Dave Ryan. Image credit: Northrop Grumman

Viasat has appointed Dave Ryan to lead its space systems business, effective immediately. Ryan will provide strategic guidance and oversight for the satellite system design, fabrication, test and operations of Viasat’s global satellite constellation roadmap. In addition to leading overall spacecraft development, Ryan will also lead the teams focused on satellite and launch system procurement and partnerships.

Dave Ryan joined Viasat in 2016. He brought a wealth of experience leading programs, teams and businesses in the space systems industry, having served as president of Boeing Satellite Systems International and having held similar senior-level roles at Northrop Grumman.

Ryan will oversee teams based in both Carlsbad, California, as well as Tempe, Arizona. The Arizona facility includes Viasat’s clean room high bay, which is used for state-of-the-art satellite payload assembly and test.

“Dave’s proven career success will help drive Viasat’s satellite system development and production efforts — which is critical as Viasat breaks further away from traditional satellite methods to bring high-quality, satellite-based internet directly to more people, more geographies and more markets,” said Rick Baldridge, president and chief operating officer at Viasat.