David Ray
Senior Vice President of the Space Business Unit, National Security and Space Sector, SAIC
SAIC has a storied history with space, and the past year has opened a new chapter for the company in tackling challenges in new ways.
Best known for systems engineering and technical assistance work, a few years ago, SAIC began investing in processes, people and solutions that would enhance those engineering capabilities and expand the company’s impact into space systems integration.
“Today, we are integrating a first-of-its-kind space program for the DOD, bringing our customer brand new, in-orbit capability,” said David Ray. “We are also entering new markets through strategic relationships. Since the fall, we have partnered with two companies to accelerate the development of smallsats and cubesats for government missions. Finally, we are seeing huge payoffs from our digital engineering practice, which is leading the industry in an approach that is revolutionizing systems acquisition, development and operations.”
Why Watch
Looking forward, Ray is especially excited for SAIC’s partnerships and efforts to result in deployed missions.
“As a space systems integrator, we sit at the nexus of commercial speed and critical government needs,” he said. “In our Space Invaders contract with Rogue Space Systems Corporation, we will see an orbital robot perform a proof-of-concept operation that will result in the ability to examine and repair satellites. Additionally, we will soon begin delivering affordable integrated space systems, and SAIC will play a pivotal role in space situational awareness as result. The coming year promises to be full of firsts for space and SAIC.”
Michael LaRouche, president of National Security and Space for SAIC, described Ray as a bold thinker and ambitious business leader.
“His energy and creativity expands SAIC’s contribution across the entire space market,” LaRouche said. “He not only challenges his team, he partners with them to execute on new strategies and deliver remarkable outcomes for our company and the nation.”