Small engineering firms are not just competing with the primes… they may be the future of national security space.

Janet Grondin, CEO of Stellar Solutions, joins Mission Critical to explain why small systems engineering companies are positioned to solve the hardest problems in the space ecosystem, and why culture has become a strategic advantage.

With more than 27 years of leadership across the Air Force, Space Force and Northrop, Janet has seen every side of the industry. At Stellar, she leads a company built on a culture of empowerment that removes bureaucracy and lets engineers solve mission critical problems at speed. From helping stand up Space Systems Command International Affairs to supporting early stage space companies through Stellar Ventures, Janet offers a rare view into how innovation truly moves inside national security space.

If you work in defense, space, engineering or government acquisition, this conversation offers a clear eyed look at how the ecosystem is changing. Whether you are a program manager, recruiter, founder or policy leader, Janet's insights reveal the realities shaping the next decade of space capability.

You will learn: • Why small engineering firms often outperform the primes • How culture becomes a competitive advantage in national security space • Why SDA's integration challenges need small, nimble strike teams • The biggest blockers facing early stage space companies selling to government • What the next generation of Space Force talent must bring to the mission • How Stellar Ventures connects breakthrough technologies to real government needs

Connect with Janet:https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetgrondin/https://stellarsolutions.com/

Connect with Katherine Jerald:http://www.elraysearch.com

Small drones are no longer just tools... they're transforming the very nature of warfare. Retired Major General Frank Muth joins Mission Critical to explain why the battlefield of tomorrow is already here, and how Deltawerx Aerospace is building drones designed for it.

Frank shares the mission of Deltawerx Aerospace; building ultra-compact drones with changeable payloads that deploy in seconds. With over 200 patents and a product the size of a deck of cards, Deltawerx is answering the Army's call to arm every warfighter with their own drone—now, not five years from now.

If you work in defense, aerospace, or adjacent technologies, this conversation offers a frontline view of how unmanned systems, AI, and rapid deployment platforms are shifting warfare's center of gravity. Whether you're an operator, strategist, recruiter or policymaker, the implications are massive.

You'll learn:

· Why every war fighter may soon carry their own drone

· How expendable, pocket-sized UAVs are reshaping strategy

· Why U.S. policy must accelerate to keep pace with adversaries

· How drone tech is rewriting the economic and psychological calculus of war

· The leadership mindset needed to navigate this moment of military transformation

Connect or learn more about Frank: Connect with Frank Muth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-muth Connect with Katherine Jerald: http://www.elraysearch.com Mission Critical is produced in partnership with https://www.podlad.com

04At just nineteen, Onkar Singh Batra is redefining what it means to lead in aerospace. As founder and CEO of Apolink, a YC-backed startup building a 24/7 Internet for satellites, he's tackling one of space's most complex challenges; eliminating communication dead zones in low Earth orbit.

In this episode, Onkar shares how he went from launching satellites in high school to leading a Silicon Valley space-tech company, what he's learned about leadership before his 20th birthday, and why true innovation in aerospace comes from those willing to think differently.

"You can't go at it alone. Space forces you to be a team player."

This conversation isn't just about technology. It's about the next generation of aerospace leadership — visionaries who value mission over pedigree, teamwork over ego, and impact over age.

Inside this episode: – How Apolink is building the always-on communication layer for low Earth orbit – What it takes to earn credibility as a young founder in aerospace – The funding and focus behind YC's newest space startup – How leadership evolves when you're managing engineers twice your age – Why slowing down and reconnecting with nature cured his founder burnout – What "the next frontier of connectivity" means for the future of aerospace operations

If you're in aerospace, defense, or satellite communications, this episode is a look at the kind of leadership and innovation that will shape the industry's future.

Connect with Onkar Singh Batrahttps://apolink.spacehttps://www.instagram.com/ionkarbatrahttp://linkedin.com/in/ionkarbatra

Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

Katherine welcomes Jim Rimay, President of MilDef US, a systems integrator and full-spectrum provider specializing in rugged IT for the most demanding military and government environments.

With Swedish roots and a growing U.S. presence, MilDef is bridging two worlds, bringing Nordic collaboration and balance to the fast-paced American defense market. Jim shares how cultural integration, customization, and a "win-win" mindset are driving MilDef's expansion and redefining what it means to lead in defense technology.

"No lone wolf out here is going to make it. What we're selling is a whole company approach to supporting the customer." — Jim Rimay

This conversation goes beyond products and procurement. It's about people, culture, and the kind of leadership that builds lasting partnerships in the defense industry.

Inside this episode: – How MilDef balances standard COTS products with rapid customization – Why collaboration between engineers and sales teams drives better solutions – How Swedish 'Fika' and wellness culture are shaping U.S. operations – What Jim looks for when hiring BD managers ("people who talk in we statements, not I") – The biggest mistake BD managers make — and how to avoid it – Why listening is the most underrated sales skill in defense – MilDef's expansion across U.S. regional facilities and new strategic partnerships

If you work in defense, recruiting, or technology, this episode is a reminder that real differentiation comes from trust, culture, and a commitment to building together.

Connect with Jim Rimayhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jrimay/ https://mildef.com Connect with Katherine Jeraldhttp://www.elraysearch.com Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

You can now follow mission critical on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MissionCriticalSearch In a time when AI-generated noise clutters every feed, Jon Ostrower is doing the opposite; Building a trusted, slow growth media brand rooted in depth, clarity, and real human connection.

In this episode, Jon shares the founding story of The Air Current and the contrarian media bet that made it one of aerospace's most respected outlets. From his time at CNN and The Wall Street Journal to launching a premium aerospace newsletter, Jon walks us through how The Air Current avoids hype and rewrites the rules of aviation journalism.

"Time is the ultimate luxury good in 2025. Your ability to sit and think and reflect on what's going on around you that's the most valuable thing we have."

This conversation isn't just about media. It is about how industry leaders need to think

• Slower, more strategic growth
• Acknowledging aerospace's maturity and preparing for scarce growth
• Why verticalization may be the answer to complex supply chains
• How AI can help, just not where you think
• And how true strategy requires time to think, not just firefighting

If you are in aerospace or defense, this episode is a masterclass in how to stay ahead by slowing down.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

1. Why The Air Current ignores SEO trends and popups and what that teaches us about audience trust
2. The scarcity of growth reality in aerospace, and what mature markets need to hear
3. How vertical integration is shaping the future of aerospace giants like Airbus and SpaceX
4. Why defense is set for a different growth trajectory and how global conflict is influencing strategy
5. The real meaning of being strategic in a complex system like aerospace
6. What senior execs are actually reading and why you shouldn't chase clicks

Connect with Jon Ostrower

Jon Ostrower on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-ostrower-7641557/ Visit The Air Current: https://theaircurrent.com

Connect with Katherine Jerald: http://www.elraysearch.com

Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

What makes a space company win? According to Debra Facktor, it's not just engineering — it's the people.

As Head of U.S. Space Systems at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc., Debra has led the organization through one of its boldest pivots to date — from a missed contract opportunity to becoming a key player in the SDA's Tranche 1 and 2 programs. But as she reveals in this conversation, the real transformation wasn't just technical. It was cultural.

In this episode, Debra explains how Airbus U.S. scaled up operations, developed a new satellite bus, and embraced speed — all while putting people first. From hiring for entrepreneurial mindsets to building a mission-driven workforce, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, resilience, and the human side of defense innovation.

💡 What You'll Learn:

• How Airbus U.S. bounced back from a missed bid to win major SDA contracts
• Why culture and trust are more critical than process in high-speed programs
• The qualities Debra looks for when hiring engineers, leaders, and innovators
• How Airbus U.S. bridges startup agility with big-industry resources
• The hidden link between internal culture and external contract wins

"You can have the best idea ever and a not so good team — it's not going to work. You have a great team and maybe an okay idea, and it can be fantastic. Great teams can elevate mediocre ideas. And they can also creatively figure out a way around the obstacles — the real obstacles and the perceived obstacles — the obstacles that they put in their head. They're really not obstacles at all. They're just made up."

— Debra Facktor

🔗 Learn More:

• Visit Airbus U.S.: https://www.airbusus.com
• Connect with Debra Facktor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-facktor-86aaa2224/

Produced in partnership with: http://www.podlad.com

What's the secret behind one of the fastest-scaling satellite companies in Europe? According to Tina Ghataore, it's not just tech — it's talent, vertical integration, and the courage to challenge industry narratives.

In this episode, Tina Ghataore, Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer at Aerospacelab, reveals the leadership and strategy behind building a global satellite business with staying power. From the upcoming launch of their mega factory to the complexities of international defense markets, Tina shares how Aerospacelab is pushing beyond the "one-box-fits-all" approach and designing spacecraft with real mission flexibility.

She also opens up about her global leadership style, lessons from her Boeing years, and what it means to manage a team that spans continents, time zones, and expectations — without burning out or losing touch.

In this episode, you'll discover:

1. Why standardized satellite buses don't work for every mission — and what to do instead
2. How Tina thinks about building resilient pipelines across government, commercial, and institutional buyers
3. Why real innovation means keeping the customer's mission at the center — not scaling at their expense
4. How she leads global teams with flat structure, high energy, and zero ego
5. What's keeping her up at night — and why the future of space needs more than protectionism

"You cannot lose connectivity. You cannot have delays. You cannot wait. You have to be able to move, and you have to be able to communicate." – Tina Ghataore

🚀 What You'll Also Hear:

• Behind the scenes of the new mega factory and what it means for EU-based production
• Why sovereign capability is becoming a strategic necessity for many nations
• How Tina balances presence, scale, and real-time leadership across three continents
• Her take on VC trends: when funding backs founders, not launches — and what that means for credibility
• Why hiring people smarter than you isn't just good leadership — it's survival

🔗 Connect with Tina Ghataore & Aerospacelab:

• Website: https://www.aerospacelab.com
• LinkedIn (Tina): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinaghataore/
• LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/aerospacelab/

Produced in partnership with: http://www.podlad.com

What happens when innovation, mission-critical needs, and geopolitical shifts come together in one game-changing deal? In this episode, we talk to Per Norén, CEO of Ovzon AB, a Swedish satellite communications company that's leading the way in secure, mobile connectivity solutions.

Per shares insights on Ovzon's $110 million contract with the Swedish Defense Material Administration, marking a milestone in mission-critical satellite connectivity. This isn't just about technology—it's about resilience, speed, and the future of satellite communications in defense. From breaking into the U.S. defense market to launching their Ovzon 3 satellite, Ovzon is paving the way for mobile, ultra-resilient satellite terminals that are changing how defense and emergency services operate.

If you're in the aerospace or defense sectors, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of satellite communication, what's next for defense technology, and how Ovzon's commitment to flexibility and performance is shaping the industry.

💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why mobility, performance, and resiliency are the core pillars of Ovzon's success in mission-critical satellite connectivity
2. How Ovzon secured its largest contract to date and the steps taken to build strong relationships with key defense stakeholders
3. What makes Swedish engineering and innovation stand out in the global satellite sector
4. Why LEO constellations and GEO satellites are complementary technologies, not competitors
5. What's next for Ovzon as they continue their journey toward becoming a global leader in secure, mobile satellite connectivity

"We're going to see sovereign capability requirements in many countries around the world in the next five years."– Per Norén

🌍 Looking to the Future:

• The Next Era of Space Technology: Why sovereign satellite capabilities will be essential for global defense strategies.
• Sustainability in Space: How regulations and innovation will drive a more sustainable future for satellite communications.
• Ovzon's Growth Path: How Ovzon is positioning itself as a world leader in providing secure, ubiquitous connectivity for critical missions.

🔗 Connect with Per Norén and Ovzon AB:

• Website: https://www.ovzon.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/per-nor%C3%A9n-99714a1/

Produced in partnership with: http://www.podlad.com

"Compliance is a revenue driver, because you're going to attract more customers that want your business when your shop looks pristine." – Shawn Cheadle

You've got a great product. You're chasing contracts. Maybe you're eyeing VC funding or dreaming of an IPO. But if you ignore legal and compliance early on, those dreams could blow up at the worst possible moment.

In this episode, Katherine sits down with Taft Law experts John Gordon and Shawn Cheadle to break down the most common legal and compliance mistakes startups make—and how to fix (or better yet, prevent) them.

From cyber hygiene to IP protection, from bad hiring choices to missing contract clauses, they share what founders need to know now to stay fundable, acquirable, and legally bulletproof.

Whether you're commercial now and going after your first government contract—or already deep in federal work—this episode is your playbook for building it right the first time.

💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

· Why compliance isn't just a cost—it's a growth enabler

· The #1 thing that kills deals in due diligence (and how to avoid it)

· How poor record-keeping can derail your entire valuation

· Why your IP isn't protected unless your paperwork says so

· The danger of offshoring admin work without ITAR safeguards

· Why founders should never sign contracts they don't fully understand

· The "Dirty Dozen" legal foundations for scaling in the defense sector

· Real-life horror stories from the front lines of acquisition gone wrong

🛠️ Startup Checklist: Don't Scale Without It

· ✅ Register with sam.gov and Exostar

· ✅ Create IP assignment agreements—even for early team members

· ✅ Track ownership and equity meticulously from day one

· ✅ Build a strong Code of Conduct and employment policies

· ✅ Understand cyber risks—even if you're a team of five

· ✅ Get legal eyes on contracts before you sign (especially around indemnity & export control)

· ✅ Avoid offshoring sensitive work that could violate ITAR or data regulations

🔗 Connect with John Gordon & Shawn Cheadle:

· https://www.taftlaw.com/people/l-shawn-cheadle/

· https://www.taftlaw.com/people/john-t-gordon/LinkedIn – John Gordon

· LinkedIn – Shawn Cheadle

🔗 Connect with Host Katherine Jerald:

· Elraysearch.com

· LinkedIn – Katherine Jerald

This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com

"What this industry didn't need was another aerospace executive. It needed someone willing to ask why we do things the way we do" – Peter Krauss

Peter Krauss didn't grow up in aerospace. He never worked in defense. So how did he become CEO of one of the most innovative space tech companies in the world? That's exactly what makes this episode of Mission Critical so powerful.

As the new CEO of Terran Orbital, Peter brings a fresh, entrepreneurial lens to a legacy industry—and it's shaking things up. He's spearheading "Terran 2.0," a return to the company's disruptive roots, and he's doing it by hiring differently, leading boldly, and building a culture where speed and innovation thrive.

Whether you're in leadership, hiring, or just curious about what the future of space looks like, this conversation will change how you think about leadership and talent in the defense sector.

💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

· Why being an outsider can be your biggest asset in a legacy-driven industry

· What "Terran 2.0" really means—and how it's reshaping satellite manufacturing

· The key traits Peter looks for in new hires (hint: it's not pedigree)

· How to spot the difference between a risk-taker and a risk-mitigator

· What it really means to be "fast" in aerospace

· Why cultural fit and execution energy matter more than the perfect résumé

· How to hire leaders from traditional primes without inheriting old mindsets

· The simple metric every CEO should track (and it's not what you think)

🧠 CEO Insight: The Krauss Leadership Playbook

· Say yes, then figure it out. Peter's career was built on writing checks his body "wasn't sure it could cash"—and figuring it out anyway.

· Don't avoid risk—manage it. Especially in fast-moving industries like space.

· Challenge everything. Especially "how we've always done it." That's where disruption starts.

Connect with Peter:

https://terranorbital.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-krauss-ceo/

Get connected with your host, Katherine Jerald:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinejerald/

https://elraysearch.com/

This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com