VP of Mission Operations

Shay's path into reduced-gravity operations grew out of a deep conviction that access to microgravity research should be broader, more inclusive, and more achievable. A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, she built her career managing research flights at Zero Gravity Corporation before moving into the NASA Gateway Program, where she supports Moon to Mars mission operations through Craig Technologies. She is a natural connector — someone who understands both the technical demands of flight operations and the human side of getting more people, more payloads, and more ideas into space research.

As Vice President of Mission Operations, Shay leads the planning, coordination, and execution of all payload operations across RGS's microgravity and reduced-gravity platforms. She serves as the primary technical interface for clients, partners, and flight operators, guiding each mission from contract kickoff through payload certification, flight readiness, and post-flight data review. This includes direct collaboration with engineering, safety, and flight operations teams, as well as RGS's partners at Navmar Applied Sciences Corporation (NASC) for Tracer UAV parabolic operations. Her role ensures every mission stays on schedule, meets its technical requirements, and delivers results that meaningfully advance payloads toward suborbital and orbital readiness.