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

Why Connectivity Has Become the Cornerstone of Modern Industrial Automation
December 11, 2025

Industrial automation is in the middle of a profound shift, as manufacturers push beyond basic control toward fully connected, data-driven operations that bridge the plant floor and the enterprise. What began years ago as early experiments in digital transformation—simply getting PLC data into IT systems—has now accelerated into a critical business imperative fueled by…

Read More
European fiber infrastructure trends
Europe’s Fiber Future: Trends, Standards, and Market Shifts
December 11, 2025

In this episode of Wavelengths, the Amphenol Broadband Solutions podcast, host Daniel Litwin connects with Carsten Engelke, Director of Technology at ANGA, to deliver a comprehensive primer on the European fiber market as it undergoes a major transformation ahead of ANGA COM 2026. As Europe accelerates its fiber-first strategies, operators, vendors, and policymakers…

Read More
purpose
From Amazon Leader to Franchise Owner: Ramiah Martin on Leadership, Purpose, and Legacy
December 10, 2025

Many professionals reach a moment when the title, the salary, and the climb aren’t enough anymore. They start looking for work that feels meaningful — work that reflects who they are and what they want their lives to stand for. And with millions of Americans stepping out to build businesses of their own in…

Read More
imposter syndrome
Busting Imposter Syndrome Through Presence, Community, and the Power of Delegation
December 10, 2025

Many of us know the feeling: you rack up accomplishments, hit the milestones you once dreamed of, and still there’s a quiet voice asking, “Am I really good enough?” Imposter syndrome has a way of showing up even in our strongest moments, often right when we’re stepping into new opportunities or chapters of growth. And…

Read More