Satellite Spotlight | Future of Space Tech Through Community and Innovation

// i launched satellite spotlight to connect the space tech community with a weekly space tech newsletter

// 300 new subscribers raising the payload to 950+ stargazers

space brew

// fascinating topics to discuss this weekend

deals & m&a

• Freeform, secures a $14M investment from NVIDIA and AE Ventures to transform advanced manufacturing with AI-driven autonomous metal 3D printing (PN).

// why it’s important - this innovation could revolutionize spacecraft component supply chains by ensuring faster, more reliable manufacturing.

• Wyvern, Canadian startup, secures $6M to expand hyperspectral imagery technology to U.S. commercial and defense markets (TC).

// why it’s important - this innovation could enhance environmental monitoring, enabling earlier detection of methane leaks and better resource management for climate, agriculture and forestry.

science & ip

• Private companies race to develop expandable space habitats for moon and mars missions - exploration (SC).

// why it’s important - larger living structures with reduced launch mass can address radiation protection, enhancing astronauts' psychological well-being, and optimizing launch capacity, making sustainable human stays on the Moon and Mars more feasible and comfortable.

• Nucleus (backed by Founders Fund) rolled out Nucleus AI, the future of genomics — a tool they say will one day replace doctors altogether (IC).

// why it’s important - this could transform space medicine, extending the runway for long-duration space missions with personalized insights to predict, prevent and mitigate health risks based on an astronaut’s entire genetic profile. Learn more at FoundersBoost.

headlines

• RTX raises guidance recording a $221B order backlog, boosting aerospace and defense sector outlook (YH).

// why it’s important - this growth presents opportunities for smaller space tech companies to collaborate or supply specialized components within the expanding aerospace ecosystem.

• GE Aerospace dropped 9% despite beating Q3 earnings and revenue estimates as sales in its commercial engines and services unit fell short (BB).

// why it’s important - strong performance signals increased investment in propulsion technologies and manufacturing processes, which could enhance the efficiency and reliability of space launch systems. However, strained supply chains, may potentially limit the availability of critical components for space missions.

• Boeing reported a $6B Q3 loss, takes $250 million charge on starliner program (SN).

// why it’s important - these challenges may lead to a strategic shift in Boeing's space division, potentially altering the competitive dynamics in the commercial space industry.

• Jensen Huang makes case for AI-first companies (WSJ).

// why it’s important - as space companies increasingly adopt AI technologies, it could help drive breakthroughs in areas such as autonomous spacecraft navigation, real-time space debris tracking, and enhanced Earth observation capabilities.

community spotlight

today, 10/24

• Fireside chat: future of the power grid (new york city).

// exclusive fireside chat to explore the future of the electric grid and changes to utility plans spurred by electric vehicle adoption and AI data center expansion.

• Litquidity mixer at Spainard (new york city).

// features ai x dealmaking in private equity and investment banking.

• Space x aerospace happy hour by Antler vc x 615.vc (new york city).

monday, 10/28

• Techcrunch disrupt 2024 (san francisco).

// a 3-day conference featuring innovative startups, industry leaders, and networking opportunities.

• Imagining Forward website launch (online).

// i’m curious, what website design feature do you engage most with? what does a successful website solve for you?

giveaway : for best input and ideas! 🎁

cosmic mixtape

weekly aphorism

content & opinions top hits

• Space mining technology, economics, regulations (TSS podcast).

• Artemis, commercial space, and china (TWIS podcast).

leveraging the community-as-a-service model in space

in a landscape dominated by industry giants, how can early-stage space startups carve out their niche?

in the vast expanse of the space industry, early-stage startups are competing against legacy behemoths like Boeing, Raytheon, and L3harris — established defense contractors with deep pockets and prolific talent with decades of experience - a dynamic reflected in Malcolm Gladwell's David and Goliath (one of my top 10 reads). he posits perceived disadvantages can be leveraged to become unexpected strengths.

could the community-as-a-service (CaaS) model be the slingshot that propels space startups to success? these fledgling companies, mostly in pre-seed, seed, ideation, or prototype stages, have a unique opportunity to level the playing field and create a thriving ecosystem where innovative ideas can flourish.

three novel ways CaaS could uniquely serve the early-stage space startup industry:

1. orbital networking: create virtual "space stations" for founders, engineers, and investors to connect in themed rooms, simulating the collaborative environment of a space mission.

2. knowledge repository: an open-source database for startups to trade industry knowledge, research and resources to share critical lessons, avoid repeated mistakes, and “move fast and break things”… quicker.

3. innovation challenges: host competitions that invite startups to solve specific industry problems, encouraging creativity and collaboration while providing visibility to potential investors.

the space industry is on the cusp of a new era. harnessing the power of community can ensure that the next giant leap for mankind is made by the to-be-giants.

💵 Ventures: accredited investors & qualified purchasers within the imagining forward community can gain access to venture, startup, scale up, and private markets deal flows. Interested? Drop me a note.

☎️ Scale LLP: a unique breed of legal advisors for seed to growth and beyond. Drop me a note for an introduction.

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🐦 Thoughts: collabs? ideas? feedback? reach out to me.