Orbit Fab Appoints U.K. Managing Director
Orbit Fab Strengthens Leadership Team Amid RAFTI Refuelling Port Adoption
Company eyes continued expansion in the UK and Europe as the orbital refuelling market grows
Farnborough, England – March 6, 2024 – Orbit Fab, the premier provider of on-orbit refuelling services today unveiled a strengthened global leadership team in the US and UK to further support the rapid adoption of its refuelling interfaces bound for upcoming missions.
Seasoned UK space and defence leader Jacob Geer has been appointed as Managing Director for Orbit Fab’s UK operation and former UK Managing Director Manny Shar has been named Chief Strategy Officer for the refuelling solutions innovator.
Geer brings a deep understanding of the UK space sector and international initiatives from his 15 years of experience with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and UK Space Agency (UKSA). Shar will conclude his leadership of the UK office through April and then transition to his new role as Chief Strategy Officer based in Los Angeles, after spearheading the transformation of the UK office from its inception in 2022 to a seven-figure revenue-generating entity.
“Jacob Geer brings incredible UK Space Agency leadership experience to the Orbit Fab executive team at a crucial time, as we continue to scale and cement our position as the global leader of in-space refuelling services and innovation,” said Daniel Faber, Orbit Fab Founder and CEO. “Jacob has already had a significant impact on space sustainability and international space policy, and he brings extensive leadership experience from his time as UKSA Chief of Staff.”
During his career Jacob established the UK’s national Space Sustainability, Debris Removal, Space Surveillance and Launch programmes. Jacob represented the UK at ESA and the EU, brokered multilateral statements on space debris, and has led the UK Space Agency as Chief of Staff for the last two years. Jacob’s career in Defence involved two civilian tours of Afghanistan and technical roles as Scientific advisor to strategic and operational commands.
“I’m thrilled to join the leadership team at Orbit Fab, where we will continue to lead the way in refuelling capabilities driven by a shared passion for space sustainability,” said Jacob Geer, Orbit Fab’s new Managing Director in the UK. “We already have a strong UK team and a network of partners across Europe who I’m looking forward to collaborating with on key programmes and innovations from day one. There is a growing need for spacecraft refuelling, in orbit and beyond, to help us realise the benefits of space for generations to come. I’m very excited to bring Orbit Fab’s evolving and unique capabilities to the UK and European market in the months and years ahead.”
Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive at the UK Space Agency, said: “Jake has been a highly valued and respected leader in the UK Space Agency for several years, where he has taken forward our space sustainability work and supported me personally as Chief of Staff. I am delighted that Jake’s talent and experience will be remaining in the UK space sector, and I wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Reflecting on a year of extraordinary growth, Orbit Fab has expanded its UK workforce fivefold under the leadership of Manny Shar. Orbit Fab is investing in the UK, developing unique technology, strengthening leadership, and expanding operations. This expansion is a testament to the company’s robust business model and its commitment to driving innovation in the space sector. Orbit Fab is excited to announce a range of career opportunities across various disciplines and locations, inviting talented individuals to be part of this dynamic team and contribute to its mission of building a bustling space economy. Several contracts with Orbit Fab UK are currently under negotiation and more announcements are set to follow.
“Manny Shar’s strategic vision and execution have laid an extremely strong foundation for our UK operations. In his new role as Chief Strategy Officer, he will represent Orbit Fab in Los Angeles, working with our customers, partners, and suppliers in the highest density aerospace manufacturing ecosystem in the world,” noted Faber. “Manny will play a crucial role in shaping Orbit Fab’s global strategic direction, fostering innovation, and driving future growth.”
“The UK team and operation couldn’t be in better hands with Jacob Geer as the new UK Managing Director,” said Shar, Orbit Fab’s Chief Strategy Officer. “I’m excited to start this new chapter in Los Angeles to help take Orbit Fab to the next stage, as we execute on our strategy and deliver on our mission to build the in-space propellant supply chain.”
Media Contact:
Paul Sims
For Orbit Fab
678-576-6126 – mobile
[email protected]
Orbit Fab is the leading provider of on-orbit refuelling services and propellants that make extended in-space missions and the space economy possible, where the biggest advantage is new opportunities for dynamic space operations. Over the past decade, rockets have become reusable. Orbit Fab has made satellites reusable. The company, based in Lafayette, Colorado, with offices in the UK, has developed the Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface (RAFTITM) fuelling port, which is being integrated aboard a growing number of government and commercial spacecraft to enable extended missions in GEO and LEO orbits. Orbit Fab has signed the first government and commercial fuel delivery agreements in GEO. Following its highly successful $28.5 million Series A funding round, Orbit Fab is currently expanding technical and manufacturing capabilities to ramp up production to meet intensifying demand for its on-orbit refuelling ports, shuttles, and depots, which can deliver and dispense chemical, electric, and green propellants in space. Investors include 8090 Industries, Stride Capital, Industrious Ventures, Lockheed Martin Ventures, Northrop Grumman, Tribe Capital, Good Growth Capital, Massive Capital Partners, Techstars Ventures, and Bolt.
For more information, visit www.orbitfab.com.
