Our Mission Is To
Remove Barriers To
Commercial Space

Peter Beck founded Rocket Lab in 2006 following a decade and a half of propulsion research and market development in the international space community. Peter has since established Rocket Lab in both New Zealand and the United States as a premier institute for innovative space systems. Peter is the head visionary and chief engineer behind Rocket Lab.

In 2009, Peter led the development and launch of Atea 1, with Rocket Lab becoming the first private company in the Southern Hemisphere to reach space. Noting a need for launch services focused on the growing small satellite industry, Peter initiated the Electron program in 2012.

Peter is an acclaimed scientist and engineer, having been awarded a Meritorious Medal from the Royal Aeronautical Society for service of an exceptional nature, and the Cooper Medal, presented by the Royal Society (NZ) bi-annually to those deemed to have published the best single account of research in physics and engineering. In 2015, Peter was awarded New Zealander of the Year (innovation) and in 2016 was recognized as New Zealand EY Entrepreneur of the Year.

Sven Strohband was appointed to the board of Rocket Lab in 2013. Sven is the Chief Technology Officer of Khosla Ventures, and he has led the technical diligence for numerous investment opportunities. Prior to Khosla Ventures, Sven spent six years at Mohr Davidow Ventures and earlier was a project manager at Volkswagen. Sven holds a doctorate and master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University.

David Cowan was appointed to the board of Rocket Lab in 2014. David launched Bessemer’s practices in cloud infrastructure, consumer tech, cyber-security and space tech. During David’s time with Bessemer his portfolio has included companies such as LinkedIn, Twitch and Skybox Imaging. David has also co-founded three cyber security companies and overseen over 20 IPOs. David holds an MBA from Harvard University.

Scott Smith was appointed to the board of Rocket Lab in 2014. As the Chief Operating Officer of Iridium, Scott leads technology development and all ground and satellite operations. Scott has 33 years of experience managing large, complex commercial satellite programs. Scott holds a master’s degree in aeronautical/astronautical engineering from Stanford University.

Matt Ocko was appointed to the board of Rocket Lab in 2016. Matt, a Managing Partner of Data Collective (DCVC), has three decades of experience as both entrepreneur and VC. His current and prior investments include companies in orbital imaging and intelligence, applied AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and national defense, with 10 IPOs and acquisitions each worth $1 billion or more. He founded email pioneer Da Vinci Systems, which had more than one million users worldwide before acquisition. Matt holds over 40 hardware and software patents, and has a degree in physics from Yale University.

Peter Beck founded Rocket Lab in 2006 following a decade and a half of propulsion research and market development in the international space community. Peter has since established Rocket Lab in both New Zealand and the United States as a premier institute for innovative space systems. Peter is the head visionary and chief engineer behind Rocket Lab.

In 2009, Peter led the development and launch of Atea 1, with Rocket Lab becoming the first private company in the Southern Hemisphere to reach space. Noting a need for launch services focused on the growing small satellite industry, Peter initiated the Electron program in 2012.

Peter is an acclaimed scientist and engineer, having been awarded a Meritorious Medal from the Royal Aeronautical Society for service of an exceptional nature, and the Cooper Medal, presented by the Royal Society (NZ) bi-annually to those deemed to have published the best single account of research in physics and engineering. In 2015, Peter was awarded New Zealander of the Year (innovation) and in 2016 was recognized as New Zealand EY Entrepreneur of the Year.

Bradley Schneider is responsible for day-to-day operations and development of Rocket Lab USA. Bradley has 35 years of experience in the aerospace and defense industry, focusing the last decade and a half on the development of small satellite and small launch vehicle technologies.     

Bradley has performed senior leadership roles as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager for various start-up/private companies and extensive public sector experience with Lockheed Martin Corporation and Raytheon.  As a senior executive of innovative aerospace companies dedicated to the design, development and manufacturing of state-of-the-art systems, Bradley has been committed to reducing the cost of access to space. 

Bradley received a B.S. degree in Finance and Accounting from Brigham Young University.  He has been recognized by NASA, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Wharton Business School and Inc. 500 for outstanding leadership and achievement. 

Shaun O’Donnell is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Rocket Lab New Zealand and manages a large number of cross-functional teams. He has been with the company for over a decade leading the development of a number of complex space systems.   

Previously, Shaun was the head of the Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) division at Rocket Lab, and had broad responsibility over all electronic and software systems on board Electron. Shaun has been involved with Rocket Lab since 2007, where he was solely responsible for all avionics and software systems, including the Atea 1, Instant Eyes and VLM projects.

Shaun holds an Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree from the University of Auckland. 

Shane Fleming is responsible for the management operations of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Huntington Beach, California. Previously, Shane managed the operations at Rocket Lab's Auckland, New Zealand facility, as well as Launch Complex 1. With a decade of experience developing and commercializing innovative and disruptive technologies, Shane is accustomed to leading diverse teams and navigating complex international projects.

Prior to Rocket Lab, Shane spent seven years at biotechnology firm LanzaTech, leading the Global Engineering Operations and managing teams of engineers, scientists, and technicians at five production facilities in four countries across China, Taiwan, Japan, and the US. Shane has a background in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Lachlan Matchett is responsible for all propulsion activities at Rocket Lab. This includes all orbital propulsion systems including the Rutherford sea level and vacuum engines. Lachlan was responsible for the initial design of the Rutherford engine and has managed the development of the engine from concept through flight qualification and production.

Lachlan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. 

Shaun D’Mello has overseen the design, licensing and development of the world’s first private orbital launch range, Launch Complex 1.

Shaun is responsible for the operation of launch systems and range infrastructure including fluids systems, structures and mechanisms, tooling and ground support equipment. Shaun manages range safety analysis, operations and launch licensing as well as mission and launch integration, planning and coordination.

Shaun has a First Class Honors degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Sydney, and is a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Previously, Shaun has worked on the design of light experimental aircraft, and the research, development and structural testing of composite structures for automotive and aerospace applications.