We understand the business of space
SpaceWorks recognizes the inseparable link between aerospace systems and their underlying economics. We help clients explore and understand the business case for space, merging Wall Street techniques with aerospace technical expertise.
Independent review and red team support
We leverage expertise in aerospace markets ranging from hypersonics and high-speed flight, to small spacecraft and space access, to enhance client outcomes through proposal review and independent concept review.
Quantitative business case modeling
We develop quantitative, parametric models and simulations of future aerospace markets using industry-standard and custom tools.
Due diligence and M&A advisory
We support fundraising and investment deals for the NewSpace industry on the side of both growing companies and investors.
SpaceWorks NewSpace Index™
The SpaceWorks NewSpace Index (NSI) provides a performance reference for publicly-traded NewSpace companies relative to the S&P 500 and the DJIA.
Our Team
Tyler Kunsa | VP of Defense and Space Systems
Mr. Kunsa is the VP of Defense and Space Systems at SpaceWorks. He leads the economic and advisory practice as well as several strategic programs including SpaceWorks’ RED entry systems and Rocket Cargo initiatives. Mr. Kunsa holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.S. in Mechanical Systems from the University of Central Florida, and an MBA from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Mark Schaffer | VP of Advanced Development
Mr. Schaffer is the Vice President of Advanced Development at SpaceWorks. His background includes both technical and program leadership roles on the company’s hypersonic flight, space launch system, and space exploration projects. Mr. Schaffer serves as the design lead for SpaceWorks’ engineering support of AFRL and NASA hypersonic technology maturation programs. Mr. Schaffer received his Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Hayden Magill | Economic Analyst
Mr. Magill is an Economic Analyst at SpaceWorks. He provides business analyses for a range of projects including space transportation, space solar power, high-speed commercial flight, and defense systems. Mr. Magill holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Georgia.
John R. Olds, Ph.D. | Technical Fellow
Dr. John Olds is a Technical Fellow at SpaceWorks and one of the co-founders of the corporation. He has over 30 years of experience in the aerospace industry as an academic, an engineer, and an entrepreneur. He holds an M.S. degree in Aero/Astro from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from NC State University.
Analytical Expertise
Capabilities and Methods
- System life-cycle cost (LCC) estimation including non-recurring and recurring components, indirect wraps, and learning curve effects
- Joint Confidence Level (JCL) analysis combining schedule, cost, risk, and uncertainty
- Pricing guidance based on competitive assessment, price-to-win, and customer price elasticity
- Technical and performance assessment based on core engineering capabilities in propulsion, aerodynamics, structures, thermal, avionics, and embedded software
- Operations analysis covering impact assessments, bottleneck identification, and optimization
- Market forecasting of addressable and obtainable share in commercial and defense sectors
- Financial modeling including breakeven, ROI, IRR, and NPV
Ready to launch?
Contact us today to see how we can help you get your project off the ground.
