ABOUT US
AURORA PROPULSION TECHNOLOGIES WAS FOUNDED IN 2018. IN EARLY 2019 WE JOINED EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY BUSINESS INCUBATOR CENTRE PROGRAMME (ESA BIC FINLAND) IN OTANIEMI.
- Business management: track record in international business development, funding, research
- Operational R&D: research, mass production and standardization, official industry processes, Software development, data security
- SpaceTech & Micromechanics: Rocket engines, Plasma physics, Instrumentation, Micromechanics & space technology
Aurora has a track record of fast turnaround times and continuous improvement of product design
A target of delivering our first thruster sample for a satellite was achieved on 2019-Q4, with flight ready thruster delivery completed in early 2020. Our own spacecraft, AuroraSat-1, was completed 2020-Q3 and is launching in 2022-Q2.
Aurora has a ambition to become a significant propulsion and deorbiting partner for space companies
Our aims for the future include further scaling of our operations, in terms of production quantities and development of upcoming products and increasing our sales and customer base.
LEADERS
ROOPE TAKALA
CEO
Roope is a MSc. Mechanical engineering/mechatronics. He has over 20 year of experience in large project and program leadership in technology and his latest work was to kick-start the Nokia space program. He is also a seasoned business developer and strategist. He has founded 4 companies with three exits in addition to which he has worked with close to 50 start-ups as an advisor, or board member. Roope’s prior work includes roles in leading a large (+100 pers) research team in Nokia Research Center, Visiting Fellow at MIT, Mechanical design and simulations for CERN LHC magnets. Roope is a co-author/editor of two books, numerous scientific papers and holder of 9 patents.
PERTTU YLI-OPAS
CTO
Perttu’s background is in applied mathematics and high-performance software. He also has experience from working at Aalto Propulsion and Bell Labs. Perttu is a mathematician with a knack for building. He has experimented with micro propulsion systems and is one of the most experienced rocket propulsion experts in Finland. Perttu’s SW and algorithms are the backbone of Aurora Propulsion Technologies SW offering. He also has one granted patent, and two more pending. He has published four papers from the fields of propulsion and artificial intelligence.
TIMO MUSTONEN
CFO
Timo is a MSc (Economics) in Management Accounting and Business Management. He has almost 20 years working experience from Nokia in Finance, Sales, Marketing, Supply chain, GTM, Project and Parthnerhip management, and Product, Process, Strategy and Business development. He has also several years experience in working as Project manager and Coach at AppCampus that was the biggest mobile accelerator in the world. Timo has recognized skills in Coaching, Change management, Execution of strategies, Building of relationships, Building of new businesses, Leading of cross-functional teams and Collaboration with customers & partners.
JANNE SIEVINEN
R&D Engineering Director
Janne is an experienced manager having a background of 17 years in medical devices industry and later in various start-up companies. He has profound practical experience in the leadership and management of complex safety critical projects under strictly regulated environment.
ANNINA KASVI
Office Manager
Management assistant, enabler of the success of others. Experienced in project management, leadership, customer service and managing operations.
SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
BANU TURKMEN
Head of Business Development of Products
As head of product development, Banu is your go-to person in product related questions, wishes and procurement processes.
JOHANNES PEACE
Head of Business Development of Technology
As head of technology development, Johannes is your go-to person in mission planning and implementation of technical solutions.
PASI KAITILA
Head of Business Development of Services
As head of services development, Pasi is your go-to person in deorbiting and consulting related matters.
THE TEAM BEHIND THE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
BOARD MEMBERS
STEFAN WIDOMSKI
Investor and Advisor
Chairman of the Board at Nova Business Consulting Ltd.
PEKKA JANHUNEN
PhD, Inventor and Space physicist
Space physicist working at Finnish Meteorological Institute, inventor and leading expert of E-sail and plasma brake propulsion.
DONATAS KERAS
Investor and entrepreneur, founding partner at Practica Capital
Large experience in investment and board positions providing business focus and start up acceleration.