About Us
ABOUT US
Active Vigilance is a software company that pioneers advanced aerospace and industrial solutions, integrating cutting-edge AI, cybersecurity, sophisticated systems engineering, and telemetry anomaly detection with diagnostics. We develop computationally efficient, scalable, and modular applications designed for mission critical systems.
After a significant R&D investment and strategic collaborations with major government agencies, including NASA and the Department of Defense, we launched Active Vigilance. Our solutions span LEO to GEO, lunar operations, and extend into industrial, maritime, and air domains.
We deliver critical, real-time insights and adaptable integration pathways, partnering with visionary organizations to drive groundbreaking innovation and substantial return on investment across the aerospace, defense, and commercial sectors.
Our suite of advanced capabilities and interconnected modules form the foundation to rapidly deliver next-generation space systems and beyond, setting new standards for technological excellence and operational superiority.
OUR TEAM
Behind the Team
Our highly skilled team comprises individuals with advanced degrees in physics, astronomy, aerospace engineering, mathematics, and industrial design, bringing a wealth of expertise in diverse areas such as general relativity, orbital dynamics, machine learning, neuromorphic computing, advanced signal processing, and human-centered design.
With significant experience at prestigious institutions like NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and numerous academic settings, the team has a proven track record in developing cutting-edge technologies, leading complex projects, and driving innovation in both research and practical applications, making them uniquely positioned to lead advancements in futuristic space technology.
Dr. Armin Ellis
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Ellis is an aerospace engineer and AI pioneer with 24 years of experience. He founded Active Vigilance in 2021 and previously spent eight years at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory as a mission architect. Dr. Ellis holds a Ph.D. from Dartmouth College and is recognized for his contributions to fuzzy logic, neuromorphic engineering, and applied AI, notably leading the development of the first self-learning AI flown in space. Early in his career he founded a space engineering company, which was later acquired. Since then he has started and invested in many ventures in aerospace and other industries.
Jon Schaffner
Chief Operations Officer
Mr. Schaffner brings over 26 years of military strategic leadership and operational expertise to Active Vigilance. A former Submarine Commanding Officer, he has directed complex technical operations across maritime, special operations, and space domains. His career includes managing a $500M submarine nuclear refueling and overhaul, leading the Submarine Force’s technology development initiatives, and programming a $3.5B annual budget at U.S. Special Operations Command. He also served as Executive Officer to the Commander of U.S. Space Command, advising on strategy and policy at the highest levels. Mr. Schaffner holds an M.S. in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wyoming.
Dr. Eric Gustafson
Chief Technology Officer
Dr. Gustafson is an aerospace engineer and deep space navigation expert with over 15 years of experience at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. At JPL, he led the Inner Planet Navigation Group, supporting missions around Earth, the Moon, and Mars while advising NASA centers and international partners. His work spans research and operations, with recent focus on applying AI/ML to enhance precision and efficiency. Dr. Gustafson has received numerous awards for navigation excellence and serves on NASA’s Guidance, Navigation, and Control Technical Discipline Team. He earned his degrees in aerospace engineering from Purdue University and the University of Michigan.
Michael Rudolph
Chief Engineer
Mr. Rudolph specializes in architecting mission-critical intelligent systems for resource-constrained hardware. At NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), he was recognized for systems engineering excellence on an imaging spectrometer currently on its way to Jupiter, and contributed to winning mission proposals valued at over $100 million. He has led the deployment of flight-proven AI on low-power edge hardware for missions in Low Earth Orbit and to the lunar surface. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Astronautical Engineering from the University of Southern California.
Jenny Liang
Director of Product
Ms. Liang is an innovation executive with over 15 years of experience advancing human-centered design and emerging technologies. As Chief Innovation Officer at Sostento, she led projects improving healthcare access for vulnerable communities, and co-founded Four Resolutions to enhance satellite data usability. She has also served as an innovation coach and strategist, guiding adoption of new technologies and improving user-system interaction. At Active Vigilance, Ms. Liang applies her expertise to ensure product solutions integrate seamlessly with operator workflows.
Frank Turner
Advanced Technology Development Expert
Dr. Turner is the former Technical Director for the Space Development Agency, with extensive experience leading advanced technology research, development, and evaluation for emerging defense systems. A former U.S. Air Force officer, he has held leadership roles across government and industry, including program manager and senior analyst for DARPA and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. His expertise spans space systems, directed energy, nuclear effects, and mission architectures. Dr. Turner has led some of the nation’s most complex RDT&E programs, delivering critical capabilities to U.S. forces.
David Merritt
Data, Analytics & Cyber Expert
Dr. Merritt is an expert in Department of Defense cyber defense implementation, with a distinguished career spanning leadership roles in cyber operations, research, and education. He formerly served as Department Head of Computer and Cyber Sciences at the U.S. Air Force Academy and as Chief of the Test and Prototype Branch within U.S. Cyber Command’s Applied R&D division, where he led a 40-member team operating a $50 million advanced cyber research facility. Dr. Merritt also served as the Security Operations Center (SOC) lead for the Air Force Computer Emergency Response Team (AFCERT), directing cybersecurity operations for the entire Air Force enterprise.
Kyle Henke
Lead Machine Learning Scientist
Dr. Henke is a machine learning scientist specializing in bio-inspired edge devices and quantum computing. His work combines principles from biology with quantum mechanics to advance efficient computational systems. Dr. Henke earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics while conducting research at Los Alamos National Laboratory, equipping him with the theoretical foundation to address complex challenges in computing and AI. He has published multiple peer-reviewed papers, contributing to advancements in machine learning and computational theory.
Bob Hodgkiss
Military Space and Acquisitions Expert
Col. Hodgkiss brings over 39 years of leadership in national security space acquisition and launch operations. He directed the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program, overseeing budgets exceeding $3 billion and a 550-member team responsible for more than $15 billion in contracts. His career includes managing the Atlas V program, leading Air Force and NRO efforts, and certifying over 40 launch missions with government and industry partners. Col. Hodgkiss holds engineering degrees from Penn State and New Mexico State University and a Master of Strategic Studies from Air War College.
John Keefe
Cybersecurity and Space Policy and Strategy Expert
Mr. Keefe has held senior executive roles in intelligence, defense, and space exploration. He served for 15 years at the National Security Agency, primarily as a strategist for signals intelligence and cybersecurity, and later as Senior Director for Cyber Policy at the White House. Most recently, he was NASA’s Director of Strategy Integration, aligning mission directorates and centers. Mr. Keefe brings deep expertise in national security, cybersecurity, and space policy to Active Vigilance.
