Why 40% of Satellites Still Fail — and What One Aussie Startup Is Doing About It

Key takeaways from our interview with Christopher Capon , CEO of Zendir (formerly Nominal Systems)

In our latest Space Insiders Show episode, we caught up with Christopher Capon , founder of Australia’s Zendir (formerly known as Nominal Systems), who’s on a mission to make satellite operations more reliable, scalable, and intelligent.

His startup was born out of frustration: after helping build multiple spacecraft in academia, Chris realized that far too many satellites — nearly 40% — still fail after launch. And not because the ideas are bad. It's because of a deep and growing disconnect between how spacecraft are designed, tested, and operated in today’s fast-moving environment.

Here are 3 insights that stuck with us:

“The rocket won’t wait for you” — and software is the first to suffer In the traditional space model, delays were acceptable. But in the age of commercial rideshare launches and tight schedules, teams are cutting corners. Many spacecraft are launched with untested — or completely missing — flight software. Zendir steps in with high-fidelity digital twins and simulation tools, enabling teams to test full mission scenarios before the satellite leaves the ground. It’s not just about reducing risk; it’s about building confidence in the entire mission stack.

Digital twins + real-time data + AI = the future of satellite ops Chris made a compelling case for rethinking how we interact with space assets. A digital twin shouldn’t be a static model — it should evolve as the spacecraft operates, reflecting wear-and-tear, anomalies, and environmental stress. Zendir's next wave of tools integrates AI agents that can flag underperforming spacecraft, suggest contingency plans, and even guide operators through unexpected failures. Imagine asking an LLM: “Which satellites should I prioritize for a wildfire monitoring mission this week?” — and getting an informed answer in seconds.

Remote-first isn’t just a work policy — it’s a growth strategy Zendir started just months before COVID. Instead of folding, they adapted — building a fully remote company culture from day one. Their team operates inside a gamified virtual office where spontaneous conversations and collaboration still happen. They’ve paired this with in-person gatherings focused on connection, not just strategy. The result? Access to top global talent, strong culture, and the ability to scale globally without expensive overhead.

Beyond the tech, we also chatted with Chris about:

• Why space insurance models are breaking down — and how simulation could reshape underwriting

• What Australia really needs to build a sustainable space industry

• And yes… why someone put a jar of Vegemite on a launch vehicle

If you’re building in space, investing in space, or just curious about where this ecosystem is headed, make sure you check out the episode, and follow Space Insiders Show to stay up to date with the latest episodes, dropping fortnightly on Tuesdays. 

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