Satellite technology company Skytek hires new head of space activities from Airbus

Irish space company  Skytek has hired a new head of space activities to support its provision of satellite-related services to clients including those in the insurance industry.

New hire Rita Malosti is the former Airbus defence and space intelligence head of satellite and ground segment operations.

At Skytek, Malosti will be responsible for expanding the company’s space operations, specifically in the area of earth observation, climate change and data analytics.

Malosti said, “With existing high profile strategic partnerships with the likes of Aon, and with a highly innovative culture, Skytek’s technology is making a major contribution to answering very down to earth questions, delivering solutions of direct relevance to humanity and everyday life.”

“When people think of satellite technology, they mainly consider telecommunication or images on Google Maps, but it’s not just about that,” she said. “Earth observation and satellite imagery is used for an increasingly wide range of innovative applications, from marine pollution analysis to supporting emergency responses – It is all about the information in the data,” she said.

Based in Dublin and with operations in Belfast, Oxford and Bermuda, Skytek’s products are used in various industries, including insurance and emergency services, as well as on the International Space Station.

Skytek’s chief executive officer, Dr Sarah Bourke, added, “Rita is a fantastic addition to our growing talented team. As a leading expert in the field, the appointment of our head of space demonstrates Skytek’s intent in cementing our position as the number one for innovative tech applications both in space and on the ground. Rita’s experience, passion and personality will allow us to accelerate the next phase of business growth.

Skytek is a strong supporter of women in technology and is active in promoting awareness among young girls. Malosti is a passionate advocate of STEM careers for young women. “We all know about the astronauts on the International Space Station, but there are so many fabulous careers in the space sector, in engineering, research and even on the business side,” she said.

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