Richard French
About Richard French
Richard French serves as the Senior Director of Business Development and Strategy for Space Systems at Rocket Lab, where he manages technology partnerships and has extensive experience in spaceflight missions. He previously held various engineering and leadership roles at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and has a strong academic background in Aerospace and Space Systems Engineering from the University of Michigan.
Current Role at Rocket Lab
Richard French currently serves as the Senior Director of Business Development and Strategy for Space Systems at Rocket Lab. He has held this position since December 2022, focusing on advancing technology partnerships and strategic initiatives within the space sector. His role involves leveraging his extensive experience in business development to enhance Rocket Lab's position in the commercial space industry.
Previous Experience at Rocket Lab
Prior to his current role, Richard French worked at Rocket Lab as the Director of Business Development and Strategy for Space Systems from 2020 to 2022. He also held the position of Director of Global Government Launch Services from 2019 to 2020. His leadership in these roles involved fostering international partnerships and collaborations, which contributed to the growth of Rocket Lab's government launch services.
Experience at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Richard French spent over a decade at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where he held various engineering and managerial positions. His roles included Manager of Technology Partnerships in the Office of Space Technology, EDL Systems Engineer for the Mars Science Laboratory, and lead mechanical systems engineer for the Soil Moisture Active Passive mission. His contributions were integral to several NASA missions, including the successful landing of the Curiosity Rover on Mars.
Education and Academic Background
Richard French holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a Master of Engineering in Space Systems Engineering, both from the University of Michigan. His academic background laid the foundation for his career in aerospace and space systems, equipping him with the technical knowledge and skills necessary for his roles in both industry and research.
Achievements and Contributions
Richard French has been recognized for his contributions to the field of aerospace engineering. He was awarded the NASA Honors Early Career Public Achievement Medal for his work at NASA. Additionally, he played a key role in developing the Techstars Starburst Space Accelerator program, which supports innovation in the space sector. His involvement in various NASA missions and projects highlights his commitment to advancing space technology.