Handheld laser welding has evolved from a fixed-station technology into a powerful portable method capable of precision joining across aerospace and industrial applications. Rex Alexandre, President and Principal Engineer of the Handheld Laser Institute (HLI), brought his expertise to SpaceX’s Starship program in 2020, where his early curiosity about handheld laser welding evolved into one of the industry’s leading programs for building the world’s largest and most powerful space launch vehicle. Join us as Rex disproves three common fallacies about handheld laser welding — explaining why, when performed with proper training and controls, it isn’t inherently dangerous, produces high-quality, strong welds, and can be engineered to meet applicable industrial codes even as standards and specifications continue to be developed.