Catalysing a Space Cluster in South New Zealand: An Interview with David Powell
In this episode, host Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom interviews David Powell, Business Development Manager at the University of Otago and convener of the Aero+Space South initiative, about the creation of a space cluster in South New Zealand. Powell outlines how the Aero+Space South program is linking academia, industry, and government to nurture a nascent New Zealand space ecosystem, leveraging his 25‑year background in trade, innovation strategy, and social enterprise. He highlights concrete steps such as establishing collaborative research hubs, attracting aerospace firms, and aligning the cluster with broader high‑growth sectors like biotech and health. The conversation also touches on the cultural and economic benefits of positioning Otago as a regional aerospace hub.
Mysteries of Molten Metal
In this episode, researchers discuss groundbreaking experiments conducted aboard the International Space Station that explore the behavior of supercooled molten metal oxides in microgravity. They explain how eliminating Earth's gravity allows the metal to solidify without convection, revealing previously hidden...
NASA Delivered
The episode reviews NASA’s landmark achievements in 2025, spanning breakthroughs in aeronautics, deep‑space exploration, and planetary science. Highlights include the successful test of the X‑57 electric aircraft, the Artemis II crewed lunar flyby, and the Perseverance rover’s new sample‑return mission milestones....
EP34: Col (Ret) Keith Balts, PhD, Speaks About Leadership
In this episode, retired Air Force Colonel and Clemson professor Keith Balts discusses his journey from ROTC commissioning to leading space operations, highlighting the evolution of space missions from a support role to a strategic warfighter capability. He shares vivid...
Deorbiting Trash
The episode explores the growing problem of orbital debris and how Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus spacecraft are being repurposed to deorbit trash from the International Space Station. It explains the mechanics of Cygnus’s re‑entry burn, the types of waste it can...
Middle East, Space and Connectivity Hub and Sovereignty
The episode examines how the Middle East is rapidly emerging as a global hub for space and connectivity, driven by ambitious satellite programs and strategic partnerships. Guest Steve Bochinger, Affiliate Executive Advisor at Novaspace, outlines the region's vision for space,...
Space Money: "Steel Is Sexy"
In this 36‑minute episode, the hosts explore the emerging economics of space manufacturing, arguing that the production of steel and other high‑value materials in orbit could become a lucrative new industry. They discuss recent policy moves, including a Trump‑era executive...
Welcome Home, NASA’s SpaceX Crew 11.
The episode recaps NASA’s SpaceX Crew‑11 splashdown after a five‑month ISS stint and discusses recent industry moves, including Slingshot Aerospace’s $27 million US Space Force contract for AI‑driven space‑warfare training, CAS Space’s debut of a suborbital two‑stage research rocket, and collaborations...
Spirit of Innovation
From astronaut gloves to space food, NASA Centennial Challenges looks to the public for solutions.
Trapped in the Lunar Dust
The episode explores the MSOLO mission’s plan to land on the Moon and analyze lunar regolith for traces of helium-3, a potential clean‑energy fuel. It explains how helium-3 could be trapped in the fine dust and why detecting it is...
A Slice of Space
The episode explains how the Europa Clipper mission uses a tiny segment of starfield imagery to pinpoint its trajectory and navigation in deep space. It details the technical process of star tracking, why a small slice is sufficient, and the...
Laser Beam Power
In this brief episode, researchers from Purdue University discuss their innovative project to harness laser beams for power generation by directing them at a lightweight, origami-inspired sail. They explain how the sail's foldable design maximizes surface area while remaining compact...
Weighing the Future of Space Exploration.
In this special edition, COO Charles Doran of Solamed Solutions discusses how advances in telemedicine, robotics, and AI are reshaping space medicine and the ethical frameworks needed for long‑duration missions to the Moon and Mars. He highlights critical gaps such...
Space Power: What Are The Strategic Implications of the Trump Corollary and Venezuela?
The episode examines the strategic ramifications of President Trump's recent executive order aimed at reviving a U.S. "Star Wars" space defense program, often dubbed the "Trump Corollary," and explores how this shift influences geopolitical tensions, particularly with Venezuela's growing interest...
Inside AE Industrial Partners
In this episode, Tom Patton interviews Kirk Konert, Managing Partner at AE Industrial Partners, about the firm’s role in advancing the space industrial base and its view of space as essential infrastructure for the global economy. Konert explains AEI’s investment...
SPLICing the Way
The episode explores NASA's latest autonomous lunar landing technologies, focusing on the SPLICE system that integrates advanced sensors, AI navigation, and precision thrusters to enable safe, unmanned Moon landings. Hosts discuss how these innovations reduce risk, accelerate mission timelines, and...
NASA Weighs an Early End to Crew 11’s Mission.
The episode discusses NASA's consideration of ending Crew‑11’s mission early due to a medical issue aboard the ISS, while also covering corporate moves such as Karman Space & Defense’s acquisition of Seemann Composites and MSC, and the launch of PowerBank...
Public Ingenuity
NASA is looking for solvers who can recycle waste into usable products.
Congress Rejects Proposals for Cutting NASA’s Budget for the Fiscal Year.
The episode reviews Congress's decision to reject the Trump administration's proposed deep cuts to NASA, instead approving a $24.4 billion budget for FY2026, and highlights recent industry milestones such as NASA awarding ARES Technical Services the Wallops Flight Facility launch‑range contract...
222 - GNSS Resilience, Interoperability and Trust
In this episode, Lisa Dyer, Executive Director of the GPS Alliance, explains how growing geopolitical tensions and reliance on precise timing are driving the need for GNSS resilience, interoperability, and innovation across multiple satellite constellations. She highlights that robust, cross‑compatible...
NASA Launches an Infrastructure Modernization Effort.
The episode discusses NASA’s sweeping infrastructure modernization, including the demolition of the T‑Tower test facility at Marshall and the closure of the Goddard library, both reflecting broader shifts in agency priorities. It highlights NASA’s selection of industry proposals to advance...
Indoor Air
The episode explores how winter’s closed windows lead to stale indoor air and introduces a NASA spinoff technology that identifies houseplants capable of improving air quality. Listeners learn which specific plants are most effective at filtering pollutants and how to...
ESA Ended 2025 with a Data Breach.
The episode covers three major space industry developments: the European Space Agency’s confirmed data breach involving roughly 200 GB of stolen information, L3Harris’s sale of a majority stake in its Space Propulsion and Power Systems unit to AE Industrial Partners, and...
Flight and the Future with Astronaut Wendy Lawrence.
In this episode, retired Navy captain and former NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence recounts her journey from watching Apollo 11 as a child to flying four Space Shuttle missions, including the historic STS‑114 return‑to‑flight after Columbia. She highlights the rigorous training...
How Is GovSat Supporting Secure Connectivity for European Governments?
In this episode, Tamara Bond‑Williams interviews Josef Nemec, Technical Director of GovSat, about the GovSat‑1 satellite’s role in delivering secure, non‑preemptible X‑band and military Ka‑band communications for European governments and NATO allies across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Nemec...
Celebrating Midnight
Astronauts on the International Space Station will pass midnight sixteen times on New Year’s Eve.
Mentorship with the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
The episode explores the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation’s mentorship program, featuring former NASA astronaut Christopher Ferguson and his mentee Vikas Patel. They discuss how ASF connects students with seasoned professionals, offering guidance on technical skills, career development, and personal growth, while...
Space Power Grid.
In this special edition, Maria Varmazis interviews Andrew Rush, CEO of Starcatcher, about the company's Wolfshirr Power Grid—a constellation of satellites that beams additional solar photons to existing spacecraft, dramatically boosting their power output without major retrofits. Rush explains how...
Axiom 4 Science Missions.
The AX‑4 mission will return India, Poland, and Hungary to government‑sponsored human spaceflight, hosting a record‑setting 60 experiments from 31 nations aboard the ISS. Chief Scientist Dr. Lucie Low explains that experiment selection hinges on partner priorities, technical feasibility, and...
Using Lunar Resources for the Betterment of All Humankind.
In this episode, Forrest Meyen, co‑founder and CSO of Lunar Outpost, explains the company’s vision of using lunar resources to benefit humanity, focusing on surface mobility as the key enabler. He details the Eagle Space Truck—a durable, 10‑year‑life lunar vehicle...
How Does Maritime Connectivity Actually Work–And Why Is Europe Becoming a Proving Ground for the Next Generation of Satellite Mobility?
Tamara Bond‑Williams and MediaMobil co‑founder Andreas Nil discuss the evolution of maritime satellite connectivity, detailing how operators now blend VSAT, GEO, and LEO constellations through MediaMobil’s Multilink Gateway that dynamically selects the optimal link based on cost, performance, and regulatory...
The Business Case for Returning to the Moon.
In this episode, Maria Varmazis interviews Chris Salvino, CEO and Chief Engineer of Lunar Helium‑3 Mining, about why a solid business case is essential for a sustainable return to the Moon. Salvino argues that helium‑3, abundant in lunar regolith, can...
Space Is Booming, and Occasionally Exploding.
The episode examines the rapid growth and volatility of the space sector, highlighting CACI International’s acquisition of ARKA Group to boost space‑based sensing capabilities, and reviewing recent launch mishaps—from the SpaceX Starship explosion that raised FAA aviation safety concerns to...
Accelerating Access to Space Through Startup Ecosystem Building and Innovation: An Interview with Vedika Latchman-Singh
In this episode, host Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom talks with Vedika Latchman‑Singh, Director of Exotopic, about building a vibrant space startup ecosystem across Australia and the Asia‑Pacific. Vedika shares how strategic partnerships, mentorship programs, and inclusive initiatives—especially for women and young engineers—can...
From Solstice to Satellites.
The episode covers recent U.S. Space Force contracts, highlighting Rocket Lab’s $816 million award to build a missile‑defense satellite constellation and the Space Development Agency’s funding for 72 Tracking Layer satellites in Tranche 3. It also discusses NATO’s concerns over a potential...
From Presidential Decrees to Tumbling Satellites.
The episode reviews President Trump's new Executive Order on American space superiority, discusses major industry deals—including Rheinmetall and ICEYE's €1.7 billion German defense contract and HawkEye 360's $150 million acquisition and financing round—and highlights recent satellite incidents such as a Starlink loss...
As Only Humans Can
The episode explores how Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) data is being used to equip astronauts with rapid visual analysis tools for an upcoming lunar flyby, enabling them to make split‑second geological inferences that only human intuition can provide. It highlights...
How Is Europe Rethinking Satellite Connectivity? W/ Craig Bowley
In this episode, SSPI Executive Director Tamara Bond‑Williams talks with Craig Bowley, Regional VP of Sales for Europe at ST Engineering iDirect, about how Europe is reshaping satellite connectivity. Bowley outlines macro trends such as the EU’s IRIS² and GovSatCom...
Congratulations to NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
The episode discusses the confirmation of billionaire Jared Isaacman as NASA Administrator, highlights Rocket Lab's successful STP‑S30 launch for the U.S. Space Force, and notes Redwire's contract to supply docking systems for The Exploration Company's Nyx capsule. Guest Ryan Brown,...
Europe’s Ariane 6 Launch and Asia’s Space Momentum.
The episode highlights Europe’s successful Ariane 6 launch of two Galileo satellites and the ESA’s decision to repurpose the Ariane 6 kick‑stage into an orbital transfer vehicle, underscoring a push for greater launch resilience. It also covers Asia’s growing space capabilities, noting...
Microdebris, Maneuvers, and Managing the Orbital Commons.
The episode covers recent developments in space traffic management and orbital safety, highlighting the US‑France joint satellite maneuver exercise under Operation Olympic Defender, EraDrive’s $5.3 M seed round to scale its SSA platform, and a U.S. State Department call for private‑sector...
A Holiday Prank
The episode recounts how the Gemini VI crew, after their October mission was canceled, pivoted to a December launch aimed at achieving the historic first rendezvous with Gemini VII. It details the technical challenges of coordinating two spacecraft in orbit...
Starfish Space Completes an Autonomous RPO in LEO.
The episode highlights Starfish Space's autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) mission in low Earth orbit, conducted with Impulse Space, and notes Rocket Lab's first dedicated JAXA launch and Mission Space's upcoming payload with Rogue Space. Guest Patrick O'Neill, Public...
Inside a Mars Habitat
The episode explores analog missions that simulate living on Mars, focusing on how researchers test life-support systems, crew psychology, and health protocols to keep astronauts fit for deep-space travel. Experts discuss the challenges of isolation, radiation protection, and sustainable resource...
Space Power: New Names May Foretell New Space Weapons Systems
The episode examines how recent renaming of U.S. space units signals a shift toward developing dedicated space‑based weapons, exploring the strategic implications of a new “Star Wars”‑style executive order. It highlights the evolving doctrine that treats space as a contested...
From Cyber Threats to Heavy-Lift Satellites.
The episode covers the resurgence of a bipartisan U.S. bill aimed at bolstering cybersecurity for commercial satellites, highlights K2 Space’s $250 million Series C round that values the company at $3 billion, and introduces stealth‑emerged Fortastra, which secured over $8 million to develop maneuverable...
AI Trained in Space.
The episode explores the emerging frontier of space‑based AI and data infrastructure, highlighting Starcloud’s milestone of training the first large AI model in orbit and DARPA’s Phase 2 contract with BAE to develop autonomous space surveillance. Guest Jerome Hittle, CEO of...
Space & Satellite Futures: Investing in the Future of Space: Fairfax County's Role in the Next Economy
In this episode, Victor Hoskins, President and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, explains how Fairfax County’s dense tech ecosystem, top universities, and proximity to federal agencies are creating a launchpad for the $1.8 trillion space economy. He highlights...
LunaRecycle
The episode explores waste management challenges for long-duration space missions, using the Artemis program’s four‑astronaut crew as a case study that could produce over 4,000 pounds of trash annually. It examines current strategies—compactification, recycling, and limited incineration—and discusses emerging technologies...
Canada’s MILSATCOM in the Arctic.
The episode highlights MDA Space's new partnership with the Canadian Department of National Defence and Telesat to build Arctic-focused military satellite communications, underscoring the strategic importance of secure connectivity in the high‑latitude region. It also covers recent launch news, including...
