Space Photonics Team
Space Photonics Inc. is led by a seasoned management team with many years of collective experience in business and product development mangement in both large aerospace firms and small companies. Additionally, the team has broad technical expertise in optical networks and telecommunications, specifically for applications in the aerospace industry. Space Photonics currently employs 20 and is managed by President and CEO Chuck Chalfant and CTO Fred Orlando.
Chuck Chalfant, President & Chief Executive Officer
Chuck has been President and CEO of Space Photonics Inc. (SPI) since co-founding the company in 1999 as a spin-off from ONI Systems in San Jose, California. Chuck has led the SPI team in becoming Arkansas’ all-time Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) bread winner with over $7 million in contract awards, most received through the SBIR program. In addition to leading the successful development of an array of optical communications products, he has managed the company to profitability each year since its founding. In Sept. 2005, SPI was awarded a four-year $16 million contract from the Air Force Advanced Spacecraft Technology Program to develop advance laser communications systems for satellites. In early 2007, the company started work on fiber optic components for the International Space Station that will enhance the ISS data networks. The company has not required or sought venture funding or outside financing, and remains privately held by the co-founders and the employees. Due in part to the company’s success, Space Photonics became the first Arkansas company in 2004 to receive Arkansas’ new tax incentive that provides up to 33% in matching tax credits for Federal R&D programs. The company has been awarded the SBA Tibbets Award, given for outstanding SBIR leadership in each state, region, or the nation.
Prior to his work at Space Photonics, Chuck was a founding team member of ONI Systems in San Jose, California in 1997, where he led a photonics packaging and development group that focused on advanced optical communications product development. Prior to ONI Systems, he worked for Optivision Inc. in Palo Alto, California, where he managed advanced technology and product development projects during the company's growth from 20 employees to over 100 in 1997. From 1985 to1992 he worked for Lockheed Missiles & Space Company in Sunnyvale, California, where he was a satellite subsystem and research specialist. Chuck received his BA in Physics from Hendrix College and his MS in Physics from the University of Arkansas.
Fred Orlando, Executive V.P. & CTO
Fred has served as Space Photonic's Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer since co-founding the company in 1999. Fred is a small business entrepreneur and management consultant, a technology consultant for NASA and DoD, and a network development specialist with over 30 years experience in the design and development of aerospace and terrestrial networks. He was a key contributor in the development of Mil-Std-1553, SAE 1773 and IEEE 1393, and the first fiber optic telco link in North America. He began his career with Harris Corporation in 1968 after graduating from Louisiana State University with a BS in Electrical Engineering. During his 16 years at Harris, he served as design engineer, systems engineer and project manger on many aerospace programs. He is also a graduate of the Harris/University of Florida MBA program. In 1985 Fred co-founded Aeronix, Inc., an aerospace electronics R&D company in Melboune, FL, where he served as President until 1990. After growing Aeronix from a four employee startup into a an aerospace electronics design center with yearly revenues over $5M, he founded Orlando & Associates, Inc., a systems engineering and small business consulting firm located in Melbourne, FL, where he serves as President and Chief Technology Officer. Orlando & Associates provides DoD and NASA customers with technical and project management oversight on cutting edge technology development projects. In addition Orlando & Associates has guided numerous small businesses during their crucial startup and angle funding phases. Fred is active supporter of small business development in Central Florida and a co-founder of the angel funding group, The Capital Partners of Brevard.
