E25: Beyond the Desert and Into Space with Virgin Galactic
On this week’s City Limitless® podcast, we had the extraordinary opportunity to sit down with Markus Saarinen, senior vice president of spaceline technical operations at Virgin Galactic. His journey through more than two decades of aerospace leadership is as inspiring as the groundbreaking work unfolding inside Virgin Galactic’s “Spaceship Factory” in Mesa. From early experiences that sparked his fascination with flight to leading global organizations at the forefront of aerospace, Markus has built a career defined by innovation, collaboration and an unshakable drive to push the limits of possibility. Today, that same passion is guiding Virgin Galactic’s mission to make commercial space travel a reality, with Mesa playing a pivotal role in bringing spaceships to life.
With access to a skilled workforce, strong infrastructure and a thriving innovation ecosystem, Mesa offered everything needed to scale Virgin Galactic’s vision.
As Markus shared, his career has always been fueled by curiosity and a desire to transform ambitious ideas into tangible results. Over the years, he has led thousands of team members across the aerospace industry, championing operational excellence while driving continuous improvement. What drew him to aerospace and continues to keep him energized is the ever-changing, dynamic nature of the field. For Markus, the thrill lies in tackling complex challenges and knowing that each breakthrough brings humanity one step closer to space.
When asked why Virgin Galactic chose Mesa for such a monumental facility, Markus explained the decision was both strategic and practical. With access to a skilled workforce, strong infrastructure and a thriving innovation ecosystem, Mesa offered everything needed to scale Virgin Galactic’s vision. The city not only provides resources but also embodies the collaborative spirit that aligns with the company’s mission to open space for everyone.
Markus then walked us through the intricate process of building a spaceship. Building a spaceship is a coordinated effort across Virgin Galactic’s operations: design and engineering start in Southern California, manufacturing takes shape in Mojave and Mesa and launches lift off from Spaceport America in New Mexico. Each stage demands precision, teamwork and expertise to bring this bold vision to life.
One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation centered on Virgin Galactic’s unique flight system. Markus described how the vehicle transforms throughout its mission, starting as a rocket launch, then transitioning into a suborbital spaceship, reentering the atmosphere as a specialized vehicle, and finally gliding back to Earth. He highlighted the groundbreaking “feather system,” which allows for safe and efficient reentry. This innovation, he explained, is what truly sets Virgin Galactic apart in the commercial space industry.
Markus also spoke about leadership and the importance of people in this pioneering work. Having led large teams across the globe, he carries with him principles of collaboration, operational discipline and respect for every individual’s contribution. At the Mesa facility, talent acquisition has become a priority, and Arizona’s growing aerospace sector is providing a steady stream of skilled professionals. The excitement among new hires is undeniable, Markus told us, because few experiences compare to watching a spaceship come to life right before your eyes.
When a new-generation spaceship leaves Mesa, the journey is far from over. Markus described the rigorous testing and validation that follow before a vehicle is cleared for commercial operations. For him, this process is not only technical but deeply personal. The vision of making spaceflight available to private citizens is what inspires him daily, and that motivation is felt across his entire team.
Looking ahead, Markus emphasized how Mesa will continue to play a critical role in Virgin Galactic’s long-term growth. As operations scale to increase flight frequency, the Mesa “spaceship factory” will serve as a cornerstone for production. With Arizona becoming an important hub for aerospace, Virgin Galactic is helping shape both the economic and technological landscape of the region, ensuring that Mesa stands at the forefront of a new era in space exploration.
Our conversation with Markus Saarinen left us inspired by his passion, grounded leadership and commitment to innovation. From his personal journey to the ambitious future of Virgin Galactic, Mesa is not just building spaceships, it is building the future of commercial spaceflight. Be sure to check out our full interview on the City Limitless® podcast. You won't want to miss it!