Constellations - Explore Space Network Technologies with Industry Leaders 219 - Faster Iteration, Shorter Mission Cycles and Scale
Nov 12, 2025
Peter Krauss, President and CEO of Terran Orbital, leads a satellite manufacturing revolution prioritizing rapid iteration and quality. He highlights the urgency of speed in the contested space landscape and the balancing act between quick development and maintaining high standards. Krauss reveals insights on vertical integration, supply-chain challenges, and innovative manufacturing practices. He delves into the strategic significance of cislunar operations and the vision for future-proof satellites, emphasizing resilience in a new era of space exploration.
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Speed Is The Primary Transformation
- Speed is the dominant transformation in space today because the domain is highly contested.
- Being first or replenishing capability quickly matters more than building a single perfect asset.
Prioritize Quality While Shortening Lifecycles
- Do not sacrifice quality for speed; instead design different capabilities for different mission expectations.
- Plan for shorter mission lifecycles (three to five years) and iterate technology more frequently.
Supply Chain, Not Assembly, Is The Bottleneck
- The supply chain is the biggest bottleneck to scale, not assembly or launch capacity.
- Suppliers must be telegraphed out-year demand so they can invest and scale ahead of need.