Walks on West Cliff
The Evolving Dynamics of the “New Space” Industry
I recently enjoyed a windy walk on West Cliff with Danny Andreev, Founder & CEO, and Claire Ricketts, COO, of Sunburn Schematics, a local Santa Cruz engineering firm developing advanced electronics for harsh environments including space.
Danny and Clair shared fascinating insights about the evolving dynamics of the “New Space” industry which is rapidly evolving, moving away from the traditional model of designing every component for maximum lifespan. We’re seeing a shift toward a more agile, cost-effective, and adaptable approach. This means embracing shorter lifespans for sub-assemblies, driven by increased modularity, rapid technological advancements, reduced costs, and the advancing capabilities of in-space manufacturing and servicing.
Key Insights from Danny and Clair:
- It’s cheaper than ever to launch valuable hardware in space.
- The number of satellites in orbit is growing rapidly because of these cost reductions.
- Consequently, the demand for space-grade electrical and hardware components is surging. This creates a significant opportunity for innovative, specialized electrical hardware vendors (like Sunburn Schematics) to support the next generation of space companies.
- A diverse ecosystem of external vendors further lowers the cost and complexity of building satellites and other space hardware by providing readily available off-the-shelf components.
- This all contributes to a virtuous cycle of innovation and accessibility in the space sector.
What are your thoughts on the rapid changes happening in the New Space industry?
