Innovating the future of earth and space
Dunamis A-T-G is a forward thinking company with two main purposes. First, the company is dedicated to innovation as we connect the burgeoning commercial space industry, the existing commercial explosives industry, and the regulatory world by developing technology, products, standards, and a suggested regulatory framework for monitoring and controlling the use of explosives in space by commercial actors. Second, we are dedicated to providing geospatial solutions, in particular, to niche markets.
Dunamis A-T-G is a Pennsylvania company and DBA of Christopher Catalano Enterprises. Dunamis A-T-G operates as three divisions, each housing a particular set of services:
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Astra Dunamis is focused on space-based applications of blasting and explosives technologies.
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Terra Dunamis is focused on developing spinoff products developed as a result of development of space-based applications of blasting and explosives technologies.
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Geo Dunamis is focused on providing geospatial services to certain niche markets.
Meet the owner
Christopher D. Catalano created Dunamis A-T-G out of a desire to blend his passions for space, blasting, explosives, maps, and serving communities of faith. In addition to owning Dunamis A-T-G, he is currently the Chief of the Explosives and Safety Section in the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Bureau of Mining Programs, and serves on the International Society of Explosives Engineer’s Seismograph Standards Committees. Prior to accepting his current position at DEP, Chris served for three-and-a-half years as a Blasting & Explosives Inspector in DEP’s Pottsville District Mining Office where he had the opportunity to investigate serious and life-threatening incidents, as well as conducting routine regulatory inspections. Before entering public service as a regulatory official Chris worked in various aspects of the blasting and explosives industry for over 23 years, both as business owner and as an employee.
Chris grew up in Elk County, Pennsylvania where he was strongly influenced by his late mentor, friend, schoolteacher, and fellow blaster, Dennis Murry. He began an apprenticeship in 1996 at the Otto-Cupler Torpedo Company (Titusville, PA), descended from the oldest oil and gas well blasting company in the world, where he worked under Richard F. Tallini participating in gas well blasting and a living history project while attending Clarion University.
After completing his apprenticeship, Chris obtained his PA General Blaster’s License at age 19. Later, while a blaster with Senex Explosives, Inc., Chris worked in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia in the fields of construction blasting, surface coal mining, and industrial mineral surface mining. Over the years Chris also gained experience with demolition charges and other non-typical explosives applications. While an ATF licensed user and manufacturer of high explosives Chris worked as a special effects coordinator and pyrotechnician in the film and theater industries, having had his work appear on television, the silver screen, and live on stage. His entertainment work has included close-proximity pyrotechnics, mechanical rigging, environmental simulations, large cinematic explosions, and dozens of professional fireworks displays for everything from weddings to large community events.
Chris holds an Associate of Science degree in Geospatial Science and Technology from Harrisburg Area Community College and is a member of both the Phi Betta Kappa honor society and The National Society of Collegiate Scholars. He also holds a Paralegal Specialist Certificate in Environmental Law from the University of Texas (Austin) and has supplemented his environmental law studies with studies in International Space Law. He is currently completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Geoscience. Chris has completed instructor training from both USDOL Mine Safety and Health Administration and USDOI Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), and serves the latter as a subject matter expert providing technical training. He attends and sometimes speaks at various blasting and explosives conferences across the United States.
Chris holds current memberships in the Keystone Space Collaborative, the National Space Society, International Society of Explosives Engineers, the Pennsylvania Drone Association, the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Professionals, the National Association of Rocketry, Tripoli Rocketry Association, and the Creation Research Society. He is the father of four boys and the husband of Kristie, whom he has known since childhood. Aside from being active in his local church and Trail Life USA, Chris and his family enjoy mid- and high-power sport rocketry, the beach, spending time together outdoors, exploring interesting places, and meeting fascinating new people.