Meeting Highlights (because nothing says excitement like 3D printing and AI failures)

• Kristen pulled off a Rotary miracle by organizing a 3D-printed logo centerpiece using Cal State Bakersfield’s printing lab. Shoutout to Ivan and his student squad who apparently had nothing better to do than print out our logo in 3D.
• Jefé tried and failed again to entertain us with his new AI assistant, Lilian. Apparently it takes “SOME intelligence” to utilize “Artificial Intelligence”.

Program Speaker: Dr. David Smith

Aaron Falk introduced Dr. David Smith, current CEO of Mojave Air & Spaceport and former director at Plant 42 (Like Area 51 without the Aliens). So yes, he’s kind of a big deal.

Let’s just run down the resume: retired Air Force officer, Inspector General at Edwards, radar navigator, Fairchild Trophy winner, David C. Schilling Award recipient, Air Liaison Officer, and oh yeah—Brigadier General in the California Guard. 

:::I experience a wave of inadequacy:::::::

Mojave Air & Spaceport: Not Just a Fancy Name

Dr. Smith walked us through his very casual journey from military posts to managing one of the most innovative flight hubs in the country.

At Plant 42, they crank out parts for F-35s every 1.3 days. Which, sure, seems oddly specific, but we’ll take it.

Mojave’s gone from 10 space launches a decade ago to 200+ today. 

Highlights included:

Stratolaunch: Home of the world’s largest plane (ROC, 385 ft wingspan—because why not?)

TALON hypersonic test vehicles (fast, reusable, expensive)

Partnerships with Boom Aerospace on the comeback of supersonic airliners (because we’ve clearly learned nothing from the Concorde)

Beating government programs at their own game (we're looking at you, X-59)

Mojave: Saving the Local Economy One Rocket Launch at a Time

Mojave is the go-to for living-wage jobs in the region and apparently recruits new businesses every six months like it’s speed dating for economic development.

The National Test Pilot School is here.

Dr. Smith stressed adaptability, partnerships with local schools, and staying one step ahead of geopolitical chaos. Light topics.

Q&A: 

Why Mojave? WWII Marine Corps base with prime real estate: near Edwards, China Lake, and nestled into some very cozy restricted airspace.

Also, there’s a 12,000-ft runway—perfect for launching your average Tuesday rocketship or whatever.

Meeting adjourned. Cue applause and a speed-walk to the parking lot.