Keynote Speakers
Meet the keynote speakers bringing perspectives from autonomous systems, defence, aviation, satellite technologies, robotics and human spaceflight to UTES 2026.
Eight Perspectives. One Symposium.
Across two thematic days, the UTES 2026 keynote speakers will explore technologies and operational challenges spanning autonomous systems on Earth through to navigation, robotics and human activities in space.
Richard Tanner
Richard Tanner is a strategic and operational advisor specializing in maritime autonomy, helping organizations navigate the transition toward autonomous and remotely operated maritime systems while integrating innovation, safety and operational effectiveness.
Lars Forssell
Lars Forssell serves as Program Manager for Loitering Munition at FOI (Swedish Defence Research Agency), contributing expertise in advanced defence technologies, autonomous systems and the evolving role of loitering munitions in future operational environments.
Oscar del Castillo
Oscar del Castillo is an engineer with expertise spanning satellite communications, electricity transmission and space-enabled applications. His work connects space technology with practical terrestrial use cases, with a particular focus on resilient infrastructure, sustainable development and collaboration between technology and industry stakeholders.
Alex Samara
Alex Samara is CCO at BCN Drone Center, one of Europe’s leading UAS testing facilities. His work focuses on the development of the drone and advanced air mobility ecosystem, connecting industry needs with testing, validation and certification capabilities for emerging unmanned aircraft technologies.
Samieh Alissa
Samieh Alissa is Head of Navigation at the Swedish National Space Agency, working with satellite navigation and positioning, navigation and timing (PNT). His work includes European navigation initiatives and programmes such as Galileo, EGNOS, NAVISP and FutureNAV, supporting the development and use of advanced satellite navigation technologies.
Vladimir Pletser
Vladimir Pletser is Director of Space Training Operations at Nautexe Global and an internationally recognized expert in human spaceflight, astronaut training and microgravity research. His work spans space mission preparation, operational training and the advancement of human activities in space.
Shivesh Kumar
Shivesh Kumar is an Assistant Professor at Chalmers University of Technology specializing in robot dynamics, control and intelligent mobility. His research on advanced robotics and autonomous systems contributes to technologies relevant to challenging environments, including future space exploration.
Jeevan Perera
Dr. Jeevan Perera is a NASA Senior Engineer and Manager with more than 40 years of experience supporting human spaceflight, including the International Space Station, Space Shuttle and Orion programmes. He has contributed to numerous flight software systems, pioneered NASA’s risk management framework and currently leads advanced robotics development. He holds doctorates in engineering and law, is a licensed attorney, certified pilot, award-winning leader, speaker and author.
Explore the Full Program
See how the keynote presentations connect with the wider UTES 2026 sessions covering autonomous technologies across Earth and space.