Trajectory Report Launch
Space Logistics Isn't Just Propulsion— It's The System Revolutionizing Planetary Infrastructure
“In their straightforward search for profit and growth, some very capable executives in some extraordinarily successful companies, using the best managerial techniques, have led their firms towards failure.”
Clayton M. Christensen.
I am James Greer— Founder and CEO of Orbitgrade— and this is Trajectory Report, a bi-monthly newsletter about my company and the evolving space logistics market.
What is Trajectory Report?
Think of Trajectory Report as the Star Trek “Captain’s Log”. In the show it served as a narrative device to provide context, insight, exposition and remarks throughout the crew’s journey aboard the Enterprise. Trajectory Report will do the same for Orbitgrade’s journey.
What is Orbitgrade?
Speaking of context—Orbitgrade is not a starship like the Enterprise. Orbitgrade is an integrated space logistics and infrastructure service provider for missions in high orbit and deep space. My company provides commercial satellite operators and space agencies with fast, cost effective and reliable access to every orbit from MEO to Mars. You can find more information at www.orbitgrade.com.
What is Space Logistics?
“If you can define the problem differently than everybody else in the industry, you can generate alternatives that others aren’t thinking about.”
Roger Martin.
Space Logistics is not just propulsion as a service— nor is it just the business of launch providers. Logistics is the planning and provision of all the storage, operations and transport required to take a space asset from its point of manufacture, to its operational orbit. Orbitgrade will be doing things differently— but I’ll have to leave that for another article.
Why was Orbitgrade Started?
I have been a Spacecraft Platform engineer for nearly 10 years. The best parts of my career have been the most challenging moments that required out-of-the-box, integrative and innovative thinking. When I looked to the problems of the future, I didn’t have the capacity, nor the authority in a large organisation (despite its pool of resources) to make the changes that needed to be made.
I started Orbitgrade because how you get there, is as important as where you are going.
“most people don’t do what they say they believe, they do what’s convenient and then they repent,”
Rory Sutherland.
Why Tackle High Orbit and Deep Space Logistics?
I have seen Low Earth Orbit (LEO) transformed over the course of my life and career, providing both an increasing number of technological advances and posing an increasing risk to economic and geopolitical stability. This was made possible by providing access and the tools to exploit LEO and deliver services to users on Earth. By eliminating the logistical barriers to higher orbits, Orbitgrade will make a new revolution possible while reducing the danger posed by space traffic in LEO.
“True strategy is about placing bets and making hard choices. The objective is not to eliminate risk but to increase the odds of success.”
Roger Martin.
Conclusion
This was a short introduction to Trajectory Report, future articles will delve into much more detail on space logistics. Thank you for reading the first issue, (most of you have dug through the archive to find this,) if you’re interested in joining us on this journey, subscribe to Trajectory Report! Or if you would like to get more involved at Orbitgrade, please visit www.orbitgrade.com and contact my team.
“If you want to get ahead, you have to take chances.”
Comd. William T. Riker.