Space Minds

In this episode of Space Minds, Mike Gruss talks with BlackSky’s Lyn Chassagne about AI’s role in the imagery sector, how international partners are thinking about sovereignty and the quest for omniscience.About Space MindsSpace Minds is a new audio and video podcast from SpaceNews that focuses on the inspiring leaders, technologies and exciting opportunities in space.This weekly podcast features compelling interviews with scientists, founders and experts who love to talk about space, covers the news that has enthusiasts daydreaming, and engages with listeners. Join David Ariosto, Mike Gruss and journalists from the SpaceNews team for new episodes every Thursday.Space Minds Podcast⁠https://spacenews.com/space-minds-podcast⁠Sign up for a SpaceNews newsletter⁠https://spacenews.com/newsletters/⁠

In this episode of Space Minds, Mike Gruss talks with Terran Orbital’s Peter Krauss about what he’s learned about culture from primes and startups. He also explains how to understand “scalability” as well as how work in space is like racing cars.About Space MindsSpace Minds is a new audio and video podcast from SpaceNews that focuses on the inspiring leaders, technologies and exciting opportunities in space.This weekly podcast features compelling interviews with scientists, founders and experts who love to talk about space, covers the news that has enthusiasts daydreaming, and engages with listeners. Join David Ariosto, Mike Gruss and journalists from the SpaceNews team for new episodes every Thursday.Space Minds Podcast⁠https://spacenews.com/space-minds-podcast⁠Sign up for a SpaceNews newsletter⁠https://spacenews.com/newsletters/

In this episode of Space Minds, Mike Gruss talks with Arcfield’s Kevin Kelly on how he’s thinking about AI, how he defines space superiority and what needs to happen to make Golden Dome a success.👉 See more episodes in the Space Minds playlist About Space MindsSpace Minds is a new audio and video podcast from SpaceNews that focuses on the inspiring leaders, technologies and exciting opportunities in space.This weekly podcast features compelling interviews with scientists, founders and experts who love to talk about space, covers the news that has enthusiasts daydreaming, and engages with listeners. Join David Ariosto, Mike Gruss and journalists from the SpaceNews team for new episodes every Thursday.Space Minds Podcasthttps://spacenews.com/space-minds-podcastSign up for a SpaceNews newsletterhttps://spacenews.com/newsletters/

In this episode of Space Minds, we head back to Space Symposium where SpaceNews’ Sandra Erwin moderated a panel on how optical communication links can provide warfighters and operators with the data throughput, resilience and security they need in contested and congested environments. She speaks with GP Sandhoo, the acting director of the Space Development Agency, Mina Mitry, CEO and co-founder of Kepler, Jeff Huggins, president of Cailabs US and Sven Rettig, chief commercial officer of Tesat.👉 See more episodes in the Space Minds playlist About Space MindsSpace Minds is a new audio and video podcast from SpaceNews that focuses on the inspiring leaders, technologies and exciting opportunities in space.This weekly podcast features compelling interviews with scientists, founders and experts who love to talk about space, covers the news that has enthusiasts daydreaming, and engages with listeners. Join David Ariosto, Mike Gruss and journalists from the SpaceNews team for new episodes every Thursday.Space Minds Podcasthttps://spacenews.com/space-minds-podcastSign up for a SpaceNews newsletterhttps://spacenews.com/newsletters/

In this episode of Space Minds, Mike Gruss talks with Col. Tim Trimailo on how the Space Force is working with industry. They discuss what the service wants to see from new companies, how they’re casting a wider net and what’s driving this need for speed.👉 See more episodes in the Space Minds playlist About Space MindsSpace Minds is a new audio and video podcast from SpaceNews that focuses on the inspiring leaders, technologies and exciting opportunities in space.This weekly podcast features compelling interviews with scientists, founders and experts who love to talk about space, covers the news that has enthusiasts daydreaming, and engages with listeners. Join David Ariosto, Mike Gruss and journalists from the SpaceNews team for new episodes every Thursday.Space Minds Podcasthttps://spacenews.com/space-minds-podcastSign up for a SpaceNews newsletterhttps://spacenews.com/newsletters/

In this episode of Space Minds, Mike Gruss talks with Alyssa Goessler on what's driving the optimism in the space economy. They discuss the rigor needed in evaluating companies, the new role for investors in government acquisition and what to watch for in the next 12 months.👉 See more episodes in the Space Minds playlist About Space MindsSpace Minds is a new audio and video podcast from SpaceNews that focuses on the inspiring leaders, technologies and exciting opportunities in space.This weekly podcast features compelling interviews with scientists, founders and experts who love to talk about space, covers the news that has enthusiasts daydreaming, and engages with listeners. Join David Ariosto, Mike Gruss and journalists from the SpaceNews team for new episodes every Thursday.Space Minds Podcasthttps://spacenews.com/space-minds-podcastSign up for a SpaceNews newsletterhttps://spacenews.com/newsletters/

In this episode of Space Minds, Mike Gruss talks with Nightwing’s Joe Mazur to discuss the intersection of cyber and space. They chat about the acceleration of cyber operations, the role of offensive cyber capabilities and how acquisition is evolving.👉 See more episodes in the Space Minds playlist About Space MindsSpace Minds is a new audio and video podcast from SpaceNews that focuses on the inspiring leaders, technologies and exciting opportunities in space.This weekly podcast features compelling interviews with scientists, founders and experts who love to talk about space, covers the news that has enthusiasts daydreaming, and engages with listeners. Join David Ariosto, Mike Gruss and journalists from the SpaceNews team for new episodes every Thursday.Space Minds Podcasthttps://spacenews.com/space-minds-podcastSign up for a SpaceNews newsletterhttps://spacenews.com/newsletters/

In this episode of Space Minds, Mike Gruss sits down with Fang Qian to discuss the future of GPS satellites. They chat about the need for jam-resistant signals, what comes next for the constellation and thinking about GPS for the moon.👉 See more episodes in the Space Minds playlist About Space MindsSpace Minds is a new audio and video podcast from SpaceNews that focuses on the inspiring leaders, technologies and exciting opportunities in space.This weekly podcast features compelling interviews with scientists, founders and experts who love to talk about space, covers the news that has enthusiasts daydreaming, and engages with listeners. Join David Ariosto, Mike Gruss and journalists from the SpaceNews team for new episodes every Thursday.Space Minds Podcasthttps://spacenews.com/space-minds-podcastSign up for a SpaceNews newsletterhttps://spacenews.com/newsletters/

In this episode of the Space Minds podcast, SpaceNews’ Mike Gruss interviews Heather Pringle, a retired Major General of the US Air Force who is now the CEO of the Space Foundation. They discuss what to expect at this year’s Space Symposium, how the international space community is responding to recent progress in space capabilities around the world, the impact of the Artemis 2 launch, and efforts to bolster the space workforce.👉 See more episodes in the Space Minds playlist About Space MindsSpace Minds is a new audio and video podcast from SpaceNews that focuses on the inspiring leaders, technologies and exciting opportunities in space.This weekly podcast features compelling interviews with scientists, founders and experts who love to talk about space, covers the news that has enthusiasts daydreaming, and engages with listeners. Join David Ariosto, Mike Gruss and journalists from the SpaceNews team for new episodes every Thursday.Space Minds Podcasthttps://spacenews.com/space-minds-podcastSign up for a SpaceNews newsletterhttps://spacenews.com/newsletters/

In this week's episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss interviews Carmel Ortiz, senior vice president of medium-Earth-orbit constellation programs at SES. They discuss new technology to help satellites communicate and connect, and how SES is finding a competitive edge the evolving landscape of satellite communications.👉 See more episodes in the Space Minds playlist About Space MindsSpace Minds is a new audio and video podcast from SpaceNews that focuses on the inspiring leaders, technologies and exciting opportunities in space.This weekly podcast features compelling interviews with scientists, founders and experts who love to talk about space, covers the news that has enthusiasts daydreaming, and engages with listeners. Join David Ariosto, Mike Gruss and journalists from the SpaceNews team for new episodes every Thursday.Space Minds Podcasthttps://spacenews.com/space-minds-podcastSign up for a SpaceNews newsletterhttps://spacenews.com/newsletters/

On this episode of the Space Minds podcast, host David Ariosto speaks with Mark Bigham, the Vice President of Defense Programs at Longshot Space Technologies Corporation, a new hardware startup developing hypersonic technology. They talk about a new technological approach for launching mass at hypersonic speeds, an idea for improving launch cadences from several times per week to hundreds of times per day, and how a hypersonic system could change the economics of sending cargo into orbit.👉 See more episodes in the Space Minds playlist About Space MindsSpace Minds is a new audio and video podcast from SpaceNews that focuses on the inspiring leaders, technologies and exciting opportunities in space.This weekly podcast features compelling interviews with scientists, founders and experts who love to talk about space, covers the news that has enthusiasts daydreaming, and engages with listeners. Join David Ariosto, Mike Gruss and journalists from the SpaceNews team for new episodes every Thursday.Space Minds Podcasthttps://spacenews.com/space-minds-podcastSign up for a SpaceNews newsletterhttps://spacenews.com/newsletters/

In this episode of the Space Minds podcast, host David Ariosto speaks with Eileen Collins, retired NASA astronaut, Air Force colonel, and the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle and to command a Space Shuttle mission. She is the subject of a new documentary, SPACEWOMAN, directed by Hannah Berryman, which is based on Eileen’s book “Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars” and hitting select theatres nationwide March 20. They discuss life lessons that lent themselves to a career in space and the military, the public and private challenges of leading a crew on the Space Shuttle, and the roles that humans versus artificial intelligence ought to play during space missions.👉 See more episodes in the Space Minds playlist About Space MindsSpace Minds is a new audio and video podcast from SpaceNews that focuses on the inspiring leaders, technologies and exciting opportunities in space.This weekly podcast features compelling interviews with scientists, founders and experts who love to talk about space, covers the news that has enthusiasts daydreaming, and engages with listeners. Join David Ariosto, Mike Gruss and journalists from the SpaceNews team for new episodes every Thursday.Space Minds Podcasthttps://spacenews.com/space-minds-podcastSign up for a SpaceNews newsletterhttps://spacenews.com/newsletters/

In this episode of the SpaceNews Space Minds podcast, host David Ariosto talks with Jonathan Cirtain, CEO and President of Axiom Space. They discuss the challenges — and wonders — of launching a career in an evolving space industry; a key financial sign that the space economy is maturing; and how a commercial presence in low Earth orbit can prepare humanity to explore farther into space.About Space MindsSpace Minds is a new audio and video podcast from SpaceNews that focuses on the inspiring leaders, technologies and exciting opportunities in space.This weekly podcast features compelling interviews with scientists, founders and experts who love to talk about space, covers the news that has enthusiasts daydreaming, and engages with listeners. Join David Ariosto, Mike Gruss and journalists from the SpaceNews team for new episodes every Thursday.Space Minds Podcast⁠https://spacenews.com/space-minds-podcast/⁠Sign up for a SpaceNews newsletter⁠https://spacenews.com/newsletters/

In this episode of Space Minds, Jeff Foust moderates a panel at AIAA AscendxTexas on the role Texas is playing in the space economy. With a series of industry leaders they discuss the capabilities and strategies required to stay competitive especially amid global competition and accelerating demand.About Space MindsSpace Minds is a new audio and video podcast from SpaceNews that focuses on the inspiring leaders, technologies and exciting opportunities in space.This weekly podcast features compelling interviews with scientists, founders and experts who love to talk about space, covers the news that has enthusiasts daydreaming, and engages with listeners. Join David Ariosto, Mike Gruss and journalists from the SpaceNews team for new episodes every Thursday.Space Minds Podcasthttps://spacenews.com/space-minds-podcastSign up for a SpaceNews newsletterhttps://spacenews.com/newsletters/

In this episode of Space Minds, David Ariosto interviews Matt Kuta, president and co-founder of Voyager Technologies about how the company is pursuing a commercialized future in low Earth orbit. They discuss the possibilities of working with research and industry partners in a commercial space station, Voyager's rapidly growing military and missile defense division and how to responsibly deploy AI in space systems from weather mapping to future conflicts between two forces of robotic agents.About Space MindsSpace Minds is a new audio and video podcast from SpaceNews that focuses on the inspiring leaders, technologies and exciting opportunities in space. This weekly podcast features compelling interviews with scientists, founders and experts who love to talk about space, covers the news that has enthusiasts daydreaming, and engages with listeners. Join David Ariosto, Mike Gruss and journalists from the SpaceNews team for new episodes every Thursday.Space Minds Podcasthttps://spacenews.com/space-minds-podcast/Sign up for a SpaceNews newsletterhttps://spacenews.com/newsletters/

In this episode of Space Minds, Mike Gruss sits down with David Ariosto to discuss his new book, Open Space. David talks about how some of the themes of the book — China, the moon and the booming commercial industry — are also some of the storylines that will dominate the headlines this year.  

In this episode of Space Minds, Mike Gruss sits down with a panel of experts at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center to discuss the future of the United States Space Force. He's joined by Susanne Hake from Vantor, John Plumb from K2 Space, and Dennis Woodfork from the Johns Hopkins University. As part of an event at the Center's Discovery Series, they explored the problems congestion on orbit creates, where the Space Force needs to focus next and possible application for AI.About Space MindsSpace Minds is a new audio and video podcast from SpaceNews that focuses on the inspiring leaders, technologies and exciting opportunities in space.This weekly podcast features compelling interviews with scientists, founders and experts who love to talk about space, covers the news that has enthusiasts daydreaming, and engages with listeners. Join David Ariosto, Mike Gruss and journalists from the SpaceNews team for new episodes every Thursday.Space Minds Podcasthttps://spacenews.com/space-minds-podcast/Sign up for a SpaceNews newsletterhttps://spacenews.com/newsletters

In this episode of Space Minds, SpaceNews senior staff writer Sandra Erwin sits down with Gen. Shawn Bratton, vice chair of space operations for the U.S. Space Force for a fireside chat at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center. In the next installment of the Center's Discovery Series, they explored where the Space Force is headed for 2040, the debate over refueling satellites and how Bratton came to join the military.Space Minds is a new audio and video podcast from SpaceNews that focuses on the inspiring leaders, technologies and exciting opportunities in space.This weekly podcast features compelling interviews with scientists, founders and experts who love to talk about space, covers the news that has enthusiasts daydreaming, and engages with listeners. Join David Ariosto, Mike Gruss and journalists from the SpaceNews team for new episodes every Thursday.Space Minds Podcasthttps://spacenews.com/space-minds-podcast/Sign up for a SpaceNews newsletterhttps://spacenews.com/newsletters/

In this episode of Space Minds, SpaceNews host David Ariosto talks with Chiara Manfletti, the CEO of Neuraspace and a professor of space mobility and propulsion at the Technical University of Munich. They discuss space debris, orbital logistics and managing a new orbital economy through new initiatives in Europe and around the world.

In this special episode of Space Minds, our show is split into two segments from the recent SpaceNews annual Icon Awards.In our first segment, SpaceNews correspondent Debra Werner sits down with Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace, to discuss the company’s Blue Ghost Mission 1—an award-winning lunar landing that delivered multiple NASA payloads to the Moon and marked a major milestone for commercial lunar explorationIn the second segment, senior staff writer Jeff Foust moderates a panel discussion with several other award recipients, bringing together leaders from policy, science, and technology. The conversation features Casey Dreier of The Planetary Society, JPL Fellow Steve Chien, Ubotica Technologies co-founder Aubrey Dunne, and NASA’s Roger Hunter, exploring themes ranging from artificial intelligence in space operations to the evolving policy landscape shaping the future of exploration.

In this episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss is joined by SpaceNews journalists Jason Rainbow, Sandra Erwin, Jeff Foust and Debra Werner for a wide-ranging conversation on the space stories that will define the year ahead.The panel examines intensifying competition in satellite broadband and direct-to-device connectivity, the future of NASA and Artemis under new leadership, rising defense and security demands, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence across space systems. Together, they offer their insight into the policy, commercial, and technological shifts shaping the global space economy.

In this episode of Space Minds, host David Ariosto speaks with Juan Alonso — CTO and Co-founder of Luminary Cloud and professor at Stanford University — about the rapid transformation underway in aerospace engineering.Alonso breaks down how advances in computational fluid dynamics and physics AI are enabling designers to simulate complex aerodynamic behavior in seconds, dramatically accelerating how rockets, aircraft, and hypersonic systems are conceived and tested.

In this episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss talks with Dr. Gurpartap “GP” Sandhoo about what he calls "almost a watershed year" for the Space Development Agency. Sandhoo breaks down SDA’s major technical breakthroughs in 2025—ranging from successful hypersonic missile tracking in low Earth orbit to demonstrating space-based Link 16 tactical communications and completing the first-ever optical space-to-air laser link.

In this episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss moderates a timely panel discussion at the Spacepower conference on how commercial space capabilities are reshaping national security, civil space, and military decision-making.Joined by Luke Fischer (CEO and co-founder, SkyFi), Bob Pavelko (Intuitive Machines), and Bradley Cheetham (CEO and co-founder, Advanced Space), the conversation explores what “speed” really means in today’s space environment—and why delivering usable capability now often matters more than waiting for perfect solutions later.

In this episode of Space Minds, host Sandra Erwin sits down with former NASA astronaut and Space Force leader Brig. Gen. Nick Hague for a wide-ranging conversation on how the U.S. Space Force is shaping its culture, training Guardians, and preparing for future conflict in space.Hague reflects on his journey from the International Space Station to the Pentagon, where he now helps oversee operations, readiness, and policy for America’s newest military service. The discussion explores what “test” really means in the Space Force, how risk and speed are balanced, and why continuous learning is essential to maintaining space superiority.

In this episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss sits down with Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, one of the U.S. Space Force’s most influential acquisition leaders and recipient of the SpaceNews Icon Award for Military Space Achievement.Purdy discusses how 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for Space Systems Command (SSC) and why this past year represented a major shift toward the “ground game”—software, training systems, and modernized infrastructure. He describes how Guardians are driving adoption of AI tools, how SSC is integrating commercial innovation at unprecedented speed, and why this current wave of acquisition reform may finally stick.

In this episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss sits down with Matt Magaña, president of space, defense and national Security at Voyager Technologies, to explore one of the most consequential national security space stories of 2025: Golden Dome.Magaña lays out why this initiative represents a major inflection point for U.S. missile defense, requiring a truly integrated system-of-systems approach to track, target and defeat emerging threats such as hypersonic weapons.

In this episode of Space Minds, former NASA commercial space division chief Phil McAlister sits down with host David Ariosto for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of human spaceflight, NASA’s internal culture, and the explosive growth of the commercial space sector.McAlister spent nearly 20 years inside NASA, helping spearhead programs like Commercial Crew and COTS, which paved the way for SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, and a new era of public-private partnerships. He shares stories about internal resistance, political battles, and what it took to shift NASA away from cost-plus contracting after decades of inertia.We also dive into:• Whether the U.S. is really in a “space race” with China• Why the moon’s South Pole may not be first-come, first-served• The sustainability crisis facing SLS, Orion, and Artemis• The role of commercial companies in deep space—not just LEO• How Starship, New Glenn, and private human spaceflight change everything• Whether NASA is destined to become more like the FAA• What the next 50 years in space might actually look like

In this episode of Space Minds, Senior Staff Writer Jeff Foust moderates a panel at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center, the next installment of the Center’s Discovery Series.The panel brings together leaders from Astrobotic, Apex, Johns Hopkins APL and Stoke Space to explore how ideas once confined to the pages of science fiction are rapidly becoming reality. From commercial lunar landers and factory-scale satellite production to nuclear-powered rotorcraft bound for Titan and fully reusable rockets designed to fly daily, the space industry is undergoing a transformative moment.The panel discusses the technologies driving this surge—lower-cost launch, advanced autonomy, shrinking spacecraft, and the rise of a vibrant commercial ecosystem. They also examine the future of lunar infrastructure, in-orbit manufacturing, national security needs, and the growing competitive pressure from China. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about innovation, challenges, and the new frontiers emerging as space becomes more accessible than ever.

In this episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss sits down with Marshall Smith, CEO of Starlab Space for a fireside chat at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center, the next installment of the Center’s Discovery Series.In the fireside chat, they explored how today’s commercial space pioneers are turning concepts once rooted in science fiction into operational reality.Smith reflects on his path from NASA engineer to leading the development of a next-generation commercial space station—one designed for science, manufacturing, and a future where private industry drives a sustainable economy in low Earth orbit. From market demand to design philosophy to the race toward a 2029 launch, Smith explains why he believes continuous human presence in space is essential, and how innovations in microgravity research and AI-driven operations could redefine what’s possible both on orbit and on Earth.

In this episode of Space Minds, host David Ariosto speaks with Jim Bridenstine, former NASA Administrator and U.S. Congressman, who oversaw the launch of the Artemis program—America’s renewed effort to return astronauts to the Moon.Now Managing Partner of the Artemis Group, Bridenstine discusses the intersection of politics, policy, and innovation shaping the modern space race. From government shutdowns and funding instability to U.S.-China competition and the future of lunar commercialization, he shares candid insights on why America’s leadership in space depends on sustaining investment, fostering commercial partnerships, and inspiring a new generation through science and exploration.

In this episode of Space Minds, host David Ariosto speaks with Max Haot, CEO of Vast, the ambitious aerospace company based in Long Beach, California, one of a very few companies working diligently towards the first commercial space station. Just days after the successful launch of Vast’s pathfinder mission, Haot shares what it was like to see their Haven demo spacecraft come to life in orbit — from tense moments in the control room to the triumph of first contact. We talk about their next big step, Haven-1, set to become one of the first privately built, human-rated orbital habitat, and how Vast plans to ensure a seamless transition from the International Space Station to a new era of commercial space infrastructure. Haot also discusses safety, competition, and the future business of living and working in low Earth orbit — all part of Vast’s vision to make space permanently accessible.

In this episode of Space Minds, host David Ariosto speaks with Doug Hendrix, co-founder and CEO of ExoAnalytic Solutions — a company born from three physicists’ passion for solving hard problems in space. Hendrix shares how ExoAnalytic grew from missile defense algorithms to building a global telescope network that tracks thousands of objects in orbit, providing vital insights into space debris, collisions, and threats. Together, they explore how commercial innovation, AI, and automation are reshaping space domain awareness, the rising challenges of orbital congestion, and what a future space conflict might really look like. Hendrix also reflects on how science fiction and the Apollo era first inspired his lifelong pursuit of the final frontier.

In this episode of Space Minds, host David Ariosto speaks with Terry Hart, former NASA astronaut and mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Challenger. Hart reflects on the triumphs of early shuttle missions, the lessons of the Challenger tragedy, and how those experiences shape today’s commercial space era led by companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin.Now a professor at Lehigh University, Hart shares insights on leadership, safety, and the enduring human drive to explore. This conversation connects the legacy of the Shuttle program to the future of human and commercial spaceflight.

On this episode of Space Minds, SpaceNews China correspondent Andrew Jones joins host Mike Gruss to unpack China’s year‑end sprint in space: expected tests tied to Long March 10 and a new crew spacecraft, up to eight maiden commercial launches from firms like Landspace and Space Pioneer alongside CASC’s Long March‑12A, and the state‑backed funding push behind national mega‑constellations.He also breaks down the recent “non‑Earth imaging” cat‑and‑mouse between Maxar and Chang Guang Satellite Technology—and shares how he verifies news from Finland as China’s space information ecosystem evolves.

In this week’s episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss speaks with Robert Lightfoot, president, space at Lockheed Martin and former NASA associate administrator. Lightfoot takes us inside the company’s large space portfolio — from building weather and GPS satellites to advancing missile defense and next-generation interceptors. He shares how Lockheed is adapting to faster, more agile ways of working, explores the evolving economics of space, and reflects on how the U.S. can protect critical assets in an increasingly contested domain. Plus, a look ahead to ambitious milestones like the Artemis moon missions and a potential 2028 space-based interceptor test.

This week’s episode guest is Steve Kitay — former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, former head of Microsoft’s space initiatives, and now Senior Vice President for Space Defense at True Anomaly.The conversations takes us inside a rapidly shifting orbital landscape, where national security, commercial innovation, and geopolitical competition collide. From China’s accelerating satellite programs to the race for real-time space situational awareness, we explore how companies like True Anomaly are building the tools to protect U.S. interests and maintain deterrence in a new era of space as a warfighting domain.

In this week's episode of Space Minds SpaceNews editor Mike Gruss talks with Julien Lamamy, Managing Director of ispace Europe from the World Space Business Week in Paris.Julien shares how the company is developing cost-efficient lunar exploration — from testing and launching its first rover to preparing MAGPIE, a groundbreaking European mission to study hydrogen on the Moon. We discuss how “new space” approaches are reshaping exploration, Europe’s emerging lunar economy, and why Luxembourg is fast becoming a global space hub. Listen in for a deep dive into the future of lunar mobility and resource discovery.

In this episode, SpaceNews editor Mike Gruss talks with Pacome Revillon, CEO of Novaspace. They discuss the accelerating race in direct-to-device satellite communications, the surge in defense spending and dual-use technologies, and the growing role of sovereignty in global space strategies. Revillon also shares insights on consolidation trends within the industry, the future of AI in space applications, and predictions for what’s ahead in launch and defense markets.

In this episode, SpaceNews editor Mike Gruss talks with Brian O'Toole, CEO of BlackSky.The conversation dives into BlackSky’s latest contract win with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the growing role of AI in geospatial intelligence, and the race to deliver near real-time imagery from space. O’Toole also shares insights on sovereign space capabilities, commercial opportunities beyond defense, and how the next generation of satellites is reshaping the future of intelligence.

In this episode, SpaceNews editor Mike Gruss talks with Peter Cannito, CEO of Redwire.They discuss the future of the European space market, Redwire’s expanding footprint, and the growing intersection of space and defense technology.From strategic acquisitions in Europe to investments in autonomy and software, Cannito outlines how Redwire is positioning itself as a nimble, mid-sized player bridging the gap between startups and aerospace giants. The conversation also explores avenues in pharmaceutical research in microgravity, the rise of very low Earth orbit missions (VLEO), and how space and drone technologies are converging to reshape national security.

In this episode, SpaceNews editor Mike Gruss talks with Mina Mitry, CEO of Kepler Communications. They discuss Kepler’s groundbreaking optical communications test — the first ever to connect an aircraft and a spacecraft via laser link. Mitry explains why this milestone matters for defense, border monitoring, and the future of real-time data transfer. The conversation also explores Kepler’s role in an evolving space ecosystem, the push for interoperability and sovereignty, and the company’s roadmap toward delivering internet beyond Earth.

In this episode, SpaceNews editor Mike Gruss talks with Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency.They discuss Europe’s case for greater investment in space, the growing role of defense and security in ESA’s agenda, and the ambitious budget negotiations ahead of November’s ministerial conference. From dual-use technologies to new launch competition and commercial partnerships, Aschbacher outlines how ESA is positioning itself for a rapidly changing space economy.

Space Minds host Mike Gruss is joined by SpaceNews senior writer Jeff Foust to break down the surprising appointment of Sean Duffy as NASA’s Acting Administrator.From his unexpected dual role as Secretary of Transportation to his growing influence on the Artemis program, nuclear power on the Moon, and NASA’s embattled budget, Duffy has quickly become a central—if unconventional—figure in U.S. space policy. The conversation explores how industry, Congress, and the space community are reacting to his leadership, and what’s at stake as NASA navigates an uncertain future.

In this week’s episode of Space Minds, host David Ariosto speaks with Riley Duren, CEO of Carbon Mapper and veteran of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Duren discusses how his nonprofit is harnessing cutting-edge satellite technology to track methane and carbon dioxide emissions—the “super pollutants” driving climate change. He explains Carbon Mapper’s mission to make greenhouse gas data visible and actionable, the technical innovations behind their hyperspectral satellites, and the incentives that motivate companies to reduce emissions. Drawing from his decades at NASA, Duren highlights the shift from risk-averse institutional missions to an agile, public-private partnership model, and why moving fast is essential in the fight against climate change.

Space Minds host David Ariosto speaks with Will Bruey, CEO and co-founder of Varda Space Industries.Varda is pushing the boundaries of drug development by leveraging microgravity to create new formulations not possible on Earth, bringing them back through its own reentry vehicles.In our conversation, Bruey explains why the economics of launch and manufacturing have finally made this business viable, how Varda’s “microgravity oven” could transform drug development, and why their technology also opens doors to hypersonic applications.

Space Minds speaks with Al Tadros of Redwire, to explore the future of space infrastructure.From the growing role of private investment in orbit to breakthroughs in bioprinting and pharmaceuticals in microgravity, Tadros explains why this is one of the most exciting times in the history of space. He also discusses the balance between civil, commercial, and national security missions, and how companies like Redwire are shaping the new economy beyond Earth. With decades of experience at the forefront of satellite and space systems, Tadros offers a unique perspective on where the industry is heading—and why the next era of exploration could be even more transformative than the Apollo years.

This week SpaceNews is at the SmallSat Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. In this episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss speaks with Gabe Zimmerman, Director, In-Space at Ursa Major.The conversation revolves around the small satellite industry’s evolving priorities, from balancing cost and reliability to overcoming persistent supply chain challenges. Zimmerman highlights the growing emphasis on volume production, strategic vertical integration, and early cross-team collaboration to meet rising demand for satellite hardware. Zimmerman also reflects on the conference’s growth, the rapid proliferation of small satellites, and the potential of hybrid propulsion solutions in shaping the sector’s future.

This week SpaceNews is at the SmallSat Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. In this episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss speaks with Todd Master, Chief Operating Officer of Umbra, about the evolving small satellite market, supply chain challenges, and the company’s expansion from SAR data services into satellite components. Master discusses shifting investment trends in the space industry, the importance of building products around real customer needs, and how AI is reshaping operations. The conversation also explores how the definition of “SmallSat” is changing as launch access improves and technology cycles accelerate.

This week SpaceNews is at the SmallSat Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. In this episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss speaks with Tom Walkinshaw, founder and CEO of Alba Orbital, a Scotland-based manufacturer specializing in pocket-sized satellites known as PocketQubes. Their discussion covers the growth of the small satellite sector, trends in satellite miniaturization, challenges of launch and supply chains, and strategies for building reliable, commercially viable spacecraft.