Amber S. Gell is the Director of Strategy and Partnerships at Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), based in Oslo, Norway, where she has spent the last 5 years living and working in the Arctic, bringing an experienced global perspective and relevant insights to help shape KSAT’s strategic vision and direction. Ms. Gell is originally from the United States and has served in various leadership positions in the American Aerospace and Defense sector. Her broad range of experience includes her work as an Executive Director, Thought-Leader and Key Strategist within the International Space and Defense sector. Over the past couple decades, she has contributed her expertise to various areas: Strategy, International Relations, Government Affairs, Spacecraft Design, Space Life Sciences, Bioastronautics, Microgravity Research, Human Performance in Extreme Environments, Spacecraft Operations, Flight Test, Research Analogs, Program Management, and Business Development. She currently serves as a Board Member for space sector start-ups, International Space Organizations, a STEM Non-Profit and Universities.
Ms. Gell has always been extremely interested in space and exploration, especially human spaceflight, which is her personal goal. Her academic background and career experience depicts her active pursuit of that aspiration. She has led and contributed to various programs for major American Aerospace contractors, including managing an International Space Portfolio of Advanced Development Programs, establishing Launch capabilities shaping the UK’s Spaceflight Program and designing and building the Orion Spacecraft, NASA’s spacecraft for Deep Space Exploration which is part of the Artemis Program and will be used to take humans to the Moon, Asteroids, Mars and beyond. Driven by her passion; she thoroughly enjoys taking on new challenges, approaching them with a great attitude and a willingness to learn. She thrives on performing meaningful work that positively contributes to the overall success of her team and mission.
Ms. Gell splits her time between “Rocket Science,” numerous Education Outreach efforts, lifelong learning, shaping the international space sector, exploring the Arctic and fitness activities. She is an alumnus from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering and a second Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Studies, with minors in Human Factors, Psychology, and Advanced Mathematics. Ms. Gell received a Master of Science Degree in Physiology & Human Performance from the University of Houston – Clear Lake and her thesis was formally published. Additionally, Ms. Gell obtained a Master’s of Engineering Degree in Systems Engineering, with a Certificate in Space Systems Engineering, from Stevens Institute of Technology. Other areas of her research include Optimal Crew Selection for Long-Duration Spaceflight, Orion Experimental Flight Test 1 Propulsion Test Results and Exothermic Welding in a Reduced Gravity Environment. She also has a Master’s of Science Degree in Finance and a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) Degree, specializing in International Business. In 2013, Ms. Gell received the Women in Space Science Award for her outstanding contributions to the Aerospace Community. She was also a recipient of the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, in 2016, from President Barack Obama.