The Rocket Scientist standing near a campfire.
The Rocket Scientist is the first NPC met in the game. He tells you that you must get the launch codes from the Curator in order to fly the spaceship. He is the person who built your ship/repaired it's retro rockets (as shown by a dialogue option).
The rocket scientist, at one point, was angry at the zero-gravity coach because the coach insisted that a safety strap be installed in the pilot's seat.
After the first time the player dies, the rocket scientist inquires about the player's strange knowledge of the launch codes.