Draft:Pete Freeland

Pete Freeland, born Peter Lawrence Freeland on November 29, 1965, is an American actor, aerospace engineer, airshow pilot, and commercial astronaut candidate. With a career that spans the entertainment industry, aerospace engineering, and aviation, Freeland has worked on various high-profile projects, including feature films and aerospace initiatives. He is the owner and operator of a Cold War-era jet fighter trainer, the TS-11 Iskra, and advocates for STEM outreach. Freeland is also involved in space exploration efforts as a board member of several space organizations and continues to pursue his goal of flying in space as part of Project PoSSUM.

Early Life and Education Pete Freeland was born to Bill and Doris Freeland on November 29, 1965. He grew up on a farm in Aumsville, Oregon and attended Aumsville Elementary and Cascade High School, voted most likely to succeed his senior year. During this time, he was also extensively involved in Civil Air Patrol, completing the entire cadet program culminating with the prestigious Spaatz Award and being selected as the National Cadet of the Year. Through Civil Air Patrol he was able to obtain his pilots license at 16, as he says able to fly a plane by myself before I could drive a car by myself. Freeland pursued an eminent academic career, completing a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southern California after earning a Four-Year Air Force ROTC Scholarship. Upon his graduation from USC, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force. He later obtained a Master of Science (MS) in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University while serving on nuclear alert with B-52 bomber, and is currently a PhD candidate in Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota.

Freeland also underwent specialized military education in the United States Air Force (USAF), completing the Specialized Undergraduate Navigator Training and Electronic Warfare Officers School. He was a distinguished graduate of the B-52 Combat Crew Training and the Leadership Development Course.

Career Aerospace and Aviation Freelands career in aerospace spans more than 30 years, with expertise in both civilian and military aircraft systems. He has worked with major aerospace companies such as Northrop Grumman and Raytheon. At Northrop Grumman, Freeland served as Program Manager for the development of payload instruments for space missions, including the Lightning Mapper Instrument for the GeoXO spacecraft. His work involved managing technical scope, cost, schedule, and design reviews for complex satellite systems. He is also a technical advisor for import and export operations, facilitating international aerospace development.

At Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, Freeland was responsible for transitioning engineering operations into production for optical and radar sensors used in space. He also managed the integration and test programs for classified space hardware and was recognized for his leadership in establishing space hardware training programs across Raytheon.

Freeland's contributions in education include nearly 10 years as an educator, developing curricula and teaching classes for the Project Lead the Ways Introduction to Aerospace Engineering course. As a Master Instructor and licensed teacher, he worked with the program to provide instruction to gifted and talented high school students at regional vocational schools and universities.

Freeland has an extensive aviation background. He is the owner and operator of a TS-11 Iskra jet, a Cold War-era fighter trainer, which he plans to fly in airshows across the U.S. in 2025. Freeland uses his aircraft for STEM outreach activities to inspire young people interested in aviation and aerospace careers. He was also instrumental in the development and certification of the Heads-Up Guidance System (HGS) from Flight Dynamics for airline flight operations with the FAA and JAA for carriers including Alaska, Horizon, Lufthansa, and other airlines. Freeland served on active duty in the US Air Force flying B-52 bombers based at Fairchild AFB, Washington. Freeland is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm.

Space Exploration Freeland is actively involved in space exploration as a commercial astronaut candidate. He is a member of Project PoSSUM (Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Mesosphere) and continues to pursue sub-orbital flight opportunities through the International Institute for Aeronautical Sciences (IIAS). He is also the Chairman of the Board for the Association of Spaceflight Professionals and serves on the board of Space Ocean, working to advance access and achievements in space exploration. His experience includes design, build and test of multiple spacecraft including the X-37, X-38, space shuttle upgrades and the build and launch of multiple sections of the International Space Station. His expertise in space ranges from commercial and scientific satellites and planetary probes to the US government systems in space including DSP, SBIRS, and the Next Gen Geo satellite systems. He is a Fellow with The Explorers Club, and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Pete is also the President and Chief Technology Officer for the space startup company Space Ocean Corporation, based in Brownsville, Texas. In this role he is leading the development of a space logistics company focused on the enabling of human spaceflight exploration.

Acting Career In addition to his accomplishments in aerospace, Freeland has built a career as a film and television actor. He has appeared in numerous projects, including two upcoming feature films set to be released in Fall 2024Bear Naked, a comedy, and Blood Savage, a horror film. Freeland has also been identified as a series regular in an upcoming TV show. Freeland has appeared in nearly 100 commercials including two Superbowl ads, and has been featured on television shows including Criminal Minds and General Hospital. His acting career is supported by masterclass training with Hollywoods top coaches, including Richard Hatch, Howard Fine and Zack Barnett. He is a member of the acting trade unions including the Screen Actors Guild and the Actors Equity Association.

Personal Life Freeland is married and maintains close friendships with several well-known figures, including Bill Nye, William Shatner, and NASA astronaut Garrett Reisman. Balancing his work in acting, aerospace engineering, and aviation, Freeland continues to expand his influence across multiple industries. He is an avid scuba diver and works in his spare time to maintain and restore classic cars.

Current Projects Freeland is involved in several ongoing projects across his three primary focus areas: entertainment, aerospace, and aviation.

Pete is working on multiple Hollywood projects at any given time, including two feature films and a new TV show. As a SAG actor and producer, he is working these projects from both in front of and behind the camera.

Freeland's 1969 TS-11 Iskra jet is nearing completion and will be showcased at airshows in 2025. This will be one of only 4 current flying aircrafts in the United States, and will be used as part of his STEM outreach initiatives through his aviation projects.

Freeland serves on the boards of the Association of Spaceflight Professionals and Space Ocean. He is also working on several aerospace engineering projects and continues to train for sub-orbital flight with Project PoSSUM and IIAS.

Awards and Recognitions Freeland has been recognized for his leadership and contributions to both the aerospace and entertainment industries. His distinguished academic and professional achievements have earned him recognition from various organizations within the space and aviation sectors. His awards include Whos Who in America, NASAs Silver Snoopy Award, and Freeland was a Presidential Scholar under President Ronald Reagan. He has received numerous awards for his acting including Best Actor awards at several film festivals and as an actor/producer for his work on short films.

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