The Moonshot Podcast Episode 2: Essential Connections
Mar 17, 2025
Mahesh Krishnaswamy, a key player at X focused on affordable internet access, and Nick Kohli, a creative force at X's Moonshot Factory, share their groundbreaking insights. They delve into Loon's daring high-altitude balloon project and its legacy in Taara, which employs light beams for connectivity. Expect amusing tales of balloon mishaps, unconventional challenges like monkeys disrupting setups, and the bold mission to enhance internet accessibility in Africa, especially across the Congo River. Their passion for tackling connectivity issues shines through!
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Episode notes
Nick Kohli's Balloon Journey
- Nick Kohli joined Loon after seeing a Craigslist ad seeking someone with wilderness and aviation experience.
- He became the "Global Balloon Concierge," tracking balloons and connecting internet from the stratosphere.
Sailing the Stratosphere
- Loon balloons navigated the stratosphere by changing altitude to catch different wind directions.
- This altitude control system mimicked sailing, enabling targeted internet coverage.
AI Learned to Tack Independently
- Loon's AI learned to 'tack' like a sailboat, zigzagging through the winds to reach precise locations.
- This behavior was an untrained breakthrough, optimizing balloon navigation automatically.