Michael Ravenscroft

Mike Ravenscroft is the manager of the Commercial Crew Program’s (CCP) Launch Vehicle System Office (LVSO) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. His organization is responsible for ensuring CCP has the appropriate level of NASA insight required to ensure that our commercial partners, Boeing and SpaceX, have launch vehicle designs that meet all NASA CCP requirements leading up to system certification and launch. The combined insight, certification requirements, and LVSO reviews for flight readiness ensure crew and system safety as they travel to the International Space Station.

Experience

Ravenscroft joined CCP in October 2015 as Ground & Mission Operations Launch site integrator, primarily focusing on Boeing. In April 2017, he moved to LVSO as the technical assistant responsible for technical evaluation of LVSO related issues coming through the Engineering Review Board and Safety Technical Review board process, and he ensured that LVSO and program management understood the associated risks.

In April 2019, he took on new duties within LVSO as the Boeing certification manager, focusing on the Atlas V launch vehicle system certification. He was promoted six months later to LVSO deputy manager with a focus on interacting at the management level with Boeing. In July 2020, Mr. Ravenscroft was promoted to his current role as LVSO Manager responsible for launch vehicle certification of both the Boeing and SpaceX launch vehicles. Prior to joining the CCP team, he held the position of lead engineer for both the Boeing/ULA Atlas V launch vehicle and the Blue Origin Space Act Agreement.

He started at Kennedy as a contractor for United Space Alliance, working as an external tank propulsion/mechanical tool design engineer. In 2009, he joined NASA as a main propulsion system and space shuttle main engines engineer. After shuttle retirement, he supported the Launch Services Program within the Propulsion Engineering group.

Education

Ravenscroft earned a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 2002. 

Awards

During his career, he has received NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal, along with several Group and Silver Achievement awards supporting Commercial Crew missions.

Personal

Outside of work, he is very active in his children’s after-school activities, including coaching his daughter’s travel softball team. His hobbies include recreational sports that allow him to spend time with friends and family. Ravenscroft’s hometown is Tunnelton, Pennsylvania, and he currently resides in Viera, Florida.

Biography last updated July 2023