Bulent Altan

Bulent Altan is a Turkish-American aerospace executive, engineer, and venture capitalist whose career is closely associated with the NewSpace sector. Altan has contributed to the evolution of the commercial space industry, from early rocket development to advancements in satellite communications and space investment. He began his career as one of the first employees at SpaceX, following his graduation from Stanford University and earlier studies at the Technical University of Munich.

At SpaceX, Altan played a key role in expanding the avionics department from seven to more than 200 employees, serving as vice president responsible for the avionics of the Falcon rockets and the Dragon capsule. The avionics department assembles the electrical and communication systems, often referred to as the brains of the rocket. Altan's work is referenced in Walter Isaacson's biography "Elon Musk," which details how he and his team repaired a damaged rocket in five days, contributing to Falcon 1's successful orbital launch. Altan later returned to SpaceX as vice president of satellite mission assurance for the Starlink satellite constellation.

Between his two periods at SpaceX, Altan focused on developing the European aerospace ecosystem. He co-founded initiatives in the European aerospace industry, served as a partner and mentor at the Munich industrial startup accelerator TechFounders, and was head of digital transformation and innovation at Airbus Defence and Space. After his return to SpaceX, Altan led Mynaric, a free-space optical communications company, as CEO. Mynaric specializes in laser communication technology, enabling high-speed and secure wireless data transmission between aircraft, drones, and satellites.

Altan is a founding partner of Alpine Space Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in early-stage space sector companies. He manages an investment fund of approximately $184 million, raised from institutions, family offices, and private investors. Altan was an early investor in Isar Aerospace and serves as chairman of the board in addition to his role at Alpine Space Ventures. The firm has received support from major institutions, including the NATO Innovation Fund.

Altan's experience as an engineer, executive, startup CEO, and venture capitalist positions him as a recognized voice in the global space industry. He has spoken at forums such as the Milken Institute Global Conference and SXSW London, addressing topics including space commercialization, European technological sovereignty, and the NewSpace economy. The Alpine Space Ventures team is known for its track record in developing teams, products, and companies that have contributed to the transformation of the space industry.