Incredible people creating a new industry
- By Richard Branson -
- Nov 13, 2012
It takes the hard work of some incredible people to create a brand new industry. Virgin Galactic is chock full of the most brilliant people who bring different talents and uproot their lives and families from all over the world to move to Mojave, California to join hundreds of other people passionate about growing the space industry. Was hugely impressed by the quality of people we have been lucky to recruit for Virgin Galactic. Here are just four of the many amazing people we met here:
David Rawley (Left in photo)
Manufacturing Engineer
Relocated to Mojave from Kansas Wichita, now lives in Mojave.
Currently focused on building key structural parts for the second SpaceShipTwo such as main wing spars.
Active in helping developing the community of Mojave, volunteering his time and skills after hours, exhibits many Virgin Unite virtues.
Kim Chesterfield (Right in photo)
Propulsion Systems Engineer
Plays a lead role in rocket motor development.
Studied mechanical engineering at the University of Illinois and moved to CA to design fuel systems for jets.
First set her sights on the stars at her grandparents’ farm; she and her dad would count satellites on clear nights.
Working on her pilot’s license and is an avid motorcyclist (both on and offroad).
James Flynn (Centre in photo)
Avionics Engineer
Joined Virgin Galactic from NASA Dryden, nearby NASA center at Edwards Airforce Base
Pilot who is very passionate about aviation and space.
Current focus is preparing the avionics on SS2 and WK2 for commercial service including pilot multi-function displays, simulator and rocket motor related systems.
Works very closely with Virgin Galactic’s development partner Scaled Composites.
Melissa Vannoy
Flight Test Engineer
Works on instrumentation and feather static load testing
passionate about learning as much about the aerospace industry as possible
First VG female employee to fly in WhiteKnightTwo
By Richard Branson. Founder of Virgin Group
