Cold Star Project

WWII Innovation Machine: Freedom's Forge and the Arsenal of Democracy - Interview with Bill ConleyHow did America transform from a peacetime economy to the "arsenal of democracy" before entering WWII? In this compelling interview, Dr. Bill Conley—former Director of Electronic Warfare at DARPA and current CTO at Mercury Systems—delves into the insights from Freedom's Forge by Arthur Herman. The book chronicles how industrial leaders like William Knudsen and Henry Kaiser revolutionized U.S. defense production.​

"Supercharging the DEFENSE Innovation Game for an Unrivaled Advantage!"with guest Mike BrownThe Cold Star Project - Season 4, Episode 20Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason KaniganWar On the Rocks article:https://warontherocks.com/2023/09/revisiting-the-hedge-strategy-with-renewed-urgency/Fast Follower Strategy paper:https://coldstarproject.com/fastfollowerThis video contains clips from the following copyrighted works used under Fair Use for commentary/criticism purposes:The Final Countdown (1980) - © United Artists / MGMThe Color of Money (1986) - © Touchstone Pictures / Walt Disney StudiosTop Gun: Maverick (2022) - © Paramount PicturesModern Marvels DVD - © A&E Networks / History ChannelCold War (CNN Documentary Series) - © CNN ProductionsTHAAD Missile Defense: How it Works - © Fox Business Network/Fox CorporationRaytheon's Ballistic Missile Defense Systems Provide Layered Defense Around the World - © Raytheon Technologies (RTX)All copyrighted content remains the property of their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.Music: "Per Kiilstofte - Dystopia" / perkiilstofte Royalty Free Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://bit.ly/dystopia-songThis show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice".The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the board of advisors of the OpEx Society.Cold Star Technologies website: https://www.coldstartech.comOperational Excellence Society website: https://www.opexsociety.orgAbout Jason Kanigan: https://jasonkanigan.com

"Meet the MASTERMINDS Behind 2025's Most Epic Space Piracy Book!"With guests Marc Feldman and Hugh TaylorThe Cold Star Project - Season 3, Episode 23Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason KaniganThe Book: Space Piracy: Preparing for a Criminal Crisis in Orbit published by John Wiley & Sons, 2025https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Space+Pir...Get the book on Amazon (non-affiliate link):https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394240201This video contains clips from the following copyrighted works used under Fair Use for commentary/criticism purposes:Moonraker (1979) - © Eon Productions/United Artists/Danjaq, LLCCaptain Phillips (2013) - © Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures EntertainmentSpace Rangers (1993) - © Paramount TelevisionTaboo (2017) - © Scott Free Productions/Hardy Son & Baker/FX Productions/BBC OneThe Mandalorian (2019) - © Lucasfilm Ltd./Disney+Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) - © Paramount PicturesAliens (1986) - © Twentieth Century Fox Film CorporationAll copyrighted content remains the property of their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice".Visual elements present in the original YouTube show version of this episode are unavailable in this format. We make this audio-only version available as a courtesy, and recommend you watch the original on YouTube for the full experience.Spaceship interior console images designed by Freepik.The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the board of advisors of the OpEx Society.Cold Star Technologies website:https://www.coldstartech.comOperational Excellence Society website:https://www.opexsociety.orgAbout Jason Kanigan:https://jasonkanigan.com

Past Defense Innovation Unit Director, visiting Scholar at Stanford, former large tech company CEO, and current venture capitalist Mike Brown is this interview guest on the Cold Star Project. Host Jason Kanigan asks Mike about the role of commercial technology in Great Power competition. We discuss: what "commercial technology" is (not just silicon chips) the organizing principle of commercial tech development for great powers, and whether there is a difference in war or peacetime what national leaders frequently fail to focus on that punishes the nation what the focus of tech dev in peacetime is, and whether the speed of that development matters when war begins the shocking truth about the defense industrial base and the tiny number of companies funded by Pentagon spending (6 vendors receive 2/3 of all Pentagon procurement spending) infiltration of US commercial tech dev by foreign powers through venture investment, and just how meaningful this is the question Peter Zeihan poses about the breakdown of the global supply chain, and whether we in the US ought to be concerned. USEFUL LINKS: Mike Brown's 2017 DIUx Report: https://www.k-state.edu/research/faculty/other-resources/facility-security-office/documents/diux-study.pdf Secret History of Silicon Valley slides download from my Google Drive: https://coldstartech.com/steveblank Innovating Victory: Naval Technology in Three Wars by O'Hara and Heinz: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1682477320/ OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

US Navy Commander and defense contractor Tim Anderson returns to the Cold Star Project to give an update on what he's seen in the space industry over the past six months. This interview has a different format than usual. Host Jason Kanigan and Tim have a relaxed conversation about talent acquisition and collaboration, quantum computing, AI for space, launch systems, and a lot more. The big takeaway? That conversations in the space industry previously held behind closed doors are now happening in the open because of the need for collaboration. USEFUL LINKS: OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

"Recovering aerospace engineer" Rand Simberg is on the Cold Star Project to discuss three space industry issues. With host Jason Kanigan, Rand elaborates on: Overvaluing "safety first" in the space industry, and his book, Safe Is Not An Option Building codes for orbital, cislunar, and BEO facilities (which do not exist yet The uniqueness and benefits of equatorial LEO. USEFUL LINKS: Safe Is Not An Option book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Safe-Not-Option-Rand-Simberg/dp/0989135519/ OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

Paul Rulkens is frequently hired by organizations looking to install or improve their high performance culture. Examples are KPMG, Nestle, Uber, Siemens, and Mercedes Benz. But what does this mean in practical terms? What are these leaders bringing Paul Rulkens in to do? Jason Kanigan of the Cold Star Project continues the conversation with Paul about what it takes to have a high performance culture. USEFUL LINKS: Paul Rulkens website: https://www.paulrulkens.com/ OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

ZC Institute founder Greg Hodgin is the guest this time on the Cold Star Project. Dr. Hodgin is assembling a tech development consortium comprised of space industry labs and researchers. How has he done it? Where does the funding come from? Host Jason Kanigan asks Dr. Hodgin: How did you get into the space industry? What is your long term vision and how did you arrive at it? Can you share strategic vs tactical considerations you thought of in the planning stage for carrying your plan out? How did you decide on the “Institute” organization, why this way? How does intellectual property ownership work? Eg. When you have something, who owns the technology? Where does the money come from? What unexpected factors or reactions have you encountered in your journey putting this group together? How will you know when you're “done”? Does the organizational structure change at that point, eg. to a new company to execute scaled production? USEFUL LINKS: ZC Institute website: https://zcinstitute.com/ OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org America's Future Series: https://www.americas-fs.org/ Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

Michelle Hanlon, PhD, is a well-known space lawyer. With Jason Kanigan, host of the Cold Star Project, she discusses initiatives in space law that have happened over the past couple of years. We address these questions: What in your opinion are the major updates in space law in the past several years? How do they impact the industry? (Artemis Accords, Lux/UAE, Space Resource Utilization topics) You've written that the UN wants to prevent an arms race in space. How does this play out using space law as a tool? Are member states bound to agree to what the senior body negotiates? Geopolitics: Is it true that China wants to claim the Moon first, and what can we do about it? Are there any indications of how AI will affect space law? (content creation for new law, citing of previous documents in decisions, faster decision making on reporting, crime detection, and enforcement?) What paths to space law enforcement do you see coming any time soon? USEFUL LINKS: For All Moonkind website: https://www.forallmoonkind.org/ Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/bookcall

Fellow copywriter John Caprani joins Jason Kanigan on the Cold Star Project. Their topic: Methods by which the social media content you post can be an advertisement for your skills. When does this work? When does it not? John and Jason dig into the answers. Questions covered include: Who is this for? Why is using content as an advertisement for your skills important? Where does it lead? What does the process and outcome look like, in detail? How do you know when you're done? How do you try to ensure you don't talk over the level of your audience? USEFUL LINKS: John Caprani on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jdcaprani Jason Kanigan official website: https://jasonkanigan.com Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/bookcall

Robert Twiggs and Matt Craft, through Twiggs Space Labs, have run pilot Space and STEM / STEAM training programs for kids through the state of Virginia. Bob Twiggs is known as the "Father of the CubSat" for his co-development of the CubeSat standard. As they expand to serve the rest of the United States, Bob and Matt appear on the Cold Star Project to share their practices and vision. Host Jason Kanigan asks Bob and Matt about their: Personal histories Products & program Benefits for students, teachers, space & defense businesses and the nation from the STEM / STEAM training Experience with Virginia, NASA Expectations with Primes Next Steps for themselves and those wanting to be involved. USEFUL LINKS: Twiggs Space Lab (TSL) website: https://twiggsspacelab.com/ TSL is very interested in working with academic institutions, aerospace and defense companies, technology companies, and federal agencies, including NASA, DoD, and NOAA. The support can take many forms including: Participating in outreach programs and mentoring students Sponsoring STEM programs by purchasing STEM products for schools Sponsoring STEM Challenges (CanSat, PocketQubes, etc.) Consulting with and advising TSL of critical skill development opportunities Promoting TSL programs and products Financial support through grants or buying STEM products for schools. Please feel free to contact TSL at bob.twiggs@twiggsspacelab.com ormatt.craft@twiggsspacelab.com Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/bookcall

Sales Performance Team founder Nicholas Loise returns to the Cold Star Project. He was President of Glazer Kennedy Inner Circle - GKIC/Magnetic Marketing, involved with GKIC 8 years; Owner of a Direct Response Agency and Outsourced Sales Leader Company; Adjunct Professor of Marketing, North Park University; MBA from North Park; VP Sales & Marketing Provena Mercy Medical Center 9 yrs, a $156 Million division. With host and fellow sales expert Jason Kanigan on the Cold Star Project, Nick illuminates how brick and mortar business owners who lead sales teams can get better results. Not only can they increase their enterprise valuation figure, but they can also see lower sales cycles, better visibility into what's happening, and of course improved revenue. Is there a hole in your sales process, or do you have to create your sales process? Join us and find out! USEFUL LINKS: Nick Loise email at Sales Performance Team: nick@salesperformanceteam.com Nick Loise phone number: 847-720-4264 Playlist: https://www.coldstartech.com/play Subscribe: https://www.coldstartech.com/subs Talk to Cold Star: https://www.coldstartech.com/bookcall

Jacob Meyer, PhD, is VP of Technology at ATSP Innovations. He has experience with SBIRs and the struggles of creating commercial products from them. Host Jason Kanigan of the Cold Star Project discusses these challenges with Dr. Meyer. USEFUL LINKS: ATSP Innovations website: https://www.atspinnovations.com/ OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org America's Future Series: https://www.americas-fs.org/ Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

Dr. Paul van Susante of Michigan Technological University, a past guest (link below), returns to the Cold Star Project. We're discussing his participation in a number of investigative projects and NASA challenges related to powering our first projects on the Moon. Host Jason Kanigan asks Paul about the: LuSTR grant NASA Watts on the Moon centennial challenge phase I, where they won the $100k grand prize for scenario 2. They submitted to Phase II, level 1 and were selected as one of 7 teams to advance to level 2 and received $200k NASA Break the Ice challenge centennial challenge phase I where they won a runner up prize ($25k). They submitted an entry to Break the Ice phase II, level 1 and were last month selected as one of 15 teams to advance to level 2 (all US teams (13) got $38.5k) Winning several other grants and are currently working on those related to landing pad construction, site preparation, hardware testing in their dusty thermal vacuum chamber as well. USEFUL LINKS: HuskyWorks website: https://huskyworks.space/ Paul's previous appearance on the Cold Star Project: https://coldstarproject.com/aus02e42paulvansusante OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org America's Future Series: https://www.americas-fs.org/ Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

Did you know there are people with a specific skill set who can jumpstart your business? Copywriters like Jon Reyes and Jason Kanigan have the knowledge and experience to grow your business fast. Jon Reyes has been a copywriter for many years and worked for some of the top personal development names. With fellow copywriter and Cold Star Project host Jason Kanigan, Jon discusses: * working with the major factor of Compliance in copy, and how to scale with compliance as a limiter on what you can say * the power of using revealing flaws and shortcomings in copy, the use of repulsive copy and story telling to attract the best audiences and push away those who are not a fit, and how superiority creates skepticism--and how to fight that * Conversion Rate Optimization, and how CRO can work on two levels--technical, like button colors, versus business building CRO, such as brand voice * structuring copywriting deals today, compared with 5-10 years ago * why a business owner is better off hiring an experienced copywriter rather than an inexperienced hotshot who promises the world USEFUL LINKS: Jon's website: https://www.jonreyes.net/ Email Jon at: jon@copyblueprints.com OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org America's Future Series: https://www.americas-fs.org/ Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

Bill Conley was a DARPA Program Manager, then the US Department of Defense's expert on electronic warfare for four years, and is now Chief Technology Officer at Mercury Systems. Our topic is a comparison of the 19th Century's Concert of Europe vs Modern Day's communication and methods of deterrence. Cold Star Project host Jason Kanigan asks Bill Conley: What is effective communication, especially in context of diplomacy and deterrence of conflict? Why doesn't the Behavioralist/Rational Economics approach work in practice when it comes to national conflicts? Do you believe the match-up of 2020s China-US is similar to the 1910s UK-German? Are there historical correlations? The WWI era was about the disintegration of the old order, and paradigm shifts. Are there indicators of a similar instability of the existing order today? As a nation's capabilities increase, so do its ambitions. Many of these ambitions seem to end up with the idea of autarky. Do you believe we're close to experiencing another such outbreak of these ideas today? How could a modern day China-US conflict proceed?   USEFUL LINKS:   "Mitchell Hour: State of Electronic Warfare in the DOD" [Dr. Conley lecture]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR_PPGDnejo  "What Is Eurasia?" [Dr. Stephen Kotkin lecture]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ghn1X7sRFs  Mercury Systems website: https://www.mrcy.com/  OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org  America's Future Series: https://www.americas-fs.org/  Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

President and CEO of Orbital Assembly Rhonda Stevenson is our guest this time on the Cold Star Project. With host Jason Kanigan she discusses the challenges of building a truly commercial space company. We cover the capabilities of Orbital Asembly, as well as Rhonda's personal efforts to build consortiums and attract customers to the space industry. USEFUL LINKS: Orbital Assembly website: https://orbitalassembly.com/ OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org America's Future Series: https://www.americas-fs.org/ Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

Just because you CAN create a product doesn't mean you SHOULD. What Scaling Problems Can You Find In SBIR/STTR Product Commercialization? While small batches may work in the lab, commercializing will require large quantities and unexpected issues from supply chain through chemical reactions may change. The results from these issues may well prove the venture impossible to complete under current conditions. David Driscoll of Storm Castle joins Cold Star Project host Jason Kanigan to discuss a real life example of struggling with scaling for commercialization. While the concept had been proven to work, making it happen at a scale that would make money turned out to be a dead end. Jason asks David: Q: What professional roles have you held? From what context are you speaking to these challenges? A: Glacigen (Founder), Montana State University (Senior Research Scientist), Storm Castle Technical Products (Current; Founder) Q: What was Glacigen all about? A: Commercialization of an advanced manufacturing technique; freeze tape casting. FTC is a hybridization of an industrial processing technique with well-established lab scale technique. It produces large area sheets of materials with highly engineered microstructures. Materials which have been known for a long time can exhibit great performance enhancement with new processing. (Flour, baking soda, eggs, sugar, etc…..could be awful or masterpiece it's all in the processing. We tend to focus too easily on exotic alloys and entirely new materials (good and valuable), when opportunity is left on the table with respect to using existing ingredients better. Q: What kind of applications were you looking at? A: Started all over the board. FTC arrived as a solution looking for a problem. Composites of high temperature materials (hypersonics), solid oxide fuel cell electrodes, catalyst scaffolds, thermal interface materials, actuators….finally battery electrodes. In my eyes, battery electrodes represented the convergence of good technical fit with strong merit, market of relevant scale, and opportunity to address true customer pain point. Q: Which pain point is that, exactly? A: Specifically for customers of high performance applications: energy density (without destroying power density). Cost is important even for those with performance applications. Q: How did you realize commercializing this as a product, rather than having it remain as a lab invention, was important? A: That was intrinsic, and a primary motivating factor of launching Glacigen. I saw potential for real impact in the FTC process which obviously couldn't be realized within academia. There was a commitment to commercialization from the outset, but some learning required to understand how that looks. Q: What steps did you take towards commercialization? What did you learn? (eg. would you start the process earlier?) A: Early steps were technically focused: scalability, repeatability, application-based proof of concept. Early strategic steps came after technical work, but work focused on matching applications with strong FTC applicability with customer needs ‘pain points.' We began working with a company building EV batteries. This led to a great deal of learning that springboarded us towards conversations with larger and more established manufacturers. Engaging with the customer more intentionally, and much earlier would have been critical. The first level is understanding need, which we did reasonably well. We misidenitfied barriers to adoption, which could have - in retrospect been identified much sooner. Same applies to thinking you understand strength of market pull, pain points, value propositions etc. Those things need to be constantly tested and when necessary, iterated. USEFUL NOTES: Storm Castle Technical Products: https://www.stormcastletechnicalproducts.com/ OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org America's Future Series: https://www.americas-fs.org/ Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talk

Sales trainer Wes Schaeffer is back on the Cold Star Project, and our topic is his free 12 Weeks To Peak sales accountability program. Host Jason Kanigan participated in 2022 Q4's version and 12 Weeks To Peak has been re-released for 2023. The two sales trainers share elements and results of this free accountability program for founders and salespeople. Come along with us and find out if it's right for you! USEFUL LINKS: 12 Weeks To Peak website: https://info.thesaleswhisperer.com/12-weeks-to-peak Jason Kanigan's Effective Prospecting video series: https://jasonkanigan.com/ytep Past appearances of Wes Schaeffer on the Cold Star Project: "What CRM Should I Get?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv2JAgKPzHY "Process Before Login" (choosing a CRM) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRE5MYudGQM OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

Past Chief Software Officer of the US Space Force and Air Force Nic Chaillan is back on the Cold Star Project. Over the past year, Nic has developed his own learning platform, Learn With Nic. He has also hosted his own show, In The Nic Of Time. Host Jason Kanigan asks Nic: What have you learned in running your own show, In The Nic Of Time? What have you learned about the general state of software security in the US from your guests? Did this confirm what you already were aware of, or did they add any detail? If you could wave a magic wand and have leaders and developers realize some fundamentals of DevSecOps that are practical to implement as well as effective, what would a couple of those be? Are you still convinced we're lagging and that China is going to overtake and “beat” us? How do you define that: simply economically, or technologically, militarily? What can we do about it, and are you seeing any evidence of leadership attempting to take action? I hear more and more Americans becoming concerned about TikTok, even leaders in fields I thought would be far away from the edges of national security. I believe we should be more explicit about what can be done with TikTok, beyond “they're collecting all our data!”. Have your thoughts about TikTok evolved over the past year? What's your opinion about the InfraGard hack? To me this seems like “the security guys got hacked”. What could have been done to stop this from happening? Is it symptomatic of a condition or just bad luck? What other kinds of software-based platforms should we be worried about the security of? Teach us a couple of DevSecOps terms that are probably new to us. USEFUL LINKS: Learn With Nic platform: https://www.learnwithnic.com/ 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

Former Air Force Lt. Colonel and instructor Glenn Carlson was president of the electronic warfare industry's Assocation of Old Crows in 2022. Cold Star Project host Jason Kanigan asks AOC President Glenn Carlson: - Tell us about how the AOC started Tell us about your background, how you joined the Old Crows, and how you became its president What's your mission? How do you stay energized and sharp after 36+ years in the role as a member, board member, and president? How did the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance come about? What's its purpose and what involvement do you have with it? What is the state of electronic warfare in US defense? What impact does the AOC have that is likely out of the public eye? What does the AOC offer its members? USEFUL LINKS: Glenn Carlson LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenn-powder-carlson-ba24a614/ Association of Old Crows website: https://www.crows.org/ OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

Mike Read is in the role of Manager, ISS Business and Economic Development Office at NASA Johnson Space Center. But what does the International Space Station have to do with the commercialization of space? Cold Star Project host Jason Kanigan asks Mike: You have a non-engineering background yet are in the space field. Tell us about how this happened What is the scope of your responsibilities in the ISS Business and Economic Development Office? What constitutes a success over the period of a year? Can you share some recent wins? How long is the ISS expected to be available? If/when commercial operators have private space stations in orbit, is NASA expecting to simply be a customer? Who do you want to speak with? What makes a good discussion or project for you? Useful Links: Houston, We Have a Podcast 2019 interview with Mike Read: https://www.nasa.gov/johnson/HWHAP/space-tourism-and-commercialization OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

High performance culture expert Paul Rulkens returns to the Cold Star Project, and this time we're discussing how to manage smart people. In "brain" organizations, people have strong opinions and they're often right. So how do you lead these intelligent, educated and strong willed people to achieve great results? Cold Star Project host Jason Kanigan asks Agrippa Consulting founder Paul Rulkens: What does “High Performance Culture” mean from Paul Rulkens' perspective? How do you know when you have it / what's the target to be aiming for? What does a “success environment” really mean? (is your performance management geared towards accelerating the best, or is it designed to gradually improve the average? This distinction is the secret to creating outliers.) Regarding managing smart people… What % would you typically find “smart people” in organizations? Is it the same as “high performers”? “Only small chunks of your own time matter”--let's discuss. What about people who will say something like, “I line up my tasks and appointments so that I have maximum impact every moment I can? Surely larger amounts of my time and attention matter more than that!” Assuming we have an 80/20 Rule application here (maybe it's more like 98/2) how do we apply this as leaders of smart people? What circumstances demonstrate this concept? When you don't know as much about the subject matter as the smart people around you, what should you do? How can you pull the best out of your smart team? As the leader, how can you add value to verify the smart people on the team are thinking accurately? What are your three platinum questions when you lack knowledge of any subject matter, and how do you use them? If you're not a subject matter expert, what can you coach your team on? What else can you do? Smart people often disagree. What should you do as a leader if your team has disagreements? Regarding Succession planning with smart individuals, what are the 5 actions you can take when important people leave? USEFUL LINKS: Past appearance of Paul Rulkens on the Cold Star Project: https://coldstarproject.com/yts02e56paulrulkens Paul Rulkens website: https://www.paulrulkens.com/ OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

Harvard-Smithsonian astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell is back on the Cold Star Project, and our topic is space infrastructure. From the Deep Space Network though JWST and Starlink, host Jason Kanigan and Dr. McDowell discuss what our experience so far has been and what our priorities in the field should be. Cold Star Tech founder Jason Kanigan asks Dr. Jonathan McDowell about Starlink altitude charts, recent discoveries regarding black holes, new space technologies, how JWST missions are determined, and more! USEFUL LINKS: JWST Observing Schedule: https://www.stsci.edu/jwst/science-execution/observing-schedules Jonathan's Space Report website: https://www.planet4589.org/space/jsr/jsr.html Dr. McDowell's previous appearance on the Cold Star Project: https://coldstarproject.com/auS02E24JonathanMcDowell Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

CEO of Compass Technology Group LLC Becky Schultz joins host Jason Kanigan on the Cold Star Project, and our topic of discussion is commercialization of products developed through SBIR/STTR grant funding. Jason asks Becky: Tell us about your background and its relevance to SBIR/STTR awards What was your initial intention in getting grant money: to develop tech/IP, or move towards commercializing a product? Why? Share your experience with the grant awards process…quirks, takeaways, frustrations What problem were you solving and how did you know the market would be interested in buying? Your focus on commercialization ⏤ success stories, struggles (supply chain, scaling manufacturing processes?) What do you recommend for those seeking grant funding, in terms of purpose/focus/approach/expectation. Useful Links: Compass Technology Group LLC website: https://compasstech.com/ OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

CU Aerospace President David Carroll kicks off a new season of the Cold Star Project as we discuss the challenges of productizing a new space tech invention. After the struggle of winning an SBIR, then developing the technology, what are the hurdles to commercializing the result? Host Jason Kanigan asks Dr. Carroll: What problem were you aiming to solve when you applied for the specific SBIR we're discussing today? Who was the customer or target user? How did you discover that a focus on having a customer was critical and a good starting point for tech development? What challenges did you have in getting the award, and then running the program? What conditions or advantages does having a partner eg. U of Illinois bring to the table? What have you seen in terms of grant awards that has made you scratch your head? USEFUL LINKS: CU Aerospace website: https://cuaerospace.com/ 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

Chris Stott has created several successful space businesses and organizations. Yet when he first told me about his stealth project a few months ago, I was more than a little skeptical. Could data storage on the Moon actually work? Now that Lonestar Lunar has come out of stealth mode, Chris can explain what the company is doing and why. Cold Star Project host Jason Kanigan asks Chris Stott: What problem are you solving? Who will use it? How did the business case present itself? How was the executive team chosen? Why is it cheaper to build a data center on the Moon rather than on Earth? What are the steps involved in implementing your solution? Who are you dependent upon eg. launch provider to put equipment there? Do you have sites chosen? What improvements do you need to make to commercial data storage & transmission equipment to have it survive this environment? In your other life at Mansat you've developed considerable competency in the field of spectrum. Given the volume of data I imagine you'll be moving back and forth, is there any extra requirement? How should early adopters contact you? USEFUL LINKS: Lonestar Lunar website: https://www.lonestarlunar.com/ Previous appearances by Chris Stott on the Cold Star Project: https://coldstarproject.com/chrisstottcoldstar Playlist: https://www.coldstartech.com/play 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

Marco Cross recently completed his Masters degree in space engineering at Brown University, and is now Engineering & Commercialization Advisor at Cold Star Technologies. His experience includes developing and commercalizing products, chief engineer on satellite design projects, and commercial space launch. Host Jason Kanigan and Marco Cross discuss: Topic: SBUDNIC satellite Mission overview Learnings from building a multidisciplinary team Learnings from super lean/super fast construction Topic: Lightweight hardware prototyping/process Industrial design process in the context of mechanical/space engineering Use what's available, not what's theoretically best Prototyping always starts with good learnings up front -I've seen a lot of people fail because they get super far down the process without front-end validation Topic: Selling space, talking about the dream of exploration Why selling the idea of space is important NASA budgets are shrinking relative to GDP Is space recession proof? Topic: Future of space engineering as I see it Smallsats take over large satellites More COTS -Constellation-based sensing overtakes large singular sensing systems, like JWST Machine learning processing necessary for interpolation of data Future areas that need articulation/opportunities for innovation in space. USEFUL LINKS: SBUDNIC article by Brown University: https://engineering.brown.edu/news/2022-05-16/sbudnic-satellite-launch Transporter Launch video: https://youtu.be/CAgiFU3NAo0 Marco's video "Space Engineering Is Hard And Here's Why": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNGZYQvCfUM 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

Space industry analyst Nicholas Borroz moved from America to New Zealand to get a PhD in International Business, and ultimately start a space consultancy. But how did he break into the field, and what has he learned about the business of space--and the approach of most space sector companies to it? Space business owners, students and inventors seeking venture capital will find important information in this discussion. Cold Star Project host Jason Kanigan asks Nick: How did you end up in NZ? Peace Corps, doctorate … Tell us about your journey in the space industry What sorts of services do you offer at Rotoiti? And also, importantly, what you don't do; What sorts of clients do you work for: segment, geography, and sector); How did you choose these areas of service focus? What are some common difficulties you notice space industry market actors facing? How can NZ/Oz companies & US companies work together on space projects? USEFUL LINKS: Rotoiti website: https://rotoiti.space/ OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

In this special episode Dr. Gordon Roesler, past DARPA Program Manager and president of Robots In Space, joins Cold Star Tech's Jason Kanigan to elaborate on his idea of a "Space Superhighway". We have logistics systems on Earth, and they provide teremendous economic value: how can we have a similar system in space? USEFUL LINKS: Dr. Roesler's article on The Hill: https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/576673-lets-build-a-superhighway-in-space/ White House NSTC paper: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/04-2022-ISAM-National-Strategy-Final.pdf OSTP request for comment: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/05/04/2022-09549/notice-of-request-for-comment Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/scheduleonce

We are simply not as "science-y" as we think we are. People presented to us as experts, precedent, and emotions non-factually impact our decisions--and can put the wrong people behind bars for a long time. Fashion of the moment, storytelling, and "they way we've always done things" can be enemies of improvement. Do you believe you're immune to such influences? Lt. Col. Arthur Alphin is a firearms & ballistics expert and weapons systems engineer. In this role he is called upon in court to demonstrate how the opposing side's so-called "scientific" tests, representation of events and other issues in shooting cases simply aren't true. I discovered Art as the creator of a West Point video training series about weapons, and ask him here to elaborate on his experience and observations concerning the validity of court proceedings when it comes to shootings. You likely be extremely surprised and disturbed. USEFUL LINKS: Antiaircraft round screenshot referred to around 37:00: https://coldstarproject.com/alphinscreenshot Arthur Alphin's website https://arthuralphin.com/ Accompanying this discussion I recommend forensic criminologist Dr. Ron Martinelli's appearance on the Cold Star Project: https://coldstarproject.com/ytS02E02RonMartinelli 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

Experienced space startup founder Matthew Travis returns to the Cold Star Project. What has his journey and pivot been like as he finds product-to-market fit in the space industry? What need is there for environmentally friendly propulsion for space launch and spacecraft? Host Jason Kanigan asks Matt: What indicators have you found that point to a need for environmentally friendly propulsion technology for space launch? Who's your customer? How did you focus on nanosatellites as your target market? How will this technology impact the marketplace and the planet's ecosystem? Tell us about your journey in developing this technology. What R&D hurdles and successes have you experienced? When it comes to the operational areas of Sales and Production, what have you learned? Especially since this is not your first space company. USEFUL LINKS: NASA's Green Propulsion Roadmap: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20180006412/downloads/20180006412.pdf The European Union is moving toward banning hydrazine. Ref: REACH https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Engineering_Technology/ESA_responding_to_EU_s_REACH_chemical_law Aphelion Aerospace website: https://aphelionaerospace.com/ OpEx Society: https://www.opexsociety.org Talk to Cold Star: https://coldstartech.com/talktous

Space industry analyst Chris Quilty joins host Jason Kanigan on the Cold Star Project to discuss what makes a good startup in the field. As a 20+ year veteran of space and satellite analysis, Chris founded Quilty Analytics in 2016. Jason asks Chris: What was it that made you realize opening your own firm was a better idea after 20 years of working for another firm? You speak about benchmarking in your profile ⏤ what indicators do you look for that demonstrate a good investment? Are space startups offering the exit opportunities investors want? How far are we from having a true “commercial space industry”? What's your opinion of SPACs and how gun-shy do you believe investors will be going forward? You've stated that you believe the regulatory environment for space firms has become more favorable. Can you explain what has been happening and factors contributing to this? How is the defense and intelligence community reacting to the emergence of a commercial space industry. Are they resisting or embracing the change Are you seeing out-of-sector venture capital more willing to fund space startups? What should these VCs be cautious about and look for as positives? USEFUL LINKS: Quilty Analytics website: https://www.quiltyanalytics.com/ Screenshot of space art: https://coldstarproject.com/quiltyart 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

Venture capitalist Adam Anderson got into the space industry by way of cybersecurity. He knows what it takes to start up successful businesses--and when to get out of your own way as the founder so the business can grow further. Host Jason Kanigan asks Adam: How did you get involved in space investing? What was your journey to get to now? What level have you been involved in in space investing? (company size, maturity level at start/end, pre/post revenue) Has there been an evolution in your choices? What “brutal lessons” have you learned by being a space industry investor? What's the most frustrating thing you keep seeing? - How important is the tech when the leadership of a startup is pitching you? What's the thing you keep banging your head against the wall about, wishing people would have ready to bring to you when they come to pitch? Is there a consistently encountered hurdle when moving from pre- to post-revenue? Anything blocking the move from zero to one? What have you noticed that indicates to you a startup team will be successful? And a failure? What is present or missing? From your perspective, is there light at the end of the tunnel⏤is it likely that space industry startups will begin to be developed and funded any time soon as, say, SaaS companies do today? USEFUL LINKS: Ansuz Capital website: https://ansuzcapital.com/ 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

Are there new and unexpected ways to gather and interpret data in the space domain awareness field? More Cowbell Unlimited founder John Bicknell thinks so. Combining interests in operations research and national security, John looks to develop valuable predictive insights. Cold Star Project host Jason Kanigan asks John Bicknell: what is your background and how did you get into space? How do you perceive the emerging space environment? How do you see the role of the US military in space? What is your view of the state of Space Domain Awareness, and what can be improved in it? USEFUL LINKS: More Cowbell Unlimited Website: https://morecowbellunlimited.com/ John Bicknell LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbicknell/ LinkedIn company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/morecowbellunlimited Twitter handle: @morecowbellultd COL John Boyd USAF article: Boyd, J. 1976. “Destruction and Creation.” https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58a3add7e3df28d9fbff4501/t/58a4a32ce4fcb5d8f00b7243/1487184684871/Destruction+and+Creation_3+Sep+1976.pdf 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

Nicolas Chaillan is the past Chief Software Officer for the US Space Force and Air Force. He lead a number of software initiatives in the US Department of Defense (DoD) and has demonstrated an impressive ability with project and change management. Host Jason Kanigan asks Nic: For those who haven't heard of you yet, please give us the highlights of your DoD involvement and CSO experience How did you make the move to becoming a US citizen and becoming employed by the state in important roles? Can you explain DevSecOps for those outside the tech field? Why is it important and how have you contributed to US national security and administrative effectiveness with it? You've made no secret of the cultural and change management issues inside DoD that frustrated your work. This was what really caught my attention, as such issues are found in nearly all large organizations and are the kinds of problems I've seen up close for over 20 years as a change agent and OpEx guy. Can you share with us some stories exemplifying these problems, and what you recommend to improve the situation? The Waterfall vs Agile development methodology argument has been going on for some time. But according to yourself and other DoD officials I've spoken with, one has clearly outperformed the other and “actually works”. What has your experience been and why do you so strongly promote the methodology? You've repeatedly sounded the alarm about TikTok: what's the problem with this app and why is it a danger to Americans? The tech we're talking about--logistical and operational, decision making, infrastructure security--has a huge impact and yet is operating at a level out of sight of the general public. In a perfect world according to Nicolas, how do you see the strategic direction of US effort being applied to reach the operational state you envision? Let's paint that picture. USEFUL LINKS: Link for Platform One, Iron Bank, Big Bang and more: https://software.af.mil/dsop/services/ 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

Director of the Air Force Research Lab/New Mexico's Space Vehicles Directorate Col. Eric Felt joins us for a discussion of US national security and the state of the space industrial base on this episode of the Cold Star Project. Host Jason Kanigan asks Col. Felt: In your talk earlier this year at the National Security State of the Space Industrial Base 2021 event you termed the US position as “tactically strong, strategically fragile”. Can you explain in more depth what you meant? In the same talk you mentioned you're “hearing all the right words but not necessarily seeing the right investment”--budgeting hasn't changed in the past 5 years (How about an increase from the current 20% of DoD authority invested in purchasing commercial goods & services?). What does this translate into for action, outreach, dialogue, partnerships and more? What should DoD's or AFRL's Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) / North Star be for the immediate future? How valuable would you say improvements made leading DoD to make faster decisions would be? It's easy to run around like Chicken Little, exclaiming the sky is about to fall. How big a threat is China, really? What should we be watching for on the military side? What new developments at AFRL NM can you share with us? USEFUL LINKS: AFRL/NM website: https://www.afrlnewmexico.com/ State of the Space Industrial Base 2021 Report (download link at bottom of page): https://coldstarproject.com/diustatespace2021 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

The COO of Space Foundation, Shelli Brunswick, is our guest on this episode of the Cold Star Project. After a successful Air Force career Shelli has taken on many mentorship and influencer roles in the space industry. But how impactful are advocacy and mentorship roles in space? Host Jason Kanigan asks: Tell us about Space Foundation's mission What have been your biggest challenges as Chief Operating Officer of Space Foundation? What has surprised you? Where do you see Space Foundation's role directing activity for the next decade, and how do you intend to carry that out? What's the long term goal of the Space4Women Network you're a Mentor with? Can you share a story of how it has worked so far? You're Chairperson of the Space Tourism Society Africa...tell us about the organization, how it formed and how you got involved...and how you believe it's having an effect You're also Chairperson of the Women In Aerospace Foundation. With your involvement in all these existing organizations, do you believe it's best to advocate for women in aerospace this way, or is there a need for a new organization that doesn't yet exist? Something that would address a hole you see in the industry's needs? USEFUL LINKS: Space Foundation website: https://www.spacefoundation.org/ Space4Women website: https://space4women.unoosa.org/ Women In Aerospace Foundation website: https://www.womeninaerospacefoundation.org/foundation/ 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

As "Lady Rocket", Eva Blaisdell has developed a brand personality in the space industry. She brings relevancy to space for regular people through education and events. In this episode of the Cold Star Project, host Jason Kanigan asks Lady Rocket: How and why did you pick the “Lady Rocket” brand? How has this choice of branding affected your impact over time? What's your mission and how do you keep current in carrying it out while staying on brand? (You are clear about using the word “tragedies” in your positioning… people often want to avoid uncomfortable topics, yet you have deliberately called one out: why?) What efforts does the Lady Rocket Foundation support? Who is a good candidate for your help, and how do they go about requesting it? Who do you believe has the biggest impact on young people and their potential interest in space/STEM? (educators or public personas, specific nations, companies?) What's your biggest frustration with the space industry worldwide at this time? What areas or topics would you most like to put resources into? What result are you most proud of accomplishing so far, and why? USEFUL LINKS: Lady Rocket Foundation website: https://www.ladyrocketfoundation.org/ 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

Basuti Bolo is a space educator in Botswana and Zimbabwe. In this episode of the Cold Star Project, host Jason Kanigan explores the state of the space industry in Southern Africa by asking Basuti: What was your experience growing up, and how did you get involved with STEM? What path did you take to enter your field? Botswana and Zimbabwe are landlocked countries… how has their geography impacted its development and ideas of national space programs? Is there cooperation or competition? What does the average Botswana or Zimbabwe citizen think of space and space-based technology? What do you believe the most significant challenge for Southern Africans is regarding development and user adoption of space technology? What will farmers get out of having the “precise data” promised by spectral imagery? Tell us what's involved in your role as Space for Women Ambassador to Botswana If you had the resources to do what you pleased concerning a space education and technology development program for Southern Africa, what would you concentrate your effort upon? USEFUL LINKS: 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

Space business development and aeronautical engineering pro Daniel Penaranda is on the Cold Star Project to share his experience in International Space University - Florida Institute of Technology's (ISU-FIT) Commercial Space Program. This graduate level course prepares participants for the realities of creating commercial space businesses. Join us as host Jason Kanigan asks Daniel: Tell us about your background, and why you chose to attend the Commercial Space Program What were your thoughts and emotions going into the Commercial Space Program? Did you have a clear mental picture of what was going to happen and what outcomes you were going to achieve? What resources and assignments were you provided, so you could learn by working? Tell us about the assignments Was the networking accessible through the program useful? What kind of connections have you made? What were the most surprising outcomes, realizations or things you had to change your mind about due to being in the program? For space & defense folks who haven't taken the program, what's the #1 idea you believe they need to hear? Disclaimer: We were not remunerated in any way by Daniel Penaranda or ISU-FIT for this discussion. Useful Links: The Final Frontier Podcast: https://thefinalfrontierpodcast.com/ 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Past 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

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