David Spencer
Founder & CEO
Dr. David Spencer is an expert in mission design and operations, with flight project implementation experience ranging from space technology demonstrations to flagship planetary missions. During 18 years at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, he has held positions as Mission System Manager for the Mars Sample Return Program, Deputy Project Manager for the Phoenix Mars Lander, Mission Manager for Deep Impact and Mars Odyssey, and mission designer for Mars Pathfinder. He is the Project Manager for the LightSail 2 solar sailing mission in support of The Planetary Society. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University, and his Ph.D. from Georgia Tech. He has served on the engineering faculty at both institutions.