LinkedIn: [lauracrabtree](http://www.linkedin.com/in/lauracrabtree)
Executive Summary
Laura Crabtree is the CEO and Co-Founder of Epsilon3, an innovative SaaS company specialized in operations management for the space, aerospace, and related high-compliance industries. With robust technical and leadership experience from industry giants such as SpaceX and Northrop Grumman, Crabtree has established Epsilon3 as an industry leader in digital transformation for mission-critical operations. She has a proven track record in both hands-on spacecraft mission operations and executive leadership in fast-scaling, venture-backed startups.
Professional Background
Education
- Bachelor’s in Astronautical Engineering
- Master’s in Systems Architecture
Both conferred by the University of Southern California.
Relevant Experience
- Mission Operations Engineer at SpaceX
- Early team member on the Dragon spacecraft program.
- Key roles: Flight training, software testing, development of CONOPS (Concept of Operations), and simulator design.
- On-console for:
- The first Dragon mission (2010)
- The first ISS mission (2012)
- Commercial crew mission delivering astronauts to ISS (2020).
- Authored, tested, and executed hundreds of operational procedures for crew and ground teams.
- Northrop Grumman
- Participated in large-scale aerospace projects with a focus on operational risk and systems engineering.
- Co-Founder & CEO, Epsilon3 (2021–Present)
- Company size: 24 employees (fully remote, US-based); Growth noted from previously reported staff size (11-50 employees).
- Total funding: $18.8M as of June 2022, with a notable $15M Series A led in mid-2022 (investors include MaC Venture Capital and Stage Venture Partners).
- Leadership: Built and scaled an engineering-driven team, rapidly delivering software tools and extensions.
Epsilon3 – Company Overview
Epsilon3 provides a modular SaaS platform aimed at digitalizing operations for space missions, aerospace manufacturing, aviation, defense, and high-compliance sectors requiring rigorous procedures and documentation.
Key Platform Modules:
- PLAN: Organize and schedule operations, workflows, events.
- BUILD: Track engineering, manufacturing, assembly, parts, and inventory.
- EXECUTE: Create/run procedures, tasks, and work instructions.
- TEST: Build/execute test plans with detailed requirements and conditions.
- ANALYZE: Aggregate and interpret telemetry, test, and time-series data.
- DISCOVER: Automate reporting for actionable operational insights.
Distinctive product integrations include:
- API support
- AI functionalities
- Robust document and risk/non-conformance management
Customer Value Proposition
- Streamlines critical and error-prone space/aero operations otherwise dominated by legacy and manual processes (Excel, Python scripts, proprietary tools).
- Enables end-to-end digital traceability, improves process communication, and reduces operational risk and cost.
- Demonstrated ability to integrate with major aerospace primes, commercial space operators, and defense contractors.
Market Position, Partnerships, & Industry Recognition
Partnerships and Contracts
- ARKA: Ongoing platform support for ground and space-based solutions (2024).
- Space Perspective: Partnered to ensure safety and accessibility for carbon-neutral space travel (2023).
- Axiom Space: Selected for platform deployment in space station development (2022).
- Equatorial Launch Australia: Supporting launch operations.
Key Industry Recognition/Media
- Named one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Space Companies” (2023).
- Top 10 SmallSat Startups to Watch (Via Satellite, 2023).
- Over 40 G2 software awards (Spring 2025) across multiple categories, reflecting high customer satisfaction.
- Regular features/interviews on major outlets: Bloomberg Wall Street Week, TechCrunch, SpaceNews, Nature, Business Insider, and LA TechWatch.
- Highlighted by Y Combinator, AWS Space Accelerator, Stage Venture Partners, and leading venture media.
Product/Innovation Timeline
- 2023-2025: Rapid expansion of the platform—new Test Management, enhanced AIT (Assembly, Integration & Testing) workflow, integration with manufacturing and telemetry systems.
- AI and analytics modules launched, broadening Epsilon3’s competitive edge in automated reporting and predictive operational insights.
Thought Leadership & Public Presence
- Frequent podcast, webinar, and conference guest, speaking on topics including digital transformation in aerospace, risk management, and leadership in hard tech startups.
- Recognized as a member of the so-called “SpaceX Mafia”—former SpaceX employees now leading innovation across the new space economy.
- Regularly quoted in industry discussions about the convergence of SaaS and space hardware, operational risk reduction, and the future of commercial space activities.
- Featured as an advocate for human spaceflight, diversity in aerospace, and robust, scalable operational tools enabling industry growth.
Strategic Insights
- Laura Crabtree’s profile demonstrates a rare blend of deep technical expertise, proven leadership in high-growth startups, and broad credibility across commercial, government, and defense space segments.
- Epsilon3’s rapid product development cycle and emphasis on customer feedback have resulted in high platform adoption and industry accolades, positioning it as an agile disruptor among legacy aerospace software vendors.
- Crabtree’s network and influence, stemming from previous roles at SpaceX/Northrop and as a prominent founder, facilitate access to leading space and defense programs as well as deep technology venture communities.
Contact and Engagement Channels
- LinkedIn: [lauracrabtree](http://www.linkedin.com/in/lauracrabtree)
- Company Website: [epsilon3.io](https://www.epsilon3.io)
- Frequent speaker/guest: Bloomberg, TechCrunch, SatSearch, podcast networks, and prominent space industry events.
- Active channels for updates: Newsletter, Twitter/X (@Epsilon3Inc), YouTube
Laura Crabtree’s leadership at Epsilon3 is characterized by a focus on mission-driven engineering, rapid product iteration, and enabling digital transformation for complex, regulated industries. Her experience and public visibility mark her as a high-value, strategic contact for any entity engaging with the commercial space ecosystem or seeking operational excellence in high-stakes environments.
