In today's episode, we are "Bridging the Gap" with Vera Pinto - Policy Coordinator at the European Commission (Directorate General for Defense Industry and Space). The discussion covers Vera's diverse background in international relations, political science, and space policy, and her current role focusing on equality, diversity, inclusion, and the sustainability of the space sector. Vera shares insights into the skills and backgrounds needed in the aerospace industry, the importance of greening space activities, and the development of sustainable methodologies for the space sector in collaboration with industry stakeholders. The episode also explores the potential of AI in enhancing environmental sustainability and processing vast quantities of Earth observation data, and discusses the various career paths and opportunities within the European Commission for those interested in the space sector.

This episode is part of the "Bridging the Gap" series brought to you by Women in Aerospace Europe (WIA-Europe) and Those Space People, and ties into the theme of the WIA-Europe Symposium 2024.

"Bridging the Gap" is a special series that spotlights inspirational figures from the aerospace industry talk about the current skills gap, and provides guidance on developing skills to future proof your career. So if you're looking to enter the aerospace industry or advancing into leadership roles, then this series is tailor made for you.

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction to Bridging the Gap Series
• (00:38) - Spotlight on Vera Pinto: A Diverse Career in Space Policy
• (01:06) - The Multifaceted Role of a Policy and Equality Coordinator
• (02:12) - Skills and Backgrounds Needed in the European Commission
• (03:31) - Sustainability in the Space Sector: Challenges and Methodologies
• (09:41) - The Future of Green Roles in the Space Industry
• (14:41) - AI's Role in Enhancing Space Sustainability
• (20:55) - Diverse Career Paths at the European Commission
• (27:41) - Advice for Aspiring Space Industry Professionals
• (32:21) - Closing Thoughts and Personal Anecdotes

In this podcast episode, Nithish Kumar, an aerospace engineer working with the VC firm Speciale Invest, shares his diverse experiences ranging from space education and outreach to entrepreneurship. Nithish recounts his proud yet failed passion project, ALINEA, which aimed to be a startup pitching platform inspired by Shark Tank, and how it marked a transformative period in his life during the COVID-19 pandemic. He delves into his transition from being deeply fascinated with space to exploring the business side of technology, leading to his current role at Speciale Invest. Nithish discusses the value of resilience, the transition from engineering to business, and how his early passion for space and podcasting played a pivotal role in defining his career trajectory.

Chapters

• (00:00) - Welcome to Those Space People: Meet Nithish Kumar
• (00:37) - The Story of ALINEA: A Failed Passion Project
• (04:21) - From ALINEA's Lessons to Space Tech Investment
• (05:12) - An Aerospace Engineer in the VC World
• (08:53) - The Power of Networking in Venture Capital
• (11:27) - A Journey Through Space Education and Outreach
• (19:31) - The Unbounded Podcast: A Gateway to Space Tech Insights
• (25:16) - The Resilience Required in Venture Capital

In this episode, Asitang Mishra, a senior data scientist from JPL NASA, and Nitish Kumar, an AI team lead from ISRO, discuss the current and future applications of Artificial Intelligence in space exploration. They delve into how AI is transforming space missions, from satellite imagery analysis and space debris modeling to the automation of spacecraft systems. The conversation also covers the challenges and opportunities AI presents, the integration of AI into space agency workflows, and potential AI-driven advancements in space technology. Furthermore, the discussion touches on the necessity of AI literacy among space professionals, the impact of AI on job roles within the space industry, and the impact of AI advancements on regulations like ITAR. The guests also explore the broader implications of AI on the future of work, emphasizing the growing importance of AI in making space exploration safer, more efficient, and more innovative.

Chapters

• (00:00) - Welcome to Those Space People: NASA and ISRO Experts Share Insights
• (01:18) - AI's Role and Challenges in ISRO's Space Missions
• (03:30) - How NASA is Leveraging AI: From ChatGPT to Spacecraft Autonomy
• (05:05) - Exploring the Use of AI in Historical and Current Space Missions
• (07:33) - The Impact of ChatGPT and AI on Space Agencies
• (10:25) - The Future of AI in Space: Predictions and Possibilities
• (18:17) - Leveraging AI for Knowledge Management and Innovation
• (27:34) - Preparing for an AI-Driven Future in the Space Industry
• (32:31) - Exploring AI's Role in Hardware: Limitations and Potential in the Physical World
• (41:53) - Exploring the Capabilities of Large Language Models (LLMs)
• (47:53) - AI's Impact on Space Debris Management and Traffic
• (52:36) - The Future of Employment in the AI-Enhanced Space Industry
• (56:11) - Navigating ITAR and Open Source in Space Tech
• (01:01:10) - AI Teams and Projects Across ISRO Centers
• (01:03:29) - Concluding Thoughts on AI's Expansive Potential