The Vector

How does a country establish its own space program? Michal Brichta, co-founder of the newly established Slovak Space Office and head of its industry branch, explains on this episode of the Vector. Brichta and host Kelli Kedis Ogborn discuss Slovakia’s intention to leverage its existing capabilities in areas like electronics, IT, and automotive engineering to bolster its space presence. What could the role of local industry, policy and international business look like in enabling a vibrant Slovakian space industry? Listen on for firsthand insight on Brichta’s ambitious initiative. 

The Vector is brought to you by Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation. To tune in live, listen on other platforms, and learn more about Space Commerce Institute programs, please visit http://bit.ly/sci_links.  

Did you know that over 100 organizations and 30 countries contributed to satellite projects in the past year? In this robust episode of the Vector, an impressive cadre of economists and experienced business people discuss the large-scale trends driving the global space economy forward. Hear insights from Matt Weinzierl, Senior Associate Dean and Chair of the MBA program at Harvard Business School, Brendan Russo, teaching fellow at Harvard Business School, and Lesley Conn, Director of The Space Report at Space Foundation. Host Kelli Kedis Ogborn guides the conversation through topics like space workforce challenges, the emergence of human spaceflight, and growing opportunities related to Earth observation applications. 

The Vector is brought to you by Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation. To tune in live, listen on other platforms, and learn more about Space Commerce Institute programs, please visit http://bit.ly/sci_links.  

Learn more about the Space Report 

Why do some space startup pitches fail? What sets a space company apart, and how can entrepreneurs take advantage of decreasing launch costs and increasing government support for space activities? Explore these key questions and more with this month’s Vector episode, featuring a conversation between Raphael Roettgen, founder of E2MC Venture Capital Firms and host Kelli Kedis Ogborn. Roettgen shares his perspective on the problem of orbital debris, discusses regulations that promote growth, and offers key insights for companies looking to find their niche in the space economy. 

Episode Resources:

• Space Business Podcast https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast

The Vector is brought to you by Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation. To tune in live, listen on other platforms, and learn more about Space Commerce Institute programs, please visit http://bit.ly/sci_links.  

As the International Space Station approaches retirement, coalitions of space companies are clamoring to shape the future. What will the transition from government-owned stations to commercial stations look like? What types of new activities will be conducted there and who will be utilizing these new stations? Explore these questions with host Kelli Kedis Ogborn and Clay Mowry, Chief Revenue Officer at Voyager Space. With Mowry's firsthand experiences at the forefront of a pioneering company, this wide-ranging discussion is brimming with invaluable insights you will not want to miss. 

The Vector is brought to you by Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation. To tune in live, listen on other platforms, and learn more about Space Commerce Institute programs, please visit http://bit.ly/sci_links.  

When you envision careers in space, what do you imagine? Mike French, Vice President for Space Systems at Aerospace Industries Association, and host Kelli Kedis Ogborn explore the diverse array of job opportunities within the rapidly expanding space sector. From welding and machinery operation to office support and business operations, the space industry offers a wide range of career paths, extending beyond just science and engineering roles. Yet, why do companies often struggle to attract, recruit, and retain talent? Listen to this episode of the Vector to dive into space workforce challenges and discover the most promising solutions to strengthen the space talent pipeline.  

The Vector is brought to you by Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation. To tune in live, listen on other platforms, and learn more about Space Commerce Institute programs, please visit http://bit.ly/sci_links.  

Why are intellectual property protections important for space entrepreneurs and innovators? What resources are out there for visionaries looking to secure funding, license their products, and commercialize their ideas? On this episode of The Vector, Kathy Vida, Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) joins host Kelli Kedis Ogborn to highlight the office’s plethora of resources available to innovators. With a surge in patent applications within fields such as space technologies, space-adjacent domains, and artificial intelligence, understanding the intellectual property landscape has never been more vital. Tune in for tips on how to engage with government agencies, avoid common IP pitfalls, and take full advantage of USPTO resources. 

The Vector is brought to you by Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation. To tune in live, listen on other platforms, and learn more about Space Commerce Institute programs, please visit http://bit.ly/sci_links.  

Did you know that invisible orthodontics came from materials research in space? Or that Easy VI, a solution to clean up soil and groundwater contaminants worldwide, originated as a product to clean rocket parts? 

Meredith Reeves, NASA’s Technology Transfer Expansion Lead at Kennedy Space Center, joins host Kelli Kedis Ogborn on the Vector for a scintillating conversation about space spin-off technology. As opportunities for research in space skyrocket, there are endless possibilities for connecting space technology with our day-to-day lives. Join us to learn how NASA engages with startups, entrepreneurs and communities to launch space spin-off opportunities into orbit. 

The Vector is brought to you by Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation. To tune in live, listen on other platforms, and learn more about Space Commerce Institute programs, please visit http://bit.ly/sci_links.  

How do government and private sector stakeholders approach space research and development differently? What role does policy and regulation play in enabling or hindering new capabilities? This month, Matt Tompkins, Vice President of the Outpost Space Portfolio, sits down with host Kelli Kedis Ogborn for a wide-ranging discussion filled with practical tips and insights for NewSpace entrepreneurs. Listen and learn about how successful companies are navigating the intertwined yet distinct private and public sectors of the space ecosystem, engaging commercial, national security, and civil verticals. 

The Vector is brought to you by Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation. To tune in live, listen on other platforms, and learn more about Space Commerce Institute programs, please visit http://bit.ly/sci_links.  

How is a South-Florida based initiative helping entrepreneurs from all industries venture into space? Dr. John Wensveen, Chief Innovation Officer at Nova Southeastern University, talks with host Kelli Kedis Ogborn about a budding partnership between the Space Foundation and the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation. Tune into this month’s episode of the Vector to discover how the LEVL5 SPACEDOCK project aims to grow the space industry in South Florida, challenging everyone to expand our collective understanding of space-relevant innovation. 

The Vector is brought to you by Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation. To tune in live, listen on other platforms, and learn more about Space Commerce Institute programs, please visit http://bit.ly/sci_links.  

How can starry-eyed NewSpace entrepreneurs balance their idealistic ambitions with pragmatic business approaches? Industry experts Zaheer Ali and Jamie Lesser from NewSpace Finance sit down with Kelli Kedis Ogborn on the Vector to share their insights and strategic advice. How can entrepreneurs unlock multiple business models, maximize utilization of existing space infrastructure, and determine whether investors are the right strategic fit? Tune in for a wealth of practical pointers from these distinguished guests. 

The Vector is brought to you by Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation. To tune in live, listen on other platforms, and learn more about Space Commerce Institute programs, please visit http://bit.ly/sci_links.