Space Copy's Madison C. Feehan: Aerospace Innovation and Entrepreneurship

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Madison C. Feehan, Founder and CEO of Space Copy, is a seasoned professional with four years at NASA’s NRESS (NSPIRES) division. A Harvard Business School program graduate and current Commerce student, she blends her scientific expertise with a business and innovation perspective.

Madison’s strengths lie in reviewing advanced lunar and terrestrial instruments, focusing on planetary science, heliophysics, astrophysics, and biomedical engineering. She excels in advising how to secure federal funding for academic and industry projects and navigating government contracts with ease.

Beyond Space Copy, Madison volunteers for NASA, ESA, and the US government and is a published author with Elsevier Ltd.

Active in various committees, including NASA’s LSIC and UNCOPUOS GEGSLA, Madison has received industry recognition, such as the 2021 EPSB Division Awards and numerous industry accolades. Her work reflects a dedication to advancing aerospace technology, 3D printing, and robotics, making her a respected figure in the field.

To learn more about Space Copy visit their website: https://spacecopy.com/. 

Today, we sit down with Madison to learn more about her entrepreneurial journey and experience in aerospace innovation. 

Q. What inspired you to become the Founder and CEO/COO of Space Copy after being a contract employee for NASA?

Madison: My journey began as a contract employee for NASA’s NSPIRES division in 2019, where I conducted review work in various divisions, including planetary science, heliophysics, and astrophysics, gaining expertise in advanced lunar instrument development. This experience sparked my passion for space exploration and entrepreneurship and inspired me to close a market gap in manufacturing using revolutionized space technology.

In 2022, I founded Space Copy, a lunar manufacturing company based in the United States and Canada, aiming to redefine aerospace manufacturing and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) through innovative applications of 3D printing using local materials to create supplies and infrastructure in extreme environments on Earth and in space.

Q. How has your Harvard business education complemented your scientific background?

Madison: Well, my Harvard Business School education provided a strategic framework for assessing opportunities, formulating executive-level strategies, and managing teams. This blend of business acumen and scientific knowledge empowers me to lead Space Copy and guide Moon Trades, driving innovation in space technology, fostering STEM education, and strategically navigating the dynamic landscape of the aerospace industry. 

One of my favorite theories discussed during the two-year hybrid program was the People, Opportunity, Context, Deal framework, designed by renowned economic experts within Harvard’s faculty to strategically evaluate opportunities and manage start-ups and finance ventures.

Q. Can you talk a bit about Space Copy and the innovative technologies integrated into the interplanetary manufacturing device?

Madison: Space Copy is a startup company that is creating a revolutionary type of 3D printer that is available for use on Earth and on the lunar surface to create supplies and infrastructure from local materials such as soils and sands. Our device is not just limited to 3D printing; we are a research bank, testing laboratory, and additive manufacturing device, all in one.  Our technology combines lunar soil sampling, spectral data analysis, pre-processing hardware, AI operating systems, and a highly precise selective laser melting (SLM) 3D printing process. 

This innovation streamlines infrastructure development by enabling a technique called in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), which takes local materials and transforms them into usable feedstock for construction in extreme environments, thus reducing the need for costly resupply missions. The device holds the potential to revolutionize space exploration and Earth-based manufacturing in remote areas by enabling on-site manufacturing of essential components, promoting sustainability, and unlocking new possibilities for lunar colonization.

Q. What role do you see Space Copy playing in shaping the advancement of space technology?

Madison: As the leader of Space Copy, my role is pivotal in shaping the advancement of space technology. We aim to disrupt the aerospace manufacturing market, both by introducing a robust concept of leveraging local materials and innovative technologies but also by reducing the amount of capital-intensive hardware that is required to sustain astronauts on interplanetary missions through our ability to combine research, testing, and manufacturing into one modular system. Space Copy’s approach has the potential to redefine how we build infrastructure in space, contributing to the broader evolution of space technology and establishing new standards for interplanetary manufacturing.

Q. As an advocate for breaking down barriers in space careers, what would you say is the importance of inclusivity in the space industry?

Madison: I believe inclusivity is crucial for innovation and progress in the space industry. Breaking down barriers ensures diverse perspectives, talent, and ideas contribute to solving complex challenges, and this is something that the industry needs to see more of. By fostering inclusivity, creating opportunities for individuals who do not have access to STEM programs in their schools, and establishing an online syndicate of aerospace subject matter experts and mentors, we create a more robust and dynamic space community, driving advancements that benefit humanity as a whole.

Q. How have your contributions to scientific literature influenced your approach to entrepreneurship and education in the space sector?

Madison: Contributing to scientific literature has honed my communication skills and deepened my understanding of complex concepts. A recent project that is currently under review for publishing is focused on AI for Earth Resource Management, commissioned by the White House for open-science contributions, which I found to be particularly illuminating. 

This experience guides my approach to entrepreneurship and technical research by emphasizing clear communication and the integration of cutting-edge scientific knowledge into practical applications. It also shapes my commitment to educating others and fostering a culture of continuous learning in the space sector.

Q. Could you share a pivotal moment or project that significantly shaped your perspective as an entrepreneur in the space-tech industry?

Madison: A pivotal moment for me was taking the leap and deciding to establish Space Copy. The challenge of combining space technology, entrepreneurship, and STEM education opened my eyes to the immense potential for innovation in these industries, and my previous NASA experience had enlightened me to a significant market gap that clearly needed to be filled, and it’s only possible through technologies like 3D printing!

This experience solidified my commitment to reshaping the aerospace landscape and fostering advancements that bridge the stark deviations between science and practical applications for infrastructure development, whether that be in extreme environments on Earth, the Moon, Mars, and even further beyond.

Q. Lastly, what changes do you hope to see in the near future to support small businesses and foster innovation in the space industry?

Madison: I heavily advocate for streamlined funding processes, increased support for small businesses, and initiatives promoting international collaboration. As a stakeholder and small business representative in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors, I am greatly challenged by the entry barriers enforced by a majority of international funding programs within government, academia, and private industry. 

 Simplifying access to funding and fostering cross-border partnerships will, in my opinion, empower small businesses to contribute meaningfully to innovation in the space industry, accelerating progress and driving advancements that we need to grow technologically as a race.

To keep up with Madison C. Feehan, connect with her on LinkedIn via Space Copy