DULLES, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Orbital ATK (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, today announced that Mr. Rick Mastracchio has joined the company’s Space Systems Group as the Senior Director of Operations for the Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program, which relies on commercial providers to deliver vital cargo to the International Space Station. As a member of the Advanced Programs Division’s Human Space Systems team based in Dulles, Virginia, Mastracchio will be responsible for managing the CRS Mission and Cargo Operations teams. He will also support other Human Space Systems programs, including Orbital ATK’s exploration pursuits beyond low earth orbit.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rick Mastracchio to Orbital ATK,” said Frank DeMauro, Vice President and General Manager of Orbital ATK’s Advanced Programs Division. “With his experience as an astronaut and his time spent on the International Space Station, Rick brings a unique understanding of human space flight, making him an invaluable resource for our human space flight endeavors.”
Prior to joining Orbital ATK, Mastracchio had an impressive career as a NASA astronaut. He was selected as an astronaut candidate in August 1996 and flew as a mission specialist on three space shuttle flights: STS-106, STS-188 and STS-131. He also spent time on the space station as part of Expedition 38/39 and was on the orbiting laboratory when Orbital ATK’s first Cygnus resupply spacecraft under the CRS contract berthed with the station. Mastracchio has logged 228 days in space, including nine spacewalks totaling 53 hours.
Mastracchio also held several roles within NASA. Before he was selected as an astronaut, he worked as an ascent/entry Guidance and Procedures Officer in Mission Control, supporting 17 missions as a Flight Controller. After returning from the space station, he worked as the Cockpit Design Lead on Orion and as the Constellation Deputy Branch Chief.
Mastracchio holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of Connecticut, as well as master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and physical science from the University of Houston.
About Orbital ATK
Orbital ATK is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies. The company designs, builds and delivers space, defense and aviation systems for customers around the world, both as a prime contractor and merchant supplier. Its main products include launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; missile products, subsystems and defense electronics; precision weapons, armament systems and ammunition; satellites and associated space components and services; and advanced aerospace structures. Headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, Orbital ATK employs approximately 12,500 people in 18 states across the U.S. and in several international locations. For more information, visit www.orbitalatk.com.
