Say you're the first PM at a startup. What new product would you build for space travel?

Introduction

As the first PM at a startup focused on space travel, developing a new product in this exciting field presents both challenges and opportunities. The space industry is rapidly evolving, with private companies now playing a significant role alongside government agencies. Our goal is to identify a product that addresses key pain points in space travel while aligning with our startup's capabilities and vision.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Based on the problem description, I'm thinking this might be a general startup rather than an established space company. Is that correct?

Why it matters: Helps frame the solution within our resource constraints and potential partnerships. Expected answer: Yes, it's a new startup in the space industry. Impact on approach: We'll need to focus on niche solutions that don't require extensive infrastructure.

• Given the broad nature of space travel, should we focus on a specific area such as launch systems, in-space transportation, or space habitation?

Why it matters: Narrows down the product scope and aligns with potential market opportunities. Expected answer: Let's focus on in-space transportation. Impact on approach: We'll concentrate on solutions for moving people or cargo between different points in space.

• Are there any specific technological constraints or advancements we should consider for this product?

Why it matters: Helps identify potential innovative approaches or limitations in our design. Expected answer: Consider recent developments in propulsion systems and AI. Impact on approach: We'll explore how to incorporate these technologies into our product design.

Propose the Goal

Given our focus on in-space transportation, I believe our goal should be to develop a more efficient and cost-effective method for transporting cargo between Earth orbit and lunar orbit. Does this align with your vision for the product?

Define the Scope

Based on our discussion, I'd like to propose that we focus on developing an autonomous space tug for cargo transport between Earth and lunar orbit. This would address the growing need for reliable cargo delivery as lunar missions become more frequent.

Assumptions:

1. We're targeting both government space agencies and private companies as potential customers.
2. Our product will need to be compatible with existing spacecraft and cargo systems.
3. We'll prioritize fuel efficiency and reliability in our design.