Belen Andres, PhD

Belen Andres, PhD has a diverse range of work experience in the space sector. Belen served as the Director of Business Development Europe at Kepler Communications Inc. starting in 2023. Prior to that, they founded Teraqua Space in 2017, where they worked as a Senior Consultant. Their role included global business development, strategy in the space sector, radio spectrum management, product development, and consultancy support for launch vehicles and satellite systems. Belen also worked as an Instructor at Global Underwater Explorers and as an Independent Expert Evaluator at the European Commission.

In addition, Belen served as the Director of Global Sales Engineering at RBC Signals from 2018 to 2023. Their responsibilities included product development, market research, mission communications analysis, and consultancy support for communication systems in space. Belen also worked as the Head of Systems Engineering and Avionics at PLD Space from 2019 to 2021.

Earlier in their career, Belen worked as a Lead RF Engineer at Rocket Lab USA from 2015 to 2017, where they focused on communication systems for the Orbital program and the on-board devices of the Electron launch vehicle. Belen was also a Satellite Radiofrequency and Communications Engineer at Elecnor-Deimos Satellite Systems from 2011 to 2014, where they managed ground stations for the Deimos-2 mission and was in charge of communication systems for the satellite.

Belen started their career as a Research Fellow at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid in 2008. Belen also completed their PhD in Electrical Engineering at Carlos III University of Madrid, specializing in enhancing radiated power in the Terahertz Band and simulating the human eye. Belen graduated with honors for their research.

Belen Andres, PhD, has a strong educational background in electrical, electronics, and communications engineering. Belen obtained their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Antenna and RF Engineering from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, completing their studies between 2011 and 2013. Prior to their PhD, Belen obtained a Master of Science (MsC) degree in Telecommunication from the same university, studying from 2003 to 2008.

In addition to their formal education, Belen has pursued further certifications to enhance their skills and knowledge. Belen completed the World Radio Seminar in 2022 at the International Telecommunication Union. In 2020, they obtained certifications in Business Modelling for Innovators from Go To Space Hubs, European Space Agency, and in Innovation, from plan to product from QUT (Queensland University of Technology). Belen also holds the STK Master Certified and STK Systems Tool kit certifications from AGI technologies, earned in 2015 and 2014 respectively.

Outside of their academic pursuits, Belen has participated in non-degree programs and obtained certifications in diving. Belen is a certified Cave diver from UTD Unified Team Diving and holds the Tech diver 2 certification, specializing in technical diving and the marine environment.