Cold Star Project

Cold Star Project

By Jason KaniganBusiness
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Cold Star Project episodes

  • Rick Ward - Has The Time Come For Edge Computing In Space? - CSP S02E84

    Rick Ward is the founder of OrbitsEdge, a space industry firm focused on edge computing. Has the time come for the adoption of edge computing in space? Cold Star Project host Jason Kanigan asks Rick:

    • Lay out the case for edge computing in the context of the space industry...We’re about to generate more data and put more strain on the Deep Space Network...how do we handle it? What technology is needed? Do we have this tech today?
    • How will the Cislunar economy impact this data pipeline requirement? What timeline could we be looking at for this?
    • We’ve doubled the population of satellites over the past two years (Starlink)...may double again over next two and continue to, applying ongoing pressure. Are there any plans to respond to these requirements?
    • What kind of anecdotal evidence can you provide that you’re seeing people recognizing themselves that there’s an impending data problem?
    • Explain the Compute-as-a-Service … who’s the customer?
    • What is OrbitsEdge’s intention to do next?  


      • USEFUL LINKS:  


      OrbitsEdge website: https://orbitsedge.com/ 


      Previous episode with Rick Ward on the Cold Star Project: https://coldstarproject.com/auS02E27RichardWard


      Disclaimer: We were not remunerated in any way by Richard Ward or OrbitsEdge for this discussion.   


      OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org 


      Get new episodes directly in your inbox: https://www.coldstartech.com/msb 


      Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

      1 hr 5 min
    • Gordon Roesler - Why Do We Need Commercial Logistics Systems for Space? - Cold Star Project S02E83

      Robots In Space founder Dr. Gordon Roesler returns to the Cold Star Project following his appearance as a speaker at the State of the Space Industrial Base 2021 event. We're looking at the need for commercial logistics systems for space, and why the US needs to invest in these in a hurry.  


      Cold Star Project host Jason Kanigan asks Gordon Roesler:

      • Let’s describe our topic: Logistics in space, Commercial logistics systems. What do they consist of, and what do they enable? What are we missing now and why is it a problem?
      • How important is logistics in space in terms of our ability to compete with China?
      • Describe the importance of modularity in the development of these systems
      • What does a “space container” look like and why is the concept so useful?  - How do you envision funding to work for developing commercial logistics systems for space?
      • What differences do you see between government perspective vs private perspective? Are there things government can do to allow and encourage the funding and development of commercial systems? (who chooses the architecture, how do commercial investors make their money back). 


        • USEFUL LINKS:  


        Past appearances by Dr. Roesler: https://coldstarproject.com/gordonroeslercoldstar


        OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org 


        Get new episodes directly in your inbox: https://www.coldstartech.com/msb 


        Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/bookcall

        20 min
      • How Can US Space and Defense Startups Team with Primes and Government using govmates? - CSP S03E18

        Space and defense startups frequently have a tough time "being heard" in the field. Not only that, but these small companies struggle with learning the byzantine paths to discovering and connecting with prime contractors and government organizations who could be looking for their technical help. Katie Bilek co-founded govmates in 2015 to smooth the way and assist in making teaming connections. If you're a space or defense startup founder looking for help in developing these kinds of connections, listen in to our discussion.


        Cold Star Project host Jason Kanigan asks govmates' Katie Bilek:

        • Why did you co-found Govmates? What need did you see, and what did it take to get the connections and support required? How does Govmates add value to the marketplace?  What problem does govmates solve?
        • What background do you have that you feel empowered your decision?
        • How does membership in Govmates work? What can members expect?
        • Who is the right kind of person to be signing up for membership? What stage should their business be at? Is TS clearance a requirement for all members?
        • What kind of mistakes do you see new members signing up making, that when corrected or avoided will help their company get seen more effectively and make better connections?
        • It’s 10 years from now… how do you see Govmates in form and function? How has it grown and are there any changes in its strategic direction?



          • Useful Links:


          govmates website: https://govmates.com/


          OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org 


          Get new episodes directly in your inbox: https://www.coldstartech.com/msb 


          Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/bookcall


          30 min
        • Peter Thorpe - How Does An Artist Endeavour To Inspire People To Embrace Space? - CSP S02E82

          Can an artist inspire people to embrace space? This is what illustrator Peter Thorpe has been doing since the mid-1980s. Peter has typically worked as a book cover illustrator, but he has also done logos, magazine covers and posters. With a 20-year span as the Space Frontier Foundation's Creative Director, Peter has had an impact on the space industry. How has this unusual career and impact come about? Host Jason Kanigan asks Peter:

          • Art can be a tough subject to convince others that you can be successful with as a living, let alone yourself. How did you encounter this and commit to the Illustrator profession as a young man?
          • From the data points it seems you had no trouble moving around the country as a young person. Do you believe this was necessary for your career? With today’s “location-free” roles and computer-driven skills (that, I stress for our younger viewers & listeners, were not options available in 1980!) do you feel you would not have felt the need to move close to the work if you were starting out now?
          • You mentioned to me that you attended the very first adult Space Camp in 1985. What was that experience like? What stands out in your memory about it?
          • Tell us about the Space Frontier Foundation: its purpose, activities, and your involvement 88-08
          • You mention “visual research” as part of your cover art design process in a recent text interview. Share with us how you go about designing a cover
          • Let’s discuss “How an artist endeavours to inspire people to embrace space”. What is your point of view on this concept, and how has it developed over the years? What do you especially want your art to accomplish in terms of impact upon people?   

            • Useful Links:  


            Google Drive folder of some of Peter's art images (these are already available to the public, and were provided by Peter): https://coldstarproject.com/s02e82peterthorpeartwork


            Peter's website: www.peterthorpedesign.com 

            Click on the Rocket Paintings link for 6 pages and an About page for the Rockets  

            Peter Thorpe Pinterest page for the Rockets: https://www.pinterest.com/peterjthorpe/rocket-paintings/

            Peter Thorpe Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/peter.thorpe.design 


            Peter's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/peterthorpedesign/ 


            Peter Thorpe Deviant Art page: https://www.deviantart.com/peterthorpe/gallery 


            Peter's short stories: http://www.bigheadmoon.com/ 


            How to make Peter Thorpe Space Art YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80PJqFR9B8k  


            Disclaimer: We were not remunerated in any way by Peter Thorpe for this discussion.   


            OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org 


            Get new episodes directly in your inbox: https://www.coldstartech.com/msb 


            Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/bookcall

            26 min
          • Edmund Burke - What Does It Take To Get On The Test Launch Schedule At Vandenberg AFB? - CSP S02E81

            What does it take to get on the test launch schedule at Vandenberg Air Force Base? How do so many organizations unnecessarily delay their time because of unexpected but avoidable issues? Edmund Burke of Space Information Labs joins host Jason Kanigan on the Cold Star Project to explain range safety compliance - happenings, trends, success, and failure.  


            We discuss:

            • The shift to Autonomous Flight Termination and Space Based Range
            • Brief explanation of flight termination systems
            • Advantages and necessity of intelligent lithium battery systems
            • RadTol BMS, and radiation tolerant avionics
            • Testing and documentation required to fly (RCC 319-19)
            • A decade of watching companies fall short on promises because the didn’t understand what it takes
            • Danger of vertical integration for startups
            • Important lessons learned


              • Edmund Burke served as an Air Force Program Manager and Project Director for many years prior to founding Space Information Laboratories in 2004. He served as the Space Lift Range System, Range Instrumentation and Metric Track lead for both Vandenberg AFB and Cape Canaveral, FL. Mr. Burke is a master designer, inventor and business development leader of launch vehicle, missile and small satellite avionics and power system technologies that are required to be Range Safety and Space environmentally qualified. He holds four USPTO utility patents on SIL’s VBITS GPS Tracking and AFTS, VBIRS – Space Based Range, Li-Ion Polymer Intelli-Pack® Battery, Intelli-Avionics® and Chameleon 12U to 27U Open Modular Scalable Reconfigurable Bus technologies. Mr. Burke has a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech and a M.S. in Astronautical Engineering from West Coast University.  


              Useful Links:  


              Still image of SIL flight termination module: https://coldstarproject.com/edmundburkesilftcphoto


              Still image of SIL 2 Amp battery unit and battery management system (BMS): https://coldstarproject.com/edmundburkesilbmsphoto


              Space Information Labs website: https://www.spaceinformationlabs.com/ 


              Disclaimer: We were not remunerated in any way by Edmund Burke or Space Information Laboratories for this discussion.   


              OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org 


              Get new episodes directly in your inbox: https://www.coldstartech.com/msb 


              Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/bookcall

              41 min
            • David Walker - Will America Still Be A Superpower In 2040? - Cold Star Project S04E08

              Past Comptroller General of the United States, professor at the US Naval Academy, former Defense Business Board appointee, and author David Walker returns to the Cold Star Project--and this time we're addressing the question of whether the United States will still be a superpower by 2040. David has authored the book America In 2040: Still A Superpower? A Pathway To Success. What's wrong with America's fiscal policy, how did we get here, and what can we do about it?  


              Host Jason Kanigan asks David Walker:  


              - An investigation of organizations in decline produced the book Exit, Voice and Loyalty by Albert Hirschman. Out of the three choices, Voice is your option… What made you believe writing a book was the best way of influencing others?


              - Let’s hear your definition of “superpower”.  


              - What can we learn from past major powers about the problems of maintaining economic growth and military strength over decades?  


              - Specifically looking at the US now, what outcomes can we expect by 2040 if we don’t change our course? And your target?  


              - What in your opinion is today’s greatest economic and national security threat to America? How do we handle it?  


              - You educated me about the concept of “the tooth and the tail” in our last discussion… What needs to change in military investing (development, procurement, deployment) to ensure America remains a superpower over the next two decades?  


              - What budget controls and standards changes are necessary to achieve the level of results you want to see?  


              - Share your views on tax policy with us and how you envision these to to alter the long term outcome of the US economic situation.   



              Useful Links:  


              Get the book on Amazon (NOT an affiliate link): https://coldstarproject.com/americain2040 


              Previous interview with David Walker on cultural development in government operations: https://coldstarproject.com/yts04e02davidwalker 


              Disclaimer: We were not remunerated in any way by David Walker for discussing his book or any other topics.   


              OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org 


              Get new episodes directly in your inbox: https://www.coldstartech.com/msb 


              Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/bookcall

              50 min
            • Narayan Prasad - How Did a Commercial Space Business Evolve With Satsearch? - CSP S03E17

              Dr. Narayan Prasad, COO of Satsearch, is my guest on this episode of the Cold Star Project. In an industry often frustrated by lack of funding, Narayan has helped guide Satsearch into becoming a truly commercial space business. But what differences are required, both in mindset and execution? Host Jason Kanigan asks Narayan:

              • What led you to the founding of Satsearch? What was that process like and how did you know the market wanted something like that?
              • Tell us about your discovery of what really works in business
              • What top three or four errors do you consistently see startup founders make?
              • Has the Satsearch platform evolved (similarly to NewSpace Hub) along the way? 
              • What improvements have you made, and what do you intend to make?
              • You’ve avoided investment capital despite it being offered to you… why?   


                • Satsearch website: https://satsearch.co/  


                OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org 


                Get new episodes directly in your inbox: https://www.coldstartech.com/msb 


                Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/talktous

                1 hr
              • Phil Gerbyshak - What Do Sales, Process and Results Have to Do With Scaling Businesses? - CSP S02E80

                The CRO of Process and Results, Phil Gerbyshak, is on the Cold Star Project to share his experiences and views on what it takes to successfully grow a business. There's a lot more to it than engineering and sales! Host Jason Kanigan asks Phil about sales, process and leadership as follows:


                • You’ve had opportunities to lead salespeople, such as coaching 160 sales professionals and 25 or so sales leaders in 4 locations in one role. What’s the number one issue you’ve encountered salespeople struggling with?
                • Far too many founders out there think that all you have to do with salespeople is feed them leads and give them product knowledge. What’s missing here, from your perspective? What dangers is the founder unknowingly asking for by adopting this approach?
                • Do sales leaders have different priorities and focus in coaching requirements than line salespeople? What was most surprising from your experience coaching sales leaders?
                • As a fellow show host, what has been critical for you over the years to keep up the intensity, interest, momentum? What process improvements have you made over time and what impact have they had?
                • I see a lot of people get caught up in the technology stack decisions (CRM, internal communications, fulfillment delivery etc.). How important are these, from your perspective? What should organization leaders be focusing on when it comes to revenue growth? What internal issues come up that are more important than tech problems or decisions?
                • Should sales leaders be on social media? How can we make effective use of social selling and solution selling?   


                  • OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org 


                  Get new episodes directly in your inbox: https://www.coldstartech.com/msb 


                  Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/talktous

                  55 min
                • Douglas Loverro - Can We Solve Geopolitical Problems In Space? - Cold Star Project S02E79

                  Past Associate Administrator, Human Exploration and Operations at NASA and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy Douglas Loverro is on the Cold Star Project. We're discussing geopolitics, national security, and the space industry. Cold Star Project host Jason Kanigan asks Doug:   

                  • Part of your messaging is to “advocate for greater use of commercial capabilities and manufacturing for future DoD space and launch missions”. As a board member of several space companies, what do you believe most commercial space companies need to figure out or the lesson they most need to take to heart? What capability gaps do you see?
                  • What is the role of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy… What did you do / what did a typical day look like for you?
                  • What positive lessons about manned spaceflight have you taken away from the NASA role? Was there a “biggest surprise” in your experience there?
                  • Tell us about the National Security Space Association, its goals, values, purpose. How can being a member enhance the USA and one’s career?
                  • What do you recommend people new to space careers get started on today to make the most out of their time and impact?     


                    • Doug's white paper on resilience: https://policy.defense.gov/Portals/11/Space%20Policy/ResilienceTaxonomyWhitePaperFinal.pdf?ver=2016-12-27-131828-623    


                    National Security Space Association website: https://www.nssaspace.org/


                    OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org  


                    Get new episodes directly in your inbox: https://www.coldstartech.com/msb  


                    Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/talktous

                    54 min
                  • TS Kelso - What Are the Challenges of Satellite Tracking With TLEs - Cold Star Project S02E78

                    Dr. TS Kelso is a principle scientist behind understanding and using TLE data for identifying, tracking and predicting the orbital paths of satellites. For decades he has promoted the development of programs with increasing ability to work with TLEs. Most recently he has led the creation of CelesTrak, a data visualization tool allowing anyone online to see what satellite orbits look like. But how did this come about? And what are the challenges of using TLEs, a format based on the limitations and needs of old technologies, to track satellites? Host Jason Kanigan asks Dr. Kelso:

                    • What’s the truth about the state of US technology for satellite identification and tracking?
                    • Are TLEs good enough anymore? What are we missing out on knowing because of data truncation?
                    • Other than the sheer bulk of increased satellites and therefore data, what concerns do you have about the future of satellite trajectory ID, tracking, and prediction?
                    • Regarding tracking, what should we update first: technology or standards?
                    • How can we overcome the problem of user adoption in standards? What are the main issues you see in getting agreement? Are they mostly nationality-based eg. Russia vs America vs China, or government bodies conflicting, or “Not Invented Here” Syndrome?
                    • At what point did you realize it was possible to build CelesTrak? What was the biggest hurdle in getting the application up and running? What capabilities do you envision it having eventually?   


                      • CelesTrak website: https://celestrak.com

                      Click "Launch Orbit Visualization"  


                      Dr. Kelso's biography including a considerable USAF career completed as a Colonel: https://celestrak.com/webmaster.php  


                      Cold Star Project Space Situational Awareness playlist: https://coldstarproject.com/ssaplay 


                      OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org 


                      Get new episodes directly in your inbox: https://www.coldstartech.com/msb 


                      Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/talktous

                      1 hr 15 min

                    About Cold Star Project

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                    The Cold Star Project digs into the challenges of scaling fast that tech and Space manufacturing founders encounter. Money does not solve all problems--so what now? Listen in to discover what scaling…