Relativity Space VP of Avionics and Integrated Software Brandon Pearce. Photo: Photo: Gregg Segal; Retouching: G-TOU

Relativity Space, a 3D printing rocket startup, recently made a notable executive hire. Brandon Pearse, who previously held roles at Virgin Galactic and SpaceX, is now Relativity Space’s Vice President (VP) of avionics and integrated software.

According to Relativity Space Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tim Ellis, Brandon Pearce has impressive avionics development and flight experience. He helped develop avionics at Space X, starting with the SpaceX Falcon 1, and led the avionics hardware team through Falcon 9 v1.0, Falcon 9 v1.1, and the Dragon capsule that docked with the International Space Station (ISS). He then was the first avionics leader at Virgin Orbit. Brandon then moved to Zoox, where he led their Sense and Compute group helping deliver an autonomous car.

As VP of avionics and integrated software, Relativity is aligning the hardware and software flying the rocket, with the hardware and software that supports the rocket through testing, factory checkouts, and launch. According to the company, This alignment has never been done before.