Richard Eric Rasmussen

Richard Eric Rasmussen serves as a Senior Adjunct Faculty Member in the Physics department at California Lutheran University since 2012 while leading Guidance Dynamics Corporation (GDC) as Chairman and CEO, a position he has held since founding the company in 1989.

Education:

• B.S. in Engineering with minor in Material Science, University of California, Davis
• Advanced Coursework in Spacecraft Control Systems, University of California, Los Angeles

Research Focus: His expertise spans Aerospace Engineering, Spacecraft Control, and Electromechanical Systems, driving GDC's innovation in frictionless motion testbeds using air bearings and cold-gas thrusters. These systems enable precise space flight emulation for institutions like JPL and Georgia Tech, advancing robotics and propulsion research.

Professional Impact: GDC under Mr. Rasmussen delivered critical hardware for defense programs (LEAP, Brilliant Pebbles) and commercial ventures (Blue Origin, Kistler Aerospace), including 240-pound flight thrusters and 3-DOF testbeds for the Naval Postgraduate School. His prior decade at Space Vector Corporation supported NASA and Air Force sounding rocket launches across global sites.

Community Engagement: He mentors underserved high school students through StudySmart Tutors and has served as Scoutmaster of Troop 642 since 2001, earning the Silver Beaver Award and multiple District Awards for youth development.