About David Barnhart

David Barnhart is a visionary entrepreneur and board member dedicated to pushing the boundaries of space exploration. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Arkisys, David leads the charge in building next-generation technology to propel businesses into space. Under his leadership, Arkisys develops reusable space platforms and vessels, revolutionizing the industry by enabling low-cost lease-based services for new innovations, inventions, communications, and creative assemblies in space. With a relentless drive for constant change and disruptive ideation, David’s passion for creation serves as a driving force in his mission to advance space capabilities.

Beyond his role at Arkisys, David’s influence extends to academia as the Director of the USC Space Engineering Research Center. Here, he channels his passion for disruptive innovation into conceiving and developing cutting-edge space projects. His vision encompasses scalable on-orbit systems that address global challenges such as power, weather monitoring, and ecological sustainability. David’s technical expertise spans various areas, including the creation of manufacturing modules, on-orbit aggregation technologies, and self-reconfigurable systems. His commitment to democratizing space design and exploration is evident in his advocacy for tablet-based tools that empower individuals to build spacecraft in orbit.

Outside of the professional realm, David finds solace and inspiration in sailing the “Millennium Voyager” with his family. These adventures not only provide an escape but also fuel his imagination for new discoveries and experiences. As a passionate disruptor and serial company founder in space technologies, David Barnhart shares a profound commitment to pioneering breakthrough innovations in space. His multifaceted roles as an entrepreneur, board member, and sailing enthusiast underscore his relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of space exploration and shaping a future where space is more accessible and innovative than ever before.