Chris Thompson Takes Charge as President of Phantom Space to Advance Space Transportation and Infrastructure

Chris Thompson Takes Charge as President of Phantom Space

Phantom Space Corporation, known for its innovative approaches to space transportation and orbital infrastructure, has officially announced Chris Thompson as its new President. This leadership change emphasizes the company's commitment to advancing space accessibility and technology development. Thompson, who retains his role as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), will be instrumental in guiding both strategic and technological initiatives within the company through his extensive experience in the aerospace sector.

A Proven Leader in Aerospace

Chris Thompson is not a newcomer to the aerospace industry. With over 40 years of experience, he has held pivotal roles in prestigious organizations such as McDonnell Douglas, SpaceX, and Virgin Orbit. At SpaceX, he was a key figure in the development of the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 rockets, as well as the Dragon capsule. His deep expertise encompasses rocket structures, propulsion, and systems integration, which positions him perfectly to drive Phantom Space's agenda of transforming space transportation.

Thompson's leadership will be directed towards steering the Daytona launch vehicle program, which is slated for test flights in 2027. Additionally, he will oversee the evolution of the Phantom Cloud, an orbital data network set to bolster industries from Earth observation to deep space expeditions. His dual responsibilities underscore the link between operational efficiency and technological innovation.

Pioneering New Frontiers in Space

Phantom Space's mission is clear: to democratize access to space. Under Thompson's vision, the company aims to develop advanced launch systems and orbital platforms that meet the demands of both commercial clients and government contracts. Integrating new technologies, such as AI-driven systems and modular rocket designs, remains a priority to enhance mission reliability and lower costs.

“Chris Thompson's proven track record in aerospace innovation and operational leadership makes him the ideal choice to propel Phantom Space into its next phase of growth,” stated James Cantrell, co-founder and CEO of Phantom Space. “His wealth of knowledge in scalable space technologies and high-performance teams will keep Phantom at the cutting edge of the space industry.”

Driving Innovation Towards Future Missions

Thompson's appointment comes at a critical juncture, as Phantom Space prepares for its upcoming Daytona launch vehicle test campaign in late 2025. The enhanced leadership is set to fortify the company’s standing as a key player in scalable, cost-effective space solutions. As the company gears up for this new phase, Thompson's approach will support a variety of applications ranging from satellite data and orbital defense to off-world settlements and in-space manufacturing.

“I am exhilarated to embrace the roles of President and CTO at Phantom Space at this pivotal moment in the company’s evolution,” Thompson said. “Leading the operations and pushing the boundaries of possibilities in space transportation and orbital infrastructure is incredibly motivating. I am eager to work alongside the Phantom team to deliver innovative solutions that broaden humanity's reach and capabilities in space.”

Conclusion

As Chris Thompson steps into his new role, the space industry awaits with anticipation. The forthcoming endeavors of Phantom Space, particularly the Daytona launch vehicle and the Phantom Cloud, reflect a vision for a future where space is not just a frontier for exploration but a realm of commercial opportunity. With visionary leadership and a commitment to innovation, Phantom Space is poised to shape the future of space travel and infrastructure.

About Phantom Space Corporation

Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, Phantom Space Corporation is dedicated to revolutionizing the space transportation sector. The company is focusing on developing the Daytona launch vehicle and the Phantom Cloud orbital data network, enabling a new era of in-space commerce while ensuring reliability and effectiveness for both commercial and governmental space endeavors.