Starting a startup in the space sector: which path makes the most sense?

I’m in the final year of my dual degree in aerospace engineering and computer engineering, and I want to create a company, but I don’t know exactly what the next step should be. I would like some opinions from people who have had similar experiences, especially regarding the benefits and difficulties.

For context, I have a lot of experience through internships in the space field, and I want to create something in satellite development. I know many people in this field that I would like to work with, but I’m almost sure they wouldn’t accept working for me as employees or even as co-founders. Not because I’m a bad person to work with, but simply because they want stable careers, while creating a company in my country in this field is considered one of the craziest things you can do.

So, even if I have some ideas that I think are good to sell, I don’t think I have enough contacts to start something in this field.

My question is: what step should I take now?

I’m considering three paths: start a startup directly before finishing my degree (I have 1 year left); go to industry to understand how it works before starting something; pursue a PhD at a university with an entrepreneurial culture, where I can create contacts.

Inside each of these options, I also wonder whether I should do it in my home country, to understand the difficulties I will face as an entrepreneur, or if I should try in a country that already has a strong space and entrepreneurial ecosystem, like the United States.

I know this is something I need to figure out for myself, but maybe someone here can give me a good overview from your own experience.