Former NASA chief Jim Bridenstine takes over as CEO of Quantum Space

Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine has a new gig. Jim Bridenstine , who ran the space agency from April 2018 through January 2021, was announced today (May 5) as the new CEO of Quantum Space, a company developing maneuverable spacecraft for use by the U.S. military and commercial operators. "Jim is a transformational leader and has defined the most significant partnerships and policy initiatives between government and the commercial space industry," Kam Ghaffarian, Quantum Space co-founder and executive chairman, said in a statement. "Jim is poised to lead Quantum during this next phase of growth and as spending on space defense and exploration accelerates." Maryland-based Quantum Space, which was founded in 2021, aims to become a major player in the commercial and military space arenas with its forthcoming Ranger spacecraft. Ranger will be able to operate in a variety of environments, from low Earth orbit to Earth-moon space, according to Quantum Space. Its patented propulsion technology, modularity and in-space endurance will give it a leg up on competitors, the company says. "The Theory of Competitive Endurance requires avoiding operational surprise, denying first mover advantage, and counterspace campaigning. Quantum's Ranger spacecraft is uniquely crafted to deliver on each pillar,” Bridenstine said in the same statement. …