Keeping track of satellites requires space situational awareness (SSA). But how does one acquire this information, and how subjective is the data that we receive?

Sean Goldsborough, Business Leader at Raytheon NORSS, talks to us about the art of satellite tracking.

We discuss the difference between SSA and space domain awareness (there is a distinction!), how the technology underlies military applications, and how the data available could potentially be used for nefarious purposes – for example, by disguising the real nature of objects in space.

Space launches in 2024 are routine events – new satellites enter orbit on a weekly basis, and the industry is changing fast.

In this episode, we examine the increasing commercialisation of space and its implications, including how access to (relatively inexpensive) launch facilities has changed the satellite market, and how states and commercial companies are now working together to meet new demands. Dr Michelle Parker, Vice President, Space Mission Systems at Boeing Defense, Space & Security, joins us to discuss a legacy business that has adapted to new trends, and to survey the landscape of up-and-coming space technologies.

After three years of setting up and running UK Space Command, Air Vice Marshal Paul Godfrey joins us to discuss the lessons learned and explains why setting up the Command felt a bit like running a start-up. The discussion covers the road to integration, partnerships and why training with terrestrial alternatives to space services is important for the whole of the armed forces. Lastly, we discuss space's PR problem and how this could be solved in the future. Be part of the solution – listen in to find out more!