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We foster trust, cooperation and independent dialogue'

Between global leaders

science
tech
business
arts
politics
space

Building a cooperative future in space

An independent, non-profit foundation gathering global leaders who are shaping the future of space.

Mission

We foster trust, cooperation and independent dialogue between global leaders in tech, science, business, politics and the arts who want to positively impact space.

Activities
Community
Story
Activities
Community
Story
01

Activities

15 outstanding leaders are selected annually to participate in the Karman Fellowship, during which they strengthen their mutual relations, meet with distinguished leaders and shape common agendas to positively impact space.

02

Community

In an effort to create a wholly independent forum for strategic discussion about the future of space, the Karman Project gathers members as passionate individuals and operates under the Chatham House Rule. Karman Fellows interact with a diverse, global and multidisciplinary network of decision-makers to amplify their impact.

03

Story

Founded by an international group of space professionals in Berlin, Germany in 2019, the Karman Project was born of a desire to bolster independent, courageous and cooperative dialogue in space, building trust between those who are shaping the future of the sector.

Space is an inherently international endeavour, and one that requires the commitment and cooperation of people at an individual, as well as an organisational, level

The Karman Project

Board of Directors

Jean-Jacques Dordain

FORMER DIRECTOR-GENERAL
EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY

Mr Jean-Jacques Dordain was Director General of the European Space Agency between 2003 and 2015. He has additionally held honorary functions as Vice President of the International Astronautical Federation and Chancellor of the International Space University.

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Fu Kun

MANAGING DIRECTOR
China Academy of Sciences Capital Management

Mr. Fu Kun, born in Shanghai in 1980, Managing Director of CAS (Chinese Academy of Science) Capital Management Co. Ltd.

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William H. Gerstenmaier

VICE PRESIDENT OF MISSION ASSURANCE
SpaceX

William H. Gerstenmaier served as Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations between 2005 and July 10, 2019 at NASA’s headquarters in Washington and a special advisor to NASA's deputy administrator during July - December, 2019. Prior to being Associate Administrator, Gerstenmaier served as the International Space Station Office Program Manager, at Johnson Space Center, a position he began in June 2002. In February of 2020 Gerstenmaier joined SpaceX where he currently serves as Vice President of Mission Assurance. 

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Karen Hitschke

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
WHO Foundation

Karen Hitschke is the Chief Operating Officer at the WHO Foundation, an independent grant-making organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland that identifies and funds catalytic initiatives to improve world health. She was previously the Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer Funds at Yunus Social Business (YSB) Global Initiatives, where she still serves as a Board Member.

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Hélène Huby

CHAIR
KARMAN PROJECT

Hélène is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, which aims to democratize space exploration. Before launching The Exploration Company, Hélène served for a number of years as VP Orion European Service Module at Airbus Defence and Space. Previously within Airbus, Helene held the position of Head of Innovation where she grew a portfolio of 20+ new profitable businesses.

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Artur Koop

TREASURER
KARMAN PROJECT

Artur is the COO of The Exploration Company, and previously served as the Propulsion Subsystem Lead of the Orion European Service Module at Airbus Defence and Space. Artur has held several thermal and propulsion engineering positions throughout his career.

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Noor Sweid

GENERAL PARTNER
Global Ventures

Noor Sweid is the founder of Global Ventures, a Dubai-based, growth-stage venture capital firm focusing on investing in emerging markets.

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Team

In her role at the Karman Project, Hannah works to build trusted relationships among a highly diverse cohort of global space leaders. Additionally, Hannah leads the community development and strategic partnerships for The Exploration Company.

Hannah Ashford

DIRECTOR, FELLOWSHIP & COMMUNITY
KARMAN PROJECT

Artur is the COO of The Exploration Company, and previously served as the Propulsion Subsystem Lead of the Orion European Service Module at Airbus Defence and Space. Artur has held several thermal and propulsion engineering positions throughout his career.

Artur Koop

TREASURER
KARMAN PROJECT

Ke oversees the operational and funding activities of the Karman Project, whilst managing various relationships with trusted partners. Alongside this, Ke is the CEO of Disrupt Space, a platform which provides business cooperation opportunities for commercial space companies globally.

Ke Wang

DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS & GROWTH
KARMAN PROJECT

Oyku is working to develop the fundraising strategy of the Karman Project to spread the impact of its activities. Moreover, she is finding new ways to tell the inspirational stories of Fellows and the foundation.

Öykü Gürsu

FUNDRAISING & CONTENT MANAGER
KARMAN PROJECT

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