About Us
THE HUMANS BEHIND THE MACHINES
At BlackStar Orbital, we are leading the charge in developing advanced space defense systems. Our team of aerospace professionals are focused on redefining what a satellite can do by creating revolutionary, hybrid “spacedrones”. Our staff has worked with organizations such as NASA, SpaceX, and other leading space organizations to create the most advanced commercial space systems available.
Meet Our Executive Team
President / CEO
Christopher Jannette
Christopher Jannette is a highly accomplished Air Force Veteran, systems engineer and visionary space industry leader serving as the President and CEO of BlackStar Orbital.
As a SpaceX Alumni starting on the Pad-40 rebuild campaign and Falcon Heavy Demo-1 "Starman" in 2017-2018. In 2021 he rejoined the SpaceX team to support the construction of the Roberts Road "Hangar X" facility, NDE inspections of their landing barges and finally a member of the Starship Thermal Protection Team. On the Starship program he worked closely with the technicians and engineers perfecting the manufacturing process for the heat shield tiles.
He recently left NASA's Kennedy Space Center where he held the role of Lead Hypergolic Operations and Systems Engineer for the NASA KSC KPLSS II contract from 2021-2024. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role bringing manned spaceflight back to the Cape supporting missions like SpaceX Dragon's CRS program, Axiom and Inspiration 4. Artemis 1, a number of launches for the DOD customer, Astrobotic Peregrine and Intuitive Machines IM-1.
CTO / Chief Engineer
Kit Carson
Kit Carson, the Chief Technology Officer at BlackStar Orbital, boasts an impressive career that spans over two decades in the aerospace industry. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Wichita State University.
A member of the Cherokee tribe and hailing from the open ranges of the Oklahoma/Kansas border, Kit Carson has been involved with a number of pivotal programs and most recently was a leading product manager for Amazon Kuiper where he was directly responsible for the implementation of many of his clients hardware on this international recognized program.
Throughout his journey, Kit has consistently demonstrated his prowess in Thermodynamics and Composite Structures, specializing in these critical areas of aerospace engineering. His dedication to innovation and his technical acumen have made him a driving force behind the future of satellite technology and reusable spacecraft.
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VP Business Development
Elizabeth Christensen
As a member of the commercial space professionals, Elizabeth has provided consulting, strategy development, business scaling, and operational project management in the nation’s commercial space industry. She previously worked with the Arizona Spaceport Alliance and space startups. Elizabeth's Master's in Entrepreneurship of Technology, specializing in Space Systems, contributes to the development of BlackStar's global market strategy.
As graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a member of the Arizona Space Business Roundtable and participant in the Arizona commercial space professionals, she contributed to critical site developments and operational relationships for BlackStar Orbital.
As a career Certified Project Manager in technology, she leads the development of operational project management at BlackStar and is involved in the development of its IT infrastructure.
Elizabeth's previous experience in small business start-up and scaling, coupled with her focus on taking space systems to the global marketplace, provides BlackStar Orbital with critical operational insight and planning expertise necessary to develop targeted national and global commercialization strategies.
Chief Commerce Officer
Sean Hollis
Formerly a Systems Engineer at Kennedy Space Center, Sean was a critical member of the Artemis team. Sean's various roles in the commercial aerospace and online digital services industries allows him to efficiently manage critical workflows and key performance requirements.
Holding a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Florida, Sean balances a deep understanding of technical fundamentals and the value driven needs of the spaceflight customer.
Chief Strategist
James Wolff
James Wolff is a seasoned
space industry entrepreneur and lawyer based out of New York who has been a founder or cofounder of multiple space companies to include Orbital Assembly Corporation, Deep Space Industries, High Frontier Mining Corporation among others.
James has an active presence volunteering with the United Nations and was recently given a national award as one of America's top lawyers. Attorney and graduate of Johns Hopkins and New York Law School and member of the Space Court Foundation.
Public and Media Affairs
Phil Hoegel
Phil Hoegel is a media relations expert with over 9 years' experience at CNN. When he's not coordinating interviews or answering questions from the press he can be found somewhere in Colorado on the slopes where he enjoys a passion for snowboarding.
Phil has worked in media relations roles with AT&T, HBO, Johnnie Walker, Turner Sports, The Atlanta Falcons, Discovery, and Warner Bros. Graduate of James Madison University in Harrisonburg. 9 years at CNN.
Meet Our Advisors
Technical Advisor - Advanced Spaceflight
Col. Terry Virts, USAF (ret.)
Terry Virts is a highly accomplished astronaut, known for his significant contributions to space exploration and science. A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Virts also holds a degree in Mathematics and a Master’s in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. His career began in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a fighter pilot and test pilot, accumulating over 4,000 flight hours in more than 40 different aircraft.
Selected by NASA in 2000, Virts became a key member of the astronaut corps. He first flew to space as a pilot of the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-130, playing a pivotal role in delivering and installing the Tranquility module and Cupola to the International Space Station (ISS). Later, he served as the Commander of the ISS for Expedition 43, where he was involved in numerous scientific experiments and technology demonstrations. During his time in space, Virts took part in three spacewalks and contributed to vital research that advances our understanding of life in space.
Not just an astronaut, Virts is also a celebrated author and public speaker, sharing his experiences and insights on space exploration and leadership. His photography from space has been widely acclaimed, showcasing the beauty and complexity of Earth and space. Terry Virts’ journey as an astronaut and his contributions to space science have made him an inspirational figure in the field of aerospace and beyond.
Technical Advisor - Vehicle Systems Engineering
Don Platt, PhD.
Professor Donald Platt is a notable figure in the field of space studies, with a diverse background as a scientist, entrepreneur, and educator. He holds a Master’s degree from Florida Tech, where he also pursued doctoral studies at the Human-Centered Design Institute. Platt has served as the director of the Florida Tech Space Systems Master’s Degree program since 1998, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to space education.
His doctoral thesis work focused on human-robot interactions in space exploration, developing a virtual camera concept to aid astronauts in remote planetary exploration.
Recognized for his expertise and dedication, Platt is praised for his extensive knowledge in physics, aerospace engineering, and space systems.
In the realm of entrepreneurship, Platt founded Micro Aerospace Solutions (MAS) Inc. in 2000, a company dedicated to providing consulting and engineering solutions for space and commercial products. Before founding MAS, he worked at Boeing, where he specialized in making propulsion systems smaller.
As an educator, Platt is committed to expanding the reach and scope of the Florida Tech Space Systems Master’s Degree program, with aspirations to grow its international presence and offer it online, reflecting his dedication to advancing commercial and orbital space operations