Introduction: Join us for another captivating episode of the Building Texas Show, where host Justin McKenzie delves into the minds and missions of the visionaries propelling Texas into the cosmic frontier. This week, we sit down with retired Colonel and astronaut Jack Fischer, affectionately known as "Two Fish," to explore his journey from the heart of Houston to the vast expanse of space and his current groundbreaking work with Intuitive Machines.

Episode Summary: In this episode, Justin and Jack take a deep dive into the inspiring story of Jack's love affair with space, ignited right at the Johnson Space Center. They discuss Jack's illustrious career at the Air Force Academy, the sense of community in rural airbases, and the critical work ethic required in the space industry. Then, they explore the remarkable innovations and entrepreneurial spirit at Intuitive Machines, shedding light on their rapid testing strategies, industry partnerships, and upcoming projects poised to revolutionize lunar exploration.

Episode Highlights:

• Jack Fischer's childhood inspiration and early experiences in aviation.
• The pivotal role of rural air force bases and the importance of camaraderie.
• How the Texas Space Commission and space education initiatives are shaping the future.
• Intuitive Machines' approach to rapid innovation and the importance of early and frequent testing.
• The story behind the lunar lander Odysseus and its successor Athena, and their significance for commercial space exploration.

Quotes from the Episode:

1. "Space is that thing at the edge of your imagination that you can't quite almost believe it's real. And yet it is, because we came together to accomplish something amazing." – Jack Fischer
2. "If you really want to dream and do something incredible, you gotta work hard at it." – Jack Fischer
3. "Find your spark. The human soul ignited is the most powerful force on the planet or anywhere else." – Jack Fischer

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