About Us
Members
The Alliance includes the most successful and innovative companies in the US smallsat ecosystem, including satellite makers, operators, component suppliers, launch providers, ground and data analytics providers.
Strength in Numbers
A double meaning
The affordability of individual smallsats allows for large, powerful satellite constellations
Large numbers of companies in the SmallSat Alliance amplifies our collective voice in the halls of power
SmallSat Alliance Chairman
Charles Beames
Charles Beames is an aerospace investor, Chairman of the SmallSat Alliance and York Space Systems, and the Executive Chairman of SpiderOak and TrustPoint Inc.
Previously, Mr. Beames served as President at Vulcan Aerospace where he managed asset allocation of Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen’s $1B aerospace and technology investment portfolio.
Before holding several executive positions with the DoD, his last one being the Principal Director of Space & Intelligence Systems in the Pentagon, Mr. Beames retired from the Air Force as a Colonel.
SmallSat Alliance Executive Director
Angel Smith
Dr. Angel Smith is a seasoned executive in the space and intelligence sector. She is the Executive Director of the SmallSat Alliance and currently serves as General Manager, Strategic Global Enablement at Microsoft. Before coming to Microsoft, Dr. Smith served on the professional staff of the House Intelligence Committee overseeing the military intelligence portfolio.
Prior to her civilian career, she served in and retired after a distinguished career in the US Marine Corps as a combat C-130 pilot. Dr. Smith’s unique and broad leadership experience from Capitol Hill to the board room are instrumental in leading the SSA into a new era of innovation and growth.
SmallSat Alliance
Director of Communications
Benjamin Kron
Benjamin Kron is the Director of Communications at the SmallSat Alliance and Senior Manager of Cyber, Space and National Security Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce where he leads advocacy on commercial space, spectrum, cybersecurity and regulatory issues. He previously supported the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation at SAIC and held business development roles at York Space Systems. Ben serves on the board of the Washington Space Business Roundtable and has prior experience in government affairs and international engagement. A George Washington University graduate in International Relations and Mandarin Chinese, he studied economics at London School of Economics and is APMP certified and was named a Payload “30 Under 30” Pioneer.
SmallSat Alliance
Chief of Staff
Alexandra Bryson Martinkov
Alexandra serves as Chief of Staff at the SmallSat Alliance and Operations Manager to the Chairman of the Board of York Space Systems. At the SmallSat Alliance, she plays a key role in advancing strategic initiatives, coordinating executive leadership, and overseeing marketing, public relations and stakeholder engagement efforts.
As an early employee of York, Alexandra has worked closely with the Chairman, supporting the company’s growth from its early stages through its expansion into a leading satellite platform provider. She also supports the broader Beames Group portfolio, including SpiderOak, TrustPoint and other affiliated companies.
The SmallSat Alliance is managed by a small, agile, purpose-built management company called Lynx Strategy Group