Former Commerce Official Kevin O’Connell Named Chair of Northstar US’ Advisory Board

The U.S. business arm of NorthStar Earth & Space has appointed Kevin O’Connell, a former Department of Commerce official, as chairman of its advisory board.

O’Connell joined NorthStar Earth & Space Systems months after his time serving as director of the department’s Office of Space Commerce, the company said Wednesday.

“Kevin’s former role leading the Office of Space Commerce will help NorthStar craft highly informed solutions that address the unique requirements of U.S. military, intelligence community, civil space and industry stakeholders,” noted Denny Brisley, president and chief operating officer for NorthStar Earth & Space Systems.

Stewart Bain, NorthStar CEO and founder, said O’Connell will provide the space-based information company with insights into the federal government’s policy, plans and requirements regarding commercial space activities.

According to his LinkedIn profile, O’Connell is CEO of Space Economy Rising, a company he founded to provide support for space industry members.

Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the NorthStar subsidiary has been offering space situational awareness, space domain and space traffic management services to the U.S. government and industry markets since 2019.