Matthew Voss is the President of Near Space Launch, leading more than 100 successful satellite missions while transforming a small corner of rural Indiana into an emerging aerospace hub. His team has put over 1,000 systems and subsystems into orbit, proving that world-class innovation doesn’t require a Silicon Valley zip code. From rapid satellite development to empowering students through space education, Matthew is redefining what’s possible in rural America.

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Guest Resources

Near Space Launch – Check out Matthew’s website to learn more about Near Space Launch.

Near Space Education – Explore Near Space Education programs in their website.

3 Value Bombs

1. Innovation knows no zip code. Rural communities can build world-class tech when they nurture talent intentionally.

2. Small, agile teams can out-innovate big corporations by iterating fast and focusing deeply on mission success.

3. The next generation of rural talent can be ignited when students are shown that space, STEM, and big dreams are within reach.

Sponsors

HighLevel: The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies! Learn more at HighLevelFire.com!

Intuit QuickBooks: Transform your cash flow — and your business — check out QuickBooks Money Tools today! Learn more at QuickBooks.com/money! Terms apply. Money movement services are provided by Intuit Payments Inc., licensed as a Money Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services.

Show Notes

**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.

Today’s Audio MASTERCLASS: How Rural America Is Launching Satellites, Literally with Matthew Voss COO of Near Space Launch

[00:42] — Matthew talks about how Near Space Launch prove world-class innovation can happen in rural Indiana.

• The company grew out of Taylor University’s engineering program.
• Co-founders brought Lockheed Martin expertise and a passion for space.
• Over 10 years, the team expanded from university collaboration to manufacturing for orbit.
• Result: 1,000+ systems and subsystems in space.

[1:19] — Matthew talks about what happens when a satellite launch isn’t a full success.

• Not all missions hit 100% of desired outcomes.
• Partial success often means reduced power or incomplete payload data.
• Each mission becomes a learning opportunity for improving future systems.

[2:23] — Matthew talks about what a “dream launch” look like.

• A mission where customer experiments succeed, discoveries are made, and new innovation emerges.
• NSL is now moving from single-satellite launches to constellations of up to 100 at a time.

[3:05] — Matthew shares the pros and cons of being in rural Indiana.

• Pros: Lower cost of living, untapped talent, ability to focus without constant oversight.
• Cons: Distance from major decision-makers; must work hard to attract specialized talent.

[4:41] — Matthew talks about what competing globally with a small-town aerospace team looks like.

• The market demands satellites in under a year.
• Small teams can move fast: NSL delivers in 6–9 months vs. 3–4 years for large aerospace primes.
• Agility gives rural innovators a competitive edge.

[5:30]— Matthew talks about his favorite university pipeline.

• Taylor University remains a core partner.
• NSL collaborates with many Midwest universities for research, missions, and developing talent.

[6:15] — Matthew talks about how Goldman Sachs’ rural expansion and the 10,000 Small Businesses program accelerated NSL.

• Provided financial strategy, structure, and long-term planning tools.
• Allowed leadership to step out of day-to-day operations to think about the next 5–10 years.
• First heard about the program through local economic development partners.

[7:31] — Matthew gives his constructive feedback for Goldman Sachs.

• The program is extremely valuable but extremely intense.
• Founders are effectively doing two full-time jobs during the course.
• Suggests better distribution of workload across the program.

[8:29] — Matthew talks about the challenges and hidden advantages of building high-tech businesses in rural communities.

• Challenges: Recruiting talent, raising capital, staying connected to national conversations.
• Advantages: Lower overhead, strong community support, deeper focus, meaningful impact.
• Advice: iterate first, prove the tech works, then scale and attract capital.

[9:44] – A timeout to thank our sponsors.

• HighLevel: The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies! Learn more at HighLevelFire.com!
• Intuit QuickBooks: Transform your cash flow — and your business — check out QuickBooks Money Tools today! Learn more at QuickBooks.com/money! Terms apply. Money movement services are provided by Intuit Payments Inc., licensed as a Money Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services.

[12:42] — Matthew talks about how to motivate a diverse and geographically varied team.

• Employees value meaningful work and the mission of transforming a community.
• Rural life offers balance and a sense of ownership.
• The work itself is impactful; staff sees how their efforts reshape the region.

[13:46] — Matthew shares the hiring lessons for founders building tech-intensive companies.

• Don’t hire versions of yourself. Hire for the skills and perspectives you lack.
• Success requires teams with diverse thinking styles.
• Talented people should be empowered to run fast and contribute creatively.

[15:18] — Matthew tells the one word he hope his employees would use to describe him.

• Empowering.
• He actively cultivates growth, ownership, and leadership across his team.
• Many staff has risen from interns to top performers.

[17:15] — Matthew talks about Near Space Education inspiring the next generation.

• Created to preserve NSL’s educational roots.
• Preparing K–12 and university students to launch experiments on SpaceX missions.
• “Dream Big Mission” engages universities like Notre Dame, Valparaiso, Owensboro, and Taylor.
• Long-term goal: one satellite for every U.S. state.

[18:56] — Matthew talks about the first step rural business owners can take to attract talent and opportunity.

• Adopt a spirit of learning.
• Many grants, programs, and resources already exist, Entrepreneurs simply don’t know about them.
• Research first then build on what’s possible.

[20:15] — Matthew gives his final takeaway.

• The next decade will bring massive change.
• Stay curious, rethink old assumptions, and redefine what rural innovation can be.
• Cross-discipline collaboration will shape the future.

[21:30] — Call to action.

• Near Space Launch – Check out Matthew’s website to learn more about Near Space Launch.
• Near Space Education – Explore Near Space Education programs in their website.

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