industry by encouraging companies to establish themselves in the vicinity of DLR's research sites or through the formation of spin-off companies.

Experience in politics and space
Gerd Gruppe was born in 1952 and grew up in Eschweiler near Aachen, in Germany. He received a degree in mining from RWTH Aachen University. Upon completion of an internship at the Bureau of Mines in Munich, he obtained a doctorate degree in Energy Marketing at Augsburg while continuing to pursue his career. He then transferred to the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Transport and Technology.

Initially, he was responsible for promoting research and for technology transfer, and later had his first professional experience with space - in the late 1980s he was involved in the establishment of the German Space Operations Center (GSOC) at DLR's Oberpfaffenhofen site.

Later, as Head of the Department of Research, Innovation and Technology at the same ministry, he greatly advanced the development of Bavaria as a location for space activities, particularly with his involvement in the Galileo Control Centre and the world-renowned Robotics and Mechatronics Center - both based at DLR Oberpfaffenhofen.

]]> Thu, 09 FEB 2012 08:59:04 AEST Mclean VA (SPX) Mar 29, 2011 - Northrop Grumman has named David Ryan vice president and general manager of its Intelligence Systems Division, one of five divisions within the company's Information Systems sector. He reports to Linda A. Mills, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Information Systems.

Ryan has operational, business development and strategic leadership experience within the defense, space and intelligence communities. In this new role, his group will provide enterprise and mission solutions in such areas as integrated intelligence systems, geospatial intelligence, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance processing.

"Dave is a very seasoned business executive with a rich history with the intelligence community who understands how to apply management principles to improve quality, productivity and performance throughout multiple customer sets," Mills said.

"He has provided invaluable leadership to our business development operations and that experience will also advance our position as a leading integrated solutions provider in the intelligence market."

Ryan joined the company in 2005, serving in senior management roles across the company's space, defense and intelligence businesses, including as vice president of programs and general manager of the Civil Systems Division in the company's space business.

Prior to joining Northrop Grumman, he was responsible for general management of one of the world's largest manufacturers of commercial and government communications satellites and has held senior leadership positions throughout the space and defense industry.

Ryan holds a bachelor's degree and master's degree in electrical engineering from Rice University in Houston.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global provider of advanced solutions that deliver timely, actionable information for its military, civilian, and intelligence customers.

Through the company's rich technology base, intimate customer relationships, and passion for mission success, Northrop Grumman is uniquely positioned to provide the full spectrum of multi-intelligence solutions to address our customers' specific needs.

]]> Thu, 09 FEB 2012 08:59:04 AEST Mclean VA (SPX) Mar 29, 2011 - Northrop Grumman has named Kathy Warden vice president and general manager of its Cyber Intelligence Division, one of five divisions within the company's Information Systems sector. The sector recently created the Cyber Intelligence Division to increase the company's focus and agility in responding to the nation's cybersecurity needs within the intelligence communities.

Warden reports to Linda A. Mills, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Information Systems. She brings to the position leadership background in the intelligence and cybersecurity markets, as well as extensive experience with the intelligence and defense communities.

In this new role, Warden has executive leadership over key cyber or cyber-related mission areas, such as information security, cybersecurity and signals intelligence (SIGINT). She will work closely with other parts of Northrop Grumman as cyber products and services are delivered to our intelligence customers.

"Kathy is an exceptional leader with extensive knowledge and understanding of the intelligence community," Mills said.

"She has the deep customer relationships and successful management experience to help Northrop Grumman continue to innovate and expand our solutions to meet our nation's growing cybersecurity and information security needs."

Among her senior roles at Northrop Grumman, Warden has led the intelligence business in cyber, special access and airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). Before joining the company in 2008, she was the senior vice president of a business unit supporting a secure space program and served in other executive roles supporting the intelligence community.

Warden holds a bachelor's degree in computer systems from James Madison University and a master's degree in business administration from George Washington University.

Northrop Grumman is a market-leading provider of intelligence solutions focused on mission success and being a trusted partner for our customers. The company is a leader in all aspects of computer network operations and cybersecurity, offering innovative solutions to help secure the nation's cyber future.

]]> Thu, 09 FEB 2012 08:59:04 AEST Redondo Beach CA (SPX) Mar 29, 2011 - Northrop Grumman has named Jeffrey D. Grant vice president and general manager of the Space Systems Division of the Aerospace Systems sector. In addition, Robert V. Burke has been named vice president and deputy general manager, Space Systems Division. Both appointments are effective immediately. Grant replaces Dr. David M. DiCarlo, who is retiring after 36 years with the company.

In his new role, Grant will be responsible for leading the division which provides space solutions to civil, military and restricted customers. His most recent assignment was as vice president of National Systems within the Space Systems Division.

In that capacity, he was responsible for the acquisition and execution of all space programs for restricted customers. He was also responsible for the evolution of existing systems including capabilities enhancements and technology insertion.

Prior to that, he was the vice president of business development at Northrop Grumman Space Technology, now Aerospace Systems. Grant joined Northrop Grumman in 2002 after a career combining both private and public sector experience and a distinguished 21-year career with the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in ocean engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology and is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Distinguished Intelligence Medal and the Intelligence Medal of Merit.

Robert Burke most recently served as vice president of civil and military systems for the Space Systems Division. His prior assignment was as vice president and program manager of advanced mission programs for the National Systems business area. Since joining the company in 1985 as an electrical design integration engineer, he has held a variety of engineering and management positions of increasing scope and responsibility in functional and program organizations.

His experience extends into all aspects of space system architecture, design and operations with background in the civil, Department of Defense, restricted and commercial marketplaces.

Bob holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Notre Dame and has completed the Executive Management Program at UCLA. He was awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and Silver Snoopy for his contributions on the Chandra X-ray Observatory and served on NASA's Cassini Independent Review panel for Saturn Orbit Insertion Readiness.

]]> Thu, 09 FEB 2012 08:59:04 AEST Bonn, Germanyd (SPX) Mar 21, 2011 - On 17 March 2011, Thomas Reiter, Executive Board Member responsible for Space Research and Technology at the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR), was appointed as the Director of Human Spaceflight at the European Space Agency (ESA) for the next four years.

In addition, Volker Liebig will continue to be the Director of Earth Observation Programmes. The new Director of Human Resources and Infrastructure is Hans-Georg Mockel. He was the Chancellor of the University of Frankfurt (Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt) and the Head of Corporate Development at Fraport AG for 12 years.

"Thomas Reiter has done an excellent job both as an astronaut and as a member of the DLR Executive Board, and has gained extensive experience for his new role," said Johann-Dietrich Worner, Chairman of the Executive Board.

"As Director of Human Spaceflight, he will be responsible for a subject area in which Germany is a leader in Europe: the human exploration of space." Worner added, "Although the presence of German expertise at ESA is important, we are losing a good friend and colleague on the DLR Executive Board".

In his new role at ESA, Reiter will be responsible for astronaut training and microgravity research, as well as operations of space-based infrastructure and European satellite missions.

Pilot and astronaut
Thomas Reiter has been a member of the DLR board since 1 October 2007. Born in Frankfurt on 23 May 1958, he graduated with a degree in Aviation and Space Engineering from the University of the German Federal Armed Forces (Universitat der Bundeswehr) in Neubiberg, near Munich.

Apart from holding various positions in the German Air Force as pilot and commander, Reiter was a member of the development team for the Hermes manned spacecraft at ESA. In 1992 he was selected to join ESA's European Astronaut Corps. In March 1995 Reiter was assigned Flight Engineer for the 179-day Euromir 95 mission to the Russian space station, Mir.

From June 1999 to March 2000, he continued to train at the Russian Cosmonaut Training Centere in Star City for the Russian segments of the International Space Station, ISS. Between September 2001 and September 2004, he worked on the project team for the Columbus European ISS module.

From 4 July to 22 December 2006, Reiter took part in the Astrolab mission, the first European long-duration mission to the ISS. During his missions, he performed three spacewalks.

Thomas Reiter has been awarded the Grand Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Grosses Bundesverdienstkreuz). He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in March 2009. On 28 June 2010, he received an honorary degree from the University of the German Federal Armed Forces in Neubiberg. near Munich.

]]> Thu, 09 FEB 2012 08:59:04 AEST Bethesda MD (SPX) Sep 09, 2010 - Lockheed Martin has announced the results of a program begun in July to lower overhead and improve affordability by reducing the number of leaders at the vice president and director levels.

Under the Voluntary Executive Separation Program (VESP), more than 600 company executives - about 25 percent of the total executive population - applied to accept financial incentives to leave the company. When fully implemented, the program will yield substantial savings in 2011 and on a recurring basis in 2012 and beyond.

The executive reductions will help align the number of senior leaders with the overall decline of about 10,000 in the employee population since the beginning of last year, cut overhead costs and management layers, and increase the Corporation's speed and agility in meeting commitments.

"The VESP program will enable us to achieve significant cost savings and a leaner management structure at a time when our customers have an urgent need for more affordable solutions to the global security challenges they face," said Lockheed Martin Chairman and CEO Bob Stevens.

"We're grateful to the executives who will be leaving, because we built this Corporation on their leadership and dedicated service. The new reality of our business environment does not in any way detract from the respect and success they earned."

The program is the latest in a series of continuous initiatives aimed at refining strategic alignment while enhancing performance and lowering costs to keep pace with evolving customer realities and global security challenges.

Other affordability actions this year have included a major business reorganization, the planned divestiture of two business units, and significant reductions in international trade show participation and advertising.

In addition to reducing overhead costs, the program is expected to create opportunities for talented individuals to take on broader assignments to continue to grow their careers.

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