Chris Thompson Named President of Phantom Space, Expanding Leadership in Launch and Orbital Infrastructure

Phantom Space Corporation has appointed co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Chris Thompson as President, consolidating strategic and technical leadership under one of the industry’s most experienced engineering executives. Thompson will continue to serve as CTO while assuming broader operational oversight as the company scales its launch and orbital data services.

Veteran Aerospace Engineer to Guide Next-Generation Space Systems

Thompson brings more than four decades of aerospace experience, including key roles at McDonnell Douglas, SpaceX, and Virgin Orbit. His engineering leadership spans the Delta II, III, and IV programs, structural development of SpaceX’s Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 rockets, and the Dragon capsule. At Virgin Orbit, he led structural design for the LauncherOne air-launched system.

His appointment signals Phantom Space’s intent to accelerate development of its Daytona launch vehicle and Phantom Cloud orbital data network. Both platforms are designed to support scalable, cost-effective access to space for commercial and government clients.

Strategic Focus on Modular Design and AI-Driven Systems

Thompson’s dual role will emphasize integration of modular rocket architectures and AI-enabled systems to improve reliability and reduce cost across Phantom’s portfolio. The Daytona launch vehicle is slated for test flights in 2027, while Phantom Cloud aims to support applications ranging from Earth observation and satellite backhaul to in-space manufacturing and orbital defense.

Positioning for Growth in Space Transportation and Infrastructure

CEO James Cantrell described Thompson as “one of the most accomplished rocket and space systems engineers in history,” citing his ability to lead high-performance teams and deliver scalable technologies. Thompson expressed enthusiasm for the expanded role, noting the opportunity to “push the limits of what’s possible in space transportation and orbital infrastructure.”

Phantom Space, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, is focused on democratizing access to space through launch vehicle innovation and orbital data services. The company’s roadmap includes support for deep space exploration, off-world settlements, and resource mining, positioning it as a key player in the future of in-space commerce.