Orbit Fab Strengthens Advisory Board with Space Command Veterans to Enhance National Security Focus
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 14, 2025

Orbit Fab, known as the Gas Stations in Space company, has appointed Major General Jody A. Merritt, USAF, and Major General Roger W. Teague, USAF (Ret.), to its Advisory Board. These seasoned military leaders join Dr. Claire Leon, a former Director of the SSC Space Systems Integration Office, reinforcing Orbit Fab's expertise in space operations and government acquisition.

Maj Gen Jody A. Merritt currently serves as the Mobilization Assistant to the Commander of U.S. Space Command, supporting the defense of U.S. and allied interests in the space domain. With over 25 years of experience, Merritt has managed 14 defense and national missions, spearheaded the digital transformation of command and control for Space Force Operations Command (SpOC), and led the establishment of the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) to accelerate the government's adoption of commercial technology. In the private sector, Merritt leads JM Astris Advisors, specializing in program management, systems integration, and strategic growth for technology firms.

"Mission success in the contested space environment depends on logistics as much as launch," Merritt emphasized. "Orbit Fab is solving that logistics challenge with an open interface and a scalable approach. I'm excited to contribute operational and industry insights to further this critical capability."

Maj Gen Roger W. Teague (Ret.) spent over three decades in the U.S. Air Force, managing flagship space programs like the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) and MILSTAR. After retiring as Director of Space Programs in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, he transitioned to senior leadership roles at Boeing, Terran Orbital, and PredaSAR. Teague is also a founding partner at space consultancy Elara Nova.

"On-orbit refueling is a game-changer for national security and commercial space," Teague noted. "Orbit Fab's RAFTITM interface and depot architecture will dramatically improve resilience, responsiveness, and lifespan of critical spacecraft. I look forward to helping shape strategies that deliver this capability to government and industry partners alike."

Orbit Fab CEO Daniel Faber welcomed the appointments, highlighting the advisors' deep operational expertise. "Jody and Roger have spent their careers delivering breakthrough space capabilities for the warfighter. Their experience will be invaluable as we scale our fuel delivery network and collaborate even more closely with the Department of Defense and allied nations."

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