About Us
Advancing Sustainable Space Operations
The Clean Orbit Foundation (COF) is an independent research and education nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing sustainable space operations and addressing the growing challenges of space debris. Through awareness, advocacy, education, and collaboration, the COF unites global stakeholders to drive meaningful progress toward a sustainable space environment. Beyond just promoting sustainability, the COF is helping lay the foundations for a circular space economy (CSE), a system that prioritizes reuse, recycling, and resource management to ensure the long-term viability of space activities in orbit and beyond.
Our Team
Kyle Cybul
Founder & Executive Director
Kyle Cybul is the Founder and Executive Director of the Clean Orbit Foundation, an independent nonprofit advancing sustainable space operations and the emerging circular space economy (CSE). The foundation works at the intersection of research, education, advocacy, and international collaboration to reduce the environmental impact of space activities, strengthen economic resilience, and promote responsible stewardship of outer space.
Kyle’s work centers on applying systems-level thinking to critical sustainability challenges, with a particular focus on enabling a circular economy in space. He actively collaborates with industry, government, and research stakeholders to translate sustainability principles into practical frameworks for responsible operations. Kyle also serves as Co-Chair of the CSE Special Interest Group (CSE-SIG) under CONFERS and is an active member of the ADR Task Force.
Board of Directors
Carolyn Belle
President
Carolyn Belle is a strategic advisor with over 15 years of experience driving growth for space companies at every stage – from seed-stage startups to global providers. As the founder of Aurica Space Strategy Consulting, Carolyn specializes in helping companies clarify their strategic narrative, align products with market needs, accelerate customer traction, and form the right partnerships to scale. She started her career in astrobiology research before focusing her passion on building the business environment and infrastructure necessary to facilitate dynamic industry expansion, and is an expert in the market dynamics of space sustainability, emerging satellite applications, and the creation of novel space architectures.
She previously worked with commercial and government satellite operators to pursue new, sustainable, and more cost-effective approaches to satellite operations while leading Advanced Systems at Astroscale U.S. and development of the standardized ground segment network at Kongsberg Satellite Services. During her time as a consultant at boutique industry firm Northern Sky Research, Carolyn pioneered their practice into new space, on-orbit servicing, and small satellites.
In addition to supporting the Clean Orbit Foundation, Carolyn is an advisor to Colorado’s Advanced Industries Accelerator and founded CO Women in Space Exploration to build community and strengthen leadership pathways for women in the industry. She holds a Master’s in Space Management and a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry.
Brian Weeden
Secretary
Dr. Weeden is Director of Civil and Commercial Policy at The Aerospace Corporation’s Center for Space Policy and Strategy, where he leads a team focused on civil and commercial space policy and regulatory affairs. A highly respected and connected professional with more than two decades of experience in space operations and space policy analysis, Dr. Weeden specializes in the integration and advancement of technical, policy, legal, security, commercial, and international aspects of space activities.
Prior to joining Aerospace, Dr. Brian Weeden was the Chief Program Officer for Secure World Foundation where he directed strategic planning for future-year projects to meet the Foundation’s goals and objectives, and conducted research on space sustainability issues.
Dr. Weeden is a former member and Chair of the World Economic Forum’s Council on the Future of Space Technologies, a former member of the Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing (ACCRES) to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the former Executive Director of the Consortium for Execution of Rendezvous and Servicing Operations (CONFERS). Dr. Weeden also served nine years on active duty as an officer in the United States Air Force in space and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) operations.
Dr. Weeden’s research and analysis have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Public Radio, USA Today, The BBC, Fox News, China Radio International, The Economist, The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, academic journals, presentations to the United Nations, and testimony before the U.S. Congress.
Dr. Weeden holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University, a Master’s Degree in Space Studies from the University of North Dakota, and a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Public Administration from George Washington University in the field of Science and Technology Policy.
John Roth
Treasurer
Dr. John T. Roth is the Director of the John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center at the University of New Hampshire. Advancing in-space manufacturing for over 25 years, recent activities include: NIST-funded Roadmapping the Space-based Economy, NSF-funded Sustainable In-Space Manufacturing, co-developer of multiple in-space manufacturing processes (forming, solid-state additive, forceless gripping, and waterjetting), board member for Clean Orbit Foundation, and launching the Space Technologies Cleanroom Manufacturing facility. Dr. Roth previously served the NIST Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office as an ASME Executive Branch Fellow. Covering a broad range of TRL/MRLs, his experience spans multiple fields, including space technologies, manufacturing, materials, sensors, signal processing, machine design, dynamic systems, cryogenics, and biomechanics.
As the Director of the John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, Dr. Roth leads the Olson Center’s regional, national, and international engagement. With the latest manufacturing equipment, automation devices and sensing technologies, the Olson Center provides hands-on, interdisciplinary learning opportunities in a factory environment and collaborates with industry to modernize traditional manufacturing technologies, advance and create new high-efficiency state-of-the-art materials and technologies, address the skills gap in U.S. manufacturing, and serves as a conduit for students and industry to the next-generation of manufacturing technologies. The Olson Center offers industry co-location and shared infrastructure, while also providing technical assistance to 80-120 companies a month and over 100 industrially-focused internship/research opportunities each year to high school, trade school, community college and university students.
Our Approach to
Space Sustainability
Awareness
We’re bridging a crucial gap in understanding the immediate threat of space debris. While awareness has grown in commercial and government sectors, the general public remains largely uninformed. Our mission is to make the world aware that the problem is urgent. Through increased awareness, we can effectively educate and discuss sustainable solutions, advocating for prompt action.
Education
We believe education is key to addressing the pressing issue of space debris. By providing accessible knowledge, we empower individuals and organizations to make informed decisions. Education forms the foundation for understanding the urgency, fostering collaboration, and implementing sustainable practices. Our commitment to education is a catalyst for positive change, ensuring a shared responsibility for a cleaner and safer orbital environment.
Advocacy
We advocate because the challenge of space debris demands a united response. Through advocacy, we strive to influence policies and practices that prioritize space sustainability. By amplifying the importance of responsible space activities, we aim to garner support and drive collective action. Advocacy is our tool to shape a future where global stakeholders prioritize the responsible use of space for the benefit of humanity and the longevity of our orbital environment.
Collaboration
We champion international collaboration because the challenge of space sustainability transcends borders. By fostering collaboration among governments, agencies, commercial entities, and academia worldwide, we aim to pool expertise, share resources, and collectively tackle space debris challenges. Our commitment to international collaboration is driven by the belief that a unified global effort is essential for creating effective and lasting solutions, ensuring a cleaner and safer orbital environment for all.
Mission
Advancing sustainable space operations by driving awareness, education, and advocacy while uniting global stakeholders to lay the foundation for a CSE.
Vision
A future where a CSE is fully realized, enabling sustainable space operations as the global standard.
Values
Sustainability
Stewardship
Cooperation
Peaceful Use of Space
Transparency