SpaceX: Mission Operations, Business Model & Culture

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I didn't add any questions about that, but we can discuss it a bit. How did SpaceX change as an organization while you were there?

It matured significantly. It became less risk-prone and more risk-averse over time. The people who started all this grew up. There wasn't much senior leadership when I joined. I was in my thirties and considered a senior member. So, it matured. They became extremely conscientious and proficient at what they do, as is evident. There was a level of creativity and empowerment that permeated the entire organization, which was quite fascinating. I hope that provides some insight.

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Why is he so crucial? People usually talk about Elon and Gwynne.

Mark is the one who makes everything happen. Elon, while he is at the top and is extremely interested and helpful, is only there part-time. Gwynne, on the other hand, is like me, but older and more experienced. She is a manager's manager and is very good with customers, applying internal pressure, and positively representing Elon to motivate people to work. However, the technical leadership and the actual success of anything comes from Mark and his team.

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But do you consider Rocket Lab a significant competitor to SpaceX?

They are a competitor in the same way that Cessna competes with Boeing.

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