Episodes

  • Giuseppe Reibaldi: President of the Moon Village Association. Building a Global Moon Village: A Vision for Lunar Cooperation
    Oct 3 2024

    Episode 106 covers Giuseppe Reibaldi’s work with the Moon Village Association, a pioneering non-governmental organisation that unites both spacefaring and non-spacefaring nations to collaborate on lunar exploration. Ben and Giuseppe discuss how MVA partners with industry, academia, and the public to create a shared vision for humanity’s future on the Moon. The MVA’s unique platform fosters cooperation, builds networks, and promotes global awareness of the potential benefits of lunar settlement.

    OUTLINE:

    Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

    00:00 Introduction to Episode

    00:58 Introduction to Giuseppe - what is the Moon Village Association!

    06:12 Whose involved?

    08:46 Big agencies involved

    13:08 International Moon Day (IMD), Global Expert Group and live events

    22:59 Sustainable Lunar Environment

    23:52 Commercial companies

    27:00 Giuseppe’s prediction of humanity on the Moon (in 20 years)

    32:18 Public perception of lunar presence

    39:12 Why the Moon should be for everyone

    42:49 Wrap Up and socials

    Connect with the Moon Village Association

    https://moonvillageassociation.org/

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/moonvillageassociation/

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCB1dDR4JMIq370NfLV-qOg

    https://www.facebook.com/moonvillageassn/

    https://twitter.com/MoonVillageAssn

    https://www.instagram.com/moonvillageassociation/

    Stay connected with us!

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    Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

    Website: www.astroben.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

    X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

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    44 mins
  • Adriano Autino: Expanding Horizons - the Space Renaissance and the Future of Civilisation Beyond Earth
    Aug 30 2024

    In episode 105, Ben welcomes Adriano V. Autino, the visionary behind Space Renaissance International, an organisation dedicated to advancing civilian space development and the space economy. Adriano shares his insights on how humanity can expand beyond Earth, the importance of developing low-cost access to space, and the role of space in the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals and why "Space" should be the 18th SDG! They also explore the Space Renaissance Manifesto and discuss the exciting possibilities of space tourism, geo-lunar industrialisation, and more.

    OUTLINE:

    Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

    00:00 Intro to episode

    01:00 bringing on Adriano Autino. What is the Space Renaissance International? (SRI)

    07:00 Mission of the SRI manifesto

    13:40 SDG’s - why a new “Space” one?

    20:22 Not going to space isn’t an option

    21:35 Why 2025 is an important year for the Space/UN agenda

    27:05 Responsibility for space faring civilisations to advance space for the world

    32:12 Supporting

    33:53 Wrap Up and Socials

    Connect with Adriano V. Autino:

    Websites: Space Renaissance International Space Renaissance Academy
    Personal website: Adriano V. Autino

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AVAutinoSpaceRenaissancePhilosophyLinkedin: LinkedIn profile

    >> Sign the #Space18SDG pledge to add an 18th SDG to the UN 2030 Agenda (on Change.org)
    >> Add your organization to the #Space18SDG proposers

    Stay connected with us!

    Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

    Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

    Website: www.astroben.com

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    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

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    35 mins
  • John Conafay: CEO and Co-Founder of Integrate, Innovating Space Systems and Managing the Future
    Aug 16 2024

    In this episode, Ben sits down with John Conafay, a US Air Force Veteran and the CEO & Co-Founder of Integrate, a company that’s revolutionising space mission management through cutting-edge software solutions. With a wealth of experience from his time at Spire, Astranis, SpaceFlight, and ABL Space Systems, John shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of the new space economy. They delve into the innovations driving the industry forward, including transforming space mission planning from 2D to 3D logistics, and how software can solve critical issues like launch capacity management. They also discuss the broader implications of these advancements for the future of space exploration and the ethical considerations involved. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of space tech and the exciting future it holds.

    OUTLINE:

    Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

    00:00 Intro to episode

    01:18 Integrate

    06:51 Optimising systems

    08:57 2D to 3D - what does it mean?

    10:12 Previous pain points at previous companies

    13:26 Growth into other sectors

    15:45 Spaceforce & Firefly

    17:45 “Nice to have” digital tools

    20:40 Adoption of software

    22:34 Other tech in space industry

    22:52 Future of Integrate

    25:30 Pain of entrepreneurship

    28:00 Advice to aspiring space being a space tech entrepreneur

    30:13 What sparked your interest in space?

    32:04 Wrap up and socials

    Connect with John Conafay:

    Website: https://integrate.space/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conafay/

    X: https://twitter.com/jconafay

    Stay connected with us!

    Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

    Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

    Website: www.astroben.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

    X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

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    33 mins
  • Eric Berger: on his new book 'Reentry: SpaceX, Elon Musk, and the Reusable Rockets that Launched a Second Space Age'
    Aug 8 2024

    In this episode, Ben sits down (again) with Eric Berger, Senior Space Editor at Ars Technica and author of the upcoming book 'Reentry: SpaceX, Elon Musk, and the Reusable Rockets that Launched a Second Space Age'

    They discuss the Polaris Dawn mission, the state of the space industry, NASA's Crew-9 launch delay, and the latest breaking stories in the space industry. Eric shares his thoughts on Elon Musk's current focus and vision at SpaceX, as well as the critical role billionaires are playing in space exploration.

    OUTLINE:

    Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

    00:00 Intro to Episode 103

    00:40 Eric back for more!

    01:20 Interviewing NASA administrator

    02:08 Starliner date pushed back

    03:51 Polaris Dawn

    05:22 Why is it significant?

    07:20 Billionaires in Space

    08:50 NEW BOOK: “Reentry: SpaceX, Elon Musk, and the Reusable Rockets that Launched a Second Space Age”

    12:10 The Technical Challenges of SpaceX 2008-2020

    15:10 Importance of Gwynne Shotwell

    17:00 Significance of Falcon Heavy

    19:00 The emotion of launches

    21:10 Artemis

    24:02 China

    24:50 New Glenn

    26:06 First mover advantage for reusable rocket companies?

    28:15 Stoke Space

    28:30 SpaceX

    29:32 Vision of SpaceX

    31:40 Elon and politics

    33:55 Elon’s Musks Plans too ambitious?

    36:20 Wrap Up and socials

    Pre-order Eric’s new book Reentry: SpaceX, Elon Musk, and the Reusable Rockets that Launched a Second Space Age

    Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Reentry-SpaceX-Reusable-Rockets-Launched/dp/1637745273

    Penguin: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/759707/reentry-by-eric-berger/

    X: https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace

    Stay connected with us!

    Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

    Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

    Website: www.astroben.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

    X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

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    38 mins
  • Roman Chiporukha: Co-Founder and Chief Executive Office of SpaceVIP, a mission-based expedition company for space and space-related experiences
    Jul 25 2024

    In episode 102, chats to Roman Chiporukha, founder of SpaceVIP and co-founder of the luxury lifestyle management firm Roman & Erica. They dive deep into the burgeoning world of private space exploration, discussing the fascinating journey of introducing the final passenger to Axiom’s Ax-1 mission—a $50 million ticket to the first all-private space mission to the International Space Station.

    Roman shares his insights on making space exploration more accessible to the private sector, the exciting future of Michelin-starred meals in space, and how celebrities and billionaires are shaping the next frontier.

    OUTLINE:

    Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

    00:14 Introduction to Episode

    00:50 Origin story or not!

    03:00 Axiom1 and selling a $50m ticket!

    05:58 Space VIP https://www.spacevip.com/

    07:24 Experience in luxury lifestyle management

    09:05 Michelin-starred meals in Space

    13:44 Space Perspective https://spaceperspective.com/

    16:30 The Space Prize Foundation https://www.spaceprize.org/

    21:10 SpaceVIP Products/Experiences in the pipeline

    26:30 Risks with these experiences

    32:40 Celebs in Space

    40:00 Final thought - WHY SPACE

    41:50 Wrap Up and socials

    Connect with Roman Chiporukha

    Website: https://www.spacevip.com/

    X: https://twitter.com/getmaxspace

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spacevip/

    Stay connected with us!

    Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

    Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

    Website: www.astroben.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

    X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

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    43 mins
  • Kirsten Whittingham: President of Max Space and Chief Revenue Officer at Cosmic Girls Foundation
    Jul 18 2024

    In episode 101, Ben chats to Kirsten Whittingham, President of Max Space. Kirsten shares insights into her diverse and impressive career in the aerospace industry, from generating significant revenue at Axiom Space to overseeing the development of innovative expandable habitats at Max Space. The conversation delves into the unique technology behind Max Space's scalable habitats, the challenges and milestones ahead, and the future of space habitation. Kirsten also discusses her work with the Cosmic Girls Foundation, aiming to address gender inequality in the space industry and inspire more young girls to pursue STEM careers.

    OUTLINE:

    Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

    00:14 Intro to

    00:48 Introduction to Kirsten Whittingham

    01:28 What is Max Space?

    04:57 Inflatable

    06:21 Mission in 2026

    09:00 What is a soft goods?

    10:22 Psychology of inflatable structures

    12:20 How big could they be?

    13:50 Experience from Axiom

    17:35 Raising money for space startups

    20:50 Sustainability

    23:08 Private/public partnerships

    25:55 Uses of Max Space habitat from research, manufacturing, space debris and sport?!

    27:50 Cosmic Girls Foundation https://www.cosmicgirls.org/donate

    30:45 CGF Initiatives

    32:02 Advice to young people

    35:10 Vision for the future of the space industry

    37:53 Wrap Up and socials

    Connect with Max Space:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmaxspace

    Website: https://getmaxspace.com/

    X: https://twitter.com/getmaxspace

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getmaxspace/about/

    Stay connected with us!

    Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

    Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

    Website: www.astroben.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

    X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

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    39 mins
  • Nicole Stott: American engineer, retired NASA astronaut, artist, and author
    Jul 5 2024

    In this milestone episode, we had the honour of speaking with Nicole Stott, a retired NASA astronaut, artist, and author. Nicole shared her inspiring journey, including her space missions on ISS Expedition 20 and 21, and STS-128 and STS-133. We explored her unique experiences, such as participating in the first live tweet-up from space and painting with watercolour in microgravity. Nicole also discussed her post-NASA work, including her book "Back To Earth" and her co-founding of the Space for Art Foundation. Her story is a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts.

    OUTLINE:

    Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

    00:14 Intro to Nicole Stott

    01:00 Episode 100/how Ben and Nicole met

    02:35 Impact of astronauts

    05:27 Females in space

    10:00 Favourite mission?

    13:32 Painting in space

    16:50 Role of art and creativity in space

    19:40 Polaris Dawn & SpaceX/Public Private Partnerships

    24:00 Artemis

    27:20 Bringing benefits of space

    28:05 “Back to Earth” https://www.npsdiscovery.com/book-back-to-earth

    31:44 Seeing Earth from space

    35:40 Sharing Experiences

    37:10 Blue Origin’s vision for the future

    38:48 Cosmic perspective

    41:37 Final thought from Nicole - “Stay curious!”

    44:54 Wrap up and socials

    Connect with Nicole Stott:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astro_nicole & https://www.instagram.com/spaceforartfoundation/

    Website: https://www.npsdiscovery.com/

    X: https://x.com/Astro_Nicole

    Stay connected with us!

    Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

    Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

    Website: www.astroben.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

    X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

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    47 mins
  • Dr Eiman Jahangir: Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University and the Director of the Sections of General Cardiology and Cardio-Oncology. He's also going to space with MoonDAO!
    May 13 2024

    In episode 99, we had the privilege of hearing the remarkable journey of Dr. Eiman Jahangir, Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University and aspiring astronaut. From being a finalist for NASA's Astronaut Candidate program to winning a ticket to space through a raffle with MoonDAO, Dr. Jahangir's story is a testament to the power of persistence and the limitless possibilities of space exploration. Winning a ticket to space from over 2,200 participants, his journey serves as an inspiring reminder that dreams can indeed take flight. Tune in to hear more about his extraordinary adventures and the exciting future that lies ahead.

    OUTLINE:

    Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

    00:00 Introduction to

    00:49 Lucky Numbers!

    01:40 MoonDao and how it will get Eiman to Space

    06:50 How Eiman entered the raffle

    08:40 Navigating Crypto

    11:10 Applying for NASA

    15:24 Space Tourism - health barriers

    18:33 Phycological impact on Space Tourism

    22:10 Analogue astronaut experiences

    23:44 Blue Origin timeline and launch prep

    25:50 Personal aspirations for the experience

    29:52 Wrap Up and Socials

    Connect with Dr Eiman Jahangir:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DrEJahangir

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drejahangir

    X: https://twitter.com/DrEJahangir

    Stay connected with us!

    Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

    Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

    Website: www.astroben.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

    X: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

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    31 mins