SK

Sylvester Kaczmarek

Stealth Founder | AI & Autonomy Expert | Aerospace CTO | Safe AI Advisor | Professor | Ex-NASA/ESA

United Kingdom

Education

Work Experience

  • Senior Science and Engineering Advisor at Starburst VC

    2022 - 2024

    Driving innovation in aerospace ventures worldwide. Let's revolutionize the industry together!

  • Lead Mentor

    2022 - 2024

    Part-time Lead Mentor at Starburst Accelerator, connecting DeepTech and SpaceTech startups with corporates, investors, and government agencies in the US and Europe to create growth and investment opportunities. My responsibilities include selecting, mentoring, and advising startups on scientific, engineering, and management aspects, and facilitating partnerships with industry leaders. Additionally, I mentor two cohorts of space startups in fundraising and partnership efforts to increase success rates.

  • Chief Scientific Officer

    2021 - 2024

    Exploring the Moon through Cutting-Edge Autonomous Robotic Systems As a Chief Scientist Officer at a stealth mode company, I am proud to be part of a team revolutionizing lunar exploration through our Autonomously Flying Robotic Systems. Our technology provides accessibility to previously unreachable areas of the Moon, boosting data collection and mapping capabilities. Our lunar drones solve the limitations of traditional rovers by offering improved mobility and efficiency in exploring rough terrain. Our vehicles carry scientific and engineering sensors to retrieve valuable information about in-situ resources, search for habitation sites and provide our customers with comprehensive data. Our company specializes in providing Lunar Exploration Services and selling data and information, with a mission to become the leading innovator of lunar technology. Our business model offers cost-effective Lunar Hopper Services to execute various missions for our customers, filling the gaps in the newly emerging space economy. Join us in paving the way for a new era of lunar exploration.

  • Permanent Committee on Moon Farside Protection

    2021 - 2024

    As a member of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) Permanent Committee on Moon Farside Protection, I advocate for the support of lunar farside protection by scientists in the fields of cosmology, astrobiology, SETI, and planetary defense. In collaboration with other committee members, I participate in meetings and discussions to develop and promote the mission and goals of the committee, and to advance understanding and support for lunar farside protection. My role also involves conducting research and analysis on issues related to lunar farside protection and communicating findings to committee stakeholders and the wider scientific community. I work to identify emerging trends and opportunities related to lunar farside protection, and develop initiatives and strategies to promote and support their advancement. I am honored to serve as a member of the IAA Permanent Committee on Moon Farside Protection, appointed with the recommendation of Prof. Marius-Ioan Piso, Vice-President for Scientific Activities, and in accordance with the Bylaws of the Academy: https://iaaspace.org/about/permanent-committees/#1658152007849-7e3d453e-d9ba

  • Navigation & Communication Moon Market Team Lead

    2020 - 2023

    I played a vital role in understanding the potential resources and unique environmental features of the Moon, identifying revenue-generating lunar markets, and creating a milestone reference document called the Lunar Commerce Portfolio while working as a Navigation & Communication Moon Market Team Lead for Moon Village Association. Specifically, I led a team from around the world to define the near and far-term addressable market for communication and navigation on the Moon. I also served as an observer and advisor in the Transportation on the Moon market LCE and was responsible for the business and technical direction of communication and navigation market sectors on the Moon. My achievements in this role include contributing to the development of a common set of assumptions used across all work, considering constraints in lunar economy design, and fully referenced data sources. I also provided a forum for international experts to centralize, debate and align on visions for aspects of the future lunar economy. Additionally, I contributed to the development of lunar dust mitigation, comms, and navigation aspects of a Camera payload Moon mission while working in a different group at Moon Village Association. My work as a Navigation & Communication Moon Market Team Lead helped shape the understanding of the commercial potential of the Moon and contributed to the growth and development of the future lunar economy.

  • Board Advisor

    2020 - 2023

    Advisor to the Board at Mountain Aerospace Research Solutions (MARS), driving innovation in rocket propulsion. With a strong focus on research and development, MARS has developed the groundbreaking Fenris mk2 engine, the first incremental change to rocket motor nozzle design since Goddard. Utilizing advanced design methods and triple verification, the Fenris mk2 is a high-power rocket engine that leverages natural phenomena to intake ambient fluids as free reaction mass, making it simple to scale and design. I am proud to be a part of the team pushing the boundaries of space travel with this game-changing technology.

2021 - 2023

  • Fellowship

    2021 - 2023

    As a part-time Fellow with the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) in London, UK, I have the privilege of introducing the space sector and robotics and their benefits to the society's members. The RSA is a reputable, 265-year-old royal society that has always been at the forefront of advocating for social progress and human knowledge. As part of my responsibilities, I promote and recognize excellence in science and technology and encourage their use for the benefit of humanity. I conduct research and analysis on various issues related to science, technology, and society and effectively communicate the findings to RSA stakeholders and the wider public. I also engage with RSA Fellows, members, and other stakeholders to identify emerging trends and opportunities in science and technology and develop programs and initiatives to support their advancement. In addition, my research work about "What are robots thinking?" has gained significant attention. As robots take on more human tasks and make more decisions on their own, we need to examine and question how they make their choices. Robot psychology could be the bridge between AI and ethical decision-making. You can read more about it in my recent article for the RSA here: https://www.thersa.org/comment/2022/10/what-are-robots-thinking.

  • Advisory Board Member

    2021 - 2023

    Served as a technical and business advisor to Flycom Technologies, the leading provider of airborne preventive and predictive maintenance services, data processing, and data management solutions for infrastructure companies. Provided guidance on technical development activities including space technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and explainable AI, and conducted due diligence on technical solutions and high-level system architecture. Facilitated introductions with marquee customers, strategic partners, and key industry contacts. Assisted in recruiting and coaching additional key team members and employees through my network of business, scientific, and technical contacts.

  • Advisory Board Member

    2021 - 2023

    As an Advisory Board Member for BigDipper Exploration Technologies, I assist in refining the company's business model to align with relevant clients or markets outside India. I also engage in preliminary discussions with potential clients or investors globally regarding the company's capital raise requirements. The scope of my engagement varies depending on the company's challenges and needs at a specific time, but I work to support the development of autonomous industrial robots for lunar missions that enable a thriving cislunar economy by utilizing resources on the lunar surface. BigDipper aims to offer product, payload, data, and mining services on the lunar surface. Through my expertise and guidance, I contribute to the company's growth and success as it navigates the challenges of expanding its operations and securing funding for its vision.

  • Advisory Board Member

    2021 - 2022

    Board Advisor at NESRA Nepalese Space Research Association, dedicated to advancing Nepal's presence in the space industry. With a mission to create a network of students, professionals, industry, academia, and government organizations, NESRA aims to drive collaboration with international organizations and integrate space technology into various sectors in Nepal. Proud to work with UNOOSA to foster a productive environment for the space industry in Nepal and contribute to this dynamic organization alongside Captain Um Hong Gil, Guinness World Record Holder for climbing the 16 highest peaks on Earth. Committed to inspiring the next generation and advancing Nepal's role in the aerospace industry.

  • Technology & Business Advisor

    2020 - 2021

    As a Technology & Business Advisor at the European Commission's Copernicus programme, I had the opportunity to contribute to one of the EU's key initiatives in Earth observation. Copernicus is a global program aimed at providing free and independent access to information and services on environment and security to improve the quality of life for EU citizens. The program leverages data from satellite missions, ground-based, airborne, and seaborne measurements to produce information and services in six main themes: atmosphere, marine, land, climate, emergency, and security. I was proud to be part of a team that utilized cutting-edge technology to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's health. The program's estimated benefits to the EU economy are €30 billion through 2030, making it a significant investment in innovation and sustainability. With its name inspired by the pioneering scientist and observer Nicolaus Copernicus, the program continues to push the boundaries of knowledge and contribute to the betterment of our planet.