As Spaces Evolves into a “Normal Market”, How Will This Impact the Competition?

On the Space to Grow podcast, Astroscale’s Chris Blackerby and Charity Weeden bring their compelling experience and expertise to map out the technology, international policy, and scalability that will define the next generation of space exploration.

In this episode, Kevin O’Connell discussed his career in government that led to his present business of informing and defining space commerce as a consultant for companies throughout the globe. As founder and CEO of Space Economy Rising, LLC, O’Connell speaks to the past and future of space commerce. With decades of experience working within government institutions, including the White House as well as speaking before US Congress committees on a variety of issues, O’Connell is uniquely positioned to provide insight into an industry that is both elusive and relevant.

When asked about his transition to the private sector, O’Connell spoke to his decision as follows:

“We’ve had a lot of folks talk to us over the last few years to say hey Kevin you just have to slow this all down. You have to slow all of this work down, especially in lower earth orbit. And, our view was that we looked very hard for data driven approaches to regulation we were going to regulate. What would be the analytic basis upon which we would do it.

We worked with the FCC when they issued their orbital debris mitigation guidelines to say okay what pieces of this rule are supported by what kinds of evidence. And, in a lot of cases there was a lot of wishful thinking but there wasn’t a lot of data rigorously collected to support that. And I would say that regulation that is uninformed and just based on wishful thinking can really do tremendous damage to an industry. So, you have to think about it that way. I think you do.”

This intriguing podcast goes on to explore O’Connell’s transition out of government and to what he is doing now in the private sector as well as what lessons he is bringing forward into his present business.

Of the many hats O’Connell wears, the most significant of his present contributions is in the field of space economy. This includes advising companies on

  • Space Industry
  • Technology
  • Space finance community
  • Basics that must be done as an early-stage company in this field
  • Competitors
  • Orbital debris mitigation strategies
  • Cyber security strategies
  • Investment Risk Management
  • And much more.

Tune in to learn from this renowned expert as the discussion covers everything from how he got to where he is to what he envisions for the future of space economy.

More in This Series

This Season’s Mission Will Be Making Space Relatable

The Evolving Diplomatic Side of Space Sustainability

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

Coupa Inspire 2025
A Global Conversation: Coupa Inspire 2025 Brings Innovation to Your Doorstep
September 12, 2025

Coupa Inspire 2025 is taking its flagship experience on the road with the Inspire World Tour, bringing the spirit of its celebrated event to five cities across four continents. By condensing the energy of its global gathering into free, one-day sessions, Coupa is expanding access to knowledge, innovation, and community-building opportunities for finance, procurement, and…

Read More
Royal Dublin
Mastering the Game: Akshay Bhatia and Coupa Inspire at the Royal Dublin
September 12, 2025

At the Royal Dublin, Coupa brought together community and competition with PGA pro and brand ambassador Akshay Bhatia, who shared lessons from the course that extend far beyond golf. His message, “Master your swing. Master your spend,” underscored the power of precision, discipline, and strategy in both sport and business. The event was not just…

Read More
Coupa Customer Appreciation Day with Akshay Bhatia at The Royal Dublin
September 11, 2025

Coupa’s Customer Appreciation Day at The Royal Dublin on July, 2025, brought together PGA Tour talent Akshay Bhatia and the community for a celebration of both sport and connection. Beyond the excitement of world-class golf, Bhatia shared practical “tour-level tips” in a relaxed clinic format, offering guidance on everything from escaping rough lies to mastering…

Read More
The Royal Dublin
Coupa Spotlight: Akshay Bhatia Tees Up Teaching at The Royal Dublin
September 11, 2025

American golfer Akshay Bhatia’s teaching session at The Royal Dublin this July marks more than a summer stop—it’s a sign of how golf’s rising stars are shaping the global game. For Coupa, the event highlights the intersection of tradition and modern growth, bringing fresh attention to one of Ireland’s most historic courses. Bhatia’s presence underscores…

Read More