Robert Bassham

VP Satellite & Ground Operations

Robert joined AST SpaceMobile in 2021, bringing 30+ years of experience in satellite operations, business development, program management, and systems engineering. Robert manages a team of engineers responsible for developing and operating the satellite constellation, including the Satellite Operations Centers (SOCs), Payload Operations Center (POC), Network Operations Center (NOC), and Launch Operations. His team ensures safe and successful operations from integration with launch providers, to launches and on-orbit command and control.

Previously, Robert co-founded Qwaltec, a successful business enterprise specializing in space system ground operations and engineering for commercial and civil programs including OneWeb and NRO satellite programs. Robert began his career at NASA Johnson Space Center Mission Operations Directorate, training astronauts and flight controllers to operate Space Shuttle payloads. He later worked for Scitor Corporation, managing an engineering organization responsible for training, mission readiness, and integration and testing for IRIDIUM and classified national programs.

Robert holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of South Alabama and an M.S. in Finance from the University of Houston.