Rafael has extensive background and career in the space industry spanning from ground communication systems to earth observation applications in global leading companies and institutions. Over the years, he has been working closely on many space projects with agencies around the world including NASA, JAXA, ISRO, Australian Space Agency and number of commercial companies such as Planet, Maxar, IceEye, Capella. He has established RocketLab and created national Centre for Space, Science and Technology Institute in New Zealand and Earth Observation Institute in Australia.
He is an accomplished professor, board member, and consultant, who leads transformational digital change. Lately he has been working extensively in the area of AI/ML and digital innovation utilising innovative technologies to analyse Earth Observation data helping organizations leverage new opportunities through AI analytics helping solving problems in agriculture, forestry, utilities and maritime surveillance.
Rafael has been also playing critical role in developing and shaping Earth Observation strategy in many countries and has been involved in implementation of national earth observation data centres and information management systems for initiatives such as Open Data Cube, Copernicus Data Hub and Digital Earth Australia. He is actively involved in many international EO communities and initiatives to improve humanitarian actions and disaster response.
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