Sometimes, innovation doesn’t mean just improving what’s already there – it means completely rethinking it. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Patrick Shannon and Chris DeMay, founders of Trustpoint, a company that’s boldly redefining what GPS technology can achieve. Their story isn’t just about innovation; it’s about vision, collaboration, and disruption at scale.

Patrick’s journey into aerospace seemed almost destined. From his early days, space was his calling, leading him to study aerospace engineering at MIT and eventually working with industry giants like Orbital ATK and NASA’s JPL. His career involved everything from classified satellite programmes to planetary exploration missions – quite literally reaching for the stars.

Chris, however, had a less direct route. Starting out in government roles with the Department of Defense and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Chris discovered a passion for small satellite technology. This led him to found Hawkeye 360, pioneering commercial radio frequency analytics from space. His entrepreneurial itch eventually led him to partner with Patrick, combining their unique backgrounds and complementary expertise.

Trustpoint emerged when Patrick identified a gap in the enormous $250 billion GPS market – a market built on technology conceived in the 1970s. While receiver technology had rapidly evolved (just think of the smartphone in your pocket), the satellite infrastructure behind GPS hadn’t kept pace. Patrick and Chris saw an opportunity to revolutionise GPS by leveraging modern technology and approaches – launching satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) to deliver stronger, more secure, and more reliable GPS signals.

What sets Trustpoint apart is their innovative approach to GPS: affordable micro-satellites operating in LEO, significantly reducing cost and complexity compared to traditional GPS satellites. Patrick highlighted that traditional GPS satellites cost roughly $500 million each, while Trustpoint aims to deliver their micro-satellites at around $250,000 each – a staggering reduction that makes their ambitious constellation possible.

Chris described the immediate applications Trustpoint targets – autonomous vehicles, drones, urban air mobility, and precision navigation – areas that are desperate for enhanced GPS reliability. This isn’t just about better directions on your smartphone; it’s about enabling a safer, more automated future.

Our conversation naturally turned to the industry’s future. Patrick and Chris firmly believe Trustpoint’s innovative GPS tech will be a critical enabler for expanding autonomy. By providing robust, accurate, and secure positioning data, Trustpoint addresses significant hurdles that currently limit the widespread deployment of autonomous systems across sectors from transportation to construction.

One key point Patrick emphasised is the need for innovation to consider all aspects – technical, financial, and regulatory. Reflecting on early career setbacks, he highlighted the critical importance of understanding the full landscape, not just technology alone. Chris echoed this, underscoring the necessity of building strong teams, leveraging diverse skills, and maintaining flexibility and adaptability.

Trustpoint’s rapid achievements – particularly launching the world’s first GPS micro-satellite during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic – are testament to their resilient approach. Operating remotely, securing significant contracts, and building an exceptional team, Patrick and Chris demonstrated that with determination and innovation, even the most significant global disruptions couldn’t slow their momentum.

Discussing talent in the space sector, both founders passionately believe in making space careers more accessible. They emphasised how crucial it is to dispel myths that space careers are limited to rocket scientists or astrophysicists. Chris mentioned Trustpoint’s successful internship programmes that help bring new, diverse talent into the industry, creating real-world space experiences for young professionals.

Patrick’s advice for aspiring space professionals is simple and compelling: don’t wait, dive in. He stressed that the industry needs diverse skill sets – not just aerospace engineers but experts from policy, finance, software, and many other fields. Chris added that success in the space industry means strategically surrounding yourself with great people who complement and enhance your strengths.

Our conversation left me inspired by Trustpoint’s visionary founders and their clear dedication to transforming how we navigate our world. Their journey highlights a critical lesson for any innovator: true disruption requires vision, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.

If Patrick and Chris’s story resonates with you, take their advice: there’s never been a better time to jump into space. Your unique perspective and skills might just redefine the industry’s future.