Ep 80: Lee Rosen, CEO, ThinkOrbital - GovDiscovery AI Podcast with Mike Shanley

How to Build Big Infrastructure in Space: Insights from Lee Rosen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkorbital

Website: https://thinkorbital.com/

Email: marketing@thinkorbital.com

Building infrastructure in space presents unique challenges, but it's essential for the future of the new space economy. In this post, we'll explore insights from Lee Rosen, co-founder and CEO of Think Orbital, as he discusses his journey from the U.S. Air Force to SpaceX, and how those experiences shaped his vision for creating infrastructure in outer space.

About Lee Rosen

Lee Rosen is the co-founder and CEO of Think Orbital, with an impressive background in the aerospace industry, including 23 years of service in the United States Air Force as an engineer and space operator. He played key roles at SpaceX, helping to establish their launch capabilities and innovate in the field of space technology. The Decision to Leave the Air Force Lee's journey began with a long career in the military, culminating in a pivotal moment when he escorted President Obama during a visit to SpaceX. This experience not only introduced him to Elon Musk but also opened his eyes to the potential of commercial space capabilities. He realized that the landscape was changing, and it was an opportune time to take risks and explore new avenues in the aerospace sector.

Key Insights from Lee's Experience

*Meeting Elon Musk:* Lee's first encounter with Musk was eye-opening. Musk's vision and unconventional thinking challenged the norms of the aerospace industry. Lee was particularly struck by Musk's questions regarding launch turnaround times and reusability, which led to revolutionary changes in space flight. The Evolution of the Space Market The space market has evolved dramatically since Lee's time at SpaceX. In the past, the U.S. relied heavily on foreign partnerships for space capabilities. Today, thanks to companies like SpaceX, launching satellites has become more accessible and affordable. Lee emphasizes that this change has spurred innovation and allowed new players, like Think Orbital, to emerge in the space industry. The Importance of Infrastructure

*Building Larger Structures:* Think Orbital focuses on developing the tools necessary to construct larger infrastructure in space. This includes creating technologies like in-space welding capabilities, which are essential for assembling larger structures beyond Earth. Think Orbital's Mission Think Orbital was founded to address the c