The Future Of Space: Clément Galic Of Unseenlabs On How Space Travel and The Space Industry Can Improve Our Lives Here On Earth
An Interview With David Leichner
Curiosity and Continuous Learning: The space industry is ever evolving. Keeping up to date with the latest technologies and theories is crucial. My early fascination with space led me to constantly seek knowledge, shaping my path.
The commercial space industry has never been more active. With the privatization of the space industry, led by companies like SpaceX and Rocket Lab, billions of dollars are now being poured into pushing the boundaries of space travel. But while this is very exciting and interesting, how exactly will space exploration improve the lives of the vast, vast majority of us who will be remaining on earth? How can space exploration improve our society? In this interview series, we are talking to leaders from the space industry who can talk about the new developments in space travel and space technology, and how these developments can improve all of our lives. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Clément Galic.
Clément Galic is a Software, Functional & Technical Engineer. He specializes in critical and high-capacity systems in space and air traffic management. He is CEO and cofounder of Unseenlabs, world leader in space-based RF detection for Maritime Domain Awareness.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’ and how you got started in the space industry?
Ever since we were kids, my brothers Jonathan, Benjamin, and I just loved anything to do with space. We were those kids who’d spend hours watching Star Wars, pretending to battle it out with lightsabers, dreaming of exploring galaxies far, far away. It was more than a hobby; it was our little obsession!
Fast forward a bit, and I graduated from École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (ENAC) in 2007. That’s where I really got into the nuts and bolts of how things work in both space and air traffic management. I was diving deep into software, learning how to handle super complex systems. But even then, in the back of my mind, I was always thinking about how I could connect this back to my childhood passion for space.
So, when the chance came to start something of our own, it was like all those childhood dreams started to make sense. We saw this huge opportunity to use what we knew about space tech to solve real-world problems. And let me tell you, there are plenty of challenges out there, especially when it comes to looking after our oceans. Illegal fishing, pollution, you name it — the oceans need all the help they can get.
That’s where Unseenlabs comes into play. We took the leap and founded the company with a clear mission: to use our space-based RF detection technology to keep an eye on maritime activities. It’s all about making sure the seas are safe and clean, not just for us but for future generations too. As the CEO, it’s pretty amazing to see how our childhood passion for space is now helping us protect the oceans.
We’re not just playing with cool tech; we’re tackling serious issues head-on. And honestly, it feels like we’re just getting started. There’s so much potential in what we can do with space technology, and I’m excited to see where it takes us. Who knew those Star Wars marathons would lead to this, right?
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Launching BRO-1 was a defining moment for us at Unseenlabs; truly the climax of all the hard work since 2015. Standing at the Rocket Lab launch site in New Zealand, the air was thick with anticipation. And when that rocket lifted off, it was like a physical weight lifted with it.
But the real moment of awe came when we received that first signal back. That first contact? It felt like BRO-1 was saying, “I’m here, and I’m ready to work.” It was more than just a milestone; it was the herald of our unique mission taking flight. This event marked the beginning of our journey, one that extends beyond us to everyone committed to the protection and surveillance of our oceans.
Sending BRO-1 into space and hearing back from it wasn’t just a highlight; it was the start of something monumental. Personally, it stands as the best thing that’s happened in my career so far. It was about more than just the technology or the satellite; it was about setting in motion a new era in maritime surveillance, creating a legacy that we hope will make a significant difference.
Can you tell our readers about the most interesting space-related projects you are working on now?
Right now, my team at Unseenlabs and I are all about expanding our satellite constellation. It’s like adding super-powered members to our team, each with the tech to catch and follow ships bending the rules. We aim to keep an eye out and make a big impact — from boosting security to improving resource management. The goal? To use our space tech not just for today’s tasks but to pave the way for a future where we’re making even bigger strides in protecting and understanding our planet.
How do you think this might change the world?
Our work has the potential to revolutionize how we manage and protect our oceans. By providing accurate, real-time data on maritime activities, we can help enforce laws against illegal fishing and pollution more effectively, ensuring the sustainability of ocean resources. This isn’t just about saving the oceans; it’s about preserving our planet for future generations, ensuring food security, and maintaining biodiversity. The implications for global environmental health are profound.
What are the three things that most excite you about the space industry today? Why?
Space tech is hitting some pretty cool milestones lately. For starters, satellites are shrinking, and the cost to send them up is dropping. This shift is huge because it means more players can jump into the space game — think startups and smaller nations. This is important for bringing fresh ideas to tackle Earth’s big issues.
Then, there’s the buzz about space-based internet. This isn’t just tech talk; it’s about bridging the digital divide and lighting up remote areas with access to the web. Imagine the possibilities: education, healthcare, and opportunities for industries all reaching places they’ve never been before.
And the exploration front? We’re looking at the Moon and Mars in ways we haven’t since the space race. But it’s not just about planting flags; it’s the tech that comes out of these adventures that’s a big deal. Techhnology that helps us live sustainably in space could help us do the same on Earth.
In short, the space scene is more than just sci-fi dreams; it’s about making a real-world impact, here and now.
What are the three things that concern you about the space industry? Can you explain? What can be done to address those concerns?
The issue of space debris is escalating, which is a significant hazard to satellites and human space missions. The solution? International collaboration and cutting-edge technologies aimed at removing this debris. Imagine deploying devices specifically designed to clean up orbit — a necessary step to safeguard our ventures above.
As the number of satellites increases, the sustainability of space activities comes into sharp focus. It’s imperative to develop not only guidelines but also innovative technologies that ensure these operations leave minimal footprints. This includes considering the entire lifecycle of satellites, particularly their disposal, to prevent them from contributing to the debris problem.
With the space industry experiencing unprecedented growth, the importance of commercialization and regulation comes to the fore. It’s essential to strike a balance that keeps space open and safe for all, necessitating transparent regulations and equitable practices. The goal is to foster an inclusive environment in space, where access and opportunities are not monopolized.
In essence, as we expand our presence in space, the responsibility to do so sustainably, safely, and fairly becomes ever more critical. It’s an exciting era for space exploration and utilization, one that demands thoughtful action to ensure its long-term viability for all.
Can you help articulate to our readers a few of the ways that the space industry can improve the lives of the vast majority of us who will be remaining on earth? How can space exploration improve our society?
The space industry is not just about exploring the stars; it’s about improving life on Earth. Satellite technology monitors climate change, manages natural disaster reporting, and even aids in agriculture by optimizing crop yields. Space exploration drives technological advancements that trickle down to everyday applications, like medical imaging technologies derived from space tech. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, we’re also finding new solutions to Earth’s most pressing challenges.
What are your “5 Things You Need to Create A Highly Successful Career In The Space Industry?”
- Curiosity and Continuous Learning: The space industry is ever evolving. Keeping up to date with the latest technologies and theories is crucial. My early fascination with space led me to constantly seek knowledge, shaping my path.
- Resilience: Facing and overcoming launch challenges taught me that resilience is key. The ability to bounce back from setbacks is essential in the high-stakes space industry.
- Innovation: Inventing new solutions for tracking maritime activities demonstrated the power of innovation. Thinking outside the box can lead to groundbreaking advancements.
- Collaboration: Space is a team sport. Building strong relationships within your team and with external partners can amplify your impact.
- Vision: Having a clear vision of what we wanted to achieve with Unseenlabs guided us through tough times. Knowing your “why” can be your north star.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
For those keen on keeping up with our adventures at Unseenlabs, there are plenty of ways to stay in the loop. I’d say the first stop should be LinkedIn — I’m there, sharing updates, thoughts, and some behind-the-scenes peeks. It’s a great way to see the professional side of our journey.
Unseenlabs has its own spots across social media. We’re on LinkedIn, X, Threads, and Instagram to share all the official updates and insights.
And of course, there’s our website and our YouTube channel. We hope your readers will check us out!
Thank you so much for the time you spent doing this interview. This was very inspirational, and we wish you continued success.
About The Interviewer: David Leichner is a veteran of the Israeli high-tech industry with significant experience in the areas of cyber and security, enterprise software and communications. At Cybellum, a leading provider of Product Security Lifecycle Management, David is responsible for creating and executing the marketing strategy and managing the global marketing team that forms the foundation for Cybellum’s product and market penetration. Prior to Cybellum, David was CMO at SQream and VP Sales and Marketing at endpoint protection vendor, Cynet. David is the Chairman of the Friends of Israel and Member of the Board of Trustees of the Jerusalem Technology College. He holds a BA in Information Systems Management and an MBA in International Business from the City University of New York.
