Accelerating Space through Experimentation with Intent

This is the 3rd in a series of discussion on the New Space Economy I am coauthoring with Brian Miske . You can find the other two articles here:

1) The Universe is under no obligation to make sense to you, but in business profitability is non-negotiable.

2) History Doesn't Repeat Itself, It Rhymes: Why Every Company Will Eventually Need to Leverage Space

As the space economy continues to grow and evolve despite current economic challenges, organizations are recognizing the need to invest in innovative technologies and solutions to remain competitive. Now is the time for leaders of vision across all industries to enter the space economy. However, simply experimenting with new ideas and designs is no longer enough. To truly succeed in the space industry, organizations must move beyond experiment by design and instead focus on experimenting with intent.

What is Experimentation by Design?

Experimentation by design refers to the process of developing new products or solutions through trial and error with varying degrees of scientific method applied. This approach has had success in many sectors but is most often used in industries that require a high degree of innovation and creativity, such as the space industry. Organizations that use this approach typically rely on a combination of brainstorming sessions, prototyping, and user feedback combined with statistical methods to refine their ideas and create a final product.

While experiment by design can be effective in generating new ideas and products, it is not without its limitations. One of the main challenges is the cost and time required to develop and test new products. In the space industry, where costs are still high across all segments and timelines can be long, organizations cannot afford to waste resources on ideas that are unlikely to succeed.

What is Experiment with Intent?

Experiment with intent, on the other hand, is a more targeted approach that focuses on achieving specific goals and objectives. Rather than simply experimenting with new designs and ideas, organizations that use this approach start with a clear understanding of what they want to achieve and then work backwards to identify the best way to get there. This method, based on necessary and desired outcomes, has been leveraged successfully in every sector.

This approach involves a more strategic and systematic approach to innovation, with organizations using data and analytics to inform their decision-making process. By analyzing market and technological trends and combining that with desired customer outcomes, organizations can identify areas of opportunity and develop targeted solutions that are more likely to succeed. At the same time, Experiment with Intent demands organizations sharpen their vision and renew their commitment to intentional.

Why Experiment with Intent is Essential in the Space Economy

The space economy presents unique challenges that make it particularly important for organizations to experiment with intent. In addition to high cost and long timelines, the space environment itself demands? an intentional approach. Organizations that rely solely on experiment by design risk wasting resources on ideas that are not viable, resulting in significant financial losses, and will find that out after too long, resulting them falling behind.

Additionally, the space industry is highly regulated, with strict safety and environmental standards that must be adhered to. Experimenting with intent allows organizations to iterate rapidly and develop solutions that meet these standards while also achieving their business objectives.

How to Get Started with Experimenting with Intent

To get started with experimenting with intent, organizations must first identify their business objectives and goals and when they must be reached. This requires not only a deep understanding of the market and customer needs and an analysis of the competitive landscape, but unique to space, an understanding of possibly futures.

Once the objectives have been identified, organizations can then use data and analytics to develop targeted solutions that are more likely result in the future they wish to create. This may involve collaborating with other organizations or research institutions to develop new technologies or processes that are more efficient and cost-effective.

People, not technology is the most important variable in the algorithm of innovating for the new space economy. Tapping into people in your organization who have the right understanding of both your company and your customers and coupling that with external resources helps to create an ecosystem that links the power of people, potential and possibilities. It is also important for organizations to adopt a culture of innovation and experimentation. This means creating an environment where employees are encouraged to share ideas and take risks, not just without fear of failure, but with appreciation for failing well, fast, and learning fast to narrow the way forward. By fostering a culture of innovation, organizations can create a pipeline of new ideas and solutions that can drive future growth and success.

Summary

Experimenting with intent is essential for organizations looking to succeed in the space economy. While experiment by design can generate new ideas and products, it is not enough in an industry where resources are limited, timelines are long, and the stakes are high. By focusing on specific goals and objectives, and using data and analytics to inform their decision-making, organizations can develop targeted solutions that are more likely to succeed. By adopting a culture of innovation and experimentation, organizations can create a pipeline of new ideas and solutions that can drive future growth and success. As the space economy continues to evolve, organizations must embrace this approach if they hope to remain competitive and succeed in this challenging and exciting industry. Success in space is never accidental, it is always intentional.