Michael Tanzini

Michael Tanzini has extensive work experience in spacecraft manufacturing and engineering. Michael started their career at SpaceX in 2008, where they worked as a Structures Engineer. Michael held various roles within the company and was responsible for the design, analysis, and testing of Falcon 9 Payload Fairing, Dragon Cargo Racks, and other structures. Michael also led several key projects, including the Block 5 Falcon Heavy Center Core Thrust Structure, where they successfully performed protoflight tests and developed nonlinear finite element models. In 2019, Michael joined Virgin Orbit as a Principal Structures Engineer. In this role, they contributed to Stage 2 Unpressurized Structures, Future Engine Layout, Rocket 2 Failure Investigation, and Analysis Tool Development. Michael played a crucial role in the failure investigation of the initial LauncherOne test flight and redesigned the L1.1 S2 Lox Skirt. In 2023, they joined Apex - Spacecraft Manufacturing as a Structures Engineer.

Michael Tanzini has a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Michael also holds a Master of Engineering - MEng degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University.