Rodrigo Schmitt holds a PhD in Space Systems Engineering from Purdue and leads Stellerian’s commercialization strategy as Chief Commercial Officer. He specializes in translating complex mission needs into clear offerings, building partnerships across defense and commercial space, and driving customer discovery, pricing, and go-to-market strategy for on-orbit operations. He's also the co-founder of RocketPy, a widely used Python-based rocketry simulation library. In this episode, Rodrigo shares the latest on space exploration, rocket simulation, and his unique experiences from backpacking the Grand Canyon to analog Mars training missions.
Key Takeaways:
- Developments in space exploration
- How RocketPy helps engineers simulate launches
- How Rodrigo balances entrepreneurship and science
Episode Timeline:
00:00\tIntroduction to Rodrigo Schmitt
1:50\t\tTod is learning about astrophysics
2:45\t\tBackpacking the Grand Canyon
5:55\t\tExciting developments in space exploration
7:00\t\tLegal and ethical aspects of space resources
8:00\t\tAI's role in space
11:20\tStar trackers and space navigation using stars
13:07\tRocketPy: Rocket simulation and safety in space competitions
15:35\tRocketPy's future
18:40\tMars Mission desert research stations
21:40\tHow Rodrigo finds balance between entrepreneurship and science
This episode’s guest:
• Follow Rodrigo Schmitt on LinkedIn
• RocketPy's website and Instagram
• Purdue's Mars analog research facility
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