Commercializing Technology for the Emerging Space Economy

Episode Summary:
Callye Keen hosts Kelli Kedis Ogborn, a space industry expert, to delve deep into the burgeoning opportunities in the space sector. The duo explores the evolving dynamics of the industry, the significance of government influence, and the role of innovation in shaping the future of space exploration.

Topic Highlights:

06:26 - Translating Tech to Operational Reality
Keen underscores the importance of translating commercial technology into an operational set that suits the needs of different markets, particularly the federal space one. Ogborn adds on to Keen’s point, stating that space is extremely localized and that investment in space technologies deeply impacts people’s lives on a fundamental level every day.

20:56 - Public-Private Hybrid in Space
Keen sees the space industry as a market that, by its nature, necessitates a public-private hybrid model. He suggests that technologists and innovators need to actively engage in industry dialogues to understand the operational landscape and avoid creating solutions without demand.

22:30 - Government as a North Star
Ogborn emphasizes the crucial role of government in the space sector, not just as a regulator but also as a strategic direction setter. She notes that while private investment is currently greater, the government's strategic decisions hugely influence the commercial sector's trajectory.

25:10 - Pushing the Boundaries of Impossible
Ogborn shares her enthusiasm for the space industry, praising its ability to inspire creative thought exercises and its capacity to push the boundaries of what's possible. This dynamism is what makes every day in the space industry exciting and inspiring.

26:10 - The Future of Space is Collaborative and Competitive
As the space industry evolves, Ogborn sees a shift from a national, top-down approach to a more collaborative and competitive one. This new approach allows the industry to leverage the commercial sector's brain trust, opening opportunities for more entities to join the space ecosystem.

Parting Thought:
Callye Keen leaves us with a powerful reflection: "If you work on space, if you work on these new technologies, you'll be contributing to something that is pushing human civilization forward, and I think you'll be happy with it in 30 years when you retire."

Callye Keen - Kform
https://kform.com/
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Kelli Ogborn - Space Foundation
https://www.spacefoundation.org/
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