Aerospace Leadership Changes Effective April 1

Two Aerospace leadership changes are effective today, both involving senior vice presidents.

Catherine Steele is the senior vice president of National Systems Group, and succeeds Dr. Manuel De Ponte, who retired today. NSG comprises over 700 technical experts that support the national security space and intelligence community in the acquisition, launch, and orbital operation of advanced technology space systems and their ground data stations. Steele was previously vice president, Strategic Space Operations, and oversaw several major mission areas including space situational awareness, space protection, small satellites, and nuclear operations. Steele is located in Aerospace’s Chantilly, Virginia office.

Dr. Charles L. “Chuck” Gustafson is the senior vice president, Engineering and Technology Group, and succeeds Dr. Rami Razouk, who retired today. ETG comprises about 1,200 engineers and scientists, nearly half the company’s technical staff. ETG provides support to all national security space programs in the areas of Space and Launch Vehicles, Electronics and Sensors, Computers and Software, Communications and Cyber, and Systems Engineering and Architecting. Gustafson was previously general manager of the Launch Systems Division, where he was responsible for Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle new entrant certification activities, civil and commercial launch programs, and enterprise-level functions. Gustafson is located in
Aerospace’s El Segundo office.

The Aerospace Corporation is a California nonprofit corporation that operates a federally funded research and development center and has approximately 3,500 employees. It provides guidance and advice to military, civil, and commercial customers to ensure the success of complex, technology-based programs. The Aerospace Corporation is headquartered in El Segundo, Calif., with multiple locations across the United States.