From UND to Space Operations

Dual-degree graduate stands out in space industry.

Paige (Cooley) Webster, ’19, was named one of just three recipients of the 2024 Promise Award from Space & Satellite Professionals International – an honor recognizing top under-35 talent for their accomplishments and leadership potential in the space industry.

As Senior Director of Customer Solutions at ATLAS Space Operations, Paige has earned a reputation for blending technical knowledge with a personable approach. She works with key industry players – including NASA and Blue Origin – to translate the language of engineers into the language of business.

“In sales, it is essential to have a keen sense of where the industry is headed, continuously educate yourself, and build relationships,” she said. “My technical background gives clients confidence that I truly understand the subject.”

A Launchpad at UND

Paige attended UND through a virtual partnership program with Principia College, earning a liberal arts degree at Principia and her engineering degree through UND’s College of Engineering & Mines.

“The opportunity turned out to be an ideal fit for me. The aerospace-focused courses were excellent preparation for grad school and the online experiences have proven invaluable in my current role at ATLAS as a fully remote employee.” 

After graduating in 2019, Paige quickly established herself as an up-and-comer in the space industry. She interned at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, where she worked on the Mars 2020 rover, before joining ATLAS in 2022.

Fueling Her Dream

Paige has always been fascinated by the vast unknown beyond Earth. Growing up, she spent hours talking to family friends about their experiences at the U.S. Air Force Academy and subsequent careers in the Air Force and in Boeing’s Satellite division.

Those early conversations, her unique education, and her communication abilities add up to a promising future for Paige.