In this engaging discussion, Ashton McGinnis, Head of Space Systems at AstroForge, reveals his journey from mathematics to asteroid mining, driven by a lifelong passion for space. He shares valuable lessons learned while building the spacecraft Odin, emphasizing the intricate challenges of deep space mission engineering. Ashton highlights the importance of rigorous hardware testing and learning from failures, along with the role of effective communication in enhancing team dynamics and vendor management. With a mix of humor and insight, he paints a vivid picture of the realities of aerospace engineering.