Team Members

Jim Akkerman, President
Jim Akkerman is the president of Advent Launch Services, and the person primarily responsible for the Advent concept. Jim's career at NASA began in 1962 in the Propulsion and Power Division at the NASA Johnson Manned Spacecraft Center. Before his retirement in 1999, Jim had been responsible for engineering work in propulsion, orbit maneuvering systems, reaction control systems, space station concept definition, solar power satellites, high altitude airplane engines, electric flight control systems, propulsive landing deceleration systems and many non-aerospace items such as the left ventricle assist blood pump for Dr. DeBakley.

Charlie Stamps, Manager and Vice President
Charley Stamps is Advent's administration and contracts specialist. Charley has supported the development of many NASA innovations including the current space suit, the moon TV cameras and several life support systems.

Dr. O. Glenn Smith, Chief Engineer
Glenn Smith is the Chief Engineer for the Advent project, and responsible for the overall SYSTEM design. Glenn worked for 11 years at Westinghouse Electric as a design engineer for electric power systems that continue to fly on most Boeing commercial aircraft. After joining NASA, Glenn worked on numerous SkyLab projects, including designing controls for the Apollo Telescope Mount in SkyLab. Glenn also worked on the Space Shuttle for several years during its development including the first 8 flights, and was the Deputy Manager for Systems Engineering.

Neil Akkerman, Ocean Operations
Frank Elam, Legal
Cynthia Price, Public Relations
Lynn Revak, Ground System Operations
Bill Shaver, Accounting
Bob Williams, Test
Raul Cordona, Vehicle Fabrication
Lynn Revak, Vehicle Assembly