Satcom industry veteran, Walter Berger, to guide strategic initiatives and long-term growth as Meridian advances toward first satellite deployment

SpinLaunch, a pioneer of disruptive space solutions, today announced the appointment of Walter Berger, a senior technology and communications executive with extensive board and operating experience, to its Advisory Board. Berger brings more than 40 years of global leadership across satellite communications, advanced networking, and enterprise technology platforms, with a strong track record of guiding emerging technologies from product validation through scaled market adoption.

As President and Co-CEO of Kymeta Corporation, Berger led the launch of the first commercially successful metamaterial flat-panel satellite antenna and multiple first-to-market products. Under his leadership, Kymeta established itself as a leading provider of electronically steered satellite communications solutions adopted by the Department of Defense, as well as government, enterprise, and maritime customers worldwide. He has also held senior executive roles at AppDynamics (acquired by Cisco), SoftLayer (acquired by IBM), and Leap Wireless (acquired by AT&T), including its subsidiary Cricket Wireless.

“Walter has operated at the intersection of technology, capital, and market execution for decades,” said Massi Ladovaz, CEO of SpinLaunch. “As we continue to scale Meridian, his experience commercializing advanced satellite technologies and guiding strategic growth initiatives will reinforce our execution as we build momentum with customers and partners.”

In addition to his prior operating roles, Berger currently serves as Executive Chairman of AURA Network Systems, a provider of advanced aviation command-and-control communications, and as an advisory board member of Harmoni Towers, an owner and operator of mission-critical communications infrastructure.

“What drew me to SpinLaunch is the opportunity to build a truly differentiated LEO satellite system with sovereign relevance and compelling economics – a unique combination in today’s market,” said Berger. “The pace and rigor with which the team has advanced Meridian speaks volumes about their technical discipline and execution focus, and I’m excited to work with Massi and the team as they move toward initial customer deployments.”

SpinLaunch has recently completed critical antenna and payload testing milestones for the Meridian constellation and is now preparing for its First Customer Link, scheduled to launch aboard SpaceX Transporter-18 in October 2026. The mission will validate end-to-end system performance ahead of initial customer deployments and broader service rollout.

Berger’s appointment builds on SpinLaunch’s recent expansion of its Advisory Board, including the addition of aerospace pioneer and investor Dómhnal Slattery and satellite communications and defense veteran Peter Hadinger. Together, these appointments reflect SpinLaunch’s continued focus on assembling deep expertise across aerospace finance, secure satellite systems, and national-level communications as the company scales the Meridian constellation.

Source: BUSINESS WIRE