In This Episode

Join David Goldsmith as he welcomes Jeffrey Manber, CEO of Nanoracks, to explore the evolving landscape of commercial space exploration. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Jeffrey shares his insights on why humanity has not returned to the moon in 50 years and discusses the changing roles of space agencies. He emphasizes the importance of government as a customer in fostering a commercial space marketplace.

Throughout the conversation, Jeffrey recounts personal stories from his career, including his pivotal role in privatizing the Russian space program and leasing the Mir space station. He also addresses contemporary challenges such as income inequality in the space sector and the potential risks of a venture capital bubble. The discussion highlights how space exploration can benefit society and reshape our future.

Unexpectedly, the conversation takes a deeper dive into the societal implications of space commercialization, reflecting on how public perception may influence future developments. Jeffrey’s passion for making space a normal place for business shines through as he connects these themes to broader human progress.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Jeffrey Manber is the CEO of Nanoracks, a leading provider of commercial access to space. With over three decades in the aerospace industry, he has played a crucial role in advancing commercial space initiatives, including working with NASA and international partners.

Jeffrey's significant career achievements include being one of the first Americans to work with the Russian space program during its privatization phase and leading efforts to keep the Mir space station operational through innovative commercial agreements. He has also been instrumental in developing public-private partnerships that have reshaped how government interacts with commercial entities in aerospace.

He holds a degree from New York University and has authored works highlighting the intersection of business and space exploration. His recent projects focus on expanding Nanoracks' capabilities while advocating for sustainable practices that benefit both Earth and future endeavors in outer space.

In This Episode

Join us as we explore the fascinating intersection of corporate sponsorship and the burgeoning private space industry with Tricia Nivizzato, principal of Space Marketing Group. With over a decade of experience in the space sector, Tricia shares her insights on how brands can effectively engage with space projects.

Throughout the episode, Tricia highlights the critical role of corporate partnerships in funding and advancing space initiatives. She discusses compelling case studies, such as Red Bull's Stratos project and Lowe's innovative 3D printing efforts aboard the International Space Station, illustrating how these collaborations can create significant value for both brands and the space industry.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as Tricia challenges conventional notions of space tourism and emphasizes the importance of creating real human value in space projects. By connecting corporate interests with meaningful missions, she outlines how to transform sponsorships into impactful partnerships that benefit society at large.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Tricia Nivizzato is the principal of Space Marketing Group, a communications agency specializing in connecting arts and culture with private space projects. With over ten years of experience in the space industry, she has been instrumental in developing marketing strategies that bridge corporate interests with innovative space initiatives.

Tricia's career highlights include successful partnerships with major brands like Red Bull and Lowe's, showcasing her ability to create compelling narratives that resonate with both corporate sponsors and the public. She holds relevant certifications in marketing and communications, further enhancing her expertise in this niche field.

Her recent projects emphasize the importance of human-centered approaches to space exploration, advocating for initiatives that provide tangible benefits to society while fostering a deeper connection between brands and their audiences.

In This Episode

Join host David Goldsmith as he welcomes Yossi Yamin, the director of SpacePharma, a pioneering startup from Israel that is revolutionizing the way we conduct experiments in space. Yossi shares groundbreaking insights on how microgravity and unique conditions in orbit enable the creation of new molecular structures that could change medicine and materials science forever.

Throughout the episode, Yossi discusses the innovative use of CubeSats—miniaturized laboratories that can perform complex experiments in space at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. He highlights specific experiments, such as protein crystallization, peptide self-assembly, and neuron extension, showcasing how these processes yield results that are unattainable on Earth.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as Yossi reveals the implications of these advancements for personal medicine, including efforts to develop tailored treatments for conditions like Parkinson's disease. As they explore these themes, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how space technology can lead to significant breakthroughs in healthcare and beyond.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Yossi Yamin is the director of SpacePharma, an innovative startup based in Israel focused on conducting scientific research in microgravity. With a background in molecular biology and extensive experience in biotechnology, Yossi has been at the forefront of developing new technologies that leverage the unique conditions of space for groundbreaking scientific discoveries.

Under his leadership, SpacePharma has successfully executed multiple experiments aboard CubeSats, exploring areas such as protein crystallization and peptide self-assembly. Yossi's work aims to bridge the gap between space exploration and practical applications on Earth, particularly in pharmaceuticals and personalized medicine.

His vision includes creating a factory in orbit capable of producing high volumes of novel compounds derived from space-based research, ultimately contributing to advancements in healthcare and sustainable living on Earth.

In This Episode

Join David Goldsmith as he welcomes Jeff Grayson, a seasoned expert in the space industry and founder of XCOR Aerospace, to discuss the innovative concept of homesteading the moon. In this enlightening episode, Jeff shares groundbreaking insights on what true lunar settlement entails, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices that diverge from traditional high-tech approaches. He illustrates this with compelling historical analogies, drawing parallels between past colonization efforts on Earth and potential future endeavors on the moon.

Listeners will discover how leveraging local resources can create economically self-sufficient settlements, as Jeff explains the importance of utilizing lunar regolith for habitat construction and food production. The conversation takes unexpected turns as Jeff challenges conventional wisdom about space habitation, advocating for a low-technology approach that prioritizes practicality over extravagance. This episode not only explores the technical aspects of lunar living but also delves into the broader implications for humanity's future in space.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Jeff Grayson is a prominent figure in the aerospace sector, having founded multiple companies including XCOR Aerospace and Agile Aero. With over two decades of experience in the space industry, Jeff has been instrumental in shaping discussions around sustainable lunar habitation. He holds a background in engineering and has contributed significantly to various projects aimed at advancing space exploration.

Throughout his career, Jeff has been recognized for his innovative thinking and ability to challenge conventional paradigms. He has participated in numerous international forums on space development, sharing his insights on how humanity can establish a viable presence beyond Earth. His work emphasizes the importance of local resource utilization and economic self-sufficiency in extraterrestrial environments.

In this episode, Jeff's expertise shines as he navigates complex topics surrounding lunar settlement, making a compelling case for a future where humans thrive on the moon while enhancing life on Earth.

In This Episode

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of space entrepreneurship with Andrew Aldrin, a prominent figure in the space industry and son of the second man on the moon. With a rich background spanning from Sovietology to leadership roles at Boeing and Moon Express, Andrew shares his insights on the evolution of space commercialization and the future of entrepreneurial ventures in this sector.

Key insights from our conversation include the three waves of space commercialization, the critical role of institutional support in fostering innovation, and the emerging opportunities for new entrepreneurs in a rapidly changing market. Andrew emphasizes that today's space economy is vastly different from previous eras, driven by new technologies and a shift towards commercial viability.

Throughout our discussion, Andrew recounts personal anecdotes from his career, illustrating the challenges and triumphs faced by those venturing into space entrepreneurship. He also highlights the importance of education and mentorship in shaping future leaders who can navigate this complex landscape.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Andrew Aldrin is a leading expert in the field of space entrepreneurship, currently serving as an academic and educator focused on fostering innovation within the industry. He has held significant positions at Boeing, United Launch Alliance, and was formerly the president of Moon Express.

Aldrin's career is marked by notable achievements, including contributions to strategic planning for NASA programs and involvement in commercializing space technologies. He holds degrees from prestigious institutions that bolster his expertise in both engineering and business.

Recently, Andrew has been instrumental in developing educational programs aimed at equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in the evolving space economy. His work emphasizes collaboration across universities and industries, aiming to create a new generation of informed entrepreneurs ready to tackle the challenges of space exploration.

In This Episode

Join us as we delve into a captivating conversation with Dennis Poulos, a former US Navy pilot, Top Gun graduate, and director at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. Dennis shares his profound insights on the existential threats facing humanity and the critical role that space exploration, particularly lunar colonization, plays in our survival. He emphasizes that physical separation is essential for evolution and survival, arguing that the moon serves as a vital first step towards becoming a space-faring species.

Throughout the episode, Dennis highlights several existential threats, including supervolcanoes and solar flares, and discusses the potential of space to mitigate these risks. He also shares compelling anecdotes from his extensive career in aerospace and his passion for exploring the unknown. The conversation takes unexpected turns as they discuss societal implications and the need for innovative governance in space exploration.

This episode connects to broader themes of human progress and sustainability, ultimately advocating for a united effort to change how we live on Earth through the opportunities presented by space.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Dennis Poulos is a former US Navy pilot and Top Gun graduate with over 3,500 flight hours. He has served as the director of Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems' advanced concept groups, where he has led initiatives in aerospace innovation. Dennis is passionate about space exploration and believes it is critical for the survival of humanity.

He holds degrees in physics and engineering, which underpin his expertise in aerospace technologies. Throughout his career, he has contributed to numerous projects aimed at advancing human capabilities in space. Dennis is an advocate for using lunar colonization as a means to address existential threats on Earth while fostering new political thoughts and social structures.

His insights during this episode reflect his commitment to exploring how humanity can thrive both on Earth and beyond through sustainable practices and innovative thinking.

In This Episode

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of space resources with our guest, George Sowers, a retired physicist from United Launch Alliance and current professor at the Colorado School of Mines. In this episode, George shares groundbreaking insights on how space resources could initiate the third great economic revolution for humanity, following the agricultural and industrial revolutions.

George highlights the nearly infinite resources available within our solar system, including abundant water at lunar poles and the potential of mining asteroids rich in metals like iron and platinum. He discusses how these resources could transform our approach to energy production, particularly through space solar power, which promises to meet Earth's energy needs sustainably.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as George connects historical economic shifts with future possibilities in space exploration. He emphasizes the broader implications of utilizing space resources not just for technological advancement but for societal progress and environmental sustainability.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

George Sowers is a retired physicist with extensive experience in aerospace engineering, having served at United Launch Alliance (ULA) where he contributed to significant advancements in launch technology. He currently teaches at the Colorado School of Mines, focusing on space resource utilization.

Throughout his career, George has been instrumental in advocating for the economic benefits of space exploration and resource extraction. His research includes studies on mining operations on the Moon and asteroid resource potential.

George holds a Ph.D. in Physics and has authored several publications on space economics and technology. His recent projects involve developing frameworks for sustainable practices in extraterrestrial environments, aiming to bridge the gap between Earth-based needs and space exploration.

This episode reflects George's commitment to advancing human civilization through innovative uses of space resources, emphasizing their potential to create a more sustainable future for all species on Earth.

In This Episode

Join David Goldsmith as he welcomes Neil Cummins, a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Maine, to discuss the sensory experiences and adaptations required for human life in space. Neil, who has worked at NASA Ames Research Center and authored the thought-provoking book "What If the Moon Did Not Exist?", shares groundbreaking insights on how our senses will be challenged in extraterrestrial environments.

Key moments from the conversation include Neil's exploration of how weightlessness affects balance and orientation, leading to "space sickness" for astronauts. He also discusses the unique sensory experiences related to smell and taste in space, revealing that food may taste different due to reduced sensitivity. The discussion takes unexpected turns as Neil highlights the importance of understanding these adaptations for future lunar and Martian habitats, emphasizing their implications for human health and well-being.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Neil Cummins is a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Maine, where he specializes in space sciences. With a rich history at NASA Ames Research Center during the 1980s, he brings invaluable experience to discussions about living in space. Neil is also the author of "What If the Moon Did Not Exist?", a book that explores critical questions about our relationship with the moon.

His significant career achievements include contributions to research on space habitats and sensory experiences in low-gravity environments. Neil holds advanced degrees in physics and has been involved in various educational initiatives aimed at promoting science literacy. His recent projects focus on developing sustainable living solutions for future lunar missions, emphasizing social impacts and technological advancements necessary for human adaptation in space.

In This Episode

Join us as we explore the future of space exploration with Kale Vaha Yakola, captain and co-founder of Space Nation. Kale shares his insights on why humanity's journey to space is not only inevitable but essential for our survival. He emphasizes the importance of the moon as a stepping stone for sustainable human presence beyond Earth, discussing its potential as a resource hub and launch point for deeper space exploration.

Throughout the episode, Kale recounts personal stories from his upbringing in Finland, highlighting how his passion for space was ignited despite a lack of encouragement from those around him. He draws connections between technological advancements and the growing interest in space, explaining how public engagement can drive the next wave of exploration. The conversation takes unexpected turns as they discuss the fragility of current space initiatives and the necessity for global collaboration in this new era.

Ultimately, this episode challenges listeners to rethink their perceptions of space travel and consider its implications for humanity’s future on Earth and beyond.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Kale Vaha Yakola is the captain and co-founder of Space Nation, an organization dedicated to accelerating humanity's transition into a new era of space exploration. With a background in science and a lifelong passion for space, Kale has become a prominent advocate for sustainable human presence beyond Earth.

His career highlights include leading initiatives that aim to engage the public with space exploration and developing innovative solutions that leverage technology for broader accessibility. Kale's insights are informed by both personal experiences and extensive research into the evolving landscape of the space industry.

Through Space Nation, he actively contributes to discussions on global collaboration in space efforts, aiming to inspire future generations to embrace exploration as a fundamental aspect of human nature.

In This Episode

Join us as David Goldsmith welcomes Rand Simberg, president of InterGlobal Media LLC and a seasoned expert in space technology and policy. With over three decades of experience in aerospace engineering, Rand shares his insights on the evolution of space exploration and the pivotal role of private funding.

Throughout the episode, Rand discusses key moments, such as the historical shift from privately funded space science to government-led initiatives post-World War II. He emphasizes that human spaceflight should focus on sustainable development rather than purely scientific exploration. The conversation takes unexpected turns as they explore the implications of the Outer Space Treaty and how it constrains modern space endeavors.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the future of space exploration, including the necessity of a capitalist approach to resource utilization in space. Rand's vision for a thriving space economy challenges traditional notions and highlights the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in shaping our cosmic future.

Episode Outlines

Biography of the Guest

Rand Simberg is the president of InterGlobal Media LLC, specializing in aerospace technology and policy. With over 30 years in the aerospace industry, he has held significant roles at major organizations such as Aerospace Corporation and Rockwell. Rand is recognized for his contributions to discussions around private sector involvement in space exploration.

He holds a background in aerospace engineering and has authored several influential articles on space policy. His recent work focuses on interpreting the Outer Space Treaty to facilitate modern commercial activities in space. Rand is also involved with initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices in extraterrestrial environments, aligning with Project Moon Hut's mission to establish a thriving ecosystem beyond Earth.