## The heart wants what it wants

What do you do if you reach a moment in life where you’re called to something greater? Would you answer? 

Most might not even have the capacity to recognize or accept such a challenge. Jason’s is a story about what happens when you do. In our latest video spotlight, we capture the unlikely journey of Jason Achilles as he makes the shift from musician to space pioneer. 

In the process, he shows us that following your heart can lead to extraordinary, sometimes even otherworldly, consequences.

`video: [Jason Achilles | Spotlight Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAa_GJI-wkU)`

## Musician turned space pioneer

Jason Achilles is a Los Angeles based musician and producer. Over the years he’s worked his way through his fair share of bands, as well as produced both for himself and other well known acts. He’s also composed and performed pieces of orchestral music. It’s safe to say when it comes to music, Jason has quite literally done it all. But Space..that’s an entirely different story. 

It all started in 2016. Jason was having drinks with a friend who worked in robotics at NASA’s famed Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The question was brought up; would it be possible to mount a microphone on the upcoming perseverance lander to capture the aural drama which would accompany NASA’s video feed? The timing was impeccable.

It turns out that NASA was already considering how to capture sound from Mars. Not only would it be cool to have sound accompany video of the Perseverance lander touching down on the Red planet, but it would also help the agency learn more about how sound travels there. 

Who better to help them understand the instrumentation needed to record sound on Mars than a sound engineer? Well, they would eventually come to realize this, but would take Jason many late nights, long months, and cold emails.

## Destiny

Call it gut instinct, following your heart, or destiny, but Jason felt that the job of placing a microphone on the Perseverance lander was his to lose. He found an online directory and began sending cold proposals to the folks at NASA. While on the North American leg of the tour promoting his first solo release, he got the call from a high ranking official at NASA; the job was his. Jason’s unrelenting determination, and feel for the moment, would lead to an extraordinary series of events. 

Watch the video for the full story.. Spoiler alert; you’ll love his story and will also hear amazing sounds from Mars! An added bonus is that you’ll see rockets, sensors and other cool engineering at work

Below are just a couple quick thoughts about what I learned from this story... 

# The new space economy is happening

While it is true that space is still incredibly hard, companies like SpaceX have brought down barriers to entry. It’s easier to get things into space, which means the next generation of space entrepreneurs will work out how to create value once you get there. Hence a thriving economy in space is sure to come at some point. 

Today we have three converging factors that will increase the scope and pace at which we push into space; easier access to space for private companies, competition (Russia & China), and an active NASA. Competition catalyzed the last space race, there’s no reason to think the same can’t be true of this one. NASA also has big plans with the Artemis project. The stated long-term objective is to establish a permanent presence on the moon. This will require infrastructure, resources and a lot of innovation. 

What’s great about today’s version of NASA is that they are embracing private enterprise to help fuel innovation. One way is by creating funding opportunities for small, nimble upstarts like Jason’s company (Zandef Deksit Inc.). Essentially they are fueling experimentation, which will lead to innovation, and hopefully breakthroughs that help us get to the moon and Mars faster. 

# Diversity of skills and experiences in 21st Century Work

I think Jason’s story demonstrates a revolutionary shift in the nature of the work that we will see in this century. Yes, it takes a special person to be able to transition from music to a career in space, but today skills, technologies and domains of work will increasingly overlap. Not so long ago the idea of recording sounds on Mars would have seemed ridiculous, but here we are. Nobody had done it before, so a musician was as good an option as anyone to figure it out. 

Who knows what other skills will be in-demand in space or other emerging industries going forward. One thing is certain; we will need diversity, both in terms of background and experience, to thrive in the uncertain future. 

# Symbol of Hope

I hope this story inspires others to follow their intuition and passion. If Jason’s story shows anything it’s that you don’t need to be intimidated by being an outsider; sometimes this is exactly what an organization or mission needs in order to unleash creativity and innovation. If you trust your gut and follow your curiosity, not even the sky's the limit. 


Jason is the most interesting guy you've never heard of. Watch his spotlight video to learn about how he made the shift from musician to space pioneer. It's a story about hard work, following your heart, and the power of symbols.

jjjj

WATCH: The musician turned Mars pioneer

# Plasmos

Plasmos is building space tugs for last mile delivery. They are solving a problem that has emerged as a result of the increased access to space. As companies like SpaceX continue to bring down the costs to launch satellites into orbit, more and more entities are seeing commercial opportunities in space. This has led to an explosion in the number of satellites currently in orbit. Ali has a fascinating story an exciting vision for the future. We explore both in our most recent video. 

`video: [Plasmos Space | Reusable Space Tugs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2DjPaO0gpQ)`

### Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is getting crowded

A total of 1,713 commercial satellites were deployed during 2021 (based on the 2022 Annual report issued from the Satellite Industry Association (SIA)), an increase of more than 40 percent when compared to the numbers in 2020 — more than 80% of those satellites are considered small to medium spacecraft. Elon Musk via Starlink has publicly stated his goal of sending upwards of 40,000 satellites into orbit over the next few decades. To put it simply, it's starting to get crowded in LEO, and satellite operators are looking for cheaper ways to move their equipment around.

### Access to Space

What we find most interesting about Ali and Plasmos, is that any of this is possible. A decade or so ago and the concept of a space tug being built by a young entrepreneur would have sounded like science fiction. But a lot has changed. Not only has Elon Musk proved that a small nimble startup could achieve what only the world's most powerful nations had done before him, but he has inspired an entire generation in the process. He has shown space is possible. Perhaps even more importantly, he has increased access to space, and unlocked opportunity for future space entrepreneurs. 

### Artemis & The Next Frontier

We are so excited about the emerging space economy. With increased access will come a wave of innovation and entrepreneurship. For sure space is still incredibly hard, but Musk showed it is possible. In the near term, the demand for high levels of maneuverability will require creative propulsion solutions. There will also be the need for refueling of satellites, and as we make our way back to the moon via NASA's Artemis project, there will be high-demand for the transport of goods through Cislunar space. We are just at the beginning of what promises to be a burgeoning economy in space. 

Plasmos is building reusable space tugs to address the last-mile problem in space. We get to know their founder, Ali, and explore the significance of their solution in the context of the emerging space economy. 

Space Tugs

Reusable Space Tugs

# Tamarisk Labs

Here at Credo we’re obsessed with technology and innovation. Specifically, we love learning about how purpose-driven innovation and emerging technologies are coming together to shape a better future. This is why we were so excited to collaborate with the founders of Tamarisk Labs on a spotlight video. 

`video: [Tamarisk Labs | Prototyping Factory](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98HZ2XocXgQ&t=1s)`

Tamarisk Labs is a prototyping factory based in Pasadena, CA. The founders are a couple of young, energetic engineers working to perpetually churn out new hardware creations. The ideas that they bring to life come from all over the map; individual inventors, startups seeking funding, and large corporations seeking to test new concepts. What is really cool is that with a lean team, modern technology, and iterative design philosophy, Tamarisk has been able to bring many amazing concepts to life. There’s the gesture enabled wheelchair, powered walkers for the elderly, and a tide monitoring device. Walking through their facility felt like a 21st Century tinkerer’s workshop. It gives a small glimpse into the innovation that will shape this century, and the incredible possibilities for positive change. Because of these technologies and modern methodologies, many are calling this era the beginning of the next great industrial revolution, dubbed Industry 4.0.

# What is Industry 4.0?

It is becoming an increasingly common belief that we’ve entered into the early stages of the next great industrial revolution. The fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, conceptualizes the rapid changes to technology, industry and social patterns in the 21st Century due to interconnectivity and smart automation. This next stage of development will be driven by forces like artificial intelligence (AI), smart sensors, machine-to-machine communication (M2M), robotics, and the accelerated transition to a knowledge economy. It is likely that over the coming years we will not only see a rapid increase in the pace of technological change, but also the blurring of the lines between the physical, biological and digital worlds. This obviously has massive implications for the way we live and interact with each other and the world around us. 

# Humans at the Center

Rapid technological change often brings with it progress, but it also has the propensity to leave many behind. Progress for its own sake doesn’t make sense without consideration for how it will better the lives of all people. At Credo, we believe that in order for this industrial revolution to be more equitable than those of the past, we must keep humans at the center of technological innovation. After all, technology is meant to be a tool to enhance human capabilities, not replace us. Based on the work Tamarisk shared with us, we think they are a positive model of how technology can be used to do just that. 

Learn more about Tamarisk: https://www.tamarisk.io/


Tamarisk Labs is a prototyping factory that leverages 21st Century technologies to bring innovative hardware concepts to life.

21st Century Invention Factory

## A better way to do business

In our recent video we were treated to a tour of the first fully operational urban shrimp farm in Los Angeles County. It was our third video with Steve and TransparentSea, but the first time we've documented his fully operational farm. A lot has changed since the first time I met Steve in Long Beach, CA almost 2 years ago. Back then Steve was just a guy with a vision and a lot of warehouse space. Fast forward a couple years and a global pandemic, and there is a fully functioning shrimp farm generating a lot of buzz in the LA region.

`video: [TransparentSea Farm | Odyssey](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wnyi1Sc6pk)`

We hope you take the time to watch the above video, which follows Steve's journey to bring a more sustainable and better tasting food option to one of the nation's most densely populated regions. We learned a lot about the sad state of our food production today, and it was eye-opening to see just how disconnected we've become from our sources of food production. Steve has spent the last decade of his life working in aquaculture, even working in Thailand to build out a shrimp farm. He's experienced firsthand the problems plaguing the industry, and is driven to bring us a more sustainable and healthy option.

In the video we also learn about the industry surrounding the most commonly consumed seafood product in the U.S., shrimp. Some of the stats are jarring, like the fact that we import over 94%, and of the 2.2 billion pounds (and growing!) of shrimp imported, less than 1% of it is inspected by the FDA. Not to mention the questionable practices by overseas producers that damage local habitats while pumping shrimp with potentially harmful compounds.

I think the core purpose of this video is to both raise awareness of the harmful effects of the industry, and to put the spotlight on business done the right way. Today stories are rare where business does well to do good. All too often it's about growth at all costs. Here at Credo, we believe there should be a triple bottom line for businesses, and we celebrate those that have truly sustainable practices at their core. We hope you follow Steve and the TransparentSea Farm journey. These are the stories worth supporting and sharing. 

Be part of the change. Learn more at [TransparentSeaFarm.com](https://www.transparentseafarm.com/)


We took a tour of TransparentSea Farm in Downey, CA. We learned a lot about the substandard state of our seafood today, and were left inspired by Steve Sutton's model for a more sustainable and healthy future. 

transparent

Tour of TransparentSea Farm & Why it's important

`video: [Faction | Driverless vehicle fleets](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1t1lXhbbug&t=1s)`

Learn more about Faction's team and vision here: https://www.work40.io/companies/faction


WATCH: Video spotlight showcasing Faction's driverless technology. 

faction

Future of Cities Spotlight: Faction // Scalable vehicle fleets.. Driverless

`video: [Muon Space](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTN1acPUmoU)`

# Space 2.0

Space is hot right now. Over the past few months we've seen commercial space operations make major strides. From the "Billionaire Space Race" to SpaceX's launching of the world's first all-civilian crew into orbit, there has been no shortage of headlines. 

It's certainly exciting to see the next frontier emerge as a playground for the privileged few. Yes, today space is for the few, but tomorrow, perhaps it will be for the many.

Given the looming problems here on Earth, many question the validity of going to space. Well, as the modern management guru Peter Drucker once said, "You can't manage what you can't measure." It turns out that the best place to measure and understand Earth is from the vantage point of space. 

That is why we are excited about **Muon** and their vision to develop the world’s most capable Earth-sensing satellite platform to power data-driven decisions in the Era of Climate Change.

# Coupling Space & Climate-change

Today Earth's climate systems are dynamic, coupled and undergoing rapid change. In order to effectively manage change, we need to have better tools for measurement and monitoring. 

Space, it turns out, is the best place to observe and measure Earth's essential climate variables (ECV) and with increased access comes an exciting opportunity to track Earth's vital signs more precisely than ever before. 

Specifically, satellite constellations. They offer a much closer and more frequent look into the cycles that drive our weather and climate system.

# Solutions for a changing planet

**Muon** is working at the forefront of satellites, advanced sensors, and climate science to allow humanity to close the loop on climate change. 

From mission formulation to modeling and data analytics, they are building 21st Century tools to measure, understand and predict Earth’s complex and coupled systems. This is both a great business opportunity, and the key to leaving future generations a livable, productive and healthy planet. 

Their team is experienced, mission-aligned, and genuinley want to make Earth a better place to live.

# Muon is hiring!

Muon is hiring for several positions. It's a great time to get in early and have an impact on a spacecraft that will be orbiting Earth. If you care about bleeding edge tech, and making Earth a better place to live, this could be the company for you. See links below for more information: 

### **Muon Showcase Page**: https://www.work40.io/companies/muon-space

### **Muon Open Jobs**: https://muonspace.com/careers

Space is making headlines, but why look to the stars when we have so many problems here on Earth? Well, space is the best vantage point to observe our planet. Only by getting to know Earth on a deeper level, can we begin to affect lasting change.

Muon_Blank

In an era of climate change, it's imperative we get to know Earth

`video: [Talyn Air | A New Paradigm in eVTOL Flight](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvVyrj4O_ew)`

Talyn is growing their team. Help create the future of aviation! Learn more here: https://www.work40.io/companies/talyn-air

Talyn Air is creating a new paradigm in eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) flight. The founders come from SpaceX, where they met while working on the Falcon 9 Rocket. 