Why HBS Is Teaching MBAs about the Economics of Space

Today, Pathfinder turns the complexity up a notch by simultaneously welcoming two speakers onto the show. Matt Weinzierl and Brendan Rosseau research, write, and develop coursework at the intersection of space and economics. They teach MBA students at a business school just outside of Boston (why yes, we are indeed referring to Harvard Business School). Today’s episode is brought to you by Altek Space, which provides custom manufacturing of essential parts and components for rockets and satellites, including smallsats. Find out more at https://www.altek-inc.com/spaceWhy is HBS so invested in space?As Matt and Brendan wrote in a widely read Harvard Business Review essay, ”Your Company Needs a Space Strategy. Now.” The two join Ryan today to discuss the thinking behind this theory, along with: Space-for-space vs. space-for-EarthWhat types of students study space at HBS?The most encouraging signs of “innovism” on orbitWhy we’re living through an inflection point in spaceShould we prioritize human spaceflight or automation?The chicken and egg problem facing space station developersCould the commercial space market be in the middle of a bubble?…and more! Ryan quizzes the two on how their “space strategy” framework would apply to sectors ranging from semiconductors to consumer packaged goods, and probes for areas where the two disagree. You don’t want to miss this convo—it’s bound to shape how you think about the economics of space. Chapters00:00 – Intro 02:54 — Matt + Brendan bios03:50 — how’d you land here?08:59 — why HBS is teaching about space12:28 — professionalization of the space industry 14:18 — who’s taking space courses at HBS 17:36 — space hiring from Big Tech? 21:30 — the industry is at an inflection point25:18 — “Your Company Needs a Space Strategy. Now.” 29:43 — Applying that theory to e-commerce…31:03  …consumer packaged goods, and…32:37 …semiconductors34:23 — So…what’s HBS’s space strategy?!35:45 — Data, capabilities, resources, and markets37:04 — Space-for-space vs. space-for-Earth41:36 — Private vs. public players 43:44 — What in the world is innovism? 47:39 — KPIs for commercial success in space 55:32 — Thoughts on the launch market 1:02:35 — Commercial space bubble?1:05:06 — Lightning roundAbout usPathfinder is brought to you by Payload, a modern space media brand, and while we have designs on becoming the biggest space content company in the galaxy, for now, we publish: 1) Payload, our flagship daily newsletter, every Monday to Friday morning 2) Pathfinder, this podcast, on Tuesday mornings 3) ...and 💫Parallax!💫 on Thursday afternoons. Subscribe to our daily newsletter and find out more about Payload at www.payloadspace.com.