Top 30 Space Execs to Watch in 2021

Bill “BK” Kelley

Vice President & Division Manager of Air Force and Space Division, ManTech International

In 2020, ManTech was closely involved in the launch of NASA’s new Demo-2 mission — the first manned test flight and water landing — and the November 2020 launch of its Crew-1 mission, the first such trek to the International Space Station. 

ManTech also prepared for the safe recovery of astronauts returning from space in emergency scenarios. Vice President and Division Manager, Air Force and Space Division Bill Kelley said success in the space realm hinges on the ability to handle whatever circumstance might arise — safely and securely. 

“We achieved that goal on every front in space,” he said.

Why Watch

Support for the Space Force — particularly Space Systems Command — will be a top priority, as will other critical space missions in the defense, intelligence and federal civilian sectors. Digital engineering, a key component in ManTech’s intelligent systems engineering portfolio, will continue to make a huge difference for space customers, the company said.

Equally important is protecting space assets from cyberattacks, as Space Development Agency Director Derek Tournear recently called cyberattacks a greater threat to satellites than missiles.

ManTech’s Space Range helps solve that problem, the company said, by providing a safe digital twin of complex space networks to test for cyber vulnerabilities, and train U.S. cyber warriors in real-world tactical response to cyberattacks.

“We support our nation’s space mission across every branch of the federal government, from the ground up,” Kelley said. “Our work helps ensure safe, cost-effective and timely rocket launches, and supports space resiliency to safeguard space assets. We are the leader in advanced cybersecurity – ManTech Space Range – that protects ground stations, launch vehicles, space platforms and secure networks from cyberattacks. Today, when our government thinks space, they think ManTech.”