The Astro Ben Podcast

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/

In this weeks episode, Nicolina Elrick takes us behind the scenes of her extraordinary journey to space with Blue Origin. Nicolina is a multi-faceted leader in both philanthropy and entrepreneurship, and on this weeks episode shares what it’s like to break through the Kármán line and experience the profound awe of space. We explore the pivotal moments of her flight, her reflections on seeing Earth from afar, and her proposal for a future SpaceX philanthropic mission!

This weeks episode is sponsored by AIDAA.

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

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Intro to Episode - Nicolina Elrick & shout out to this weeks episode sponsor AIDAA https://www.aidaa.it/

01:26 Met at the IAC (the worlds largest space event)

03:00 Nicolina’s trip to space!

07:52 Nicolina’s successful mission: 

08:08 Space relatable

11:25 Renewed sense of purpose

13:03 Nicolina’s bio and unique journey to Space: https://nicolinae.com/

17:30 Grit Diamonds Stars

21:00 The families during launches

23:03 Psychology of preparation for space

24:20 Learnings from crewmates

25:45 Advice to young people

29:25 Whats next on Nicolina’s horizon? SpaceX mission concept

32:25 Wrap up and socials

Connect with Nikolina Elrick:

Website: www.nicolinaE.com 

X: https://twitter.com/nicolinaElrick

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

Other socials/links: https://linktr.ee/astronautnicolina

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 episode explores Yanni Barghouty’s work with Cosmic Shielding Corporation (CSC) and their mission to create next-generation radiation shielding solutions for the space industry. Yanni shares his journey from biomedical engineering to space entrepreneurship, discusses the challenges of developing advanced materials for radiation protection, and provides insights into the future of space safety and human spaceflight.

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

01:00 What/Why is Cosmic Shielding Corporation/CSC?

07:09 Starting up/Business partner

11:20 Launching/testing

13:25 The ordering process

20:42 Challenges of new technologies and protecting humans

25:00 AI in shielding?

37:33 Challenges of space entrepreneurship

43:10 Open for business

45:35 Wrap up and socials

Connect with Cosmic Shielding Corporation:

Website: https://cosmicshielding.com/

X: https://x.com/cosmicshielding

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cosmic-shielding-corporation/

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/

Episode 106 covers Giuseppe Reibaldi’s work with the Moon Village Association, a pioneering non-governmental organisation that unites both spacefaring and non-spacefaring nations to collaborate on lunar exploration. Ben and Giuseppe discuss how MVA partners with industry, academia, and the public to create a shared vision for humanity’s future on the Moon. The MVA’s unique platform fosters cooperation, builds networks, and promotes global awareness of the potential benefits of lunar settlement.

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Introduction to Episode

00:58 Introduction to Giuseppe - what is the Moon Village Association!

06:12 Whose involved?

08:46 Big agencies involved

13:08 International Moon Day (IMD), Global Expert Group and live events

22:59 Sustainable Lunar Environment

23:52 Commercial companies

27:00 Giuseppe’s prediction of humanity on the Moon (in 20 years)

32:18 Public perception of lunar presence

39:12 Why the Moon should be for everyone

42:49 Wrap Up and socials

Connect with the Moon Village Association

https://moonvillageassociation.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/moonvillageassociation/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCB1dDR4JMIq370NfLV-qOg 

https://www.facebook.com/moonvillageassn/

https://twitter.com/MoonVillageAssn

https://www.instagram.com/moonvillageassociation/

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 episode 105, Ben welcomes Adriano V. Autino, the visionary behind Space Renaissance International, an organisation dedicated to advancing civilian space development and the space economy. Adriano shares his insights on how humanity can expand beyond Earth, the importance of developing low-cost access to space, and the role of space in the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals and why "Space" should be the 18th SDG! They also explore the Space Renaissance Manifesto and discuss the exciting possibilities of space tourism, geo-lunar industrialisation, and more. 

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Intro to episode

01:00 bringing on Adriano Autino. What is the Space Renaissance International? (SRI)

07:00 Mission of the SRI manifesto

13:40 SDG’s - why a new “Space” one?

20:22 Not going to space isn’t an option

21:35 Why 2025 is an important year for the Space/UN agenda

27:05 Responsibility for space faring civilisations to advance space for the world

32:12 Supporting

33:53 Wrap Up and Socials

Connect with Adriano V. Autino:

Websites: Space Renaissance International Space Renaissance Academy Personal website: Adriano V. Autino 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AVAutinoSpaceRenaissancePhilosophyLinkedin: LinkedIn profile

>> Sign the #Space18SDG pledge to add an 18th SDG to the UN 2030 Agenda (on Change.org)>> Add your organization to the #Space18SDG proposers

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 John Conafay, a US Air Force Veteran and the CEO & Co-Founder of Integrate, a company that’s revolutionising space mission management through cutting-edge software solutions. With a wealth of experience from his time at Spire, Astranis, SpaceFlight, and ABL Space Systems, John shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of the new space economy. They delve into the innovations driving the industry forward, including transforming space mission planning from 2D to 3D logistics, and how software can solve critical issues like launch capacity management. They also discuss the broader implications of these advancements for the future of space exploration and the ethical considerations involved. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of space tech and the exciting future it holds.

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Intro to episode

01:18 Integrate

06:51 Optimising systems

08:57 2D to 3D - what does it mean?

10:12 Previous pain points at previous companies

13:26 Growth into other sectors

15:45 Spaceforce & Firefly

17:45 “Nice to have” digital tools

20:40 Adoption of software

22:34 Other tech in space industry

22:52 Future of Integrate

25:30 Pain of entrepreneurship

28:00 Advice to aspiring space being a space tech entrepreneur 

30:13 What sparked your interest in space?

32:04 Wrap up and socials

Connect with John Conafay:

Website: https://integrate.space/

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

X: https://twitter.com/jconafay

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 (again) with Eric Berger, Senior Space Editor at Ars Technica and author of the upcoming book 'Reentry: SpaceX, Elon Musk, and the Reusable Rockets that Launched a Second Space Age'

They discuss the Polaris Dawn mission, the state of the space industry, NASA's Crew-9 launch delay, and the latest breaking stories in the space industry. Eric shares his thoughts on Elon Musk's current focus and vision at SpaceX, as well as the critical role billionaires are playing in space exploration. 

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Intro to Episode 103

00:40 Eric back for more!

01:20 Interviewing NASA administrator

02:08 Starliner date pushed back

03:51 Polaris Dawn

05:22 Why is it significant?

07:20 Billionaires in Space

08:50 NEW BOOK: “Reentry: SpaceX, Elon Musk, and the Reusable Rockets that Launched a Second Space Age”

12:10 The Technical Challenges of SpaceX 2008-2020

15:10 Importance of Gwynne Shotwell

17:00 Significance of Falcon Heavy

19:00 The emotion of launches

21:10 Artemis

24:02 China

24:50 New Glenn

26:06 First mover advantage for reusable rocket companies?

28:15 Stoke Space

28:30 SpaceX

29:32 Vision of SpaceX

31:40 Elon and politics

33:55 Elon’s Musks Plans too ambitious?

36:20 Wrap Up and socials

Pre-order Eric’s new book Reentry: SpaceX, Elon Musk, and the Reusable Rockets that Launched a Second Space Age

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Reentry-SpaceX-Reusable-Rockets-Launched/dp/1637745273

Penguin: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/759707/reentry-by-eric-berger/

X: https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace

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 episode 102, chats to Roman Chiporukha, founder of SpaceVIP and co-founder of the luxury lifestyle management firm Roman & Erica. They dive deep into the burgeoning world of private space exploration, discussing the fascinating journey of introducing the final passenger to Axiom’s Ax-1 mission—a $50 million ticket to the first all-private space mission to the International Space Station.

Roman shares his insights on making space exploration more accessible to the private sector, the exciting future of Michelin-starred meals in space, and how celebrities and billionaires are shaping the next frontier.

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:14 Introduction to Episode

00:50 Origin story or not!

03:00 Axiom1 and selling a $50m ticket!

05:58 Space VIP https://www.spacevip.com/

07:24 Experience in luxury lifestyle management

09:05 Michelin-starred meals in Space

13:44 Space Perspective https://spaceperspective.com/

16:30 The Space Prize Foundation https://www.spaceprize.org/

21:10 SpaceVIP Products/Experiences in the pipeline

26:30 Risks with these experiences

32:40 Celebs in Space

40:00 Final thought - WHY SPACE

41:50 Wrap Up and socials

Connect with Roman Chiporukha

Website: https://www.spacevip.com/

X: https://twitter.com/getmaxspace

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spacevip/

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 episode 101, Ben chats to  Kirsten Whittingham, President of Max Space. Kirsten shares insights into her diverse and impressive career in the aerospace industry, from generating significant revenue at Axiom Space to overseeing the development of innovative expandable habitats at Max Space. The conversation delves into the unique technology behind Max Space's scalable habitats, the challenges and milestones ahead, and the future of space habitation. Kirsten also discusses her work with the Cosmic Girls Foundation, aiming to address gender inequality in the space industry and inspire more young girls to pursue STEM careers.

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:14 Intro to

00:48 Introduction to Kirsten Whittingham

01:28 What is Max Space?

04:57 Inflatable

06:21 Mission in 2026

09:00 What is a soft goods?

10:22 Psychology of inflatable structures 

12:20 How big could they be?

13:50 Experience from Axiom

17:35 Raising money for space startups

20:50 Sustainability

23:08 Private/public partnerships

25:55 Uses of Max Space habitat from research, manufacturing, space debris and sport?!

27:50 Cosmic Girls Foundation https://www.cosmicgirls.org/donate

30:45 CGF Initiatives

32:02 Advice to young people

35:10 Vision for the future of the space industry

37:53 Wrap Up and socials

Connect with Max Space:

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

Website: https://getmaxspace.com/

X: https://twitter.com/getmaxspace

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getmaxspace/about/

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 milestone episode, we had the honour of speaking with Nicole Stott, a retired NASA astronaut, artist, and author. Nicole shared her inspiring journey, including her space missions on ISS Expedition 20 and 21, and STS-128 and STS-133. We explored her unique experiences, such as participating in the first live tweet-up from space and painting with watercolour in microgravity. Nicole also discussed her post-NASA work, including her book "Back To Earth" and her co-founding of the Space for Art Foundation. Her story is a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts.

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:14 Intro to Nicole Stott

01:00 Episode 100/how Ben and Nicole met

02:35 Impact of astronauts

05:27 Females in space

10:00 Favourite mission?

13:32 Painting in space

16:50 Role of art and creativity in space

19:40 Polaris Dawn & SpaceX/Public Private Partnerships

24:00 Artemis

27:20 Bringing benefits of space

28:05 “Back to Earth” https://www.npsdiscovery.com/book-back-to-earth

31:44 Seeing Earth from space

35:40 Sharing Experiences

37:10 Blue Origin’s vision for the future

38:48 Cosmic perspective

41:37 Final thought from Nicole - “Stay curious!”

44:54 Wrap up and socials

Connect with Nicole Stott:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astro_nicole & https://www.instagram.com/spaceforartfoundation/

Website: https://www.npsdiscovery.com/

X: https://x.com/Astro_Nicole

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/