Gravity and Grit: How SpaceTech Startups are Pioneering & Prospering | The Pair Program Ep34

In this episode, we dive into the world of SpaceTech startups in a candid conversation with two of the sector's brightest minds: Ben Reed, CTO and co-founder of Quantum Space, and Derek Strobel, the Lead Software Engineer and first employee of Kayhan Space.

Here’s what they discuss:

• The unique challenges that startups face in the SpaceTech industry (and how they’re solving those problems).
• Recent trends and changes that they’ve witnessed while working in the sector.
• What gets them excited about where they’re heading.
• How techies can step into this world and find a career at a SpaceTech startup.
• And much more!

About the Guests:

Ben Reed is the Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Quantum Space LLC, a commercial space company dedicated to advancing humanity’s journey to the stars - focused on safe, reliable and efficient space travel further from earth. Prior to Quantum, Ben served as Vice President Engineering for IBX - an innovation and investment firm. In 2018 he served as Director Civil Space Policy for the National Space Council, Executive Office of the President. Ben worked at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center for 22 years, his final role being Chief of Exploration and In-Space Services Division. He was lead materials engineer on the last three Hubble Servicing Missions.

Derek Strobel is a software engineer with over 5 years of experience in spaceflight safety systems. In 2019, Derek became the first employee of Kayhan Space, a commercial Space Situational Awareness (SSA) software startup founded by industry veteran Dr. Siamak Hesar and experienced tech founder Araz Feyzi. As Lead Software Engineer, Derek has helped build Kayhan into a team of over 20 employees, providing essential spaceflight safety services for hundreds of satellites.

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