Your partner in Earth and space science research
Who we are
What we do
Leadership
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Who we are
Caelaterra Systems supports applied research, exploration,
and advancement of technologies in space and Earth sciences.
We function as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute (BAERI).
About BAERI
Our purpose is to expand the reach and mission of BAERI by integrating scientific and technological discoveries into federal government programs and missions.
What we do
Climate Science Services
We focus on improving climate models, studying the impacts of climate change, and developing innovative strategies for sustainable resource management.
Atmospheric Science Services
We observe, monitor, characterize, model, and advance understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Space Science Services
We focus on planetary science and astrobiology and explore celestial bodies within our solar system and beyond.
Earth Systems Observation, Modeling, and Assimilation
We contribute to NASA and the broader communities’ capabilities in climate, weather, and environmental analysis and prediction.
Technology Advancement Services
We support the design and development of sensors and instruments for airborne and space-based missions and programs, utilizing artificial intelligence and data science to help the community receive, analyze, and apply vast amounts of information from space missions.
Caelaterra ('Kay-lə-'teh-ruh) Systems
Our name derives from the work we do: “Caela,“ from the Latin “Caelum,“ refers to skies, heavens, weather, and space; “Terra“ in Latin signifies earth and land. Our research investigates and protects these systems that together house and nurture us all.
Caelaterra Systems was founded to provide customers with innovative and flexible approaches to recruiting, onboarding, and retaining highly skilled staff. We aim to attract the next generation of scientists, technologists, and technicians.
Leadership
Vince DeFrancisci
Executive Director
Vince brings over 15 years of experience as a leader in business development to Caelaterra, where his focus as Executive Director is to build teams that can connect scientific discoveries to their real-world applications. He also currently serves as Associate Institute Director at BAERI (the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute), Caelaterra’s parent company.

Before Caelaterra, Vince held business development and corporate strategy leadership positions at the Universities Space Research Association, Noblis, and ASRC Federal. In these roles he specialized in developing, implementing, and optimizing more effective business processes.

Vince holds an M.B.A. from the University of Maryland Global Campus and a B.S. in business administration from the University at Albany.

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Steve Hipskind
Chair, Board of Directors
Steve Hipskind’s extensive scientific and leadership experience in Earth science and climate change research includes 27 years as the division chief of Earth science at NASA Ames. There, he supported researchers and built scientific partnerships with Silicon Valley businesses and organizations.

Prior to his division-chief role, Steve spent 20 years conducting atmospheric research and managing NASA airborne field campaigns worldwide. He focused on improving data-sharing to maximize the science return of each mission, implementing early local area networking and developing data exchange standards that have been used by NASA since the 1990s.

In 2002, Steve was invited to participate in NASA's Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program. He holds a BA and MS in environmental science from the University of Virginia

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Who we serve
Our partners include science-focused federal government agencies: NASA, NOAA, NSF, EPA, and USGS; private sector Earth and space science R&D entities; and academic institutions.
Partnerships
We use a “Consortium” and/or “Collaborative” approach in partnering with outside organizations and seek partners that can contribute resources from their home locations.
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