Daniel Katz — Founder & Operator
At the intersection of space systems, remote sensing, energy infrastructure, and national security — turning advanced sensing capabilities into real-world platforms, products, and programs.
What I Build
01
Space-enabled monitoring systems for energy, industrial, and critical infrastructure — from satellite mission architecture to operational deployment at enterprise scale.
02
Remote sensing commercialization, mission architecture, and integration of advanced sensing workflows into real operator environments. From payload to product.
03
Commercial and national security applications across Earth observation, industrial monitoring, and strategic sensing infrastructure. Bridging mission requirements and market opportunities.
04
Building scalable businesses around sensing, software, and AI-enabled infrastructure intelligence — from first customer to institutional programs and venture scale.
Background
Two decades at the convergence of space systems, sensing, and critical infrastructure — building from first principles, not consulting from the sidelines.
Led development and commercialization of the GHOSt hyperspectral satellite constellation — from concept to 5 operational satellites (+2 demo missions). Built the company's enterprise and government pipeline across energy infrastructure, environmental intelligence, and national security. Closed fundraising from institutional investors including Temasek and managed strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 energy operators.
Spacequake is an operator platform focused on the convergence of remote sensing, mission systems, AI-enabled operational intelligence, and critical infrastructure. Current work spans infrastructure intelligence, dual-use sensing systems, strategic platform development, and next-generation operational workflows across energy, industrial, and national security applications.
Began career at Space Systems Loral (SSL), subsequently acquired by Maxar Technologies, working across satellite manufacturing, mission operations, and space systems engineering. Built foundational expertise in spacecraft development, orbital mechanics, and the commercial satellite industry.
B.S. Physics, Bucknell University. Graduate studies in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering, Purdue University. Active TS/SCI clearance.
Thesis
The next generation of critical infrastructure runs on space-enabled intelligence.
The shift
Advanced sensing capabilities — hyperspectral, SAR, multispectral, RF — have crossed a threshold. They now generate enough data to power actionable operational intelligence at the scale, frequency, and precision that critical infrastructure operators actually require.
The opportunity
Energy, pipeline, and industrial infrastructure operators face regulatory pressure, aging legacy inspection workflows, and growing environmental exposure. The $100B+ infrastructure intelligence market is ripe for satellite-first displacement.
The platform
The winning position is not a satellite company or a software company — it is an infrastructure intelligence platform that owns the compliance workflow, the data layer, and the operator relationship end-to-end.
Strategic Engagements
Building a next-generation space, sensing, or infrastructure platform? I engage with founders and leadership teams navigating mission architecture, commercialization, strategic transactions, and platform-scale growth across energy, industrial, and dual-use markets.
Start a conversationExploring opportunities in space infrastructure, remote sensing, or infrastructure intelligence? I work selectively with investors and operators evaluating emerging platforms, strategic positioning, and next-generation operational intelligence systems.
Discuss Opportunities