Guy Reams (00:01.358)
This is day 223, the symbol of the launch pad. When I was a young boy, my slightly older uncle had a fascination with launching rockets. His room was filled with various rocket models. And to me, this was the epitome of coolness. I would sneak into his room while he was at school, captivated by the array of rocket parts from his numerous test launches. He had the small little launch pad.
that was scarred with scorch marks from countless fire blasts. You could still smell the rocket fuel. Today, as I watched Mr. Musk boast about another successful rocket launch, I found myself reflecting on the profound symbolism launched by the rocket.
Guy Reams (00:53.422)
In 1990, the peak of the world's ability to launch objects into space was marked by a high level of activity from both Russia and the US space programs. Both of these programs would drop significantly after 1990. The period also saw a commercial surge in launch of orbiting satellites with the first major GPS satellite launching in 1989. To put this in perspective, 1990,
witnessed 168 launches worldwide, a record number that stood all the way until 2013. This was the year that SpaceX conducted its first commercial launch for private customers, ushering in a new era of rapid rocket ship launch. By 2013, the number of launches increased to 210 a year globally.
This growth has since been exponential. In 2023, we had 2664 launches, which is just incredible. Now, before you think that all came from SpaceX, SpaceX was only responsible for 98 of those launches. So the world is launching a lot of rockets into space.
But of course, most of that is coming from the United States.
The Launchpad serves as a fitting metaphor as I contemplate launching new aspirations in my own career. It symbolizes a starting point, a platform for something is initiated or propelled forward. For the past 18 months, I have earnestly been searching for a new Launchpad to embark in the next phase of technology. When I left my
Guy Reams (02:51.182)
corporate job on the last day of 2022, I needed to navigate my way into this rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. Thus, my journey began learning, experimenting, engaging with the many as people as I could. I have now found what I was looking for and today marks my first major launch into this exciting area of the tech space. As I reflect on my new journey, I'm struck by the symbolism of the launch pad as representation of my new start.
There are, I came up with five reasons. First, the launch pad kind of indicates the beginning of a new journey, just like a beginning of a new journey into space. Second, it's a foundation, a foundation of success. It symbolizes a solid foundation for all the support systems that are required to launch a rocket into space. Third opportunity, a launch pad symbolizes an opportunity to go to new heights, to accomplish new great things.
I think the launch pad also represents innovation of exploration. When you see a rocket launching into space or when you see the preparations to launch a rocket, you think of innovation. Finally, fifth, preparation and readiness. I think the launch pad signifies a significant amount of preparation that it takes to finally get to the point where
Guy Reams (04:17.23)
So I have purchased this cool new picture of the latest Falcon 9 launch. I plan to hang it right above my desk. This image will serve as a constant reminder of the purpose and dedication resolved that a new launch demands, inspiring me to reach for new heights in my new journey, this great world of artificial intelligence. Thank you.