Co Founder & Chair of Scientific Advisory Board
A globally recognized expert in plasma science, Dr. Keidar holds over 30 patents and has published extensively on both electric propulsion and biomedical plasma applications. His breakthroughs in air-breathing plasma thrusters and cold atmospheric plasma have formed the backbone of JivaJet’s dual-use model. He continues to advise JivaJet’s R&D roadmap while leading academic research at GWU. Dr. Michael Keidar serves as Chief Scientific Advisor at JivaJet, where he leads the company’s scientific vision and advancement of next-generation plasma technologies across both space propulsion and biomedical applications.
At JivaJet, Dr. Keidar provides scientific leadership across the full lifecycle of innovation, from foundational research and modeling to experimental validation and system-level integration. He plays a critical role in advancing the company’s proprietary propulsion architectures, including hybrid and air-breathing plasma systems designed to enable sustained operations in previously inaccessible orbital regimes.
Dr. Anmol Taploo
Co Founder & Chief Technology Officer
A propulsion systems innovator, Dr. Taploo is the architect behind JivaJet’s Self-Neutralizing Air-Breathing Plasma Thruster (SABPT). His work focuses on extending satellite mission life in VLEO, designing propulsion systems that adapt to atmospheric drag and require no onboard propellant — a leap forward in sustainable space mobility. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, during which he invented the Self-Neutralizing Air-Breathing Plasma Thruster (SABPT)—a breakthrough propulsion system enabling sustained satellite operation in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). His innovation inspired DARPA’s Charge Harmony program and has been recognized with multiple awards and patents.
Dr. Vikas Soni
Founder, Chief Scientific Officer
With a specialization in cold atmospheric plasma for therapeutic use, Dr. Soni bridges fundamental science with real-world clinical application. He leads JIVAMED’s device design and biological validation efforts, working toward FDA approvals and animal trials for non-invasive treatments of skin infections and wound care. He holds a PhD in plasma medicine and a master’s in biochemistry, cellular, and molecular biology. His interdisciplinary research focuses on the development of Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) technologies for the non-invasive treatment of cancer, viral infections, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. His research interests span plasma medicine, cancer biology, space medicine, and astrobiology. Dr. Soni has extensive experience in cancer research and has worked at both the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Philip Harlow
Chief, Space Programs
Philip Harlow serves as Chief of Space Programs at JivaJet, bringing over two decades of leadership across satellite communications, defense, and space infrastructure. Philip is a seasoned executive with deep experience delivering mission-critical capabilities to U.S. government, defense, and allied customers. At JivaJet, Philip leads the strategic development and execution of space programs, guiding the transition of advanced propulsion technologies from research to operational deployment. He plays a central role in aligning JivaJet’s innovations with real-world mission requirements, including resilient communications architectures, maneuverability in contested orbital environments, and next-generation space infrastructure.
Prior to joining JivaJet, Philip held senior leadership roles across the satellite and defense ecosystem, including serving as President of Telesat Government Solutions, where he led the company’s U.S. government strategy and engagement with the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and allied partners. His career also includes executive leadership roles at major satellite operators and defense contractors, where he was responsible for delivering secure communications solutions and driving large-scale program capture and execution.
Shashank Kaul
Chief Executive Officer
Shashank Kaul is a deep technology entrepreneur and systems architect with a strong foundation in public sector innovation and mission enablement. A Cisco veteran with a degree in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from the College of Engineering Roorkee, he has led large scale modernization initiatives across United States federal agencies, combining engineering precision with operational execution.
A former Chair of the IEEE Computer Society DC NOVA Chapter and a member of the Forbes Technology Council, Shashank brings recognized leadership and a proven track record in secure communications and mission critical systems. His career has been defined by the ability to translate complex technologies into deployable, scalable solutions in high consequence environments.
Shashank co founded JivaJet to advance a new class of plasma technologies that operate across both aerospace and life sciences. Under his leadership, the company is developing air breathing electric propulsion systems to enable sustained operations in ultra low Earth orbit, alongside cold atmospheric plasma platforms being explored for targeted biological applications. This dual use approach reflects a broader vision to unlock new operational domains and redefine what is possible at the intersection of physics, engineering, and real world impact.
Barry Tilton
Chief Strategy Officer
Barry Tilton is an accomplished technology leader with over 35 years of experience in aerospace systems, geospatial intelligence, and engineering management. He currently serves as President of IEEE-USA (2026), where he provides leadership on technology policy, innovation advocacy, and professional development for engineers across the United States. With more than three decades of experience across the U.S. intelligence community, defense, and commercial space sector, Barry brings deep expertise in space systems, geospatial intelligence, ISR architectures, and multi-INT integration. His career spans senior leadership roles supporting the National Reconnaissance Office, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, U.S. Air Force, and leading commercial space firms, where he helped translate cutting-edge research into operational capability.
Barry Tilton advises the company’s leadership on long-term strategy, government engagement, and the integration of advanced space technologies into national security and commercial architectures.
Jake Spinelli
Aerospace Design Engineer
Jake Spinelli is an Aerospace Design Engineer at JivaJet, working hands-on across plasma propulsion hardware for air-breathing and MPD thrusters, as well as cold atmospheric plasma devices. His work spans mechanical design, materials selection, manufacturing, vacuum testing, and experimental validation, translating plasma concepts into flight-relevant and application-ready hardware.