Cross-disciplinary research. Deployment-focused engineering.

A propulsion systems innovator, Dr. Taploo is the architect behind JivaJet’s Adaptive Hypersonic Air-Breathing Plasma Thruster (HyABPT). 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 HyABPT — a breakthrough propulsion system enabling sustained satellite operation in Very Low Earth Orbit. His innovation inspired DARPA’s Charge Harmony program and has been recognized with multiple awards and patents.

Dr. Soni is a Founder and Chief Scientific Officer at JivaJet, bringing rigorous scientific research leadership and a bridge between fundamental plasma science and real-world application.

He holds a Ph.D. and a master’s in biochemistry, cellular, and molecular biology, with interdisciplinary research experience spanning plasma science and astrobiology, and prior work at leading national research institutions.

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 — translating complex technologies into deployable, scalable solutions in high-consequence environments.

A globally recognized expert in plasma science, Dr. Keidar holds over 30 patents and has published extensively on electric propulsion. His breakthroughs in air-breathing plasma thrusters form the backbone of JivaJet’s propulsion technology. He continues to advise JivaJet’s R&D roadmap while leading academic research at GWU.

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 — advancing the company’s proprietary propulsion architectures, including hybrid and air-breathing plasma systems designed for sustained operation in previously inaccessible orbital regimes.

Dr. Roger M. Myers brings deep technical, programmatic, and strategic experience across advanced space propulsion, power systems, spacecraft integration, and in-space mission architecture. Over a career spanning more than 35 years, he has supported the development, production, and strategic planning of propulsion and power systems for NASA, DoD, and commercial space missions.

He held executive leadership roles at Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Redmond Operations from 1996 to 2016, and earlier led advanced propulsion R&D at NASA Glenn Research Center. His experience across electric, chemical, and nuclear propulsion provides JivaJet high-value guidance as the company advances plasma propulsion for Ultra-VLEO, defense, and next-generation in-space mobility.

Dr. Melissa Patton serves as an advisor to JivaJet, bringing more than 20 years of experience in strategic operations, organizational development, product innovation, startup growth, workforce development, and change management. She has led early-stage ventures and high-growth initiatives across technology, STEM, education, and healthcare, with experience in product strategy, operational transformation, M&A, funding support, team development, and scalable business systems.

A former dean, chief academic officer, tenured faculty member, startup founder, and fractional COO, Dr. Patton has built and scaled multidisciplinary teams, developed new products and programs, and guided organizations through complex periods of growth. Her experience provides JivaJet with valuable guidance in organizational scaling, business operations, workforce strategy, partnerships, fundraising readiness, and the transition from advanced propulsion development to spacecraft platforms and commercial mission services.

Philip Harlow brings over two decades of leadership across satellite communications, defense, and space infrastructure. At JivaJet, he leads the strategic development and execution of space programs, guiding the transition of advanced propulsion technologies from research to operational deployment — aligning JivaJet’s innovations with real-world mission requirements including resilient communications, maneuverability in contested orbital environments, and next-generation space infrastructure.

Prior to JivaJet, Philip served as President of Telesat Government Solutions, leading U.S. government strategy and engagement with the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and allied partners, along with executive roles across major satellite operators and defense contractors.

Barry Tilton is an accomplished technology leader with over 35 years of experience in aerospace systems, geospatial intelligence, and engineering management (Ex-MAXAR, NRO, NGA). He currently serves as President of IEEE-USA (2026), providing leadership on technology policy, innovation advocacy, and professional development for engineers across the United States.

With deep expertise across space systems, geospatial intelligence, ISR architectures, and multi-INT integration, his career spans senior roles supporting the National Reconnaissance Office, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and U.S. Air Force. At JivaJet he advises leadership on long-term strategy, government engagement, and the integration of advanced space technologies into national security and commercial architectures.

Jake Spinelli works hands-on across plasma propulsion hardware for air-breathing and MPD thrusters. His work spans mechanical design, materials selection, manufacturing, vacuum testing, and experimental validation — translating plasma concepts into flight-relevant and application-ready hardware.

Guru S. Duppada is a propulsion scientist at JivaJet, contributing to the research and development of the company’s plasma propulsion platforms across air-breathing and metal-propellant electric propulsion systems.

Bogdan Bunea works to expand JivaJet’s capabilities in the space division, including the creation of a satellite ground station giving JivaJet greater control over its information pipeline. His work spans systems design (MBSE), RF systems, programming for real-time operating systems, and regulatory and administrative liaison work.