Benchmark Space Systems

A few years ago, Benchmark launched a Women’s Resource Group to support and empower the women on our team. The group meets regularly to explore a variety of topics and challenges for both professional and personal development. As word of our group spreads at industry events, we hope to inspire other STEM companies to create similar initiatives to foster inclusivity across our industries. 👩🎓 👩🔬 👩🚀 Some of the topics and activities we’ve covered include: ✔️Attending virtual conferences, like the National Conference for Women ✔️ Guests speakers, such as executive coaches and nutritionists ✔️ Book, article, video and podcast reviews about leadership, how to recognize and avoid burnout, fierce communication, setting boundaries, thought distortions, active listening, imposter syndrome, celebrating career accomplishments, mentorship opportunities, and more… ✔️Members belong to an internal communications channel to share TEDtalk recommendations, articles, quotes and other resources and inspiration between regular sessions. It’s an ongoing conversation and community. If you’d like a list of topics and resources to help get your own group started, message Laura Smith. Shout out to the women on our team for their continued engagement, and for being mentors to each other: Samantha Graham, Head of Chemistry Mykaela Dunn, Propulsion Development Engineer Jannatul Anjum, Business Development Intern Jacqueline Sortor, Mechanical Design Engineer Olivia Vaughn, Chemistry Technician Meghan Brumback, Test Engineer Emily G., Human Resources Generalist Laura Smith, Marketing Manager For additional information, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/ggzuP6mR

Members of our team will be in Orlando, FL next week for the Space Force Association's Spacepower Conference to explore how our in-space mobility solutions enable dynamic mission capabilities for a resilient, and maneuverable space domain.   Message our team about connecting at the Conference: Christopher Carella, Chief Commercial Officer Kevin DiMarzio, Director of Business Development #SpacepowerConference2024 #Spacepower2024

🌏See Change Sessions 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 🛰️ Check out a summary of discussions and collection of testimonials from our dynamic Space Track event in September. During this co-hosted See Change + Benchmark event, participants from outside the space industry gained a deeper appreciation for the critical role satellites play in supporting life on Earth. Space industry professionals were challenged to reframe their perspectives and rethink assumptions about the challenges we face. The discussions were a refreshing departure from our standard industry discourse, and we had a great time engaging. Thank you to everyone that contributed to the conversation. Check out the full report to see how collaboration can spark fresh ideas for sustainability in space and on Earth.   𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://lnkd.in/eW88q573

🛰 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐮𝐬 🛰     𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐚 👩🔬   As experts in non-toxic propellants, we hire the best, and our team members benefit from shared knowledge. We’re looking for an experienced propulsion engineer to contribute to our rapid design iteration process and launch best-in-class propulsion systems to enable a dynamic space ecosystem.     Read more about the position and submit your application today: https://lnkd.in/dtahFf6s   𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 👨🎓   The application process is open for Summer 2025 internships in our Vermont and California offices. From creative brainstorming sessions to hands-on projects, our interns are highly involved and make a significant impact and learn valuable career skills from our experienced team.    Learn more about our exciting Summer Internships from our 2024 Interns: https://lnkd.in/eCcz_8-y   Apply for internships in Vermont or California on our website: https://lnkd.in/dtahFf6s

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞   Our team spent a week in the California desert testing ASCENT thruster technology as part of our latest AFRL SPRINT award work scope. We knew this test site was our spot when we discovered a marking of the Rebel Alliance from a satellite image.    Things we’ve learned while testing in the desert:  - 𝘗𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯  - 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘺𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥  - 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘯𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘵  - 𝘓𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴  - 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭, “𝘊𝘢𝘯-𝘋𝘰” 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥    A huge thank you to our dedicated team members who worked tirelessly through long days and desert nights, testing and refining every step of the way. In just over two weeks, we built a new test stand, set up a test site, and completed 61 successful hotfires, generating a wealth of valuable data. We're excited to continue advancing ASCENT as a high-performing, viable alternative to hydrazine, supporting critical dynamic space operations for the Department of Defense.

Congratulations to the University of Michigan and partners for their $35M United States Space Force and Air Force Research Laboratory award to establish the Space Power and Propulsion for Agility, Responsiveness and Resilience Institute. 🛰 🚀 The Institute will explore combined chemical and electric propulsion - powered by a nuclear microreactor - to enable spacecraft to “maneuver without regret.” Benchmark is honored to collaborate with the University of Michigan and other members of the Institute on this important work to move the industry forward.   According to the University of Michigan, “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘗𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘈𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 14 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯’𝘴 𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.” Read the full article for additional project details: https://lnkd.in/dmpkEP_Q

🚀Last week we were honored to host an accomplished, curious, insightful group of diverse individuals from within and outside the space industry at our headquarters for the See Change Sessions.🛰 We agreed to develop the Space Track of the event because we believe in the See Change ethos of creating “𝘈 𝘥𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘧𝘧-𝘵𝘩𝘦-𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺, 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 (𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦𝘭𝘺) 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴.” We wanted to curate a group of individuals to have NEW conversations around some of the biggest challenges in space, while deeply exploring the benefits and dependencies that satellites offer. Thank you to the group, you did not disappoint. Bright non-industry Individuals asked thoughtful questions that challenged the assumptions of the space experts and prompted us to consider and communicate concepts in a new way. Perspectives ranged from regulatory, to technological, to philosophical, to humanitarian, to economic. This learned group of NASA scientists, carbon mappers, academics, artists, entrepreneurs, consultants and executives discussed critical issues, engaged in strategic problem solving, wrote a space rap, performed silent skits, learned how to create fire from flint, chased bubbles, and enjoyed storytelling hour and musical performances. We hosted a robust tour of our 40,000 sq ft facility, with many detailed questions about propulsion and in-space mobility. We walked away with meaningful connections and new perspectives to take back to our institutions, as well as a jolt of inspiration and clarity. Thank you to our industry experts that contributed their combined decades of experience to the conversation, and our expert moderator, Julian Portilla. We look forward to hosting more meaningful events and truly creating an impact in our industry. Join our email list to be the first to know about future, industry-leading invitations: https://lnkd.in/dUaR2XP Lee Steinke  Naia Butler-Craig  Lawrence Friedl Camille Elizabeth Bergin Jeffrey Guido  Todd Mosher Christopher Carella Laura Smith Christopher Marquis Kate Williams Aiden O'Leary  Josh Ingersoll  Daniel Fox  Judy Lai-Norling  Roisin Commane  Robert D'Arienzo Chris Maggiolo Adam Nowlin Bryce Kowalczyk Gagan Levy Marguerite Kimberley Hofmeyr Bret Ewen

Michael W. Martin, PhD, Director of our Advanced Propellants Group, has been named to the Class of 2025 AIAA Associate Fellows. This honor from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics acknowledges Dr. Martin’s many contributions to our industry. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Martin leads Benchmark’s development of non-catalytic thrusters that run on the Air Force Research Lab’s ASCENT monopropellant. ASCENT is a high-performing and safer alternative to hydrazine that also reduces costs for government missions. From testing large rocket engines at NASA Stennis to designing components for the NASA Orion spacecraft and working in ISS Mission Control, Dr. Martin’s career features many accomplishments. The experience and expertise of our team is a critical part of Benchmark’s success. Join us in celebrating Dr. Martin for this recognition of his contributions! 🎉 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/emyvCscJ #AIAA #AIAAAssociateFellow #Aerospace #SpaceTech #BenchmarkSpaceSystems #ASCENT #Propulsion #Innovation

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞: 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐝 $𝟰.𝟵𝐌 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐋𝐚𝐛 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓-𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 We’re excited to be selected by the Air Force Research Laboratory to continue design, development, and qualification of our ASCENT-based propulsion system. ASCENT outperforms hydrazine across a wide range of space mission scenarios, with increased impulse density of approximately 50%, relative to state-of-the-art monopropellants. The long-term storability and transportability of ASCENT offers significantly reduced hazard and handling complexity, leading to multiple benefits such as rapid integration and reduced costs. Drawing on years of experience in propulsion technologies, our team will continue ASCENT thruster testing and scaling, develop system designs, and build ground support equipment solutions for ASCENT-based missions. Benchmark is committed to driving advancements across the mobility spectrum that support critical mission readiness for the Department of Defense. Read the full press release for more details: https://lnkd.in/eG9Y43Ca #ASCENT #DOD #AFRL #propellants #inspacemobility #missionreadiness

Join us September 17-19, 2024 at Benchmark’s Headquarters on the shores of Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont Our team attends many space industry events and workshops. We value engaging with like-minded colleagues, but this time we decided to help produce and host an unconventional experience to provoke new conversations with meaningful outcomes. Nothing is quite like the See Change Sessions. And you can be a part of it… ✨👥 Are you passionate about the benefits of space for life on Earth? Are you motivated to help preserve this precious resource? Are you frustrated by hearing the same conversations from the same industry representatives? This is your chance to experience something different. Led by Christopher Carella (Benchmark’s Chief Commercial Officer), and facilitated by Julian Portilla (renowned mediator and facilitator), join a diverse lineup of experts: - Jeffrey Guido Senior Director New Missions at Planet - Lee Steinke COO at CisLunar Industries - Josh Ingersoll Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs at Astranis Space Technologies and UN Advisor on Information and Communication Technology - Todd Mosher Director, Formulation Team at Blue Origin - Naia Butler-Craig, NASA Space Tech Graduate Research Fellow and featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 - Judy Lai-Norling COO at Carbon Mapper - Camille Elizabeth Bergin Aerospace Engineer turned Space Communicator - Kate Williams CEO at 1% for the Planet - Christopher Marquis Professor at University of Cambridge and author of “THE PROFITEERS: How Business Privatizes Profit and Socializes Cost” …plus an array of dynamic individuals and accomplished leaders from private sector space companies, space-activity beneficiary industries, scientists, climate change activists, academics, artists, and many more. You’ll leave the expertly facilitated workshops: - Well-versed in the ways in which we depend on space for life on Earth - Understanding the current benefits and risks of the gold rush in space - Understanding the current governance (or lack of) in space - With a series of support materials to deepen your knowledge And actively participate in developing solutions that incorporate: - Technological approaches - Public and private sector methods for governance of spaces beyond national jurisdiction - Clear stakeholder maps - And more   Our hosted “Space Track,” is part of the wider See Change Sessions, a unique annual event in the green mountains of Vermont that includes shared meals, creative projects, and quality time outdoors —all designed to foster creativity, expand perspectives, and make effective connections. Tour Benchmark’s global headquarters featuring end-to-end design, test and build capabilities for our industry-leading propulsion systems. Limited seats remain in the See Change Space Track. Use the code BENCHMARK to activate special pricing. Register here (select the Session Pass // Space Track):  https://lnkd.in/eBkDtfms