The Laughing Wolf

Space Commercialization Profile: Michael Mealling

Over the coming months, I want to try to start introducing you to the people who are truly shaping the future of space exploration. These are not the astronauts or others at NASA, but the people working to make it a frontier for all of us, a profitable frontier that brings rewards down to Earth, and rewards those that go up from Earth.

Friday, on my way south, I stopped in Atlanta and had an excellent lunch with Michael Mealling, the host of Rocket Forge. Michael has been a champion of space commercialization for some time, has put his money where is mouth is, and will continue to do so.

He is an excellent host, and the eatery, Depalmas, he chose for the meeting was quite enjoyable. I liked everything, and was quite taken with the mushrooms stuffed with pesto and feta cheese. My thanks to him for a very enjoyable meal and time!

The lunch conversation was even better, as we discussed options, business models, business plans, financing options, and much more. Not too many years ago, this would have been a boring conversation, since I was much more interested in smoke, roar, and pushing the throttle forward. Over the years, however, I came to realize that it took a lot more to put something on the pad, a realization that Michael appears to have had for some time.

So, check out him and his blog, and keep an eye on him. He is one of the people who will help create our future in space.

LW