In this episode, my guest is Michael Staab, a Senior Systems Engineer with extensive experience in space mission design, having worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Northrop Grumman, Blue Origin, and ICON. We delve into Michael’s fascinating career journey, from his early days at NASA JPL to his current work on ICON’s Phoenix project-a groundbreaking robotic construction system.
The conversation explores the vital role of systems engineering in space missions, the intricacies of designing missions for Mars and beyond, and the differences between crewed and robotic missions. Michael shares insights into spacecraft energy management, planetary protection challenges, and how AI and robotics transform mission design.
We also discuss the evolving space industry, including the rise of commercial space companies like SpaceX, and how they influence traditional agencies like NASA. This episode offers a unique perspective on the future of space exploration and the innovative approaches driving it forward.
Michael Staab
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-staab-302b8b53/
Omar Alayli - Social & Website
Website: futurespacearchitecture.com
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Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
1:26 - Michael's Journey in Aerospace Engineering
5:55 - SpaceX's Successful Starship's Booster Return
7:40 - The Role of an Aerospace Systems Engineer
13:18 - How to Become a Good Systems Engineer
15:12 - Astronauts vs Passengers
17:18 - Applying to becoming an Astronaut
18:12 - Mission Design and Objectives
19:54 - Designing for Mars Missions
24:01 - Systems Engineers Love Margins - Systems Budget
27:47 - Gravity Assist in spacecraft trajectory design - Europa Clipper
30:11 - Differences Between Crewed and Robotic Missions
31:27 - Spacecraft Longevity
32:43 - Exploring Europa: Life Surveying and Planetary Protection
35:04 - SpaceX Landing it's Booster : Learning from Failures
35:53 - Traditional vs. Iterative Systems Engineering
38:19 - The SpaceX's & Blue Origin's Approach to Systems Engineering
39:16 - Value of SpaceX's Test Data in Aerospace Engineering
42:43 - Commercial Space Companies: The Future of Space Exploration
46:48 - AI and Robotics in Space Mission Design
50:39 - Innovations in Lunar Construction and 3D Printing
56:36 - The Exciting Future of the Space Industry
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