Mike Safyan, VP of Launch & Strategic Initiatives at Planet

Mike Safyan, VP of Launch and Strategic Initiatives at Planet, joins Joe Reed to explore his journey from NASA Ames to becoming one of Planet’s earliest employees, and the decision to leave a secure career path to help build a company that would transform how we observe Earth. From Planet’s first satellites and its mission to image the entire planet every day, to its evolution into a publicly traded company, Mike reflects on the milestones, risks and decisions that shaped its journey.The conversation also looks ahead to the future of the space industry, from AI-powered geospatial analytics and the growing diversity of remote sensing technologies to the potential of orbital data centres. Mike shares his advice for early-career talent looking to enter the space sector, why smaller startups can accelerate professional growth, and Planet’s ambition to become a household name by demonstrating how space-based data can directly improve life on Earth.The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧 Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering. From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world. Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology. Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.