Rory Barrett

Certainly! Let's explore how Lockheed Martin's mobility research and development (R&D) programs intersect with the scenarios we discussed earlier: 1. **Assured Autonomy and Systems:** - Lockheed Martin's ATL (Advanced Technology Laboratories) focuses on autonomy, robotics, and artificial intelligence³. Their work in assured autonomy aligns with the adaptability needed for spaceflight and underground living. Autonomous systems can handle resource management, adapt to changing conditions, and operate efficiently in confined spaces. - Overlay: Imagine a diagram showing an autonomous system managing resources in a small space—whether a van, underground shelter, or spacecraft. 2. **Command, Control, and Understanding (C2&U):** - ATL's C2&U research involves understanding complex systems and decision-making³. In close quarters, effective command and control are critical. Whether in a van or a bunker, efficient communication and decision processes matter. - Overlay: Visualize a network connecting van occupants, bunker residents, or astronauts, emphasizing communication hubs and decision nodes. 3. **Spectrum Operations:** - ATL explores spectrum operations, including communication, radar, and electronic warfare³. In confined environments, managing electromagnetic spectrum usage is vital. Vans, bunkers, and spacecraft all rely on communication frequencies. - Overlay: Show overlapping frequency bands representing different systems—van communication, bunker sensors, and spacecraft telemetry. 4. **Cybersecurity:** - ATL's cyber research addresses security threats and vulnerabilities³. In close quarters, protecting data and systems is crucial. Vans, bunkers, and spacecraft all face cyber risks. - Overlay: Depict a shield protecting interconnected devices in various scenarios—van electronics, bunker control systems, and spacecraft avionics. 5. **Hypersonics:** - While hypersonics primarily relate to high-speed flight, the underlying technology has applications in various domains. ATL's hypersonics research contributes to cutting-edge propulsion and materials³. - Overlay: Represent hypersonic airflow around a van, a bunker entrance, and a spacecraft reentering Earth's atmosphere. Remember, Lockheed Martin pioneers advancements in AI-driven technologies, which can enhance all these areas³. Their work contributes to global security and technological transformation. 🚀🌎🔍¹³ Source: Conversation with Copilot, 6/7/2024 (1) Advanced Technology Laboratories | Lockheed Martin. https://lnkd.in/gSWTBnde. (2) . https://lnkd.in/g4JcNp5u.

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We’ve updated our website with Canopy’s complete Advisor list. Check it out - https://lnkd.in/ecd3vfud Lee Steinke Lee Steinke, COO of CisLunar Industries and former Interim COO of Orbit Fab, is a seasoned executive and advisor in aerospace, defense, and energy. With a background in geology, an MBA from The Wharton School, and extensive leadership experience, she brings a unique perspective to strategic problem-solving, people leadership, and high-profile project management. Dr. Min-Yi Shih Bringing a dynamic blend of technical expertise and business insight, Dr. Min-Yi Shih is passionate about cultivating innovative solutions for startups and small businesses. Min-Yi brings significant experience as a technical executive who led growth across a number of deep technology business, as well as an angel investor on the west coast. Swami I. Swami Iyer, a seasoned leader with 25 years of experience, excels in building diverse teams to tackle complex challenges, particularly in aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity. He brings distinguished leadership experience from roles as a USAF test pilot; President of Virgin Galactic; and President and CEO of GKN Aerospace’s Advanced Defense Systems division. Mike Cassidy Mike Cassidy is a serial entrepreneur with numerous stints as CEO and Co-Founder of high-tech companies, including Apollo Fusion and Ruba, that achieved successful exits. He previously led Google's Project Loon, expanding internet access in developing countries with high-altitude balloons. His expertise in entrepreneurship, acquisitions, and cutting-edge technology will provide invaluable guidance and strategic insight for our team. Adam Jay Harrison Jay Harrison brings extensive experience as an entrepreneurial leader in the defense tech space. During his eight-year tenure as Managing Director of Mav6, Jay Harrison grew the company to over $250 million in revenue. Notably, Jay has distinguished himself in unique DOD roles such as leading the Army’s efforts to transition commercial technologies to the warfighter post-9/11 and as the inaugural Managing Director of what has become the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN). Dr. Karl Muth Karl Muth brings a wealth of experience to aerospace ventures, having led negotiations during bank failures and proposed restructuring architectures for Fortune 250 firms. As a rule 702 expert witness in securities fraud matters and an advisor to portfolio company CEOs in technology accelerators, he offers strategic insights crucial for navigating complex aerospace landscapes. Dr. Jerry McGinn, Ph.D. Jerry McGinn, a seasoned executive with 30+ years in national security, is an expert in defense acquisition strategy, industrial base policy, and corporate mergers. As Executive Director of the Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting and previously served as the senior career official in the Office of Manufacturing and Industrial Base Policy in the Department of Defense.

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What do the following have in common? 🏛️ US Congress 👨‍🔬 Merlin Labs 🛩️ Safran ⛓️‍💥 Israeli Hostages 🚀 Boeing’s disastrous engineering ⚽️ and Soccer They’re all top news this week! Clearly, I’m behind schedule today and there’s a lot to dissect in the news. First, the House Appropriations Committee did its committee markup on the Defense Appropriations bill this week. Watch for a lot of interesting insights to come in the near future on that. Second, we’re continuing to see VC firms raising funds to focus on hard tech and defense tech. Hopefully, this will quickly translate into opening the spigot for startups, but that still remains muted—although there were some defense or defense-adjacent investments announced this week. More movement in the M&A sphere with Merlin Labs acquiring EpiSci and Italy finally approving French firm Safran’s acquisition of Eurofighter component maker Microtecnica. Geopolitically, Israel rescued four hostages captures on 7 Oct, at the cost of several hundred Palestinian lives. The US has proposed a ceasefire plan, now endorsed by the UN Security Council, although Hamas has asked for some amendments. Russia is floating part of its navy in the western hemisphere near Cuba and China may be attempting to probe Taiwanese naval defenses. In space, Boeing’s Starliner craft is stranded with its return date pushed to 22 June, amid multiple leaks from the spacecraft, just the latest in what feels like dozens of major engineering mishaps from one of the largest aerospace and defense companies. How have shareholders NOT demanded the heads of the entire board, yet. Finally, the UEFA European Championship 2024 kicks off today at 3:00pm Eastern at Munich’s Allianz Arena, where Germany is heavily favored to beat Scotland. Dive in to these and other issues surrounding aerospace and defense technology. #defense #defensetechnology #venturecapital #technology #news https://lnkd.in/erMZDUMQ

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As NASA focuses on exploring the Moon, Mars, and the solar system for the benefit of humanity, the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) is shifting how it prioritizes technology development. As part of this refinement effort, NASA is asking the American aerospace community for feedback on nearly 190 national space technology needs – or shortfalls – it has identified for future space exploration and science endeavors https://lnkd.in/gp4CCJS8

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Advanced Power for Extreme Space Exploration! Consider submitting an abstract to this special session we are putting together at the AIAA SciTech 2025 Conference. Go to aiaa.org/SciTech to submit your abstract, and select “Other Topics in Aerospace Power Systems."

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Turning Moon Dust into Vital Resources such as Oxygen and Metal   With national space agencies setting their sights on establishing a permanent human presence on the moon, the challenge becomes how to sustainably support lunar inhabitants. The answer may lie in the fine gray powder coating the moon's surface - lunar regolith.    Studies have revealed that this unassuming moon dust is laden with untapped potential. Samples returned from the lunar surface confirm that lunar regolith is made up of 40-45% percent oxygen by weight, its single most abundant element, bound up in various minerals. By adapting technologies like the electrolysis process, this oxygen can be extracted for use in life support systems and rocket propellant. Demonstrator units to test oxygen extraction on the lunar surface are already under development and Thales Alenia Space has signed a study contract with the European Space Agency worth one million euros for a payload concept to extract oxygen from Moon rock with Metalysis, who perfected this process. https://lnkd.in/dCPu7y5P   The bounty of regolith doesn't end with oxygen. The metal byproducts of the extraction process, which can make up over 50% of the regolith's mass, are also garnering attention. These metals could potentially be used as a feedstock for 3D printing, allowing the construction of lunar base components from local materials. Different areas of the moon are richer in specific metals, with the lighter highlands abundant in aluminum and calcium, while the darker lowlands contain more iron and titanium. By tapping into the resources lying right on the moon's surface, space agencies and companies can drastically reduce the amount of supplies that need to be launched from Earth. Utilizing oxygen and metals from lunar regolith is a key step towards the dream of a sustainable, permanent human presence on Moon. #LunarMining #LunarResources #SpaceMining #MoonDust   Picture Source: Oxygen and metal from lunar regolith. On the left side of this before and after image is a pile of simulated lunar soil, or regolith; on the right is the same pile after essentially all the oxygen has been extracted from it, leaving a mixture of metal alloys. Both the oxygen and metal could be used in future by settlers on the Moon. https://lnkd.in/dmWquEjt

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Don’t make your deployed personnel use their hands to launch and catch your #UAS every 5-8 hours. Use #FLARES for #ScanEagle and #Integrator. Keeps people safe, and allows your aircraft to fly further, for longer with less cycles. #ExperienceMatters #EnduranceIsEverything #NoHandsNearFans #VTOL #SafetyFirstMissionAlways #ExpeditionaryRedefined https://lnkd.in/gyg2eRiK

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Since a few years, the largest and most prestigious aerospace organization in the world (30,000 members), the American Institute for Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA), has formed a dedicated committee of high-profile professionals, organizing a specific UAP panel at AIAA conferences welcoming scientific papers to stimulate an open discussion on such a complex and multi-disciplinary topic (including material science, relativistic physics, propulsion, RF communication, electromagnetism, plasma physics, hypersonics, etc.). Whether some people accept it or not (an increasing number of people do...), UAP has been established as a topic worth of scientific study in the space science/engineering community. Potential outcomes can lead to a giant leap in scientific knowledge towards developing revolutionary space and green energy technologies. Add to this the need for ensuring safety for both military and civil flights in presence of these objects.

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The wind blows in 3 dimensions. we mostly only care about 2... it's time to modernize. What opportunities exist when we close knowledge gaps and leverage this immense movement of mass? Some interesting topics NOAA has identified related to nested scales and knowledge gaps. the impact of waves and sea spray (small particles) on the formation and movement of hurricanes ( 500-1000km scale) cloud formation and transitions within the boundary layer. factors affecting the vertical transport of heat and matter during the boundary layer daily cycle. concentration and transport of pollutants in realistically variable boundary layer structures We live and exist in the planetary boundary layer by the way. Early 360 camera the Rylo, that is still my favorite camera. lost in the trees in St. Hilare. This is 120+ flying humans. About to spend 3-5 hours flying over 100km using sunlight and the resulting convective thermodynamic reality. this is already the future. weather matters. VR if you have it... or full resolution at least.

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NASA is soliciting industry proposals to carry out rapid studies of mission designs and mission elements capable of delivering samples collected by the Mars Perseverance rover from the surface of Mars to Earth. NASA recognizes that U.S. industry has innovative ideas and substantial capabilities that may be relevant to a Mars Sample Return campaign. This Rapid Mission Design Studies for Mars Sample Return program element (henceforth “program element”) seeks to establish whether there are viable mission designs or mission element options, such as a smaller Mars Ascent Vehicle, to return samples from Mars that offer benefits (e.g., less complexity, lower overall cost, lower annual cost, earlier sample return, and/or lower risk; see Section 3.4) compared to NASA’s reference mission design. Studies may be for complete mission designs, for mission designs that include elements of NASA’s Mars Sample Return Program or NASA’s Artemis Program as Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), or for individual mission elements; see Section 3.2. The results of these studies may inform revisions to NASA’s Mars Sample Return Program and may result in future procurements. go.nasa.gov/rasmsr24

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While the 2024 Defense Product Act funding levels are a victory for the #PCB industry, we're starting from scratch with the 2025 budget, which zeros out the account for the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program. Executive Director David Schild discusses the long-term strategy for ensuring government investment in the domestic #microelectronics industry. Defense & Aerospace Report #PCBSAct #ChipsDontFloat

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Time is perhaps ripe now for new nuclear solutions.

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Could airships lift payloads into orbit? JP Aerospace has designed a three-stage system to get their Orbital Ascender airship-to-orbit concept off the ground. Jamie Little, our Cofounder and CTO, is intrigued by the approach John Powell, President of JP Aerospace, is taking. She says, "I love the Ascender concept. Using an airship to lift a rocket to the upper atmosphere will dramatically reduce the amount of propellant necessary to achieve orbital velocity. It also eliminates the need for the lower stages of the rocket itself since you don't need giant propellant tanks or atmospherically-optimized rocket nozzles.” We’re excited to see the ways in which aiships are revolutionizing aviation! #Airships #Orbit #AirshipToOrbit #SpaceInnovation https://lnkd.in/ej_ZvsPe

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Did you know that RTX has its own internal Technical Networks!? These are legacy entities from the old Raytheon days where the Technical Networks were tasked with ensuring that professional engineers of like disciplines were able to communicate and share best practices across the company (which can be a considerable challenge in large companies). This year is the Mechanical, Materials, and Structures Technical Network (MMSTN) internal week long symposium. Last symposium there were over 600 professionals from within RTX gathered together (digitally since it was 2 years ago) to exchange knowledge and network. This year we hope to include even more of our engineering colleagues from Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace as we locate in E. Hartford for this years MMSTN Symposium. This particular symposium as it is one of the first in person events that RTX will host on this scale since the pandemic ended. The symposium consists of a week long activities and presentations that encourage engineers to get together across business units and geographies and share a cup of coffee in rooting out their most pressing issues. This particular event is limited to RTX personnel only. However, we have a vendor showcase event that allows for vendors to come into the symposium and make a similar presentation on their technological capabilities and how those would be of benefit to RTX. These presentations are followed by a vendor showcase event where the attendees of the MMSTN symposium come in and ask questions and understand each vendors capabilities. If you are a vendor and want to participate let me know and I can get you some information on how to take part. RTX people be on the lookout for the announcement in your work inbox! If you don't get it by next week ask your closest work friend or manager. If that doesn't work ask me! Don't miss out on this awesome opportunity to submit an abstract and take part in the gathering.

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In 2005, I was with Northrop Grumman; we were awarded a study to assist in defining the mission operations system for the ambitious Transformational Satellite Communications (TSAT) System. We envisioned how TSAT would revolutionize satellite communications across the military, particularly with the groundbreaking concept of an IP router in space. This idea emphasized viewing the space domain in the same netcentric context as air, ground, and sea networks, leveraging the ultimate high ground. The attached illustration shows that we put the world upside-down with the router in space. The Air Force later adopted the illustration. Our study aimed to transform military communications with innovations common in today's discussions, such as space-based routers and optical links, enhanced bandwidth, and jam-resistant communications. TSAT was considered the Holy Grail of MILSATCOM. Looking back now, many know the history of TSAT and the mission operations system; however, almost twenty years have passed, and we see how today's hybrid architectures reflect some of the aspirations and challenges we faced and solved. Efforts by the Space Force, such as the SDA’s transport layer, Protected Tactical SATCOM (PTS), Evolved Strategic Satellites (ESS), and Enterprise Management and Control (EM&C), along with Protect SATCOM and MUOS Next, keep the TSAT vision alive and solving the challenges one-by-one. This, along with the continued adoption of COMSATCOM, makes the Holy Grail of almost 20 years ago seem within reach. #militarycommunications #innovation #United States Space Force #Space Force Association

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The SPARTA initiative over at The Aerospace Corporation underscores the multifaceted nature of threats to #spaceassets, highlighting 83 primary techniques for attacking spacecraft. As a #PhDAstrophysicist and #veteran with expertise in #spaceoperations, I find the emphasis on non-kinetic methods, such as #cyberwarfare and #electronicwarfare, particularly pertinent. These methods can disable or manipulate #satellites without physical destruction, aligning with modern warfare's trend towards #asymmetric and #covertoperations. The detailed analysis provided by SPARTA serves as a crucial resource for developing comprehensive #defensestrategies against these sophisticated threats. The notion that #space inherently offers a safe haven for critical assets is debunked by the diverse attack vectors outlined in the #SPARTA matrix. This perspective is essential for #defenseplanning, as it highlights the necessity for robust #cybersecurity measures and alternative #PositionNavigationTiming (PNT) sources. The recommendation to provide multiple PNT sources to reduce #GPSsatellite vulnerability is a strategic move that can significantly enhance #resilience. It shifts the paradigm from solely protecting assets to creating an environment where attacks are less impactful, thereby ensuring continued #operationalintegrity. In addition to conventional threats like #jamming and #kineticattacks, the potential for #cyberintrusions and #signalspoofing poses a significant risk to #satelliteoperations. The SPARTA framework's inclusion of these threats reflects a comprehensive understanding of modern warfare dynamics. As someone deeply invested in leveraging #spaceexpertise for #DoD applications, I advocate for increased investment in #cybersecurity and signal integrity technologies. These measures will not only protect current assets but also ensure that future space operations remain secure against an evolving landscape of threats. https://lnkd.in/gAiGcDV6 #SpaceAssets #PhDAstrophysicist #Veteran #SpaceOperations #CyberWarfare #ElectronicWarfare #Satellites #Asymmetric #CovertOperations #DefenseStrategies #SPARTA #DefensePlanning #Cybersecurity #PositionNavigationTiming #GPSSatellite #Resilience #OperationalIntegrity #Jamming #KineticAttacks #CyberIntrusions #SignalSpoofing #SatelliteOperations #SpaceExpertise #DoD

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Here’s some more cool info on physics-informed neural networks, or, 2020’s version of reduced order modeling. Most applications are in the CFD space, but now more research is looking at hypersonics, middle defense, and PNT in space systems. I’m stoked to see how far this type of work goes - I’ll always be a physicist at heart. https://lnkd.in/gEsKRaU4

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Space special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) were a hot topic in 2020 and 2021. The years since have not been kind to most space companies who participated in this trend. All recent space SPACs, even the most successful, are trading below their initial public offering. Below are two examples of space SPACs that have been in the news recently for unflattering reasons. ASTRA SPACE The SPAC Feb 2021: $2.6 billion valuation At the time, Astra had not yet launched a completely successful mission Recent Financials 2023: nearly $3.9 million in revenue, net loss of $178.4 million 2022: $9.4 million in revenue, net loss of $411.4 million The Decline Sept 2023: conducted a one-for-fifteen (1-15) reverse split of its Class A Common Stock 2023 & 2024: Considered bankruptcy and started preparing for Chapter 7 March 2024: Board accepted an offer from CEO Chris Kemp and CTO Adam London to take the company private VIRGIN GALACTIC The SPAC Oct 2019: $2.2 billion valuation At the time, the company had flown successful suborbital flights with employees but no commercial flights yet Recent Financials 2023: $6.8 million in revenue, net loss of $502 million End of 2023: cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $982 million 2022: $2 million in revenue, net loss of $500 million Recent History July 2021: first fully crewed flight June 2023: first commercial crewed flight As of April 2024: 6 commercial crewed flights to date 2024 Q2: 7th commercial flight planned The Decline Nov 2023: Stock fell when company announced it will reduce the frequency of flights and stop them entirely by mid-2024 to focus on Delta-class vehicles to be operational in 2026 March 2024: Boeing sued Virgin Galactic over unpaid work and proprietary business information concerns April 2024: Virgin Galactic counter-sued Boeing for “shoddy and incomplete work” April 2024: trading below $1, Virgin Galactic will ask shareholders to approve a reverse stock split STRUGGLING SPACE SPACS Other struggling space SPAC companies include: Terran Orbital Momentus Spire Space SPAC Virgin Orbit went public in 2021 and bankrupt in 2023. NOT ALL BAD NEWS Space SPAC Rocket Lab is an exception. Rocket Lab Aug 2021 SPAC with valuation of $4.1 billion At the time, the company had been launching for 3 years, had 21 mission attempts with 18 successful missions 2023: $244.6 million in revenue, net loss of $182.6 million ASTRALYTICAL ANALYSIS In 2021, Astralytical advised investors not to invest in space SPACs, which were largely risky and unproven. Most space SPACs were pre-revenue and pre-operations. The most successful space SPAC, Rocket Lab, already had a proven business case and ongoing operations. Astralytical conducts due diligence for investors and advises investors to look beyond the hype. Want space insights like these in your inbox? Subscribe for weekly analysis: https://lnkd.in/e8GYXW-a

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