Space Podcast

In this episode, we welcome Jeff Thornburg, co-founder of Portal Space Systems, who shares his inspiring journey from a small town in Southern Illinois to the aerospace industry. He discusses his early life, growing up in a community with strong agricultural and mining roots, and how supportive family and teachers fueled his passion for science, math, and technology. Jeff recounts his educational path, including receiving an ROTC scholarship for aerospace engineering at what is now the Missouri University of Science and Technology. He reflects on his transition from academia to a commissioned officer in the US Air Force, where he got hands-on experience with aircraft like the KC-135. Join us as we explore Jeff’s motivations and the pivotal moments that led him to co-found a company dedicated to advancing space systems.

In this episode, we sit down with Fredrik, co-founder of Arctic Space, as he shares his journey from his early days in Ormskullsvik, Sweden, to his current role in the space industry. Fredrik reflects on his upbringing in a hockey-loving town and the strong work ethic instilled in him by his family. He discusses how his interest in environmental issues sparked during his gymnasium years in the mid-90s, inspired by significant events like the Rio conference. Join us as we explore Fredrik’s career path, the evolution of his interests, and the pivotal moments that led him to co-found Arctic Space. Tune in for insights into sustainability, career navigation, and the importance of following one’s passions.

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Irene, CEO of NeuroSpace. Irene shares her early fascination with science and technology, sparked at a young age when she discovered the inner workings of electronics while observing a radio repair. Despite being a self-proclaimed “lazy” student who enjoyed the attention of her teachers, she ultimately found her path in electrical engineering after a pivotal conversation with her sister. Join us as we explore how Irene’s childhood passion for space and technology evolved into a successful career as a development engineer at ExoLaunch and eventually led her to co-found NeuroSpace. Tune in to hear about her unique insights and the lessons learned along the way.

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Charles, the Co-founder and CEO of SEN. He shares his early fascination with space and entrepreneurial aspirations that began at the age of 16. Charles discusses his initial idea of sending video cameras into space to capture the “overview effect,” allowing everyone to experience the breathtaking view of Earth from above. He reflects on the challenges he faced in the early days of starting a business in a landscape dominated by government agencies and traditional broadcasting. In pursuit of a solid foundation, he completed a law degree, which proved invaluable in his business endeavors. The episode offers a glimpse into the evolution of his vision, starting with NASSTAR and its original concept as Space Internet, setting the stage for his current work at SEN. Join us as we explore the intersection of passion, perseverance, and innovation in the pursuit of a dream.

In this episode, we dive into the early career journey of our guest, who began as a test engineer at Delphi. He shares insights from his time testing analog braking system controllers and airbag controllers, drawing connections between those experiences and his current role as co-founder and CEO of OpenC3. The discussion touches on the recent conference in DC, highlighting the surprising absence of military attendees and the engaging conversations that took place. Tune in to learn how early experiences can shape innovative solutions in today’s tech landscape.

In this episode, Chris, Patrick and Richard dive into their experiences as they gear up for a whirlwind trip to Washington, D.C. Patrick shares his excitement about the upcoming event. They reminisce about their past participation in the event and discuss future plans, including a potential visit to the Space Symposium in Colorado. The conversation then shifts as they welcome Chris, who joins in the discussion. The episode takes a reflective turn as Patrick recounts his early career journey, starting with his passion for space and aerospace. He shares insights into his academic background, including his time at MIT, where he majored in aerospace engineering and engaged with a community deeply rooted in the defense industry. Tune in to hear more about their experiences and insights into the aerospace field.

In this episode, hosts Chris and his guest discuss upcoming industry events, including the satellite show in DC and the small satellite symposium moving to Salt Lake City. Chris shares insights on the importance of attending conferences where customers are present, while humorously reflecting on the challenges of navigating large events like the space symposium. The conversation also shifts to Chris’s early life, detailing his upbringing in Southeast Asia and his journey through education, leading to his early career at Arrival Oil Tools before co-founding Promethean Labs. Tune in for a blend of industry insights and personal anecdotes!

In this episode, hosts Nate and Richard catch up on their recent travels and upcoming events in the satellite and space industry. They discuss their participation in the busy March event circuit, including the Satellite conference in Washington, DC, and their plans to sponsor and exhibit at the upcoming Small Satellite Conference in Salt Lake City. The conversation touches on the sentimentality of the conference moving from Logan, where it has a long-standing history, to Salt Lake City, highlighting the logistical advantages of the new location, such as better hotel accommodations. The hosts share their excitement for networking opportunities and the unique experiences that come with attending these events in the industry. Tune in for insightful discussions and a lighthearted take on their experiences at conferences!

In this episode, Kevin and Richard catch up on their recent activities and discuss the vibrant event circuit in the satellite industry. Kevin shares his current location in Colorado, highlighting his travels for various conferences, including the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs and Satellite 25 in Washington, D.C. They also touch on the new SmallSat Europe event in Amsterdam, indicating the growing demand for small satellite discussions. Richard expresses his enthusiasm for the SmallSat event in Salt Lake City, noting the advantages of easier travel and better accommodations. The episode encapsulates the dynamic nature of the satellite sector and the importance of these networking opportunities for professionals in the field.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sebastian, a co-founder of Atmos Space, a pioneering company in the space sector. Sebastian shared his fascinating journey from a small town in Germany to becoming a key player in the space industry. His story began with an inspiration from Spaceship One’s flight when he was 17, which led him to pursue aerospace engineering. He joined the German military, where he gained invaluable leadership and people skills, and later worked at Airbus Defence and Space.

In this episode, we sit down with Trevor, who shares his unique journey into the space sector. Despite not having a traditional space pedigree, Trevor’s fascinating path showcases how diverse experiences can lead to unexpected career opportunities. Join us for an inspiring conversation about following your passions and the surprising twists in life’s journey.

In this episode Richard discusses how the perception of the space industry is often limited to astronauts, rocket scientists, and astrophysicists, which can create barriers for many individuals who might be interested in pursuing careers in this field. To counter this perception, the podcast aims to share diverse stories from various professionals within the space sector, showcasing their unconventional paths and experiences. This approach not only illustrates the breadth of opportunities available in the space industry but also encourages a wider audience to engage with the subject. Subscribe for more discussions on the cutting-edge technologies shaping our world.

In this episode, we sit down with Grant, who shares his inspiring journey from a small town in Northern Ontario, Sault Ste. Marie, to a successful career in aerospace engineering. Grant discusses his educational background, starting with a degree in aerospace mechanical engineering from Carleton University in Ottawa and his initial plans for graduate studies in bioastronautics at the University of Colorado Boulder. However, a pivotal decision led him to join the Space Flight Laboratory at the University of Toronto, where he transitioned from mechanical to electrical engineering. Grant reflects on his growth within the field and provides insights into his early career experiences at companies like Four Frontiers and Antarctic Broadband. Tune in to learn more about his fascinating path and the innovative projects he has been involved in! Subscribe for more discussions on the cutting-edge technologies shaping our world.

In this episode, hosts Ashi and Reza share their journey from their early days to founding Spacium. Ashi, an aerospace and mechanical engineer, discusses his educational background, including his degrees from Syracuse University and the University of Ottawa, where he first met Reza. They reminisce about their work at Kepler Shipyards and Ottawa Rocketry, building high-power rockets and testing scientific payloads in microgravity environments. Both hosts reflect on their lifelong passion for the space industry, with Ashi revealing his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut. The conversation delves into the pivotal moments that sparked their interest in space, highlighting their shared enthusiasm and vision that led to the creation of their company. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about pursuing dreams in the aerospace field! Subscribe for more discussions on the cutting-edge technologies shaping our world.

In this episode, we chat with Kirsten, who shares her inspiring journey from a young dreamer to a career in the space industry. Starting with a charming anecdote from when she was just three years old, Kirsten reveals her early fascination with space, sparked by a face painting request to look like an astronaut. This childhood passion led her to delve into astronomy through books and telescopes, ultimately guiding her path to the United States Air Force and NASA. Join us as we explore her experiences, insights, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career in the space field. Subscribe for more discussions on the cutting-edge technologies shaping our world.

Explore the world of aerospace innovation with Tim Deaver, Vice President Strategic Solutions at Mynaric. With over 30 years of experience in aerospace and defense, Tim has been at the forefront of industry transformations, driving growth and fostering new collaborative paradigms. In this interview, learn about his journey from enhancing satellite operations at SES to leading global sales and strategic solutions at Mynaric. Discover how Mynaric is revolutionizing laser communications, providing ultra-high data rates, and secure data transmission for air, space, and mobile applications. Join us for this insightful discussion on the future of aerospace connectivity and leadership.

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Join us in this enlightening interview with Ben McCrossan, CEO of Ensemble Space Labs, as we dive into the fascinating world of space weather forecasting. Learn how Ensemble Space, spun off from Ensemble Consultancy, is leveraging advanced data science and machine learning to predict solar storms and mitigate their impacts on critical technologies like satellites, GPS, and communication systems. Subscribe for more discussions on the cutting-edge technologies shaping our world.

Today, our guest is Susan Kilrain, someone who has not just pushed boundaries, but also defied gravity in the process. After growing up with her eyes glued to the sky, Starting her journey with a private pilot’s license at age 17, Susan has navigated an incredible career path. Despite being denied a place in the Air Force because they’d fulfilled their annual quota of woman, Susan turned this setback into setups for greater achievements. She went on to become a distinguished American aerospace engineer, a United States Navy officer, and a NASA astronaut. Susan’s record as the youngest person to pilot a space shuttle, being only one of three women, still stands today. She has over 3,000 hours flight time under her belt, and was the recipient of the Defense Superior Service Medal. Yet, her impact isn’t confined to her achievements in air and space. Susan is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, and a firm believer in the importance of education, encouragement and removing barriers for the next generation of the space industry. Stay tuned as we dive into Susan’s inspiring journey, breaking barriers on Earth and beyond.

Today’s guest is self-professed accidental space cadet, Heather Leser. Heather’s early career started in healthcare, but she navigated her business and management skills through retail, non-profit, and even marketing, until she landed a role as executive assistant to the CEO of Eta Space. It was here that she discovered her love for space, climbing the ranks to her current role as Chief Administrative Officer. Heather’s unplanned voyage into space has shaped her calling, and she now cherishes her position in the industry. Aside from Eta Space, she also supports Laura Forczyk, a space consultant and career coach, utilizing her honed HR and administrative skills. As a people-loving individual, Heather embodies the range of skills needed in the space sector. Join us as we explore her journey from an accidental space cadet to a crucial industry player.

We’ve got a very special guest on the podcast this week – we’re sitting down with Melissa Quinn, the newly announced general manager of Seradata. Born and bred in the heartland of rural Canada, Melissa was immersed in the world of aerospace from a young age. From her small-town roots, her love for global aerospace markets and economics propelled her across the world to the prestigious London School of Economics. There, she earned a master’s degree in economics, laying the foundation for an extraordinary career. As an accomplished strategic leader with over 13 years in aerospace, Melissa is dedicated to shaping the industry with a vision that’s both ambitious and purposeful. She’s a strong influence in the push for the sustainable use of space for good, we well as passionate advocate of inspiring  the next generation to embrace STEAM careers. Melissa’s story is one of passion and perseverance – stay tuned as we delve into her incredible career journey and her vision for the future of the industry.

Fresh out of college and looking for work, Steve Nixon picked up the phone book and called the US Secretary of Defence. Flash forwards a few redirected calls, he landed his first job as an aircraft program budget analyst at the Pentagon. Seven years on, took a  role at Congress for the US House Committee on Appropriations, where he became immersed in the world of space. All thanks to that initial phone call, Steve went on to be named one of the top 10 most influential people in space. He later became the founder of IARPA, President of the SmallSat Alliance, CEO of specialized security company Koandah, a technology strategy consultant, and board member and advisor for multiple companies. In this episode, we explore the incredible details of Steve’s space career journey, as well as the power of curiosity, people and storytelling in the space industry.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Laura Forczyk, a renowned space consultant and career coach with nearly 20 years’ industry experience. As the founder and executive director of Astralytical, Laura has made it her mission to help businesses, governments, non-profits, and professionals worldwide thrive in the fast-paced and fascinating space sector. With a lifelong passion for space and a background in astrophysics and planetary science, Laura has successfully transitioned her broad range of skills into her unique niche today. In this episode, we’ll discuss Laura’s journey into the industry, the invaluable lessons she’s learned along the way, as well as the diverse and exciting roles available in the space industry to anyone with a dream.

Today on the podcast we’re joined by one of EVONA’s very own strategic advisors, Jeff Crusey. As an experienced deep tech venture capitalist, Jeff specialises in solving significant real-world problems in the realms of space, defence, climate, energy, cybersecurity, AR, VR, advanced computing, and beyond. Jeff is the founder and general partner of Farpoint, an early-stage deep tech venture capital firm, focussed on global security and resilience. Before Farpoint, Jeff was the investment director at Seraphim Capital where he worked on 20+ investment rounds for space tech startups. Seraphim partnered with AWS to create the AWS Space Accelerator, a four-week program providing resources to space startups worldwide. In this episode, we discuss Jeff’s career journey and the lessons he learned along the way.

In today’s podcast episode, we’re joined by special guest Andrew Aldrin, son of Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Although he didn’t initially plan a career in the space industry, Andrew ultimately found his way there and made significant contributions to the field. He currently serves as Program Coordinator for the innovative Masters of Space Operations program at the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, preparing students and mid-career professionals for successful careers in space. Andrew also passionately leads the Aldrin Family Foundation as President, a charitable organization focused on inspiring future generations to pursue careers in space and STEM fields. Join us as we explore Andrew Aldrin’s journey.

Today on the podcast we’re joined by Michael Cassandra, co-founder and chief culture office of RocketStar. Based in New York, RocketStar are rethinking space travel from the inside out, starting by improving the engines that power us to the stars. With a strong focus on reusability, reliability, and minimising cost, their revolutionary Aerospike engines combine efficiency and power, providing between 25-35% more thrust over conventional rocket engines, without using extra fuel to do so. Mike is passionate about cultivating a company culture that brings people with a genuine passion for space exploration together. We discuss the importance of inclusion in a company’s mission to build a strong and diverse team, as well as the many non-technical roles the space sector has to offer.

This week on the podcast we’re joined by Sam Peterson, director of spacecraft operations at Firefly Aerospace, and former Swedish Space Corporation business development director. With a military background, Sam’s extensive industry experience has taken him on an incredible journey through the space sector – he’s been involved in some unbelievable projects that we will discuss later in more detail. In this episode, we dive into Sam’s unique space origin story, and the path that lead him to Firefly, an end-to-end space transportation company. By designing, manufacturing, and operating reliable launch and spacecraft vehicles, firefly are committed to enabling sustainable, affordable and convenient access to space for small payloads.

We’re switching things up on the podcast this week with our first ever double guest spot. Today, we’re joined by Christina Korp, Astronaut Wrangler, space advisor, producer, and the Director of Space for a Better World. Alongside Christina, we’re speaking with Nicole Stott, astronaut, aquanaut, engineer, artist, and the director of the Space for Art Foundation. Not only is this our first double guest spot, but we’re approaching this episode from a brand new perspective. It’s an EVONA Origin Stories diversity and inclusion special.

Today on the podcast we’re joined by Ryan McDevitt, co-founder and CEO of Benchmark Space Systems. Ryan’s dream of working in the space sector was set in motion in his early childhood, with his first ever drawings being of spacecraft and astronauts. From here, he followed his passion through education before founding Benchmark, an innovative space start-up who are reimagining systems for a new class of spacecraft. They’re combining mission heritage, best-in-class propulsion products with advanced control products and services, delivering bundled in-space mobility solutions with significant cost and capability benefits.

Today we’re speaking with Leon Alkalai, CEO of Mandala Space Ventures. After some incredible industry experience, including 32 years as a tech fellow at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lap working on some fascinating lunar robotic exploration projects, Leon has re-entered the world of space as an entrepreneur, investor, and mentor. His latest endeavour, Mandala Space Ventures, is a venture studio dedicated to creating and investing in New Space companies, enabling founders to launch new pathways to space for the benefit of humanity. With such extensive experience across the industry, Leon has some really palpable advice for people from all backgrounds looking to enter the space sector.

This week we’re joined by Eric Ingram, founder and CEO of SCOUT. SCOUT was founded in 2019 with a mission to enable a new era of space safety and transparency. Their in-space products and services allow spacecraft to safely manoeuvre through space, as it becomes increasingly crowded, while avoiding potential threats. Eric is also a passionate ambassador of diversity and inclusion, and the ways different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences can take space organisations to the next level. We speak to Eric about the importance of disability inclusion in the growth of the space sector.

Today we’re joined by serial entrepreneur and CEO of Aquarian Space, Kelly Larson. After growing up on her parent’s farm in rural Iowa, Kelly actually started out her career as a yoga teacher. From here, a very surprising turn of events led her to where she is today – CEO of the world’s first high data rate internet service provider for the solar system. Kelly is passionate about inspiring other women to join STEM industries and is widely known for her innovative approaches to business. She’s got some really valuable and unique insight that we’re excited to share with you.

CEO and Co-Founder of Xona Space Systems, Brian Manning talks to us of his early days of engineering at SpaceX to founding Xona – one of the most accurate and secure real-time PNT services on the planet. Committed to exploring the evolution of GPS to support the rapidly growing modern technologies of autonomous vehicles, aerial mobility and augmented reality, Brian explains Xona’s role in connecting space to earth for the betterment of humanity.

Our guest this week on Origin Stories is Patrick Shannon, engineer, entrepreneur, self-professed sci-fi nerd, and the founder and CEO of TrustPoint. Established in 2020, this incredible startup is commercialising GPS, developing an alternative global navigation satellite system. As a lifelong lover of space with a childhood dream of becoming an engineer, Patrick shares some great advice for anybody looking to break their way into the space sector.

Sassie Duggleby joins us on the podcast this week. Sassie is the co-founder and CEO of Venus Aerospace, an incredible startup bringing Earth-based transportation up to speed with space travel. They’re enabling the future of hypersonic transportation, building an engine that enables one-hour global transport. Aside from being a strong female leader in the sector, Sassie is a passionate advocate of empowering women in STEM and works as a mentor to inspire change in the industry. We touch on some really tangible advice for anyone in STEM fields struggling with self-belief and confidence.

Today we’re joined by visionary space architect, Arch. Michal Ziso, Founder & CEO of ZISO Innovation + Architecture Lab. After falling in love with diversity, buildings and architecture in New York aged 12, she went on to join the Israeli intelligence corps at 18 where she began learning about space, satellites and communication. These two passions were the catalysts for an incredible career as a space architect, which we’re very excited to be diving into today.

Today we’re speaking with Greg Delory, CEO and co-founder of Heliospace. After following his childhood passion for space, he’s worked on some incredible projects — including several NASA lunar and Mars missions. Today, he’s head of an incredible aerospace company using real space experience to achieve the New Space vision.

Our guest this week is veteran NASA astronaut and aquanaut, engineer, artist, author, former International Space Station resident and director of the Space for Art Foundation, Nicole Stott. She’s a passionate female leader in the sector and a strong advocate of inspiring more women to enter STEM fields. Nicole’s lifelong passion for space and flight, alongside a natural flare for creativity, led her into a career that will blow your mind.

As the first academic in his family, Daniel’s story as a lifelong lover of space and science fiction is truly inspiring. Today he’s the co-founder of LiveEO, the leading solution provider for AI-powered satellite-based infrastructure monitoring. With goals to build a large international space data business by 2025 and to launch his own space hardware into orbit by 2030, he’s is an incredible spokesperson for budding space entrepreneurs.‍

Diviya Devani’s lifelong love of space, science and physics propelled her into the space sector. Named as one of 2022’s Top 100 Rising Stars in Science & Engineering, she’s a passionate advocate of women and young people in STEM, as well as the importance of diverse workforces.

From an arts background, Kim Macharia is a shining example of not taking ‘no’ for an answer and keeping focussed on her goals. Now Chair to the Board of Directors for Space Frontier Foundation and Executive Director for Space Prize, Kim explains how taking risks in the Space sector pays off.

The voice for diversity and inclusion in the space sector, for this episode we speak to COO of Space Foundation, Shelli Brunswick. Making space accessible to everyone, she began her career in the US Airforce and promotes space inspired awareness and educational programmes across STEM at all levels.

Astrodynamicist, Space Environmentalist, TED fellow, Professor, Space Craft Navigator, Chief Scientists and Co-Founder of  Privateer Space alongside Steve Wozniak, we talk to Moriba Jah about sustainability of our planet and making space accessible to everybody.

Former radio host, public speaker, Rachel Lyons is the Executive Director of the not-for-profit organisation Space for Humanity and talks to us about her role in the movement to expand access to space for all of humanity.

Laura Crabtree is living proof that STEM is cool. Finding her calling early on, Laura’s career as a systems and operation engineer at Northrop Grumman, and later SpaceX, saw her at the controls of the first ever Dragon Mission in 2010 and instrumental in the crewed Dragon mission to the ISS in 2020. In 2021, Laura Co-founded Epsilon3, a company focussing on operating systems for space craft and complex operating systems.

Inspired to ‘make things better’ we meet with Allan Cannon, the co-founder of R3-IoT who combine cutting-edge satellite communications technology with the best of IoT to offer unique end-to-end data services to the 90% of the planet that lacks traditional communications infrastructure.

Fascinated at university by the various technical problems facing the space sector, Jeroen starting his career as an Aerospace and Aeronautics engineer. Witnessing that there were many more applications that can be enabled by space, Jeroen co-founded Spire and helped them scale to an international business. In this episode, Jeroen provides solid advice on how to be successful within the NewSpace sector.

From humble beginnings to founding her own commercial space company, Space Dots, Bianca Cefalo is a passionate advocate of diversity and inclusion within the space industry with a relentless drive for educating future generations on the opportunities of the space sector.

With an unconventional route into the space industry, Matt Kuta is the COO, President and founder of Voyager Space. Awarded the Jabara Award for saving the lives of 41 US troops and co-founding Space for Humanity in 2017, Matt Kuta is a remarkable individual who has successfully collided the world of business with space exploration.

Recognised as one of America’s top 100 female founders, we talk to Mel Stricklan, the founder of Slingshot Aerospace – a company building world-class space simulation and analytic solutions for the betterment of humanity and sustainability of our planet.

For episode 4 we talk to Jim Cantrell, the founder and CEO of Phantom Space, and co-founder of a little ol’ company you might have heard of: SpaceX. From being a mechanical engineer to road racer, entrepreneur and founder of multiple space companies, Jim has lead nothing short of an amazing career so far in the space sector and there’s a lot left in the tank.

Megan Kane always wanted to be a farmer, but not on Earth. Fascinated by explorers at the age of 16, Megan made the decision to go to Mars. Our hosts Chloe and Tom talk to Megan about her childhood goal and her personal mission to the Red Planet.

From a core interest in space, James Pearson always wanted to tell the story of technology emerging. From a traditional industry in PR, through 25 years of communication for tech and space companies James found his passion through helping people discover technology before it becomes ubiquitous. Tom and Chloe talk to James about how a non-technical career can have longevity in the space sector.

Carol Craig is an incredible example of an inspirational figure affecting change and leading the way for all women in the space sector. Craig is one of the first women to ever lead a space business to go public and one of the first women to fly combat in the US Navy before turning into an inspirational ‘astropreneur’. Our hosts Tom and Chloe talk to Carol about her incredible career, her tactics for getting into the space sector, her ability to turn every difficult circumstance into success to launch her own business and what her acronym MTSUAYGA means…