STEVE STERK
NASA ADVISOR
Steve A. Sterk is a seasoned aerospace professional with over 47 years of experience. He brings a wealth of expertise to the Board. Mr. Sterk has a proven track record as a successful Senior Financial Advisor from Industry. As NASA’s liaison to the Foundation Flight Test Museum, he brings collaboration and partnerships engagement to the community. As a NASA Cost & System Engineer. He is a visionary and a professional planner currently working in the PP&C office. Steve is a Community Leader who helped has raised over $1M for non-profit Organizations here in the Antelope Valley and would be an asset to the organization. He also enjoys being a volunteer STEM coordinator outside of work.
Aviation History:
Mr. Sterk is a 4th generation native to the Antelope Valley. His grandfather, Pete Sterk owned Sterk Ranch Airfield east of Lancaster. X-15 Crew Chief, Pilot, and a Civilian Mach Buster.
Steve recently gave a presentation called “Unconventional Flight Testing in the 1960’s” on Saturday, Feb. 22nd, 2025, at the Antelope Valley College for the AIAA History Symposium.
Experience:
Steve is an Aerospace professional, starting as a Co-Op in 1980 at EAFB as a Film Reader. Steve has held every financial position (except CFO), he worked at Rockwell International, Rocketdyne SSME, Boeing Shuttle, and 20 years at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center.
Notable Achievements:
- Steve built his home in Palmdale in 1989 from his A.V. High School drafting plans.
- Steve led the A.V. High School Centennial Class Reunion (1912 to 2012) 1,400 attended.
- Steve received the NASA’s Silver Medal in 2013 for NASA’s X-Plane Parametric Cost Model.
AFFILIATIONS:
- Currently serving the Board of Directors for American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) AV Section as Vice President of Programs.
- Currently serving the Board of Directors for Southern California International Cost Estimation Analysis Association (ICEAA).
- On the Board of Directors Antelope Valley Rural Museum as a Director at Large.
- Member of the Flight Test Museum – Volunteer Member.
AWARDS:
1988 – Rockwell International last B-1B Delivered “On-Time and Under Budget” Member of the Technical Staff Support Services, presented by Bill Bright and Sam F. Iacobellis.
1996 – Boeing CEO Award presented by Phil Condit and Jim Albaugh – Merger of Overhead Systems Group Insurance for Rockwell, Boeing and McDonnell Douglas.
1997 – Rockwell International – Outstanding Contribution in organizing Rockwell’s Management activity in Los Angeles presented by Aviation Legend, Lee Attwood (CEO).
1997 – Certificate of Special Recognition presented by Senator Howard “Buck” McKeon
2004 – Silver Snoopy and Space Flight Awareness – presented by Astronaut, Jim Ross.
2004 – NASA ARMD Vehicle Systems – Outstanding Contributions presented by Rich Wlezien and Herb Schlickenmaier.
2009 – NASA HQ Strategic Insights and Budget – Community Support Among Team Members, presented Ms. Sheryl McGurk and Charley Hunt.
2013 – Best International White Paper, X-Plane Cost Model, presented by Andy Prince President of ICEAA, Bristol, United Kingdom.
2013 – NASA Silver Medal – NASA X-Plane Cost Model, presented by David McBride and Robert Lightfoot, Acting NASA Administrator.
2017 – Mr. Sterk captures the front page of the Mohave Daily News “Eclipse provides an Education Moment” written by Terri Harber.
2024 – Certificate of Marriage – “First Wedding at the Flight Test Museum” to Ms. Renee Marchiano on Oct. 14th, 2024 – presented by Senator, Mike Garcia.
AVIATION:
Proud Co-Owner of a Pietenpole Aircraft.
Collection of various aircraft artifacts includes.
- his grand-father’s Fairchild PT-19 Cockpit
- 30-foot wing-spar made from Spruce.
- Home built cockpit and fuselage.
- (4) EVTOL Propeller (Design, Build & Test) STEM Kits.
