Kent Rominger
The Aerospace Corp. has elected Kent Rominger, former NASA astronaut and Northrop Grumman vice president of strategic programs, to its board of trustees.
Rominger brings decades of experience across the space enterprise, including senior roles at Northrop Grumman and Orbital ATK, five space shuttle missions and a career as a U.S. Navy pilot.
“Our nation is at a pivotal time in space, shaped both by evolving threats that challenge our security, as well as important opportunities to advance the frontiers of space exploration,” said Tanya Pemberton, Aerospace president and CEO. “Kent’s deep understanding of both human spaceflight and defense systems, combined with his proven track record in advancing aerospace initiatives, will be invaluable as we continue to provide objective technical guidance for the nation’s most vital space missions.”
As a NASA astronaut, Rominger flew five space shuttle missions, commanded two and logged over 1,600 hours in space. He still serves on NASA’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Council. His 26-year flight career began in the Navy, where he piloted over 35 aircraft types and served during Operation Desert Storm.
Over 15 years of senior leadership at Northrop Grumman, Orbital ATK and ATK, Rominger helped develop and sustain key Navy and U.S. Air Force missile, propulsion and launch programs. As vice president of strategic programs, he led work on the Navy’s Fleet Ballistic Missile Program, the Air Force’s Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent pursuit and Minuteman III sustainment.
His honors include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. Rominger has also been inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame.