SPEAKER INTERVIEW
Mark Davidson, Small Business Innovation & Technology Partnerships, JPL
Hello Mark! Could you tell us a little but more about yourself and what you do at JPL?
I’m the manager of the JPL NASA SBIR program office representing the lab and the NASA SBIR program to the southern Califronia region. JPL focuses on research and NASA missions to explore our solar system and the broader universe in search of extant life and origins of the universe in addition to Earth science missions focued on atmospheric science, geology and hydrology.
You will be joining us on Wednesday May 15, where you will participate in a Fireside Chat about JPL’s small business innovation research programme. How important is the role of small businesses in the space industry in 2024?
Extremely important. The small business technology market has made innumerable contributions to NASA missions and programs over the years. Now with the growth of a commercial space market, we’re seeing small businesses leading missions (Astrobotic and Inuative Machines as examples) which used to be the exclusive domain of government space agencies and legacy aerospace primes.
How have you seen the role of small businesses change over the last ten years?
There has been a steady growth of capital infusion into the small business technology market in recent years. The entrance of several new companies that provide lift at lower cost has opened access to LEO space.
What advice would you give to small businesses and start-ups who are keen to support NASA’s programs?
Find and build relationships with NASA mission and program offices using the NASA SBIR program as your leverage and entry point for introductions to the NASA community.
If you could travel to anywhere in space, without the limitations of time and resources, where would you go and what would be your preferred method of space transportation?
Interesting question. To be blunt, I have no idea . . . I’ll remain on Earth for now.
We look forward to seeing you in Long Beach, Mark!
