Space Business Podcast

#139 | Space to Grow | Matthew Weinzierl & Brendan Rosseau

Feb 17, 2025

Matthew C. Weinzierl, a Harvard Business School professor and author of "Space to Grow," joins Brendan Rosseau, Strategy Manager at Blue Origin, to delve into the emerging space economy. They discuss the critical role of government and private sectors in fostering a self-sustaining market. The duo draws fascinating parallels between historical explorations and today’s space ventures while highlighting the importance of regulatory frameworks and innovation. They also explore how decreased launch costs are transforming the landscape and inspiring future generations.

56:29

Creator website

Episode guests

Brendan Rosseau

Matthew C. Weinzierl

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The space economy is evolving from government-led initiatives to a thriving market driven by private investment and innovation.

Establishing a balanced role for government alongside private enterprises is crucial for fostering a sustainable space economy.

Encouraging competition among diverse players in the space sector is essential for driving innovation and lowering costs.

Deep dives

The Emergence of the Space Economy

The discussion highlights the significant transformation in the space sector, transitioning from government-led ventures to a thriving space economy driven by private investment and innovation. Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin have pioneered this shift by demonstrating the viability of commercial space activities, such as launching rockets and resupplying the International Space Station. This burgeoning economy is characterized by a diverse range of players, many of whom are venture capital-backed startups allowing for a broader market engagement in space exploration and utilization. The excitement surrounding these developments signifies not only technological advances, but also an invitation for various industries to consider how they might leverage space-related services.

Intro

4min

Envisioning a Sustainable Space Economy

17min

Navigating the Intersection of Defense and Space Innovation

5min

Exploring Historical Parallels in Space Expansion

3min

Navigating the Future of Space Economy

25min

Exploring the Future of Space: Cost, Creativity, and Cultural Influence

3min

Space to Grow is a new book on the space economy. Its authors, Matt Weinzierl, a professor at Harvard Business School, and Brendan Rosseau, also formerly of Harvard and now in strategy at Blue Origin, are my guests this week. Enjoy!

Space to Grow: Unlocking the Final Economic Frontier (Harvard Business Publishing, 2025)

https://www.amazon.com/Space-Grow-Unlocking-Economic-Frontier/dp/1647827167#:~:text=Book%20overview&text=An%20exploration%20of%20the%20dynamic,a%20commercial%20revolution%20right%20now.

🕰️ Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

05:16 - Building a Thriving Space Economy

09:15 - Government's Role in the Space Economy

11:07 - Regulatory and Economic Environment

14:33 - Economies beyond Regulation

19:02 - Government Dependency in Space Markets

25:32 - Historical Parallels and Lessons for Space

30:12 - Defining a Thriving Space Economy

33:02 - Challenges and Opportunities in Space Manufacturing

35:29 - Role of Government and Private Sector in Space

41:18 - Financing the Space Economy

45:55 - Factors limiting large-scale funding in Space

53:19 - What’s next in Space?

54:45 - Sci-Fi Favorites

📍 About the Guests:

Matthew C. Weinzierl

Matthew C. Weinzierl is the author of Space to Grow: Unlocking the Final Economic Frontier (Harvard Business Publishing, 2025) an American academic. He is a Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School. He has published research on taxation. He worked at McKinsey & Company after he attended Harvard University.
Weinzierl earned a PhD in economics from Harvard University in 2008.

Brendan Rosseau

Brendan Rosseau is the co-author of Space to Grow: Unlocking the Final Economic Frontier (Harvard Business Publishing, 2025), Strategy Manager at Blue Origin, and former Teaching Fellow at Harvard Business School. With experience in space consulting, policy, aerospace startups, and astrophysical research, they have a background in astronomy and economics. Former Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton supporting U.S. Space Force.

🔗 Connect with them on LinkedIn:

🤝Matthew Weinzierl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-weinzierl-67312846/

🤝Brendan Rosseau - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-rosseau/

🔗 Follow us:

🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/

🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/
🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast

🔗 Follow Raphael:

🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelrottgen/

🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/

◇ Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC

To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:

"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space Economy
This book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.
📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOC
This course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.
🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Business Newsletter
📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/