What if satellites weren’t single-use machines? What if space tech could deliver directly to consumers like Amazon does, but from orbit? And what if the most impactful breakthroughs weren’t happening in labs, but miles above our heads? That’s exactly where CEO of Blackstar Orbital, Christopher Jannette, takes us in the latest episode of ReSETTing Tomorrow. In a wide-ranging conversation with host Hugo Malan, Jannette shares his bold vision for space as a living, evolving ecosystem: one that is being redefined by reusability, consumer engagement, and a new era of AI-driven innovation.
At the core of Jannette’s work is a disruptive idea: reusable satellites. As he puts it, “By redefining what a satellite is, we are building reusable satellites which launch like a traditional payload and return home like a space plane.”
The inefficiency he’s targeting is staggering. “Right now there's over 15 to 20 billion dollars … worth of satellites today either on an assembly line, on a launch pad or, or in the procurement process.” These single-use machines become space junk within a few years. Blackstar’s solution is simple and scalable: “The value proposition is: when the mission is done, we return it to Earth, we refurbish and refly.” Jannette sees the Blackstar platform as “a constellation replacing system for at least one third of the industry,” built around a space plane concept with swappable payloads.
Beyond industrial innovation, Blackstar is pioneering a service that’s exciting in a completely different way: a direct connection between people and space. Through a collaboration with wellness brand Ready Set Jet, Blackstar offers “S2C. Space to consumer.” The model is radically simple and profoundly novel: “You go on the website, you customize your box, we'll send you said box to your house. You can put whatever you'd like to put in it, whether it's a personal effect, wedding rings, maybe business cards, citizen science projects, university science projects, or perhaps consumables for the International Space Station astronauts themselves.” Astronauts in the ISS can even add items or space-manufactured products to the box before it’s sent back down to your house, having now gone through the incredible journey of visiting orbit.
This isn't science fiction. It's happening now. “We're the only company that's right now investigating how we can bring these benefits of space to the people.” Even celebrity designer Jeff Hamilton is on board, creating custom jackets using flown materials.
Jannette also explores how AI, quantum computing, and orbital infrastructure will redefine the next century of space and Earth-based innovation. “Right now we're experiencing what I believe is the largest acceleration point in the manufacturing and space operations industry since really the Apollo era of the Cold War.”
He points to AI-driven genomics, orbital data centers, and software-defined satellite services as game-changing trends: “We're going to be seeing a projection of digital services in orbit.” On artificial intelligence, Jannette strikes a balance between excitement and caution: “We're creating a new kingdom of life: the digital. Where that might lead is anybody's guess. And that's the risk. It should be sobering, and it's everybody's responsibility.” He also believes that decisions about how we use these technologies must be collective. “This is about the practical safety and existential security of yourself, your family and your community.”
This episode also offers a powerful message for students, emerging professionals, and anyone curious about building a career in space. Jannette emphasizes that the space industry is no longer reserved for engineers and astronauts, it needs talent from every background, from coding to logistics, from marketing to operations.
Asked what advice he has for young people looking to enter the space industry, Jannette offers this reflection: “There are many different elements of the space industry. The important thing is to be passionate, get good at what you do.” His own journey from childhood fascination to military service to startup leadership illustrates how non-linear and diverse the paths into aerospace can be. The key takeaway: follow your passion, master your craft, and recognize that there is a place for you in this rapidly expanding frontier.
From reusable satellites to space fashion, from orbital medicine to AI ethics, Christopher Jannette brings a wide-ranging and inspiring perspective to the future of aerospace. “We really are all on the frontier,” he says, and this episode of ReSETTing Tomorrow proves it.
Click here to listen to the entire episode of ReSETTing Tomorrow presented by Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom.