Launch Texas | From Orbit to Edge: Engineering, AI & Space Systems with Michael Wharton (ex-SpaceX, KUNGFU.AI)

A fireside chat and Q&A on architecting mission-critical computer vision, edge systems, and navigating deep-tech engineering from aerospace to AI startups. Join us for an informal, candid conversation with Michael Wharton, VP of Engineering at KUNGFU.AI and former engineering leader at SpaceX. Michael brings a wealth of hands-on experience building complex technical architectures — spanning space operations, high-throughput computer vision, remote sensing, and enterprise artificial intelligence. Whether you are developing dual-use technology, solving edge-compute bottlenecks, or exploring how to spin software and sensing research into a viable commercial platform, Michael will share operational lessons from the frontline of deep tech. Who this is for UT faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and student founders working in aerospace, robotics, computer science, remote sensing, and applied AI. Technical builders considering commercialization or curious about transitioning research into venture-backed tech. Agenda 4:00 – 4:35 PM: Fireside chat and candid Q&A with Michael Wharton 4:35 – 5:00 PM: Open discussion and informal networking About the speaker Michael Wharton is the VP of Engineering at KUNGFU.AI, an Austin-based boutique AI consultancy and engineering firm. Previously, Michael spent years at SpaceX, leading teams and architecting mission-critical systems.