Abstract

Why does SpaceX launch rockets every other day?

"Space is a testing ground not only for technology but also for corporate management."

How did SpaceX, founded from scratch by Elon Musk in 2002, grow so rapidly in just 24 years to become the most valuable company in history with a market capitalization exceeding $2.1 trillion?

In this book, Daisuke Goto, a JAXA engineer who has been involved in rocket development for many years, and Nobutaka Komatsu, a venture capitalist who knows the space business inside and out, thoroughly analyze the essence of its strength from the perspectives of engineering and investment professionals.

The book details how the reusable rocket "Falcon 9" overturned industry norms, the secrets of the ultra-profitable business "Starlink" born from a major miscalculation, and the bold development methods of "Starship," the largest rocket in history that will lead humanity to Mars.

Focusing not only on Elon Musk as an individual but also on "SpaceX as a company," this is the ultimate "reference book for business innovation" for business people tackling difficult challenges, using "two guidelines": the laws of physics and business principles.

Author’s Information

- Nobutaka Komatsu
Born in Tokyo in 1965. After graduating from Waseda University's School of Political Science and Economics in 1989, he joined Nomura Research Institute, where he served as a senior researcher and a certified international investment analyst. In 2005, he became independent and established Japan's first venture capital firm in the form of a limited liability partnership (LLP). He is currently a venture partner at Innovation Engine, where he is responsible for investments in the space sector as a capitalist. He also serves as an external director for various companies and industry associations. In addition, he has served as a visiting member of JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), a consultant for the Cabinet Office's Regulatory Reform Council, a member of the Japan Organization for Employment of the Elderly, Persons with Disabilities and Job Seekers, and chairman of the Kanto New Business Council, among other positions in various industry associations and government-related organizations. His publications include "Take Risks to Succeed!" (Toyo Keizai Inc.) and "The Age of Space Ventures" (Kobunsha Shinsho, co-authored with Daisuke Goto).

- Daisuke Goto
Born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1976. After completing his master's degree at the Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University in 2001, he worked at the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), later JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), where he was involved in propulsion system research and the development and operation of satellites, probes, and rockets. He served as a principal research and development officer at JAXA. He was involved in the research, development, and operation of the lunar orbiter "Kaguya," the ultra-low altitude satellite "Tsubame," the asteroid explorer "Hayabusa2," the H3 rocket, and small engines for attitude control. Currently, he is in charge of liquid propulsion system technology and system integration in the Epsilon rocket project. In addition, from 2011 to 2013, he was seconded to the Cabinet Office's Council for Science and Technology Policy Secretariat, where he was in charge of science and technology policy in the fields of space, ocean, and green innovation, and was involved in the compilation of the JAXA-SSPS (Space-Based Photovoltaic System) research and development roadmap, the Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences Vision 2050 for manned transport, and served as a member of the Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE) ALPS-IV Innovation and Investment Promotion Working Group.