Franklin Ratliff

Technological development at Titans Space Industries

Franklin leads technological development at Titans Space Industries, working with a team that includes principal founder Neal S. Lachman. The team has completed the Critical Design Review for the company’s planned spaceplanes and spacecraft, supporting progression toward further engineering analysis, detailed design, and manufacturing preparation.

Four decades of aerospace experience

His career spans established aerospace organizations and emerging ventures, including nine years as a technical writer at Lockheed Martin. Across these assignments, he has developed a broad understanding of aerodynamic design, rocket systems, and the engineering challenges of moving vehicles safely between Earth’s surface and space.

From rocket vehicles to reusable space transportation

Franklin’s interest in vehicle design began early. He designed his first drag racing car in 1972 while in high school and subsequently served as a junior designer and co-designer on the Bullet Project land-speed rocket car, with responsibility for its rocket system and escape capsule. In 1980, he developed his first concept for a private suborbital spaceplane, beginning a sustained interest in reusable space transportation.

Space systems and interdisciplinary engineering

His technical interests extend to on-orbit assembly, interplanetary flight, lunar bases, and landing systems for varied terrain. Drawing on chemistry, physics, and engineering, Franklin approaches these challenges through an interdisciplinary understanding of how propulsion, structures, aerodynamics, and operational requirements interact.

He has also contributed commentary and technical analysis to aerospace forums and media, particularly on the demanding ascent and descent phases of spaceflight.

Connecting Qatar with the Earth–Moon economy

For Space Economic Forum Qatar, Franklin’s experience offers a valuable technical perspective on the infrastructure needed to connect terrestrial capabilities with orbital destinations and future lunar activity. His work is particularly relevant to discussions on spaceports and terrestrial gateways, orbital destinations, cis-lunar transportation, and long-term Earth–Moon infrastructure.

As Qatar explores its role in the emerging space economy, this engineering perspective helps connect ambitious visions with the practical requirements of design, testing, manufacturing, safety, and operational readiness.

Connecting Earth’s industries to the multi-trillion-dollar Earth–Moon economy.