The Kármán Line

How does winning the UK Space Agency's Active Debris Removal (UK ADR) contract position ClearSpace to capture defunct satellites? How do their multi-arm robotics and advanced machine-learning algorithms match up to the task? How does active debris removal establish a long-term national capability and commercial service layer in space? And what does a transition from R&D grants to major anchor contracts mean for hyper-scaling UK In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM)?

Join Jonners as he talks with Rob Atchison, Managing Director of ClearSpace UK, about active debris capture, cross-domain defence resilience, and setting firm foundations for ISAM across Europe.

Contributors:

Jonathan Davies, The Karman Line

Jonathan Davies | LinkedIn

The Karman Line | Website

Rob Atchison, Managing Director, ClearSpace UK

Rob Atchison | LinkedIn

ClearSpace UK | LinkedIn

Key topics covered:

• The UK Active Debris Removal (UK ADR) mission
• Robotic multi-arm capture of non-cooperative, defunct satellites
• In-orbit inspection, station-keeping, hardware replacement, and deorbiting
• Transitioning from R&D grants to government anchor procurement contracts
• In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM)
• Unlocking institutional private capital & venture hyper-scaling
• Orbital resilience for essential terrestrial infrastructure (maritime, healthcare)
• Cross-domain space defence (UK Space Command) & soft power
• Designing future satellites for modularity, servicing, and recycling

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How does Metalysis strip oxygen as a captured gas from metal oxides and convert the oxide into pure metal alloys? How will this help us to supply life support for lunar bases or create rocket propellant for deep-space refuelling? Once the oxygen is stripped away how can the remaining metal alloys be repurposed for 3D-printed infrastructure, landing pads or road surfaces? And how can Metalysis’ research help regolith inks to print electronic components directly in space?

Join Jonners as he talks with Nitesh Shah, Director CEO, and Ian Mellor, Managing Director of Metalysis, about the extraction of lunar oxygen, high-performance engine alloys and domestic supply chain resilience. Find out how a UK company is pioneering technologies that will allow future exploration missions to “live off the land”.

Contributors:

Jonathan Davies, The Karman Line

Jonathan Davies | LinkedIn

The Karman Line | Website

Nitesh Shah, Director CEO, Metalysis

Nitesh Shah | LinkedIn

Metalysis | LinkedIn

Ian Mellor, Managing Director, Metalysis

Ian Mellor | LinkedIn

Metalysis | LinkedIn

Key topics covered:

• Solid-state Cambridge FFC process & electrochemical oxide reduction
• In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) on the Moon
• Extracting ~95% oxygen yield from aluminosilicate lunar regolith
• Regolith metal byproducts for lunar roads, landing pads, and construction
• AI and machine-learning-driven alloy discovery
• Sovereign production of C-103 (niobium-hafnium) rocket engine alloy
• Clean, energy-efficient domestic titanium production vs. traditional Kroll processing
• In-space 3D printing, conductive regolith inks, and electronics manufacturing
• Transitioning from R&D to commercial midstream manufacturing

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Does sub-centimetre, non-trackable space debris pose an existential threat to satellites and orbital infrastructure? How can ultra-lightweight "black box" sensors turn a spacecraft's surface into an impact detector to diagnose anomalies? What do satellite operators need to unlock affordable, named-peril collision insurance through Lloyd's of London? And how can a "neighbourhood watch" network of sensor-equipped satellites build live space domain awareness to protect the space economy?

Join Jonners as he talks with Dan Terrett, Co-Founder and COO of Odin Space, about the 130 million rogue “poppy seed bullets” flying around, punching holes in satellites and the challenge this presents to insuring a market that is moving from frontier to real economy at an incredible pace.

Contributors:

Jonathan Davies, The Karman Line

Jonathan Davies | LinkedIn

The Karman Line | Website

Dan Terrett, Co-Founder & COO, Odin Space

Dan Terrett | LinkedIn

Odin Space | LinkedIn

Key topics covered:

• Lethal, non-trackable sub-centimetre orbital debris
• Odin Space "black box" impact sensing & diagnostics
• Instant failure attribution vs. unexplained spacecraft anomalies
• Lloyd's of London & named-peril collision insurance
• Space Domain Awareness (SDA) & "Neighbourhood Watch" network alerts
• Transitioning from seed venture risk to mature institutional capital
• Commercial space platforms & hosted payload risk management (D-Orbit)
• Space sustainability & the Astra Carta
• Transatlantic synergy: US satellite ecosystem & UK financial/insurance markets

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What is the true balance between human spaceflight and robotic exploration when it comes to science, inspiration, and decision-making capabilities? How is space transitioning from a niche frontier to an everyday commercial workplace? What role do regulatory frameworks, such as the United Nations, the Artemis Accords, and the Astra Carta, play in keeping orbit and the lunar surface safe and sustainable? And how can the UK Government act as an "anchor customer" to bridge the commercial "valley of death" for domestic space startups?

Join Alice and Jonners in this special episode recorded in Chichester Marina with British astronaut Tim Peake as he shares insights on space adaptation syndrome, commercial space stations, lunar research bases, global space traffic management, and the future of human exploration to Mars.

Contributors:

Alice Bunn, President of UKspace

Dr Alice Bunn OBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng | LinkedIn

UKspace: Overview | LinkedIn

Jonathan Davies, The Karman Line

Jonathan Davies | LinkedIn

The Karman Line | LinkedIn

Tim Peake, Astronaut

Tim Peake | LinkedIn

Key topics covered:

• Human spaceflight vs. robotic exploration
• Space Adaptation Syndrome (nausea & gravity adjustment)
• Normalising space as a commercial workplace
• Transition from space stations to commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
• Artemis programme & sustainable lunar research bases
• Astronaut selection mindsets, psychological profiles, and stress testing
• International space cooperation & soft power (ISS legacy)
• Governance, leaseholds, and regulatory frameworks on the Moon
• The Astra Carta & space sustainability
• Human exploration of Mars
• Government as “anchor customers

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How can a malleable, plant-based bio-leather grown off-grid in Scotland transform under extreme heat into an RF-transparent, rock-like ceramic shield? What does Draconite mean for the economics of spacecraft re-entry and thermal protection systems? How does self-taught material science disrupt traditional "old space" gatekeeping and university lab paradigms? What are the dual-use applications of biomimetic thermal shields across space re-entry, defence satellite protection, and terrestrial wildfire mitigation?

Join Alice and Jonners as they talk with the astonishing Alisha Fuller-Armah, CEO and founder of Draconite, about her journey from scaling a Caribbean wedding venue to inventing a self-vitrifying, plastic-free thermal protection material and proving it works by pointing a blow torch at her own hand!

Contributors:

Alice Bunn, President of UKspace 

Dr Alice Bunn OBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng | LinkedIn

UKspace: Overview | LinkedIn

Jonathan Davies, The Karman Line

Jonathan Davies | LinkedIn

The Karman Line | LinkedIn

Alisha Fuller-Armah, CEO & Founder, Draconite

Alisha Fuller-Armah | LinkedIn

Key topics covered:

• Draconite bio-based thermal shield technology
• Self-vitrification and heat-soak insulation vs. traditional ablation
• RF transparency during re-entry communications
• Off-grid, low-cost cellulose fermentation & sovereign manufacturing
• UK Space Agency Accelerator & scaling deep tech
• Defence applications (anti-laser satellite shrouds)
• Overcoming academic gatekeeping through self-taught science
• PFAS-free, traceless, and non-toxic space materials
• Terrestrial wildfire and passive fire protection

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Does the Government's latest space strategy properly connect defence, civil policy and commercial space growth? How will the MOD and DSIT merge procurement approaches? What are the specific outcomes targeted across the four core focus areas: Satcoms, Space Domain Awareness, Launch, and In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing? How do freedom of action and assured access balance sovereign UK capabilities with NATO and ESA alliances? And what major regulatory, insurance, and procurement changes are coming down the line?

Join Jonners and Stephanie Ayres, Head of Policy at UKspace, as they debate whether the machinery of Government is fully backing a practical blueprint for picking winners and driving national security and economic growth or delivering just another false dawn.

Contributors:

Jonathan Davies, The Karman Line

Jonathan Davies | LinkedIn 

The Karman Line | Website

Stephanie Ayres, Head of Policy UKspace

Stephanie Ayres | LinkedIn 

UKspace: Overview | LinkedIn

Key topics covered:

New National Space Strategy overview

MOD and DSIT procurement alignment

Government as an "anchor customer"

Four core capability pillars (Satcoms, SDA, Launch, ISAM)

Sovereign ISR and Space Control

Freedom of action vs. Allied integration (NATO/ESA)

Assured launch (SaxaVord & Spaceport Cornwall)

"Picking winners" and targeted funding awards

Regulatory and insurance sandboxes (City of London)

Enterprise Category Management and cross-departmental governance

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How does Ploughshare turn Ministry of Defence owned R&D into commercial businesses serving wider society? Why has commercialising defence technology historically been "suboptimal," and how is the newly launched Technology and Growth Alliance (TAG) shifting the dial? How can classified innovations be declassified by separating the underlying core technology from its military application? What structural changes are required in UK venture capital to build "bolder, braver" scale-ups capable of navigating defence procurement and space markets?

Join Alice and Jonners as they talk with Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, CEO of Ploughshare, about how to take brilliant defence innovation out of Government labs and apply it to wider commercial markets like healthcare and telecoms. Plus, navigating the rules, regulations and protection rackets. “No, you can’t go speak to the Minister”.

Contributors:

Alice Bunn, President of UKspace 

Dr Alice Bunn OBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng | LinkedIn

UKspace: Overview | LinkedIn

Jonathan Daves, The Karman Line

Jonathan Daves | LinkedIn

The Karman Line | LinkedIn

Hetti Barkworth-Nanton CBE, CEO, Ploughshare

Hetti Barkworth-Nanton | LinkedIn

Ploughshare | LinkedIn

Key topics covered:

• Commercialising defence R&D & Ploughshare's mission
• The Technology and Growth Alliance (TAG)
• Declassifying top-secret defence tech
• Reverse dual-use
• Cultural shifts in academia and corporate defence primes
• Space and defence tech synergy
• Defence procurement challenges
• The Defence Investment Plan (DIP)
• UK venture capital gaps
• Funding dual-use scale-ups
• Purpose-driven leadership & organisational culture

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How does the Satellite Applications Catapult evaluate and select "high-potential" space ventures? What role does commercial matchmaking, tech validation, and international growth strategy play in scaling startups into global leaders? How can the UK shift from passive R&D grants to an "Olympic-style" industrial policy that goes all-in on world-class space "winners"? What structural changes—such as rapid regulatory approvals, sovereign capital funds, and secure defence gateways—are needed to cut a path through the space growth jungle?

Join Alice and Jonners as they talk with John Abbott, CEO of the Satellite Applications Catapult, about the ruthless selection strategies to unleash businesses with the highest potential for growth. And why this process is worth it, even if you pass on The Beatles.

Contributors:

Alice Bunn, President of UKspace 

Dr Alice Bunn OBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng | LinkedIn

UKspace: Overview | LinkedIn

Jonathan Daves, The Karman Line

Jonathan Daves | LinkedIn

The Karman Line | LinkedIn

John Abbott, CEO, Satellite Applications Catapult

John Abbott | LinkedIn

Satellite Applications Catapult | LinkedIn

Key topics covered: 

• Satellite Applications
• Catapult operating model & impact
• Evaluating "high-potential" space businesses
• Open Cosmos, Mag Drive, and UK space scale-ups
• The three core Catapult missions: Beyond Earth, Autonomous & Connected Earth, Resilient Earth
• Matchmaking vs. Challenge
• Accelerating Sovereign space capability & international trust
• Industrial Strategy: "Picking winners" vs. broad SME support
• Cross-government alignment, capital growth, and rapid regulation
• The Space and Defence Gateway at Harwell

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What really happened at Spaceport Cornwall after the 2023 Virgin Orbit launch? Why, from an operational and regulatory standpoint, was the failed mission actually a success? How can spaceport infrastructure and segregated airspace be repurposed for high-volume drone testing, hypersonic flight, and returning spaceplanes? What is the true definition of "assured launch," and why is domestic launch capability crucial for national resilience? How is Cornwall evolving beyond its launch heritage into a multi-sector commercial technology ecosystem? 

Join Alice and Jonners as they talk to Ross Hulbert, Space Engagement Lead at Spaceport Cornwall, and discuss the realities of pioneering spaceports, mixed airspace regulation, local economic impact, and subsidising future space access.

Contributors:

Alice Bunn, President of UKspace 

Dr Alice Bunn OBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng | LinkedIn

UKspace: Overview | LinkedIn

Jonathan Daves, The Karman Line

Jonathan Daves | LinkedIn

The Karman Line | LinkedIn

Ross Hulbert, Space Engagement Lead, Spaceport Cornwall 

Ross Hulbert | LinkedIn

Spaceport Cornwall | LinkedIn

Key topics covered: 

• Spaceport Cornwall evolution & operations 
• Virgin Orbit launch legacy & technical learnings 
• Mixed airspace & BVLOS drone testing 
• Hypersonic testing & spaceplane recovery 
• Assured vs sovereign launch capability 
• Global launch bottlenecks & reliance on SpaceX 
• Space Clusters & Cornish economic growth 
• Subsidising space access for UK operators 

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What does "dual-use" technology truly mean? What happens when academia, industry, and government join forces at an institution like NESST? What connects the London Olympics and the MoD’s Skynet satellite system? And are policy and legal hurdles holding back the full potential of dual-use tech?

In this episode, Dave Moody - Director of the North-East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) at Northumbria University - joins Alice Bunn and Jonners to explore the critical dual-use elements of space technology. From the First Gulf War to the London Olympics, space has, time and time again, quietly delivered essential capabilities. Is it time we start singing its praises?

Contributors:

Alice Bunn, President of UKspace 

Dr Alice Bunn OBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng | LinkedIn

UKspace: Overview | LinkedIn

Jonathan Daves, The Karman Line

Jonathan Daves | LinkedIn

The Karman Line | LinkedIn

Dave Moody, Director, North East Space Skills and Technology Centre, Northumbria University

Dave Moody | LinkedIn

Northumbria University | LinkedIn

Key topics covered:

Dual Use

Military

London Olympics

SkyNet

NESST

Northumbria University

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