He built a $12 billion rocket company without a college degree, but has no desire to go to space because it wouldn't be very enjoyable.

Peter Beck, CEO of Rocket Lab, is content with watching his company's rockets reach the heavens while keeping his feet firmly planted on Earth.

"Beck, 47, has a burning desire to create things that allow others to go to space, while some people have a burning desire to go into space," says Beck, 47.

In 2006, a New Zealander without a college degree or space industry connections founded Rocket Lab in California. Now, the company is worth $11.9 billion and has launched dozens of successful rockets, making it one of the world's fastest-growing private space companies.

In November, Forbes estimated that Beck has a net worth of $1.3 billion. Like Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson, two other billionaires with aerospace companies, Beck has made the journey to outer space. However, Beck claims that he is not interested in space travel, stating that it is due to one of the traits that helped him build his company successfully: "a healthy degree of paranoia."

DON'T MISS: The ultimate guide to earning passive income online

Rocket Lab CEO is extremely hands-on while planning and preparing Rocket Lab's missions, and his obsession with the granular details would prove too distracting for him to relax and enjoy the space travel. He has "so much respect" for astronauts, particularly those with engineering backgrounds, who understand the danger of space travel and do it anyway, he says.

"Beck says, "I would only be thinking about the safety factors on the valves and structures beneath me, which would make the experience unenjoyable. Unfortunately, I am not part of the rare group of people who can do that.""

'Never say never'

Beck is not entirely risk-averse. He feels comfortable taking significant risks, as long as the consequences are not life-threatening, he explains.

Launching Rocket Lab was a risky longshot, given Beck's lack of experience. Despite this, the company successfully launched its first Electron rocket, with only 92% certainty that it would work. However, the rocket failed to reach orbit due to an equipment glitch. Despite this setback, the fix paved the way for future successful launches.

"Taking risks is necessary for achieving rewards. If you avoid risks, you will miss out on the potential for growth and innovation, and become stagnant in your approach."

To succeed in the workplace, Beck advises identifying risks that are worth taking and then taking steps to minimize their potential negative outcomes. This involves conducting thorough research and preparing for every possible outcome before making a decision.

Branson's approach to risk-taking is similar to his outlook. Despite his well-known love for thrill-seeking, such as jumping off a 400-feet cliff or crossing oceans in a hot-air balloon, he believes that the key to his success lies in the careful calculation behind those risks.

"Branson believes in protecting the downside and thinking through potential risks to limit damage, as well as trusting instincts and going for it when something feels right, even when the odds are tough."

Beck takes a more analytical approach to space travel, stating that while he would do it if necessary, he believes it is counterproductive to do it for enjoyment.

To earn extra money online, sign up for CNBC's course on passive income streams, starting tips, and real-life success stories.

Sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to receive expert advice on work, money, and life.