Bianca Cefalo is the Co-founder & CEO of Space DOTS, and Director of International Business Development at Carbice Corp. In this episode, Ben and Bianca discuss what is Space DOTS mission, the humbling lessons on space entrepreneurship, the challenges of being a female space CEO and what can you launch on something the same size as your iPhone!

00:00 Intro to Bianca & Space DOTS

00:41 May 4th be with you

02:24 Female Space Entrepreneurship 

06:10 What is Space DOTS? (Dimensionally Optimized Technology Satellites)

12:26 Limitations of Pico sats?

17:13 Space Junk - concern to Space DOTS?

19:17 The UK Space Agency

22:41 Lessons of entrepreneurship 

26:55 Process of launching a prototype (literally)

30:54 Vision for Space DOTS

33:46 Wrap up & socials

Follow Bianca & Space Dots

Website: https://www.space-dots.com/

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

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

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

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

Website (coming soon): www.astroben.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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Sophia Gad-Nasr is a PhD candidate in cosmology and astro particle physics at the University of California in Irvine. Her work focuses on figuring out how the Universe came to be what it is today, primarily via studying dark matter and galaxy evolution. Sophia is also an avid science communicator who loves to share mind-blowing facts about the mysteries of the Universe with the world.

In this episode, Ben and Sophia discuss wormholes, time travel and the importance of making sure science fiction movies and TV are kept in check by real science (sometimes).

00:49 Intro to Sophia

01:20 What is the universe?

02:48 Where is the Earth in the Milky Way?

04:40 James Webb Telescope

06:44 Sophia’s career focus - dark matter

08:26 Self interacting dark matter

10:22 How do you study dark matter?

14:50 University of California

17:00 Neutrino’s

19:00 Science on social media - science communication 

20:45  Science consulting with film & TV companies (Sophia’s experience with 12 monkeys)

24:25 Balancing science with science fiction

26:34 The future of humanity

30:00 Sophia’s future plans

32:38  Sophia’s recommendations for area’s of interest for future studies

Social’s:

Website: https://astropartigirl.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Astropartigirl

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astropartigirl/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astropartigirl?lang=en

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

Stay connected with us!

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

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

Website (coming soon): www.astroben.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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From a Communications Specialist at an oil and gas company to founding her own creative agency Réaliste (with sub-brand Re.gravity), Ksenia has always had a real passion for personal branding. 

She’s worked with organisations as UNOOSA, SpaceWatch.Global, SPACEBIT, and SGAC and has recently launched her own space-related personal branding course that helps people navigate through the jungles of social media marketing and unlock their space influencer-self. 

00:27 Introducing Ksenia Ozkok

01:17 Ksenia’s company

02:48 Importance of personal branding

04:46 Tech leaders social media presence

05:18 Ksenia’s preferred social’s

09:00 Personal side of branding

10:45 Ksenia’s first course

14:38 Imposter syndrome and motivation to be a science communicator

20:00 Motivation and accountability in a course

21:22 From course to practical application - success stories

25:52 Ksenia’s background

32:06 Wrap up and social’s

Social’s:

Ksenia’s Website: https://spacexenia.com/crashcourse

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spacexenia/?hl=en

For mentoring, marketing consulting, workshops, speaker or other enquiries: [email protected]

Stay connected with us!

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

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

Website (coming soon): www.astroben.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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Space Marketing is at the heart of Izzy's career. She combined both of her passions of marketing and space into one expertise. With an extensive marketing background and three marketing degrees, she turns the lens of marketing onto the space industry.    In this episode, Ben and Izzy discuss her first book "Space Marketing", the first book in a series of space marketing books. This guide is useful to most businesses that are struggling with marketing, not just space-based companies. 

00:41 Introducing Izzy House

01:00 What is Izzy’s book “Space Marketing” and how did it come about?

09:33 Izzy’s target demographic?

10:46 Importance of marketing

13:52 Social Media challenges

18:15 How new is Space Marketing?

20:38 Big Data

22:48 What metrics are useful in Space Marketing?

27:53 Marketing Examples (SpaceX/Virgin Galactic)

32:04 Future books?

34:38 Wrap up and details on how to get Izzy’s book

Izzy’s Book:

GET THE BOOK ON AMAZON!* CLICK HERE AND AUDIBLE! CLICK HERE

Want to signup to be on the email list? CLICK HERE

Izzy’s Website: 

www.izzy.house

Stay connected with us!

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

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

Website (coming soon): www.astroben.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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Scott “Kidd” Poteet is a retired United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel who served 20 years in various roles that include Commander of the 64th Aggressor Squadron, USAF Thunderbird #4 Demonstration Pilot, USAF Weapons School Graduate, Operational Test & Evaluation Pilot, and Flight Examiner. 

In this episode, Ben chats with Scott about the newly announced Polaris program and how he feels about being selected as the mission pilot for "Polaris Dawn," SpaceX's next step in making humanity a space-faring civilisation.

00:43 Introducing Scott Poteet

01:00 ‘Kidd’

02:02 What is Polaris Dawn?

03:48 Speed of SpaceX’s training

05:50 The role of Mission Pilot

09:12 How did SpaceX set the mission goals for Polaris Dawn?

11:29 The first commercial EVA walk

14:30 How Scott met Jared

16:54 What is Jared really like?

21:50 Astronaut Dreams

29:11 Inspiration and Polaris - measuring success

34:24 Scott’s family reaction to hearing Scott is going to space

37:10 Wrap up and socials

The Polaris Program

Website: https://polarisprogram.com/dawn/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/polarisprogram

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

Scott’s Social Media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kiddpoteet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/kiddpoteet?utm_medium=copy_link

Stay connected with us!

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

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

Website (coming soon): www.astroben.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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The mission of Janet and Janet's Planet is to encourage young people to stand in their awesomeness and inspire future generations to use their innate intelligence and creativity to create a better future in Space. 

In this episode, Ben has his own "Janet's Planet" experience and learns about Janet's strategies to connect with kids, the importance of science communication, and what it would mean to have a kid in space!

00:25 Introducing Janet Ivy

01:10 Origin of Janet’s Planet

04:52 Importance of female science communication

07:48 Importance of STEAM or STREAM

11:20 Creativity and Empathy in robotics

16:34 Is Space becoming a more realistic career path for kids?

22:25 Strategies for engaging with kids

26:30 Message to teachers

27:20 Explore Mars

28:50 A child in space?

32:38 What Janet has learnt about herself

36:44 Wrap up and socials

You can follow Janet here: https://www.janetsplanet.com/

You can attend the "Human to Mars" summit here: https://www.exploremars.org/

Social Media

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

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/janet-s-planet/

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

Stay connected with us!

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

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

Website (coming soon): www.astroben.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gambleonit?lang=en

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In episode 32 Ben chats to Dr Paul Bate, the CEO of the UK Space Agency who leads a team of more than 250 people, who provide technical advice on the UK government’s space strategy, and guide the UK space sector to deliver the government’s vision. They discuss the National Space Strategy, the UK's future launch capabilities and the importance of championing space and it’s benefits in our every day lives.

00:19 Intro to Paul Bate 01:12 What are the UK doing in space? (here) 02:51 Learning on the job 04:48 The UK's launch facility - go to place in Europe for satellite launches? 06:25 Virgin Orbit https://virginorbit.com/ 07:50 UK uniquely positioned for launches? 08:57  Timeline to see launches in UK 09:36 How did Paul’s role in healthcare prepare Paul for leading the UK Space Agency? 12:14 How Paul tool on leadership from Graham Turnock 16:50 Tim Peake and future UK astronauts as source of inspiration 19:30 Government department (or arms length body) 21:17 How governments prioritise space in their manifestos 23:13 Pauls aspirations for agency - what can UK be the leader in? 26:00 Excitement for UK Space Agency’s future (and collaborations such as Rosalind Franklin Rover, James Webb Telescope) 28:24 Has Brexit effected how the UK interacts in space? 30:48 Pauls dream job (and perfect time to do it) 31:52 Pauls personal life 33:13 Wrap up and social medias   Social Media   Twitter: https://twitter.com/spacegovuk & https://twitter.com/paul_bate  

Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-space-agency

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

Website (coming soon): www.astroben.com

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Pulsar Fusion strives to be the preeminent force in the European nuclear fusion technology sector, by leveraging scientific advances into commercial innovations across aerospace and energy. The wider societal shifts towards renewable energy and deep space exploration favour the application of nuclear fusion. 

Pulsar Fusion intends to capitalise upon these changes by building the infrastructure and systems to enable them. In this episode Ben speaks to the Richard Dinan (the founder of Pulsar) about fusion technology and what he is looking to do in space and why!

00:19 Introduction to episode 31 - Pulsar Fusion and founder Richard Dinan

01:21 Bringing on Richard - was he “Made in Chelsea”?

02:10 Live from the rocket factory!

03:35 Pulsar Fusion origin https://pulsarfusion.com/

06:30 Richard explains fusion 

11:45 Propulsion 

15:35 Start-up mentality and investment?

18:33 Importance of patents

19:54 ITER https://www.iter.org/ (building a star)

23:07 Made in Chelsea - why Richard got involved

26:14 Key takeaways from Made in Chelsea

27:50 Reality TV stars turn to science?

28:55 Bens reality TV idea

29:07 Timeline for Pulsar

32:03 Pulsars eureka moment?

39:06 Would Richard go to space?

41:04 Outro and socials

Social Media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/richarddinan?lang=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richarddinan/?hl=en

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-dinan-808a835a/?originalSubdomain=uk

Stay connected with us!

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

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

Website (coming soon): www.astroben.com

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Jeff Foust is a senior staff writer for SpaceNews, joining the publication in 2014. He covers civil and commercial space topics, ranging from NASA programs to developments in the entrepreneurial NewSpace field. He has more than a decade of experience writing about space policy, commercial space, and related topics. In 2003, he started The Space Review, a weekly publication of longform articles and commentary on a wide range of space topics that continues to operate to this day. 

He earned a Ph.D. in planetary sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1999 and a B.S. with honors in geophysics and planetary science from the California Institute of Technology in 1993.  He received the Press Award from the National Space Club and Foundation in 2018.

In this episode Ben chats to Jeff about his career, Space News, journalism and what the headline might be when humanity gets back to the moon!

00:18 Episode 30: Jeff Foust

02:07 What is Space News?

02:40 Focus of Space News

04:01 Demographic of readers

05:00 Future of printed media

06:31 How do stories get picked?

07:57 Overlap of stories ie Starlink

09:40 Handling of good and bad news

12:50 Anything Jeff wouldn’t publish?  

15:00 Academic background enhance journalism?

15:55 Jeff’s passion for space

17:22 Space Tourism

20:21 Keeping public engaged

22:50 What has Jeff learned about Space industry over his career

25:10 Jeff's moon landing headline?

26:50 Space Review

28:38 Productivity

29:34 What’s going on in news?

31:28  Wrap Up and Social Media’s

Social Media

www.spacenews.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jeff_Foust

@jeff_foust

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Dr. Shawna Pandya is a Canadian physician, scientist-astronaut candidate program graduate with the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS) and  Project PoSSUM, aquanaut, speaker, martial artist, advanced diver, skydiver, pilot-in-training, VP Immersive Medicine with Luxsonic Technologies and Fellow of the Explorers’ Club. She is also Director of the IIAS/PoSSUM Space Medicine Group, Chief Instructor of the IIAS/PoSSUM Operational Space Medicine course, Director of Medical Research at Orbital Assembly Corporation.

In this episode, Ben chats to Dr Shawna about her journey to get to the stars, the importance of psychological resilience and why she is a fan of doing things “same, same but different”!

00:18 Episode 29: Dr Shawna Pandya - Ben more than impressed with her CV (won’t be the last time he mentions it)

01:43 Ben brings on Dr Shawna

02:00 What is a citizen astronaut candidate?

04:07 Why is Dr Shawna considering the alternative route to space?

06:46 Favourite astronaut training activity?

11:50 What did Dr Shawna learn about herself?

15:27 Rural emergency medicine

16:18 Ben attempts to talk about learnings from Covid in respect to space. Dr Shawna’s thoughts on covid response.

20:12 Does Mars simulation experience help with covid?

22:52 Strategy to become astronaut

22:40 Game-plan to get to space?

26:34 What research would Dr Shawna do in LEO?

28:12 What is Orbital and what is the timeline? https://orbitalassembly.com/

29:44 What advice for young women entering the STEM world?

30:20 Dr Shawna’s love of Taekwondo

33:04 Outro and wrap up

Social Media

Twitter/Instagram: https://twitter.com/shawnapandya?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/shawnapandya/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnapandyaofficial/about

LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnapandya/?originalSubdomain=ca

Stay connected with us!

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