“Kistler is exceeding pleased to have such an experienced manager to help us fly the world’s first reusable aerospace vehicle,” said Dr. George Mueller, CEO of Kistler Aerospace. “Don will play a key role in ensuring successful flights of the K-1 vehicle in Australia. It will be another pioneering opportunity for him in commercial space operations.”

His management background spans more than four decades. During that time, he has helped revolutionize everything from ballistic missiles and space shuttles to computer software. After making record-breaking strides in the aerospace industry, Fagan made significant marks in the development of electronic design and software systems.

Fagan’s prominent aerospace legacy includes developing the testing and launching aspects during the Space Shuttle Phase I and II studies. In addition, Fagan helped develop the testing of the Atlas missile – the very one for which he would eventually direct the launchings more than 100 times. Fagan successfully directed testing through the operational development, Nike Zeus targets, advanced ballistic re-entry developments and Atlas-Agena satellites.