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Tim Pickens

Aerospace Rocket Propulsion Expert in Liquid, Hybrid, Mono-propellant engines, motors, igniters/torches, and small reaction control devices

Tim Pickens is an accomplished entrepreneur, engineer, and educator with over three decades of experience in the aerospace industry. He currently serves as the President and Chief Technical Officer of Pickens Scientific Inc., a role he has held since April 2023. In this position, he is leading the development of advanced propulsion technologies, including a space-rated high voltage exciter for in-space propulsion ignition and vacuum-rated torch igniters for commercial rocket engines.13

Career Overview

  • Pickens Scientific Inc. (April 2023 - Present): As President and CTO, he focuses on innovative propulsion systems.

  • Teledyne Brown Engineering (March 2020 - April 2023): He was a Subject Matter Expert and Chief Engineer for the Hot Air Tunnel program, where he led efforts to create a Mach 6 wind tunnel.

  • Pickens Innovations, Inc. (July 2012 - March 2022): He founded this aerospace company, specializing in hardware and consulting for propulsion systems.

  • Bigelow Aerospace (August 2015 - January 2016): Served as the Propulsion Department Manager, leading a methane hot-fire test program.

  • Moon Express, Inc. (January 2013 - July 2015): Worked as Chief Propulsion Engineer, overseeing propulsion architectures for lunar missions.

  • Dynetics, Inc. (December 2009 - June 2012): Served as Commercial Space Advisor and Chief Propulsion Engineer, expanding the company's commercial space business.

  • Orion Propulsion (2004 - 2009): Founded and grew this aerospace company before selling it to Dynetics.

Education and Recognition

Tim Pickens holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and has been recognized with various awards for his contributions to the aerospace sector, including the Professional of the Year Award from the Huntsville Association of Technical Societies in 2003. He is also known for his engaging speaking style, frequently presenting at conferences on business and space topics.12

His early career included significant contributions to SpaceShipOne, which won the Ansari X Prize, highlighting his long-standing commitment to advancing aerospace technology.2

Highlights

Jun 22 · linkedin

Honored to be at the USSRC in Huntsville Alabama attending the Space Camp Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony! Many Space Camp attendees have become great leaders in aerospace and beyond! Tonight Madison Marsh/2024 Miss America is our guest speaker!

Apr 19 · linkedin

We decided to start building our dream home and garage looking over the lake. These efforts have taken place over the last 2 years. I have been inspired by the Art Deco and atomic age from the 1950’s through the 70’s. Inspiration was partly driven by the NASA Apollo Moon program and some of the cool TV shows that we watched as kids! I have also been inspired by the mid-century modern homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This house is 99% finished downstairs and the next phase will include the elevator shaft depicted behind the rocket, as well as the living space upstairs. The interior and furnishings are 95% percent 1960s. I would like to do a shout out to Peter Thorpe who did a great job capturing my vision and theme of the past and future. I should have an awesome painting to share with your soon, also being done by Peter. Being the designer and general contractor has been no easy task!!

Related Questions

What are some of Tim Pickens' most notable achievements in the aerospace industry?
How did Tim Pickens contribute to the development of SpaceShipOne?
What innovations has Tim Pickens introduced at Pickens Scientific Inc?
Can you tell me more about the space-rated high voltage exciter Tim Pickens is developing?
What awards has Tim Pickens received for his technical and business accomplishments?
Tim Pickens
Tim Pickens, photo 1
Tim Pickens, photo 2
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Location

Madison, Alabama, United States