Really enjoyed the different format. The interview was interesting and relatable. Great questions that led to fascinating insights. Another excellent read.
Great interview - thanks for sharing. Caleb's comments about the space industry *not* being used to regular, rapid design iteration and learning cycles, left me wondering: what current or historical industry example *is* the best analogy to where the space industry currently is (in terms of being an analogue of maturity and opportunity)?
Thanks for reading! People often like to equate the current state of the space industry with early days of internet networks in that they were both government and defense funded for decades until costs were reduced enough for private entities to start carrying the ball and finding commercial applications. In the space world, we're just now reducing cost of access to space with cheaper launch vehicles and the question is "now what do we do with broader access to space", potentially similar to what people might have asked what you do with internet connectivity in the early 90's. I don't quite know enough about the early internet to make that argument, I would just say that for most of its lifetime, the space industry was too capital intensive and did not seem to have enough commercial applications to fit into a private venture investment model. As a result, space projects were performed by big defense companies that executed large government contracts which were usually won by lobbying efforts. Now space is trying to transition into the typical venture model, with a few big winners seeming to find success that way. I would say the case is still being made for the commercial space industry, but everyone in it right now is trying very hard to make that case!
Really enjoyed the different format. The interview was interesting and relatable. Great questions that led to fascinating insights. Another excellent read.
Thank you Jordan, I really appreciate the kind words!
Great interview - thanks for sharing. Caleb's comments about the space industry *not* being used to regular, rapid design iteration and learning cycles, left me wondering: what current or historical industry example *is* the best analogy to where the space industry currently is (in terms of being an analogue of maturity and opportunity)?
Thanks for reading! People often like to equate the current state of the space industry with early days of internet networks in that they were both government and defense funded for decades until costs were reduced enough for private entities to start carrying the ball and finding commercial applications. In the space world, we're just now reducing cost of access to space with cheaper launch vehicles and the question is "now what do we do with broader access to space", potentially similar to what people might have asked what you do with internet connectivity in the early 90's. I don't quite know enough about the early internet to make that argument, I would just say that for most of its lifetime, the space industry was too capital intensive and did not seem to have enough commercial applications to fit into a private venture investment model. As a result, space projects were performed by big defense companies that executed large government contracts which were usually won by lobbying efforts. Now space is trying to transition into the typical venture model, with a few big winners seeming to find success that way. I would say the case is still being made for the commercial space industry, but everyone in it right now is trying very hard to make that case!