Uploaded July 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this segment from AFS’s 2023 Space Innovation Summit, Maj. Gen. Kim Crider, USAF (Ret), founding partner of Elara Nova, hosts Founder & CEO of Slingshot Aerospace, Melanie Stricklan and Jordan Noone, Co-Founder and General Partner of Embedded Ventures & Co-Founder and Founding CTO of Relativity Space in a discussion about Dual-Use Innovation.
About Maj. Gen. Kim Crider, USAF (Ret):
Maj. Gen. Kim Crider, USAF (Ret), is an executive leader and expert in aerospace, IT, cybersecurity, data analytics, strategy, governance, and digital transformation, with over 35 years of experience in managing global operations and technology programs. As a retired Major General in the US Air Force, she held key leadership roles, including Chief Technology and Innovation Officer for the United States Space Force, driving digital services to advance the global military space enterprise. As a Founding Partner of Elara Nova, “The Space Consultancy,” she is dedicated to helping organizations succeed in the dynamic space marketplace, generating sustained value for clients and customers. Her vast expertise and motivational leadership style have earned her respect as a subject matter expert and speaker at technical, business, and university forums.
About Melanie Stricklan:
Melanie Stricklan, a seasoned military veteran and trailblazer in the aerospace industry, co-founded Slingshot Aerospace in 2017, where she now serves as the Chief Executive Officer. With over 21 years of dedicated service in the United States Air Force, Melanie brings a unique combination of leadership and technical expertise to drive the company's strategic vision and product development. Her impressive career includes commanding experimental spacecraft missions, developing space control technologies, and earning esteemed awards like the Air Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. Melanie's passion for inspiring youth and promoting STEM initiatives is evident as she actively advocates for situational awareness and space sustainability, delivering TED Talks and mentoring within the prestigious aerospace community. Her relentless pursuit of excellence has earned her recognition as one of Inc. Magazine's Top 100 Female Founders in the United States and a Techstars All-Star Mentor, making her an influential force in shaping the future of aerospace innovation.
About Jordan Noone:
Jordan Noone is an accomplished American aerospace engineer and entrepreneur, renowned for his pioneering work in the space industry. As the Founding Chief Technology Officer of Relativity Space, he co-founded the company with Tim Ellis, focused on developing a groundbreaking 3D printer for rockets. Jordan's impressive journey began at the University of Southern California's Rocket Propulsion Lab, where he became the youngest individual worldwide to receive Federal Aviation Administration clearance to fly a rocket to space. He later interned at Blue Origin and joined SpaceX as an In-Space Propulsion Development Engineer after graduation. In 2020, Jordan co-founded Embedded Ventures and now serves as a General Partner alongside Jenna Bryant. Recognized by Forbes on their "30 Under 30" lists and honored by Inc. and Business Insider, Jordan Noone continues to drive innovation and revolutionize the aerospace industry.
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In this segment from AFS’s 2023 Space Innovation Summit, Maj. Gen. Kim Crider, USAF (Ret), founding partner of Elara Nova, hosts Founder & CEO of Slingshot Aerospace, Melanie Stricklan and Jordan Noone, Co-Founder and General Partner of Embedded Ventures & Co-Founder and Founding CTO of Relativity Space in a discussion about Dual-Use Innovation.
About Maj. Gen. Kim Crider, USAF (Ret):
Maj. Gen. Kim Crider, USAF (Ret), is an executive leader and expert in aerospace, IT, cybersecurity, data analytics, strategy, governance, and digital transformation, with over 35 years of experience in managing global operations and technology programs. As a retired Major General in the US Air Force, she held key leadership roles, including Chief Technology and Innovation Officer for the United States Space Force, driving digital services to advance the global military space enterprise. As a Founding Partner of Elara Nova, “The Space Consultancy,” she is dedicated to helping organizations succeed in the dynamic space marketplace, generating sustained value for clients and customers. Her vast expertise and motivational leadership style have earned her respect as a subject matter expert and speaker at technical, business, and university forums.
About Melanie Stricklan:
Melanie Stricklan, a seasoned military veteran and trailblazer in the aerospace industry, co-founded Slingshot Aerospace in 2017, where she now serves as the Chief Executive Officer. With over 21 years of dedicated service in the United States Air Force, Melanie brings a unique combination of leadership and technical expertise to drive the company's strategic vision and product development. Her impressive career includes commanding experimental spacecraft missions, developing space control technologies, and earning esteemed awards like the Air Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. Melanie's passion for inspiring youth and promoting STEM initiatives is evident as she actively advocates for situational awareness and space sustainability, delivering TED Talks and mentoring within the prestigious aerospace community. Her relentless pursuit of excellence has earned her recognition as one of Inc. Magazine's Top 100 Female Founders in the United States and a Techstars All-Star Mentor, making her an influential force in shaping the future of aerospace innovation.
About Jordan Noone:
Jordan Noone is an accomplished American aerospace engineer and entrepreneur, renowned for his pioneering work in the space industry. As the Founding Chief Technology Officer of Relativity Space, he co-founded the company with Tim Ellis, focused on developing a groundbreaking 3D printer for rockets. Jordan's impressive journey began at the University of Southern California's Rocket Propulsion Lab, where he became the youngest individual worldwide to receive Federal Aviation Administration clearance to fly a rocket to space. He later interned at Blue Origin and joined SpaceX as an In-Space Propulsion Development Engineer after graduation. In 2020, Jordan co-founded Embedded Ventures and now serves as a General Partner alongside Jenna Bryant. Recognized by Forbes on their "30 Under 30" lists and honored by Inc. and Business Insider, Jordan Noone continues to drive innovation and revolutionize the aerospace industry.
Subscribe to @AmericasFutureSeries to see more
We are America's Future Series.
Our mission is to help make America a Stronger, more Noble and more Generous nation.
We are focused on issues impacting U.S. Global Competitiveness and National Security.
#cybersecurity #nationalsecurity #iot
Website - americas-fs.org
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/americasfutureseries
Facebook - facebook.com/AmericasFutureSeries
Twitter - twitter.com/AmericasFS
#space #spaceexploration #technology #ai #spaceinnovation #spaceforce #investing
