On Orbit

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Exploring Potential in Quantum Tech, Diversity, and Creativity With Sonali Mohapatra Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, On Orbit interviews Sonali Mohapatra, who works in quantum innovation at the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) in the U.K. Sonali breaks down quantum technology and shares some of the future use cases that relate to the space industry. Read more about the quantum use cases for space in Sonali's cover story in the Via Satellite November edition.

In Sonali's role as Quantum Innovation Sector Lead at the center she works to encourage quantum readiness across different sectors including space, healthcare energy, and more. We talk about some of the human implications of the responsibility she feels to contribute to quantum technology development in a way that serves the greater good.

Sonali is a very creative person and deeply passionate about diversity and gender issues. We talk about how she brings all of that together in her work and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, and mentoring and diversity initiatives she has been a part of.

Read the quantum article here: https://interactive.satellitetoday.com/via/november-2023/imagining-the-future-of-quantum-computing-for-space/

Keeping Space Clean and Safe for Everyone: The Global Sustainability Mission Jan 23, 2024

Show notes

There is always an inherent risk when doing anything in space. That said, a handful of space sustainability-minded companies are working hard to minimize those risks and prevent self-inflicted catastrophes. In this episode, we'll learn about the true scope of the threat posed by space debris, congestion and the lack of situational awareness and about the technologies and solutions being deployed to keep space clean. We'll also explore the value of space sustainability economy itself, and how government and private investment in green space tech will pay off in the future.

This episode features Patricia Cooper, president and founder of Constellation Advisory; Audrey Schaffer vice president of Strategy & Policy for Slingshot Aerospace; and Kristin Shahady, business development manager for Astroscale U.S.

This episode is part of the Future Space Economy Series which brings together global industries, space leaders, governments, and educators to explore practical applications for space infrastructure and technologies. Season Two kicks off live at SATELLITE 2024 with the session, Building Deep Space Satellite Connectivity Networks, on March 20. Register for SATELLITE to attend in person.

Inside the World of Space Communications With Sarah Nickell Jan 09, 2024

Show notes

Space has a compelling story to tell, but it can be a challenge to craft the message. As Space is such a technical sector, it can be hard for leadership to communicate the value of what they do to investors, media, and the public.

It's Sarah Nickell's job to craft that message. As a PR professional with her own firm, Nickell works with companies like Voyager Space and York Space Systems to tell their stories. She has worked with Via Satellite for years, and she has had stories placed in national publications like Bloomberg, ABC News, and Vice. In our first episode of 2024, Nickell gives a look behind the scenes at the world of space public relations.

This episode is an interesting journalism/public relations crossover about what it's like to be on both sides of the conversation. It's also a crash course for listeners that aren't familiar with media and public relations. The conversation covers topics like building a messaging strategy, managing national security concerns in communications, and how Nickell manages running a small business.

2023 Year in Review With Via Satellite Editors Dec 19, 2023

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2023 was a big year in news in the satellite industry. Nearly all the top operators saw a mix of leadership changes, mergers and acquisitions, and major constellation updates.

In this episode, Via Satellite editors Rachel Jewett, Mark Holmes, and Jeff Hill recap some of the biggest announcements in the satellite sector of 2023, and how they set the stage for 2024.

This is our last episode of the year and we'll be back with new episodes in January. Thank you for listening to On Orbit this year!

Explaining the Vital Space-to-Ground Link With SSC's Erwin Mercado Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

SSC's mission is: "We help Earth benefit from Space." For SSC — Swedish Space Corporation — fulfilling that mission involves its extensive ground network that supports launches with real-time TT&C data and communicating with payloads. This episode of On Orbit features a conversation with Erwin Mercado, president and CEO of the company's U.S. subsidiary, SSC Space US Inc, about the value of space communications.

Erwin talks about the company's rich history in space. Formerly known as Universal Space Network, the company was founded by Pete Conrad, commander of the Apollo 12 mission and third person to walk on the Moon. Erwin shares how the company has built up a portfolio of ground stations around the world to form the link between Earth and space, and how these communications are critical to support space missions.

This episode of On Orbit is sponsored by SSC. For more information, visit sscspace.com/

Satellite Policy and a Side of Space Movies With Henry Gola Nov 14, 2023

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What do satellite policy and space movies have in common? For starters, space debris often plays a key role in both. In this episode of On Orbit, we talk about regulation and space movies with Henry Gola, a partner in Wiley's Telecom, Media & Technology practice. Gola has been part of some of the biggest regulatory developments, like representing the C-Band Alliance before the FCC. He gives a review of some of the top policy issues at the FCC right now, and we dig into the details of the regulatory framework for satellite-to-cell coverage.

Gola also leads the "Hosted Payload" series on the Wiley Connected podcast, where he talks about famous space movies with policy experts. We chat about some of his favorites like "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "Gravity," and how movies have raised awareness of issues like space debris.

Hosted Payload link: https://soundcloud.com/wileyconnected

How Startups are Shaping the Future Space Economy Oct 31, 2023

Show notes

Over the course of this debut season of Future Space Economy, we've learned how dependent both private and public sector space investors are on startups to bring enabling technologies to life. Today's space startups are pitching their products as the glue that will hold the Future Space Economy together.

In this episode, the leaders and founders of space startups across multiple applications join us to discuss what they feel are the strongest opportunities for their businesses to succeed in an expanding space ecosystem. We also ask them if investors are buying into the space economy for the long haul, and whether or not startups could play a leading role in shaping space policy.

What Does ESG Mean for the Space Industry Here on Earth? Oct 17, 2023

Show notes

When we talk about sustainability in the space industry, we're usually talking to space sustainability issues like space traffic management and space debris. Amber Ledgerwood is trying to bring attention to sustainability issues here on Earth. Amber is the Senior Manager of Social and Environmental Impact at SES and she leads the operator's ESG strategy.

In this episode, Amber talks about how environmental, social, and governance issues apply to SES and the satellite industry. These issues range from the climate impact of space companies on Earth, diversity and inclusion, how a company's products and services impact society, and also responsible behavior in space. She hopes her role influences the industry beyond SES and challenges other space companies to take concrete actions to minimize climate impact and improve diversity among their workforce.

Protecting the Space Economy: Cyber Defenses and National Security Oct 03, 2023

Show notes

Most of us understand the damage caused by cyberattacks on Earth. In space, the consequences of cyberattacks are even more dire. They can sabotage years of economic activity, threaten national security and the lives of astronauts and in-space personnel, and spark uncontrollable military action in an already dangerous environment. In this episode, we'll learn about how modern approaches to cyber and national security change when dealing with complex in-space infrastructure, and protecting human activity in space.

This episode is part of the On Orbit Future Space Economy webcast series. In Part 1 of this discussion, we discuss the legal framework and policies needed to protect the Future Space Economy. Part 2 of the discussion will focus on the software, tools, and technological solutions needed to protect space networks.

This discussion includes John Moberly, senior vice president of Space at SpiderOak. Moberly leads SpiderOak's pivot to space leveraging the company's zero trust and cybersecurity foundational capabilities. Prior to SpiderOak, he was a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, from which he retired after 20 years.

Joining Moberly is Jonathan Swanson, director of Security Strategy for Krebs Stamos Group. Swanson is an ISC2 CISSP certified professional with over a decade of expertise in cyber security strategy and risk management.

Future Space Economy Series: The Evolution of the Space Tourism Experience Sep 20, 2023

Show notes

As it exists today, the space tourism "experience" relies on the thrill of just being in space for a select group of dedicated space enthusiasts. However, for this budding tourism industry to grow, it needs to appeal to a broader mainstream audience and to those who want more than a rocket ride and a view of the Earth. This episode of the On Orbit Future Space Economy webcast series features experts who are working to build a more complete space tourism experience package that includes pre- and post-launch adventures, in-space activities and entertainment. Learn about your next potential vacation in space!

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