In Her Orbit

In this episode we're joined by Cassie Lee, Vice President of Business Development at Star Catcher, to talk about building a career in space that doesn’t always follow a straight line. From aerospace engineering at NASA to journalism, climate technology, philanthropy, and now building the first power grid in space, Cassie shares how unexpected opportunities have shaped her career.

Cassie also discusses the importance of creating a sense of belonging in the space industry, her work co-founding the Brooke Owens Fellowship, and why the next generation of space leaders should embrace the unique experiences and perspectives they bring to the industry.

Brooke Owens Fellowship:
Apply Here by October 4th, 2026!

---

Where to find Cassie:
Linkedin

Learn more about Star Catcher:
Star Catcher's website
Linkedin
Instagram
Youtube
X

---
Hosted by Shawn Linam
Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz

---

Supported by Qwaltec

---
Find In Her Orbit on:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook

Shawn sits down with Debra Facktor, Head of U.S. Space Systems for Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. to explore a career shaped by curiosity, pioneering spirit, and community.

Debra shares how a chance realization in high school led her to aerospace engineering, her experiences as one of relatively few women in the field, and her unexpected path to leading a U.S. office in Moscow during the transition from the Cold War to international space collaboration. She also discusses her work with Kistler Aerospace, one of the early pioneers of privately funded commercial spaceflight, and the lessons those early ventures helped bring to today’s commercial space industry.

Make sure to check out this incredible conversation on finding your north star and letting your core values guide the way!

---

Where to find Debra:

Linkedin

---
Hosted by Shawn Linam
Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz

---

Supported by Qwaltec

---
Find In Her Orbit on:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook

In our first episode back from our summer break, we are joined by Alex Duran, a Technical Program Manager at Viasat. Alex takes us behind the scenes of building and testing a satellite the size of a school bus on the Viasat-3 Flight 2 and Flight 3 programs, from integrating thousands of components to navigating the inevitable challenges that come with getting a spacecraft ready for launch.  

Alex also shares her experience leading the Viasat Women’s Alliance and how it helped her combat imposter syndrome while also building a strong community of women with similar challenges to lean on and grow with.

---

Where to find Alex:

Linkedin

---
Hosted by Shawn Linam
Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz

---

Supported by Qwaltec

---
Find In Her Orbit on:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook

In this episode, we’re joined by Kelli Kedis Ogborn, a space economy strategist and Strategic Advisor for Global Markets and Industry Engagement at the Commercial Space Federation (CSF). Kelli shares her story from studying international security and conflict resolution to becoming a leading voice in commercial space, explaining how strategy, policy, investment, and global partnerships are shaping the future of the space economy. She also discusses the importance of building sustainable space infrastructure, translating emerging technologies into real-world impact, and balancing an international career with motherhood.

---

Where to find Kelli:

LinkedIn
Website

---
Hosted by Shawn Linam
Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz

---

Supported by Qwaltec

---
Find In Her Orbit on:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook

In this episode, we’re joined by Jasmine Singh, a planetary scientist, science communicator, and graduate researcher studying some of the most exciting questions in space exploration today. Jasmine shares her journey from a childhood fascination with the solar system to working on NASA’s Europa Clipper mission, which is investigating the habitability of Jupiter’s icy moon Europa and its vast subsurface ocean. We also explore her passion for science communication, how she built an online community of more than 100,000 space enthusiasts, and why representation, outreach, and public engagement are critical to the future of STEM.

---

Where to find Jasmine:

Twitter
Instagram
Bluesky
Website
For outreach, collabs, and inquiries: [email protected]

---
Hosted by Shawn Linam
Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz

---

Supported by Qwaltec

---
Find In Her Orbit on:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook

In this episode, Lisa Morris, Vice President of Operations at Solestial, walks us through her career from an industrial engineer to a leader in advanced manufacturing and commercial space. We also dive into Solestial’s groundbreaking space solar technology, the rapid growth of Arizona’s commercial space ecosystem, and Lisa’s perspective on building resilient teams and scalable solutions that will power the future of space exploration.

---

Where to find Lisa:

LinkedIn

Where to find Solestial:

Solestial
Solestial's Instagram

---
Hosted by Shawn Linam
Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz

---

Supported by Qwaltec

---
Find In Her Orbit on:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook

In this episode, we’re joined by Kristina Gatto, an astrophysicist, content creator, and founder of NOVA (the Network for Outreach and Vocation in Astronomy), to talk about her journey from a space-obsessed kid in New Jersey to a physics PhD student and astronomy advocate. Kristina shares how encouragement, mentorship, and community helped her overcome self-doubt and pursue astrophysics. We also explore her passion for outreach which led her to the creation of NOVA, a network of students from all over the world helping each other achieve careers in space.

---

Where to find Kristina:

NOVA's Website
TikTok
Kristina's Instagram
NOVA's Instagram

---
Hosted by Shawn Linam
Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz

---

Supported by Qwaltec

---
Find In Her Orbit on:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook

In this episode, we’re joined by Charlie McGillis, a retired Air Force Colonel and founder and CEO of 2 Polaris & Beyond, LLC. Charlie shares how her early curiosity, shaped by travel, a military family, and mentorship, led her to engineering, a long-held career as an intelligence officer, and ultimately, to use her expertise in national security to start her own business in the space industry. Charlie also reflects on leadership, the importance of mentorship, and her passion for empowering and guiding women in STEM. Tune in now!

---

Where to find Charlie:

Charlie's LinkedIn
2 Polaris & Beyond

---
Hosted by Shawn Linam
Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz

---

Supported by Qwaltec

---
Find In Her Orbit on:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook

Join us for a conversation with Laura Stiles, Director of New Shepard Flight Operations at Blue Origin and a newly minted Blue Origin astronaut, to explore her journey from studying engineering physics to launching to space.

Laura shares how an early NASA internship sparked her passion for aerospace, how she found her place in the industry through different roles at Blue Origin, and what it’s like to train commercial astronauts. We also dive into her last-minute selection to be a crew member for the NS-38 mission in January of 2026 and how this experience will impact both her work and personal aspirations.

---

Where to find Laura:

Laura's LinkedIn
Laura's Instagram

---
Hosted by Shawn Linam
Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz

---

Supported by Qwaltec

---
Find In Her Orbit on:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook

We’re joined by Izzy House, a marketing strategist, author, and space industry communicator who blends creativity with a passion for exploration. We explore her journey from running marketing firms to writing books on marketing the space industry, launching both a podcast and magazine, and writing children’s books that introduce STEM concepts through space adventures. Izzy also discusses her work with SpaceCom and Civil Air Patrol, her efforts to improve public understanding of the space industry, and why storytelling and outreach are essential for the future of space exploration.

Where to find Izzy:

Izzy's Website
SpaceCom Second Stage
Global Spaceport Alliance
SpaceCom

---
Hosted by Shawn Linam
Produced and edited by Sicily Seitz

---

Supported by Qwaltec

---
Find In Her Orbit on:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook