Kythera Space Solutions is the leading provider of dynamic management systems for next generation satellite payloads and SATCOM networks. Kythera’s software solutions manage and optimize your satellite resources along with your ground-based assets, providing fully autonomous, real-time space network provisioning and operations that take full advantage of today’s flexible, high-throughput satellites.
Our Mission: Transform satellite communications into a real-time, integrated, responsive, and resilient service.
Kythera Space Solutions takes its name from the world’s oldest known computer, the Antikythera mechanism, built in Greece around 200 BC. This remarkable machine predates modern computers by 2,000 years, yet was able to accurately predict solar eclipses, lunar phases, calendar cycles, as well as the locations of the sun, the moon, and all the known planets at the time (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn).
That “Thing” that is our logo is a satellite interpretation of the actual Antikythera mechanism.
Phil Rubin, Ted Kaplan, and Jeffrey Freedman found RKF Engineering, a small business of engineers and scientists focused on developing advanced engineering solutions for long-range wireless communications. Over the next 17 years, RKF builds a reputation as an innovator in a wide variety of cutting-edge communications systems ranging from satellites to terrestrial networks to high-altitude platforms.
RKF begins developing satellite payload resource management and optimization solutions, foretelling the future of satellite communication networks.
RKF officially spins out Kythera Space Solutions to focus on advancing software solutions for designing, optimizing, and managing next-generation communication satellites and networks.
SES Networks selects Kythera Space Solutions to develop the Adaptive Resource Control (ARC) System for its advanced O3b mPOWER MEO constellation, creating the world’s first autonomous, dynamic, resilient, integrated space network management system.
Satellite manufacturer Thales Alenia Space standardizes on The Kythera Operating System (KOS) for the ground mission segment for its advanced software-defined Space Inspire satellite product line. KOS provides dynamic, autonomous flexibility and control for optimized performance of the Space Inspire payload as well as the broader multi-orbit, heterogeneous SATCOM network in which it may operate.
Kythera continues to innovate and expand, empowering next-generation SATCOM networks around the globe.
With more than 30 years of telecommunication engineering and software development experience, Jeff is both CEO of Kythera Space Solution and CTO of RKF Engineering, Kythera’s sister company. He is the visionary and technical genius behind the business.
Jeff holds dozens of patents in satellite payload design, satellite resource management software, and telecommunication architectures and is highly regarded as a subject matter expert in satellite performance, antenna design, payload design, and dynamic satellite control systems.
Jeff has also led groundbreaking software development efforts, including “CAGE,” which won the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center GSFC Software Of The Year Award, and “3d Choreographer,” which won Windows Magazine’s Win 100 Award.
Jeff holds a BSEE from North Carolina State University, an MSEE from Cornell University, and a Ph.D. in EE from the University of Maryland.
David serves as Kythera’s Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary. With over 25 years of experience in telecommunications and emerging technology, David brings measured balance to the fast pace at Kythera. In addition to his financial role, David works with Kythera’s partners, including satellite manufacturers, operators, and other broadband companies, to promote the development of software solutions to maximize their systems’ coverage and efficacy.
David also serves as the Managing Director for RKF Engineering, Kythera’s sister company. There, David serves as a strategic advisor to an array of companies across the Satellite, Telecom, and Defense sectors, as well as the Venture, Banking, and Hedge communities
David and his wife are alumni of Middlebury College and spend much of their time admiring the accomplishments of their daughter, Sasha!
As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Andy is responsible for driving Kythera’s business growth and providing leadership, coordination, and delivery focus across Kythera’s rapidly growing team.
Thriving best when he’s in the eye of a technology revolution, Andy has spent more than 30 years spearheading startup businesses and industry change at the tip of the technology spear. Previously, Andy was co-founder, EVP and CTO at DMI, an early leader in enterprise mobile solutions, and VP at Commerce One and AppNet, both pioneering e-commerce companies. With over 60 awards for innovation and rapid company growth, Andy has a hard time sitting still.
Andy holds a BS in Math and CS from Tufts University and an MS in CS from Johns Hopkins University. In his spare time, Andy sells tape. Not kidding.
Erik is Kythera’s Chief Solutions Officer, responsible for defining and overseeing the implementation of Kythera’s products and customer solutions. Erik is arguably the industry’s leading expert in satellite payload optimization and dynamic management systems that drive improved performance, capacity, and service quality. When he’s not directly leading the development of an innovative new customer solution, Erik is using his rare spare cycles to develop novel algorithms for beamforming, satellite network optimization, and satellite systems engineering analysis.
Erik holds a BS in Computer Science and Mathematics from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and an MS in Computer Science, with an emphasis in Robotics, Sensing, Planning and Optimization, from Duke University.
