Trip Harriss

Trip Harriss is a seasoned aerospace professional currently serving as the Director of Spaceport Integration at SpaceX.1 With a career spanning over 16 years at SpaceX, Harriss has held various leadership positions within the company, contributing significantly to its growth and success in the space industry.1

Career at SpaceX

Harriss began his journey at SpaceX in 2007, starting as an intern in Ground Software.1 Throughout his tenure, he has taken on increasingly responsible roles:

• Early Career: Worked on Ground Control Software for Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch vehicles.1
• Falcon Recovery and Fleet Operations: Led negotiations for Falcon booster landings at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, managed the construction of Landing Zone 1, and oversaw early booster recovery successes.1
• Launch Site Mission Operations: Progressed from Manager to Senior Manager, and then to Director, coordinating with government and commercial customers for pre-launch operations and satellite integration activities.1
• Current Role: As Director of Spaceport Integration, Harriss manages SpaceX's interactions with NASA and the Space Force at launch sites, ensures Range compliance, and maintains certification for all launch systems.1

Education

Harriss has a strong educational background in aerospace engineering:

• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville1
• Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University1

Responsibilities and Expertise

In his current role, Harriss is responsible for:

• Coordinating spaceport development
• Serving as the main liaison with the Range and government agencies2
• Managing Spaceport Integration activities
• Overseeing launch site mission operations

Trip Harriss's extensive experience and leadership in various aspects of SpaceX's operations make him a key figure in the company's ongoing success in the commercial space industry.