Simon Gwozdz

Founder & CEO, Equatorial Space Systems

Simon's obsession with rocketry dates back to his childhood, and Ron Howard's Apollo 13 which he seen 'more times than he can remember.' After migrating to Singapore, he found himself in a bit of a pickle - none of the traditional solid fuels used in rockets were available - they are, after all, explosives. Without the resources to seek time-consuming and costly police and fire licensing, Simon decided to turn his sights elsewhere. Years later, while at university, Simon didn't quite give up on his space dreams. He joined Singapore's Space & Technology Association as a volunteer, and started to build up his network in the industry. At the same time, he started to study fundamentals of orbital mechanics and modern propulsion systems, and discovered the concept of hybrid propulsion - using non-explosive solid fuel and easily available liquid oxidisers. The idea for Equatorial Space Systems was born, and Simon was able to leverage his past connections in roping in senior engineering staff, including CTO, Jamie Anderson from Australia to develop next-generation space launch vehicles - bringing core technical expertise into the fold. Equatorial Space Systems aims to revolutionise space launch operations with a launcher safer, simpler and more affordable than incumbents, by using the company’s proprietary hybrid propulsion technology. The company’s inaugural suborbital launch of the Dorado sounding rocket is slated for the first half of 2021.