D-Orbit Group, an Italy-based space logistics and transportation services provider, has established a joint venture with veteran space engineers and former executives from SpaceX, Amazon, OneWeb and other aerospace organizations to expand its presence in the U.S. satellite bus market.
Mike Cassidy, founder and former CEO of Apollo Fusion, has been named chief executive of D-Orbit USA, the company said Wednesday.
In addition to Cassidy, other D-Orbit USA co-founders are Mark Krebs, Miles Gazic, Danny Field and David Harrower.
“I am super excited about our stellar founding team coupled with our robust flight heritage from D-Orbit’s 13 successful on orbit missions,” said Cassidy.
“I believe this combination will allow us to respond very quickly to customer schedule needs and to offer very price competitive solutions,” he added.
D-Orbit USA has a team of over 300 engineering and tech professionals that will focus on satellite bus design, production and sales efforts. The Boulder, Colorado-based joint venture will offer the D-Orbit ION Satellite Carrier, a space vehicle designed to transport and deploy satellites in orbit.
“The formation of D-Orbit USA marks a significant milestone in our strategic expansion into the US market,” said Luca Rossettini, CEO of the D-Orbit Group.
“By combining the unparalleled expertise of our US-based team with D-Orbit’s proven flight heritage, we are poised to deliver innovative, reliable, and cost-effective solutions,” Rossettini added.
