Faculty Insights: The Importance of Space Architecture for Leaders - A Conversation with Brent Sherwood
Brent Sherwood, former Senior Vice Precident of Blue Origin, shares his insights on the emerging field and its importance for leaders in the aerospace industry.
Brent Sherwood is a visionary space architect who has spent over three decades at the forefront of space exploration. From designing planetary missions at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to leading advanced spacecraft development at Blue Origin, Sherwood has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of space travel and habitation.
In this interview, we sit down with Sherwood, a lecturer in the Executive MBA Space Architecture, to discuss his groundbreaking work, the challenges and opportunities in the field of space architecture, and his vision for humanity's future beyond Earth.
As an expert, why are you so passionate about Space Architecture?
I am one of the founders of the field, so naturally I am passionate about it: shaping it, promoting it, cultivating it, and respecting it. The Space Shuttle started flying in 1981, during my graduate program at the Yale School of Architecture. I came to believe that my childhood aspiration of building cities on the Moon could possibly occur in my lifetime, so I set out to “do” architecture in space. I quickly learned that there was no established field, next-to-zero practitioners, and virtually no understanding in the aerospace profession for the unique value of architectural thinking. I entered a second graduate program (University of Maryland) to gain expertise and credibility in the aerospace profession so I could blend the two fields. In 1988 I started what became a 35-year career developing space systems for Boeing, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Blue Origin, while working mostly on my own time to help build the global network of self-described space architects. Most of my published work has in one way or another been aimed at promoting space development through the lens of space architecture.
Why is this topic relevant for leaders?
Even today, despite dozens of practitioners, several books, decades of conference sessions, and a few accredited curricula, most aerospace system developers do not appreciate the complementary value of architecture compared to aerospace engineering. Leaders with accountability and influence in the development of human space systems need to understand how complex space architecture is and why they should seek out the best space architects for their teams.
How does this topic affect companies or society?
Human space systems require all the technical disciplines of all space flight systems, plus the disciplines (that architectural practice integrates) related to human living and working. The combination of these fields will become more critical as missions last longer, go to novel destinations, and include nonprofessional and/or long-term participants with objectives other than simply scientific exploration. The development of space resources will be essential for human civilization to grow beyond the limitations of the terrestrial biosphere to absorb technological impacts.
What do the participants learn from me?
They will learn insights in three fundamental areas: 1) the Four Futures model of strategic planning for human space flight, which provides the context for all current and contemplated uses of human space flight and how the various objectives are related; 2) Space Architecture as an integrative discipline – why aerospace engineering isn’t enough, what fundamental “site” constraints must be accommodated, what the state of practice is, and what the most pivotal research directions are; 3) my personal career journey, including how I worked in a non-existent field, what my teams were able to accomplish that changed space architecture and space flight, and what I’ve learned about leadership.
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Space Architecture's Future: Brent Sherwood & Blue Origin's Vision
[Translate to English:] Expert Talk with Brent Sherwood about the Four Futures of Human Spaceflight
Brent Sherwood is the Space Domain Lead at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). He recently retired from Blue Origin as Senior Vice President of Advanced Development Programs (ADP) for spacecraft development. Brent Sherwood held various leading positions at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and The Boeing Company. As a space architect, he spent 35 years involved in the design of planetary missions, manufacturing engineering for space station modules, and program development for commercial and space science projects. He has published over 50 articles on space exploration, development, and colonization and edited the book Out of This World: The New Field of Space Architecture. He is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and a 2020 recipient of the Columbia Medal of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Discover the Executive MBA in Space Architecture
This program combines space tech, architectural design, and business skills to prep you for leadership in the booming space industry. Learn from top experts like Brent Sherwood and gain the know-how to make your mark on the final frontier.
Learn more: Executive MBA Space Architecture
