Tom Mueller, SpaceX’s first employee, now builds orbital “space taxis”

The Times of India profiles Tom Mueller, the first person hired by SpaceX. Mueller is renowned for designing the company’s early rocket engines. He is currently leading efforts to create reusable vehicles for orbital travel. The project aims to enable “space taxis” that ferry payloads between orbits. Mueller’s experience positions him as a key figure in commercial space logistics. The initiative reflects a shift toward on‑orbit servicing and rapid turnaround. Industry analysts view the venture as a step toward broader space infrastructure. Mueller’s work could shape the future of satellite deployment and maintenance.