If space is the future of humans , Stoke Space has a handle on realistically making it happen . Stoke is not the first or last rocket company in the Pacific Northwest . But they are among the only ones currently making rapidly reusable rockets . The company ’ s mission is to make rockets to transport satellites and payloads into space . They will do so with the first and second stages of the rocket returning to earth after both launch and delivery of the payload .
Staffing
The company , described as “ down to earth ” by Human Resources Recruiter , Sula Bondaruk , said that it is a company where people take ownership and work hard toward the mission . But she noted that the employees love the company because the level of burnout felt at competitors ’ companies is not felt at Stoke . She said they retain employees due to a flexible culture . “ The people , the mission , and the work environment have taught me so much . The work ethic is motivating .” She added , “ The people are so bright . We have a high bar for our talent ; they are impressive . They explain what they are doing in a highly digestible manner .”
Kelly Hennig , COO , is a top leader at Stoke that makes rocket science seem mainstream . Hennig has spent her career working on advanced technology for flight programs , space payloads , satellite hardware , understanding rocket engines , and developing prototypes .
Her work ethic and experience are impressive . However , she can make rocket science into something that seems logical . “ It is an interesting challenge , something different ,” she said about her role with Stoke . She added , “ Building rockets is hard . Building reusable rockets is even harder .” She seems up to the task , however . She wanted to join the team because they are “ moving incredibly fast .” She added that many big aerospace and space companies are “ slow and process driven , and unable to innovate because of lack of speed ,” and things take a long time to get done . The Stoke model demonstrates that their small size allows them to move quickly . She said they are motivated to get things done , which she called “ exhilarating !”
Hennig said she goes home and enthusiastically tells her family , “ We had this problem in the morning , and by the end of the day , it was fixed , and we just did it !”
10 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS