Q: Describe what you do for Spaceflight.
A: I’m the Mission Director for our SSO-A mission, which will be Spaceflight’s first dedicated rideshare mission. This mission provides a huge opportunity for small satellites – from 1 kg to 100’s of kg each to get into orbit at rates and a level of service that are enabling both research and commercialization of the final frontier. I’ve been working at Spaceflight for nearly one year; however, I’ve been in aerospace for over 10. Before joining Spaceflight, I worked as a Mission Manager at SpaceX, which is helpful since SSO-A will be launching on a Falcon 9 rocket. I’ve also worked on both the Space Shuttle and Space Station programs in varying capacities in my past, as well as the Boeing 787 and CH-47 programs.
Q: What interests you about space?
A: There’s a lot of it that we’ve yet to explore, and I’m interested in helping expand our presence in space in whatever way possible.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
A: I love to combine three of my favorite things: travel, the outdoors, and photography.
Q: Star Wars, Star Trek or The Martian?
A: That’s a trick question. Obviously none of the above – 2001: A Space Odyssey is more for me.
Q: If you were to mentor someone who wanted to do what you do, what advice would you give them?
A: Try to get the greatest variety in your experiences possible. Becoming an experienced generalist by working in all the different facets of Aerospace if you can, such as engineering, manufacturing, and operations. Also, you’ll want to be comfortable talking to just about anyone – from students to CEOs – so don’t be afraid to put yourself in situations you might not otherwise be comfortable with.
Q: Would you interested in going to space someday?
A: Apparently there might be an Earth-like planet around Proxima Centauri. Once Bezos or Musk starts selling tickets to there, sign me up.
Q: What’s one thing that most people at Spaceflight don’t know about you?
A: I was a child model. Maybe that’s where my charm comes from?