Rachel Morford

Rachel Morford is a principal director at The Aerospace Corporation, where she has made significant contributions to both the aerospace industry and critical national security space programs over the last 15 years in a variety of roles from launch systems to international partnerships to satellite production programs. Currently, she manages a team responsible for looking across the space enterprise to ensure that warfighter needs are met, exploring how existing purpose built and commercial systems can contribute to closure of kill chains and identifying critical technology needs. She previously led the Aerospace team supporting the integration of multiple space and ground programs supporting missile warning systems. In prior roles, Morford led the Aerospace team supporting the production, launch, and on-orbit testing communication satellites; provided technical leadership and supported strategic development of international agreements between the U.S. Air Force and other nations; and spent several years as a systems engineer working on national security launches. Morford has led the Aerospace Women’s Committee, served on the Aerospace Diversity Action Committee, and has been recognized with the Aerospace Commitment to Our People Diversity and Inclusion award. Morford is a past President and senior life member of the Society of Women Engineers. She is a senior life member of AIAA, serving on the AIAA Space Systems Technical Committee. She is a member on the USC Viterbi Emerging Leaders Board and on the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors. In 2021, she was recognized with the USC Alumni Association Young Alumni Merit Award.