EP 5 — Orbit Fab's Daniel Faber on Launching and Protecting Their "Gas Stations in Space"

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Daniel Faber, CEO and Co-founder at Orbit Fab, a satellite refueling service provider. They discuss the problem of "sitting duck" satellites and how Orbit Fab is solving that problem with "gas stations in space" to supply fuel to spacecraft in orbit, launching in 2025. They also talk about the challenges of building a business in a market that hasn't previously existed, how they tested a proof of concept on the ISS, what working with NASA is like, and the cybersecurity steps they’re taking to protect products and customers.

Topics discussed:

• How Orbit Fab evolved its concept of "gas stations in space," how it's working up to its launch in 2025, and the future possibilities of being the in-orbit chemical supplier of choice.
• Solving the problem of "sitting duck" satellites with in-orbit refueling to protect national security assets.
• How Orbit Fab is increasing its cybersecurity, including CMMC compliance, to protect itself and deliver safer products to customers.
• The details behind Orbit Fab's proof of concept test on the International Space Station.
• How working with NASA and their requirements was a more straightforward process than expected.
• The biggest challenges of building a business in a market that hasn't previously existed, and how investors are taking a big bet on becoming first movers.
• Balancing the tension of moving fast while also needing to produce reliable products.