New President Named for Commercial Spaceflight Federation
Dave Cavossa Takes Leadership Role
Dave Cavossa has assumed the role of president of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation. He succeeds outgoing president Karina Drees.
"Today our member companies launch the vast majority of the country’s satellites to space, provide critical space-based services like data relay and Earth observation, and are working to establish a sustainable human presence off the planet."
Dave Cavossa, CSF
Mr. Cavossa is a long-time executive and lobbyist in the space and satellite industries working at the intersection of commercial space, government affairs, and government sales and business development. While he had previously led another space trade association as Executive Director of the Satellite Industry Association (SIA) – Cavossa’s most recent role was U.S. Government lead for Agility Beyond Space – (ABS) a Dubai-based GEO Satellite Operator. Prior to ABS, Cavossa built and sold a small tech startup in the golf industry before returning to the commercial space industry in 2023.
“Dave brings a portfolio of industry leadership and experience to CSF as the industry continues to show incredible growth and diversity in its capabilities,” said Sirisha Bandla, CSF Chair of the Board of Directors.
"Today our member companies launch the vast majority of the country’s satellites to space, provide critical space-based services like data relay and Earth observation, and are working to establish a sustainable human presence off the planet," Cavossa said. "CSF represents the leading launch providers, spaceports, remote sensing, human-spaceflight, and on-orbit companies as well as universities, and research and educational institutions. I am extremely excited to represent the most innovative and growth-oriented sector in the space industry.”
Throughout his 20+ year career in the space and satellite sectors Cavossa has held various government affairs and P&L leadership roles. At SIA he served for six years as Executive Director and Chairman of the Board before leaving to work for one of his member companies. He then served in executive roles with multiple satellite/defense contractors including Harris Corporation, CapRock Government Solutions, and Arrowhead Global Solutions. Cavossa began his career in 2001 at NASA Headquarters in D.C., as an intern, working in the Legislative Affairs and International Relations offices. He was a Space Policy Fellow and holds a M.A. Degree from George Washington University in D.C., and a B.A. Degree in Physics, Astronomy, and Political Science from Wheaton College in Massachusetts.