259: Barry Matsumori, CEO of Skydweller Aero, on Perpetual Flight and the Future of Aviation
Release Date: 03/20/2025
265: Shawn Linam: Training Astronauts, Launching a Business, and Finding Her Orbit
Casual Space
Shawn Linam, Aerospace Entrepreneur & Host of In Her Orbit Podcast Shawn Linam’s journey didn’t start with a telescope or dreams of rockets—it began with candy striping, biomedical engineering, and a resilient heart that would eventually take her to NASA. Listen for a candid conversation about the challenges and joys of being a woman in the space exploration industry, raising kids while growing a company, and navigating a professional trajectory that’s anything but linear. Shawn shares the behind-the-scenes truths of her extraordinary career: from training astronauts at...
info_outline
264: From Wall Street to weightlessness: Matt Gohd, Chairman of Zero Gravity Corporation
Casual Space
With zero prior flight experience but a deep love for space (and Star Trek), Matt Gohd took the helm of Zero G during a pivotal moment and helped guide the company into a new era—one marked by resilience, accessibility, and unforgettable experiences that allow everyday people to float like astronauts. In this episode, Beth and Matt explore the incredible evolution of Zero G—from its bold beginnings inspired by Peter Diamandis to flying 22,000+ people, including Stephen Hawking and Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke. Matt shares what it took to revive the company after near shutdown, launch...
info_outline
263: Lunar Landings & Late-Night Shifts: Ben Tackett from Firefly Aerospace on Blue Ghost Mission 1
Casual Space
Ben Tackett Show Notes TITLE: Lunar Landings & Late-Night Shifts: Ben Tackett from Firefly Aerospace on Blue Ghost Mission 1” This week on Casual Space, it’s one small step for your playlist — one giant landing for a Blue Ghost…this episode delivers big on space, story, and spirit! Beth is joined by Ben Tackett, Lead Systems Operator at Firefly Aerospace, to relive the extraordinary journey that took him from Purdue classrooms to helping land a spacecraft on the Moon. Ben shares how his early love of aerospace evolved into a hands-on career that’s shaping the future...
info_outline
262: Andrew Parris, Broadcast Television Engineer and Space Communicator
Casual Space
Andrew Parris, Broadcast Television Engineer and Space Communicator, joins Beth from the Cape for a long-overdue chat about life behind the lens at NASA and beyond. With over four decades in broadcast television and thirteen action-packed years at NASA, Andrew shares his extraordinary journey—from diving with astronauts and filming space shuttle landings, to flying on NASA's "Weightless Wonder." Andrew’s passion for space never fizzled, and today, he's helping others chase their own cosmic dreams through The Inspired 24, a group he co-founded to expand access to the space experience and...
info_outline
261: Steve Matier: Expanding Access to Space with Maritime Launch
Casual Space
Returning guest Steve Matier, CEO of Maritime Launch Services, joins the podcast to share the latest developments in the rapidly growing satellite industry and how Maritime Launch is shaping the future of commercial spaceflight. As the first commercial spaceport in Nova Scotia, Maritime Launch is poised to provide critical access to orbit for satellite companies worldwide. Steve discusses the increasing demand for launch capabilities, the challenges of global launch site logistics, and how Maritime Launch stands apart. With a prime location on the 45th parallel, a deep-sea port, and a strong...
info_outline
260: Alan Smale: Blending Science, History, and Imagination
Casual Space
Award-winning author and astrophysicist Alan Smale joins the podcast to share his unique journey of weaving hard science and historical fiction into gripping alternate-history narratives. From his NASA career studying X-ray astronomy to crafting meticulously researched novels that reimagine space exploration and ancient civilizations, Alan’s storytelling is as rich as the history that inspires it. Alan discusses how his extensive travels and deep scientific knowledge influence his writing, leading to immersive stories like the Clash of Eagles trilogy and the Apollo Rising series. He explores...
info_outline
259: Barry Matsumori, CEO of Skydweller Aero, on Perpetual Flight and the Future of Aviation
Casual Space
Barry Matsumori is no stranger to space, but his latest mission takes flight in a whole new way. As CEO of Skydweller Aero, he leads the charge in developing an autonomous, solar-powered aircraft capable of perpetual flight. In this episode, Barry shares how his transition from satellites and rockets to high-altitude aircraft opened new possibilities for Earth observation, communication, and global connectivity. He explains how Skydweller Aero’s innovative aircraft operates in 'near space,' bridging the gap between satellites and traditional aviation while unlocking groundbreaking...
info_outline
258: Jay Gallentine: Exploring the Legacy of John Casani
Casual Space
Author and space historian Jay Gallentine embarks on a thrilling mission to capture the untold story of one of NASA’s most influential figures—John Casani. In his latest book, Born to Explore, Jay takes readers on an exhilarating journey through Casani’s remarkable career, from his unexpected entry into aerospace to his pivotal role in some of NASA’s most legendary planetary missions. Casani wasn’t just another project manager—he was a force of nature who refused to accept dead ends, a master of navigating complex challenges, and a mentor who inspired teams to push beyond limits....
info_outline
257: Alex Reynolds: Founder & CEO of ATTX
Casual Space
Alex Reynolds, Founder and CEO of ATTX, joins Casual Space to share his inspiring journey from a childhood fascination with flight to leading a company dedicated to democratizing access to space. Growing up in Missouri, Alex's creativity and curiosity were nurtured in a DIY workshop his mom set up in the family attic—an experience that ultimately inspired the name of his company. From building airplanes as a kid to shaping the future of space exploration, Alex's story is one of passion, persistence, and problem-solving. In this episode, Alex reflects on his work at CU Boulder’s Dream...
info_outline
256: Herb Baker
Casual Space
Herb Baker, NASA veteran and author of From Apollo to Artemis: Stories From My 50 Years With NASA, takes us back to a time where growing up near NASA meant working near the “Manned Spacecraft Center,” and running films to the TV station for Apollo missions. Herb took what started as a “fun job” into an unforgettable 42-year career working on the Shuttle, Space Station, and Orion programs. Herb grew up surrounded by astronauts’ families, watched history happen right in his backyard, and even got to see his mom play a key role in saving Skylab—a story that will absolutely...
info_outlineBarry Matsumori is no stranger to space, but his latest mission takes flight in a whole new way. As CEO of Skydweller Aero, he leads the charge in developing an autonomous, solar-powered aircraft capable of perpetual flight. In this episode, Barry shares how his transition from satellites and rockets to high-altitude aircraft opened new possibilities for Earth observation, communication, and global connectivity. He explains how Skydweller Aero’s innovative aircraft operates in 'near space,' bridging the gap between satellites and traditional aviation while unlocking groundbreaking applications for government, commercial, and humanitarian use.
Skydweller isn’t just an aircraft—it’s a revolution in aerial technology. With a staggering 236-foot wingspan, this lightweight, solar-powered plane stays airborne for weeks at a time, providing a cost-effective alternative to satellites. Barry discusses how its autonomous capabilities, ultra-quiet operation, and low-cost deployment make it a game-changer for monitoring environmental changes, supporting disaster response, and even detecting early signs of wildfires. The potential applications are endless, from enhancing maritime security to delivering broadband in remote areas.
Barry also explores the challenges of bringing perpetual flight to reality, from navigating aviation regulations to optimizing autonomous flight systems. He shares fascinating insights into the engineering marvel that allows Skydweller to loiter over critical areas, providing real-time data with unparalleled precision. And for those wondering about the plane’s name? It’s as poetic as it is functional—Skydweller quite literally dwells in the sky, redefining how we think about flight.
About Barry Matsumori:
Barry Matsumori has had an extensive career in aerospace, having worked with leading companies such as SpaceX and Virgin Orbit. His expertise spans satellite technology, launch systems, and now, the pioneering world of high-altitude, solar-powered aircraft. With over two decades of experience in developing cutting-edge space and aviation technologies, Barry is at the forefront of shaping the future of flight.
Want to see Skydweller in action? Keep an eye out for upcoming test flights and potential showcases at major aviation events. You can also check out footage of its incredible capabilities online—just search for 'Mississippi Skydweller' to see the reactions of stunned onlookers witnessing its silent, solar-powered flight.
Connect with Skydweller Aero:
Skydweller Aero Website
Barry Matsumori on LinkedIn
The future of flight is here, and it's powered by the sun. Buckle up and join us as we explore the limitless possibilities of perpetual aviation!
STORIES TO SPACE just announced MISSION 04! What’s MISSION 04? We’re teaming up with our local community college students to send YOUR submitted stories into the STRATOSPHERE on a weather balloon! So get your stories now, we will be launching end of April/ early May, weather depending! www.storiesofspace.com
You can follow and share in the socials,
-
LinkedIn - @casualspacepodcast
-
Facebook - @casualspacepodcast
-
Instagram - @casualspacepodcast
-
YouTube - @casualspacepodcast83
or email me at [email protected].
And, here is your invitation for the ONE-SPACE celebration!
Carrying on the spirit and legacy of YURI’S NIGHT Space Coast, ONE-SPACE is happening for one night only on April 12, 2025, at the iconic Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
This inaugural event is a celebration of pioneers and dreamers—from the first steps on the Moon to the new frontiers of private spaceflight, we’ll gather to honor the past and inspire the future.
Get ready for an unforgettable night:
🎶 Live Music & Dancing – Top DJs and live performances under the stars.
🛰 Immersive Space Experiences – Interactive exhibits, VR simulations & space activations.
🚀 Surprise Guests – Astronauts, engineers, visionaries shaping the cosmos.
🍸 Themed Cocktails & Cosmic Cuisine – Space-inspired drinks & bites.
🎨 Art & Storytelling Installations – Space reimagined through immersive showcases.
Join us as we celebrate our collective journey into space.
When: April 12
Where: Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Tickets: https://sempre.one/ Save 10% with Promo Code: CASUALSPACE