Derek Hassmann

Derek Hassmann currently serves as Vice President of Mission Operations at VAST since May 2024 and has been with Axiom Space since April 2018, holding roles of Chief of Mission Integration and Operations, as well as Director of Operations and Training. Previous experience includes serving as EVA Space Operations Contract Deputy Director and Chief Engineer at UTC Aerospace Systems from June 2015 to April 2018, and Mission Director at Bigelow Aerospace from September 2014 to June 2015. Hassmann's extensive tenure at NASA from September 1990 to September 2014 included significant roles such as Commercial Crew Program Partner Manager, Flight Director, and International Space Station Flight Controller, where responsibilities encompassed managing SpaceX performance and directing international flight control teams during critical missions. Educational qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, attained between 1983 and 1988.