Debra Facktor
Head of Airbus U.S. Space Systems, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.
As head of Airbus U.S. Space Systems, Debra Facktor’s biggest accomplishment was growing the Airbus U.S. space line of business over the past three years.
“We are building out our space team as well as the engineering, supply chain, finance and other functions across Airbus U.S. that support our space programs,” she said.
Airbus U.S. is developing the ARROW450 commercial satellite product line, based on the ARROW150 product of which over 600 are currently operating in orbit. Airbus has experienced great interest in its larger platform as a solution to commercial and U.S. national security space mission needs.
“This team is making it all happen!” she added.
Robert Geckle, chairman and CEO of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc., noted Facktor’s passion for the field.
“Debra’s passion for space and people is a winning combination for Airbus U.S. Space & Defense,” he said. “She’s widely known in the industry for building teams and mentoring women and younger-generation space professionals and its evident in the stellar results of the high-performing team she’s building here. Her enthusiasm and vision for the future are what I most admire about her.”
Why Watch
Looking ahead, Facktor and her team are heavily focused on the execution of customer programs and simultaneously preparing for future growth to meet the demands of the constellation market. The company is also strengthening its relationships with suppliers, who are important partners in its ecosystem.
“I enjoy bringing together a diverse team, harnessing their ideas and energy, and working collaboratively to turn our collective dreams into reality,” Facktor said. “We all benefit from the innovation that a vibrant, inclusive culture enables, and I’m passionate about creating this environment at Airbus U.S. and within the broader space community.”