True Anomaly, a space technology startup specializing in national security applications, announced on January 8th the appointment of Stephen Kitay as its Senior Vice President of Space Defense. This key addition to their executive team significantly bolsters their efforts to expand within the defense industry.
Kitay, a highly respected figure in U.S. space policy, played a crucial role in establishing the U.S. Space Force while serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy. His legislative contributions to the Space Force's formation are equally notable, stemming from his time as a staff member on the House Armed Services Committee. More recently, he led strategic ventures at Microsoft within Azure Space, focusing on integrating commercial technologies into defense applications.
This appointment is particularly timely for the Colorado-based company, currently developing specialized satellites for military training and space domain awareness. Their leading product, the Jackal satellite, is designed for rendezvous and proximity operations – capabilities increasingly crucial in the increasingly contested space environment.
True Anomaly is presently gearing up for the "Victus Haze" mission, undertaken under contract with the U.S. Space Force as part of the military's Tactically Responsive Space program. This mission will showcase advanced in-orbit capabilities, with True Anomaly's Jackal satellite collaborating with a Rocket Lab spacecraft.
In a statement to SpaceNews, Kitay outlined his focus: building strong relationships with clients and lawmakers in Washington, D.C., while positioning True Anomaly's technology as a training platform for Space Force operators. He emphasized the growing convergence of commercial space technology and national security, as private companies actively address emerging space-based threats.
He further highlighted True Anomaly's unique approach, combining satellites, software, artificial intelligence, and autonomous technologies to tackle complex defense challenges. "We’re at a unique time where private-sector innovation can provide solutions much faster and cheaper than traditional defense procurement processes,” Kitay stated.
Kitay also underscored the escalating threats and competition in the space domain, emphasizing space's critical role in both national security and daily life. He described the space defense industry as being at an inflection point, with private companies spearheading the development of cutting-edge technologies capable of addressing urgent defense needs.