Van Dorn's principal responsibility is to organize and lead program teams providing Delta II launch services for NASA and commercial customers.

Prior to his current position, Van Dorn was program manager for NASA's Medium Light (Med-Lite) Expendable Launch Vehicle services contract.

"Darryl brings a wealth of knowledge in working with commercial, government and military customers," said Jay Witzling, division director, Delta and Titan programs. Van Dorn has served in various positions of responsibility, including deputy director of U.S. Air Force Delta programs, senior manager for Commercial Delta programs and senior manager, NASA's Medium Expendable Launch Vehicle (MELVS) program.

As senior engineer for Delta propulsion at McDonnell Douglas Aerospace, Van Dorn performed design engineering for the development and qualification of the Castor IV solid strap-on motor and the Payload Assist Module solid upper-stage motor.

A recognized solid motor specialist, Van Dorn originated the design concept of using solid graphite epoxy motors (GEMs) as strap-on motors, while working as a senior manager of major subcontracts. As many as nine GEMs are used on Delta II's first stage. Together with the main engine the GEMs power the launch vehicle during initial flight.

Van Dorn began his career with Douglas Aircraft Company in 1962 as a propulsion engineer for the Spartan anti-ballistic missile program. He also served as resident engineering representative to the U.S. Army in Huntsville, Ala., and as the primary propulsion technical representative to Western Electric, Bell Telephone Laboratories and Thiokol Chemical Corporation for the Spartan program.