Leader in propulsion, additive and advanced manufacturing to accelerate growth, strengthen supply chains, and expand workforce development initiatives.
New York, NY – October 18, 2025 — Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc. (iRocket) today announced the appointment of Chris Mignano as Vice President of Business Development & Manufacturing. Mignano brings a robust background in mechanical and chemical engineering, with experience spanning business development, program management, rotating detonation engines, solid fuels, propellants, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Over the past several weeks, he has been leading the rapid development of iRocket’s IRX-100 vehicle—driving aggressive progress from concept to prototype as part of the company’s mission to deliver reusable, on-demand space access systems.
In this role, Mignano will lead iRocket’s business development and manufacturing efforts, guiding strategy across civil, commercial, and national security markets while scaling production capabilities to support the company’s next phase of growth. He will focus on accelerating technology transition, strengthening the space and defense industrial base, and deepening partnerships across the supplier ecosystem.
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Mignano’s engineering background includes advanced research and development in rotating detonation propulsion systems and solid propellant formulations, supported by academic training in mechanical and chemical engineering. His planned work emphasizes rapidly bridging the valley of death in the defense acquisition process, increasing technology and manufacturing readiness levels of iRocket’s technologies, and ensuring that the U.S. and its allies receive mission-ready space and defense hardware when it’s needed most. At iRocket, he plans to integrate additive and advanced manufacturing with artificial intelligence and machine learning enabled tools to optimize design, prototyping, and production, driving faster iteration, higher reliability, and lower costs.
Beyond his technical accomplishments, Mignano has founded and led educational programs designed to inspire the next generation of engineers. These initiatives connect students at both the high school and collegiate levels to hands-on aerospace and manufacturing experiences, cultivating pathways into STEM fields and supporting the future workforce of the U.S. industrial base.
“iRocket sits at the intersection of propulsion innovation, advanced manufacturing, and national capability,” said Chris Mignano. “I’m excited to help accelerate technology deployment and customer success, while continuing to invest in the students and young engineers who will drive the next wave of space exploration and defensive capability. Developing people is as important as developing technology.”
As Vice President of Business Development & Manufacturing, Mignano will:
- Expand partnerships across space and defense programs, focusing on mission-readiness and affordability.
- Advance manufacturing through additive and automated processes, AI-driven design optimization, and scalable production systems.
- Accelerate technology maturation, bridge the gap from R&D to deployment and deliver reusable, high-performance launch systems.
- Champion workforce development, broadening student outreach, internships, and training collaborations with schools, universities, and community programs.
- Bolster the space and defense industrial base, reinforcing supply chain resilience and domestic production capabilities.
About iRocket
Innovative Rocket Technologies (iRocket) is a U.S. aerospace company developing next-generation, fully reusable launch and propulsion solutions for commercial and national security customers. The company integrates advanced materials, additive manufacturing, and AI/ML-driven design optimization to deliver reliable, high-performance systems at reduced cost and lead time. iRocket partners across government, industry, and academia to accelerate innovation, strengthen the nation’s space and defense industrial base, and ensure rapid, reusable access to space.
Founded in 2018, iRocket is developing the Shockwave 100% reusable launch vehicle designed for rapid turnaround and reusability between missions. The company has secured contracts and collaborations with the U.S. Space Force and Air Force Research Laboratory to advance propulsion and defense applications. In July 2025, iRocket and Billionaire industrialist Hon. Wilbur L. Ross announced plans to go public on NASDAQ via a $400 million SPAC merger with BPGC Acquisition Corp., underscoring its growing market presence and capital momentum.