Before his tenure at NASA, Jim Bridenstine was a naval aviator and US representative from Oklahoma. Now, he’s back to military roots as the CEO of Quantum Space, a Maryland-based company focused on advanced maneuverable spacecraft.

Ranger, their upcoming craft, is set to revolutionise space operations with 4,000kg of hydrazine propellant for rapid manoeuvres. The US Space Force sees potential in this tech, and Bridenstine believes Ranger could be the key.

Quantum Space has already secured contracts with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop spacecraft operating near the Moon, and is involved in developing space situational awareness technology for the Air Force. With the Defence budget set to increase significantly, this is shaping up to be an exciting era of space innovation.

Bridenstine sees Ranger as part of a larger push towards advanced space capabilities, both in orbit and beyond. The future of space tech seems bright under his leadership.