Joshua Ingersoll - Regulatory Affairs Engineering and Spectrum Management

In this episode of the Space Policy Pioneers Podcast, host Andy Williams speaks with Josh Ingersoll, a Senior Manager of Regulatory Affairs at Astranis Space Technologies. The discussion focuses on the role of a regulatory engineer and a spectrum management expert in the space industry. Josh also shares insights about necessary skills and relevant tools like Visualyse software, the interaction between engineers and regulatory bodies, regulatory strategy, and the importance of technical knowledge in policy roles. He further discusses possible career paths, including opportunities in the public, private, and law sectors.

Episode guide

00:05 Introduction to the Space Policy Pioneers Podcast

01:34 Understanding the Role of a Regulatory Engineer

02:40 The Importance of Spectrum in the Aerospace Industry

03:18 The Role of Regulatory Engineers in Satellite Communications

04:52 The Intersection of Regulatory Engineering and Public Relations

05:24 Understanding License Applications in Satellite Communications

06:09 The Role of Regulatory Engineers in Company Strategy

07:15 The Work of Astranis Space Technologies

10:10 The Impact of Spectrum on the Satellite Industry

10:22 The Role of Regulatory Strategy in Spectrum Management

16:40 The Day-to-Day Life of a Regulatory Engineer

17:13 The Importance of Technical Skills in Regulatory Engineering

19:08 The Role of Education in a Regulatory Engineering Career

22:58 Career Paths in Spectrum Management

27:22 The Importance of Networking in the Space Industry

34:10 The Big Picture: The Future of the Space Economy

Links and Resources

Visualyse software: https://www.transfinite.com https://www.transfinite.com/content/downloadsvisualyse

Spectrum Policy Lab: Olin College https://www.osstp.org

George Washington University space policy institute: https://spi.elliott.gwu.edu

Georgia tech space lab: https://www.cstar.gatech.edu

Mariel Borowitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marielborowitz/ 

MIT Technology policy program: https://tpp.mit.edu

Space Generation Advisory Council https://spacegeneration.org

Polaris news letter https://payloadspace.com

Space Companies

Astranis: https://www.astranis.com

Amazon Kuiper: https://www.aboutamazon.com/what-we-do/devices-services/project-kuiper

Kuiper Jobs: https://amazon.jobs/content/en/teams/devices-services/project-kuiper

ViaSat: https://www.viasat.com/

Boeing: https://www.boeing.com/

Northrop Grumman: https://www.northropgrumman.com/

Link Global: https://lynk.world/

SpaceX: https://www.spacex.com/

Planet: https://www.planet.com/

Law firms servicing the space sector

Hogan Lovells https://www.hoganlovells.com/

DLA Piper: https://www.dlapiper.com/

US Government bodies involved in space policy

FCC space bureau: https://www.fcc.gov/space

NASA office of science and technology policy https://www.nasa.gov/otps/otps-about-us/

Office of Space Commerce https://www.space.commerce.gov

White House Office of science and technology policy https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/

Not mentioned by Josh, but for completeness,

National Space Council: https://www.whitehouse.gov/spacecouncil/

Space Force: https://www.spaceforce.mil/

NOAA: https://www.noaa.gov/

Additional Resources:

Overview of US space regulatory landscape: https://spacelaws.com/articles/space-licensing-in-the-united-states/

European Space Policy Institute report https://www.espi.or.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ESPI-Space-Spectrum-Policy-Report-1-1.pdf

ITU guidebook: https://www.itu.int/hub/2023/10/itus-handbook-on-small-satellites-advancing-the-global-satellite-industry/