AdAstra With Chris Thompson, Phantom Space - Horizontal vs. Vertical Integration

AdAstra With is a new show that brings the thoughts and ideals of top NewSpace and Clean Tech industry leaders and game changers to the masses with authentic conversation and discussions on hot industry topics! Our hosts Seyka and Brian Mejeur, the founders of AdAstra Talent Advisors, sit down with  Chris Thompson, CTO of Phantom Space. Chris Thompson has been with Phantom Space in Tucson, AZ for a year and has an impressive career behind him. Chris started as a Marine for 5 years before joining Boeing, where he spent 15 years learning the Aerospace industry. Chris is one of the few success stories highlighting the transition from a legacy organization to the NewSpace field as he left Boeing in 2002 to join SpaceX where he spent 10 years growing SpaceX to what it is today. If that isnt impressive enough, Chris then joined Virgin Galactic for 5 years, then spent almost 4 years at Astra Heading up their Engineering team. 

Over the course of the episode Seyka, Brian and Chris talk about:

Chris as a Leader:

• Why Phantom Space? What makes them special?
• How Chris made the transition from legacy organization to startup
• Advice for people looking to build a career in NewSpace
• Key to his leadership philosophy and his main priority of life (which has nothing to do with work!)

Topic of discussion: 

• Horizontal vs. Vertical Integration
• What is it?
• Which does Chris prefer and why?
• What are the risks and rewards of both options?

We hope you enjoy this episode and visit adastra.us to learn more about how AdAstra Talent Advisors are the premier NewSpace and Clean Tech headhunting firm for startups!

Also, visit phantomspace.com to learn more about the amazing tech Phantom is designing!

Shout outs were given to the engines Ursa Major is pioneering as well as the technology of  Phase Four throughout the show!