On today's show I sat down with Matthew Voss, president of NearSpace Launch, about growing an aerospace company started in a basement into a 20-person team that has built and delivered over 100 small satellites to orbit and flown more than 230 communications radios.
Voss explains how NearSpace Launch leverages preexisting satellite constellations for more consistent satellite connectivity, supports customers with spacecraft manufacturing and on-orbit operations, and has transitioned from university and R&D work to constellation manufacturing for partners including NASA and the Space Force.
He shares why the company stayed in rural Grant County, renovating historic downtown Upland buildings into clean-room facilities and scaling through contracts rather than investment.
Our conversation also covers space traffic management, deorbiting, satellite collision risk, and emerging innovations like laser crosslinks and in-orbit refueling.
Voss highlights NearSpace Education, a nonprofit launched in 2020 that runs space camps, high-altitude balloon launches, and Dream Big programs that help six universities build satellites and K–12 students engage with STEM statewide.
If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.
You are going to learn about:
The Founding and Mission of NearSpace Launch
Constellation Manufacturing
NearSpace Education
Thank you to our partners:
Pence Media Group
Keller & Keller
Check out these great clips from the show:
01:17 Guest Introduction: Matthew Voss, NearSpace Launch
