Jim Sponnick has served as an engineer, program manager, and vice-president in the space launch industry since 1982. He graduated suma cum laude from the University of North Dakota in electrical engineering and immediately began a 34 year career with General Dynamics, Martin-Marietta, Lockheed-Martin, and United Launch Alliance.

Jim's technical accomplishments include developing improvements to the Centaur upper stage guidance and control systems, implementing enhanced systems integration laboratories and ground support systems, and developing a new avionics system for the Atlas and Titan/Centaur launch vehicles. He led the construction and activation of new and modified launch pads at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Though out his career, Jim led numerous programs that supported the satellite launch missions of the US Air Force, NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office, and commercial customers. He was instrumental in the development and operation of the Atlas III and V and Delta IV launch systems. His leadership has resulted in 100's of successful satellite missions in support of customers around the world.

This dedication is in honor of Jim's service to his nation and to the space community upon his retirement from United Launch Alliance.

Congratulations and Thank You Jim!