Harry O'Hanley
CEO
Harry led development of the grid fin landing system for SpaceX. He later managed the final integration team that achieved a biweekly vehicle production rate.

We are a tight team with big goals. That means we need all hands on deck. At ABL, every person takes ownership of their work, and understands how it impacts our mission. Accessing space doesn’t need to be expensive, complicated, or difficult, and we’re building the systems, CONOPS, and organization to prove it.
All mission types, all the time.
Defense
ABL is committed to the national security of the United States and our allies. Our innovative vehicle and launch systems enable space resiliency. We are made in the USA, ensuring all suppliers and sub-suppliers are highly vetted and technically audited.
Commercial
In the US and abroad, private and civil entities are funding missions to build a better tomorrow. Whether it’s for natural resource management, global communications, or exploring the solar system—we support the science and business that is shaping our world. Our reliable and affordable launch systems help make this possible.
Anywhere
Quickly manufactured, flexibly operated. Our versatile launch systems can activate new launch capability anywhere you want it. We service the full cislunar volume and beyond
An inside look at ABL
An inside look at ABL
It takes all of us.
CEO
Harry led development of the grid fin landing system for SpaceX. He later managed the final integration team that achieved a biweekly vehicle production rate.
CFO
Dan previously held investment, business development, and engineering roles at Morgan Stanley, AltSchool, Redpoint Ventures, and Dynasty.com. He leads ABL’s corporate and business functions and holds degrees in Physics and Economics from MIT.
Chief Engineer
Becker started as one of the original members of Virgin Orbit’s propulsion team working on engine layouts, high-flow cryogenic valves, and turbomachinery. He built and led the components team and coordinated all turbomachinery and propulsion component related efforts from initial specification to qualification.
General Manager, Launch Business
John Conafay is a Veteran of the United States Air Force and has worked in business and leadership roles at SEDS-USA, Spire Global, Bryce Space and Technologies, NASA HQ, Astranis, and Spaceflight Inc. He is currently leading commercial business development for ABL.
Director of GNC and Simulation
Josh has spent majority of his career doing GNC for SpaceX. He has contributed to many of the company’s firsts: Dragon docking with the ISS, Falcon 9 landing, Falcon Heavy, and the Starhopper test vehicle.
Head of Process Control
Matthew recently coordinated materials management at Virgin Orbit. Previously, he was an early employee at SpaceX where he led production control and supervised materials management.
Director of Hardware Engineering
Ryan began his career as a mechanical design engineer at Boeing and then Parker Hannifin. At SpaceX, he designed the third generation Falcon 9 grid fin landing system and led the Falcon 9 stage 1 propulsion systems team.
Chief of Staff
Eve Lechowicz began her career with roles at a core internet provider and several consulting firms in Government acquisition and contracting, with an emphasis on large, complex bids. Before coming to ABL, she coordinated and oversaw strategy and operations for the federal subsidiary of Planet.
Head of Structures
Luke led the structures team at Vector Launch. Previously, he was responsible for the delivery of the world’s first full-scale Hyperloop vacuum structure at Hyperloop One, and was part of the team that integrated the first Airbus A350 composite wings.
Head of Systems and Operations
Blaine previously worked at SpaceX, where he was the Stage RE for 15 Falcon 9 & Falcon Heavy missions, led the booster refurbishment effort of the first F9 booster to re-fly, and previously supported the company in Finance & Supply Chain.
Director of Corporate Development
Dan’s background is in corporate finance, with experience in mergers and acquisitions, as well as capital markets. He was recently a Senior Vice President in Stout’s investment banking group responsible for execution of sell-side M&A transactions. Previously, he spent five years at CRT Capital in a generalist role focused on primarily leveraged finance and private capital raises.
Production Director
Jake recently led a team of integration technicians at Virgin Orbit. Earlier, he led final assembly for Falcon 9 Stage 1 and Dragon Structures at SpaceX, where he performed final integration on over 40 rocket stages.
Head of Business Operations
I-Hwei began his career in the U.S. Army where he led infantry and military intelligence soldiers in global operations. Following his service, I-Hwei joined JPMorgan Chase where he held positions in strategic workforce development, internal consulting, and technology strategy.
General Counsel
Erin led all legal and compliance matters as the General Counsel at International Launch Services. Previously, she advised space and satellite clients, from startups to established defense contractors, at Hogan Lovells. Erin also advised banking, insurance, and retail units at Cognizant Technology Solutions.
Mission Manager
Kirk was the SETA technical lead for the DARPA Launch Challenge. Prior to that he managed external payloads integration at NanoRacks. His background includes tours of duty as a Navy intelligence officer and extensive experience in National Security Space.
Strategic Development Manager
Eva spearheaded research on the small launch sector at Lockheed Martin Ventures. She built geospatial data platforms that leverage EO constellations and mobile-user data. Earlier, she moderated debates on dual-use technology hosted at the United Nations General Assembly.
Production Manager
Tyler started his career at UTC Aerospace leading a team of R&D structures technicians. After this role, he lead a team of final integration technicians at Virgin Orbit, before moving to serve as the Production Manager at Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems Inc.
Lead Test Technician
Kenny began his career in the US Army, serving as a Helicopter Crew Chief, with deployments in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait over a six year time span. After returning, he became a Lead Aircraft Mechanic for Singapore Airlines out of LAX before bringing his technical expertise to ABL.
Systems and Operations Engineer
Eric spent three years working on cancer therapeutics after graduating from UCSB. After undergrad, he earned a master’s degree from Cal Poly, SLO focusing on the operational aspects of UAVs, developing the avionics package for Cal Poly’s collegiate rocket club.
Technician
Jerry has more than two decades of experience in the industry, starting in 1996 at Northrop Grumman, building 747 fuselages. Later, he transferred to the military division, where he worked on the F-35 Stealth Fighter, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and EA-18G Growler aircraft. In 2013, Jerry joined SpaceX, where he helped create the Advanced Sub-Assembly Department.
Propulsion Engineer
Saylor coded a physics simulator to analyze separation and clearance for Virgin Orbit’s first payload. Earlier, she designed, built, and tested the recovery system for the Stanford rocket that won first place at the Intercollegiate Rocketry Engineering Competition.
Business Operations Manager
Kevin managed global marine operations of 46 drilling units and 360+ personnel for Diamond Offshore. He previously supervised operations for the first-article construction of an offshore drilling unit at Atwood Oceanics.
Avionics and Software Engineer
Roy has been working on real time embedded systems professionally since high school, and has won awards for his rocket avionics, hybrid motors, and full-stack quadcopter projects.
Propulsion Engineer
Andrew developed a hybrid rocket motor, led the rocketry team, and founded a SEDS chapter while at Johns Hopkins University. At SpaceX, he was on the Starlink satellite constellation thermodynamics group where he supported early architecture trades and avionics hardware reliability.
Regulatory Operations Engineer
Austin was lead test stand engineer at the USC Liquid Propulsion Laboratory. He was in charge of reviewing operations and safety plans before tests to evaluate hazards. This led him to pursue working on the regulatory side of the launch process at ABL.
Full Stack Software Engineer
Anthony brings his wealth of experience from building software at startups and agencies. Previously, he consulted for BCG Digital Ventures to help launch Avail, Allstate’s newest carshare business.
Propulsion Engineer
Millie recently developed aircraft design models at Boom Supersonic. Previously, she worked in conceptual design and computational methods at Aurora Flight Sciences, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman.
Structures Engineer
Orlando graduated from USC with a PhD in experimental solid mechanics. His career started as a stress analyst at UTC supporting production of nacelles. He worked as an RE for Stage 2 Engine and all propellant Tanks at Vector Launch and was a designer and analyst for Propellant Devices and COPVs at NuSpace.
Systems Administrator
Sonny Dhillon’s career as a Systems Admin has nothing on his hobbies which span tabla, drums, eating good Italian food and spending time outdoors.
Quality Inspector
Rigo served as a CH-53D Flightline/Airframes mechanic in the US Marine Corps. After, he went on to work as a Quality Inspector for Triumph Aerostructures, before joining SpaceX as a Quality Inspector. There he worked primarily on the F9 V1.1, Falcon Heavy and Falcon Refurbishment Programs for 8 years.
Systems and Operations Engineer
Cady started her career working on fixed-wing aircraft. Most recently, she was at Boeing in aerodynamic performance, in positions spanning commercial flight test to experimental wind tunnel testing.
Lead CNC Programmer and Machinist
Rudy’s career began at Swift Core Aerospace, advancing quickly to CNC Operator. Picking up experience at PB Fasteners as a Tool and Die Maker, he was soon recruited by Northrup Grumman as a R&D Multi-Axis Programmer and Assembly Technician, where he made significant contributions to the JWST Telescope. Since Northrop, he has led CNC and manufacturing operations at companies such as Hera Technologies and California Machines.
Head of R&D Engineering
Jon started his career at Moog Inc. Space and Defense Group where he led a group of Engineers developing and validating high precision Actuators and Mechanisms. At SpaceX, he ran multiple development programs from conception to flight in the propulsion component department.
Lead Welder
Jeff has been welding professionally for 15 years. He has produced parts for military and civilian turbojet and turbofan engines. Jeff also served as a member of the propulsion welding team at SpaceX.
CNC Machinist
Shane was a machine operator at Hyatt Die Cast and Engineering Co, and is a graduate of The Fab School. Earlier, Shane was an Airman in the U.S. Air Force.
CNC Machinist
Anthony Hernandez began his career at Barnes System working in their machine shop before being recruited to Virgin Galactic, now Orbit. At Virgin Orbit he set up and ran multiple CNC’s and worked on manual machines as well.
Finance Operations Manager
Andre began his career as a researcher in the R&D departments of early stage biotechnology companies. After graduating from UC Irvine with a degree in Biology, he worked for an emerging Medtech company in Santa Monica. During his first two years there, the company doubled in revenue and headcount, and accomplished their first year audit. He most recently worked for Full Stack Finance, an LA-based accounting firm specializing in early stage, VC-backed start-ups across a variety of industries.
GNC Engineer
Hridu most recently designed a six-degree of freedom simulation and on-board state machine as part of the GNC/Flight Software team for the PyCubed-1 proof-of-concept CubeSat mission. He previously published research on GNSS spoofing detection at the Stanford GPS Lab.
Engineering Operations Manager
Stephen most recently managed build and test operations for over a dozen component product lines in the Dragon Commercial Crew Program at SpaceX.
Technician and Rigger
Cody has performed heavy-lift operations & precision rigging for over 15 years.
In 2016 he began his aerospace journey at SpaceX, where he was responsible for all heavy-lift operations across Falcon 9 rocket production. Later he joined the Final Integration team, completing 40 successful launch campaigns, including Falcon Heavy, & NASA crew missions.
GNC Engineer
Alex recently developed simulations and algorithms for various programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. Previously, he held hardware, systems, and avionics roles for Boeing and Honda Aircraft.
Lead Manufacturing Engineer
Ellen played a key role in establishing the University of Notre Dame’s first 3D Print Lab. During her time in the Edison Program at GE Power, she worked on the design, development, and qualification of metal additive components for gas turbines.
Network Architect
Ryan has worked in the IT and Aerospace industry for the past 15 years, shaping his passion for science and technology. He built network systems for companies such as Sea Launch and Virgin Orbit, before bringing his expertise to ABL.
Propulsion Technician
Cesar has been in the industry for over twenty years starting as a satellite electronics technician at SSL in Palo Alto. Previously he was the lead R&D technician developing rocket engine components for the Falcon 9 and Raptor engine at SpaceX.
Senior GNC Engineer
Jacob designed GNC algorithms for three prototype UAV programs at Boeing Phantom Works. Later, he developed GNC systems for commercial drones at AeroVironment.
Systems and Operations Engineer
Bryce founded a small launch vehicle startup, advocating to the DoD for tactically responsive small launch. He built and flew the first FAA-certified, autonomous high-altitude balloon launch platform. Previously, he integrated and tested the James Webb Space Telescope propulsion system.
Additive Technician
Dan has worked in both plastics and metal 3D printing for more then 28 years. With experience from three prior start ups, he has fabricated everything from toys to super cars.
Technician
Will joined the US Marine Corps in 2004 as a helicopter engine mechanic, building turboshaft engines that would be used all over the world. In 2010 he returned and earned his associates degree in Aeronautics, along with an airframe and power plant certificate. This led him to work for an international aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul station at LAX, before joining ABL. Will hopes his work on rockets is an inspiration for his daughter, a reminder for her to always pursue her dreams.
Hardware Development Engineer
Jeff designed the structure of the PyCubed-1 micro-satellite and led the design of a miniature methane/oxygen rocket engine while at Stanford. Most recently, he worked on the SpaceX Raptor engine, developing fluid systems and contributing to various hardware prototyping efforts.
Avionics Engineer
Kirill designed and implemented over a dozen advanced avionics platforms for High Altitude Balloons at Stanford University. Earlier, he won a World Championship in competitive robotics.
Technician
Manny has been in the Aviation and Aerospace industry for 13 years. He started as a CH53-D/E Helo engine technician, and later a Quality Inspector within the Marine Corps. In 2016 he was hired as a Final Integration technician at SpaceX and eventually became a member of the Rocket Refurbishment Program where his work contributed to over 30 rocket builds across multiple teams.
Hardware Development Engineer
Matt developed aerostructures and conducted system architecture trades as an early member of the Starship team at SpaceX. Before that, he helped build and test the first full-scale hyperloop track, responsible for the airlock structures and mechanisms.
Avionics Engineer
Mark is an embedded engineer with experience in FPGAs and software for aerospace, cybersecurity, and medical applications. He previously worked at SpaceX doing firmware design for a number of projects, including the Falcon engine controller.
Business Operations Associate
Mike began his career as an executive assistant to the operating partner of Keller Williams Silicon Beach and a legal assistant to the firm founder of Carlson & Messer LLP. During his tenure, he was responsible for implementing numerous organizational and account management practices.
Systems and Operations Engineer
Sean most recently was a member of the Liquid Propulsion Laboratory at the University of Southern California. He was an integration and test engineer for the Balerion rocket engine development campaign. He also has two publications with AIAA and IAC regarding additively manufactured rocket engines.
Propulsion Technician
Dana spent eight years at SpaceX, testing components for the Merlin engines and Falcon 9 rocket. While there, he also built and tested components for the Raptor Engine and Mars Starship.
Process Controller
Connor recently worked in the marine industry, in both manufacturing and retail operations. There, Connor managed a dealer and customer network spanning all of North America, the Caribbean, and Oceania, as well as parts of Europe.
Lead Propulsion Engineer
Oleg built a novel horizontal test stand and tested a 2500lbf liquid rocket engine at Boston University, where he also developed a prototype piston pump. At Analytical Space, he led full life cycle development of systems that have flown on CubeSats.
Propulsion Technician
Jake started his career at SpaceX on the manufacturing team assembling, testing, and qualifying all high pressure high flow components for the Falcon 9 rocket. Later he was recruited by the R&D team developing the Raptor engine designed to fly to Mars.
Technician
Zach served in the United States Marine Corps before joining SpaceX in 2016. There he worked as a propulsion technician building the Merlin 1D engine, supporting engine integration and octaweb assembly efforts. After, he focused on the Falcon 9 refurbishment program, working alongside the recovery and launch operations team. His experience spans launch sites from Vandenberg to Cape Canaveral, with over 60 flights under his belt to date.
Senior Full-Stack Software Engineer
Dave built both user interfaces and microservices for software products used by over ten thousand schools covering eight million students while working at GoGuardian. Previously, he was the lead backend developer of the Purple Squirrel hiring marketplace.
Regulatory Operations Engineer
Zach has performed inspections of commercial space operations to ensure public safety at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Vandenberg Air Force Base, and Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska.
Hardware Development Engineer
Sam most recently designed the composite intertank at Vector Launch. Previously he worked as a mass properties engineer at SpaceX, and was the leader of Cornell’s FSAE team.
Want to be
part of the team?
Our goals are ambitious. The work is challenging. We take a deep personal responsibility for everything we make. Driven by great people and greater talent, ABL is reimagining the next generation of space launches.