LAP - Learning Advisory Partners
LAP S08 - Ion Yadigaroglu: Investing in the Space Economy: Realities, Challenges, and Opportunities
46m
Ion Yadigaroglu, early investor in Tesla, SpaceX, and Planet, offers a grounded analysis of where real opportunities lie in the emerging space economy. Using data-driven comparisons between rockets and aircraft, he explains the economics behind launch systems and why some business models make sense while others remain speculative.
He emphasizes the importance of understanding orbital mechanics and energy costs to assess commercial viability. From satellite constellations to long-term human presence in space, Yadigaroglu maps out which sectors may scale and which will face barriers of cost and complexity.
Takeaways:
• Launch cost and energy use define business feasibility in space
• Ground infrastructure is often more critical than space assets
• Telecom and data analytics are still the most scalable applications
• Major ventures require deep capital, patience, and precise timing
Up Next in Season 8 - The Business of Space (Apr, 2025)
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LAP S08 - Glen Martin: Frontier of Lu...
Glen Martin, CEO of the Extraterrestrial Mining Company, outlines how lunar mining could reshape energy, computing, and finance. He shares how his team is designing a commercial infrastructure to extract helium-3—a rare, valuable isotope critical for fusion reactors, quantum computing, and medica...
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LAP S08 - AC Charania: Building the S...
AC Charania, former Chief Technologist of NASA, explains how the space economy is evolving through public-private collaboration, reusable systems, and regulatory strategy. He outlines how entrepreneurs can engage by leveraging open NASA resources, understanding licensing regimes, and focusing on ...
