Mike Morningstar Named President of RUAG Space USA

Huntsville, Alabama, May 14, 2018 – RUAG Space announced that Mike Morningstar will assume the role of President and Country Manager of RUAG Space USA. Starting today, Morningstar will be responsible for the operations of all RUAG Space USA sites, and will represent the organization as it expands its presence in the U.S.

This new appointment comes on the heels of significant growth for RUAG Space: about one-third of the company’s revenue (more than US $370 mil.) is generated in the U.S. market, and the team sees opportunity for growth. RUAG Space USA currently has nearly 100 staff members in sites across four states and is poised to continue growing to become the leading independent space product supplier in the United States. The announcement of Morningstar’s appointment reinforces the commitments that RUAG Space made earlier this year to further strengthen its presence in the U.S. market, in anticipation of more business – supplying its high-level products to U.S. rocket and satellite manufacturers. 

“We are seeing a huge opportunity for further growth in the United States, in both commercial and government space markets. To achieve that, we are committed to building a strong team in the U.S., and we are confident that Mike Morningstar has the experience to lead this team successfully,” said RUAG Space CEO Peter Guggenbach. “Morningstar has an impressive track record of leading and growing organizations of a substantial size, in similar industries, and we look forward to tapping into his expertise in these industries and the U.S. market to grow our business.”

Morningstar has more than 25 years of management experience leading large organizations across defense and commercial industries. He served as Vice President and General Manager of the Global Solutions Division at DRS Technologies, a large U.S. defense contractor. In this role, he managed organizations that delivered satellite and networking services worldwide, focusing on U.S. military customers. Within four years, Morningstar grew his division from $75M to more than $200M. He has also previously held leadership positions in companies such as Northrop Grumman, Sun Microsystems and TRW – managing a workforce of up to 200 staff.  Morningstar holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and numerous management and technical certifications.

RUAG Space manufactures payload fairings and other launcher composites in Decatur, AL, as well as satellite structures Titusville, FL. Additionally, the company has an engineering office with focus on mechanical products in Denver, CO, and a research and development hub focusing on electronics in Silicon Valley, CA.