In-Orbit

How do you turn an ambitious space tech start-up into a 'space unicorn' generating £10 million in revenue?  In this bonus episode, Dallas Campbell and Mark Saxon, Chief of External Affairs at the Satellite Applications Catapult, drill into the mechanics and importance of the UK's Industrial Strategy. Mark breaks down why space is a vital 'frontier industry' nested within the broader Advanced Manuf...

Is the UK's commitment to space being watered down, or is the recent merger of the UK Space Agency (UKSA) into the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) a smart move for efficiency? Host Dallas Campbell sits down with Mark Saxon, Chief of External Affairs at the Satellite Applications Catapult, to dissect the political landscape shaping the UK space industry's future. They dive...

Are we finally equipping ourselves with the right tools to tackle the climate crisis’s most potent challenge?  This bonus episode dives into the crucial role of methane, a gas whose warming potential is 80 times greater than CO2​ over a 20-year period, making it a powerful lever for immediate climate action. Host Dallas Campbell is joined by Charlotte Massey of the National Physical Laboratory (NP...

Are we using every tool available to pull the emergency brake on climate change? This episode dives into the crucial role of space-based monitoring in tackling methane, a greenhouse gas that is far more potent than CO2​ and a critical target for urgent climate action.  Host Dallas Campbell is joined by Spence Seaman from the Environment Agency and Charlotte Massey from the National Physical Labora...

What does it mean to "design" in the context of space? In this bonus episode, we continue our conversation with service design expert Giulia Bencini.  While most of us think of physical objects like chairs or rockets when we hear the word "design," Giulia explains how her work is about solving problems and creating better experiences for users of space data. She shares how her team works directly...

What if the key to unlocking the potential of space wasn't just in the technology itself, but in how we design it for people? In this episode, host Dallas Campbell explores the surprising and critical world of user-centred design with experts Giulia Bencini, Vasant Chari, and Tim Dudas. They discuss how this approach goes beyond engineering, focusing on creating the right solutions for real-world...

Have you ever considered how space technology could revolutionise the public services you use every day?  In this bonus episode, we dive into the UK Space Agency's "Unlocking Space for Government" programme. Host Dallas Campbell and guest Gaurangi Bajpai explore the surprising ways space-based connectivity is addressing critical challenges in sectors like health and transport.  From ensuring remot...

Have you ever struggled to get a decent signal at a packed concert or a busy football match? You're not alone. In this episode of In-Orbit, we delve into the world of ubiquitous connectivity and the innovative solutions being developed to solve this common problem. Host Dallas Campbell is joined by Mutasem Hamdan from Samsung Research and Gaurangi Bajpai from the Satellite Applications Catapult to...

Have you ever wondered how we will fix satellites in space without astronauts? On this bonus episode of Outer Orbit, we continue the conversation with Jeremy Hadall, the Robotics Development Lead at the Satellite Applications Catapult. He returns to share an exciting update on the ISAM (In-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing) Facility, a unique "robot yard" designed to mimic the weightles...

How can the space sector build a future-ready workforce equipped for innovation and sustainability? In this episode of In-Orbit, host Dallas Campbell introduces a panel discussion from the ISAM Conference 2025 in Belfast, chaired by Vicky Jewell, Skills Lead at the Satellite Applications Catapult. The conversation brings together leaders from across government, industry, and academia to explore ho...

How can the space industry unlock the full potential of In-Space Assembly, Servicing, and Manufacturing? In this episode of Outer Orbit live from the ISAM Conference 2025, Gary Cannon, Space Segment Lead at Satellite Applications Catapult, and Stella Tkatchova, Programme Manager for Space Systems at the European Innovation Council, explore why setting global standards is not just a technical requi...

What will it take for Europe to lead the global ISAM revolution? In this special live episode of In-Orbit , host Dallas Campbell takes us inside the ISAM Conference in Belfast for a wide-ranging panel discussion on Europe's ambitions and progress in in-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM). Featuring representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA), UK Space Agency (UKSA), Italia...

What does it take to turn space tech into a thriving commercial industry? In this bonus episode of Outer Orbit, host Dallas Campbell speaks with Manjari Chandran-Ramesh, Partner at Amadeus Capital and a new Non-Executive Director at the Satellite Applications Catapult. Together, they explore how investment in deep tech areas like AI, robotics, and quantum is shaping the future of the UK space sect...

Is your space startup truly investible? In this episode of In-Orbit, host Dallas Campbell is joined by three leading voices from the investment world to unpack what makes the UK space sector so dynamic—and so challenging—for investors and founders alike. Manjari Chandran-Ramesh of Amadeus Capital Partners, Shruti Iyengar from Future Planet Capital, and Nayen Pankhania of the Satellite Applications...

What does it take to build a truly connected and collaborative space sector? In this bonus episode of Outer Orbit, host Dallas Campbell sits down with Simone Hartless, Head of Capabilities and Clusters at the Satellite Applications Catapult, to unpack how the UK’s space ecosystem is evolving. From Connected Capability Networks (CCNs) to local space clusters, Simone explains the infrastructure behi...

What if the key to solving Earth-based challenges lies in space? In this episode of In-Orbit , host Dallas Campbell explores Connected Capability Networks (CCNs) with guests Simone Hartless, Phil Carvil, and Jessie Hamill-Stewart. Together, they unpack how CCNs are transforming the UK's approach to space innovation by linking experts from space and non-space sectors. From cybersecurity to pharmace...

Can space help us live longer, healthier lives? In this bonus episode of Outer Orbit, host Dallas Campbell is joined by Dr Martin Braddock, founder of GENIXICONSULTING and biopharma expert, to explore the cutting edge of space health innovation. From the surprising benefits of microgravity for drug development to the plausibility of human hibernation on long-duration space missions, their conversa...

Could space be the key to better, faster drug development? In this episode of In-Orbit, host Dallas Campbell explores how microgravity environments are reshaping the future of pharmaceuticals. With guests Dr Martin Braddock from GENIXICONSULTING and William Birch from the Satellite Applications Catapult, the discussion dives into why the absence of gravity enables better crystal growth, enhances d...

What happens when drones meet autonomy, AI, and quantum computing? In this bonus episode of Outer Orbit , Dallas Campbell dives deep into the drone revolution with Phillip Coglan, manager of the Drone Test and Development Centre. They unpack the evolving definition of drones, explore the incredible breadth of their applications across industries like agriculture, construction, defence, and even sp...

How does space technology enable self-driving cars, autonomous drones, and next-generation logistics? In this episode of In-Orbit , host Dallas Campbell explores the rapidly evolving world of autonomy with Chris Brook of the Satellite Applications Catapult and Jim Campbell of Sutherland Campbell International. Together, they unpack how advances in satellite infrastructure, AI, and real-time data t...

Welcome to In-Orbit – the fortnightly podcast exploring how technology from space is empowering a better world. This podcast is brought to you by the Satellite Applications Catapult, a UK technology and innovation company driving economic growth through the commercialisation of space, and hosted by writer and broadcaster, Dallas Campbell. The UK has always played a pivotal role in transforming the...

Today, in our series finale, our host Dallas Campbell is sitting down one-on-one with the CEO of the Satellite Applications Catapult, John Abbott. We dive into John’s career journey and what inspired his entry into the space industry, eventually leading him to helm the Catapult. Alongside his vision for our future, we explore the role of collaboration - bridging efforts with government, non-space...

In this episode of Outer-Orbit, we talk with Pat Mathewson, Head of Business Strategy and Analysis at Astroscale to explore space economics and examine the growing role that space plays in global markets. Outer-Orbit is our bonus series where we share short episodes that continue the conversation from our main episodes, focusing in on a particular topic or point of view. Astroscale: LinkedIn , Twi...

In this episode of In-Orbit, we're discussing space debris and the challenges it presents to the space sector. There are many layers to consider when talking about space debris, including where it comes from, how it impacts future space missions and satellites, as well as clean up technologies and legal implications. Do we need regulations in place to ensure space debris doesn’t affect our ability...

In this Outer-Orbit episode, we talk with Amy Peace, Innovation Lead for Circular Economy at Innovate UK, and discuss the importance of building a strong innovation ecosystem in the UK. Outer-Orbit is our bonus series where we share short episodes that continue the conversation from our main episodes, focusing in on a particular topic or point of view. Innovate UK: LinkedIn , Twitter/X , Facebook...