In-Orbit

Is your space startup truly investible?

In this episode of In-Orbit, host Dallas Campbell is joined by three leading voices from the investment world to unpack what makes the UK space sector so dynamic—and so challenging—for investors and founders alike. Manjari Chandran-Ramesh of Amadeus Capital Partners, Shruti Iyengar from Future Planet Capital, and Nayen Pankhania of the Satellite Applications Catapult share real-world insights on how the space tech landscape is evolving, what investors are looking for, and how founders can bridge the gap between engineering brilliance and commercial clarity.

• (00:00) - Welcome to In-Orbit

The conversation covers everything from the rise of dual-use technologies and defence applications to the critical importance of clear product-market fit. Whether you're a deep tech founder navigating funding options or a curious listener trying to understand where the smart money is going in space, this episode demystifies the venture landscape and offers concrete advice on scaling, strategy, and storytelling.

Manjari Chandran-Ramesh: Partner at Amadeus Capital Partners and Non-Executive Director at the Satellite Applications Catapult, with expertise in deep tech and global investment strategy.

Shruti Iyengar: Investment Manager at Future Planet Capital, leading the UK Innovation and Science Seed Fund's space sub-fund with a focus on impact-driven startups.

Nayen Pankhania: Investment and Strategic Finance Director at the Satellite Applications Catapult, working to increase capital flow and commercial readiness across the UK space ecosystem.

Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Website
Amadeus Capital Partners: Website
Future Planet Capital: Website

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

What does it take to build a truly connected and collaborative space sector?

In this bonus episode of Outer Orbit, host Dallas Campbell sits down with Simone Hartless, Head of Capabilities and Clusters at the Satellite Applications Catapult, to unpack how the UK’s space ecosystem is evolving. From Connected Capability Networks (CCNs) to local space clusters, Simone explains the infrastructure behind innovation—linking academia, industry, and government across regions.

Simone shares how actively managed clusters and CCNs enable 'curated serendipity', creating environments where chance encounters become strategic collaborations. They explore the challenges of sustaining these networks, the role of cluster managers, and how national growth in space employment is being driven by regional participation. Whether you're an SME, a researcher, or just space-curious, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how space innovation is nurtured across the UK.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Outer Orbit

Simone Hartless: Head of Capabilities and Clusters at the Satellite Applications Catapult, Simone leads efforts to grow and connect the UK space ecosystem. She specialises in creating strategic networks that link industry, academia, and government to accelerate innovation in space data and technology.

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.

What if the key to solving Earth-based challenges lies in space?

In this episode of In-Orbit, host Dallas Campbell explores Connected Capability Networks (CCNs) with guests Simone Hartless, Phil Carvil, and Jessie Hamill-Stewart. Together, they unpack how CCNs are transforming the UK's approach to space innovation by linking experts from space and non-space sectors. From cybersecurity to pharmaceuticals and even cosmetics, CCNs are creating "actively curated serendipity," enabling collaboration across disciplines that wouldn't otherwise intersect.

• (00:00) - Welcome to In-Orbit

Listeners will hear how initiatives like the CyCCN bring together cybersecurity specialists and space domain awareness experts, while pilot programmes across the UK target agriculture, connectivity, and beyond-Earth solutions.

This episode offers a unique glimpse into how cross-sector innovation is driven by practical workshops, strategic roadmaps, and a commitment to demystifying space. It also explores the national strategy behind the networks and how they aim to foster sustainable growth, create jobs, and position the UK as a global space leader.

Simone Hartless: Head of Capabilities and Clusters at the Satellite Applications Catapult, leading innovation and business support services, cluster development, and national engagement across the UK space ecosystem.

Phil Carvil: Head of Clusters at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), part of UKRI, focused on connecting regional science and innovation strengths through space cluster development and policy alignment.

Jessie Hamill-Stewart: PhD researcher in cybersecurity and space at the Universities of Bristol and Bath, and lead on the CySpace CCN. She specialises in securing space domain awareness and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Website
Science and Technology Facilities Council: Website
CySpace: Website

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

Can space help us live longer, healthier lives?

In this bonus episode of Outer Orbit, host Dallas Campbell is joined by Dr Martin Braddock, founder of GENIXICONSULTING and biopharma expert, to explore the cutting edge of space health innovation. From the surprising benefits of microgravity for drug development to the plausibility of human hibernation on long-duration space missions, their conversation covers the science fiction-sounding breakthroughs that are becoming science fact.

They delve into research on cellular ageing in space, the potential for torpor as a medical tool, and why structural biology in orbit could transform pharmaceutical pipelines on Earth. Braddock brings decades of experience and a unique perspective on how space could revolutionise healthcare.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Outer Orbit

Dr Martin Braddock: Founder of GENIXICONSULTING and former biopharma executive with nearly 30 years' experience in drug discovery and development. His work bridges academia and industry, with a focus on translating frontier science into real-world health solutions.

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.

Could space be the key to better, faster drug development?

In this episode of In-Orbit, host Dallas Campbell explores how microgravity environments are reshaping the future of pharmaceuticals. With guests Dr Martin Braddock from GENIXICONSULTING and William Birch from the Satellite Applications Catapult, the discussion dives into why the absence of gravity enables better crystal growth, enhances drug discovery, and opens new possibilities for biomanufacturing in space. The episode unpacks both the science and commercial potential of conducting pharmaceutical R&D off-planet, from creating more effective drugs to future ambitions like 3D bioprinting human tissue in orbit.

The conversation doesn’t shy away from the challenges — including cost, regulatory barriers, and the need for new infrastructure. Whether you're a pharmaceutical innovator, space enthusiast, or curious about the intersection of health and space, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into how drug development could be transformed in the next decade.

• (00:00) - Welcome to In-Orbit

William Birch: Strategic Account Director for Space at the Satellite Applications Catapult, where he connects industry players to drive R&D and economic growth in the UK space sector. Formerly worked in biomedical corporate finance with a focus on longevity research.

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

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

What happens when drones meet autonomy, AI, and quantum computing?

In this bonus episode of Outer Orbit, Dallas Campbell dives deep into the drone revolution with Phillip Coglan, manager of the Drone Test and Development Centre. They unpack the evolving definition of drones, explore the incredible breadth of their applications across industries like agriculture, construction, defence, and even space exploration, and examine why drone development has skyrocketed in recent years.

Phillip explains how their facility supports testing, training, and innovation, including building a massive Kevlar drone cage to help companies meet safety regulations. From drone swarms and Mars rovers to autonomous flight paths and sensor integration, this conversation highlights how drones are rapidly shaping our future.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Outer Orbit

Meet the Guest:

Phillip Coglan: Manager of the Drone Test and Development Centre, Phil leads one of the UK's most advanced drone testing facilities. With a background in autonomous systems and a career starting in 2008, he brings deep expertise in drone R&D, safety compliance, and cross-industry applications.

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.

How does space technology enable self-driving cars, autonomous drones, and next-generation logistics?

In this episode of In-Orbit, host Dallas Campbell explores the rapidly evolving world of autonomy with Chris Brook of the Satellite Applications Catapult and Jim Campbell of Sutherland Campbell International. Together, they unpack how advances in satellite infrastructure, AI, and real-time data transfer are transforming sectors from aviation and defence to public transport and shipping.

This conversation delves into the crucial role of space in providing connectivity and precision navigation, especially in environments where terrestrial networks fall short. They also discuss the UK’s opportunity to lead in setting global standards and regulations for autonomous systems. Whether you’re curious about the future of autonomous mobility, the intersection of space and AI, or the geopolitical implications of satellite technology, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges and breakthroughs shaping the future.

• (00:00) - Welcome to In-Orbit

Meet the Guests:

Chris Brook: Mission Manager at the Satellite Applications Catapult, Chris leads initiatives that apply space-based solutions to terrestrial challenges, with a focus on enabling autonomy through improved satellite navigation and connectivity.

Jim Campbell: Managing Director of Sutherland Campbell International, Jim advises high-tech and automotive organisations across Europe, helping them adopt innovative technologies, particularly in connected and autonomous mobility.

Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Website
Sutherland Campbell International: LinkedIn

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

Welcome to In-Orbit – the fortnightly podcast exploring how technology from space is empowering a better world.

This podcast is brought to you by the Satellite Applications Catapult, a UK technology and innovation company driving economic growth through the commercialisation of space, and hosted by writer and broadcaster, Dallas Campbell.

The UK has always played a pivotal role in transforming the space sector, but the opportunity for us to become a global leader is now. As a nation, we need to become the world’s best adopters of new space technologies, harness the strength of our industries, and exploit the benefits of being in orbit.

Across this new series, we’ll be in conversation with the expert minds behind these new innovations, exploring the ways that the UK is translating data from space into real-world impact.

Join us on our journey exploring how the UK is using space to make huge differences to our everyday lives, as well as gaining a better understanding of its role in shaping – and sustaining – our planet for the future.

Satellite Applications Catapult: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook

Today, in our series finale, our host Dallas Campbell is sitting down one-on-one with the CEO of the Satellite Applications Catapult, John Abbott.

We dive into John’s career journey and what inspired his entry into the space industry, eventually leading him to helm the Catapult. Alongside his vision for our future, we explore the role of collaboration - bridging efforts with government, non-space industries, and academia - in driving innovation and growth. 

From fostering talent to building cross-industry partnerships, this conversation will shed light on the strategies shaping the future of space exploration and commercialisation.

Thank you for joining us for this series of In-Orbit – we’ll be taking a short break, but we'll be back soon with a brand new series.

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

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

In this episode of Outer-Orbit, we talk with Pat Mathewson, Head of Business Strategy and Analysis at Astroscale to explore space economics and examine the growing role that space plays in global markets.

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.

• Astroscale:LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.