- Melanie Stricklan will lead Vast’s newly established special programs division
- The new division is focused on space-based capabilities for defense and intelligence missions
- The unit will combine Vast’s commercial platforms, engineering expertise and advanced manufacturing capabilities
Former Slingshot Aerospace CEO Melanie Stricklan has been named senior vice president of special programs at Vast. Stricklan will lead the newly established special programs division, which will develop space-based capabilities for the national security enterprise, including the defense and intelligence communities, the company said Wednesday.
What Will Stricklan Lead at Vast?
Vast’s new division will support both classified and unclassified efforts, combining the company’s commercial platforms with its engineering and advanced manufacturing capabilities. The company said the unit will produce U.S.-built systems for national security missions using the speed and cost structures of commercial development.
Vast CEO Max Haot said Stricklan brings more than two decades of experience spanning advanced technology, national security and commercial space.
“She is joining Vast at a pivotal moment as we develop in-house, high-performance technologies with direct applications for the U.S. defense and intelligence communities.”
Vast’s move into the national security space comes as government and industry leaders prepare to discuss the sector’s evolving priorities at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30. The event will bring together senior Air Force, Space Force and NASA leaders to examine emerging technologies and programs shaping the future of air and space capabilities. Register now!
What Is Stricklan’s Background?
Stricklan co-founded Slingshot Aerospace in 2016 and led the space intelligence and autonomous systems company for a decade. She served in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years, where she gained extensive experience holding leadership roles in advanced space systems development and testing, acquisitions, operations and national security.
She most recently served as chief innovation and advancement officer at Space Foundation, where she grew Space Workforce for Tomorrow into a nationwide coalition for the space industry. Stricklan has also served on the Aerospace Department External Advisory Committee at the University of Texas at Austin for more than five years and as a member of the White House’s National Space Council Users’ advisory group.
What Is Vast?
Founded in 2021, Vast develops commercial space infrastructure and technologies for activities including microgravity research, in-space manufacturing and human spaceflight. The Long Beach, California-based company is developing its Haven series of commercial space stations and plans to launch Haven-1 in 2027.
Vast has raised $500 million in financing to advance development of its Haven space stations, grow its workforce and expand its facilities. The company is also pursuing government opportunities, including NASA’s private astronaut mission program and the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations initiative.
The company has also added senior leaders with experience in government and national security. In June, former Aerospace Corp. President and CEO Steve Isakowitz joined Vast as an adviser, bringing experience from NASA, the U.S. Space Force and other government organizations.
