Libsyn Directory

Kirsten Whittingham: President of Max Space and Chief Revenue Officer at Cosmic Girls Foundation

Release Date: 07/18/2024

Mamta Patal Nagaraja: Ex-NASA (24 years), currently free agent in STEM

The Astro Ben Podcast

In Episode 117 of The Astro Ben Podcast, Ben sits down with Mamta Patel Nagaraja, former Associate Chief Scientist for Exploration and Applied Research at NASA, who recently left the agency amid its office closures in February 2025. Mamta reflects on her career leading biomedical and physical sciences for the ISS, Artemis, and commercial space missions, while sharing candid insights on NASA’s challenges and opportunities in 2025. From streamlining science communication to navigating a toxic work environment, her story is one of resilience and reinvention. Now a free agent in STEM, Mamta...

Marino Fragnito: Chief Commercial Officer and Launch Services Director at Avio

The Astro Ben Podcast

This week on The Astro Ben Podcast, we dive into the world of space launches with Marino Fragnito, Avio’s Chief Commercial Officer and Launch Services Director. Appointed in September 2024, Marino drives Avio’s Vega C and Ariane 6 programs while navigating the competitive space market in March 2025. With a career spanning Airbus, Arianespace, and Thales Alenia Space, he shares insights on commercialising Vega, boosting Europe’s launch capabilities, and tackling global competition. From sustainable propulsion to defense applications, this episode explores how Avio is shaping the future...

Mark Sasson: Co-founder and CEO of Pinpoint Search Group (recruiting in the space industry)

The Astro Ben Podcast

This week on The Astro Ben Podcast, Ben sits down with Mark Sasson, co-founder and CEO of Pinpoint Search Group, as he launches Operation Voyager to tackle the space sector’s talent gap in March 2025. From his roots in cybersecurity to his new frontier in space, Mark shares a compelling story of industry evolution, drawing parallels between these booming fields. We dive into proven strategies for attracting top talent, the unique hiring challenges facing space companies, and how to build effective recruiting processes in an industry still finding its footing. OUTLINE: Here’s approximate...

Jonathan McDowell: Astronomer and owner of Jonathan's Space Report

The Astro Ben Podcast

In this week's episode of The Astro Ben Podcast (sponsored by SkyFi), we dive into the cosmos with the legendary Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer known for his extensive work in cataloging space objects and his invaluable contributions to the space community. Ben and Jonathan discuss his journey, the importance of space tracking, and his monumental effort to transition his private space library to the UK, for which he's currently seeking support through a GoFundMe campaign (link below). Tune in to learn about the significance of his work, the future of space cataloging, and how you can...

Kate van Dam: Marine Corps attack helicopter pilot, now strategic leader in the space industry with SkyFi

The Astro Ben Podcast

In this episode, sponsored by Sky Fi, Ben journeyed with Kate Van Dam from her days as a Marine Corps attack helicopter pilot to her current role leading strategy at SkyFi. They explore SkyFi's mission to democratise access to geospatial data, touching on the ethical implications, privacy concerns, and the revolutionary potential of this technology. Kate shared insights on how her military background shapes her strategic vision, how SkyFi navigates the evolving space industry landscape, and the role of AI and machine learning in transforming geospatial analysis. They also discussed upcoming...

Astronaut John “ Danny ” Olivas: Astronaut, Mission Assurance Expert, Author and Forensic Engineer

The Astro Ben Podcast

In this episode of The Astro Ben Podcast, Ben speaks with astronaut and mission assurance expert Dr. John "Danny" Olivas from Intuitive Machines HQ. The conversation centers around the IM-2 Lunar Lander mission, set to land at the Moon’s south pole in early 2025. Danny shares exclusive insights into the technology on board, including NASA’s PRIME-1 drill, Nokia’s Lunar Surface Communications System, and Intuitive Machines’ Micro Nova Hopper. The discussion also explores the critical role of engineering in lunar infrastructure, the challenges of operating in the Moon’s extreme...

The Astro Ben Podcast Trailer 2025

The Astro Ben Podcast

Remco Timmermans: Space Events Marketing Specialist at Space Agenda, Independent Space Marketing and Communications Consultant

The Astro Ben Podcast

In this episode, Ben sits down with Remco Timmermans to explore the dynamic world of space industry marketing and events. They discuss Remco's journey into space, the emotional power of rocket launches, and how space is becoming a true people's industry. The conversation covers the space industry's outlook for 2025, the curation of industry events, the debate between live and virtual events, and the critical role of social media in engaging the public. Remco also shares his predictions for the sector's future. To celebrate the start of this dynamic year, we invite you to download Remco's...

Emily Carney: Space Historian, Journalist, and Co-Author of new book Star Bound: A Beginner’s Guide to the American Space Program.

The Astro Ben Podcast

In this episode of the Astro Ben Podcast, we chat with Emily Carney, space historian, journalist, and co-author of the new book Star Bound: A Beginner’s Guide to the American Space Program. OUT JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS (LINK BELOW) Emily shares her insights on the cultural and societal impact of America’s space exploration journey and why understanding our space history is vital for the next generation. From her iconic Space Hipsters community to her thoughts on mining the Moon and asteroids, Emily brings her trademark wit and wisdom to the conversation. We also touch on the lessons the...

Camille Wardrop Alleyne: Ed.D. Founder | CEO | Rocket Scientist | Speaker | Humanitarian

The Astro Ben Podcast

In this episode, Ben explores the extraordinary journey of Dr. Camille Wardrop Alleyne, a trailblazer in the field of aerospace engineering. Camille reflects on her impactful career at NASA, where she led key human spaceflight programs and advanced groundbreaking science missions. She shares insights into her work at Arusha Space, promoting space-based solutions for global sustainability, and her passion for STEM education for young women through The Brightest Stars Foundation. They discuss her Trinidadian upbringing, her journey to becoming one of the few women of colour in senior leadership...

More Episodes

In episode 101, Ben chats to Kirsten Whittingham, President of Max Space. Kirsten shares insights into her diverse and impressive career in the aerospace industry, from generating significant revenue at Axiom Space to overseeing the development of innovative expandable habitats at Max Space. The conversation delves into the unique technology behind Max Space's scalable habitats, the challenges and milestones ahead, and the future of space habitation. Kirsten also discusses her work with the Cosmic Girls Foundation, aiming to address gender inequality in the space industry and inspire more young girls to pursue STEM careers.

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:14 Intro to

00:48 Introduction to Kirsten Whittingham

01:28 What is Max Space?

04:57 Inflatable

06:21 Mission in 2026

09:00 What is a soft goods?

10:22 Psychology of inflatable structures

12:20 How big could they be?

13:50 Experience from Axiom

17:35 Raising money for space startups