Jim Cantrell, CEO & Co-Founder of Phantom Space

Buckle up as Jim Cantrell, the maverick uncle of the space industry, joins us to chart his extraordinary journey from tinkering with household gadgets to pioneering projects at NASA’s JPL. Now at the helm of Phantom Space, Jim is on a mission to democratize space travel, inspired by Henry Ford’s principles of mass production. Get ready to discover how Phantom Space aims to open up the final frontier, making space missions affordable for individuals and corporations alike.

Jim delves into the complexities of satellite launches and reveals how Phantom Space, with its mix of seasoned SpaceX veterans and fresh engineering talent, plans to disrupt the market with cost-effective solutions. He also shares insights on building efficient space teams, lessons learned from early SpaceX days, and a high-stakes cold call from Elon Musk, highlighting the rigorous work culture Musk instilled—marked by high expectations and unyielding commitment, even at 3 AM on holiday. Jim also sheds light on the dual nature of space regulations, their impact on the industry, and much more. Key points throughout include:

The Journey to NASA’s JPL: Where A Love for Space Began
The Infinite Frontier of Space and Building the Henry Ford of Space Exploration
The High Stakes of Space Engineering: Why Only the Best Can Build Hardware
Controlling the Launch and Controlling Destiny
The Key to Entrepreneurial Success: Being Prepared to Be Lucky
Embracing Serendipity: Seeking Life-Changing Opportunities in Every Moment
Space Industry Regulations: Are They Friend or Foe?
The Greatest Threat: The Catastrophic Consequences Of War In Space
DEI in Space and Overcoming Hiring Failures
The Future of Space Travel: Accessibility for All

“There’s this lesson that I call being prepared to be lucky. Some people have luck walking right in front of them. And they they don’t even notice it. But if you’re prepared for it and recognize it, you can take advantage of these situations. That’s part of being successful as an entrepreneur, being prepared to be lucky.” – Jim Cantrell.

Listen on:

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Get connected with Jim Cantrell:

https://www.jimcantrell.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-cantrell

Book: Breaking All the Rules: The Inside Story of the New Space Race

https://www.jimcantrell.com/store/breaking-all-the-rules

Get connected with your host, Katherine Jerald:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejerald

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