MAJ. GEN. (RET.) SUSAN MASHIKO JOINS VOX SPACE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
VOX Space, the subsidiary of Virgin Orbit which provides responsive and affordable launch services for the U.S.’ national security community, has welcomed a new member to its board of directors, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Susan Mashiko.
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Mashiko’s 35-year career in the U.S. Air Force has spanned a variety of space and acquisition assignments, including serving as Chief of the Programs Division in the Office of Special Projects and Director of the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Program. She also served as the Program Executive Officer for Environmental Satellites, MILSATCOM Wing Commander, Vice Commander of the Air Armament Center, Vice Commander of the Space and Missile Systems Center, and Director of Space Acquisition in the Office of the Under Secretary of the Air Force.
Her final assignment was as the Deputy Director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) where she assisted the Director and the Principal Deputy Director in managing the strategic and tactical operations of the NRO.
After retiring from the Air Force in 2014, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Mashiko established SKM Aerospace, which provides strategic level acquisition, program and programmatic advice on all aspects of the space sector — national security, Department of Defense (DoD) and civil.
“This is a very exciting time to join the VOX Space board, as the company’s flexible, responsive launch service unlocks some very interesting applications for our customer base,” said Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Mashiko. “The leadership team has a clear vision and focus on a new way of doing business. The national security community increasingly needs a service like LauncherOne, which can help enable new kinds of missions and ultimately foster a safer and more secure space environment.”
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Mashiko will be replacing former board member Douglas Loverro, who moved on to join NASA as the agency’s new head of human spaceflight. With her addition, the VOX Space Board now comprises Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Mashiko, Michael C. Gass, and Herbert F. Satterlee III.
“The VOX Space team is honored and fortunate to have such strong support from knowledgeable leaders in the industry. Their contributions are instrumental to the maturation of our company, as we get ready to provide amazing launch service capabilities to our customers,” said VOX Space President Mandy Vaughn. “I also thank Doug for his service to the board for the last two years, and I look forward to welcoming Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Mashiko to this powerhouse team.”
Before his retirement, Michael C. Gass was the president and chief executive officer of United Launch Alliance (ULA). Gass was the principal strategic leader who created the joint venture, spearheading Lockheed and Boeing company negotiations, regulatory approvals, and initial integration, and also providing leadership through the first eight years of outstanding company performance.
Herbert Satterlee is an accomplished executive with more than 40 years’ experience in the aerospace and defense industries. Prior to his retirement in 2017, Satterlee served as CEO of MDA Information Systems, which provided unique geospatial intelligence products to the US Department of Defense and intelligence community. Prior to MDA, he led two technology startups as CEO — including DigitalGlobe, the world’s largest provider of commercial satellite imagery — and held several senior management positions at The Boeing Company. Satterlee has served more than 25 years on corporate boards in various roles, including Chairman and member of the Finance and Audit, Compensation, and Government Security committees.
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
William Pomerantz, william.pomerantz@virginorbit.
Kendall Russell, kendall.russell@virginorbit.
ABOUT VIRGIN ORBIT
Virgin Orbit builds and operates the most flexible and responsive satellite launcher ever invented: LauncherOne, a dedicated launch service for commercial and government-built small satellites. LauncherOne rockets are designed and manufactured in Long Beach, California, and will be air-launched from our modified 747-400 carrier aircraft – allowing us to operate from locations all over the world in order to best serve each customer’s needs. Virgin Orbit’s systems are currently in an advanced stage of testing, with initial orbital launches expected soon. To learn more or to apply to join Virgin Orbit’s talented and growing team, visit virginorbit.com.
ABOUT VOX SPACE
VOX Space, LLC is a US-incorporated, wholly-owned subsidiary of Virgin Orbit, LLC. VOX Space provides the national security community of the USA and allied nations with responsive, dedicated, and affordable launch services for small satellites bound for Low Earth Orbit. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, VOX Space can provide study, analysis, integration, and launch services using Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne, while ensuring customers’ critical information is protected. For more information or to join the VOX Space team, visit voxspace.com.
