Pasadena, Cal. – December 03, 2024 – Helicity Space, a commercial space company developing in-space
propulsion and power technology based on fusion power, announces the addition of former NASA
associate administrator James “Jim” Reuter and retired four-star General William L. “Willie” Shelton to its
Strategic Advisory Board.
“Willie and Jim’s extensive understanding of both space and national security will not only bolster our
current board, but also enhance Helicity’s mission of increasing access to deep space,” said Marta Calvo,
co-founder and chief operations officer. “We’re pleased to welcome them to the Helicity team as we fuel
the expansion of space exploration and defense efforts that are currently not possible today.”
Reuter joins Helicity’s Strategic Advisory Board after more than four decades with NASA, holding
leadership roles which culminated in serving as the NASA Space Technology Associate Administrator
responsible for space technology investments and strategy. This included leading the agency’s nuclear
power and propulsion investments coordinated across multiple government agencies and establishing
multiple joint government and commercial industry programs to advance space technologies. Reuter also
served in a variety of leadership roles throughout his career, including deputy manager of the Space
Shuttle Propulsion Office.
“Nuclear power and propulsion are transformational technologies that will accelerate human and robotic
exploration across the solar system and beyond,” said Reuter. “I’m excited about the immense potential
of Helicity’s innovative approach to fusion propulsion to address technical challenges and advance both
civil and national security applications. Together, we are moving toward a future where distant celestial
bodies become reachable destinations, unlocking the secrets of our universe.”
In his final post as Commander of the Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado,
Gen. Willie Shelton was responsible for ensuring a mission-ready space and cyberspace force and
capabilities for North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Strategic Command and other
combatant commands. As a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Shelton holds a Bachelor of Science
and Master of Science in astronautical engineering. He earned a Master of Science in national security
from the National War College, and throughout his 48-year career he has also received numerous awards
and decorations for his military service.
“In-space fusion propulsion technology is truly a game-changer in civil, commercial and national security
capabilities,” said Shelton. “By enabling faster, more efficient spacecraft for operations, surveillance,
strategic deployment and more, Helicity is working to enhance resilience in space. It is an honor to join
the Advisory Board in this exciting stage.”
Reuter and Shelton join an esteemed roster of Helicity Space’s strategic advisors, including former NASA
Astronaut and NASA Associate Administrator of the Office of Space Flight, William Readdy, former chief
of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate and leader of the NASA New Horizon’s mission, Dr. Alan Stern, and
former Director of the NASA Ames’ Research Center, Dr. Simon “Pete” Worden.
About Helicity Space:
Founded by experts in their fields, Helicity Space is dedicated to changing the game with fusion propulsion and its applications to advance space exploration efforts and ultimately benefit humanity here on Earth.
Learn more at http://www.helicityspace.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Griffin Communications Group
media@helicityspace.com

