An accomplished leader at the intersection of national security, entrepreneurship, and space policy, Colonel (retired) Joe Guzman is a pioneering voice in the emerging field of commercial Active Debris Remediation (ADR). As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Space Cowboy ADR, he is translating a distinguished military career into a commercial venture dedicated to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the space domain.

Colonel Guzman served for 26 years in the United States Army, beginning his career in the Field Artillery before becoming one of the Army’s select Space Operations Officers (Functional Area 40). His career culminated in high-level strategic roles within the Pentagon, U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. Space Command, where he applied his deep expertise in space technology to critical joint operations. This extensive military service provided him with a unique, firsthand perspective on the growing threat posed by orbital debris and the urgent need for actionable solutions to protect vital national and international space assets.

Following his retirement from the Army, Colonel Guzman founded Space Cowboy ADR in late 2022 to directly address this challenge. His company is developing a novel fleet of microsatellites designed to capture and dispose of the most dangerous small debris (1–10 cm) proliferating in Low Earth Orbit. Underscoring the viability of his approach, the company has successfully completed a U.S. Space Force-funded feasibility study under the Orbital Prime program, demonstrating a clear pathway from concept to capability. The company’s forward-leaning vision includes repurposing captured materials for future in-space manufacturing, laying the groundwork for a circular space economy.

In addition to his entrepreneurial leadership, Guzman remains deeply engaged in shaping the broader space ecosystem. As the Vice President for the Central Region of the Space Force Association, he is a key advocate for the U.S. Space Force and its mission. Furthermore, his role as Co-lead for the Missions and Ecosystems Use Case Development Team within the Consortium of Space Mobility and ISAM Capabilities (COSMIC)—a national consortium established by NASA—places him at the forefront of defining the practical applications for In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing that will underpin the next generation of space operations.

Colonel Guzman is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. His advanced academic background includes a Master of Business Administration from Cameron University, a Master of Science in Space Systems Operations Management from Webster University, and a Master of Arts in National Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. His unique blend of operational, entrepreneurial, and strategic policy experience makes him an invaluable contributor to the future of space.