Building Mission-Ready Space Supply Chains Through Visibility, Resilience, and Collaboration with Andrius Kubilius, Head, Supply Chain Department at Kongsberg NanoAvionics [Speaker Spotlight]

Gain exclusive insights into how mission-ready supply chains are shaping the future of space operations, as Andrius Kubilius, Head of the Supply Chain Department at Kongsberg NanoAvionics, shares his perspective on resilience, real-time visibility, and global collaboration in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

Join Andrius Kubilius at the European Aerospace & Defense Summit to explore these critical themes in greater depth, connect with industry leaders, and be part of the conversations driving the next era of aerospace and defense.

Could you begin with a brief introduction about yourself, and an overview of your responsibilities as Head, Supply Chain Department at Kongsberg NanoAvionics?

Kongsberg NanoAvionics is a leading micro- and nanosatellite manufacturer and mission integrator focused on developing next-generation satellite buses and providing end-to-end mission services.

I have been working at the company for three years, taking the lead in supplier management, procurement strategies, export control compliance, logistics, and launch booking operations.

What does mission-ready mean when it comes to space supply chains, and why are visibility and resilience especially critical in this domain?

In the context of the aerospace supply chain, “mission-ready” means that the supply network is fully prepared to deliver all necessary materials, subsystems, components, and services on a tight schedule in order to fulfill mission requirements.

Space-related projects typically have strict launch windows with limited and costly rebooking options, while many components also have long lead times. Because of this, supply planning must be highly reliable, as delays or failures can affect the entire mission.

Visibility and trust in partners are critical because they allow organizations to track supplier quality levels, monitor supplier performance, and detect potential issues early. Resilience is equally important, as the supply chain must be able to withstand disruptions such as supplier delays, product failures, shortages, or geopolitical constraints.

Together, visibility and resilience help ensure missions stay on schedule and reduce the risk of costly failures.

How can real-time visibility across global supply networks enable faster, more confident decision-making for space missions? 

Real-time visibility becomes a critical requirement when strategic partnerships are established between Kongsberg NanoAvionics and our core partners.

In the projects and missions we handle, critical components often have long lead times, so early detection of potential issues is essential. Real-time data allows us to respond quickly by adjusting production plans, changing supply priorities, or activating alternative suppliers.

This also improves coordination between manufacturers’ supply chains and our internal teams. As a result, decision-makers can act faster and with greater confidence, reducing the risk of mission delays and ensuring that the final products are ready for launch.

"Real-time data allows us to respond quickly by adjusting production plans, changing supply priorities, or activating alternative suppliers.

This also improves coordination between manufacturers’ supply chains and our internal teams. As a result, decision-makers can act faster and with greater confidence, reducing the risk of mission delays and ensuring that the final products are ready for launch."

What approaches have been most effective in aligning suppliers around shared mission objectives and clear performance expectations?

The most effective approach is to establish clear requirements and performance expectations from the beginning of the partnership and place them under contractual obligations.

Suppliers must clearly understand the criticality of schedules, quality, and performance standards, as well as the importance of fulfilling mission objectives. Regular communication, technical reviews, and progress tracking help ensure that all partners remain aligned throughout the project lifecycle.

Performance metrics and supplier evaluations also play an important role in maintaining accountability and transparency. In addition, building long-term strategic partnerships and involving suppliers early in the planning process helps create a shared sense of responsibility for mission success.

How are trade policy shifts and geopolitical uncertainty influencing sourcing strategies for space programs, and how can organizations adapt?

Trade policy shifts and geopolitical uncertainty increasingly affect supply chain strategies in space programs, particularly due to export controls, changing tariff interpretations, and regulatory requirements that may evolve during the course of a project.

For example, when satellites are manufactured internationally but launched from the United States, they must pass through customs procedures and comply with strict import regulations.

Kongsberg NanoAvionics, which also operates as an integrated launch logistics provider, must carefully manage these processes to ensure that satellites are cleared for launch without delays and that the correct import procedures are followed.

This helps avoid regulatory breaches and minimize additional costs associated with customs compliance and logistics disruptions.

How do long-term supplier partnerships, co-development models, and innovation incentives help balance resilience, reliability, and cost efficiency?

Long-term partnerships help build trust, transparency, and a deeper understanding of technical and operational requirements, which improves reliability and often shortens the time needed to align contract terms that meet the needs of both parties.

Co-development models allow companies and suppliers to collaborate from the earliest mission stages, enabling smoother integration of technologies and components. This collaboration often leads to more innovative and optimized solutions that improve overall mission performance.

Innovation incentives encourage suppliers to invest in new technologies and manufacturing improvements.