Goal: To be an instrument of human expansion beyond the cradle of Earth.About me:I am a natural optimist. I have a tendency to look on the bright side of life and humanity.I can see scenarios within and often just beyond the noise. I have always looked into the future but with tempered realism...what is important is the ability to execute in small meaningful steps. Map out a plausible path and be prepared to continuously adjust and adapt to the route along the way. Get through each day, week, and year having achieved something and having added some value to yourself, your activities, and those of others.These many years, I have seen a lot of stops and starts, false promises, and "creative" marketing! This has tempered me with a better realpolitik: now best described as a “cynical optimism”... call it experience.Some advice:Do not lose sight or give up on your dreams. Continue to push and fight and sacrifice. Continue to balance work and family: without whom, nothing else matters. Surround yourself with demonstrably competent people to help in guidance and in decision making. Best practice is built upon tried and tested experience. Respect it, but it is not the law.Question every perceived truth. It is never obvious nor are things certain. The business has to be practicable and _profitable_, in the end.Be honorable, decisive, and unrepentant. But be respectful, kind to, and understanding of others and their points of view.Other things:If you have a young person who likes airplanes or spaceships, let me help inspire by taking them for a flight. I fly "for the fun of it" in the Ardennes: EBSP, in Pasadena: KEMT, and in Johannesburg: FAGM.Founder of AspireSpace (1991-2000): British amateur rocketry, what a great education!I was/am really good at theatrical lighting of artists in operas or theatrical productions. Enjoy the art.My first engineering apprenticeship (1994-2000) was at Reaction Engines Ltd UK, with Alan Bond. The Skylon Spaceplane is still considered one of those transformative transportation technologies. THANKS ALAN FOR THE VISION! IT WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN MY CAREER!Specialties:Can build productive teams, control costs and milestones, and keep it all legal and accountable.Experienced applied knowledge of rocket engine systems engineering, supersonic aerodynamics & control, and space-aeroplane certification processes. Chief Engineering of things and people.Remarkable robotics and very high power directed energy systems.Space history and unlocking 'limits to growth'.Out-of-the-box problem solving, whatever the solution!