Richard Garriott: Starlab and the Future of the Space Economy

Private astronaut and video game pioneer Richard Garriott explains what businesses need to operate in orbit, from lower costs to simpler access. He joins John “Slick” Baum to discuss the planned Starlab space station, the economics of commercial space, and why he believes the industry is entering a new phase. Garriott also recalls a NASA doctor telling him his eyesight made him ineligible to become a NASA astronaut, and shares how he helped create a private route to space before reaching the International Space Station in 2008. Follow The Voyager Podcast for more conversations with the people building the future of space and defense. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and growing up around NASA 03:03 Video games and the astronaut dream 06:24 Building a private path to space 09:18 The market crash and rebuilding 10:21 Training for spaceflight and reaching the ISS 13:46 Exploring Antarctica and the deep ocean 16:48 The economics of commercial space 19:34 Starlab and the future of commercial stations 22:00 Looking ahead to the NASA visit