Lily Asongfac, is a champion for space awareness and development in Cameroon. She has spearheaded numerous initiatives to bring space science to the forefront in her community, aiming to inspire and educate young people about the potential of space technology.

Lily’s journey from a young enthusiast to a space advocate exemplifies her dedication to leveraging space for social and technological progress in Cameroon. She works to create educational opportunities and foster a space-conscious culture among the youth.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Lily’s inspiration to pursue space education and advocacy.

• Her efforts in organizing space awareness programs in Cameroon.

• Challenges in promoting space science in a developing country.

• Visions the future of Cameroon’s participation in space.

• Projects and partnerships aimed at broadening Cameroonian space initiatives.

Quote:

“From, a Cameroonian perspective… I hear a lot of people ask me, why do you love space so much? Why do you even work in this industry? And why are you encouraging more young people to get involved when we have, bad growth, but we do not have electricity.”

- Lily Asongfac

Episode Links:

Connect with Lily on LinkedIn

Connect with Lily on Facebook

Follow Lily on Instagram

Youths For Sustainable Space Development on LinkedIn

Aerospace Baby Project on Instagram

Credits:

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Artwork: Ryan Field

Find your place in the business of space: https://interastra.space

Hailing from Hungary and now based in the UK, Viktoria Urban is making significant strides in the space industry.

A former beauty therapist turned journalist, she is the marketing and communications coordinator at Spaceflux Ltd.

Today, Viktoria is training to become a space psychologist.

Her studies focus on examining the psychological impacts of deep space missions on astronauts.

Viktoria’s dynamic and multifaceted career reflects her deep passion for space and is a great example of how the business of space is opening up.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Viktoria’s transition from space journalism to becoming a figure in space communication and psychology.

• The critical importance of psychological assessments in space missions.

• Viktoria’s journey from post-socialist Hungary to participating in the UK’s space sector.

• Insights into the diverse career opportunities in the space industry.

• Where to meet like-minded space-curious people

Quote:

“I was sitting at home, furloughed, bored. And, I thought I might as well look into studying something online. I found the Open University, and they had a course titled Astronomy and Planetary Science”.

- Viktoria Urban

Episode Links:

• Learn more about Viktoria Urban on LinkedIn

• Discover Spaceflux Ltd Website

Credits:

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Artwork: Ryan Field

Find your place in the business of space: https://interastra.space

Meet Elizabeth Kennick, President of Teachers In Space, a transformative initiative integrating real space science into classrooms across the United States and beyond.

Elizabeth’s journey from diverse careers in fashion and finance to pioneering space education exemplifies her dedication to making space accessible to educators and students alike.

Growing up near NASA centers, Elizabeth was inspired by the Apollo missions and envisioned herself among the stars. Her early career path took unexpected turns through fashion retail and Wall Street, where she honed her project management skills before a serendipitous encounter led her back to her first passion—space.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How Elizabeth’s childhood dreams evolved into leading Teachers In Space.
• The challenges and breakthroughs of integrating real space missions into classroom curriculums.
• The strategic approach to expanding Teachers In Space’s impact, offering unique educational payloads and flight experiment opportunities.
• Space education's profound influence on developing students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Future projects and aspirations to further democratize space education globally.

Quote:

“We’re not just teaching the future, we’re doing it now.”

- Elizabeth Kennick

Episode Links:

• Teachers In Space Website
• Follow Teachers In Space on Facebook
• Connect with Elizabeth Kennick on LinkedIn

Credits:

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Artwork: Ryan Field

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Join our journey into the world of education and space: https://interastra.space

As the CEO of The Bolden Group and Chairman of the Inter Astra Institute a non-profit creating equitable access and opportunity to the business of space, Ché Bolden builds relationships between young stem workforce, small businesses, corporations, and governments around the globe to create access to the business of space.

A retired Marine, Ché has extensive experience at the executive level leading projects and teams at the governmental, national, and international level. He has decades of experience navigating complex problems and providing qualitative results.

In this episode, Ché Bolden shares his journey from aspiring fighter pilot to becoming a key player in the business of space. As the son of a four-time astronaut and former administrator of NASA, Charles F. Bolden, Ché speaks about growing up in the shadow of the shuttle era.

You’ll hear how being immersed in the remarkable NASA community around him, gained a unique perspective on the potential of space as a day-to-day reality for humankind and how he brings diverse voices to the table in the global business of space.

On This Episode You’ll Discover:

• The influence of Ché's NASA lineage on his career in aerospace and his vision for accessible space commerce.

• Defining experiences that pivoted Ché's focus from military service to the commercial space sector.

• Ché's take on the burgeoning role of private companies in space and their impact on global business opportunities.

• Insights into the Inter Astra Institute's mission under Ché's leadership, promoting diverse industry involvement.

• The significance of education and cross-industry collaboration in the new era of space business as envisioned by Ché.

• Influences from astronauts like Nyberg and Hurley on Ché's mission to foster a worldwide space community.

• The role of storytelling and connection in making the space industry relevant across various demographics.

Quote:

“Today, I focus on bringing the business of space to places it has not traditionally been seen as relevant. And the best way to go about that is to connect the different people from disparate areas and tell their story in a way that lets people see the possibilities”

- Ché Bolden

Episode Links:

Follow Inter Astra on LinkedIn

Connect with Ché Bolden on LinkedIn

Listen to Ché’s interview on Kathy Sullivan Explores…

'Creating Diverse and Inclusive Pathways to Space with Ché Bolden'

Credits:

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Artwork: Ryan Field

Join the #1 community creating equitable access to the business of space.

https://interastra.space/

My guest on this episode is Zolana Joao, a distinguished engineer and dynamic leader from the Angola National Space Program Management Office.

In this episode, we explore Zolana’s profound journey from his challenging early years in war-torn Angola to his instrumental role in advancing Angola’s aspirations in space exploration.

With his deep commitment to education and his strategic vision, Zolana has been a driving force in launching Angola’s first satellites, significantly impacting his country’s development and representation in the global space community.

This episode was recorded at the Inter Astra Retreat just outside Washington DC last November (2023).

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• From Civil War to Space Pioneer: Zolana’s journey through adversity to space leadership.

• Strategic Mind in Angola’s Space Ascent: His pivotal role in launching Angola’s satellites.

• Lessons from Global Space Partnerships: How international collaborations shaped his strategy.

• Advocating for Future Innovators: Zolana’s efforts to inspire the next generation in Angola.

• Leadership Philosophy: Insights into overcoming obstacles in space sector leadership.

Quote:

"I didn’t know that I was building muscle. Then after 9 months, I start applying for jobs in electrical engineering jobs. And I found, Motorola company. That time, Motorola was already in Angola, and they were hiring technicians. But I was scared because I was 17. I was not allowed officially to work yet. But I said, I have to gotta do something."

- Zolana Joao

Episode Links:

• Follow Inter Astra on LinkedIn
• Discover more about Inter Astra
• Connect with Zolana on LinkedIn

Credits:

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Artwork: Ryan Field

Recorded on location on Nomono Sound Capsule

Explore more episodes at Kathy Sullivan Explores... https://kathysullivaneexplores.com/

Find even more podcasts on the Inter Astra Podcast Network HERE

I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.

I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.

In this podcast, you can explore, reflecting on lessons learned from life so far and from my brilliant and ever-inquisitive guests. We explore together in this very moment from right where you are… spaceship not required.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Michael Tyler Glymph is a rising junior at the College of Charleston Honors.

Tyler combines his studies in geology, astronomy, and biology to forge a unique path in space exploration.

His passion for understanding the complexities of the universe and human health in space has led him to significant research opportunities, including his work on Spaceflight Associated Neuroocular Syndrome at the Medical University of South Carolina.

His commitment to bridging diverse fields showcases the evolving nature of space careers and the new frontiers awaiting young scientists.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Childhood Passions to Academic Pursuits: How space movies influenced Tyler’s career path.

• Research on Spaceflight Associated Neuroocular Syndrome: Insight into his impactful research on astronauts’ vision.

• Opportunities Beyond Traditional Roles: Advocating for diverse careers within the space industry.

• Resilience and Determination: Overcoming personal and academic challenges.

• Vision for Humanity and Space: Tyler’s hopes for space exploration’s unifying role.

Quote:

“If you’re willing to work hard, even in the face of challenges and adversity, you’re going to be successful no matter what you do, space-related or not.”

- Michael Tyler Glymph

Episode Links:

• Connect with Michael Tyler Glymph on LinkedIn
• Medical University of South Carolina
• College of Charleston

Credits:

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Artwork: Ryan Field

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Join our journey into the world of education and space: https://interastra.space

Emily Carney is the founder of Space Hipsters, one of the world’s largest space advocacy groups on Facebook with over 60,000 members.

Emily’s passion for space history and her initiative in creating a community around space advocacy have significantly contributed to public engagement in space exploration.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How a childhood fascination with space led to the creation of Space Hipsters.

• The memorial spaceflight company sending DNA to space.

• Emily’s views on the democratization of space and the opportunities in the modern space economy for non-traditional roles, such as writers and artists.

• How Emily uses her platform to educate and engage people in space history and current space missions.

• Emily’s projects and aspirations for expanding the community.

Quote:

“You can’t have that success, you can’t get what you want if you’re terrified of it. You just have to learn how to embrace it.”

- Emily Carney

Episode Links:

• Memorial Spaceflights: https://www.celestis.com/
• Connect with Emily Carney
• LinkedIn
• X
• Threads
• Insta
• Join the Space Hipsters group on Facebook

Credits:

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Artwork: Ryan Field

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Join our journey into the world of education and space: https://interastra.space

This episode was recorded at the Inter Astra Retreat just outside Washington DC last November (2023). I sat down with Stella Marcy, a high school freshman from upstate New York with big dreams of becoming an astrobiologist.

Stella’s passion for exploring the origins of life on other planets and her curiosity about the universe is truly inspiring. In our conversation, we discussed what it means to be an astrobiologist, the tools scientists use to search for life beyond Earth, and how high school student Stella can prepare for her career.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What astrobiologists do.

• The importance of STEM education in pursuing a career in space science.

• How young students can get involved in STEM programs and research opportunities.

• Stella’s inspirations and her goals for the future, including her dream universities.

• Insights from the Inter Astra Retreat.

Quote:

"INTER ASTRA IS A GREAT WAY TO MAKE CONNECTIONS, TO GET INTERNSHIPS OR RESEARCH PROJECTS OR MENTORS WHO ALSO WOULD REALLY HELP ME."

- STELLA MARCY

Episode Links:

• Follow Inter Astra on LinkedIn
• Discover more about Inter Astra

Credits:

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Artwork: Ryan Field

Recorded on location on Nomono Sound Capsule

Explore more episodes at Kathy Sullivan Explores... https://kathysullivaneexplores.com/

Find even more podcasts on the Inter Astra Podcast Network HERE

SPACESHIP NOT REQUIRED

I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.

I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.

In this podcast, you can explore, reflecting on lessons learned from life so far and from my brilliant and ever-inquisitive guests. We explore together in this very moment from right where you are… spaceship not required.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.