Architects of Deep Space Missions
Space Ingenuity is led by senior systems engineering and mission operations veterans with decades of direct experience supporting NASA's most critical programs, including Orion, Artemis, and the Moon Base program. We merge veteran technical oversight with commercial space agility.
Program Legacy
Direct support for Orion, Artemis, SLS, and Moon Base programs.
NASA Veteran Core
Leaders with PhDs and decades of institutional expertise.
Mission Criticality
Expertise in trajectory, GN&C, and human spaceflight ops.
LEADERSHIP & ENGINEERING LEADS
LEADERSHIP
MATTHEW ALLEN, PHD
FOUNDERMISSION ARCHITECTURE& FLIGHT OPERATIONS LEAD
Dr. Matt Allen is a highly accomplished aerospace engineer, systems architect, and spaceflight operations leader with more than two decades of experience spanning spacecraft design, mission planning, systems engineering, mission operations, architecture development, and human spaceflight programs. He currently serves as Mission Performance Lead and Flight Operations Lead for Lockheed Martin's Orion program, where he oversees system architecture, mission development, vehicle performance, flight readiness, and spacecraft operations for NASA’s Artemis missions. His expertise includes spacecraft and subsystem design, mission analysis, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), optimization, system trades, reliability engineering, and multidisciplinary design. As the founder of Space Ingenuity and technical leader with experience across Orion, commercial lunar landers, and exploration architecture programs, he has led major mission reviews, developed critical spacecraft operational concepts, and resolved high-impact technical challenges. He holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering and has been recognized with numerous NASA awards, including the Silver Achievement Medal, Exceptional Public Achievement Medal, and Silver Snoopy Award for contributions to mission success, crew safety, and human spaceflight operations.
BRIAN WOODS
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SPACECRAFT ARCHITECTURE LEAD
Brian Woods is an aerospace engineer, systems architect, and technical leader with more than 20 years of experience developing complex space, defense, and aerospace systems for NASA, NOAA, the Department of Defense, Ball Aerospace, and Lockheed Martin. He specializes in multidisciplinary problems where mission objectives, architecture, performance, requirements, and risk must converge into an executable system. He currently supports NASA’s Moon Base Architecture team, defining the integrated systems and capabilities required for humanity’s first sustained operations on the lunar surface. He also serves as Director of Engineering for Space Ingenuity, working alongside an extraordinarily experienced and creative team to solve demanding aerospace challenges. His career has progressed from vehicle performance analysis to lead systems engineering, spacecraft architecture, and chief engineer roles across JSF, Orion, NOAA-20/JPSS-1, WSF-M, national security space systems, NASA astrophysics, and deep-space robotic and crewed exploration. He is at his best tackling complex technical problems that cross traditional engineering boundaries and turning ambiguity into clear architectures, decisions, and execution. Brian holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder and is guided by a simple professional standard: accomplish the mission with discipline, innovation, humility, and uncompromising integrity.
SENIOR TECHNICAL ADVISORS
STEVE BAILEY
SENIOR TECHNICAL CONSULTANT
Steve Bailey is a veteran aerospace executive, chief engineer, and systems architect with more than 40 years of experience leading the design, development, integration, testing, and operation of planetary exploration, lunar, and human spaceflight systems. His career spans leadership roles at Space-ng, Redwire Space, Deep Space Systems, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), NASA Johnson Space Center, and multiple commercial space ventures, where he has led major programs including Firefly’s Blue Ghost Lunar Lander, NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS), Orion, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Polar Lander, Mars Climate Orbiter, and early lunar exploration initiatives. His expertise includes spacecraft systems engineering, mission architecture, optical navigation, autonomous systems, payload integration, spacecraft design, testbed development, mission operations, and executive leadership. As a founder, CEO, chief engineer, and program leader, he has repeatedly guided organizations through growth, major contract awards, and the successful delivery of complex space exploration technologies for government and commercial customers.
BILL JOHNS
CHIEF ENGINEERING OFFICER
Bill Johns is a distinguished aerospace executive and chief engineer with more than 40 years of experience leading the development of complex human spaceflight and launch vehicle programs. Most notably, he served as Chief Engineer for NASA’s Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle from 2005 to 2023, where he was responsible for the program’s overall technical direction, engineering processes, technical baseline, and review boards. Prior to Orion, he held senior leadership roles directing the development of the Atlas V launch vehicle, Centaur upper stages, Titan/Centaur systems, and advanced launch vehicle concepts, overseeing design, integration, testing, qualification, risk management, launch campaigns, and major system upgrades. His expertise spans systems engineering, spacecraft and launch vehicle development, technical leadership, program management, and product development. Widely recognized for his contributions to the aerospace industry, he has received numerous honors, including the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, a Rotary-NASA Award, and multiple Lockheed Martin NOVA Awards.
KEVIN ODLE
OPERATIONS STRATEGY ADVISOR
Kevin Odle is a highly experienced aerospace systems engineer, chief systems engineer, and technical manager with more than 40 years of leadership in spacecraft design, systems architecture, mission operations, systems engineering, integration and test, verification and validation, and advanced concept development. Throughout a distinguished career spanning Deep Space Systems, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Dynamics, Hughes Aircraft, and Martin Marietta, he has led major space and defense programs including Orion, Dream Chaser, SBSS, and numerous classified national security space initiatives. His expertise includes system architecture, requirements development, mission analysis, concept of operations development, proposal leadership, program management, spacecraft operations, software modeling and simulation, and cross-functional technical leadership. He possesses a proven record of guiding complex programs through major design reviews, certification efforts, and mission operations while successfully managing large engineering organizations, budgets, and strategic business initiatives.
TODD SULLIVAN
EXPLORATION SYSTEMS & STRATEGY LEADER
Todd Sullivan is a highly accomplished aerospace executive, spacecraft architect, and program leader with more than 30 years of experience directing complex human spaceflight, exploration, and advanced technology programs. He has held senior leadership positions at Lockheed Martin and founded Whetstone Research Laboratory, leading portfolios valued at over $1.4 billion while overseeing the design, development, certification, and delivery of hundreds of spacecraft systems and technologies. His expertise spans spacecraft systems architecture, human spaceflight, lunar and Mars exploration, nuclear propulsion, advanced technology development, program management, systems engineering, business capture, and organizational leadership. He played pivotal leadership roles on the Orion program, Dream Chaser, lunar lander concepts, NASA exploration initiatives, and advanced propulsion and habitation technologies, while managing large multidisciplinary teams, major subcontractors, and strategic technology investments. Recognized with prestigious awards including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, NASA Silver Snoopy Award, NASA Innovation Award, and Lockheed Martin NOVA Award, he combines deep technical expertise with executive-level experience in shaping and delivering next-generation space exploration capabilities.
TECHNICAL EXPERTS
Dr. Cynthia Begley is an aerospace engineer with over 25 years of experience supporting NASA human spaceflight programs, specializing in crew systems, mission operations, EVA (spacewalk) design, integration, and astronaut training. She has extensive leadership experience as an EVA mission designer, astronaut crew trainer, and certified real-time flight controller for Space Shuttle and International Space Station missions, with expertise in systems engineering, integration and test, operations development, and mission support. Her career includes key roles with Deep Space Systems, GHG Corporation, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, and United Space Alliance, where she contributed to the Orion spacecraft program, developed operational concepts and procedures, led technical teams, and supported complex flight operations. She holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, along with MS and BS degrees in Aerospace Engineering, and has received numerous NASA and industry awards recognizing technical excellence, leadership, and mission contributions.
CINDY BEGLEY
ALEXIS BENINI
Dr. Alexis Nicole Benini is a highly experienced aerospace and autonomous systems engineer with expertise in guidance, navigation and control (GN&C), optical and vision-based navigation, machine learning, embedded systems, computer vision, and autonomous vehicle development. She has led and contributed to major aerospace programs including NASA’s Orion spacecraft, the Firefly Blue Ghost Lunar Lander, and advanced spacecraft autonomy projects, developing navigation algorithms, embedded software, FPGA-based systems, and autonomous guidance solutions for both spacecraft and UAVs. With a Ph.D. in Automation Engineering focused on localization and navigation of autonomous systems, she combines strong technical leadership with hands-on experience in software development (C/C++, MATLAB, VHDL, OpenCV), sensor fusion, Kalman filtering, and hardware/software integration, delivering innovative solutions across commercial space, defense, and research organizations.
Leo DeGreef is a distinguished systems engineer with a career spanning decades of leadership across high-stakes aerospace, defense, and telecommunications initiatives for top-tier organizations like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and NASA. His profound technical knowledge covers the full program lifecycle, including software development, rigorous verification and validation, and complex requirements management. Leo has been instrumental to foundational space projects such as Orion, OSIRIS-REx, and GOES-R, where he spearheaded environmental testing and critical human-in-the-loop evaluations. His professional background is bolstered by his service as a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Aircraft Commander and his history managing NASA’s wind tunnel and flight test operations. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy with an M.S. from USC, Leo is a celebrated figure in the industry, recognized for his commitment to technical excellence, process optimization, and inspiring the next generation through STEM outreach.
LEO DEGREEF
SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER
JOE DUDEK
Joe Dudek is an experienced aerospace engineer with a strong background in spacecraft systems engineering, mission integration, and mission architecture, primarily supporting NASA’s Orion and Artemis programs. He has led the development and integration of critical mission phases, spacecraft separation events, flight instrumentation, and data management while collaborating with NASA, Lockheed Martin, and multidisciplinary engineering teams. His experience spans mission planning, systems verification, production and test engineering, and flight hardware integration, complemented by strong technical skills in Python, Linux, CAD/CAE tools, and aerospace analysis. He holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering with minors in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics and is pursuing a Master of Engineering in Space Operations, with a proven record of technical leadership, innovation, and recognition for outstanding performance in support of human spaceflight missions.
JUSTIN FADA
Justin Fada is an accomplished NASA systems engineer and technical leader with expertise in space systems architecture, propulsion, power systems, systems engineering, and project leadership. He has led critical efforts for NASA’s Gateway program, including serving as Integration Lead for the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) ion propulsion system and leading architecture development for lunar exploration initiatives. His experience includes managing multidisciplinary engineering teams, driving complex system integration, conducting trade studies and risk management, implementing Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), and delivering high-profile spaceflight projects through major design reviews. He also brings a strong research background in advanced data analytics, machine learning, high-performance computing, and electrical power systems, complemented by a proven record of leadership development, mentoring, digital transformation initiatives, and recognition with NASA’s Career Achievement Medal for outstanding early-career performance and technical leadership.
BRIAN KILEEN
Brian Killeen is a highly accomplished aerospace engineer and NASA technical leader with expertise in trajectory design, mission planning, flight dynamics, software development, high-performance computing, optimization, and spacecraft operations. He has played key roles in NASA’s Artemis, Orion, Mars 2020, and International Space Station programs, leading cross-functional teams, developing end-to-end mission trajectories, and supporting flight operations. Recognized with multiple NASA honors, including the Exceptional Achievement Medal, Early Career Achievement Medal, and NASA Software of the Year Award, he combines exceptional technical expertise with strong leadership, communication, and program coordination skills.
BEN LAYNG
WEB DEVELOPER
Benjamin Layng is a Software Engineer with over four years of experience at Raytheon Intelligence & Space, specializing in software development, automation, configuration management, and web development. He has hands-on experience working in Windows and Red Hat Linux environments, developing automation solutions with C, C++, Java, Ansible, GitLab, and Jenkins. His major achievements include working on the James Webb Space Telescope and Raytheon's GPS program. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Denver, along with minors in Mathematics and Emergent Digital Practices, and brings strong expertise in integration tools, version control, containerization, code reviews, testing, and cross-functional collaboration in highly regulated and classified environments. Currently working to update and maintain the Space Ingenuity website.
CONNIE MCCORD
CONTRACTS MANAGER
Connie McCord has been in the Aerospace industry for over 40 years. She first joined Martin Marietta supporting the Treasury Department, Finance, Accounting, and later Accounts Payable / Accounts Receivable. She then transitioned to Subcontracts to support all the LM Civil Space Technical Services Contracts, university contracts, and consultants. These covered the LM planetary missions (MRO, Genisis, GOES-R, Stardust, Grail, Juno), having over 50 subcontracts with LM Engineers and small businesses for engineering support. Connie then transitioned to hardware procurement of titanium propulsion tanks for the GPS & SBIRS Misson programs. Connie then joined Deep Space Systems (DSS) as their Subcontract Manager in February 2014. The DSS team supported the Orion Program with engineering services and camera hardware, as well as Sierra Nevada for the Dreamchaser program. Connie joined Space Ingenuity shortly after it's formation, and her experience and love of Aerospace has been essential in supporting our customers and keeping the company running smoothly.
Kelly Moran is an experienced aerospace and systems engineering leader with expertise in mission architecture, systems integration and verification, guidance, navigation and control (GN&C), simulation development, hardware-in-the-loop testing, requirements management, and mission operations. She has supported NASA’s Orion spacecraft and Artemis missions as Exo-LEO Phase Lead, coordinating mission-level architecture, Concept of Operations development, mission sequencing, testing, validation, and integration with NASA flight operations teams. In addition, she collaborates closely with Orion GN&C teams as the GN&C Subsystem Lead for the Mission Integration Team. Previously, she spent nearly a decade at Raytheon Missile Systems leading simulation development, weapon system integration, flight test support, and engineering teams for advanced missile and guidance programs. Her technical strengths include simulation and modeling, GN&C analysis, test and verification, mission planning, C++, MATLAB, Python, systems engineering, and cross-functional leadership, complemented by strong management experience, a Master’s degree in Space Systems Engineering, and a proven record of delivering complex aerospace and defense programs.
KELLY MORAN
JOE TORP
Joe Torp is a senior electrical and systems engineer with more than 40 years of aerospace experience spanning avionics architecture, systems engineering, mission integration, test and verification, simulation development, software testing, and program leadership. He has played key roles on major spaceflight programs including NASA’s Orion, Artemis, Crew Exploration Vehicle, Atlas V, Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS), and Orion Pad Abort and Flight Test missions, leading efforts in avionics design, interface architecture, mission-level testing, systems integration laboratories, requirements development, and hardware/software verification. His expertise includes spacecraft and launch vehicle systems, integrated test environments, mission operations, simulation and lab development, software and hardware integration, and cross-functional technical leadership. Throughout his career working on either on contract with or for Lockheed Martin, United Launch Alliance, Boeing, Stellar Solutions, Rigel Aerospace and Deep Space Systems/Redwire, he has consistently delivered complex aerospace systems, earned multiple NASA and Orion program awards, and demonstrated strong leadership in mission-critical test and integration activities.
ROGER WACKER
Roger Wacker is a highly accomplished aerospace control systems engineer and technical leader with nearly 40 years of experience in guidance, navigation and control (GN&C), flight control systems, simulation development, hardware-in-the-loop testing, systems integration, verification, and human spaceflight programs. He has held senior leadership roles at Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and NASA contractor organizations, supporting major programs including Orion, the Space Shuttle, International Space Station, X-38 Crew Return Vehicle, Boeing 787, and various unmanned aerial vehicle systems. His expertise includes control system architecture, six-degree-of-freedom simulation development, safety-critical aerospace systems, systems engineering, program management, and technical team leadership. He is recognized for developing innovative flight control solutions, leading complex GN&C design and verification efforts, and contributing to multiple flight-proven spacecraft and aerospace systems, earning numerous industry and NASA awards throughout his career.
RICKY WOLF
Richard “Ricky” T. Wolf is a highly accomplished NASA aerospace engineer with more than 14 years of experience in human spaceflight operations, systems engineering and integration, risk management, and critical hardware and software testing. He currently serves as the Mission Operations Lead for the first SpaceX Lunar Landing Mission for Lockheed Martin's Orion program. Previously, he worked as a NASA Artemis Program Systems Engineering Lead, managing technical risk portfolios, validating requirements, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, supporting human-rating certification, and contributing to Artemis II mission operations and post-flight assessments. Additionally, as a NASA Mission Operations Specialist, he logged more than 5,000 hours of Mission Control Center operations for ISS and Artemis missions, supported more than 15 major mission assignments, developed procedures and software tools, trained Artemis II astronauts, and helped improve realtime spacecraft systems troubleshooting and onboarding efficiency. His expertise includes cross-functional leadership, real-time mission operations, systems integration, risk mitigation, and technical training and mentorship, supported by a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering with a Mathematics minor from the University of Cincinnati and multiple NASA awards and certifications.
RANDY ZORKOCY
Randy Zorkocy is a senior aerospace engineer with more than 40 years of experience specializing in structural dynamics, dynamic environments engineering, spacecraft integration, launch vehicle development, and systems engineering. His expertise includes vibration, acoustics, shock and pyroshock analysis and testing, spacecraft dynamic environments, mission integration, requirements verification, and technical leadership. Throughout his career with Redwire Space, Deep Space Systems, United Launch Alliance, Boeing, and McDonnell Douglas, he has supported major aerospace programs including Orion, Artemis I, Vulcan, Atlas V, Delta IV, Delta II/III, Iridium, Ulysses, and Strategic Defense Initiative missions. He is recognized for leading complex design, analysis, test, and verification efforts, mentoring engineering teams, and developing practical solutions to challenging aerospace structural and dynamic environments problems while balancing technical, cost, and schedule requirements.