By Ravi Sundara, Deep Tech Syndicate
Product management in the space tech industry is a dynamic and multifaceted role that demands a blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and innovative thinking. This field involves overseeing the development and deployment of advanced technologies designed for space exploration and utilization. Product managers in this sector must navigate complex challenges, including integrating cutting-edge technologies, compliance with rigorous and evolving safety and regulatory standards, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams. Their work is crucial in transforming theoretical concepts into practical applications that can withstand the harsh conditions of space, ultimately contributing to advancements in space exploration and commercial space endeavours.
In this episode, we travel to the final frontier with Mulham Terkaoui, Semiconductor Payload Product Manager at Space Forge, as he shares his unique perspective on product management in the space tech industry! With a background as an Aerospace Engineer specializing in spacecraft engineering, Mulham brings six years of experience in drones, robotics, helicopter safety, and payload design. He now leads the development of all payload technologies at Space Forge from conception to testing and integration.
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Key Takeaways:
Space Forge: Revolutionizing Material Science in Space
Space Forge is at the forefront of space manufacturing, aiming to manufacture high-quality base crystals in the unique environment of space and bring them back to Earth to harness their superior properties. Their innovative approach not only produces materials with the highest quality but also delivers an overall carbon negative outcome.
Bridging the Gap: Stakeholder Management Across Industries
One of the biggest challenges Mulham discusses is bridging the communication gap between stakeholders from the space tech and semiconductor industries. While both sectors have an intertwined history dating back to the Apollo program, each operates with distinct perspectives, expectations, and metrics for success.
Semiconductor industry stakeholders, for instance, often have a data-driven approach, focusing on metrics such as process repeatability. Conversely, those from the space tech sector tend to be more visionary, interested in the grand potential and future direction of the technology.
To effectively manage stakeholder expectations, Mulham emphasizes the importance of understanding the background and interests of each stakeholder group. By tailoring communication and highlighting specific metrics, he ensures everyone remains informed and aligned on the product roadmap.
Navigating the Cosmos of Product Management in Space Tech
Mulham highlights several key differences in managing products in the space tech industry compared to traditional sectors.
- Long Development Cycles: Space tech projects often involve significantly longer development timelines than traditional software products, requiring meticulous planning, adaptability, and effective communication with stakeholders.
- External Dependencies: Launch schedules, regulatory approvals, and international collaborations introduce a layer of complexity and uncertainty to product launches in the space tech industry.
- Bespoke Products: Early-stage space tech products are often custom-made for specific applications, requiring a deep understanding of individual customer needs and challenges.
Thriving Amidst Uncertainty: Strategies for Success
To navigate these challenges and ensure product success, Mulham offers some valuable learnings from his experience:
- Focus on the Grand Vision: By maintaining a clear vision of the ultimate goal, teams can navigate the inevitable changes and challenges that arise during long development cycles.
- Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability: Rigidity in planning can be detrimental in a dynamic environment like the space tech industry. Product roadmaps should accommodate change and uncertainty.
- Understand and Empower Your Team: Take the time to understand individual team members’ motivations, strengths, and areas for growth. Delegate tasks strategically to leverage these strengths.
This episode provides a captivating glimpse into the unique world of product management at the forefront of space tech and semiconductor manufacturing. Mulham’s insights underscore the importance of adaptability, communication, and a deep understanding of your customer’s needs to thrive in the dynamic landscape of deep tech
Timestamps:
Timestamps:
(00:00) Teaser
(01:20) Podcast Intro
(01:49) Mulham Intro
(02:53) Spaceforge intro and products?
(06:39) What sectors/customers benefit from in-space manufacturing?
(08:47) Product management in space tech?
(13:18) Product strategy with bespoke customer requirements
(16:30) Space brings very diverse stakeholder dimensions
(18:27) How to do stakeholder management in practice?
(22:24) Managing critical dependencies
(26:55) How to scale in the sector?
(27:57) Impact of geopolitics on product launch and roadmaps
(30:48) Advice for people getting into space products
(33:45) Keeping an open line of conversation with customers
(35:26) How to keep teams motivated ?
(38:50) Interesting Space tech trend
(41:25) Book recommendation
(42:59) Book recommendation
(44:33) Outro and links to join the deep tech product community
Resources:
Book Recommendations: Chip War by Chris Miller (https://amzn.eu/d/7lAtKDY) and The Right Kind of Crazy by Adam Steltzner and William Patrick (https://amzn.eu/d/b08u1Lx).
Brought to you by
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With support from :
Space Impulse – the world’s leading database on space investments and market activity. Space Impulse provides insightful data and analysis to navigate the rapidly evolving space landscape.
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