Michael Gold
Michael Gold has established himself as a pivotal figure in the aerospace sector, known for his expertise in space policy, regulatory frameworks, and international partnerships. With over two decades of experience, Gold has held influential roles at major organizations such as Bigelow Aerospace, NASA, and, most recently, Redwire Corporation. His work has not only shaped U.S. space policy but has also advanced commercial and governmental collaborations in space exploration.
Bigelow Aerospace
Gold spent 13 years at Bigelow Aerospace, where he played a critical role in establishing the company as a leader in the commercial space sector. He was instrumental in setting up Bigelow’s Washington, D.C., office and led efforts to navigate the complex regulatory landscape of space exploration. Under his leadership, Bigelow Aerospace launched the Genesis 1 and 2 spacecraft, both experimental inflatable space habitats, which successfully demonstrated the feasibility of expandable structures in space.
Gold’s efforts at Bigelow culminated in the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) project, a collaboration with NASA to test an expandable habitat on the International Space Station (ISS). His contributions to the BEAM project earned him a NASA Group Achievement Award, recognizing the significance of the project in paving the way for future space habitats. Through his work at Bigelow, Gold became known for his ability to bridge the gap between commercial space initiatives and government policy, fostering an environment where private and public sectors could collaborate effectively.
In this interview, Michael Gold, who has held influential roles at Bigelow Aerospace and NASA, clarifies his connection to Bigelow Aerospace Advanced Space Studies (BAASS). He states that while BAASS is a distinct division within Bigelow Aerospace, he is not involved with it, so he cannot comment on its work or specifics regarding UFO reports it might handle.
When the interviewer mentions FAA protocols related to UFOs, Gold expresses his personal interest in the broader subject of extraterrestrial life, referencing scientific work like the Kepler mission, which has identified numerous exoplanets. He highlights the increasing discovery of Earth-like planets, suggesting that science may soon reveal even more about potentially habitable worlds. Gold’s comments indicate his belief in the likelihood of life beyond Earth, based on scientific evidence and discoveries about the vastness and diversity of the galaxy.
When pressed further about FAA reports that might be directed to Bigelow, he reiterates that he has no involvement in that division and therefore cannot comment on the handling of such reports. However, he expresses a positive stance on the FAA’s focus on UFO sightings, noting the importance of these issues from an airspace and safety perspective.
NASA: Shaping International Space Policy and Partnerships
In 2019, Gold joined NASA as Associate Administrator for Space Policy and Partnerships. This high-level role allowed him to shape NASA’s policies at a time when international collaboration was increasingly essential for advancing space exploration. Gold played a key role in developing the Artemis Accords, a set of principles guiding responsible exploration and use of space resources among international partners in NASA’s Artemis Program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually journey to Mars.
Gold’s influence extended beyond policy; he was integral in fostering partnerships between NASA and other countries, helping to lay the groundwork for cooperative space exploration. As the Acting Associate Administrator for the Office of International and Interagency Relations, he led NASA’s international engagements, which included collaboration with space agencies from Europe, Asia, and other regions. His work at NASA underscored the importance of a global approach to space exploration and positioned the U.S. as a leader in shaping ethical and transparent exploration guidelines.
Redwire Corporation: Expanding Space Infrastructure and Innovation
After leaving NASA in early 2021, Gold joined Redwire Corporation as the Chief Growth Officer and later took on roles such as the Executive Vice President of Civil Space Business Development and External Affairs. At Redwire, Gold focuses on expanding the company’s footprint in the space infrastructure sector, where it develops technologies for space sustainability, including on-orbit servicing, manufacturing, and infrastructure solutions.
At Redwire, Gold’s expertise in policy and partnerships continues to shape the company’s approach to space innovation. By fostering relationships with governmental and commercial entities, he is helping to advance Redwire’s vision of a robust space economy. His efforts include engaging with U.S. and international agencies to explore ways Redwire’s technology can support space missions, both governmental and private.
Michael Gold’s career is marked by a dedication to advancing space exploration through policy, international cooperation, and innovative commercial solutions. From pioneering expandable habitats at Bigelow Aerospace to shaping global space policy at NASA and driving growth at Redwire, Gold’s contributions have left a lasting impact on the industry. He remains a respected advocate for responsible and sustainable exploration, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between nations and the commercial sector.
Michael Gold is a witness in the upcoming hearing by the U.S. House Oversight Committee on November 13, 2024. The hearing is to address the secretive Pentagon program “Immaculate Constellation,” allegedly tasked with investigating UAPs and reverse-engineering technology from potential non-human sources. The hearing will bring in witnesses, including Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet, Luis Elizondo, and other experts, to provide insights on UAPs’ implications for national security.
It is believed that these witnesses have had exposure to UFO crash retrieval materials, his role in prior aerospace positions, including with Bigelow Aerospace—a company associated with UAP research—may imply he was aware of certain UAP-related initiatives.
