John C. Mankins
John C. Mankins is Founder and President of Mankins Space Technology, Inc., a start-up company, focused on the objective of developing and commercializing novel space systems solutions and new technologies, primarily those involving applications of highly modular systems architectures Mr. Mankinsâ 25-year career at NASA and CalTech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) ranged from flight projects and space mission operations, to systems level innovation and advanced technology research & development management. For 10 years, he was the manager of Advanced Concepts Studies at NASA, and the lead for critical studies of space solar power, highly reusable space transportation, affordable human exploration approaches, and other topics. He was the creator or co-creator of numerous novel concepts, including the âMagLifterâ electromagnetic launch assist system, the Internet-based NASA âVirtual Research Centerâ the âSolar Clipperâ interplanetary transport vehicle, the âSunTowerâ space solar power system, the âHybrid Propellant Moduleâ for in-space refueling, the âHabBotâ mobile planetary outpost architecture, the Advanced Technology Life cycle Analysis System (ATLAS), and others.