Xavier Lobao

Xavier Lobao accumulates more than 35 years of professional experience in the space sector, primarily in satellite telecommunications. He joined the European Space Agency (ESA) in the year 2000 and has held since a number of different roles in the Telecommunications Department. Since 2012 he is the Head of the Future Projects Division, with responsibility over the setting up of new projects and initiatives in the telecommunication domain. In his position he overlooks trends in the telecommunication and satellite sector and tries to define the best supporting programmes to enhance industry’s competitiveness in the global market, mainly through Public-Private Partnerships. The role of satellite in 5G and 6G, Megaconstellations and communications on the Moon are areas of strong focus currently, together with technological trends such as Optical communications, Quantum key distribution and optimisation in the usage of RF Spectrum for space systems. Since February 2023 he is acting Head of Strategy for the Directorate. He graduated from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) as a Telecommunication Engineer (MSc), attended the International Space University (ISU) Summer Session Programme and holds a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM).