COMPANY INFO
Proteus Space, Inc. was founded in 2021 by David Kervin and Andrew Shapiro, Ph.D. It is an aerospace and defense company headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with about 16 to 18 employees. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing rapid custom satellite bus systems and advanced electronic propulsion systems for space missions, enabling faster and more reliable satellite design with applications in low earth orbit, lunar, and Martian missions. Their website is www.proteus-space.com.
Proteus Space is an aerospace and defense company headquartered in Los Angeles, California, specializing in rapid custom satellite bus design and advanced electronic propulsion systems for space missions. Founded in 2021 by David Kervin and Andrew Shapiro, Ph.D., the company leverages advanced digital engineering to enable faster and more reliable satellite design for applications in low earth orbit, lunar, and Martian missions.
Proteus Space’s executive team is composed of accomplished leaders and advisors with decades of experience in military, government, and private sector space technology. The breadth of expertise among the Proteus Space executives—spanning AI-driven engineering, national security, commercial growth, and spacecraft innovation—forms a synergistic leadership group dedicated to driving the next generation of satellite platforms while securing key contracts and guiding cutting-edge R&D.
As Co-Founder and CEO since inception, David Kervin drives Proteus Space’s vision to revolutionize satellite design and manufacturing through AI and rapid satellite bus development. He leads corporate strategy, fundraising, and partnerships, having secured multiple funding rounds—including an oversubscribed $6.1M Series A seed round—and established crucial government and commercial contracts that position Proteus Space as a leader in payload-tailored satellite delivery.
David Kervin retired as a US Marine after 20 years, serving in senior acquisition roles such as VP of Federal Markets at SRI International (managing $400M DARPA-grade projects) and SVP & GM of Global Solutions at Kymeta. He is a contributor to “Ghost Fleet,” has summited Kilimanjaro for charity, and completed a 100 km ultra-marathon. David holds a BS from Norwich University and has completed executive programs at Stanford University.
Andrew Shapiro serves as Co-Founder and CTO, shaping Proteus Space’s technical direction through the development of AI-powered design tools and digital-twin integrations for custom satellite buses. He oversees system architecture, R&D prioritization, and ensures full compliance with government regulations, directly contributing to Proteus Space’s technical differentiation and speed to market.
Andrew Shapiro holds a PhD in Materials Science from UC Irvine, an MS from UCLA, and a BS in Chemical Engineering from UC Berkeley. In his 14+ years at NASA JPL, he was Manager of Technology Formulation and Division Chief Technologist, spearheaded early-stage innovation, and lectured at Caltech and UC Irvine. He has also consulted for leading technology firms on electronic and photonic materials.
Terry Gdoutos, Ph.D., as Vice President of Spacecraft Systems Engineering, leads the rapid design, integration, and validation of spacecraft systems through cutting-edge structural and digital-twin engineering. Dr. Gdoutos directed Proteus Space’s breakthrough high-fidelity structural design and managed the integration of its first commercial payload customer, cutting development cycles by over half.
Dr. Gdoutos holds a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from UC San Diego and an MS from USC. Previously, he was a Senior Scientist and Program Manager at the Air Force Research Lab’s Space Vehicles Directorate, where he led in-space servicing programs and chaired the DoD Space R&E Community of Interest.
As an advisor, James “Hondo” Geurts provides strategic guidance on defense acquisition, helping Proteus Space deepen its engagements with the Department of Defense. He advises the leadership team on program management best practices and innovative procurement strategies.
James “Hondo” Geurts is a retired Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development & Acquisition and a former Acquisition Executive at USSOCOM. He began as an Air Force acquisition program manager and holds a BS from the US Naval Academy and an MBA from the University of Michigan.
Dash Jamieson advises Proteus Space on intelligence, cyber operations, and enterprise architecture, providing critical insights for ISR and cybersecurity integration across satellite platforms. Her input supports capability expansion for Proteus Space’s government customers.
She is a retired USAF Lieutenant General, having led the USAF ISR and Cyber Effects Enterprise for 37 years, including as Director of the US Air Force ISR & Cyber Effects. Dash holds a BS from the US Air Force Academy and an MS in Strategic Intelligence.
Kim Crider serves as a senior advisor, guiding innovation and IT program management across Proteus Space’s advanced satellite platforms and AI capabilities. She plays an instrumental role in sourcing technology innovation and supporting complex space systems projects.
Kim is a retired USAF Major General and was the first Chief Technology and Innovation Officer for the US Space Force. Over her 35+ year career, she has managed multibillion-dollar space and technology programs and holds a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering as well as an MBA.
Dr. Stephen K. Robinson provides expert advice in spacecraft systems, robotics, and scientific payload operations, enhancing Proteus Space’s digital-twin models and payload integration protocols. He contributes unique astronautical insight for technical leadership.
A retired NASA Astronaut with four shuttle missions and three spacewalks, Dr. Robinson spent 36 years at NASA and is currently Director of the UC Davis Center for Spaceflight Research and Professor of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering. He holds a PhD from the University of Michigan.
Douglas Dreyer lends guidance on commercial development and government acquisition, helping Proteus Space refine its go-to-market approach and contract negotiations. His board experience is pivotal for strategic growth and partnership development.
Doug is a former senior executive at Lockheed Martin, Vencore, and Parsons, with expertise in space systems commercialization. He has participated in eleven acquisitions, two spin-outs, and an IPO valued at over $4 billion. Doug holds a BS in Aerospace Engineering.
Dr. Tom Cooley brings deep domain expertise in in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing, advising on Proteus Space’s development of deorbit and space situational awareness systems. His input helps position Proteus Space at the forefront of advanced space operations.
With over 25 years at the Air Force Research Lab’s Space Vehicles Directorate, Dr. Cooley held positions as Chief Scientist and program manager for innovative spaceflight projects such as TacSat-3/ARTEMIS. He holds a PhD in Aerospace Engineering.
Col. Joe Frankino offers strategic insights into space architectures and SIGINT integration, ensuring Proteus Space’s satellite platforms meet advanced defense specifications and national PNT system requirements.
A retired USAF Colonel with 24 years in space operations and acquisitions, he most recently served as Director of Space Architectures and Deputy Director of the US Government’s space-based PNT office. Joe holds an MSc in Space Systems from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
The Proteus Space leadership team combines entrepreneurial drive, technical excellence, and deep defense sector knowledge, creating a highly effective management structure. From its founders and C-suite to a powerhouse group of board advisors and senior experts, Proteus Space’s management team collectively advances the company's mission by blending rapid innovation, regulatory expertise, and robust industry relationships. This integrated approach empowers Proteus Space to remain agile, attract strategic partnerships, and maintain a leadership position in custom satellite design and advanced space technologies.
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