Anthony van der Merwe
Founder and CEO
Anthony van der Merwe is the Founder and President of FAST Space Corporation, leading the company’s vision to pioneer Futuristic Advancements in Space Technology. With more than 30 years of experience in mining, oil & gas, and advanced systems engineering, he has built and managed large-scale, high-stakes projects under extreme conditions where precision and reliability are vital. Anthony’s leadership has attracted global partnerships with aerospace, defense, and biomedical leaders, positioning FAST Space at the forefront of hybrid propulsion, life-support, radiation shielding, and asteroid mining technologies. Driven by a mission to solve Earth’s toughest challenges while enabling humanity’s expansion into space, he continues to guide FAST Space with innovation, resilience, and a global outlook.
Juan R. Lopez
Properties & Critical Infrastructure Developments
Juan R. Lopez (American) is a Former Senior Advisor to the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, bringing deep expertise in government coordination, economic development, and strategic funding. He is the Development Partner overseeing all FAST Space Corporation properties and infrastructure initiatives. As Managing Partner of CPDG, he has led transformative aviation and mixed-use developments across the United States through public-private partnerships. Under his leadership, FAST Space is advancing the development of five regional airports—beginning with Space Coast Regional Airport—to expand opportunities in aviation manufacturing, training, and technology, culminating in the creation of the FAST Space Innovation Gateway at Kennedy Space Center. His strategic insight strengthens FAST Space’s mission to build America’s next generation of aerospace infrastructure.
Santiago M. Fernandez
Properties & Space Sector Infrastructure Design Engineering & Planning
Santiago Fernandez (American), brings more than 35 years of experience in aerospace infrastructure planning, airport design, and spaceport development. His leadership has shaped major projects at Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and Port Canaveral, advancing Florida’s rise as the world’s premier launch and operations corridor. He has worked on planning efforts supporting crewed-mission logistics, payload integration, and spaceport industrial zones that serve NASA and U.S. Space Force operations. Santiago has directed key initiatives for Space Florida, including the master planning of Exploration Park. A Harvard-certified strategist and professor of Airport Planning at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he merges technical expertise with high-level partnerships. His work strengthens FAST Space’s Gateway and Regional Airport programs—linking aviation, defense, and orbital infrastructure.
John Waldheim
Strategic Materials Specialist & Government Relations
John Waldheim (American) is a service-disabled U.S. Navy veteran with over 32 years of defense industry experience. His career spans Navy logistics, defense contracting with Northrop Grumman, and co-founding Syndicate Alliance, where he drove rapid and sustainable growth as COO. An expert in Department of Defense procurement, acquisitions, and global logistics, having successfully secured over $150 million in grants and solicitations, and currently CEO of Rare Earth Exchange, North America’s first dedicated marketplace for critical and rare earth materials. His leadership ensures FAST Space’s strategic positioning at the intersection of defense, advanced technology, and resource security.
Andreas P. Bergweiler
Space Mission Architecture & Space Systems Design & Development
Andreas P. Bergweiler (German) brings 25+ years expertise in space mission architecture, systems design, and private human spaceflight training. As Founder of Space Affairs, he established Europe’s longest-running independent platform for astronaut training, parabolic flights, and high-performance spaceflight experiences. With a background in computer science and 12 years as MedEVAC, Andreas combines precision, resilience, and operational leadership under extreme conditions. In FAST Space he contributes expertise in mission endurance, systems integration, and operational culture, advancing the company’s pioneering work in hybrid propulsion, life support, and sustainable off-world industry.
Basman Shina
Director of Middle East Relations
Basman Shina (American) serves as FAST Space’s Director of Middle East Relations, where he leverages his vision and entrepreneurial expertise to build strong commercial and diplomatic bridges across the region. With a proven background in both retail and wholesale markets, he has developed a unique ability to connect industries, investors, and governments through trust and collaboration. Basman is deeply committed to elevating the Middle East’s role in global space development, championing partnerships that combine innovation with economic opportunity. His leadership ensures FAST Space is positioned as a trusted partner in one of the world’s most dynamic and strategically important regions.
Walter Capes
Chief Technology Officer
Walter Capes (Italian) brings over 34 years of expertise in telecommunications, network optimization, energy systems, and strategic petroleum operations. He has directed large-scale infrastructure projects in hostile environments, ensuring reliable performance under extreme conditions and severe timelines. Walter’s background in process design and systems engineering now drives FAST Space innovation at the intersection of telecommunications, energy distribution, and advanced aerospace systems. His leadership ensures the company’s technologies are built for resilience, efficiency, and mission-critical reliability across both Earth and space.
