Today we’d like to introduce you to Eduardo Sanchez Rijo
Hi Eduardo, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey began in the Marine Corps as a Motor Transport Technician, where I developed a deep appreciation for engineering, mechanics, and logistics. However, it was the awe-inspiring launches of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy in 2018 and the build-up around the NASA Martian Perseverance rover that ignited my passion for space exploration. Driven by this newfound passion, I moved to Texas to pursue opportunities in the aerospace industry. Not long after, I was hired at Giga Texas Tesla where I gained valuable experience in manufacturing and technology. Later, I transferred to a Tesla service center in Houston, where I honed my technical skills and deepened my understanding of electric vehicles. A few pivotal moments came when I was selected to participate in two NASA programs focused on Lunar and Martian exploration. During one of those missions, I played key roles in a theoretical mission to the Martian north pole and the development of a Martian rover. A year later, in 2024, I was selected as a member of the Health and Safety Team for a ‘Life on Mars’ 3-day event where 35 selected participants had to work together to simulate if a group of astronauts could survive the first two years on Mars. Beyond my technical expertise, I’ve also pursued creative outlets. I authored a children’s book on Amazon called, ‘ABCs: An Adventure Through Space,’ to inspire young minds about the wonders of the cosmos. These experiences solidified my dream of working in the aerospace industry and making a tangible contribution to space exploration. In early 2024, I took the leap and founded Alpherg Space, a startup dedicated to developing autonomous systems for both lunar and terrestrial applications. Since then, I’ve been actively networking, attending industry events, and seeking funding to bring my vision to life. My goal is to create innovative solutions that can revolutionize space exploration and benefit society here on Earth. I’m excited to apply my skills and knowledge to contribute to the advancement of space exploration and the development of sustainable technologies.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. While I’ve been fortunate to have pursued my passion and achieved significant milestones, there have been obstacles to overcome along the way and to this day I am still facing more challenges. One of my biggest hurdles has been overcoming financial limitations. Growing up in a low-income family that immigrated from the Dominican Republic in the early 2000s, I faced significant financial constraints and a lack of knowledge about finances. These limitations have impacted my ability to invest in resources, attend conferences, or pursue advanced training programs. However, I’ve learned to be resourceful and seek out opportunities that align with my budget. Another challenge has been my lack of a formal engineering background. While my experiences in the Marine Corps and Tesla provided me with valuable technical skills, I’ve had to dedicate extra time and effort to acquire the specific engineering knowledge required for aerospace. This has involved self-study, online courses, and seeking mentorship from experienced engineers. Starting my entrepreneurial journey later in life has also presented its own set of challenges. Having pursued other dreams earlier in life, I feel like I am playing catch-up. However, I’ve embraced these challenges as opportunities for growth and have persevered through determination and hard work. Despite these obstacles, I’ve remained steadfast in my pursuit of my aerospace innovation dream. I’ve leveraged my unique experiences and skills to carve out a niche in the industry.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Alpherg Space is bound to be a pioneering aerospace startup that was founded in early 2024 with a mission to revolutionize space exploration and benefit humanity. We will specialize in developing cutting-edge autonomous systems, such as rovers, designed to assist with construction, exploration, and scientific research on the Moon and beyond.
What sets us apart is our focus on providing a safe alternative for construction work, mining capabilities, advanced AI capabilities, and a focus on sustainable design. We are focused on partnering with different innovators and companies to advance our technology and explore new applications.
Our vision extends beyond the Moon. We believe our autonomous systems can also be used to address challenges here on Earth, such as assisting with construction projects and disaster relief efforts. Our company slogan, “Space Closer to Home” isn’t just a slogan, it’s our mission.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Throughout my life, I’ve found that perseverance and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge have been instrumental to my success. Overcoming challenges and continually learning has been essential in driving me forward and achieving my goals. One of the most crucial qualities for my success has been perseverance. Throughout my career, I’ve faced numerous challenges and setbacks, but I’ve always remained determined to overcome them. This resilience has allowed me to push through obstacles and achieve my goals. I’m also constantly seeking new knowledge and skills. This curiosity has driven me to take on new challenges, explore different fields, and stay ahead of industry trends.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alphergspace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classifiedastra?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Twitter: https://x.com/AlphergSpace
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Classifiedastra
