Jeffrey Manber, a central figure in the rise of commercial spaceflight, discusses his decades-long career in the latest episode of This Week In Space. From brokering deals with the Soviet Union in the 1980s to spearheading the development of the first private space station, Starlab, Manber’s work has fundamentally reshaped the industry.
The Birth of NewSpace Commerce
Manber’s involvement began when many saw private space travel as a distant dream. He took concrete action, establishing the Office of Space Commerce under the Reagan administration and opening commercial channels with the USSR. This led to the historic first commercial flight to the Mir space station, where a crew resided for 70 days – a milestone that demonstrated the viability of privately funded space missions.
From SmallSats to Starlab
His subsequent ventures include critical infrastructure for the International Space Station (ISS). He developed the first commercial platform for deploying small satellites from the ISS, as well as the Bishop Airlock, now an integral part of the station. Manber also founded Nanoracks, which standardized satellite deployment mechanisms, making space access more accessible. Currently, he’s driving the development of Starlab, a fully private space station under Voyager Technologies, poised to replace the ISS when it is decommissioned.
Industry Trends and News
The episode also touches on key industry developments: SpaceX’s potential IPO, NASA losing contact with the MAVEN Mars orbiter, and the buzz around the Star Trek: Starfleet Academy series. Additionally, the podcast highlights an effort to improve communication between space companies, a critical step toward broader industry collaboration.
A Tangible Connection: The Falcon 9 Model Rocket
For enthusiasts, Estes offers a detailed scale model of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket for \$149.99, with a 10% discount using code IN-COLLECTSPACE. This provides a physical connection to the innovations discussed in the podcast.
The shift from government-led space programs to private enterprise has been one of the most significant changes in the field. Manber’s work exemplifies this transformation, paving the way for a future where commercial entities play an increasingly dominant role in space exploration.
This episode encapsulates the evolution of NewSpace, from early diplomatic breakthroughs to the current era of private space station development. The full conversation is available on This Week In Space, offering a deep dive into the practical realities of building a commercial space industry.
