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 niche market segments where large players aren’t yet competing.

Charania also introduces the concept of “regulatory pathfinders”—countries outside the U.S. where startups can move faster—and frames the current decade as a pivotal time for commercial space to influence national priorities and global norms.

Takeaways:
• NASA now acts as a catalyst, outsourcing most of its $25B budget to industry
• Autonomy, power, and comms services will enable long-term space missions
• Niche entry points and early-stage R&D are ideal for private innovators
• National licensing regimes shape the pace of commercial space globally