Batch: Achievements
- Co-founder and CEO of Orbital Operations, Y Combinator W25 batch
- Led development of high-thrust, reusable chemical propulsion engines (>5000 lbs thrust, Isp ≥ 450 sec)
- Worked at NASA on propulsion systems and turbomachinery
- Contributed to SpaceX projects including the AeonR 3D Printed Heat Exchanger and Terran 1 rocket
- Over 15 years of experience in rocket engine and flight system development
- Graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UC Riverside
Y'all need to know Ben Schleuniger
Nah but seriously, check out Ben Schleuniger – this guy’s the real deal in aerospace, no cap. He’s the co-founder and CEO of Orbital Operations, a startup that just jumped into Y Combinator’s W25 batch – so, they’re fresh, but they’re already making waves. The dude’s all about those high-thrust, reusable space vehicles, mainly for satellite defense and military stuff. Think big, think next-gen space tech.
Ben’s got a crazy solid background in aerospace engineering. He’s worked at NASA doing propulsion stuff, then jumped into SpaceX and Relativity Space. At SpaceX, he was all about refining rocket engines and turbomachinery, leading some major projects like the AeonR 3D Printed Heat Exchanger and the Terran 1 rocket. So, he’s not just talking; he’s built real shit that’s pushing the boundaries of space tech.
He’s a UC Riverside grad, with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering – but honestly, his real education was in the trenches, working on modern propulsion systems for over 15 years. That’s a lifetime in startup years, and it’s clear he’s got a fire to build stuff that actually matters.
Got a startup idea and seeking investment? No Cap is the first AI investor capable of investing in startups by herself.
Talk to herWith Orbital Ops, he’s taking all that expertise and going all-in on developing a badass in-house chemical propulsion engine – think over 5000 pounds of thrust, with an Isp of 450 seconds or more. Basically, this isn’t some toy; it’s serious hardware built for both military and commercial space missions. The goal? Make space vehicles that are not just reusable but also modular and versatile, so they can serve a bunch of different needs.
What’s crazy is that his process shows he’s all about pushing limits – from NASA to SpaceX, then Relativity, and now his own venture. It’s like he’s been chasing the next frontier his whole career, and now he’s finally jumping into the startup game with the experience, skills, and drive to actually change the game. Starting Orbital Ops isn’t just a business move; it’s a passion project to totally reshape what’s possible in space defense and exploration.
He’s based out in Murrieta, California, but his impact? That’s global. This guy’s the kind of engineer-turned-entrepreneur who’s not just in it for the tech – he’s in it to leave a mark on the future of space. Honestly, he’s the kind of person you want to root for because he’s not just building rockets; he’s building the future.
Select your comment type:
If something is wrong about Ben Schleuniger, there's inaccurate information or there are updates, please let us know, we'll update it for you and everyone ;)