In the latest episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Retired Colonel Jack Fischer, former astronaut and now a leading figure at Intuitive Machines. The episode, recorded at Spaceport Houston, delves into the company’s rapid advancements in space exploration, its role in accelerating innovation, and how Texas is positioning itself as a leader in the aerospace industry.
On Teamwork and Innovation: "We are just the cherry on top of the sundae... that wouldn’t be able to do what we do without thousands of people working to do something amazing." — Jack Fischer (05:00)
During the interview, Fischer recounts his journey into space and the inspiration he found in his childhood, visiting the Johnson Space Center. His career, which includes 136 days in space and two spacewalks, was fueled by his early fascination with space exploration and a commitment to public service through the U.S. Air Force. Fischer’s passion for teamwork and innovation in space is evident throughout the episode, as he highlights the critical role Texas plays in advancing human exploration beyond Earth (00:00 - 03:00).
Fischer’s role at Intuitive Machines, a company that focuses on space infrastructure and services, underscores the entrepreneurial spirit driving the next era of space exploration. He emphasizes how the company rapidly iterates and tests cutting-edge technology, like the lunar lander Odysseus, which successfully demonstrated the company's ability to build robust systems for space missions. Intuitive Machines is set to launch its next lunar lander, Athena, in the near future, furthering their mission to support humanity’s steps into the solar system (30:00 - 45:00).
Partnership with Burns McDonnell
A key highlight of the episode was the discussion on Intuitive Machines’ collaboration with Burns McDonnell, a renowned global engineering firm. Fischer describes how Burns McDonnell’s deep-dive approach helped Intuitive Machines build their cutting-edge rocket testing facility. This facility, designed to test rockets efficiently and safely near residential areas, was completed in record time—only eight months from the groundbreaking to the first test. Burns McDonnell’s innovation and commitment have become integral to Intuitive Machines’ ability to move quickly and push the boundaries of space technology (45:00 - 50:00).
Fischer also discussed the broader impact of space commercialization in Texas, noting the growth of the space economy across the state. With over 1,800 space-related companies and 150,000 jobs, Texas is poised to dominate the next phase of space exploration. The collaboration between established companies like Burns McDonnell and rising innovators like Intuitive Machines exemplifies the strength of Texas' space industry and its future potential (50:00 - 55:00).
About The Building Texas Show
The Building Texas Show, hosted by Justin McKenzie, is a podcast that highlights the entrepreneurs, businesses, and innovators shaping the future of Texas. The show provides a platform to showcase leaders who are transforming industries from space exploration to technology and beyond.
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