Michael P. Moses
Distinguished Alumnus 2016
- BS 1989, Purdue University, Physics
- MS 1991, Florida Institute of Technology
- MS 1995, Purdue University
Mike oversees the commercial suborbital spaceflight program for Virgin Galactic. He leads the team in all aspects of safe and successful spaceline operations, including WhiteKnightTwo and SpaceShipTwo vehicle processing, flight planning, astronaut training, and flight crew operations.
Mike came to Virgin Galactic following a distinguished career with NASA. From 2008 through July 2011, he served at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida as the Launch Integration Manager, where he led all space shuttle processing activities from landing through launch. Mike also chaired the Mission Management Team where he provided ultimate shuttle launch decision authority. Other NASA experience includes working as a Flight Director at the Johnson Space Center, where he led teams of flight controllers in the planning, training, and execution of space shuttle missions. Before being selected as a Flight Director in 2005, Mike had more than 10 years of experience as a flight controller in the Shuttle Propulsion and Electrical Systems Groups.
Mike attended Purdue University, earning a bachelor’s degree in physics and a master’s degree in aerospace engineering. He also earned a master’s degree in space sciences from Florida Institute of Technology. He is a two-time recipient of the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, as well as other NASA commendations and awards.
Career Highlights
- 2001 Flight Controller Group Lead, Shuttle Propulsion Systems, NASA Johnson Space Center
- 2003 Flight Controller Group Lead, Shuttle Electrical Systems, NASA Johnson Space Center
- 2005 Flight Director, NASA Johnson Space Center
- 2008 Launch Integration Manager, NASA Kennedy Space Center
- 2011 Vice President of Operations, Virgin Galactic
- 2015 Senior Vice President of Operations, Virgin Galactic