COMPANY INFO
Stoke Space Technologies is an American aerospace and defense company founded in 2019 or 2020 by Andy Lapsa and Tom Feldman. The company, headquartered in Kent, Washington, employs around 125 to 209 people and develops fully reusable rockets designed to provide sustainable, scalable, and low-cost access to space for satellite delivery missions. Their website is https://www.stokespace.com/.
Stoke Space Technologies is an American aerospace and defense company founded in 2020 and headquartered in Kent, Washington. The company designs and manufactures fully reusable rockets to enable sustainable, scalable, and low-cost access to space for satellite delivery missions.
The Stoke Space Technologies leadership team combines deep technical expertise from the aerospace industry, particularly in propulsion engineering and reusable rocketry, with accomplished backgrounds in business operations, marketing, and organizational development. The Stoke Space Technologies executives bring together experience from market leaders like Blue Origin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and SpaceX, creating a well-rounded management team able to drive innovation, rapid growth, and operational excellence as the company redefines access to space. As both founders and operational leaders, the management team’s background in advanced engineering, finance, and communications has been crucial to Stoke Space Technologies’ reputation as a pioneer in reusable rocket technology.
As CEO and Co-founder of Stoke Space Technologies, Andy Lapsa leads the company’s mission to develop fully and rapidly reusable rockets, ushering in a new era of low-cost, on-demand access to and from space. Andy Lapsa has embodied the company’s vision of “Reusability 2.0,” leveraging his extensive propulsion engineering expertise to drive innovation in rocket design, practical reusability, and scalable space operations—positioning Stoke Space Technologies as a formidable player in the commercial launch market.
Andy holds a PhD in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University. Before founding Stoke Space Technologies, he worked at Blue Origin, rising to Director of BE-3 and BE-3U Engines and serving as a propulsion engineer for BE-4, and also attended Y Combinator in 2021, accumulating decades of experience in advanced rocket propulsion.
Tom Feldman, as CTO and Co-founder, is instrumental in leading Stoke Space Technologies’ technical strategy and the development of reusable rocket propulsion systems. Tom Feldman brings deep expertise in propulsion design, playing a key role in advancing the company’s engineering capabilities, establishing Stoke Space Technologies’ technical vision, and helping manage rapid development cycles across engineering teams.
Tom holds a Master’s Degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering and a Bachelor’s Degree in the same field from Purdue University. He previously served as Senior Propulsion Design Engineer at Blue Origin, focusing on the BE-4 Oxidizer Boost Pump and Thrust Chamber, and held research and internship positions at both Purdue University and SpaceX.
As COO, Kelly Hennig oversees Stoke Space Technologies’ day-to-day operations and engineering execution, driving the organization’s mission to build 100% reusable rockets. Kelly Hennig manages large engineering teams, ensures project delivery, and upholds operational excellence, directly contributing to the efficiency and scalability critical to the company’s high-growth trajectory.
Kelly earned an MS in Electrical Engineering/Electromagnetics/Optics from the University of Michigan and a BS in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University. Her previous career includes senior executive and chief engineering roles at Raytheon Technologies and Northrop Grumman, building deep expertise in space hardware and large-scale technology program management.
As CFO, Paul Croci leads Stoke Space Technologies’ financial strategy, overseeing all fiscal operations, capital allocation, and fundraising to ensure company growth and long-term financial stability. Paul Croci’s expertise in financial management supports every phase of the business—funding advanced R&D, scaling manufacturing, and expanding commercial operations.
Paul has a BS in Engineering and Economics from Harvey Mudd College. His diverse experience includes engineering roles at Stratolaunch and Blue Origin, contributing to launch vehicle and engine system design, providing him with a unique technical and financial perspective crucial to sustainable business growth.
Devon Papandrew leads business development for Stoke Space Technologies, creating strategic partnerships and driving both market expansion and commercial success. Devon Papandrew is responsible for identifying and cultivating new customer segments, fostering relationships with industry stakeholders, and securing the contracts that enable Stoke Space Technologies’ ambitious mission.
Devon holds a BS in Physics and Economics from Georgetown University. With previous experience in business operations and financial planning at Spaceflight Inc. and a background as a tech startup founder, he brings a blend of technical and business acumen to Stoke Space Technologies’ executive team.
Kristen Russell heads marketing, brand strategy, and communications at Stoke Space Technologies, building dynamic communications teams and ensuring a strong narrative for the company’s vision of affordable, reusable space access. Kristen Russell’s leadership has been essential in developing and executing the company’s brand and outreach strategies as Stoke Space Technologies expands its presence in the aerospace market.
Kristen holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from UC Berkeley and a BA in English from the University of Washington. She brings extensive experience from corporate communications and content strategy roles at Zillow, Smartsheet, and other leading media organizations, bringing a customer-centric approach to the company’s leadership.
Anne Kerker leads human resources at Stoke Space Technologies with a focus on talent acquisition, organizational development, and creating an inclusive workplace culture. Anne Kerker ensures that the company attracts, develops, and retains top talent to support rapid innovation and high-performance teams.
Anne earned her MBA in Economics from the University of Washington and a BA in Finance from Mercyhurst University. She has held senior HR roles at Farallon Consulting, NorthStar Energy, and Travelopia, delivering strategic HR solutions, workforce development, and employee engagement initiatives to fast-scaling organizations.
The Stoke Space Technologies leadership team consists of accomplished founders, skilled executives, and deeply experienced specialists in engineering, finance, business development, marketing, and human resources. This multidisciplinary management team is structured to provide both visionary leadership—through the founders and C-suite—and pragmatic operational expertise—through subject matter expert VPs and directors. Together, the Stoke Space Technologies executives are well positioned to achieve the company’s mission of pioneering sustainable, reusable rocket technology and scaling reliable access to space.
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