Houston, We Have a Moonshot: Perspectives on Private Spaceflight from the Astronaut Entrepreneur

The Outside Context

The Outside Context – Episode 6

Episode Summary

In this episode, our co-hosts Elise Soucie Watts and Jannah Patchay sit down with Per Wimmer—global financier, entrepreneur, adventurer, and astronaut-in-training—to discuss the future of private space travel, space entrepreneurship and humanity’s long-term potential beyond Earth.

Per shares his personal journey, from setting a world record by skydiving over Mount Everest to becoming one of the first private astronauts with Virgin Galactic. He discusses the economic impact of private space investment, technological innovations driven by space exploration and the role of space in inspiring future generations.

Key Topics Covered:

• Per Wimmer’s journey as an adventurer, entrepreneur and astronaut-in-training
• The rise of private space travel and why it’s fueling the next era of innovation
• How space exploration impacts finance, biotech, and global communications
• The overview effect and how space can change our perspective on Earth
• The shift from government-led space programs to commercial space entrepreneurship
• How international collaboration in space can teach us lessons for diplomacy
• The challenges of making human life multi-planetary and why Mars may not be the answer
• What it takes to train as an astronaut – centrifuge training, zero-gravity flights, and G-force survival
• Per’s upcoming 2026 spaceflight with Virgin Galactic

Memorable Quotes
“Space is the ultimate adventure. But beyond the thrill, private space travel fuels innovation that will benefit all of humanity.” – Per Wimmer
“Astronauts see the bigger picture—we need to protect Earth, because it is truly unique.”
“One of the most important things space exploration does is inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and dreamers.”
“Governments used to lead space exploration for military advantage. Now, private investment is driving new opportunities that benefit everyone.”

Connect with Us Follow Per Wimmer on Twitter/X and LinkedIn Stay updated with The Outside Context on Twitter/X Subscribe for more episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app
Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to rate, review, and share!

Message us and tell us what you think of this episode, or share your ideas for future episodes - we’d love to hear from you!

Sponsored by Unblocked & Markets Evolution
© 2024 The Outside Context. All rights reserved.