Benjamin Dykstra

Benjamin Dykstra serves as the Launch Director at Blue Origin since June 2016, overseeing the New Glenn and New Shepard programs and leading launch operations as Flight Director. Dykstra has extensive experience in flight operations, having transitioned from Senior Flight Operations Engineer, where key responsibilities included mission control training and leading the first human flight, to roles focused on integrated test operations and data analysis. Prior experience includes serving as a Systems Engineering Intern at Rockwell Collins, where system-level analysis was performed, and a tenure as an Integrated Avionic Systems Technician in the United States Air Force, where avionic systems were integrated and repaired. Dykstra holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and an Associate of Science in Integrated Avionic Systems from the Community College of the Air Force.