Payload Pioneers 2023: Sergio Gallucci
Payload Space announced its first Payload Pioneers cohort, including Sergio Gallucci.
As seen on Payload Space. Full list of 2023 Payload Pioneers here.
The Payload Pioneers initiative set out to recognize 30 individuals under the age of 30 who are making significant contributions to the space industry. The response was overwhelming, with over 130 nominations received. After careful consideration, the winners have been selected, and they represent the future of the space community.
To ensure a fair selection process, each winner received at least one nomination, and self-nominations were not allowed. The nominations, along with additional information provided by the top 60 candidates, were carefully evaluated by a panel of judges. The esteemed panel consisted of industry leaders such as Rob Meyerson, founder and CEO of Delalune Space, Kim Crider, founding partner of Elara Nova and the Space Force’s first chief technology and innovation officer, and Justin Johnson, head of strategy at Metrea and a former DoD space official.
Payload provides the following profile for Sergio:
In 2017, a satellite Sergio Gallucci had worked on failed in orbit. Without real-time tracking and assessment tools, he never understood what went wrong.
To ensure others don’t face the same fate, the 28-year-old cofounded and is CTO of SCOUT Space, a tech solutions company to enable mission risk reduction.
“I thrive in an environment of uncertainty, and always work to quantify our limits,” Gallucci said. “My team is guided toward solutions by critical paths which are defined by a solid technical core, cast out across a number of disciplines, and a philosophy of pragmatism.”
90 miles: One of Galluci’s priorities is making sure space is developed sustainably, noting that a mess in space could quickly affect Earth despite seeming far away.
“I make a habit of connecting the growth in space activities to growth in traffic on Earth, with the potential ramifications of mismanaging them. Space is only 90 miles away, which is close enough to affect us fundamentally if it is not overseen effectively,” he said.
Gallucci’s commitment to the space community shines brightest in his advocacy for diversity and unique insights. He brings a fresh perspective to his teams and seeks different insight from others. He advocates for programs like the Zed Factor Fellowship, bringing on interns from diverse backgrounds. Gallucci also dedicates time to mentoring, from students to seasoned professionals, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive future for the space domain.