Robert MacPherson

Mission Director | Spacecraft Operations & RPOD/ISAM | Astrodynamics | Rogue Space Systems

United States

About

I plan and execute spacecraft missions — from CONOPS development through on-orbit operations. At Rogue Space Systems, I lead mission operations for the Orbot smallsat series, directing a team through nominal and off-nominal ops while building the infrastructure for future RPOD/ISAM services. My technical focus is low-thrust astrodynamics and autonomous GNC for proximity operations in LEO and GEO domains. I also work at the intersection of space policy and mission architecture, contributing research on orbital material consolidation and the circular cislunar economy. Previous background in high-pressure live production gave me an unusual foundation: real-time troubleshooting, crew leadership, and delivering under hard deadlines — skills that translate directly to spacecraft operations.

Experience

  • Rogue Space Systems Corporation (5 yrs 2 mos)
    • Director, Mission Operations
      Jun 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 1 mo

      - Designed and developed two internal ground support tools: ORBIT (mission scheduling, deconfliction, and budget analysis) and VISOR (multi-vendor pass planning and management), building Rogue's ground operations software capability from scratch - Diagnosed and resolved EKF divergence and star tracker anomalies on OTP-2, restoring nominal ADCS operation and preserving mission continuity - Drive internal astrodynamics R&D on optimal low-thrust guidance for autonomous rendezvous in the Earth-Moon system - Developed CONOPS and mission architectures for upcoming RPOD/ISAM missions, including DRMs and propulsion trade studies for close proximity operations - Built mission operations infrastructure from the ground up: SOPs, flight rules, telemetry displays, RACI frameworks, and operator training/certification programs - Led ground station vendor evaluation and pass scheduling automation, improving contact efficiency and reducing manual scheduling overhead - Coordinate spectrum licensing with regulatory bodies and manage payload hosting customer relationships through launch, LEOP, and on-orbit acceptance - Lead mission operations for OTP-2 through nominal and off-nominal phases, serving as the decision authority for spacecraft health, anomaly resolution, and recovery actions

    • Mission Operations Engineer
      Aug 2021 - Jun 2023 · 1 yr 11 mos

      - Led optimization studies for low-thrust guidance and control for a 16U spacecraft, contributing to Rogue's RPOD mission roadmap - Developed CONOPS documentation and mission timelines to support mission progression from concept through operations - Built STK mission simulations for orbital analysis and engineering data flow-down, supporting R&D across the spacecraft team - Performed initial orbital analysis for upcoming missions across SSO LEO and GEO domains

    • Orbital Mechanic & Mission Operations Planner Consultant
      May 2021 - Aug 2021 · 4 mos

      Provided astrodynamics and mission planning support, delivering orbital analysis and STK simulations to support early mission development

  • Freelance Scenic & Lighting Designer at Freelance
    Jan 2016 - Aug 2021 · 5 yrs 8 mos

    - Managed real-time fault diagnosis and recovery during live productions, leading technician teams under hard time constraints with no margin for error - Delivered complex multi-element productions on schedule and under budget through hands-on project management and crew coordination - Designed and integrated scenic automation and lighting control systems, programming show control in EOS and QLab environments

  • Commercial Energy Efficiency Coordinator at Earthlight Technologies, LLC
    Jul 2016 - Jan 2017 · 7 mos

    - Successfully tracked energy efficiency reports from site surveys and worked with Eversource to process incentives for customers.

  • Interim Technical Director at Chestnut Street Playhouse
    Mar 2015 - Aug 2016 · 1 yr 6 mos

    - Worked on Artistic Committee to choose and organize the Main Stage season for the theater - Acted as Production Manager on individual season productions, including budget management, logistics coordination, communication and time management to ensure productions are ready to open. - Assisted execution of fundraising projects. - Supervised the use of lighting, sound, and the use of maintenance and stage equipment - Determined necessary technical support for events - Designed, set up and maintained sound and lighting operations for events and productions - Advised production staff on technical specifics, costs, and usage of technical equipment - Supervised and assisted with stage construction and management - Assisted in recruiting, training and assignment of volunteer and paid staff for individual shows - Assisted guest designers and techs - Monitored equipment condition - Made recommendations to Board of Directors for purchases of technical equipment

  • SolarCity (1 yr 6 mos)
    • Field Energy Consultant
      Sep 2015 - Jun 2016 · 10 mos

      - Successfully tracked and communicated with multiple customers across the lifespan of sales of rooftop solar arrays. - Managed multiple projects simultaneously through various stages of the sales process from initiation to installation.

    • Jr. Permit Coordinator
      Jan 2015 - Sep 2015 · 9 mos

      - Researched and performed permit requests for rooftop solar arrays. - Maintained and tracked multiple customer files throughout the lifespan of the permitting process, including communication to and from sales representatives to progress the order.