The Evolution of the Satellite Economy

ℹ️ EPISODE INFO

Released

October 6, 2023

Duration

38m

Channel

a16z

Watch on YouTube

▶ Open ↗

📝 EPISODE DESCRIPTION

In 2022, a record 186 rocket launches signaled a space renaissance. On the a16z Podcast, Astranis co-founder John Gedmark discusses satellite innovations, market players, competition, and the mission to provide internet access to 4 billion underserved people. Topics Covered: 00:00: Emergence of the commercial space industry 04:19 - The rise of private companies and startups in space 07:29 - Technological advancements fueling space innovation 09:41 - Geostationary orbit satellites 13:17 - Challenges with operating satellites in geo orbit 15:53 - Earth orbit (LEO) VS. geostationary orbit (GEO) 17:52 - How satellite technology can bridge the digital divide 22:57 - Solving the 4 billion person global connectivity problem 25:40 - Government as a buyer of satellite services 31:29 - The technological updates needed in satellite technology 33:19 - Opportunities in the satellite and space industry Resources: Learn more about Astranis: https://www.astranis.com Find John on Twitter: https://x.com/Gedmark?s=20 Stay Updated: Find a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16z Find a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/ Follow our host: https://twitter.com/stephsmithio Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.

🎤 SPEAKERS

• John Gedmark

  guest

  Co-founder of Astranis, a company building smaller GEO communications satellites for broadband and backhaul.

• Steph Smith

  host

  Host on the a16z podcast, interviewing guests about technology and business.

🧾 EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of a16z, featuring John Gedmark and Steph Smith, The Evolution of the Satellite Economy explores astranis Co-Founder Explains Small Satellites Driving a New Golden Age Gedmark describes three eras of spaceflight, from Apollo through the entrenched cost-plus shuttle era to today's private, startup-driven industry, enabled by shuttle retirement, dot-com wealth, and cheaper technology.

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