Michael VanWoerkom

Michael VanWoerkom is the President and Founder of ExoTerra Resource, a pioneering company in the space industry, aiming to make space access more affordable.

With a background in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, he has led teams specializing in systems engineering, mechanical design, electric propulsion, power systems, and thermal protection systems.

Under his leadership, ExoTerra Resource has expanded to an 18-member team, securing projects with NASA, Lockheed Martin, the Air Force, and Sierra Nevada.

Prior to establishing ExoTerra, he held a key role as the Orion Crew Module Mechanical Manager, overseeing structural and mechanism design for various space projects like XSS-11, Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter, Genesis, and Atlas V.

His expertise includes project management, space architecture, system design, cost estimating, and electric propulsion.

Educationally, he holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Calvin College, a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan, and has studied MBA in Entrepreneuring at the University of Colorado at Denver.