Space is Just Another Place to Do Business: It's Not a Unique Frontier w/ Jeffrey Manber #15

In This Episode

Join David Goldsmith as he welcomes Jeffrey Manber, CEO of Nanoracks, to explore the evolving landscape of commercial space exploration. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Jeffrey shares his insights on why humanity has not returned to the moon in 50 years and discusses the changing roles of space agencies. He emphasizes the importance of government as a customer in fostering a commercial space marketplace.

Throughout the conversation, Jeffrey recounts personal stories from his career, including his pivotal role in privatizing the Russian space program and leasing the Mir space station. He also addresses contemporary challenges such as income inequality in the space sector and the potential risks of a venture capital bubble. The discussion highlights how space exploration can benefit society and reshape our future.

Unexpectedly, the conversation takes a deeper dive into the societal implications of space commercialization, reflecting on how public perception may influence future developments. Jeffrey’s passion for making space a normal place for business shines through as he connects these themes to broader human progress.

Episode Outlines

• The significance of the 50-year gap since humans last landed on the moon
• The evolving role of space agencies in a commercial landscape
• Elon Musk's impact on current excitement in the space industry
• The commercialization of space: lessons from the Russian experience
• Concerns about income inequality within the commercial space sector
• The venture capital bubble: opportunities and risks for new companies
• Jeffrey's best career moments and experiences with MirCorp
• How government partnerships can drive innovation in space
• The importance of maintaining a middle-class presence in the industry
• Future prospects for sustainable life on Earth and beyond

Biography of the Guest

Jeffrey Manber is the CEO of Nanoracks, a leading provider of commercial access to space. With over three decades in the aerospace industry, he has played a crucial role in advancing commercial space initiatives, including working with NASA and international partners.

Jeffrey's significant career achievements include being one of the first Americans to work with the Russian space program during its privatization phase and leading efforts to keep the Mir space station operational through innovative commercial agreements. He has also been instrumental in developing public-private partnerships that have reshaped how government interacts with commercial entities in aerospace.

He holds a degree from New York University and has authored works highlighting the intersection of business and space exploration. His recent projects focus on expanding Nanoracks' capabilities while advocating for sustainable practices that benefit both Earth and future endeavors in outer space.

The themes in today’s episode are just the beginning. Dive deeper into innovation, interconnected thinking, and paradigm-shifting ideas at  www.projectmoonhut.org—where the future is being built.