Executive Mosaic is pleased to introduce Rob Geckle, CEO of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, as a 2023 Wash100 Award winner in recognition of his strategic vision to help grow the company’s presence in the national security market and other key government segments.
Geckle leads Airbus’ independent business in Arlington, Virginia, that launched in July 2020 and can pursue work on classified defense contracts under a U.S. Special Security Agreement. The 18-year company veteran held roles of increasing responsibility in the U.S. and Europe before his October 2021 appointment to his current role.
In a June 2022 interview with ExecutiveBiz, Geckle noted Airbus U.S. has seen growth in government program areas such as communications, intelligence, satellites and surveillance.
“One of our most promising platforms is our stratospheric unmanned pseudosatellite. That’s a huge potential growth area for us, especially if you look at how the [Department of Defense] is projecting for the future of its near-peer warfare. It is all going to be data-centric and based on creating a massive network of data, with sensors and communication systems for our warfighters,” said the first-time Wash100 awardee.
Another area Airbus U.S. considers a growth driver is commercial satellite technology. The company was selected to demonstrate synthetic aperture radar imagery for the National Reconnaissance Office.
“We are extremely excited to have recently signed a study contract with the National Reconnaissance Office to establish an understanding of their requirements in a classified environment so we can then adapt our capabilities to meet their needs,” Geckle told ExecutiveBiz.
In June 2022, he revealed during an interview with Breaking Defense that the company is looking to produce satellite laser communication terminals in the next two years to address a projected demand for LCTs in the U.S. space market.
“I’m seeing a real strong demand signal for laser comms, for investment in laser communication terminals. Also star trackers, also other elements, but I’m focusing on laser communication terminals because I think that’s the strongest candidate to build in the U.S.,” the Airbus U.S. chief executive said at the time.
Also last year, Northrop Grumman selected Airbus U.S. to manufacture 42 platforms for the Space Development Agency’s network of optically interconnected satellites under Northrop’s $692 million prototype constellation development agreement with SDA.
A joint venture between Airbus U.S. and OneWeb will assemble the Arrow satellite bus that will accommodate payloads from the U.S. government.
“The SDA Transport Layer Tranche 1 is a critical national security program, and we are honored to support Northrop Grumman and the Space Development Agency,” Geckle commented on the award.
Under Geckle’s leadership, Airbus U.S. manages a $1.5 billion follow-on contract to deliver spare parts, related materials and engineering support for the Army’s utility and training helicopters.
Executive Mosaic congratulates Robert Geckle and the Airbus U.S. Defense & Space organization for their selection to receive the Wash100 Award.
Visit Wash100.com to select your favorite awardees for this year’s Popular Vote competition. The voting period runs through April 28.
