Prof. Andrew Kwas
Andy has 46 years with NGC/TRW and a total of 48 years working in advanced space programs specializing in, advanced manufacturing, spacecraft design, micro-electronics, nuclear products, space logistics, and astrophysics projects. As a NG Fellow 2, he supports NGC’s key space customers including NASA, USSF, AFRL, NRO, DARPA, Army/SMDC, Space RCO, USMC, and the Navy. He is considered one of the prominent advanced manufacturing (AM) experts in the country and has produced over fifty papers in AM, in-space manufacturing, lunar and planetary sciences, hypersonics, and miniaturization of spacecraft components. He brings his innovative approach to problems and has won several Corporate awards for innovation.
Andy is an appointed Research Professor at the University of New Mexico and is on the faculty in the Electrical and Computing Engineering Department, supporting satellite and space research. He is on the Technical Advisory Boards for Virginia Tech, U of Michigan, Cornell, UTEP, and U of New Mexico. Andy Kwas graduated from the University of Michigan in 1978 with two degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics, and received a Masters degree in 1980 from the University of Missouri Science and Technology in Astrophysics.
Dr. Behzad Koosha
Dr. Behzad Koosha has over 14 years of experience in aerospace and terrestrial communications. He holds a PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering from The George Washington University, focusing on satellite communications. Dr. Koosha’s multifaceted career spans technical development, business strategy, and commercialization. His early roles at T-Mobile (formerly Sprint) involved work on wireless terrestrial networks. He has since gained extensive experience at Intelsat, Hughes Network Systems, SpaceLink and Terran Orbital (a Lockheed Martin company), where he contributed to the development of satellite communications systems while also honing his skills in business development, sales, and marketing. Dr. Koosha has a proven track record in commercializing technologies, developing go-to-market strategies, and driving revenue growth in the aerospace sector. Throughout his career, he has worked on commercial and government proposals, successfully winning contracts as prime for the aerospace and defense industry. His blend of technical expertise and business acumen makes him a valuable asset in bridging engineering innovations with market opportunities. Dr. Koosha is also an adjunct professor at The George Washington University, where he shares his industry insights with the next generation of engineers.
Luis Vidal