In-Orbit

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 Laboratory to explore the technological leap that is allowing regulators to pinpoint "super-emitters" from orbit.

Spence explains the Environment Agency's Methane Action Plan and the challenge of regulating fugitive emissions from sectors such as waste and agriculture. Meanwhile, Charlotte details how the NPL is providing the essential measurement science to ensure the accuracy and traceability of this complex satellite data, which is now capable of detecting leaks at the facility scale. 

With new satellites, such as Carbon Mapper’s Tanager-1, offering the ability to attribute emissions with a resolution of 50 metres, the data is becoming a game-changer for regulators and policymakers seeking to turn intelligence into enforcement. This conversation is essential for understanding how better data leads to better decisions and how the commercialisation of space is creating new accountability standards globally.

• (00:00) - Welcome to In-Orbit

Spence Seaman: Energy & Resources Lead for Adaptation within the Environmental Permitting Regime (EPR) and Methane Action Plan at the Environment Agency. A veteran environmental regulator, Spence leads the Agency's efforts to focus on methane emissions, driving improved performance, better data quality, and the effective use of regulatory tools like leak detection and repair (LDAR) across industrial sectors.

Charlotte Massey: Strategic Business Development Manager for both Greenhouse Gases and Earth Observation at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Charlotte is responsible for the strategic direction of NPL's measurement science, connecting the UK's core measurement infrastructure to advanced technologies like space-based monitoring to ensure data quality, scientific agreement, and international traceability.

Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Website
Environment Agency: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Website
National Physical Laboratory: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, YouTube, Website

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

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 with users—like farmers—to understand their challenges and then translates those needs into requirements for technology developers. 

This conversation explores the vital role of creativity and playfulness in the design process, from user research to interactive workshops using Lego. Join us to understand how this human-centred approach is shaping a more accessible and user-friendly future for space technology.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Outer Orbit

Giulia Bencini: Senior Service Designer at the Satellite Applications Catapult, where she supports the space sector in adopting a needs-driven approach to technology development. Her work involves user research, facilitating workshops, and translating user needs into technological requirements for development.

Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Website

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

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 problems. 

The conversation highlights how listening deeply to users, from farmers to city planners, and testing ideas early can translate complex satellite data into tangible, beneficial applications on Earth. 

• (00:00) - Welcome to In-Orbit

Vasant Chari: Director of Regional & Local Growth at the Connected Places Catapult, he applies user-centred design principles to public transport and urban environments, focusing on human factors and real-world interactions.

Tim Dudas: Co-founder of Openstead, an early-stage startup that uses a software solution to incentivise adaptation in the built environment to reduce climate risk.

Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Website
Connected Places Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Instagram, Website
Openstead: LinkedIn, Website

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

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 remote GP surgeries have reliable internet to equipping ambulances with constant connectivity, this conversation reveals how space technology can solve real-world problems and drive significant innovation. We also discuss the importance of making this technology accessible and understood by the public, ensuring its widespread adoption. 

• (00:00) - Welcome to Outer Orbit

Gaurangi Bajpai: A senior telecom systems engineer at the Satellite Applications Catapult, Gaurangi is a key expert involved in the UK Space Agency’s “Unlocking Space for Government” programme. She provides insight into how space-based technologies are being used to tackle connectivity challenges in crucial sectors like health and transport.

Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Website

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

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 discuss high-traffic enterprise spaces and the crucial role of private networks. They explore how projects like Arana are creating more reliable, efficient, and profitable connectivity for venues and local authorities.

• (00:00) - Welcome to In-Orbit

The conversation also uncovers how satellite technology provides the essential resilience needed to support these new networks, ensuring seamless service and a better user experience for everyone. From live event drone deliveries to managing smart ports, discover how this technology is shaping the future. 

Mutasem Hamdan: From Samsung Research, Mutasem works on AI for communication and is a key figure in addressing connectivity challenges for the future of 6G. His expertise lies in using machine learning as a tool to improve network performance. 

Gaurangi Bajpai: Senior Telecom Systems Engineer at the Satellite Applications Catapult, Gaurangi focuses on ubiquitous connectivity. Her work involves integrating satellite connectivity into solutions for various industries to solve reliability problems in both standard and non-standard ways.

Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Website
Samsung Research: LinkedIn, Website

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

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 weightless, airless environment of space on Earth.

Dallas and Jeremy discuss the facility's recent £2 million upgrade, which includes an advanced Gravity Offload System and a new lighting system that simulates the sun's harsh glare in low Earth orbit. Learn how these new technologies are enabling the UK to become a leader in autonomous satellite servicing, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Outer Orbit

Jeremy Hadall: Jeremy Hadall is the Robotics Development Lead at the Satellite Applications Catapult. He is responsible for the design and development of the unique ISAM Facility, a terrestrial testing environment for in-orbit satellite servicing and assembly. His expertise focuses on using robotics to replicate the challenges of working in space.

Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Website

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

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 how to address pressing workforce challenges, including mid-career skills gaps, inclusivity, and the need for continuous training.

Guests share insights into successful initiatives like the Space Skills Survey, the Training Programs Fund, and the SPIN internship scheme, as well as strategies to encourage career changers and promote diversity of thought.

• (00:00) - Welcome to In-Orbit

Bernice Huntley: Future Workforce Lead at the UK Space Agency, focusing on addressing skills gaps, supporting training initiatives, and promoting diversity in the UK space industry.

Calypso Kulasegram: Head of Operations at Orbit Fab, overseeing HR, procurement, finance, and recruitment, and advocating for inclusive hiring practices that drive innovation.

Kathryn Graham: Systems Engineer with nearly 30 years of experience in aerospace and space industries, specialising in CPD training, graduate development, and cross-sector recruitment for space.

Zaria Serfontein: Product Strategy Engineer at AstroScale, working across engineering, business, and policy to bridge gaps between sectors and support mid-career professionals entering the space industry.

Dr. Chris Toomer: Academic at the University of the West of England and member of the Space Universities Network, dedicated to building stronger links between academia and industry and improving access to space careers.

Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Website
UK Space Agency: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Website

Orbit Fab: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Website

Astroscale: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, YouTube, Website
KISPE Space: LinkedIn, Website
UWE: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Website

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

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 requirement but a commercial necessity for sustainable and scalable space activity.

From interoperability in docking mechanisms to clear regulatory frameworks, the conversation dives into how shared protocols can lower mission costs, reduce risks, and attract investment. Stella shares her experience managing a diverse portfolio of space projects, highlighting emerging technologies in debris mitigation, in-orbit servicing, and in-space recycling.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Outer Orbit Live from ISAM Conference 2025

Gary Cannon: Space Segment Lead at Satellite Applications Catapult, Gary is an advocate for open and interoperable standards in space servicing. His expertise spans technical design, commercial risk reduction, and fostering international collaboration in ISAM.

Stella Tkatchova: Programme Manager for Space Systems at the European Innovation Council, Stella manages a diverse portfolio covering space debris sustainability, enabling technologies, and Earth observation. With a PhD in Aerospace Engineering and extensive experience in ESA and EU programmes, she is a leading voice on ISAM and debris mitigation.

Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Website
European Innovation Council: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Website

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

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), Italian Space Agency (ASI), OHB, and GMV, the panel explores strategic priorities, mission developments, commercial opportunities, and regulatory challenges.

From pioneering demo missions and robotic assembly to tackling debris and building a circular economy in space, this episode highlights how Europe is taking bold steps in space sustainability. Discover how ESA is leading by example, what barriers industry still faces, and why collaboration, innovation, and risk-taking will be key to staying ahead in the growing global ISAM market.

• (00:00) - Introduction to In-Orbit Podcast

Irene Huertas Garcia: GNC System Engineer at ESA, Irene provides institutional insights into ESA's evolving ISAM roadmap, sustainability efforts, and mission strategy.

Matt Cook: Head of Space Exploration at the UK Space Agency, Matt shares the UK’s policy direction, strategic goals, and investments in programs like ADRIOS and ClearSpace One.

Enrico Cavallini: Head of Space Transportation & In-Orbit Servicing at ASI, Enrico outlines Italy’s national ISAM roadmap and its pioneering demo mission for servicing and debris removal.

Timo Stuffler: Director of Business Development at OHB, Timo gives an industrial view on ClearSpace One, new-space challenges, and balancing innovation with regulation.

Juan Bevan: Head of Space at GMV, Juan highlights the company’s robotics, capture interface, and antenna assembly contributions to European ISAM projects.

Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Website
GMV: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Website
ESA: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Website
ASI - Italian Space Agency: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Website
OHB: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Website
UK Space Agency: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Website

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

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 sector. With a background in engineering and machine learning, and experience with early Google driverless car projects, Manjari brings a unique lens to the conversation on emerging technology and venture capital.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Outer Orbit

Manjari Chandran-Ramesh: Partner at Amadeus Capital and non-executive director at the Satellite Applications Catapult. She brings over a decade of experience investing in AI, robotics, and quantum technologies and has a PhD in machine learning. Manjari has helped scale deep tech businesses from research through to commercial exit.

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.

Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Website

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.