SpaceBase Podcast

Continuing this month our alternating series featuring members of the Global Space Enablers Network — GSEN — highlighting individuals who are helping shape the future of the global space ecosystem through entrepreneurship, international collaboration, policy, and ecosystem development.

An interview with Geraldine Olea, an independent advisor, strategic consultant, and one of Australia's emerging leaders working at the intersection of government, industry, and the space economy.

Geraldine's career is a remarkable example of how diverse experiences can converge into leadership in one of the world's fastest-growing sectors. Beginning in tourism, events, and employment services before transitioning into technology, digital transformation, and eventually the space industry, she has built a career around navigating complex environments, bringing stakeholders together, and helping organizations adapt to emerging opportunities.

Today, Geraldine advises international space and technology companies looking to enter the Australian market, helping them understand government policy, procurement, stakeholder engagement, and commercial strategy. She also serves as Director of Diplomacy for the Australia–Latin America Emerging Leaders Dialogue, mentors emerging professionals through Univast.Space, and is a passionate advocate for creating pathways into the space industry for people from non-traditional backgrounds.

Her journey demonstrates that there is no single path into the space sector—and that curiosity, adaptability, and lifelong learning can open doors to opportunities many people never imagined.

Hosts:  SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom

Resources:

Australia LATAM Emerging Leaders Dialogue 

UNIVAST.space

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An interview with Zhanna Nazaryan, Principal Manufacturing Engineer at Rocket Lab.

Zhanna has built an impressive career across some of the world’s leading aerospace and advanced manufacturing organizations, including Rocket Lab, Blue Origin, Boeing, GKN Aerospace, Alcoa, and Apollo Manufacturing. Her expertise spans spacecraft composites, manufacturing engineering, quality systems, metrology, production scaling, advanced materials, and aerospace operations.

At Rocket Lab, Zhanna leads advanced composite manufacturing and thermal protection systems for spacecraft production, helping develop the processes, tooling, materials, and manufacturing strategies needed to build flight-ready hardware at scale. Prior to Rocket Lab, she worked on major aerospace programs at Blue Origin and Boeing, supporting everything from testing and production readiness to quality assurance and manufacturing optimization.

Throughout her career, Zhanna has specialized in transforming complex engineering challenges into practical manufacturing solutions while driving quality, efficiency, and innovation in highly demanding environments.

Her journey offers a unique perspective on what it takes to move from engineering concepts to reliable spacecraft production—and why manufacturing excellence is such a critical part of the space industry.

Hosts:  SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom

Resources:

Society of Women Engineers
Women in Space Aotearoa New Zealand

NASA Lessons Learned System

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We continue our alternating series featuring members of the Global Space Enablers Network — GSEN — highlighting individuals helping shape the future of the global space ecosystem through entrepreneurship, investment, policy, and international collaboration.

An interview with Advocate Yvette Barrington-Brown, CEO of NewCraft Aerospace and Cape Constellation, and one of the emerging leaders helping shape Africa's commercial space ecosystem.

Yvette's career is anything but conventional. After more than 25 years as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa, where she specialized in complex litigation, governance, regulatory strategy, and institutional leadership, she made the bold decision to transition into the space sector.

Today, she leads NewCraft Aerospace and Cape Constellation—a collaborative innovation hub dedicated to building Africa's next generation of space companies through venture creation, mentorship, investment, and ecosystem development. Together with Africa Space Ventures, these initiatives aim to strengthen Africa's sovereign space capabilities while creating globally competitive businesses rooted on the continent.

Her journey is one of reinvention, resilience, entrepreneurship, and purpose—demonstrating that building a thriving space ecosystem requires not only engineers and scientists, but also visionary leaders who understand governance, institutions, investment, and long-term strategy.

Hosts:  SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom

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Continuing on the alternating series featuring members of the Global Space Enablers Network — GSEN — highlighting individuals helping shape the future of the global space ecosystem through policy, education, entrepreneurship, and international collaboration.

This interview is with Scott Schneider — Special Counsel at the International Aerospace Law & Policy Group, Managing Director at Raker, former Director of the Space Law Council of Australia and New Zealand, and a globally engaged advocate for space law, regulation, and governance.

Scott’s career sits at the fascinating intersection of law, policy, aerospace commercialization, and international cooperation. After completing his Master of Laws in Air and Space Law at Leiden University, he went on to lead the regulatory team at Southern Launch, helping secure Australia’s first commercial space launch licenses.

He has worked extensively across spacecraft licensing, insurance frameworks, export controls, international law, and aerospace regulation, while also contributing to organizations including the International Institute of Space Law, the Space Generation Advisory Council, the Space Industry Association of Australia, and the International Space University.

Beyond policy and regulation, Scott is deeply involved in education and global dialogue - teaching law and economics across universities and engaging with emerging space ecosystems around the world.

Hosts:  SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom

Resources:

Space Generation Advisory Council
International Space University
Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space (COPUOS)
United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
Secure World Foundation

Contacts for Scott Schneider:
email: [email protected]
telegram: t.me/openouterspace

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An interview with Mat Rowe — Founding Parter and Executive Director of Outset Ventures, New Zealand’s leading deep-tech incubator and investment platform.

Mat has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of science, engineering, and commercialization, helping turn breakthrough technologies into globally significant companies. Before founding Outset Ventures, he was part of the founding team at LanzaTech, contributing to the scale-up of one of the world’s most recognized industrial biotech companies across the US, Europe, and Asia.

He has also co-founded and supported multiple deep-tech ventures including Dotterel Technologies, focused on UAV audio systems and drone noise reduction, and Mint Innovation, which recovers precious metals from e-waste using biometallurgy. Through Outset Ventures, Mat has helped build an ecosystem supporting some of New Zealand’s most ambitious science and engineering founders — including companies connected to aerospace, climate tech, advanced materials, biotech, and robotics.

Mat is known for his hands-on approach with technical founders and his passion for helping breakthrough ideas move from prototype to global impact.

Hosts:  SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom

Resources:

Outset Ventures - NZ incubator and investment platform

What Founder's Want - resources platform for startup Founders

Y Combinator - US based startup accelerator and venture capital firm

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An interview with Chiara Moenter, co-founder of the global initiative SDG 18: Space for All, and a leading voice in space sustainability and governance.

Chiara’s journey bridges policy, research, and communication. From her work at the European Space Agency and the German Aerospace Industry Association to her academic research on sustainable space governance, she has consistently focused on one central question: how can we ensure space remains a shared and sustainable resource for humanity?

Beyond policy, Chiara is also an active communicator and community builder — from moderating major international space events to delivering a TEDx talk on the Overview Effect, and contributing to global initiatives that connect space with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Chiara is a policy adviser for the New Zealand Space Agency. She is speaking here in her personal capacity.

Hosts:  SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom

Resources:

UNOOSA: Space Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals

Space Sustainability: Stakeholder Engagement Study
Frank White and the Overview Effect - Books
European Space Flight publications

Space News
Space Watch Global
European Space Policy Institute
Space Generation Advisory Council
International Space University

Space Experts:
Steven Freeland
Tanja Masson zwaan
Torsten Kriening
Tomas Hrozensky

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Continuing our alternating series featuring members of the Global Space Enablers Network – GSEN, highlighting individuals working to accelerate space ecosystems across emerging and established regions worldwide.

An interview with Suk Narayanan — Head of Global Partnerships for Mission ShakthiSAT, Founder and President of the AIMERS Foundation, and a global leader at the intersection of space, technology, communication, and entrepreneurship.

Suk’s journey is anything but linear. Starting in electrical and electronics engineering, she went on to co-found one of India’s largest robotics and AI outreach initiatives, impacting over 500,000 students. She later transitioned into global communications, working across 58 countries, before rebuilding her career from scratch in Australia — gaining experience across sales, leadership, and media. 

Today, she plays a pivotal role in global space initiatives, including Space Kidz India and Mission ShakthiSAT — an ambitious all-women-led space mission engaging 12,000 girls across 108 countries — while also investing in startups and driving inclusive innovation ecosystems. 

Hosts:  SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom

Resources
Mission ShaktiSAT

AIMERS Foundation

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An interview with Roger Warren — an experienced aerospace design engineer, prototype specialist, and passionate community builder in the aviation and space sector.

Roger brings decades of hands-on engineering experience across aerospace, medical devices, advanced product design, and human-powered flight. From working on the Airbus Zephyr stratospheric UAV program in the UK to leading research prototyping at the Surgical Engineering Lab at the University of Auckland, Roger’s career reflects a deep commitment to solving complex engineering challenges through experimentation, systems thinking, and practical innovation .

He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Royal Aeronautical Society – New Zealand Division, Auckland Branch, where he is helping re-energize the aerospace community and break down silos across the sector .

With a background spanning fluid mechanics, human factors, lightweight structures, extreme environments, and space systems engineering , Roger combines technical depth with a strong belief in collaboration and affordability in aviation.

Hosts:  SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom

Resources
Airbus Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS)
Auckland Bioengineering Institute
University of Auckland Aeronautics Club

New Zealand Royal Aeronautical Society Auckland Branch

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An interview with David Powell — Business Development Manager at the University of Otago and Convener of the Aero+Space South initiative. With over 25 years of international experience in business development, trade, and innovation strategy, David has been at the forefront of building bridges between academia, industry, and government to support high-growth sectors like biotech, health, food — and most notably, New Zealand’s emerging space ecosystem.

From leading global trade initiatives to supporting export companies and pioneering aerospace collaboration across Aotearoa’s southern regions, David brings a rare mix of vision, experience, and deep sector knowledge. He also has a long-standing passion for social enterprise and economic development — themes that continue to guide his work today.

Hosts:  SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom

Resources
Aero+Space South - Space Cluster in Otago
University of Otago
City on Mars by Kelly and Zack Weinersmith

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We continue the alternating series featuring Global Space Enablers Network - GSEN Members.

Vedika Latchman-Singh is the Director of Exotopic where she leads the company's growth across Australia and the Asia–Pacific region. Vedika brings over two decades of experience working at the intersection of science, engineering, and innovation, with a particular passion for enabling diverse and inclusive futures in the space industry.

Her journey spans roles in strategic partnerships, business development, and sustainability — from supporting Australia's space research programs at CSIRO, to building capacity for young engineers and technologists across Africa and Australia. She has also worked extensively in coaching and mentoring women in STEM fields, contributing to youth outreach and diversity-focused education initiatives.

Vedika holds a degree in Chemical Engineering, has trained in professional coaching, and is an alumna of the International Space University’s Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program. At Exotopic, she combines her technical background with a visionary mindset, helping to deliver immersive, futures-oriented experiences that inspire new thinking about space, innovation, and our collective future.

Hosts:  SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom

Resources
Vedikha's Linkedin Profile
Exotopic

CSIRO

ISU Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program

Reading LIst
Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez

So you want to build a space ecosystem?: A guide to growing a space  innovative ecosystem.

A Space Ecosystem Maturity Index: Proposition to Assess and Identify the Development Level of Space Innovation Ecosystems Around the World

Assessing Space Ecosystem Maturity Through Case Studies: Leveraging the Space Innovation Ecosystem Maturity Rubric for Strategic Development

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