Reuben Garcia
About Reuben Garcia
Reuben Garcia serves as the Director of Technical Operations and Executive Manager of Landing Systems at Masten Space Systems, where he has worked since 2010. He has extensive experience in aerospace, including previous roles at XCOR Aerospace and Scaled Composites, and has led significant projects in rocket technology and lunar exploration.
Work at Masten Space Systems
Reuben Garcia has served as the Director of Technical Operations and Executive Manager of Landing Systems at Masten Space Systems since 2010. His role is based at the Mojave Air and Space Port, where he has been instrumental in managing technical resources and funding allocations for various projects, including the lunar lander program (XL-1) under the NASA Lunar CATALYST program. Garcia has also played a key role in securing significant funding and technology transfer for Masten, including an infusion plan that resulted in $11 million over six years.
Education and Expertise
Reuben Garcia studied at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, where he achieved a degree in Aircraft Maintenance Technology. He also studied at CIE, obtaining a qualification in Electronic Engineering Technology. His educational background supports his extensive expertise in aerospace operations and engineering, particularly in the development and management of advanced aerospace systems.
Background
Before joining Masten Space Systems, Reuben Garcia worked at XCOR Aerospace as Composite Operations Manager and Crew Chief from 2006 to 2009. Prior to that, he served as Crew Chief at Scaled Composites from 1995 to 1998. His experience in these roles contributed to his comprehensive understanding of aerospace operations and engineering, particularly in composite materials and crew management.
Achievements
Garcia has secured the first civilian airworthiness certificate for a human-rated pump-fed rocket-powered flight vehicle. He has also spearheaded a successful NASA CAN for the development of a LOX/CH4 E-Pump and served as Flight Director for 26 commercial flights across 11 NASA Flight Opportunity campaigns. Additionally, he authored and won a $3 million DARPA Hypersonic Spaceplane design study contract, followed by a $6 million follow-on contract.
Innovations and Projects
Reuben Garcia has been involved in several innovative projects at Masten Space Systems. He coordinated the development of a new green liquid hypergolic bipropellant system and developed a 100% additively manufactured 25klbf LOX/CH4 upper stage engine and a lunar kick engine. His contributions have significantly advanced Masten's capabilities in aerospace technology.