Dr Helmut Kessler, CEO of Manx Precision Optics Ltd, is the next speaker in a series of lunchtime talks organised by the Island branch of the Society of Satellite Professionals International.

Dr Kessler spent 17 years with CVI Technical Optics before founding MPO in 2013.

His talk takes place at 1.00pm on Monday, September 21 at The Embassy Room, British Hotel, North Quay, Douglas. The event is open to the public, with free entry for SSPI IOM members and ?5 for non-members.

A graduate of the first class of the ISU Executive MBA Program, Dr. Kessler is a Member of the Board of Trustees of the International Space University in Strasbourg, and of the International Institute of Space Commerce.

Chris Stott, CEO of ManSat and Chairman of the global Society of Satellite Professionals International, said: ‘Dr Kessler’s optics are flying in space, surveying Mars, and more. He has considerable experience, not only in optics, but also as an entrepreneur and businessman.

‘We are honoured that he has kindly agreed to join us to speak about winning business in the space and manufacturing arenas.’

Mr Kessler said: ‘I look very forward to addressing the IOM Branch of the SSPI. Having a Branch of SSPI on the Island and SSPI having a Manx Chairman demonstrates once more the Isle of Man’s growing importance in the space industry. Manufacturing for space is an exciting topic and in many ways different from “terrestrial” manufacturing. I look forward to talking about some of the challenges in this field.’

The SSPI is the satellite industry’s largest global professional association. For more information about the Island branch, please contact the SSPI via www.sspi.org.