Spaceflight is proud to have the best team in the industry – and we are especially proud when one of our own is recognized by the industry. This week, we’re happy to share that our Vice President of Engineering, Philip Bracken, has been named one of the “40 under 40” by the Puget Sound Business Journal.

“I’m honored to be part of the PSBJ’s 40-under-40 class of 2021. The Puget Sound is full of so many excellent companies, entrepreneurs, and trend setters, that I was surprised and humbled by being selected for this award,” says Bracken. “Spaceflight is committed to the Seattle area, and I’m excited to be a small part of the growing space industry that calls Puget Sound home.”

Since joining Spaceflight Inc. in 2018 from Blue Origin, Phil has been instrumental in bringing a full engineering team, including process management, research and development rigor, to Spaceflight’s launch business. This includes a team responsible for mechanical, electrical, spacecraft assembly, fabrication, integration, procurement, logistics and test. In addition to engineering functions, he also leads the company’s evaluation of new and emerging rockets coming on the market for launch viability. Spaceflight, under Phil’s direction, also built out a state-of-the-art integration facility in Auburn, WA where a team of about 20 full-time employees build space subsystems and integrate customer satellites in preparation for launch.  

Phil has been fundamental in transitioning the company into a comprehensive launch services company, propelling its orbital transfer vehicle strategy to life. One of Phil’s biggest contributions to the company (and the industry) has been the in-house design and development of the company’s next generation Sherpa orbital transfer vehicle program, which enables small satellite transportation throughout cislunar space in a way that has never been accomplished before. 

While Phil is definitely an influential voice in the industry, he’s also a huge force within the Spaceflight family. Phil uses his energy to propel his team forward and let them shine. He never loses sight of the individuals he leads, and listens to the feedback and concerns of his team and takes the time to mentor, coach, defend, and effect change for his team. 

We couldn’t be happier to have him onboard, and congratulate him on this latest award. 

Phil joins the ranks of Tony Frego, our Director of Mission Management, who won this award last year. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for both of them.