Astro Ben Podcast

Sarah Gillis is an SpaceX engineer who is scheduled to fly on Polaris Dawn, the inaugural mission of the Polaris Program. If the trip goes ahead as planned in 2023, she will become the youngest American to reach orbit.

In this episode, Ben and Sarah discuss how she and the crew are preparing for the first commercial EVA mentally and physically, will Sarah be taking her violin to Space and why she and the crew will be putting in contact lenses when they get to Space!

Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor:

Dockside Vaults: www.docksidevaults.com We are proud to have Dockside Vaults as a sponsor for our podcast. Their support will enable us to continue bringing you insightful conversations with leading experts in the space industry. We share their commitment to promoting the space industry, and we look forward to collaborating with them on future events. If you're looking for a stunning venue for your next event, be sure to check out Dockside Vaults. Thank you, Dockside Vaults, for your support!

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Intro to Episode 72: Sarah Gillis

00:56 Please rate, review and subscribe!

01:34 Welcoming Sarah - is she busy currently?

02:00 Recent training

02:50 The EVA

04:20 Mentally preparing for the EVA

06:51 Confidence in team

08:39 Role of Mission Specialist

10:20 How Sarah found out about Polaris Dawn

14:32 Will Sarah take her violin to Space?

15:34 Launch Date

16:18 Experiments on Polaris Dawn

19:47 Youngest American to reach orbit (no pressure!)

21:26 Importance of mentors

23:40 The Inspiration of Inspiration 4!

25:18 How has Crew Dragon changed?

28:05 Mood within SpaceX

30:00 Camera's within the capsule?

30:30 Expected high's

32:21 Wrap up and socials

Follow Sarah Gillis

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Gillis

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gillis_sarahe

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

Website: https://polarisprogram.com/dawn/

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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

Eric Ingram is the Founder and CEO of SCOUT Space Inc., a US-based company developing orbital products and services to enable a new era of space safety and transparency. He is also a Board Member at the Space Frontier Foundation, and is an Organizing Team Member & Ambassador for Mission: AstroAccess.

In this episode, Ben and Eric discuss how to train satellites to become "Space Domain Awareness Data Collectors", why it's important to "just try things" and the crucial work of Astro Access shaping an all inclusive future for humanity in Space.

Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor:

Dockside Vaults: www.docksidevaults.com We are proud to have Dockside Vaults as a sponsor for our podcast. Their support will enable us to continue bringing you insightful conversations with leading experts in the space industry. We share their commitment to promoting the space industry, and we look forward to collaborating with them on future events. If you're looking for a stunning venue for your next event, be sure to check out Dockside Vaults. Thank you, Dockside Vaults, for your support!

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Intro to Eric Ingram

01:42 Eric's background to Space

04:00 Did Covid effect Scouts early days

07:04 What is SCOUT

09:01 How Eric met his business partner

10:33 Space Tugs (orbit fab launch link)

13:05 Future of automation in Space

15:45 Will Scout help the emerging problem of Space junk?

19:35 Partnerships and Collaborations

22:08 Upcoming space missions

24:10 Public perception of 'Space Transportation'

25:55 Astro Access

29:16 Space Frontier foundation

32:12 Advice to young people starting a business in Space

34:20 Wrap ups and social

Follow Eric Ingram

SCOUT SPACE: https://www.scout.space/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/eric_ingram & https://twitter.com/SCOUTdotspace

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCOUTdotspace/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericsingram/ & https://www.instagram.com/scoutdotspace/

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

Press Release on Eric going ZeroG: https://astroaccess.org/aa2flightpressrelease/

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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

Dr. Doug Plata is a physician and public health specialist with a background in biophysics. He is interested in space exploration and is developing a cost-effective transportation method to the Moon using lunar polar ice for propellant. He founded the Space Development Network and created a proposed, fully inflatable base for the initial permanent crew on the Moon and Mars called the InstaBase. He is also organising the Space Fair, a space-themed science fair event aimed at promoting space development concepts and recruiting members for the Space Development Network. Dr. Plata's Plan for Sustainable Space Development covers various aspects of space development, including in-space transportation, infrastructure, habitats, and settlement motivations.

In this episode, Ben and Doug discuss why an Instabase accommodate couples, young peoples interest in the cosmos and the full scale Instabase habitat that is going to be available for people visit Starship's first orbital launch (hopefully) in April 2023 in Boca Chica, Texas.

Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor:

Dockside Vaults: www.docksidevaults.com We are proud to have Dockside Vaults as a sponsor for our podcast. Their support will enable us to continue bringing you insightful conversations with leading experts in the space industry. We share their commitment to promoting the space industry, and we look forward to collaborating with them on future events. If you're looking for a stunning venue for your next event, be sure to check out Dockside Vaults. Thank you, Dockside Vaults, for your support!

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Welcome back after a few weeks off (and please review)

00:46 Dr Doug Plata

01:30 What is Instabase?

03:35 Why in couples? Selection process?

07:22 Instabase location http://developspace.info/display/

09:53 Levels of development

11:40 Scale mock up in Boca Chica, Texas!

13:40 Inflatable habitats

17:24 Space Development Network

20:00 Rocket ranch

21:00 Young peoples interest in space and the space industry changing

26:00 The Moon Mars Analogue Base

32:05 Doug's journey to Space (everyone loves an origin story)

36:23 Virtual tours

Follow Dr Doug Plata

The Space Development Network: http://developspace.info/

Visit the Instabase model: http://developspace.info/display/

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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

"The Galaxis Gal", Inara Tabir, is a science communicator and aerospace connector. She is the president of the Multiplanetary Society and the Executive Director of Gaaays in Spaaace. Her work focuses on bridging the public and the industry to secure our future in space. Her show, Coffee on the Moon, focuses on making space accessible to everyone and talking to people who found unique ways into the industry. She is a former foster child and a trans woman, with a fascinating view of the Space industry.

In this episode, Ben and Inara discuss "The 8th Continent" (aka The Moon), how to shift the focus of the public to bring Space closer to Earth and why the Multiplantary Society will end!

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Intro to the Episode (Please rate, review and share the Podcast!)

00:58 Introduction to Inara Tabir

01:56 The Galaxis Gal https://www.galaxisgal.space/

02:36 Making Humanity Multiplanetary

04:26 How do we do it?

08:20 Back to the Moon

11:35 Importance of Space

17:09 Where Space begins and why the Multiplantary Society will end

19:54 Gaaays in Spaaace

25:20 Advice to young people in the industry

28:39 Gaaays in Spaaace Tickets conference (tickets available now here)

32:58 Wrap Up & Socials

Follow Inara & Galaxis Gal

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GalaxisGal

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GalaxisGal/

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

Instagram (Gays in Space): https://www.instagram.com/gaaaysinspaaace/

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

LinkedIn (Multi Planetary Society): https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-multiplanetary-society/

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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

Luke Fischer, Co-Founder and CEO of SkyFi, has a strong background in aviation, technology, and military industries. His leadership has driven the success of his latest innovative satellite imagery startup SkyFi.

In this episode, Ben and Luke discuss what happens when clouds get in the way of arial pictures, the diverse utility of democratising arial surveillance and the importance of networking!

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:58 Intro to Luke Fischer and What is SkyFi?

02:35 Selfie from Space - or is it?

03:47 Cost of Pics

05:29 How does it work?

08:10 Applications

10:52 Transparency of viewing Earth

12:30 Luke's previous military & arial experience

15:55 Luke's Strategy for building Dream Teams

18:56 Privacy concerns

20:54 The future of arial surveillance

23:55 Possible uses for SkyFi?

28:30 CEO advice

31:00 What about clouds?!

32:34 Would Luke go to Space?

33:36 Wrap Up & Socials

Follow Luke Fischer & SkyFi

Website: https://www.skyfi.com/contact

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkyfiApp

Twitter (Luke's Personal): https://twitter.com/FischerLukeM

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyfi.app/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skyfi-imaging/

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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

Spaceport Cornwall is a launch site for satellites and spaceplanes in the United Kingdom, located at Cornwall Airport Newquay. The project is a partnership between the Cornwall Council and Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit, with the goal of offering low-cost and flexible access to space for small satellite launch providers. Spaceport Cornwall aims to support the growing demand for space-based services and to establish Cornwall as a hub for space-related innovation and technology.

In this episode, Ben and Melissa discuss the plans for Spaceport Cornwall, the ambition to become the first carbon neutral spaceport and what is a Cornish Chough?!

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:59 Melissa Thorpe 01:19 January 9th launch 02:05 Rocket Pride 🚀 03:26 'The Event' of the launch 05:22 Next launch attempt 06:58 Spaceport vs Airport 08:54 Location of Spaceport Cornwall 09:48 Locals reaction to Spaceport Cornwall 12:47 What is a Cornish Chuff? 14:08 Melissa's journey to Space 16:30 UK Space Strategy 19:56 Other launch capabilities at Spaceport Cornwall 22:45 Grassroots effects of Spaceport Cornwall 27:01 Typical day as Head of Spaceport 29:50 Long term aspirations for Spaceport Cornwall 32:18 Wrap up & Socials

Follow Melissa Thorpe

Website: https://spaceportcornwall.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Spacecornwall/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-thorpe/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/melsgoodspace

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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

Meagan is a leading voice in the entrepreneurial space industry and an experienced startup executive and founder, with multiple exits under her belt. She is the host of the Mission Eve podcast that aims to increase the number of women in the space industry and is frequently featured as a thought leader on the industry's development and investment potential.

Meagan is a strong believer in the power of free enterprise as the driving force that will lift humanity permanently off-world. She is managing partner of SpaceFund, a venture capital firm investing in space startups and sits on the board of directors of over a dozen organizations, including both space startups and nonprofits. She holds an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship from Rice University.

In 2009, Meagan co-founded the NewSpace Business Plan Competition, a program focused on educating both entrepreneurs and investors, and catalyzing deal flow and is the world's longest-running space focused BPC. As a manager, coach, and judge for the last decade, she has read over 1,000 space business executive summaries, has coached hundreds of selected teams, and helped award cash prizes to dozens of NewSpace startups.

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:14 Please rate/subscribe to podcast!

00:56 Meagan Crawford

01:38 What is Space Fund

03:00 Journey to launch Space Fund

05:45 Selection Process for Investments

08:01 Current Portfolio

09:58 Difference between a normal VC and a Space VC

12:34 Space Forge

14:36 SEN

14:57 Push and Pull Strategy

17:23 New Space Business Plan

19:24 The Misson Eve Podcast

21:15 Learnings from the Podcast

22:36 The World's First Trillionaire

24:43 Equity of Opportunity

26:30 Government rules and regs

28:58 Future Partnerships/Pace of Investment

30:30 Outside of work

31:46 Wrap Up & Social

Follow Meagan Crawford

Recent Blog: https://spacefund.com/blog/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeaganMCrawford

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

Website: https://spacefund.com/

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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

"Space Prize" seeks to promote universal space literacy and inspire the next generation of private astronauts by connecting private citizens with a thrilling range of astronaut, earthanaut and aquanaut experiences.

In this episode, Ben and Kim discuss where the Space Prize is going next, the importance of mentorship and the role of science communication in inspiring the next generation of young women in Space!

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:16 Please rate and review the podcast!

01:06 Kim Macharia

01:46 Space Prize

04:54 The Pipeline Problem

06:10 Space Literacy

08:13 Space Education

08:50 Telescope in every school in the world

09:52 What are the Space Prize's?

12:04 importance of Mentorship

13:33 Different Judges/Mentors depending on location

14:00 The Application

16:00 Funding

17:30 Locations

19:15 Next Space Prize in May: Brazil

19:37 Challenges of new locations

21:28 Science Communication

22:36 Space Frontier Foundation

25:40 Private companies democratising access to space

27:40 Future in space

28:15 What advice to young people

30:40 Would Kim go to Space?

32:38 Socials and Wrap Up

Follow Kim Macharia

Website: https://www.spaceprize.org/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thespaceprize

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-prize/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thespaceprize

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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

John Kraus "snap", is a photographer based on Florida's Space Coast working to capture rocket launches and other spaceflight activities in Cape Canaveral and around the world. Outside of that work, he serves as the Content Director of the Polaris Program and has worked with and has his images used by space entities such as NASA, SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, the European Space Agency, Inspiration4, the Polaris Program, and more!

In this episode, Ben and John discuss how John got his big break capturing the Inspiration4 mission, pushing the envelope when it comes to Space photography and what it was like covering Inspiration4 and the upcoming Polaris missions!

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:20 Please rate/subscribe/share/do something to promote the podcast!

01:00 John Kraus

02:02 What pic does John use on his desktop?

03:18 Pushing the envelope in space photography

05:00 Rookie mistakes?

07:40 Favourite pictures

13:20 How John started as a photographer

15:09 How John got selected to cover Inspiration4

20:30 Fate works in mysterious ways!

22:07 Being young - an advantage?

26:00 Being an "extra astronaut"

30:02 Does John train astronauts to take pictures?

31:44 Would John go to space?

36:12 How is John going to capture Polaris Dawn launch?

Follow John Kraus

Website: https://www.johnkrausphotos.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnkrausphotos

Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnkrausphotos

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

Some of John's work

FH/USSF-67 images: https://www.johnkrausphotos.com/Galleries/Launches/Falcon-Heavy-USSF-67

All launches John's shot: https://www.johnkrausphotos.com/Galleries/Launches

Polaris Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/polarisprogramphotos/

Recent Polaris Dawn / NASA JSC Chamber photo essay: https://polarisprogram.com/polaris-dawn-crew-participates-in-a-decompression-sickness-study-at-nasas-johnson-space-center/

Inspiration4 Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/inspiration4photos

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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

Freya Blekman is the lead scientist at the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY and professor in elementary particle physics at the University of Hamburg. Freya's research interests include the search for signs of "new physics" using the large hadron collider at CERN and future colliders.

In this episode, Ben and Freya discuss how she went from being cast as a "crazy scientist" in a school play to sitting in the control room of the largest particle collider in the world!

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

0:17 Please rate, subscribe and review the podcast!

01:12 Freya Blekman

02:18 Passion for physics

03:46 CERN CMS https://home.cern/science/experiments/cms

07:07 Location of CERN

08:27 What particles does CERN smash together?

09:47 Discovery of the Higgs Particle

11:08 LHC closed for 3 years

13:40 Aim of LHC

16:21 Quarks

18:38 Control room

20:45 Space and particle physics

23:00 Safety at LHC

26:24 Future discoveries at CERN

28:40 Future colliders

30:26 Advice to next generation of scientists/physicists

33:40 DESY (Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron) and Professor at Hamberg

34:41 Wrap up and socials

Follow Freya Blekman

Website: https://freyablekman.wixsite.com/website

Twitter: https://twitter.com/freyablekman

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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