MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES, November 7, 2017 / — Julie Van Kleeck, Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Vice President of the Advanced Space and Launch Business Unit, will be joining The Mars Generation (TMG) as a member of the advisory board. In support of a common mission to promote the next generation’s progress in space exploration, Van Kleeck will apply her background in leadership and space development to guide board objectives and advocate for the non-profit organization as an advisory board member.

Van Kleeck has been instrumental in the development of leading-edge rocket propulsion technology and products – many of which are in production today at Aerojet Rocketdyne. She has received numerous technical awards from Aerojet Rocketdyne and other outside organizations. In addition to being active in Aerojet Rocketdyne’s outreach and advocacy efforts for STEM and Women in Aerospace programs, she’s responsible for the company’s Advanced Space Products strategy, technology development and product development efforts.

“I am excited to work with an organization that creates and promotes opportunities for young people all around the world to explore their interests in space and beyond.” – Julie Van Kleeck

“I look forward to serving on The Mars Generation’s advisory board,” said Van Kleeck of her new position. “In addition to developing products that enhance our understanding of space, it’s just as important to inspire the upcoming generation to go even further. I am excited to work with an organization that creates and promotes opportunities for young people all around the world to explore their interests in space and beyond.”

The Mars Generation operates several core programs including the Future of Space Outreach Program, the Space Camp Scholarship Program and the Student Space Ambassador Leadership Program (SSA). All programs focus on reaching the mission of The Mars Generation which is to excite young people and adults about human space exploration and STEM/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) education and foster an understanding of the importance of these two elements to the future of humankind on Earth.

“Our advisory board members are coming from increasingly diverse backgrounds. Such variance helps maximize The Mars Generation’s positive impact in space and STEAM fields around the world,” said Abigail Harrison, TMG founder and board chair. “We are confident that with the support of our advisory board members, we can expand our programs and increase our impact around the world.”

About The Mars Generation
The Mars Generation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the United States. The organization is volunteer-driven with a board of directors that includes astronauts, engineers, scientists and professionals from the nonprofit and business communities. With a reach of more than 25 million people since 2015 and a social media following of more than one million people the organization has served more than 10,200 students and adults from around the world through multiple programs including the Student Space Ambassador Program, Future of Space Outreach Program and Space Camp Scholarship Program. TMG is supported by over 450 donors, 1,000 members, and leading space industry sponsors. Through an innovative approach of leveraging new media technology and providing engaging content and programs the organization aims to excite and educate students and adults about the importance of human space exploration and STEM education.

About Aerojet Rocketdyne
Aerojet Rocketdyne is an innovative company delivering solutions that create value for its customers in the aerospace and defense markets. The company is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader that provides propulsion and energetics to the space, missile defense and strategic systems, tactical systems and armaments areas, in support of domestic and international markets. Additional information about Aerojet Rocketdyne can be obtained by visiting www.Rocket.com and www.AerojetRocketdyne.com.

For more information on The Mars Generation go to: TheMarsGeneration.org

Yvonne Hundshamer
The Mars Generation
612-670-0337
groundsupport@themarsgeneration.org