“Outpacing the threats our nation faces in space will require a heightened focus on rapid acquisition and deployment and on ensuring critical capabilities connect end-to-end,” said Steve Isakowitz, Aerospace president and chief executive officer. “Mr. Calvelli and Dr. LaPlante’s deep familiarity with our customers and their backgrounds in research, acquisition and integration will lend invaluable expertise to Aerospace’s mission.”

Calvelli brings more than 36 years of leadership experience across national security space acquisitions and operations. Prior to his role in the Air Force, Calvelli served as the principal deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office and in senior positions at the Central Intelligence Agency. Calvelli has received numerous awards and honors including the Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Service, the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, the CIA Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal, and the NRO Distinguished Performance Medal.

After serving on Aerospace’s board of trustees in 2021 and 2022, LaPlante returns following his Senate-confirmed position as under secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. Prior to this appointment, LaPlante was president and chief executive officer of Draper, a research and development corporation that provides advanced technology solutions in national security, space exploration, health care, and energy, and senior vice president and general manager at MITRE National Security, where he oversaw the operation of two federally funded research and development centers.