Dragonfly Aerospace to open UK office
Dragonfly Aerospace has announced four new appointments to its Advisory Council as the firm looks to build key relationships within the UK government and grow its global presence.
Image courtesy Dragonfly Aerospace
Long-time public sector expert and Chair of the techUK Public Sector Board Simon Godfrey (above) will join the firm’s Advisory Council to support Dragonfly Aerospace’s development of its government strategy.
Simon joins following a career spanning more than three decades working in and with several FTSE 500 businesses and large enterprises, during which he has advised high-profile technology businesses to navigate the complexities of the UK Government. As Chair of the UK technology trade association body, techUK, he advocates and champions access to innovation, SME enablement and a broader set of opportunities to build differentiated value, jobs and compelling technology propositions.
Professor Christopher Baker joins the Council following a career in radar research spanning more than 35 years. During this time, he led government research teams responsible for developing Sentinel and MSTAR systems in service with the UK Army and Air Force. In a consultancy capacity, Christopher has been engaged by the UK and overseas governments to provide reviews and technical advice. He will advise on building Dragonfly Aerospace’s relationships within the UK radar industry and will support its public sector strategy.
Business advisor to Dragonfly Aerospace David du Toit also joins the Advisory Council, following two decades of experience in Chairman, CEO and CTO roles within the aerospace and communications industry. During his career, he has played a critical role in building new companies across Europe and South Africa and served on numerous company boards.
Professor Mike Inggs joins the Council following a career holding senior roles in industry and academia in the UK, Europe, USA and South Africa since 1974. Mike Inggs’ career includes involvement in the use and calibration of most early SAR Space missions post-SeaSAT, including a ground-breaking airborne VHF system. He is currently engaged in teaching, start-ups, and advising national and international organisations.
Both Simon Godfrey and Professor Christopher Baker will join Dragonfly Aerospace at its new UK base in Harwell, Oxfordshire, a leading base for science and innovation in the UK.
Speaking about his appointment, Simon Godfrey commented: “I’m delighted to join Dragonfly Aerospace’s Advisory Council to support the business as it tackles the challenge of making rapid progress in a time that will be critical for inward investment, innovation, and new high-value technology deployment in the UK. I look forward to working closely with Bryan and his talented team to drive significant change in the way in which radar and data combine to build better outcomes."
Bryan Dean, CEO and Co-founder of Dragonfly Aerospace, added: “Simon, Chris, Dave and Mike will provide welcome counsel to our business as we continue to forge relationships within the UK government and industry to support the UK’s space mission.
“It’s a very exciting time for Dragonfly Aerospace as we prepare for the launch this year of EOS SAT-1, the first imaging satellite designed and built by Dragonfly, the first satellite of the EOS SAT constellation and the first agri-focused constellation in space. These new additions to our Advisory Council will be critical to the continued growth of our business.”
A Stellenbosch-based space technology firm, Dragonfly Aerospace's customers include EOS Data Analytics, Loft Orbital, Spire, NanoAvionics and Pixxel.