369 | Space for Good with Bryce Kennedy

Former attorney turned space advocate, Bryce Kennedy is the Executive Director of SpaceValley Foundation and Space Connectivity Officer under the International Telecommunication Union and UN. He works with emerging economies to ensure that they have a place in space.

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Space for Good: Interview with Bryce Kennedy, Executive Director of SpaceValley Foundation

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You can read the full transcript of this episode here

Key Topics in Interview with Bryce Kennedy, Executive Director of SpaceValley Foundation

Here’s a comprehensive sequence of topics covered in this episode of the Awarepreneurs podcast, "Space for Good and SpaceValley Foundation with Bryce Kennedy," broken down with relevant sub-topics under each primary heading:

1. Introduction to the Episode and Guest

  • Overview of Awarepreneurs podcast and mission

  • Introduction of Bryce Kennedy:

    • Former attorney turned space advocate

    • Executive Director of Space Valley Foundation

    • Space Connectivity Officer, International Telecommunication Union and UN

2. Bryce Kennedy’s Journey into “Space for Good”

  • Personal background and pivot during COVID-19

  • Experiences traveling and exposure to the night sky

  • Childhood memories with astronomy

  • The key question: “Who is protecting space?”

  • Pathway to working with space advocacy

3. New Mexico as a Space Hub

  • Physical and cultural landscape of New Mexico

  • Unexpected depth of New Mexico’s space industry:

    • NASA sites, Apollo legacy, Los Alamos, Sandia, Air Force Research Labs, Space Force

    • First commercial spaceport and restricted airspace

  • Influence of New Mexico’s unique environment on Bryce’s thinking

4. The Concept of “Space for Good”

  • Evolution from economic development focus to inclusivity

  • Importance of connecting space to the broader population

    • Beyond just STEM and aerospace

    • Ties to Native and local creation stories and art

  • Experiences with the UN and ITU

    • Preaching “space for good” to developing nations with minimal infrastructure

  • The “AI for Good” initiative and its parallel for “Space for Good”

  • Projected economic potential of the space economy ($1.8 trillion by 2035)

  • The imperative: Everyone should see themselves as part of the space economy

5. The Challenge of Inclusivity and Starting “Space for Good”

  • Enormity and complexity of space as a domain for positive impact

  • Concept of the “overview effect” and its insights from astronauts and cosmonauts

    • Shift in consciousness, unity, and global perspective

  • Need for a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to space, including arts and diverse narratives

6. The Space Valley Foundation: Origin and Structure

  • Foundation’s evolution from “Space Valley Coalition” to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

  • Inclusive vision: “Space for Earth, Space for All”

    • Recognizing New Mexico’s unique and longstanding relationship with the sky

  • Geographic focus: Rio Grande Corridor as Space Valley

    • Hub for integration and innovation

  • Branding effort: Emulating the “Silicon Valley” approach for space

7. Stakeholders and Early Collaboration

  • Original coalition members and partners:

    • Universities (UNM, NMSU, NM Tech, Navajo Tech), NewSpace Nexus, Spaceport America, Air Force Research Labs, STEM Arts Lab, etc.

  • Broadening participation as more organizations express interest

  • Shift from board-based coalition to an ecosystem amplifier/aggregator

  • Creation of the Space Valley “Trail” map

8. Data, Technology, and Access Initiatives

  • Development of an extensive database of 415+ organizations

  • Launch of the Orion Interlink large language model/database for accessibility and matchmaking within the space sector

  • Move toward more tech-enabled, less in-person community building

9. Events and Community Engagement

  • Introduction of Atomic Sixty Six (“mini South by Southwest” for space and tech industries)

    • Tech talks

    • Space Fiesta: blending tech with culture (e.g., Meow Wolf meets NASA)

  • The importance of online and in-person events for building connections

10. Current Ecosystem: Initiatives and Opportunities

  • Range of accelerators, incubators, and resources in New Mexico:

    • Catalyst Campus, NewSpace Nexus Ignitor, Q Station, Hyperspace Challenge, LEAP at Los Alamos, NMSU resources, etc.

  • Highlighting New Mexico’s unique launch and testing advantages (e.g., Spaceport America’s rapid launch capability)

  • The interconnectedness of different stakeholders (military, academic, cultural, entrepreneurial)

11. Engaging Diverse New Mexicans and Entrepreneurs

  • Encouraging multi-generational New Mexicans to see themselves in space through personal/cultural connections

  • Space as a “birthright” and critical to future economic opportunities

  • The state’s role in shaping the future of space due to its creative, resourceful, and diverse population

  • The importance of impact-driven entrepreneurship in space

12. Attracting Outside Talent and Investment

  • The distinctive nature of New Mexico as a startup and innovation hub

  • Advice for those considering moving or investing in New Mexico:

    • Experience the culture firsthand

    • Leverage the state’s openness to innovation and unconventional ideas

    • The community’s welcoming attitude and the mystery/allure of the place

13. Emerging Economic Impact and Investor Interest

  • Increased VC and international (e.g., India, Italy) interest in New Mexico’s space sector

  • Examples of upcoming major developments and investments

  • Infrastructure growth (e.g., NM Innovation Hub at Albuquerque Airport)

  • The area’s competitive advantages for testing and commercialization

14. How Entrepreneurs Can Engage with Space for Good

  • Suggestion to approach space with dual (terrestrial/space) use models

  • Explore existing technology/IP from labs and research centers for commercialization

  • Leverage accessibility to major stakeholders and technical resources

  • Focus on community, helpfulness, and open mindset

15. Seasoned Reflections on New Mexico’s Culture and Approach

  • The humility and authenticity required to thrive in New Mexico

  • Community vs. individualistic (ego-driven) approaches

  • The state as a place where sincerity and community impact win over bravado

16. Closing Reflections and Opportunities

  • “This is your Microsoft/Amazon/Bitcoin moment” for space

  • Power of individuals to influence space for centuries to come

  • The interconnected, symbiotic relationship of space and Earth

  • Practical ways to get involved: Space Valley Foundation website, LinkedIn, etc.

Paul Zelizer