SPACE IN 60

Podcast: SPACE IN 60 Episode: Kam Shahid Welcome to this episode of the SPACE IN 60 podcast, hosted by Clint Graumann, Andrew Pylypchuk and Chad Baker! After talking briefly about the highly anticipated Inspiration4 launch the group turns to guest and former RapidEye colleague Kam Shahid. Kam is a skilled satellite engineer, and he drove the satellites at RapidEye. While currently working in machine learning and AI, he’s a perpetual space nerd and keeps close tabs on the industry! As disappointing as it may be that the joystick at RapidEye was just a prop, and that satellites are actually driven by code, Kam’s space background is still fascinating. Along with his work in the practical details of the industry - getting lost in the deep data and analysis required to manage satellites - Kam spent many years in the academic side of the space scene. He’s moved all the way through post-doctoral studies, training as an aeronautical engineer specializing in satellite dynamics and control. He has a special interest in orbital mechanics, and even in the minutia of some of his roles, he’s never thought driving satellites was anything less than really cool. Given his background, Kam is uniquely qualified to comment on current events in the space industry. Clint, Andrew, and Chad wonder what he thinks about newly developing software that enables ordinary user requests for satellite functions. While the concept is interesting, Kam acknowledges, it doesn’t seem to have much practical merit. More exciting to Kam, specifically within the realm of satellite constellation, are things like what SpaceX and OneWeb are doing. Their projects are making launches more readily available, and this in turn offers to bring major worldwide changes. For one thing, underdeveloped, rural areas can finally gain internet access, which means that they can have unprecedented access to educational opportunities. From cheaper launches to growing abilities to get to different orbits, the world of tech is opening before our eyes. This brings much opportunity, but also new questions - such as how to make sure a launch won’t hit something! After all, with new things in space, there is much more to dodge now! Kam offers thoughts on this question, enjoys an “aviation deviation” with his hosts, and finally provides input on what he’s looking forward to in the space industry. For Kam, it’s particularly exciting to look ahead to the inevitable return to the moon. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! Links: Learn more about Kam Shahid and connect on LinkedIn. Connect with Clint Graumann on LinkedIn and Twitter. Connect with Andrew Pylypchuk on LinkedIn and Twitter. Connect with Chad Baker on LinkedIn Learn more about SPACE IN 60 and connect on Twitter.