United StatesTom Markusic
Dr. Tom Markusic is a rocket-propulsion engineer who earned a PhD in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton University in 2002, after earlier work in advanced propulsion research and program management at NASA and the US Air Force. He went on to hold senior technical roles at three of the leading new-space companies: principal propulsion engineer and director of the Texas rocket development site at SpaceX, senior systems engineer at Blue Origin, and VP of propulsion at Virgin Galactic, contributing to engines including SpaceX's Kestrel and early Raptor work. He founded Firefly Aerospace, building the Alpha launch vehicle and the Blue Ghost lunar lander, and led the company as CEO before transitioning out of the role; he remains associated with the company as a founder and technical advisor.