Draft:Jeff Thornburg

Jeff Thornburg is an aerospace engineer and space executive known for his contributions to space technology and propulsion systems. He is most prominently known for starting and leading the Raptor engine development program at SpaceX. He is currently the CEO of Portal Space Systems, a Seattle-based company specializing in space maneuverability technology.

Early life and education

Jeff Thornburg was born in Illinois in 1973. He developed an early interest in aviation and engineering, leading him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology. He later earned a Master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Career

Military Service

Thornburg began his career as an active-duty officer in the U.S. Air Force, serving as Flight Commander and Aircraft Maintenance Officer for KC-135R tanker aircraft at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. He later joined the Air Force Research Laboratory's liquid rocket engine branch at Edwards Air Force Base in California, where he led the joint Air Force-NASA Integrated Powerhead Demonstration engine program, achieving the world's first hydrogen full-flow staged combustion cycle engine demonstration. His work earned him several awards, including the NASA Space Flight Awareness Award and the Air Force Research Laboratory Technical Program Manager of the Year.

Aerojet (2006–2009)

In 2006, Thornburg transitioned to the private sector, joining Aerojet (now Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc.) as Engineering Director for Liquid Propulsion. He managed the design and analysis of turbopumps and served as the site manager for the Aerojet engineering office in Los Angeles.

NASA (2009–2011)

In 2009, Thornburg joined NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center as Lead Engineer and Project Manager for the J-2X engine turbomachiners. He led the development of key propulsion components and played a significant role in the J-2X engine project under the Space Launch System (SLS) program.

SpaceX (2011–2015)

In June 2011, Thornburg joined SpaceX as Principal Propulsion Engineer for the Raptor Engine Development. In April 2014, he succeeded Tom Mueller as SpaceX's Vice President of Propulsion Engineering, a role he held until 2015. Thornburg is often referred to as the "Architect of the Raptor Engine", having led the development of the world's first full-flow staged combustion cycle rocket engine designed for SpaceX's Starship program. His leadership was instrumental in advancing SpaceX's propulsion capabilities, supporting the company's goals of interplanetary travel and reusable rockets.

Stratolaunch (2017–2019)

After leaving SpaceX, Thornburg joined Stratolaunch as Vice President of Propulsion Engineering from June 2017 to April 2019, leading the development of the LO2/LH2 PGA Liquid Rocket Engine.

Amazon Kuiper (2020–2021)

From September 2020 to August 2021, Thornburg led hardware and mechanical engineering development for Amazon's Project Kuiper, overseeing the company's satellite constellation manufacturing.

Agility Robotics (2021–2022)

Thornburg served as Senior Vice President of Engineering at Agility Robotics from September 2021 to November 2022, where he managed the development of advanced robotics systems.

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (2022–2024)

Thornburg was the Chief Engineer at Commonwealth Fusion Systems from December 2022 to March 2024, leading engineering initiatives to address global energy needs and climate change challenges.

Space entrepreneur

Portal Space Systems (2021-present)

In 2021, Thornburg co-founded Portal Space Systems, a Seattle-based startup focusing on space maneuverability solutions. As CEO, he oversees the development of the Supernova satellite bus, which is designed to provide tactical responsiveness and dynamic space operations. The company is planning its first launch in mid-2026.

Interstellar Technologies (2015–2022)

Thornburg's first venture, Interstellar Technologies, focused on advanced research and additive manufacturing for in-space vehicles and propulsion systems.

Contributions to Space Technology and Policy

Thornburg has been a strong advocate for developing American-made rocket propulsion systems. He testified before the U.S. House of Representatives on the reliance on Russian rocket engines and the need for advancements in domestic rocket propulsion.

Mentorship and Innovation

Thornburg serves as a mentor at the Creative Destruction Lab's Space Stream, alongside notable space experts such as Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield (). Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a global startup program for seed-stage, science-based companies, using a mentorship approach led by experienced entrepreneurs, investors, economists, and scientists ().

Awards

Throughout his career, Thornburg has received several awards for his contributions to aerospace engineering, including:

• NASA Space Flight Awareness Award
• NASA Made It Happen Award
• NASA Stennis Space Center Propulsion Test Director's Leadership Award
• Air Force Research Laboratory Technical Program Manager of the Year