Speaker: The Space-Based Cloud: A New Dimension For Cybersecurity

Speaker: NGSO Communication Innovation: Technology and Market Updates

Mr. Paul “Rusty” Thomas joined DARPA in September 2017 as a program manager in the Tactical Technology Office. His current focus areas include increasing the resilience, global reach, and networked connectivity of U.S. space assets. Areas of technical interest and expertise include disruptive low-cost space and launch systems, autonomous mission authority for satellite fleets, persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and software-defined holographic light control.

Thomas joins DARPA from DAQRI, where he served as the executive vice president for global operations. He also has held positions at SpaceX, Orbital Sciences, and Motorola/Iridium, where he has been involved with the design and management of a number of space-related programs, including the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, the DARPA Microsatellite Technology Experiment (MiTEx) satellite, the Iridium low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, and the U.S. Air Force Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP). Thomas’ military background includes 16 years reserve service as a U.S. Navy Intelligence Officer supporting Naval Special Warfare.

Thomas holds a Master of Science in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from Purdue University.