DIB Innovators

EP 3 — Rogue Space Systems’s Jeromy Grimmett on the Horizon-less Possibilities of In-Space Services

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Jeromy Grimmett, Founder & CEO at Rogue Space Systems Corporation, a provider of sustainable in-space services. They discuss how the company was created and went from idea to an "orbot" in space in four years, what satellite projects they're working on, and the process for getting a craft onto a rocket and launched. They also discuss team leadership, how to drive innovation in the space arena, and what opportunities lay ahead for space economies and communications.
Topics discussed:
How Rogue Space Systems Corp. got off the ground by "brute force," and how they went from an idea to a satellite in space in four years.
An overview of the "orbots" that Rogue is creating, what's up in space now, and what the plan is for future launches.
The biggest challenges to getting a spacecraft launched, including regulatory and licensing.
The process of getting their “orbot” into space, including all the things that could go wrong and all the things that went right, and what it's like to see a rocket launch with your product on board.
How they drive innovation through having a great team, problem-solving, creativity, and embracing failure.
Where Rogue stands on their cybersecurity initiatives, and how they're taking proactive steps to protect their IP.
The biggest advancements for the future of space and the massive opportunities for innovation there. 

EP 2 — ATLAS Space’s John Williams on the Space Community’s Evolving Place in the DIB

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with John Williams, Chief Executive Officer at ATLAS Space Operations, the leading provider of ground software as a service in the space communications industry. They discuss John's extensive career both in the Air Force and various defense companies, how innovation and business models in the DIB are evolving, and how the space community is becoming its own entity. They also talk about the importance of cybersecurity, what tech investments ATLAS is making to better manage terabytes of data, and advice for entrepreneurs.
Topics discussed:
How John's background in the Air Force and various defense companies has allowed him to lead change in the DIB.
The differences between "old space" and "new space" in terms of speed of innovation and different business models.
How the space community is "coming into its own" in the DIB, how it's updating old business models, and the challenges it still faces. 
What ATLAS Space is doing to improve satellite communications and moving content from space to ground.
Where tech investments like machine learning, data management, and better hardware are supporting innovation.
How ATLAS approaches cybersecurity, including a talented team and third-party support.
Advice to entrepreneurs to learn more about the commercial world, especially if they're coming from a military background.

EP 1 — Micro-Ant’s Charles McCarrick on Innovation and Opportunity in the DIB

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Charles McCarrick, Founder, President, and Chief Scientist at Micro-Ant, a company that develops and manufactures custom antennas. They discuss what it's like to work in the Defense Industrial Base, including the excitement around innovation and the challenges of red tape. They also talk about how Micro-Ant thinks about security and IP protection, advice for entrepreneurs on how to create better processes, and what the future holds for defense tech.
Topics discussed:
The exciting aspects of working in the DIB, like innovation and partnerships.
What Charles learned about business from growing up with older brothers, and how he wrote about it in the book Lessons My Brothers Taught Me. 
The challenges to working in the DIB, especially the friction caused by red tape.
How Micro-Ant thinks about security and how it goes about protecting its intellectual property.
Advice for entrepreneurs who are just starting out with their innovations and how they can build their businesses through consistent processes and planning.
How Micro-Ant won a competition at the Artic Circle by being the only one to close a link to a satellite.
What the future holds for defense tech innovation, especially around resiliency.