Episode 2: Satellites that Chase Each Other with Ari Rosner

In this episode, we hear from Ari Rosner, the Head of Product at True Anomaly. True Anomaly is building a constellation of satellites that perform Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) in space and a suite of software simulation tools to support these complex missions. His company is focused on how to safely navigate close to other satellites, a challenge where relative velocities can hit 15 kilometers per second in an austere environment. Ari is a CalTech graduate, a former NASA Jet Propulsion Labs Engineer, a COVID-era product founder, a former deep tech venture investor at Riot Ventures, and is now responsible for making this vision a reality at True Anomaly.

Key Takeaways

• Learn about the changes in the space industry that made it possible to build a constellation with such advanced capabilities in 18 months for orders of magnitude less money.

• How to earn sales for a hard tech product before it’s built

• Understand how to visualize relative satellite motion in three dimensions when positions are known only probabilistically

• How they got user feedback in an environment where most customers won’t talk about their missions

• Learn how they think about satellite autonomy and the future of spaceflight.

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In this episode, we cover:

• Introduction (00:45)

• True Anomaly's Mission and Innovations (01:17)

• User Feedback and Sales Strategy (01:41)

• Challenges in Space Security (03:04)

• Technological Advancements in Space (06:08)

• Product Development Challenges (08:19)

• User Experience and Visualization (13:16)

• Hardware-Software Integration (14:40)

• Program Management vs. Product Management (17:20)

• Internal and External User Feedback (19:56)

• Rapid Development and Iteration (22:35)

• Pre-Selling and Customer Engagement (25:57)

• Evolving Product Strategy (29:27)

• Balancing Automation and Human Oversight (39:55)

• True Anomaly’s Future Plans (41:47)

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You can connect with Ari Rosner through the following platforms:

• X: https://twitter.com/rosner_ari

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ari-rosner/

• Website: https://www.trueanomaly.space

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You can connect with Adam through the following platforms:

• X: https://twitter.com/Ajuggles

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-judelson/

• Website: www.firstprinciples.la

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For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email adam@firstprinciples.la.

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