Space Café Radio

In this episode of Space Café Radio, Torsten Kriening sit down with Professor Michael Byers, co-director of the Outer Space Institute in Vancouver, to discuss pressing issues in space governance. Recorded at a scenic street café in Berlin, Michael  sheds light on the potential future crisis in Earth's orbit, comparing it to the current plastic crisis in our oceans. 

He talks about the mission and methods of the Outer Space Institute, the influence of academic research on policy-making, and the urgent need to address the environmental impact of space activities. Michael discusses topics ranging from space debris and mega constellations to international space policy and advocacy against kinetic anti-satellite weapon tests. 

Useful literature:

Who Owns Outer Space? 

International Law and the Arctic 

Who Owns the Arctic? 

Intent for a Nation: What is Canada For? 

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Navigating Space Security and the Future of Lunar Exploration with Dr Jessica West

Join us in this Space Cafe Radio episode as we sit down with Dr Jessica West, a senior researcher at Project Ploughshares in Canada, recently back from the Outer Space Security Conference in Geneva. 

Dr West shares insights on changes in the global space security landscape since her first conference in 2007, highlighting inclusivity and the introduction of new topics like cis-lunar space security. We delve into the complexities of space governance, dual-use technologies, and the importance of transparency and dialogue among nations. Discover how the safety and interoperability challenges on the lunar surface can encourage international collaboration and hear perspectives from young experts shaping future space policies. 

This episode is packed with valuable discussions on the legal, doctrinal, and practical hurdles in ensuring a secure and peaceful use of space.

Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]

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Space Café Radio -  Space Sustainability: Challenges and Future Prospects with Dr Nic Ross

In this episode of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening sits down with Dr Nic Ross, co-author of the 3rd NIPARO Summit report and a leading voice in space sustainability. Together, they explore the evolving definition of sustainability in the space sector, the challenges of balancing innovation with responsible stewardship, and the philosophical and practical dilemmas facing the industry.

Dr Ross shares insights from the recent NIPARO Summit, discussing the importance of holistic approaches to sustainability, the impact of orbital debris, and the often-overlooked environmental costs of space activities—including supercomputing and data analysis. The conversation delves into the complexities of regulation, insurance, and international policy, as well as the ethical questions of who truly benefits from space exploration.

You will gain a nuanced understanding of the urgent need for global cooperation, the lessons space policy can learn from Earth’s environmental crises, and Dr Ross’s vision for a sustainable future in orbit and beyond. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of space, policy, and the shared responsibility to keep the final frontier accessible for all.

Useful links:
NIPARO
3rd Summit Report
2nd Summit Report
1st Summit Report

Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]

We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters

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Space Café Radio – Poland’s Space Ambitions with Col. Marcin Mazur

In this episode of Space Café Radio, host Torsten Kriening is joined by Colonel Marcin Mazur of Polish Space Agency (POLSA) to explore Poland’s fast-rising role in space.

Almost half a century after its first astronaut flew into orbit, Poland has returned to human spaceflight with the AX-4 mission – a highly symbolic step that signals the nation’s ambition to be a full partner in global space exploration. But this milestone is only one part of a much broader national effort.

Together, Torsten and Col. Mazur discuss:

• Poland’s national space strategy and its three pillars: industrial growth, national capabilities, and education.
• How POLSA coordinates with the Polish Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence, especially in the fields of space situational awareness (SSA) and secure satellite communications.
• The CAMILA (Country Awareness Mission in Land Analysis) Earth observation constellation and Poland’s investments in satcom and sovereign space infrastructure.
• The balance between European cooperation through ESA and EU programs and the development of national capabilities.
• The importance of education and workforce development to build a competitive Polish space sector.

Col. Mazur also reflects on the symbolic power of Poland’s astronaut mission and outlines the next steps for his country’s space ambitions – from lunar exploration to a stronger role in European and transatlantic space partnerships.

Tune in for a unique insight into how Poland is shaping its space future, and what it means for Europe’s collective space ambitions.

Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]

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Space Sustainability and Security: Insights from Dr Peter Martinez 

In this insightful episode of Space Café Radio, SpaceWatch.Global's Torsten Kriening interviews Dr Peter Martinez, Executive Director of the Secure World Foundation. 

They discuss space governance, the 2025 Global Counter Space Capability Report, and the indispensable UN COPUOS Briefing Book. The episode delves into the 7th Summit for Space Sustainability in Paris, the EU Space Act, and pressing issues in space traffic coordination and debris mitigation. Dr. Martinez shares his expertise on space sustainability, policy updates, and the evolving landscape of global space security.

Useful Links

2025 Global Counterspace Capabilities Report

COPUOS Briefing Book

7th Summit for Space Sustainability

Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]

We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters

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Exploring Very Low Earth Orbits (VLEO): The Future of Space Systems with Prof René Laufer

In this captivating episode of our Space Cafe Radio, recorded live in Berlin, host Torsten Kriening sits down with Professor René Laufer, Head of Space Systems at the Lulea University of Technology. They discuss the significance of Very Low Earth Orbits (VLEO), exploring whether it is a game-changer or just orbital optimism. They discuss the unique challenges and advantages of VLEO, such as real-time data transmission, minimized space debris impact, and the technological advancements enabling new possibilities. Join us as we uncover how Europe is positioned in this burgeoning field and why policymakers and investors should pay attention to VLEO now.

Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]

We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters

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Poland's Space Strategy and Lessons from Ukraine: Insights from Brigadier General Marcin Górka

In this special episode of Space Cafe Radio, live from the 8th Prague Space Security Conference, host Torsten Kriening sit down with Brigadier General Marcin Górka, Director at the Department of Innovation at the Polish Ministry of National Defense and a key figure in shaping Poland's military space policy. 

 General Górka discusses Poland’s strategic vision for space capabilities, integrating with NATO, and lessons learned from the Ukraine war. He highlights the importance of international cooperation, development of national space assets, and the evolving role of space in modern warfare. The conversation also shed a light into Poland’s space domain awareness, ISR capabilities, and future plans for space control and defense.

Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]

We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters

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Celebrating 50 Years of ESA: Achievements and Future Prospects with Dr. Kai-Uwe Schrogl

In this special episode of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening talked with Dr. Kai-Uwe Schrogl, ESA’s Special Advisor for Political Affairs. In this capacity Dr Schrogl is coordinating the events throughout the year, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ESA Convention of 1975.

The episode covers European Space Agency (ESA)'s achievements over the past five decades, its ongoing adaptability, and the future goals outlined in its Strategy 2040. Torsten Kriening and Kai-Uwe Schrogl also reflect on the significance of the ESA member states' support, the agency's unique role in the European space ecosystem, and the celebrations marking this milestone, including a major event with high-level representatives signing a Declaration of continued support, as well as plans for public engagement throughout the year.

Useful Links:

50th Anniversary Statement
50 Years of ESA
ESA Strategy 2040

Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]

We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters

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Europe's Space Power Dynamics: A Dialogue with Juliana Suess

In this episode of Space Cafe Radio, Torsten Kriening looks into the critical topic of space security in Europe with Juliana Suess, an associate at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP). 

Recorded at the 8th Space Security Conference in Prague, Juliana Suess shares her expertise on the evolving dynamics of space policy and geopolitics. The discussion touches on the similarities and differences between the UK and Germany's approaches to space security, the impact of international collaborations, and the challenges Europe faces in terms of military procurement and public funding. 

She also highlights the shifting power balance in space, particularly with the rising assertiveness of China and the declining influence of Russia. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis of Europe's readiness to meet future space security challenges.

Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]

We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters

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Space Policy and Global Security: An Interview with Dr Peter Hays

Join host Yvette Gonzalez on Space Cafe Radio for an thoughtful conversation with Dr Peter Hays, a leading authority on US space policy and national security, at the eighth Prague Space Security Conference. Explore pressing issues like Russian anti-satellite weapons, Chinese satellite capabilities, and the integration of commercial space activities into national security. 

Dr Hays discusses the challenges of space domain awareness, the need for government and commercial collaboration, and the importance of lowering the classification level of space programs to foster better international and commercial cooperation. Get a detailed look at how evolving threats and technological advancements are shaping the future of space security.

Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]

We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters

Support the show

You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast!

Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters.
Follow us on LinkedIn and X!