Lt Col Jonathan Shea

Materiel Leader and Director, DoD Space Test Program (DoD STP)

Space Systems Command

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan P. Shea is currently the Materiel Leader and Director, Department of Defense (DoD) Space Test Program (STP) at Kirtland AFB, NM. He leads a 63 member team responsible for maximizing space flight opportunities for DoD research & development missions.

A 2004 graduate from the University of Arkansas, Lt Col Shea first reported to the Space Test Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base, where he operated high profile space demonstrations such as the world’s first rendezvous and proximity operation mission, and the first autonomous satellite-to-satellite servicing mission. Next, Lt Col Shea was selected as an initial cadre Mission Director for the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle. In this capacity he directed the X-Plane’s first-ever launch and deorbit campaign.

In 2011 Lt Col Shea was selected for a career broadening opportunity as a Maintenance Operations Officer in the 576th Flight Test Squadron, the nation’s only ICBM test unit. There he led maintenance actions that resulted in eight successful Minuteman III ICBM test launches. Following this, he advanced to Deputy Chief for MILSATCOM’s Special Concepts Branch, where he headed multiple acquisition activities for an advanced space communication program. Prior to his current assignment, Lt Col Shea stood up and led the Operations Transition Division for the Space Rapid Capabilities Office, where he facilitated rapid operational fielding of a $5 billion portfolio. In addition to these assignments, he deployed to Afghanistan to provide assistance to the Afghan Security Forces as part of Operation RESOLUTE SUPPORT, and is a graduate of the Air Force’s prestigious School of Advanced Air and Space Studies.

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