Explorer Technologist Educator
Access to and use of space, earth orbit, interplanetary and interstellar space, and space resources is an increasingly relevant topic, as access becomes more diversified, streamlined, and useful. This week at the Conference on World Affairs 2025, I moderated the Space Geopolitics panel titled Star Wars or Star Peace? Will the geopolitics of outer [ ]
Recently, I had the opportunity to present a brief analysis and strategy to the team at SpaceX s Starlink on key considerations and strategy points they should understand in building Starlink access in Uganda. Thanks to the team at Starlink for hosting me, as well as for a tour of the Starlink satellite factory. Summary of [ ]
Recent and ongoing technological, business, and policy innovations are paving the way for enhanced, more productive, and farther reaching human presence in space, on the Moon, and beyond. Today I had the opportunity to attend and connect with fellow industry professionals at the Lunar and Beyond panel during the 21st annual Colorado Space Roundup, organized [ ]
Thanks to the teams at Starburst Aerospace, NASA’s Human Research Program, the Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH), Methuselah Foundation, and Microsoft Federal for hosting me to lead the inaugural Space-H Space Health Accelerator cohort in a workshop on the nuances of Business Innovation Value Proposition Pitching.
Exploring the tides of Costa Rica in October of 2024. Serene, wet.
I read Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink, Leif Babin and while it wasn t the most deep or detailed self help/management/leadership thesis, I appreciated the simple, straightforward, actionable take on leadership and management. Although at first the moderately self-aggrandizing stories of military missions and bad assery seemed like [ ]
Aerospace and SpaceTech startups are growing rapidly, and at some point, they become good candidates for a sale. This morning at Holland Hart in Denver, the Colorado Space Business Roundtable hosted an interesting panel discussion on the topic. My key takeaways from the discussion: Participants: Additional notes, questions, and discussion points General Summary: The [ ]
This week I attended the Colorado Space Economy talk, monderated by Brad Bernthal of Silicon Flatirons. Via Denver Startup Week: Starting with an overview of how universities, government initiatives, and public sector partnerships bolster Colorado s position in the space economy, this session features insights from founders about the state s emerging leadership in SpaceTech. It explores [ ]
This week, I toured Ursa Major's headquarters in Berthoud, Colorado, guided by CEO Joe Laurienti. The visit offered insights into their cutting-edge rocket engine production, including 3D printing technologies and the impressive Ripley engine, known for its high-pressure kerosene fuel system. Discussions covered the facility's history, rapid prototyping capabilities, and future developments in…
This morning, Aaron Burnett and the Mach33 Financial Group team hosted an engaging live audio chat following the thrilling SpaceX Starship IFT4 test flight. We covered numerous topics, including flap heating, roll control thrusters, and increased stringers for rigidity. We discussed the experimental nature of Starship, its impacts on the industry, and the utility of Starlink. The conversation also…
I recently attended the "Supply Chain Issues and Challenges: Perspectives from Aerospace Suppliers and Purchasers" panel discussion, organized and hosted by Holland Hart, and co-sponsored by NDIA, VCFO, and CSBR. This panel provided valuable insights into the complexities and dynamic opportunities within the aerospace and defense industries. The distinguished panelists included Carter Freeman,…
Last week I led 16 international business leaders in the IVLP Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Training seminar at the Posner Center for International Development. The seminar, hosted by World Denver on May 23, 2024, covered the roles of government, private enterprises, professional organizations, and universities in fostering entrepreneurship. Participants explored how innovations are…
Securing real estate is a critical factor for supporting operations in the aerospace and defense industry, and its importance can be examined through several key dimensions: strategic location, operational security, scalability, and long-term investment. Firstly, strategic location plays a vital role in the success of aerospace and defense companies. Real estate situated near essential…
The Boulder Startup Week Space Panel highlighted Boulder's thriving aerospace ecosystem, emphasizing its advantages like access to talent, key institutions, and quality of life. Panelists discussed funding challenges, noting the scarcity of local aerospace-focused venture capital, with most funding coming from outside Colorado. They also emphasized the critical need for improved space…
Note this post is part of a series of posts generated almost entirely using generative AI, including ChatGPT4, DALL·E 2, and other tools. It s an experiment in understanding how AI tools work, while having a bit of fun. None of the information here is doublechecked for accuracy, and in many cases it s complete nonsense. [ ]
This week, spacecraft power system development startup Amplified Space s CEO Jerome Hittle pitched the company at the Rockies Venture Club Angel Capital Summit, as part of the Rockies Space Fund Aerospace Track. I ve been working with Jerome and the team as a mentor and coach for the last couple of weeks, and was proud that [ ]
The blog post discusses a panel on aerospace investing at the Rockies Venture Club Angel Capital Summit, focusing on the shift towards more commercial opportunities in aerospace, despite traditional perceptions of it being government-centric. Experts highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships, debunked misconceptions deterring investment, and emphasized the role of non-dilutive funding…
SpaceX's latest Starship test marked another significant stride, despite not meeting all objectives. The launch showcased improvements with all 33 Raptor engines maintaining function, a successful stage separation, and the booster executing a flip maneuver. However, the booster's landing ended explosively over the Gulf of Mexico. The second stage reached orbital speeds and performed a propellant…
Thanks to management at Roscosmos for providing incredibly access to me and team to the facilities at Baikonur Cosmodrome, and for hosting us during our short stay in June, 2019. The Legacy of Baikonur Cosmodrome: Gateway to the Cosmos At the heart of human space exploration lies the Baikonur Cosmodrome, a place of both historical [ ]
NASA has partnered with Nikon to create the "Handheld Universal Lunar Camera" (HULC) for moon missions, based on the Nikon Z9. This mirrorless camera, with a possibly updated sensor, will withstand moon's radiation. It's a nod to Apollo's Hasselblad cameras, which captured the groundbreaking lunar imagery of 1969.