On August 13, 2026, Los Angeles-based space systems developer Fortastra Corporation announced the appointment of Dr. Scott Klempner as Director of Product, National Security.
Klempner, a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force and U.S. Space Force who previously served as an executive at Space Systems Command, will oversee product strategy, mission modeling, and technical requirements for Fortastra’s defense portfolio.
The hiring strengthens the company’s technical links to defense acquisition authorities as it scales its autonomous and maneuverable spacecraft platforms.
Corporate Heritage and Dynamic Space Operations
Founded in 2025, Fortastra designs intelligent spacecraft architectures capable of autonomous maneuvering and in-orbit defense to protect critical space assets. The appointment follows Fortastra’s previous expansion of its executive team, reported by SatNews when the company appointed aerospace and defense industry veterans to drive its national security mission.
Fortastra’s hardware focus aligns directly with U.S. Space Force operational requirements for Dynamic Space Operations (DSO), which prioritizes maneuverable satellite platforms that can respond to orbital threats rather than remaining in static, vulnerable trajectories.
“Building the systems our warfighters depend on to protect critical assets in orbit demands leaders who understand both the acquisition system and the mission from the inside,” stated Mike Smayda, Chief Executive Officer of Fortastra. “Scott has spent his career fielding some of the nation’s most complex space capabilities and translating warfighter needs into reality. His experience will help ensure Fortastra’s solutions are built to meet our national security customers.”
Technical Integration and Acquisition Strategy
In his new role, Klempner will serve as the primary interface between mission modeling teams, warfighting acquisition stakeholders, and Fortastra’s software and hardware engineering divisions. His priorities include shaping the company’s product roadmap to accelerate the prototyping, acquisition, and operational deployment of Fortastra’s autonomous spacecraft across Department of Defense space architectures.
