Fortastra names Scott Klempner as director of product for national security

By Atlas Watchline Staff · Corporate · August 13, 2026

Fortastra said it appointed Scott Klempner, a former Space Systems Command executive and Space Force veteran, to lead national security product strategy as it expands its spacecraft and autonomy work.

Fortastra said on Aug. 13, 2026, that it appointed Scott Klempner as director of product, national security, as the Torrance, California, company expands work on maneuverable spacecraft and autonomy systems for government and commercial customers.

The company said the role is meant to deepen its connection to the national security space community. Fortastra said Klempner will work with engineers, warfighters, acquisition stakeholders, Department of War customers, the defense industrial base and other partners as it builds product roadmaps and seeks to speed acquisition, prototyping and fielding.

Fortastra, which describes itself as a developer of advanced space systems for national security and commercial missions, said Klempner will also help bridge mission modeling and technical requirements generation. The company said his work will span autonomy and hardware.

The appointment comes as Fortastra seeks to position its spacecraft and autonomy capabilities for wider use across government programs. The company says it designs and operates maneuverable spacecraft for on-orbit security and uses modern engineering practices, high-rate spacecraft manufacturing and advanced autonomy to protect space infrastructure and support the United States and its allies.

In a statement included in the announcement, CEO Mike Smayda said the company needs leaders who understand both the acquisition system and the mission from the inside. He said Klempner spent his career fielding complex space capabilities and translating warfighter needs into reality.

Fortastra said Klempner brings more than two decades of space acquisition and operational leadership experience from the Air Force and Space Force. The company said he retired as a colonel and most recently served as deputy program executive officer for Space Combat Power at Space Systems Command at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California.

According to the release, he guided a portfolio valued at more than $90 billion across more than 30 programs, including orbital warfare, electronic warfare, space domain awareness, ballistic missile defense and cyber operations. Fortastra also said he previously served as deputy director for the National Reconnaissance Office’s Survivability Assurance Office.

Sources

• Fortastra announcement via PR Newswire

Editorial note: This article was prepared with AI assistance and includes source attribution for reader review.

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