Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Space
  • /
  • Virgin Galactic launches Space Advisory Board

Space

Virgin Galactic launches Space Advisory Board

Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. today announced the establishment of its Space Advisory Board.

Above: SpaceShipTwo Unity flies over Virgin Galactic’s Gateway to Space, Spaceport America, New Mexico.
© Virgin Galactic 2020

The Virgin Galactic Space Advisory Board will provide advice to senior management as the company moves forward to open space for the benefit of all. The Space Advisory Board, composed of leading experts from the aerospace sector, will be a resource as the company starts commercial spaceflight service and develops next generation vehicles. The Space Advisory Board will also serve as a forum to discuss technical and operational best practices, and provide awareness of opportunities in commercial, civil and government-related markets.

Advertisement
Leonardo RT

The Space Advisory Board members announced today are:

  • Chris Hadfield – Decorated astronaut, engineer, and test pilot who served as commander of the International Space Station. He has flown to space three times, to the International Space Station and the Russian Space Station Mir. He has performed two spacewalks and flown over 100 types of aircraft. He was NASA's Chief CAPCOM, the voice of Mission Control to astronauts in orbit, for 25 Space Shuttle missions, and served as chief of International Space Station Operations at the NASA Johnson Space Center.
  • Dr Sandy Magnus – Former NASA astronaut and deputy chief of the Astronaut Office, with three flights to space including a long duration mission on the International Space Station. Dr. Magnus is a member of NASA’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Board and has served in leadership roles at the Department of Defense and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).
  • Dr David Whelan – Chief-Scientist of Cubic Corporation, having previously served as Chief Scientist, Boeing Defense, Space and Security and director of DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office. Member of the National Academy of Engineering, former member of the Defense Science Board and the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board.
  • George Whitesides – Chairman of the Space Advisory Board and Chief Space Officer, Virgin Galactic. Prior to joining Virgin Galactic, George served as the Chief of Staff of NASA.
Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

Michael Colglazier, CEO of Virgin Galactic, said: “We are excited to welcome these talented space professionals, as initial members of the Space Advisory Board. They each bring incredible depth, experience, and insight, and together they will help us drive our mission forward.’’

Chris Hadfield said: “As an astronaut, I know the profound personal impact of spaceflight, and the opportunity it gives for exploration and self-awareness here on Earth. Virgin Galactic is opening that door of opportunity to many, and I am honored to serve on the Space Advisory Board to help make that happen.”

Dr Magnus stated: “The movement to open access to space for a broader group of people is a part of the natural evolution in the development of human spaceflight. I am excited to be a part of the next steps in that effort!” Dr. David Whelan added, “To be part of the team that brings people to space and the frontiers that lie ahead is an incredibly exciting opportunity.”

George Whitesides said: “I am excited to chair the Space Advisory Board alongside leading experts in the aerospace industry as we explore and pursue opportunities in commercial, civil and government-related markets. This Space Advisory Board will assist senior management with the mission of opening space for all and I am honored to be a part of this journey.”

Advertisement
Babcock LB
Serco appoints Keith Williams as Chair

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Serco appoints Keith Williams as Chair

4 July 2025

Serco has appointed Keith Williams to the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair designate.

UK launches tender for space debris removal

Space

UK launches tender for space debris removal

3 July 2025

The UK Space Agency has launched a major new procurement process to tackle the growing threat of space debris, initiating a £75.6 million tender for the nation’s first mission to actively remove defunct satellites from orbit.

Boeing appoints Stephen Parker as CEO of BDS

Defence Security Space

Boeing appoints Stephen Parker as CEO of BDS

3 July 2025

Boeing has appointed Stephen (Steve) Parker as president and chief executive officer of its Defense, Space & Security (BDS) business, effective immediately.

UK students to launch international space mission

Space

UK students to launch international space mission

3 July 2025

A team of students from the University of Surrey, the University of Portsmouth and the University of Southampton are working to fit equipment they designed, made and tested to a suborbital launch vehicle which aims to launch 900km into space.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Airbus-built Sentinel-4 launched onboard MTG weather satellite

Space

Airbus-built Sentinel-4 launched onboard MTG weather satellite

2 July 2025

The European Space Agency (ESA) and its partners have confirmed the successful launch of the Airbus-built Sentinel-4, a cutting-edge air quality monitoring instrument hosted on the third generation Meteosat (MTG-S1) weather satellite.

Teledyne CIS120 sensors launch on GOSAT-GW

Space

Teledyne CIS120 sensors launch on GOSAT-GW

1 July 2025

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, a provider of advanced imaging solutions, has confirmed that two CIS120 sensors designed and manufactured by Teledyne Space Imaging will play a major part in the third in a series of Japanese climate change and Earth observation satellite missions.

Advertisement
Teledyne