261: Steve Matier: Expanding Access to Space with Maritime Launch
Release Date: 04/07/2025
287: Drive Me to the Moon with Chris Lockett of Castrol
Casual Space
What keeps a Mars rover running after 14 years on another planet? What fixed a juddering solar array on the International Space Station? And what tiny robot — small enough to hold in your hand — recently hitched a ride to the lunar South Pole? The answer to all three: Castrol. And this week, Beth sits down with Chris Lockett, Global Technology Director at Castrol, to pull back the curtain on one of space exploration's most quietly essential partners. Chris brings nearly 30 years of experience with BP and Castrol, working across the UK, China, Japan, South Africa, and beyond. His...
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286: Eyes to the Stars with Dr. Steve Hawley, NASA Shuttle Astronaut
Casual Space
What does it take to go from studying the universe… to flying through it? On this episode of Casual Space, Beth welcomes Dr. Steven A. Hawley—NASA astronaut, space shuttle veteran, and author of his new book, Eyes to the Stars, A Memoir for the Space Shuttle Generation. Listen to enjoy the remarkable journey of a young astronomer from Kansas who never expected to become an astronaut—and what happened when he said “yes” anyway. Steve shares the quiet but powerful decisions that shaped his career: staying open to opportunity, embracing uncertainty, and trusting preparation when timing...
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285: Did the "Project Hail Mary" Film Stick the Landing? / ft. Dr. Danny Jaques
Casual Space
An earlier version of this episode got corrupted on export, so the audio cut out part of the way into the episode. That has been fixed in this version. Apologies for the inconvenience! - Dr. Danny Jaques, a 36-year veteran science educator, Space Camp Hall of Famer, and founder of Danny's Rocket Ranch, joins Beth for a review of the Project Hail Mary film adaptation. A lifelong educator who has taken nearly 600 students to Space Camp and spent decades bringing science to life in the classroom, Danny brings a perspective to this conversation that you simply cannot get anywhere else. Beth and...
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284: Etched in Crystal: Putting 3,237 Stories Onto a Lunar Rover
Casual Space
Josh Hanes, whose work at Uplift Aerospace focuses on expanding access to space through student-centered education and immersive experiences, returns to the show with major updates on what's happened since STORIES of Space submitted its community database at the end of 2025. https://www.upliftaerospace.com Beth and Josh celebrate two landmark achievements: the successful laser engraving the story database from STORIES of Space into a 5D crystal along with over 3,000 messages from students, teachers, and community storytellers around the world, an extraordinary archival medium capable of...
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283: How Will Project Hail Mary Make the Leap from Book to Silver Screen?
Casual Space
Have you read “Project Hail Mary,” by Andy Weir? No spoilers in this episode, as Beth reviews three of the main characters, and wonders how they will make the leap from page to the silver screen.
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282: Five STORIES Going to the Moon
Casual Space
The deadline for submitting stories to the Moon on MISSION 06 with STORIES of Space has been extended to December 28! In this episode, Beth selects & shares five recently submitted stories that will be sent to the Moon. Hundreds more will be sent to the moon along with these inspiring stories. Will yours be one of them? You have until December 28 to submit your story at About STORIES of Space Stories of Space is a non-for-profit organization that collects personal narratives about space, and sends them into space. MISSION 06 will take stories to the lunar surface,...
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281: STORIES of Space is Going to the Moon with Uplift Aerospace
Casual Space
This week on Casual Space, Beth is joined by two extraordinary guests: Josh Hanes, CEO of Uplift Aerospace and Dr. Sian Proctor, astronaut, artist, educator, and founder of Space2Inspire to share an announcement that’s truly out of this world. Josh, whose background spans physics, advanced propulsion concepts, and aerospace leadership with a mission to expand access to space for all through innovative education and immersive experiences, explains how Uplift’s journey has grown from astronaut training to student-centered lunar missions. Dr. Proctor, best known as the first African-American...
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280: The View from the Launch Pad: Steve Matier on Building Canada’s Spaceport
Casual Space
This week on Casual Space, Beth welcomes back a very special guest: Stephen Matier, President & CEO of Maritime Launch Services, to celebrate Canada’s history-making commercial suborbital launch completed at the end of November. Fresh from the launch pad in Canso, Nova Scotia, Beth and Steve sit down to reflect on the extraordinary milestone for Canada’s growing space sector and share the personal, behind-the-scenes stories that made the mission unforgettable. You can both listen AND watch this conversation on YouTube, where Beth shares exclusive launch-day footage,...
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279: The Everyday Adventure That Changes Everything with Jessica DeAngelo
Casual Space
This week on the Casual Space Podcast, I’m joined by my friend, adventurer, and all-around visionary Jessica DeAngelo — founder of Hike to Become®, author of the international bestseller The Wild Advantage, and the leader behind a movement that encourages us to step outside (literally) to find the clarity, creativity, and calm we keep trying to chase indoors. Jessica works with leaders from companies like Amazon, Nike, and Uber to help them break out of the boardroom mindset and reconnect with the part of themselves that already knows the answer. Her 31-day outdoor awareness challenge and...
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278: From Spacewalks to Service: Astronaut Mike Foreman on a Career of Service and Exploration
Casual Space
What does life after space look like for an astronaut? For Mike Foreman, it looks like community, connection, and continuing to serve — just a little closer to Earth. Mike is a retired NASA astronaut, a U.S. Navy veteran, and the current Mayor of Friendswood, Texas. Over the course of two Space Shuttle missions — STS-123 and STS-129 — Mike logged more than 637 hours in space and completed five spacewalks (that’s over 32 hours working outside the spacecraft!) helping to deliver and assemble parts of the International...
info_outlineReturning 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 regional infrastructure, the site offers unparalleled access to key orbital inclinations. He also explains the significance of the newly signed Canada-U.S. Technology Safeguards Agreement, which enables American launch vehicles and payloads to operate from Canadian soil, opening vast market opportunities.
Beyond launching rockets, Maritime Launch is diversifying its operations with suborbital testing, data downlink ground stations, and satellite processing facilities. Steve provides a behind-the-scenes look at their innovative leasing model for multiple launch providers, ensuring a flexible and efficient solution for companies seeking reliable and frequent launch opportunities.
About Steve Matier & Maritime Launch Services
Stephen Matier, President and CEO of Maritime Launch Services, is the visionary and driving force behind the development of Spaceport Nova Scotia, a world-class commercial space complex that will launch Canada into the global space industry.
A mechanical engineer (Bachelor of Science, University of New Mexico, 1989) and an award-winning former NASA contractor engineering manager (NASA White Sands Test Facility), Matier is leading coordination and approval among provincial, federal, and international governing bodies, securing private financing, leading satellite sales, coordinating launch vehicle integration, and selecting best-in-class commercial firms to support launch operations at Maritime Launch.
As part of Steve’s work with Maritime Launch, he is driving the collaboration and partnerships that will support the development of a safe and environmentally sustainable commercial space launch market in Canada. With satellite and launch vehicle clients within Canada and around the globe interested in launching from Spaceport Nova Scotia, Maritime Launch is joining a global industry that will exceed one trillion dollars annually within the next 20 years.
While Steve’s day-to-day focus is squarely on developing Canada’s first commercial spaceport, his interest in space extends beyond the technology and the launch itself. Steve has a passion for teaching, which means he is never far from the classroom—whether guest lecturing at a local high school physics class in Canso or presenting to kids at summer programs in Antigonish. He has driven partnerships with St. Francis Xavier University and Cape Breton University and is a supporter of Dalhousie’s cubesat program. His passion for working with schools began in his early career in the Space Shuttle program, recognizing that kids can look up into space and see opportunity for themselves on the ground.
Steve is a recipient of the prestigious Silver Snoopy Award, an honor in recognition of outstanding achievements related to human flight safety or mission success. His leadership in Canada’s space sector continues to create new opportunities for commercial space access and international collaboration.
Connect with Maritime Launch Services
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Visit MaritimeLaunch.com for updates and developments.
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Follow Maritime Launch on LinkedIn and X for real-time insights.
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Stay tuned for upcoming launches and new partnerships as Maritime Launch prepares for its first orbital mission in 2026.
This episode is a must-listen for space industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about the evolving landscape of commercial spaceflight.