Every now and then, you meet someone whose journey sparks instant admiration – someone whose path was unpredictable but, looking back, feels almost destined. Recently, I had the pleasure of chatting with Ben McCrossan, CEO and co-founder of Ensemble Space. Ben’s story is a compelling mix of curiosity, continuous learning, and a dash of boldness – exactly the ingredients needed to thrive in today’s dynamic space industry.

Ben’s route into space wasn’t typical. Born in Glendale, Arizona, Ben’s love for STEM ignited during high school physics classes, largely thanks to a brilliant teacher. Choosing Georgia Tech because it was one of the top engineering schools located somewhere warm (a practical man!), Ben began exploring nuclear physics, which eventually led him to a career in the US Navy. Not just on the design side, but in the operational, hands-on management of nuclear technologies aboard naval ships.

His time in the Navy proved invaluable. At 23, Ben found himself managing a team of nearly 30 people, embracing a “figure-it-out” mindset. The Navy taught him crucial life lessons: continuous learning, structured problem-solving, and the importance of adaptability – skills he brought with him into the space sector.

What impressed me most about Ben was his emphasis on continuous learning, something he carried over from his military days. He believes deeply in fostering a culture that constantly encourages expanding knowledge – not just within one’s specialisation, but broadly across different areas. This principle has become a cornerstone at Ensemble Space.

Ensemble Space itself is fascinating. The company tackles space weather intelligence, leveraging advanced machine learning to process complex data and convert it into actionable insights. Space weather isn’t about predicting rainfall or sunshine – it’s about anticipating solar radiation storms and other phenomena that can disrupt satellites, harm astronauts, and even impact terrestrial infrastructure like power grids.

Ben shared how Ensemble Space focuses on three key areas: processing vast data streams, building sophisticated models balancing physics and machine learning, and translating these complex data points into actionable intelligence. It’s about transforming abstract science into practical decisions – extending satellite lifespans, enhancing operational efficiency, and safeguarding crucial infrastructure.

Reflecting on the broader space weather intelligence sector, Ben sees significant growth and potential, especially with rapid advances in artificial intelligence and an increasing need for precise space weather forecasting due to growing satellite constellations. He’s optimistic about the sector’s evolution, seeing competition not as a threat, but as validation of its importance and a catalyst for innovation.

Throughout our conversation, one theme kept emerging: passion. Ben spoke of attending space industry events and the tangible excitement everyone shared. He highlighted how rare and refreshing it is to be part of a community genuinely thrilled about their work, driven by curiosity and collaborative spirit.

Addressing the well-known talent challenge in space, Ben had an insightful perspective. He noted that while there’s often anxiety about attracting enough talent, the real issue might be perception. The space sector isn’t only for rocket scientists or astrophysicists; it’s open to everyone – engineers, marketers, software developers, you name it. The biggest barrier? Convincing talented people from other industries that space isn’t some unattainable rocket science – it’s accessible and rewarding.

Ben’s advice to anyone thinking of joining the space industry? Just do it. He emphasised not overthinking or waiting for a perfect resume, but rather diving in, learning on the go, and leveraging available resources – YouTube lectures, Coursera courses, and industry connections. “Rip off the Band-Aid,” he laughed, encapsulating his belief that the best way into space is simply to start.

Reflecting on our chat, Ben’s clarity about doing what genuinely interests you struck me most. His brief flirtation with finance taught him the importance of authenticity: “You can’t compete with passion if you’re not passionate yourself.”

I left our conversation feeling energised and optimistic. Ben McCrossan’s journey shows that the best careers are rarely linear, that embracing continuous learning and passion-driven choices is essential, and that, yes – space really is for everyone.

If Ben’s story has sparked your curiosity, remember this: space might be closer than you think. And it’s ready for you to jump in.