Choosing The Final Frontier: Launching a Rocket Company with Andy Lapsa of Stoke Space
Aug 4, 2021
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Andy Lapsa, Co-founder and CEO of Stoke Space Technologies and former award-winning engineer at Blue Origin, shares insights on revolutionizing space travel. He discusses the transition to reusability in rocketry, aiming to make space access more frequent and affordable. Lapsa emphasizes how a robust space economy can enhance life on Earth, addressing global challenges like sustainable energy and equitable information access. He recounts his journey from childhood astronaut dreams to leading innovations in commercial space launches, inspired by the potential of the space industry.
The current space industry is experiencing a Renaissance driven by technological advancements that reduce costs and improve accessibility for innovative ideas.
Stoke Space Technologies exemplifies the shift towards a commercially-driven economy in space, focusing on rapid innovation through reusable rocket technology for on-demand transport.
Deep dives
Renaissance in Space Exploration
The current period in space exploration is characterized as a Renaissance, similar to key historical moments like the 1960s space race. Recent advancements in technology, particularly the miniaturization of electronics, have led to reduced costs and increased accessibility for satellite construction. This has resulted in a surge of ideas transforming into tangible hardware, enabling a diverse and profitable space economy. The potential for sustainable development on Earth is tied to ongoing innovations in space that can improve life back home.
The Role of IoT and Global Connectivity
Internet of Things (IoT) technology is playing a pivotal role in enhancing global connectivity through satellite communications. This includes tracking global supply chains and monitoring infrastructure such as pipelines using low-bandwidth IoT devices. By utilizing satellites for data transmission, accessibility to information is improving, which in turn addresses disparities in quality of life around the world. As global internet access expands, it enables more people to connect with vital information and resources.
The Future of Manufacturing in Space
Manufacturing in space holds promising potential, especially for industries requiring unique conditions that microgravity offers. For instance, growing proteins and developing advanced materials and alloys can be more effective in space. As the cost of reaching orbit decreases, the feasibility of off-Earth manufacturing becomes increasingly realistic. This evolution will contribute to innovative applications and potentially lead to breakthroughs that are not possible in terrestrial conditions.
The Shift to a Commercial Space Economy
The space industry is witnessing a transformation towards a more commercially driven economy, with private companies leading the charge. This transition is driven by the need for speed, agility, and a willingness to embrace failure, facilitating rapid innovation and groundbreaking solutions. Companies like Stoke Space Technologies aim to provide low-cost, on-demand space transport, positioning themselves as essential components of this evolving landscape. By fostering diverse business models, the industry is creating an environment ripe for competition and technological advancement.
Today NFX Partner Morgan Beller is joined by Andy Lapsa, Co-Founder & CEO of Stoke Space Technologies, a company building reusable second-stage rockets to seamlessly Earth and orbit. Founded in 2019 and based in Renton, Washington they have been focused on the reusability aspect of rocketry to make space access more available and frequent in our future lives. Lapsa was a former employee and award-winning rocket engineer at Bezos's Blue Origin, while the rest of their team come from SpaceX and other leading aerospace companies.
"We have all the technical and economic ingredients needed to build a massive economy in space. We’re not focused on Mars or the Moon, we’re singularly focused on building a space economy that makes life better on Earth.”
Today NFX Partner Morgan Beller is joined by Andy Lapsa, Co-Founder & CEO of Stoke Space Technologies, a company building reusable second-stage rockets to seamlessly Earth and orbit. Founded in 2019 and based in Renton, Washington they have been focused on the reusability aspect of rocketry to make space access more available and frequent in our future lives. Lapsa was a former employee and award-winning rocket engineer at Bezos's Blue Origin, while the rest of their team come from SpaceX and other leading aerospace companies.
As a lead investor, Morgan uncovers how they originally met, Andy's full Founder journey, why space is such an important industry to apply talented engineers to, and his overall decision to enter one of the most complex sectors in the world of tech.
(0:00) Introduction and guest Andy Lapsa's background
(4:19) Reflection on the 1960s space race and its impact on today's space industry
(7:23) The role of global connectivity, Earth observation, and outsourcing in space
(10:16) Stoke's role in the future of affordable and easy space travel
(14:38) The emerging market of small satellites and Stoke's focus
(18:51) Sponsor: NFX
(21:19) The potential of space manufacturing and Stoke's opportunity
(25:21) The journey of building Stoke and the shift in innovation in the space industry
(29:08) The impact of climate change on the space exploration industry
(32:24) The existential threat and potential for collaboration in space exploration
(37:18) Making space exploration accessible for all and envisioning the future consumer phase
(40:22) Wrap up and closing remarks
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