DeepSummary
In this podcast episode, Ben Gilbert interviews Austin Link, the co-founder and CEO of Starfish Space, about the current state of the space industry and the challenges of building a satellite company. Austin provides an overview of the different economic activities happening in space, including communication services, Earth observation, and government scientific missions. He explains the distinction between geostationary orbit and low Earth orbit satellites and the recent rise of large constellations of smaller satellites in low Earth orbit.
Austin discusses the role of companies like SpaceX in dramatically reducing the cost of launching satellites and increasing launch capacity. He also highlights the potential for future space-based endeavors like power generation, on-orbit manufacturing, and human exploration of the Moon and Mars. Austin then delves into the specifics of Starfish Space, which has developed a spacecraft called the 'Otter' that can autonomously dock with and reposition satellites, extending their lifespan or safely deorbiting them.
Austin shares insights on the challenges of building a space company, including the need for extensive testing and simulations, long lead times for components, and the importance of fostering relationships with government customers. He emphasizes the significance of developing capabilities that provide unique value at an affordable cost and the potential for the commercial space industry to drive innovation and efficiency.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The space industry has undergone a transformation with the rise of 'new space' companies that operate more like traditional commercial businesses, challenging the traditional 'old space' approach.
- SpaceX has played a pivotal role in dramatically reducing the cost of launching satellites and increasing launch capacity, enabling more companies to participate in the space economy.
- Companies like Starfish Space are developing innovative technologies, such as autonomous spacecraft for docking with and repositioning satellites, to provide unique value at an affordable cost.
- Building a space company requires extensive testing, simulations, and fostering relationships with government customers, as well as overcoming challenges like long lead times for components.
- The space industry holds immense potential for future endeavors, including power generation, on-orbit manufacturing, human exploration, and resource extraction from celestial bodies.
- Passion and a lifelong fascination with space exploration drive individuals to pursue careers in the space industry, which offers a unique sense of meaning and connection.
- Ensuring economic viability and providing tangible value to customers is as crucial as addressing technological challenges for space companies.
- The space industry faces talent shortages and would benefit from more people joining the field, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “If you want to launch to space today, especially if you are in the position of a company like starfish space, you go on SpaceX and SpaceX. It's really incredible what they have done over the last 20 years in the industry.“ by Austin Link
- “What we offer uniquely as an industry is an industry that everybody's incredibly passionate about. Basically, everyone in the space industry got into this industry because it's something that we've dreamed about, because we've read books or watched movies or followed as Mars rovers have landed on Mars or as humans have landed on the moon.“ by Austin Link
- “I think the biggest difference as we look back ten or 15 years is the rise of what in the industry we often call new space. And we contrast new space versus old space.“ by Austin Link
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Episode Information
ACQ2 by Acquired
Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal
5/24/24
The space industry is one of the most fascinating areas of technology in 2024. The reduction in launch costs and proliferation of satellites make all kinds of new businesses possible. Today we are joined by Austin Link, the co-founder and CEO of Starfish Space (where Ben and PSL Ventures are investors!). Austin lays out the state of the space industry today, particularly as it pertains to startups. He and Ben explore what it takes to build a space company, then gets into the specifics of what Starfish Space is building.
Starfish Space has created a spacecraft to dock with and reposition satellites. This "space servicing" technology enables their customers to extend the usable lifetime of satellites (unlocking tens of millions of dollars in revenue), or safely dispose of aging satellites to avoid space debris. Starfish's product, the "Otter", uses autonomous navigation software and electric propulsion to move through space and dock with customers' satellites.
If you're into physics, outer space, or any sort of "hard tech", tune in!
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