SPACE SYMPOSIUM SPEAKERS

Gen. David Thompson, USSF (Ret.)

Senior Principal Advisor
Elara Nova

General (Retired) “DT” Thompson retired in 2024 after serving more than 38 years in the Air and Space Forces, completing assignments in operations, acquisition and academia.   He commanded at the squadron, group and wing levels, deployed to SouthWest Asia, and served in senior positions in the National Reconnaissance Office, Air Force Warfare Center, United States Strategic Command, Air Force Space Command and Headquarters United States Space Force.  

Thompson’s military career culminated as first Vice Chief of Space Operations for the Space Force, where he played a key role in establishing the first new military branch in 73 years, and served on the Joint Requirements Oversight Council and Deputy Secretary of Defense Management Action Group.  Post retirement he continues to serve in advisory, leadership and educational roles.

Thompson earned a B.S. in astronautical engineering from the Air Force Academy, an M.S. in aeronautics and astronautics from Purdue University, and an M.S. in national security industrial policy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He is an Olmsted Scholar, graduate of Defense Systems Management College, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College.  Thompson is a distinguished graduate of USAFA and ICAF, and Distinguished Engineering Alumnus of Purdue University.

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