In Episode 117 of The Astro Ben Podcast, Ben sits down with Mamta Patel Nagaraja, former Associate Chief Scientist for Exploration and Applied Research at NASA, who recently left the agency amid its office closures in February 2025. Mamta reflects on her career leading biomedical and physical sciences for the ISS, Artemis, and commercial space missions, while sharing candid insights on NASA’s challenges and opportunities in 2025. From streamlining science communication to navigating a toxic work environment, her story is one of resilience and reinvention. Now a free agent in STEM, Mamta discusses her future plans and offers some advice to the new NASA administration.

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Intro to Mamta Patal Nagaraja

00:57 Mamta’s passion for Space

03:20 Working for NASA

06:12 How to/can you quantify “is a mission worth it?”

08:30 NASA cuts and how it was done - the timing of Manta’s departure from NASA

12:15 Jared Isaacmans involvement?

15:00 What is NASA’s mission?

17:45 How to predict/predict other committed programs?

22:17 Space science communication

24:52 Whats next post NASA?

27:54 Mamta’s advice to new leadership at NASA

33:49 Whats next for Mamta?

36:57 Wrap Ups and Socials

Follow Mamta on Social:

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@mamta02

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mamta2002

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mamtapatelnagaraja/

Stay connected with us!

Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

 

This week on The Astro Ben Podcast, we dive into the world of space launches with Marino Fragnito, Avio’s Chief Commercial Officer and Launch Services Director. Appointed in September 2024, Marino drives Avio’s Vega C and Ariane 6 programs while navigating the competitive space market in March 2025. With a career spanning Airbus, Arianespace, and Thales Alenia Space, he shares insights on commercialising Vega, boosting Europe’s launch capabilities, and tackling global competition. From sustainable propulsion to defense applications, this episode explores how Avio is shaping the future of space access.

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:53 Introducing Marino

01:56 Marino’s interest in Space

04:50 Technical background

06:19 Avio

08:56 Vega C Program

13:34 Lack of European ambition?

19:30 Reusability of rockets

21:20 AI

23:14 Geopolitics in Europe effecting the Space industry

26:29 Space Tourism

27:59 Ambition for Avio

30:34 Advice to next generation

31:53 Wrap Up and Socials

Follow Avio on Social:

Website: https://www.avio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avio_spa/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvioGroup

X: https://x.com/avio_group

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GroupAvio

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avio-s-p-a/

Stay connected with us!

Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

This week on The Astro Ben Podcast, Ben sits down with Mark Sasson, co-founder and CEO of Pinpoint Search Group, as he launches Operation Voyager to tackle the space sector’s talent gap in March 2025. From his roots in cybersecurity to his new frontier in space, Mark shares a compelling story of industry evolution, drawing parallels between these booming fields. We dive into proven strategies for attracting top talent, the unique hiring challenges facing space companies, and how to build effective recruiting processes in an industry still finding its footing.

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Intro to Mark Sasson

01:09 Pinpoint getting into the Space Sector

03:01 Segments

03:58 Growth industries

05:12 Pinpoint

08:00 How Pinpoint works

09:40 Operation Voyager

11:00 Startups attracting top talent

14:06 Graduates entering the space force

18:30 Is space industry still mainly technical?

20:53 Remote work vs in real life

22:38 Company culture

25:00 Trends in keeping staff engaged

27:45 Soft skills for space industry candidates

30:00 Most exciting parts about space industries future

32:00 Wrap Up and social

Follow Mark/Pinpoint on Social:

Website: https://pinpointsearchgroup.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pinpoint-search-group/

X: https://x.com/Pinpoint_Search

Stay connected with us!

Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

In this week's episode of The Astro Ben Podcast (sponsored by SkyFi), we dive into the cosmos with the legendary Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer known for his extensive work in cataloging space objects and his invaluable contributions to the space community. Ben and Jonathan discuss his journey, the importance of space tracking, and his monumental effort to transition his private space library to the UK, for which he's currently seeking support through a GoFundMe campaign (link below). Tune in to learn about the significance of his work, the future of space cataloging, and how you can contribute to preserving space history!

This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi.

Check them out: https://skyfi.com/

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Intro and thanks SkyFi!

00:52 Intro to Jonathan Mc Dowell and journey to Jonathan's Space Report

02:48 Educational foundation

04:57 Chandra X-ray Center (X-ray cousin of the Hubble!)

07:10 AI and effect on Astrophysics

08:45 Space tracking

10:58 UFO Misinterpretations

13:15 Most unusual item catalogued

15:16 Space Junk

17:09 Public Engagement

18:16 Favourite era of space history

22:14 Jonathans library

26:48 Moving the library!

27:47 Book recommendations

30:30 Space culture

33:10 Final thoughts

34:44 Wrap Up and Socials

Follow Jonathan on Socials:

Website: https://planet4589.org/

X: https://x.com/planet4589

Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fund-jonathans-space-report-library-transition

Stay connected with us!

Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

In this episode, sponsored by Sky Fi, Ben journeyed with Kate Van Dam from her days as a Marine Corps attack helicopter pilot to her current role leading strategy at SkyFi. They explore SkyFi's mission to democratise access to geospatial data, touching on the ethical implications, privacy concerns, and the revolutionary potential of this technology. Kate shared insights on how her military background shapes her strategic vision, how SkyFi navigates the evolving space industry landscape, and the role of AI and machine learning in transforming geospatial analysis. They also discussed upcoming SkyFi projects and the next frontier in commercial space technology. Kate also discusses “Austin 4 America” and tells people how to get free tickets!

This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi.

Check them out: https://skyfi.com/

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:48 Introducing Kate Van Dam - frome Helicopter Pilot to SkyFi

06:48 A “Ariel view” of the world

09:40 The accessibility of pictures anywhere from space and mass use of technology

13:00 What is hyper spectral imaging and other uses of SkyFi

14:48 Increase in commercial activity and priorities for customer

18:40 Integrating AI and ML and security concerns

22:28 Upcoming projects for SkyFi (update mentioned here: https://skyfi.com/en/blog/planet-launches-single-order-tasking-powered-by-skyfi )

24:42 Austin 4 America - free tickets here! https://www.austin4america.org/

27:03 Kate’s personal thoughts about Space

29:03 Wrap Up & Socials

Follow SkyFi:

Website: https://www.skyfi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyfi.app

X: https://x.com/SkyfiApp

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skyfi-imaging/posts/?feedView=all

Austin 4 America: https://www.austin4america.org/

Stay connected with us!

Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

In this episode of The Astro Ben Podcast, Ben speaks with astronaut and mission assurance expert Dr. John "Danny" Olivas from Intuitive Machines HQ. The conversation centers around the IM-2 Lunar Lander mission, set to land at the Moon’s south pole in early 2025. Danny shares exclusive insights into the technology on board, including NASA’s PRIME-1 drill, Nokia’s Lunar Surface Communications System, and Intuitive Machines’ Micro Nova Hopper.

The discussion also explores the critical role of engineering in lunar infrastructure, the challenges of operating in the Moon’s extreme environment, and Danny’s experiences as a NASA astronaut, including his iconic spacewalks and space shuttle repair missions.

This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi.

Check them out: https://skyfi.com/

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Intro to Episode

00:22 This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi

00:42 Introducing Astronaut Dr. John "Danny" Olivas

01:28 Ben tries streaming for the first time (successfully)

02:04 Intuitive Machines IM-2

04:22 Challenges of landing on the lunar South Pole?

06:41 Micro Nova Hopper

09:19 First cellular network on the moon

11:50 IM-2 fitting in with Artemis

15:08 Engineering Innovations of IM-2

17:47 Spacewalks and lunar exploration

21:28 IM-2 to IM-4

24:05 Humanities relationship with the Moon

27:30 Space experience effecting everyday life

32:35 Words of wisdom

34:55 Wrap Up and Socials

Follow Dr John "Danny" Olivas:

Website: https://uniphigood.com/portfolio_page/john-danny-olivas/

IM-2 Mission Details: https://www.nasa.gov/event/intuitive-machines-clps-flight-im-2/

Intuitive Machines: https://www.intuitivemachines.com/

Stay connected with us!

Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

In this episode, Ben sits down with Remco Timmermans to explore the dynamic world of space industry marketing and events. They discuss Remco's journey into space, the emotional power of rocket launches, and how space is becoming a true people's industry. The conversation covers the space industry's outlook for 2025, the curation of industry events, the debate between live and virtual events, and the critical role of social media in engaging the public. Remco also shares his predictions for the sector's future.

To celebrate the start of this dynamic year, we invite you to download Remco's exclusive FREE Space Agenda 2025 events poster!  This printable PDF highlights a selection of key events happening around the world—one for each week of the year! Download your FREE copy now: https://lnkd.in/e5yB5VeU

This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi.

Check them out: https://skyfi.com/

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:16 Bens proposal - thanks to Sky Fi! See the pics of Bens proposal here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEqMzU4xAV-/?img_index=1

01:10 Remco Timmermans

02:15 New Year

03:44 Remco’s interest in space

13:50 The Power of a Launch!

15:00 A true peoples industry

17:20 Space industry in 2025

19:50 Space Agenda https://www.spaceagenda.com/

22:50 How to decide which events to include in “industry events calendar”

26:44 Live events vs virtual events

34:38 Social Media and Marketing in the space industry.

36:47 Predictions for Space Industry 2025

39:28 Wrap Up and Socials

Follow Remco Timmermans:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/remcotimmermans/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelsinorbit/

X: https://x.com/timmermansr

Stay connected with us!

Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

In this episode of the Astro Ben Podcast, we chat with Emily Carney, space historian, journalist, and co-author of the new book Star Bound: A Beginner’s Guide to the American Space Program. OUT JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS (LINK BELOW)

Emily shares her insights on the cultural and societal impact of America’s space exploration journey and why understanding our space history is vital for the next generation. From her iconic Space Hipsters community to her thoughts on mining the Moon and asteroids, Emily brings her trademark wit and wisdom to the conversation. We also touch on the lessons the U.S. space program can teach us about innovation, reactionary progress, and global collaboration. This is a must-listen for space enthusiasts and newcomers alike!

This weeks episode is sponsored by AIDAA.

Check them out: https://www.aidaa.it/

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

01:05 Introducing Emily Carney

01:40 Co-authoring a book!

02:47 Inspiration

05:50 Writing pattern

10:11 Keeping the book culture

12:44 Politics in the US - is Space always a positive?! National Pride!

17:00 Artemis & Cultural Commitments

19:32 Emilys Military background

23:10 Space Hipsters Facebook Group

28:33 Space & Things Podcast

34:10 Dreams for the book!

36:22 Wrap Up and Socials

Connect with Emily Carney:

X: https://x.com/EmilyLCarney

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilycarneyspace/

Space Hipsters: https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroups%2Fspacehipsters%2F

Pre-order Emilys Book:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Bound-Goldilocks-Everything-Spaceflight/dp/1496241398

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/star-bound-a-beginner-s-guide-to-the-american-space-program-from-goddard-s-rockets-to-goldilocks-planets-and-everything-in-betwe-bruce-mccandless/21091286?ean=9781496241399

Nebraska: https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/nebraska/9781496241399/star-bound/

Stay connected with us!

Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

In this episode, Ben explores the extraordinary journey of Dr. Camille Wardrop Alleyne, a trailblazer in the field of aerospace engineering. Camille reflects on her impactful career at NASA, where she led key human spaceflight programs and advanced groundbreaking science missions. She shares insights into her work at Arusha Space, promoting space-based solutions for global sustainability, and her passion for STEM education for young women through The Brightest Stars Foundation.

They discuss her Trinidadian upbringing, her journey to becoming one of the few women of colour in senior leadership at NASA, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in space exploration. This episode is a testament to Camille’s belief in the transformative power of education, the boundless opportunities of space, and her enduring mission to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

This weeks episode is sponsored by AIDAA.

Check them out: https://www.aidaa.it/

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

01:01 AIDAA

01:48 From Trinidad to NASA

05:45 Arriving at NASA for the first time

06:47 No social media

07:36 NASA career

13:26 Space industry is changing

15:24 Arusha Space

17:00 Picking “the dream team”

18:45 Private/Public Partnerships in the US and elsewhere

20:04 Current projects

21:12 Future of space exploration/what inspires Camille!

23:55 Why Space?!

25:41 The Brightest Stars Foundation

29:10 Advice to get into the industry (for non Math/Science students)

31:13 Engaging with non Space fairing nations

34:20 Wrap Up and Socials

Connect with Dr. Camille Wardrop Alleyne:

Arusha Space

Website: https://arushaspace.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arusha.space/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arushaspace/

Brightest Stars Foundation

Website: https://www.brighteststarsfoundation.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brighteststarsfoundation/

Stay connected with us!

Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/