Brian Barnett (Solstar Space Company)

Overview

Brian Barnett is the CEO and founder of Solstar Space Company, a pioneer in providing internet-based communication solutions in space. Solstar Space is renowned for establishing the first commercial Wi-Fi service in space, enabling internet connectivity on spacecraft, and facilitating the first commercial tweet from space. Barnett's vision is to make extensive communication in space as seamless and ubiquitous as it is on Earth. Under his leadership, Solstar has become a key player in the burgeoning commercial space communications sector.

Recent Developments

December 2025: Solstar Space announces the final integration of Nokia's Lunar Surface Communication System to the Athena mission, enhancing lunar communication capabilities.
October 2024: Solstar announced a significant milestone in the development of the Deke Space Communicator, which will provide persistent satellite internet connections for spacecraft and enable space-to-space communication.
June 2024: With support from AFWERX, Solstar initiated the development of radiation-hardened Wi-Fi access points aimed at supporting various in-space operations, including servicing, assembly, and manufacturing.
May 2024: The company was awarded a Phase II SBIR contract worth over $1.2 million to advance its satellite data-relay technology, further cementing its role in the commercial space communication landscape.

Personal Information

Attribute	Information
Full Name	M. Brian Barnett
Born	Wichita, Kansas, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	CEO and Founder at Solstar Space Co.
Known For	Pioneering space-based internet
Education	B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Oklahoma; M.A. in Administrative Science from the University of Alabama; Space Studies Certificate from the International Space University

Early Life and Education

Brian Barnett was born in Wichita, Kansas, and raised in Oklahoma and Colorado. His early interests in space led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. He complemented his scientific training with business studies, earning a master's degree in Administrative Science. His quest for space exploration knowledge took him to the International Space University, where he earned a Space Studies Certificate. These academic pathways equipped Barnett with the necessary tools to navigate and influence the evolving landscape of space commercialization.

Career and Notable Achievements

Brian Barnett began his career at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, where he contributed to payload development and astronaut crew training for space shuttle missions. His entrepreneurial journey took off in 1999 with the establishment of Satwest, followed by Solstar Energy Devices. In 2017, he founded Solstar Space Co., focusing on providing internet services in space.

2013: Successfully conducted the first test of satellite communications systems on suborbital platforms.
2018: Solstar's communicator equipment enabled the first commercial Wi-Fi service in a spacecraft aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard.
2023: Solstar awarded a $1.25 million contract by the U.S. Air Force for its Deke Space Communicator.

Current Work and Impact

Under Barnett's leadership, Solstar Space continues to innovate in space communication. The company is currently focused on expanding its Wi-Fi technologies to support the Artemis lunar exploration missions. Solstar’s products aim to ensure seamless communication for both satellites and crewed missions, making space more accessible and interconnected.

Brian Barnett Utah

Brian Barnett has maintained associations with various organizations and initiatives in Utah, which is a significant hub for space-related activities. His work has contributed to enhancing the space industry’s presence in states like New Mexico and Utah, promoting collaborations that drive innovation in space technology.

Brian Barnett, MD

While Brian Barnett is not a medical doctor, his work parallels those in medicine in terms of pioneering advancements and facilitating global connections through technology. His contributions are instrumental in bridging terrestrial communication practices with those needed for extraterrestrial endeavors.

Conclusion

Brian Barnett's vision and innovative spirit have made significant contributions to space communication. Through Solstar Space, he continues to push the boundaries, aiming to make internet access in space a reality for multiple industries. His legacy is intertwined with the expansion of human presence in space, bringing the dream of extensive space-based connectivity closer with each passing year.