Gen. Thompson’s 38-year military career culminated in his role as the Vice Chief of Space Operations (VCSO), the second-highest position in the U.S. Space Force, and also included key leadership roles at U.S. Strategic Command and Air Force Space Command. 

“Gen. Thompson has been a leading voice for many years on the urgent nature of the threats we face in space, the important role commercial capabilities can play in support of our mission, and the need for greater integration across the space enterprise,” said Steve Isakowitz, Aerospace president and chief executive officer. “I’m thrilled to welcome Gen. Thompson to our board. His extensive leadership, breadth and depth of expertise in military space operations, policy and strategy will be invaluable as we further Aerospace’s role as the nation’s trusted partner.”

“Gen. Thompson played a foundational leadership role in establishing the U.S. Space Force, and he’ll bring an invaluable perspective on how Aerospace can best support this critical partner,” said Paul Selva, chair of the Board of Trustees. “His wealth of experience across national security space will bring new and expanded strategic insights to the Aerospace board.”

Prior to his retirement from active duty in February 2024, Gen. Thompson was responsible for assisting the Chief of Space Operations in organizing, training and equipping space forces in the United States and coordinating space-related activities for the U.S. Space Force and Department of the Air Force.

Gen. Thompson was commissioned in 1985 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He is a career space officer with assignments in operations, acquisition, research and development and academia. Gen. Thompson has commanded operational space units at the squadron, group, and wing levels; he is also an Olmsted Scholar, graduate of the Senior Acquisition Course and Level III-Certified Program Manager.

Aerospace’s Board of Trustees members have a myriad of backgrounds, representing academic and scientific institutions and public, government, and national security interests. These diverse points of view allow the board members to collectively provide better guidance and oversight of the corporation’s activities.