Centrifuge space-launch system developer SpinLaunch has made several senior appointments to help the company’s push towards commercialization.
The company, which was founded in 2014 and is based at Spaceport America in New Mexico is developing a launch system that uses a carbon fiber rotating arm within a massive circular vacuum chamber to spin payloads to incredibly fast speeds and fling them up through the atmosphere. Once above the stratosphere, a rocket provides the final velocity necessary for orbital insertion and positioning.
Dómhnal Slattery, an investor in the company has been appointed as chairman of SpinLaunch’s board of directors while fellow investor Greg McAdoo also joins the board of directors. McAdoo is also a general partner in on-demand taxi firm Bolt.
Meanwhile, telecoms executive Ronan Dunne and global business leader David Scott have become new SpinLaunch Advisors.
The company said the appointments will provide “expertise in global investments, partnerships, commercialization, and go-to-market strategy”.
“Dómhnal has already made significant contributions to SpinLaunch as an investor and a valuable strategic advisor, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the company. We are excited to welcome him as our new Chairman of the Board.”
Slattery is best known for establishing one of the world’s largest commercial aircraft leasing companies, Avolon.
Slattery will work closely with the executive leadership and key stakeholders to provide both guidance and oversight, ensuring that SpinLaunch continues to thrive as a leader of affordable and sustainable space solutions and enter global commercial markets, said the company.
SpinLaunch CEO Jonathan Yaney said, “Dómhnal’s extensive track record of executive leadership, along with his background capitalizing and growing global businesses, position him perfectly for this role.
“He has already made significant contributions to SpinLaunch as an investor and a valuable strategic advisor, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the company. We are excited to welcome him as our new chairman.”
“I was attracted to SpinLaunch, both as an investor and advisor, because of the company’s incredible ability to innovate and build sustainable space solutions,” said Slattery. “Not only have they built and successfully launched from the world’s first suborbital kinetic launch system, but are now expanding into full space solutions, including satellites and services. I am impressed by the leadership and myriad of strong supporters, and look forward to my expanded role as Chairman of the Board.”
