In an exciting development for the aerospace sector, Sierra Space, a trailblazer in the commercial and defense space technology landscape, has welcomed Amish Patel aboard as their new Chief Operating Officer. This pivotal appointment comes at a time when Sierra Space is navigating a period of significant growth and innovation, driven by a portfolio of expansive programs designed to shape the future of life on Earth and secure economic activity in space.

Patel, with almost two decades of experience in high-tech operations and supply chain management across several key industries including aerospace and automotive, is set to oversee all operational facets of Sierra Space’s expanding production, facilities, and supply chain endeavors. Having previously held the role of Vice President of Global Supply Chain at Rocket Lab, Patel is no stranger to the demands of leading-edge aerospace operations. His tenure at Rocket Lab was marked by notable achievements in material planning, sourcing strategy, procurement, inventory, and global logistics – all critical areas that he will now helm at Sierra Space.

Before his stint at Rocket Lab, Patel amassed a commendable track record at major companies such as SpaceX, L3Harris Technologies, and Singer Vehicle Design. His diverse experience and capability to foster agile teams and deepen supply chain development align with Sierra Space’s strategic transition into an operational phase, particularly as the company broadens its horizons with projects like Dream Chaser®, space station development, and national security satellites.

Tom Vice, the CEO of Sierra Space, heralded Patel’s arrival as a milestone moment, highlighting his profound understanding of production and supply chain operations at innovative companies. With Sierra Space at a crossroads of scaling production and advancing major projects, Patel’s leadership is set to be instrumental.

Patel expressed his excitement about joining Sierra Space, emphasizing his readiness to drive innovation, optimize operations, and play a part in the company’s transformative journey towards commercializing space for the Orbital Age®. His educational background, which combines computer information systems, international studies, biology, and astrophysics from Indiana University, speaks to a well-rounded expertise poised to tackle the multifaceted challenges of space commercialization.

Sierra Space stands at the forefront of the aerospace industry, reimagining space transportation with the Dream Chaser® spaceplane and innovating space destination technologies. The company’s commitment to leveraging commercial business models to deliver orbital services across defense, national security, and commercial sectors underscores its pivotal role in the burgeoning space economy. With Patel’s strategic leadership, Sierra Space is poised to further its mission, reinforcing its position as a key player in the commercialization and utilization of space to benefit life on Earth.