Timely perspectives from the Shakti community: founders, Titans, LPs, and beyond
Timely perspectives from the Shakti community: founders, Titans, LPs, and beyond

Subscribe to SHAKTI DAY ONE

Subscribe to SHAKTI DAY ONE
Share Dialog
Share Dialog


<100 subscribers
<100 subscribers
1) What is Gimbal Space? Who is it for? What does it do for them?
Gimbal Space designs and builds high-performance, readily available, and affordable satellite components for modern requirements.
These products are for satellite makers, satellite bus makers, or satellite sub-system aggregators. They use this to ensure their satellites can perform critical mission functions and stay healthy and operational.
2) What is the origin story behind the name "Gimbal Space"?
The first product we made was a simplified Gimbal called a reaction wheel. These allow the satellite to control their orientation. Gimbal in conjunction with Space seemed to tell the whole story while being short and crisp.
3) Of all the things you could have done professionally, why did you choose to start Gimbal Space?
Space is the final frontier and I've always been fascinated by it. But more importantly, we are on the cusp of unlocking great benefits from satellites if we are able to make them drastically more affordable and accessible. I intend to solve this to make our whole planet truly connected, visible, and measurable.
4) What should we know about the state of satellites and how they are being reimagined?
Satellites for the longest time were large and extremely expensive machines built by large governments or companies and usually designed for 15-20 years as servicing or replacing them wasn't viable option. SpaceX catalyzed the industry by lowering launch costs, which allowed more and more satellites to be put into orbit. However, due to the cost of the satellites themselves the industry went in the direction of tiny satellites with CubeSats which are very performance limited. Making affordable small to medium sized satellites that operate in Low-Earth or Mid-Earth Orbit and are powerful enough to provide meaningful services, will unlock the full potential of using space to improve life on earth.
5) You worked previously at Planet and Tesla as a Mechanical Engineer - how did those experiences influence what you are doing today?
Working at Tesla during Model 3 production ramp taught me the importance of executing rapidly and what it takes to make things at scale. At Planet, I learned the nitty-gritty of making high quality satellites and components. I also learned the limitations of the industry and encountered all the problems we are trying to solve at Gimbal.
6) You are a first time founder - what are some of the ways you choose to learn/grow as a leader?
I try to be a sponge and absorb as much information as possible through reading, talking to smart people, being extremely diligent in not engaging in wishful thinking, and frequently analyzing my mental model and updating based on new information. As a first-time founder, I've accepted that I will make mistakes on this journey. But as long as I learn from them and don't make the same mistakes twice that is an acceptable outcome.
7) How can the SHAKTI network help you?
We are always looking for customers, employees, investors, and partners. This wonderful network can help us tremendously by sending any satellite customers our way or 10x engineers (ideally with space experience) interested in working at an early-stage startup. Also, any investors/partners or interesting people we should chat with!
1) What is Gimbal Space? Who is it for? What does it do for them?
Gimbal Space designs and builds high-performance, readily available, and affordable satellite components for modern requirements.
These products are for satellite makers, satellite bus makers, or satellite sub-system aggregators. They use this to ensure their satellites can perform critical mission functions and stay healthy and operational.
2) What is the origin story behind the name "Gimbal Space"?
The first product we made was a simplified Gimbal called a reaction wheel. These allow the satellite to control their orientation. Gimbal in conjunction with Space seemed to tell the whole story while being short and crisp.
3) Of all the things you could have done professionally, why did you choose to start Gimbal Space?
Space is the final frontier and I've always been fascinated by it. But more importantly, we are on the cusp of unlocking great benefits from satellites if we are able to make them drastically more affordable and accessible. I intend to solve this to make our whole planet truly connected, visible, and measurable.
4) What should we know about the state of satellites and how they are being reimagined?
Satellites for the longest time were large and extremely expensive machines built by large governments or companies and usually designed for 15-20 years as servicing or replacing them wasn't viable option. SpaceX catalyzed the industry by lowering launch costs, which allowed more and more satellites to be put into orbit. However, due to the cost of the satellites themselves the industry went in the direction of tiny satellites with CubeSats which are very performance limited. Making affordable small to medium sized satellites that operate in Low-Earth or Mid-Earth Orbit and are powerful enough to provide meaningful services, will unlock the full potential of using space to improve life on earth.
5) You worked previously at Planet and Tesla as a Mechanical Engineer - how did those experiences influence what you are doing today?
Working at Tesla during Model 3 production ramp taught me the importance of executing rapidly and what it takes to make things at scale. At Planet, I learned the nitty-gritty of making high quality satellites and components. I also learned the limitations of the industry and encountered all the problems we are trying to solve at Gimbal.
6) You are a first time founder - what are some of the ways you choose to learn/grow as a leader?
I try to be a sponge and absorb as much information as possible through reading, talking to smart people, being extremely diligent in not engaging in wishful thinking, and frequently analyzing my mental model and updating based on new information. As a first-time founder, I've accepted that I will make mistakes on this journey. But as long as I learn from them and don't make the same mistakes twice that is an acceptable outcome.
7) How can the SHAKTI network help you?
We are always looking for customers, employees, investors, and partners. This wonderful network can help us tremendously by sending any satellite customers our way or 10x engineers (ideally with space experience) interested in working at an early-stage startup. Also, any investors/partners or interesting people we should chat with!
Jesse Haines
Jesse Haines
No activity yet