Steven Vernon

Steven R. Vernon has over 30 years of experience in civilian and military aerospace launch systems, with a focus on payload system integration and space vehicle design, test, and assembly. His unique and broad experience also includes leading the development of upper stages and launch vehicle systems integration into evolved expendable launch vehicle (EELV) systems (e.g., Parker Solar Probe and New Horizons) as well as integration of nuclear power sources into spacecraft and launch systems. He was the Europa Clipper launch phase lead and the NASA Flagship-class mission deputy chief engineer. He was also the flight system engineer for the Europa Lander cruise and relay stage, leading the program up to a successful Mission Concept Review. Vernon helps develop solutions to complex challenges and coordinates activities and tasks across multiple U.S. government agencies (e.g., DoD, DOE, NASA, NRO) and commercial space companies, including both nuclear- and conventional-powered spacecraft that have been successfully launched from both the Eastern and Western ranges and Kodiak. He has a well-developed understanding of the requirements, processes, and plans to ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as part of the nuclear launch approval process required for nuclear-powered spacecraft systems.