Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc. (iRocket) has announced that the former Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Rolls-Royce has joined the iRocket Board of Directors.
Paul Stein, who also spent several years as Director General for Science and Technology of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and is also a current member of the UK Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology, brings experience in technical oversight, engineering discipline, and insight into the rapidly expanding UK space program. As a member of the iRocket board, he will help to guide the company in the development of its next-generation, fully reusable Shockwave launch vehicle and facilitate its entry into UK opportunities.
Mr. Stein has a portfolio of activities in aerospace, energy and nuclear technologies. Currently he is CEO of Floral Energy, a U.S.-U.K. start-up energy company. He is also an advisor to a U.S. fusion company and assists with business strategy for a large aerospace corporation. In addition to his role on the U.K.’s Council for Science and Technology he also lectures on aerospace and defense at Cranfield University, where he is a visiting Professor
During his time as Chief Technology Officer at Rolls-Royce, Mr. Stein had oversight of technology strategy and investment for Rolls-Royce technologies including defense and civil aerospace propulsion, nuclear energy, and power generation. While he was Director-General, Science and Technology for the MoD, he was accountable for Science and Technology investments across land, sea, air and space.
In 2023, iRocket announced that it signed a $1.8 million TACFI contract with the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) and, building on this momentum, the company announced an $18 million cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) West to scale up its cutting edge rocket engine that operates like a Dual Mode Ramjet and has a landing mode operation. The CRADA provides iRocket with resources, expertise and site facility support to conduct propulsion, stage, and grasshopper testing at the High Thrust Research Facility at Edwards Air Force Base, one of only four stands in the United States capable of 10 million pounds of thrust testing.
iRocket’s cooperative agreement with Edwards Air Force Base will enable a scale up test of its reusable rocket engine and further the development of the Shockwave launch vehicle. The company is on track to demonstrate 37,000 pounds of thrust using Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and methane later this year. Additionally, iRocket recently completed development of its avionics controller and was awarded its first patent for its rocket engine innovations.
“As a strategic visionary and board member to iRocket, Paul brings invaluable insight as we establish our presence in the UK,” said Asad Malik, founder and Chief Executive Officer of iRocket. “iRocket has made exceptional progress in advancing our technology and extending our reach with a growing number of government organizations. Having Paul on our Board of Directors provides us with a fresh perspective based on his depth of experience and success in guiding technology organizations.”
“iRocket’s innovative engine and launch technologies are set to transform the cost of access to space for both civilian and defense customers,” said Paul Stein. “I’m quite selective about the companies that I advise and iRocket captured my attention because of the many new defense capabilities their technologies will enable at a time when it is very important for the free world to boost its advantage.”