The Satellite, Space & Defence Matters Podcast

In this episode of Satellite, Space & Defence Matters brought to you by neuco, hosts Callum Davis and Laurie Scott are joined by the full executive team of Finland's Aurora Propulsion Technologies: CEO Pekka Blomberg, Commercial Lead & CCO Aziza Ibrayeva, and CTO & Co-Founder Perttu Yli-Opas. Together they unpack how a university hybrid-rocket project became a company building the...

In episode 62 of Satellite, Space & Defence Matters, hosts Gia Thomas and Tom Wilding sit down with Dr Stephen Prior, founder of Hybrid Drones, for a story that runs from a DARPA competition win to one of the most capable heavy-lift drones in the UK, by way of a deeply personal beginning. Stephen discusses how a friendship with a rocket-propulsion colleague became a company, why competitions a...

Laura LeMasurier and Clara Britton share how SES is building an inclusive, growth-driven culture following the merger with Intelsat. They discuss the four core values guiding the new SES, how the company fosters psychological safety and encourages smart risk-taking, what great leadership looks like in this transformation, and why diversity of thought is critical to innovation. This episode reveals...

Miquel Albiol takes us deep into payload innovation at SES , from digital beamforming technology enabling LEO-to-MIO data relay to the challenges of flying 5G base stations in space. He discusses how RF system requirements evolve across orbital regimes, the importance of engineers focusing on ultimate customer value, and exciting developments in optical communications, AI on-board processing, and...

In the third instalment of Forward Focus: The Future of SES, we speak with Alberto Patrizi, who shares insights on program planning in the new space era. With a wealth of experience across traditional and modern space programs, he explores how agile methodologies and visual management techniques are transforming project delivery at SES. This episode dives into risk management, team empowerment, an...

Neel Kunjur, Co-founder and CTO of K2 Space, reveals how his company is breaking the historic correlation between satellite mass and cost. In this episode, he shares K2's engineering philosophy of using mass as an opportunity rather than a constraint, the importance of iteration in constellation deployment, and why SES's pioneering approach to MEO operations makes them the perfect partner....

In our first episode of Forward Focus: The Future of SES, Carmel Ortiz discusses SES's bold investment in the next-generation MEO constellation - the neosphere. With over 30 years of engineering leadership experience, she explores how the merger with Intelsat creates unique opportunities, how partnerships like K2 Space accelerate innovation, and why medium Earth orbit offers the perfect balanc...

Join Millie Hall and Tom Wilding for an in-depth conversation with Mike-Alec Kearney, CEO and Co-Founder of CubeSpace, as he shares the story of building a globally recognised satellite subsystems company from university research. With more than a decade of flight heritage, CubeSpace has delivered over 4,600 standalone products and more than 470 mission-tailored systems to more than 290 customers...

Join hosts Annie Savage and Thomas Brownbill as they sit down with Robyn Ringuette, President at AstroForge – a Californian startup pioneering the extraction of valuable metals from asteroids to build a sustainable space-based supply chain. With more than 25 years of technical and managerial experience in aerospace, Robyn has helped lead some of the industry’s most ambitious programmes. From his e...

Join us as we explore how Michael Bartholomeusz, CEO of NOVI, is revolutionising the earth observation industry by making satellite data affordable and accessible to organisations and individuals worldwide. Throughout the episode, Michael shares his fascinating journey from working on the US Space Shuttle programme to leading a pioneering earth observation company. Key topics covered include: How...

Join us as we explore how Bryan Dean, CEO and Co-Founder of Dragonfly Aerospace, is revolutionising earth observation through high-performance imaging satellites and payloads. Throughout the episode, Bryan shares his journey from working on European Space Agency projects to co-founding Dragonfly Aerospace in South Africa, explains how their optical imaging technology enables more efficient resourc...

Join us as we speak with Julian Fernandez, CEO and Co-founder of FOSSA Systems, about his remarkable journey from launching a satellite project on Reddit at age 15 to leading one of Europe's most prolific satellite operators. Throughout the episode, Julian shares how FOSSA Systems is revolutionising the satellite IoT industry through vertical integration and affordable connectivity solutions. He e...

Join us as we discover how Audrey Schaffer, Vice President of Strategy and Policy at Slingshot Aerospace, is tackling the growing challenges of space sustainability through innovative AI solutions. Throughout the episode, Audrey shares her fascinating journey from childhood space enthusiast to aerospace engineering student to playing a key role in establishing the US Space Force. She explains how...

Join us as we discover how Gaia Roncalli, Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Ecosmic, is tackling the growing issue of space debris through innovative software solutions. Throughout the episode, Gaia shares her journey from space engineering to entrepreneurship, explains how Ecosmic's SAFE system helps satellite operators navigate collision risks, and discusses the urgent challenges of spa...

Join us as we discover how Jaume Sanpera, the CEO and Co-Founder of Sateliot, is making his mission of universal IoT connectivity a reality through 5G.  Throughout the episode, Juame shared the story of starting Sateliot, where he plans to take the company in the future, and the applications for their IoT technology.  Listen along for some fascinating insights into the world of IoT.  The Satellite...

Discover the impact of gender imbalances in the aerospace sector with this week’s guest, Kammy Brun, the Managing Director of Simera Sense. Kammy also shared her experience of moving through corporate roles at Airbus and Skyfi, before founding her own consultancy.  Tune in to find out more about growing women’s roles in the aerospace industry.  The Satellite & NewSpace Matters Podcast is broug...

Get behind the scenes of Revolv with its Co-Founder and COO, Aleksander Fiuk. He joined us to share the exciting future plans the company is working on, as well as his founding story and passion behind the company.  Aleksander also touched on customer-focused SmallSat manufacturing, shedding light on the unique differences that have enabled Revolv to grow at such a rapid rate.  The Satellite &...

How can you be sure you’re hiring the right person in an early-stage space company? In this episode, you can hear from Felix Motzki, the CTO of Reflex Aerospace, about his candidate screening methods and the impact they have on Reflex’s workforce.   Our conversation also touched on the state of the European space sector and the reason it’s falling behind American and Chinese markets.  Listen in fo...

Explore the potential of lunar exploration with Darren Charrier, the Business Development Manager at KSAT Inc. Darren joined us to discuss the opportunities for resource collection, habitation and an independent economy on the moon in this episode.  He also touched on the importance of creating communication and supply infrastructure in order to enable genuine lunar exploration and settlement.  Tu...

Explore the growing opportunities in the satellite industry with Tami Dias, the SVP Global Sales at ST Engineering iDirect. She joined us to share her experience of transitioning from the telecommunications sector into a Satellite & NewSpace role.  In this episode, she also touched on the benefits of driving diversity and inclusion across the satellite industry, suggesting that doing so has le...

Dive into the growing applications for Earth Observation satellites with Martina Löfqvist, the Head of Strategy & Partnerships at Picterra. She joined us to talk about the impact of legislation and commercialisation on the Earth Observation sector.  Martina also shared her insights on the candidate and skill shortages facing growing Earth Observation teams, including the importance of culture...

Discover more about the links between space safety, sustainability, and regulations in this episode with Philip Hover-Smoot, the CEO of Scout Space. He explained the importance of scaling satellite systems in a way that promotes long-term viability and international cooperation.  He also talked about the importance of creating a culture of innovation in a satellite company to help secure a brighte...

Explore the complexity of greenhouse gas monitoring with Jean-Francois Gauthier, the Senior Vice President of Strategy at GHGSat. He joined us to talk about the company’s advancements in the area, including the changing priorities of the industry and government.  We also touched on GHGSat’s growing team, and Jean-Francois’s approach to attracting more talent to the Earth Observation space.  The Sa...

Sustainability is coming to the forefront of policy decisions in the space sector. To help us explore the topic, we invited Dr. Jur. Olga Stelmakh-Drescher, the Chief Policy, Legal and Government Relations Officer at Exolaunch, to join us for this episode of The Satellite & NewSpace Matters Podcast.  Olga also spoke to us about ways we can create a skilled workforce of the future, as well as h...

Join us as we explore the world of commercial weather and observational data. This week, we spoke with Michael Hurowitz, the Founder and CEO of Weather Stream, about the financial and technical pressures on small businesses operating in a typically public sector space.  Michael also touched on the challenges and opportunities available in the weather and climate industry, as well as the complex ba...