Today’s space sector has, both figuratively and literally, reached heights previously considered unfathomable. From emergent new research to rapidly evolving technology and infrastructure, the field only stands to continue this exciting trajectory, with industry leaders revealing new concepts and capabilities that could completely change humankind’s future.
For years, Dylan Taylor has been one such innovator. He is one of the community’s most accomplished business leaders, philanthropists, thought leaders, and commercial astronauts. Currently, Taylor serves as the CEO and chairman of Voyager Space, a multi-national space firm contributing greatly to the next generation of space industry technology, infrastructure, and research advancement for NASA and other leading global space entities.
Born in 1970, Taylor grew up in Idaho, observing the work of his father, a metallurgical engineering professor at the University of Idaho. This upbringing culminated in Taylor attending the University of Arizona to pursue his own engineering degree – and, subsequently, an MBA from the University of Chicago.
After honing his abilities in roles with several successful companies, Dylan Taylor developed an interest in the burgeoning space industry, seeing opportunities to further innovate this promising sector. He has overseen and contributed to space-related projects and development initiatives for accomplished entities like the World Economic Forum and the Aspen Institute (among many others).
Today, Dylan Taylor remains at the forefront of countless space industry advancements and initiatives inspiring change. With Voyager, he has spearheaded ambitious projects such as Starlab, a joint venture with Airbus striving to “support a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit and a seamless transition of microgravity science and research opportunities in the post-International Space Station era.”
On December 11th, 2021, Taylor became just the 606th human to enter space with the crew of Blue Origin’s NewShepard Mission 19. Accordingly, he earned his commercial astronaut wings with the FAA and his universal astronaut wings from the Association of Space Explorers.
Along the way, Dylan Taylor has leveraged his position to make a far-reaching philanthropic impact. He is the founder of Space for Humanity, a nonprofit and social movement aimed at democratizing space exploration, creating space flight opportunities for world leaders through its citizen astronaut program, and developing solutions to long-standing global issues through the scope of human awareness. In turn, the program’s participants commit to making a measurable philanthropic impact on Earth post-flight
Space for Humanity has been at the forefront of several groundbreaking space milestones. For instance, in 2021, the program’s first citizen astronaut, Katya Echazarreta, achieved a historic feat by becoming the first Mexican-born woman in space. This achievement set a precedent for aspiring space enthusiasts worldwide, establishing Echazarreta as a prominent figure and inspiration for women and minorities interested in a career in space exploration.
Additionally, Taylor is a strategic advisor for the Archmission and the Human Spaceflight Program; he is also a co-founding patron of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation and a leading contributor to the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship, Brooke Owens Fellowship, and Mission: Astro Access.
Taylor’s influence extends beyond his professional achievements; he is an active voice in the discourse surrounding the ethical implications and potential societal benefits of space exploration. His advocacy for space sustainability emphasizes the importance of preserving the space environment for future generations. In addition to his corporate and philanthropic endeavors, Taylor is also a prolific writer and speaker, often sharing his insights and experiences at major industry conferences and through various publications. His contributions to the field have earned him numerous accolades, solidifying his reputation as a pivotal figure in advancing humanity’s reach into space.
Taylor resides in Denver, Colorado, with his family.
Published by: Holy Minoza
