Kirk Shireman: The Intrapreneurial Leader of Lunar Exploration

Kirk Shireman represents an example of a successful intrapreneur, combining entrepreneurial vision with the resources and structures of a large organization. Through his leadership, he not only contributed to the achievement of historic missions but also demonstrated how innovation and entrepreneurial thinking can transform the aerospace industry. The boundaries of technology are constantly pushed, and Kirk Shireman stands out as an example of an intrapreneurial leader – an innovator who, from within a large organization like Lockheed Martin, succeeded in transforming ambitious visions into tangible realities.

Kirk Shireman’s Professional Journey

Kirk Shireman is the Vice President for Human Space Exploration and Program Manager for Orion at Lockheed Martin, where he leads the team responsible for the design and construction of the Orion spacecraft for deep space human exploration. In this role, he is responsible for delivering the Orion Crew Module and Service Module to NASA for the Artemis II-VIII missions to the Moon. His team successfully completed the Artemis I mission in 2022, sending Orion more than 1.4 million miles through deep space during the first uncrewed test flight around the Moon and back. The team is now preparing for the first crewed mission to the Moon, Artemis II, scheduled for launch in 2025.

Before joining Lockheed Martin in 2020, Shireman served as the International Space Station (ISS) Program Manager at NASA, responsible for the overall management, development, integration, and operation of the ISS. This nearly $3 billion per year program, involving 15 nations, includes the design, manufacture, testing, and delivery of complex flight hardware and software, as well as their integration with international partner modules into a permanently inhabited and functional space station.

Intrapreneur in Space Exploration

Shireman exemplifies the concept of an intrapreneur – acting as an entrepreneur within a large organization. As the leader of the Orion Program, he was responsible for transforming an ambitious vision into a functional product, delivering Orion to NASA for the Artemis II mission. This achievement highlights the importance of innovation and entrepreneurial thinking within a large corporation.

A concrete example of his intrapreneurial approach is the integration of a high-speed laser communication system into the Orion spacecraft, paving the way for future missions. This innovation reflects his ability to identify technological opportunities and implement them effectively within the organization.

Lessons for Intrapreneurs

• Vision and Ambition: Setting clear and ambitious goals is essential. Shireman visualized crewed lunar missions and worked to turn them into reality.
• Continuous Innovation: Adopting and implementing new technologies, such as laser communication systems, can set a project apart as successful.
• Collaboration and Leadership: Working in teams and leading effectively are fundamental to achieving objectives. Shireman has demonstrated remarkable skills in coordinating teams and managing relationships with partners.
• Problem Solving: Approaching challenges with a problem-solving mindset is crucial. Shireman successfully managed complex situations, such as integrating international modules into the ISS.

We are presenting this material with Kirk Shireman in the context of today’s event – Lockheed Martin delivering the Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II mission.

“Completing the Orion spacecraft for Artemis II is a major step forward in the national efforts to establish a long-term presence on the Moon. It’s exciting to think that soon people will be able to see the Sun rise over the lunar horizon from our vehicle, as they travel farther from Earth than ever before,” said Kirk Shireman.