# John Bucknell

> John Bucknell is the founder and CEO of Virtus Solis, a Troy, Michigan company developing space-based solar power. His career spans automotive propulsion, early SpaceX Raptor development and manufacturing at Divergent. His work applies high-volume manufacturing methods to orbital energy infrastructure.

- **Role:** Founder and CEO at Virtus Solis
- **Organizations:** Virtus Solis, SpaceX, General Motors, Chrysler, Divergent, SAE International
- **Education:** BS, Mechanical Engineering, Cleveland State University, MS, Systems Engineering, University of Michigan-Dearborn
- **Known for:** Worked on early development of SpaceX’s Raptor engine., The official Virtus Solis team biography credits him with 46 patents and four publications., Licensed Professional Engineer in Michigan since October 2014.

## Career timeline

- **1995** — Graduated and entered automotive engineering, according to his account.
- **2007-2011** — Worked on advanced powertrain technology strategy at General Motors.
- **2011-2012** — Worked on early Raptor rocket propulsion development at SpaceX.
- **2012-2016** — Worked on advanced powertrain controls at Chrysler.
- **2016-2021** — Held a propulsion engineering leadership role at Divergent.
- **2019** — Virtus Solis incorporated; Bucknell identifies this as the company’s incorporation year.
- **2021** — Virtus Solis completed its first laboratory wireless-power test in December.
- **2023** — Virtus Solis reported a 100-meter power-beaming demonstration on March 21.
- **2026** — Virtus Solis announced a 20-year power purchase agreement with Brae Systems on September 30.

## Achievements

- Worked on early development of SpaceX’s Raptor engine.
- The official Virtus Solis team biography credits him with 46 patents and four publications.
- Licensed Professional Engineer in Michigan since October 2014.
- Founded and leads Virtus Solis, whose team has demonstrated terrestrial wireless power transfer.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — Virtus Solis announced a 20-year agreement with Brae Systems for an initial 100 MW, with an option to expand to 250 MW within three years of initial commercial operation. This concerns future supply, not delivered orbital electricity.
- **2026-09** — The company scheduled its next major public wireless-power-transfer demonstration for March 2027.
- **2026-03** — Bucknell appeared in a Balerion Space Ventures webinar about orbital energy and wireless transmission.

## Links

- Website: https://www.virtussolis.space/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bucknell-pe-7111a47

---

Profile page: https://yespress.io/john-bucknell
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-20