TGCC Chapter Program October 2022
Systems Engineering Validation of Market Demands
Systems engineering is a valuable approach that has been employed to design, build, and verify some of the most complex systems on and off the planet. One of the most critical pillars within systems, is validation. This talk will focus on how organizations are utilizing systems engineering to develop and make businesses profitable through validation of market demands. The low earth orbit economy, and how to support it will be highlighted throughout this talk as a backdrop for a discussion around systems engineering and how it supports new markets.
Presenter - David Zuniga
Mr. Zuniga has over 22 years of experience in engineering, and market development for human spaceflight and the department of defense. Mr. Zuniga has developed system architectures and technology for deep space via the constellation, Orion, and Gateway programs. He’s also helped to evolve strategy around growth for low Earth orbit (LEO) commercialization through the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space where he managed a portfolio of aerospace technology development projects on the International Space Station National Laboratory. As the former general manager for the Danish Aerospace Company’s North American division, Mr. Zuniga has experience in standing up international businesses in the U.S and developing commercial markets around human spaceflight and technology that translates to commercial, terrestrially based businesses.
Mr. Zuniga earned Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and holds a graduate certification in Space Resources from Colorado School of Mines where he studied space policy, economics, and space resource utilization. Mr. Zuniga is Senior Director for In-Space Solutions at Axiom Space and helps to develop strategy and growth around Axiom’s LEO economy. Mr. Zuniga also plays a critical role in the business and technical integration of Axiom’s in-space manufacturing and research capabilities for Axiom Station architecture.