Steve Isakowitz is the President and CEO of the Aerospace Corporation, the only federally-funded research and development center for the United States’ space enterprise. A highly-regarded leader in the government, private, space, and technology sectors, Steve has served in prominent roles. These include serving as the Chief Financial Officer of the U.S. Department of Energy from 2007 to 2011 and the President of Virgin Galactic from 2011 to 2016. He was also the Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration at NASA—a position he held from 2002 to 2006. Steve completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has been awarded various accolades in recognition of his work, including NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal and the Presidential Distinguished Rank Award.
Steve joins us today to discuss the new space age. You’ll learn how his career in engineering was ignited by the Apollo mission and Stanley Kubrick’s classic film, 2001: A Space Odyssey. He discusses how seemingly random events and small kindnesses helped sustain his childhood interests. He describes the congested, contested, and commercial aerospace environment. He explains the notion of space as a service rather than a place and explores the topic of mining the moon. You’ll also gain insight into why space exploration is a great unifier of nations and how finding the right mentors can help spark your passion.
“People think of space as ‘limitless,’ but as we do more in it, we need more global effort to regulate what we do in lower orbits and be more responsible.” - Steve Isakowitz
This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:
● The young Steve Isakowitz and his journey into the aerospace industry
● One of the biggest challenges of the U.S. space program
● Why sports are a great way to learn organizational management
● Steve’s academic path and the importance of mentors in your career
● His stints in government and the lessons he learned from them
● The 1986 Challenger explosion and how government policies drive the space industry
● Steve’s thoughts on space tourism and cleaning debris in the low Earth orbit
● The Long Duration Exposure Facility and how many countries participate in space programs
● The evolving business dynamics of the space industry
● International cooperation and science diplomacy through space programs
● The ISRU and the plans to mine the moon
● Steve’s favorite math equation and his love for The Martian
● His advice to young people for navigating life and career
Our Favorite Quotes:
● “Education is the one thing that can’t be taken from you.” - Steve Isakowitz
● “It’s one thing to have the ‘spark,’ but it’s the little things along the way that make the difference— that keep the fire burning in you and make you want to keep going.” - Steve Isakowitz
Connect with Steve Isakowitz:
● Aerospace
● Aerospace on LinkedIn
● Aerospace on Instagram
● Aerospace on Facebook
● Aerospace on Twitter
● Steve Isakowitz on LinkedIn
Spaceship Not Required
I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.
I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.
In this podcast, you can explore, reflecting on lessons learned from life so far and from my brilliant and ever-inquisitive guests. We explore together in this very moment from right where you are--spaceship not required.
Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.
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