Beyond the Artemis Accords: The Case for a Space Treaty Organization
In this episode, Dr. Lang‑Eric Sunby discusses the emerging competition over space resources and argues that the non‑binding Artemis Accords are insufficient for governing the increasingly militarized and commercialized space domain. He outlines his dissertation research on creating a formal, multilateral Space Treaty Organization, drawing parallels to institutions like the European Space Agency and NATO, and highlights the legal and policy gaps such as the Wolf Amendment that hinder cooperation with nations like China and Russia. Sunby emphasizes the strategic role of the U.S. Space Force in protecting both national security and commercial interests, and warns that without a binding treaty framework, great‑power rivals could treat celestial bodies as territorial extensions, echoing their behavior in the South China Sea.
The New Space Race: NASA, Artemis, and the Race to the Moon
In this episode, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman outlines the agency’s aggressive push to accelerate Artemis moon missions, shifting launch cadence from years to months and rebuilding core in‑house competencies. He emphasizes the strategic importance of a sustained lunar presence for...
China Is Beating the U.S. in Space?!
In this episode of China Decode, hosts Alice Han and James King examine China's rapid advancements in space, highlighting milestones such as a Mars rover, a lunar far‑side sample return, a new space station, over 90 launches in 2025, a...
Arctic Security in the Hypersonic Age: Golden Dome, Greenland and Transatlantic Arctic Relations with Dr. Troy Bouffard
In this episode, Dr. Troy Bouffard—retired U.S. Army NCO, director of the U Alaska Fairbanks Center for Arctic Security, and former Arctic advisor to Sen. Lisa Murkowski—explains how U.S. Arctic strategy is evolving amid heightened Russian and Chinese activity, the...
Orbital Debris Remediation as a Stepping Stone Toward Asteroid Mining.
In this episode, Maria Varmazas interviews Joel Sersel, CEO of TransAstra, about the company's capture‑bag technology, which was demonstrated on the ISS for orbital‑debris removal and is intended as a stepping stone toward asteroid mining. Sersel explains how small near‑Earth...
Space & Satellite Futures: Why I Serve, Episode 1: With Daniel Gizinski
In the inaugural "Why I Serve" episode of SSPI's Space & Satellite Futures series, Daniel Kaczynski, President of Satellite and Space Communications at Comtech, shares his career journey from engineering to corporate strategy and discusses Comtech’s role in mission‑critical communications...
What’s News in Earnings: Airlines Feel the Pain of an Oil Shock
In this episode Jacob Passi talks with WSJ airline reporter Alison Sider about the sharp rise in jet fuel costs caused by the Iran conflict and its impact on airline earnings. Fuel prices have roughly doubled, adding billions of dollars...
891 Airline Ticket Pricing
In this episode the hosts discuss the controversy over airline dynamic pricing and the alleged use of personal data, highlighting a JetBlue lawsuit and broader privacy concerns. They examine the NTSB preliminary report on the fatal LaGuardia Black Hawk‑jet collision,...
230 - Which System Wins, When Comparing Virtual Ground With Traditional Hardware ROI?
In this episode, Grace Kanuja of Nova Space explains how virtualized ground systems dramatically cut costs and boost revenue for satellite operators compared to traditional hardware. Drawing on lessons from Earth observation, she highlights double‑digit savings, up to 40% total...
AWS in Orbit: Cloud, Space, and AI Convergence.
In this episode of AWS in Orbit, solution architect Tony Jacobs (AWS) and chief strategy officer Russell Glenn (Viasat) discuss how cloud, satellite communications, and generative AI converge to provide resilient, tactical‑edge connectivity for warfighter missions, especially autonomous drone swarms....
How Is the Rise in Jet Fuel Prices Impacting the Global Aviation Industry?
The episode examines how soaring jet fuel prices—spiking from about $85 to $200 per barrel amid the US‑Israel conflict over Iran—are straining the global aviation sector. Gerimini Zamiles of Avia Solutions Group warns of potential bankruptcies for airlines lacking fuel...
Are We There Yet? - Episode 1: Does the Space Safety Economy Exist Yet?
In the inaugural episode of SSPI’s "Are We There Yet?" series, host Tamara Bond‑Williams talks with Rob Scheiger, senior vice president of Willis Global in Space, about the nascent state of a space safety economy. Scheiger explains how space insurance—covering...
Jet Fuel Pricing and Supply Risk: Implications for Global Business Travel
In this episode, Callum Hawley talks with Ben Park and Peter Harbison about the rapid escalation of Middle East tensions and its impact on jet fuel supply, pricing, and airline capacity. They explain how limited hedging, especially of the jet‑fuel...
Encore: The Atmospheric Impacts of Satellite Re-Entry.
In this encore episode, Maria Varmazas talks with Professor Ming‑Kwon Kim about the UK Space Agency’s studies on atmospheric ablation caused by satellite re‑entry. The research estimates that each satellite could destroy 6‑8 tons of ozone, and large constellations might affect...
Space Power: Space Force "Budget's Like A Protein Shake"
The Downlink episode breaks down the Pentagon’s FY2027 budget request, highlighting a proposed 124% jump for the Space Force—from $31.6 billion to $71.1 billion—driven by a mix of reconciliation funding and new “protein‑rich” line items that promise lasting growth. Guests Todd Harrison...
SAF Insights: European SAF Market Holds Breath on Jet Price Surge
The episode examines how the Middle East conflict has driven European jet fuel prices from about $800 to over $1,900 per tonne, more than doubling them and widening the gap with crude and diesel. SAF (HEFA-SPK) prices also rose, but...
AvTalk Episode 367: We’re Worried About Availability, Not Just Cost
In this episode, hosts Ian Pechnick and Jason Rabinowitz discuss recent near‑miss incidents at JFK, Nashville, and Bogota, highlighting the crucial role of TCAS and ATC procedures in preventing collisions. They then shift to a broader industry challenge: jet‑fuel scarcity...
Inside SatEnlight's Spiral Staircase of Lasers: Interview with Startup Space Winner Matteo Vismara
In this episode, Jeffrey Hill interviews Matteo Vismara, CEO and co‑founder of Italy‑based SatNlight, the winner of the Sat Show’s 10th annual Startup Space Entrepreneur Pitch Contest. Vismara explains how his team’s optical‑communication terminal uses stacked vortex beams—visualized as a...
Unlocking New Space Broadband Capacity, and the Consequences of ‘On Hold’
The episode examines three major developments reshaping space broadband: the FCC’s draft order to replace the outdated EPFD framework with performance‑based spectrum sharing rules, a move that could unlock over $2 billion and boost capacity up to sevenfold; Amazon’s pending acquisition...
Space Power: The Space Force Reveals What's In Its Crystal Ball
The episode examines the U.S. Space Force’s newly released "Future Operating Environment 2040" and "Objective Force 2040" documents, which outline anticipated threats—particularly from China—and the resources needed to maintain space superiority through 2040 and beyond. Guests Joel Mosier, the Space...
Passengers Told To “Run” After United Flight Diverts Due To Possible Bomb On Board
United Airlines Flight 2092 from Chicago to New York was diverted to Pittsburgh after the crew detected a possible bomb, prompting an emergency squawk and a “brace‑brace‑brace” announcement. Passengers were instructed not to retrieve luggage, evacuated onto the wing, and...
AvTalk Episode 366: An Unserious Proposal
In this episode of AvTalk, hosts Ian Petchenik and Jason Rabinowitz chat with guest Seth Miller from the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, covering the latest trends in aircraft cabin design, including Collins Aerospace’s innovative Sky Nook armrest‑to‑table conversion...
229 - What Does It Take to Maintain Decision Advantage in Space?
In this episode, Colonel Tim Tramello, director of the Space Force’s Commercial Space Office, explains how the service is accelerating the integration of commercial space capabilities to maintain a decision advantage against fast‑moving adversaries. He outlines a flexible integration model—from...
2026.04.08 | 76th International Astronautical Congress 2025 - Part 4
The episode covers highlights from the 2025 International Astronautical Congress, featuring Adam Gilmore of Gilmore Space Technologies discussing the hard‑won lessons from developing the ERA One orbital rocket, including the importance of incremental testing, regulatory navigation, and realistic scheduling. Gilmore...
They're Home From the Moon / The Pet Debt Crisis Is Real / Gen Z Thinks AI Is Rotting Their...
The episode covers three main stories: NASA’s Artemis II splashdown, highlighting the historic return of four astronauts and the promise of future lunar missions; the emerging pet‑debt crisis, with veterinary costs up 43% since 2021 and lifetime pet expenses exceeding $50,000,...
The Coveted 1500 Hours
In this episode of Stories About Flying, host Rob recounts his lifelong passion for aviation, from watching planes over Chicago in the 1950s to becoming an airline pilot after decades of ferrying, instructing, and banner‑towing. He interviews Lewis Smith, president...
The Future of Space Manufacturing.
In this episode of T‑Minus, host Maria Varmazis talks with Alistair McGibbon, head of semiconductors at UK‑based SpaceForge, about the company’s breakthrough in growing semiconductor crystals in low‑Earth orbit using plasma‑enhanced chemical vapor deposition. They explain how microgravity yields higher‑quality,...
286: Eyes to the Stars with Dr. Steve Hawley, NASA Shuttle Astronaut
In this episode, astronaut Dr. Steve Hawley discusses his new memoir "Eyes to the Stars" and reflects on the legacy of the Space Shuttle, the transition to Orion, and the Artemis II mission. He highlights how Artemis leverages proven shuttle...
The Space Force Might Get Its Biggest Budget Ever. Now What?
The episode examines the FY 2027 presidential budget request for the U.S. Space Force, a $71.24 billion proposal that more than doubles the prior year’s funding and includes major investments in classified R&D, missile‑defense architecture, and manpower growth. Guests Sean Barnes,...
228 - What Hidden Factors Decide Whether Space Missions Succeed?
In this episode, John Gilroy and Melanie Strickland discuss how modern space missions are less about individual satellites and more about orchestrating complex, cyber‑physical ecosystems that span space, ground, and cloud. They highlight that the real competitive edge now lies...
Persistent Flight in the Stratosphere - Justin Selfridge, Phd. And CEO of Devorto
In this episode, Dr. Justin Selfridge, founder and CEO of DeVorto, explains the Tethered Uni‑Rotor Network (TURN), a novel aircraft architecture that uses multiple small rotor‑like drones tethered to a central hub and spun to keep ultra‑thin wings under tension,...
Weird Space Stuff: Jay Schwartz on the Journals of Space Commerce Podcast
In this episode, FCC Space Bureau Chief Jay Schwartz explains the bureau’s recent creation (April 2023) and its expanding mandate to manage the surge in satellite communications licensing, especially as low‑Earth‑orbit (LEO) constellations now dominate 80% of applications—a 217% increase...
A MORAL OBSCENITY DEMOCRACY NOW
Amy Goodman and Juan González discuss the Trump administration’s unprecedented $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget request, highlighting its massive increase in military spending and the proposed $185 billion “Golden Dome” missile‑defense shield. Guests Josh Paul, a former State Department official, and Rob Weissman...
Automation and Agility: How SSC Space Go Is Designed for the New Age of Ground
In this episode, Rachel Jewett talks with SSC Space product manager Jonas Osland and product owner Victor Pankoff about SSC Space Go, a new ground‑segment‑as‑a‑service offering aimed at the fast‑growing small‑satellite and constellation market. They explain how the service shifts...
The Companies Changing Warfare Forever: Palantir & Anduril Execs on Drones, AI & the Future of War
In this episode, former Palantir and Anduril executives discuss how Silicon Valley firms are reshaping modern warfare through AI‑driven drones, data platforms, and rapid manufacturing. They trace the historical shift from a broad industrial base to specialized defense firms, argue...
Houston, We Have a Protocol.
The episode dives into space cybersecurity, featuring Brandon Bailey of the Aerospace Corporation and Cass (Kaz) Vogel, Blue Origin’s Director of Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance. They discuss the evolving threat landscape as humanity expands beyond Earth, emphasizing the need...
Candace Johnson, HoF '26, and the 2025 20 Under 35 Cohort Have More in Common Than You'd Think
In this episode of Orbited, Hall of Fame inductee Candace Johnson recounts how she built Europe’s first private satellite operator, SES, at age 30, launching Astra in 1988 and later pioneering ventures like SCS Global, L Teleport Europe, and Iridium....
#49: Inside the Mind of a Space Engineer Turned VC (Feat. Koen Geurts, Senior Investment Manager at HTGF)
In this episode, Koen Geurts, a former aerospace engineer who worked on ESA's Rosetta/Philae mission and later managed satellite operations at Telespazio, discusses his transition to venture capital as Senior Investment Manager at Germany's Hightech Gründerfonds (HTGF). He shares behind‑the‑scenes...
2026.03.18 | Closing the Loop: An Excremental History of the Space Age
The episode explores NASA’s massive infrastructure overhaul at Kennedy Space Center to support the Artemis moon missions and the future Mars journey, featuring 2014 insights from Mike Bolger on launch pad upgrades and from Chris Crumbly on the evolving Space...
A Spaceport—And Then Some.
In this episode of T‑Minus, host Maria Varmozis interviews Dr. Gabrielle Caswell, owner of Spaceport Australia, about the rapid evolution of NASA’s lunar strategy and the role of commercial space infrastructure. They discuss NASA’s shift to an iterative, capability‑based approach...
Space and Satellite Futures: The Chief Saboteur Just Got Orbited
In this episode of Orbited, Viasat co‑founder and Hall of Fame inductee Steve Hart shares four decades of satellite‑communications experience with the 2025‑20 Under‑35 cohort. He emphasizes the critical judgment of knowing when to change—avoiding sunk‑cost bias and staying outward‑focused...
The SpaceX and Tesla Playbook for Hard Tech Startups
In this episode, Erin Price‑Wright talks with Chandler Lujica, CEO of Galadine (next‑generation missile propulsion), and Turner Caldwell, CEO of Mariana Minerals (critical mineral supply chains) about how their time at SpaceX and Tesla shaped the way they build hard‑tech...
From Goddard’s Cabbage Patch to Artemis II.
In this episode, host Maria Varmazas chats with Jeff Carr, a veteran of NASA media and son of Apollo-era astronaut Capcom Jerry Carr, about the parallels between the Apollo 8 era of 1968 and today’s Artemis 2 mission. Jeff reflects on...
Inside Space Systems Command: Col. Menschner | Spacepower Podcast
In this episode, Colonel Andrew Menchner, Deputy Commander of Space Systems Command (SSC), explains how SSC acquires, builds, and fields critical space capabilities—such as GPS, missile warning, and satellite communications—for the joint force, allies, and partners. He highlights the command’s...
886 Electric Aircraft
The episode covers several aviation news items, highlighted by Surf Air Mobility’s partnership with Beta Technologies to acquire 25 electric CETOL aircraft for inter‑island service in Hawaii and a planned maintenance hub, and Beta’s participation in a U.S. DOT fast‑track...
AvTalk Episode 361: When Saving Money Costs Lives
In this episode the hosts discuss the cascading impacts of the Middle East conflict on regional airspace, highlighting widespread closures, reduced airline capacities, and the scramble by carriers like Air India and Lufthansa to add flights and repatriate passengers. They...
Better Satellite World: From Connectivity to Intelligence Episode 1: What Happens When the Network Thinks? Benny Retnamony of Quvia on...
In this inaugural episode of SSPI’s "Connectivity to Intelligence" series, host Tamara Bond‑Williams talks with Benny Rettnamone, founder and CEO of QVIA, about the challenges of handling massive data streams at the edge—on aircraft, ships, and offshore rigs—where connectivity is...
885 Aircraft Dispatcher
In this episode, Airplane Geeks sit down with airline dispatcher Mike Carrolls to explore how dispatchers manage disruptions—from weather and geopolitical events to space launches—that can scatter crews and aircraft across the network. Carrolls shares real‑world examples of chaos and...
Exciting (But Crowded) Opportunities
In this episode, Tyler Crowe, Matt Frankel, and Lou Whiteman discuss how once‑sparse industries are becoming crowded with startups and IPOs, focusing on the space sector and the emerging nuclear power market. They highlight the rapid influx of launch companies,...
Designing for the Next Generation of GEO With Swissto12 CEO Emile De Rijk
In this episode, Swiss212 CEO Emil de Rijk explains how his company is disrupting the geostationary market by building smaller, faster, and more affordable satellites with advanced, in‑house RF payloads. He discusses the trade‑offs between payload flexibility and performance, the...