261: Steve Matier: Expanding Access to Space with Maritime Launch
Release Date: 04/07/2025
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...
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277: Launching from Nova Scotia: STORIES of Space MISSION 03
Casual Space
In this exciting new episode of Casual Space, Beth is joined by Alex Martin to share all the details about STORIES of Space MISSION 03, launching soon from Canada’s first commercial spaceport in beautiful Nova Scotia! Together, Beth and Alex talk about what it takes to prepare for this historic suborbital mission — from planning and partnerships to payloads and the people who make it all possible. Listeners will get an insider’s look at how stories (your submitted stories) are being sent to space, connecting us all to exploration in a deeply personal and creative...
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276: Behind the Scenes: The Challenges and Lessons Learned by Exploring Underwater on MISSION 05
Casual Space
This week on Casual Space, Beth is joined by Alex and Chad for a lively and candid conversation about their unforgettable underwater MISSION 05 STORIES of Space adventure! Together, Paul, Alex, Chad and Beth took STORIES of Space to new depths—literally—by bringing human stories into an underwater research habitat. Join us as we swap stories, laughs, and lessons learned from this one-of-a-kind mission. From the early days of planning and unexpected challenges, to the pure joy of exploring together as a team, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to...
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275: Disney Persistence: Why Foundations Matter More Than “Perfect Timing”
Casual Space
What if Walt Disney’s real magic wasn’t perfection…but persistence? In this episode, Beth takes you behind the myths of creative genius to explore how Disney built through failure, loss, and uncertainty—and why those moments became the foundation for his greatest successes. From bankruptcy to Mickey, from “Disney’s Folly” to Disneyland, Walt’s story reminds us that the impossible often starts in the middle of adversity. Beth connects Disney’s journey with her own: building Casual Space, launching STORIES of Space, and saying “yes” to dreams long before things felt...
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274: Space Inspired Reads: A Fall Wish List
Casual Space
It’s that time of year for back-to-school! What does that mean for grown-ups and space explorers like us? For me,it means diving into the stack of books that keep me learning, curious, and inspired. As the host of Casual Space Podcast, I’m fortunate enough to receive books from our incredible guests, so sometimes I choose what to read, and other times the stories find their way to me. Right now, I’m re-reading two standouts so rich with insight that I’ve taken notes, underlined passages, and even brought some of their wisdom into my work. I believe a book becomes truly powerful...
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273: Our Ocean Adventure That Proved Stories Give Exploration
Casual Space
Something magical happens when you bring the right people, the right purpose, and one wild idea together — and then take it 30 feet below the ocean’s surface. In this episode, we’re celebrating STORIES of Space MISSION 05, where our crew lived for four days in the world’s only underwater habitat, Jules’ Undersea Lodge. We didn’t just bring gear… we brought hundreds of YOUR stories — the same ones that have flown to the International Space Station — and immersed them in an extreme environment to see what new tales would emerge. I’ll share the challenges, the...
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272: Summer-ease Series: STORIES of Space Underwater Invitation
Casual Space
In this episode, Beth introduces and personally invites you to join MISSION 05: STORIES of the Sea, the latest adventure from STORIES of Space — and it's unlike anything she’s done before. Beth and her crew are heading to Jules’ Undersea Facility, to live, work, and explore from beneath the ocean’s surface, bringing YOUR stories along with! Why? Because space and sea have more in common than you might think. Confined environments, exploration, isolation, teamwork — it’s a powerful, immersive experience that connects us more deeply to our planet... and to each other. Here’s...
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271: Summer-ease Series "One More Thing" Almost Cost Me An EPIC Family Vacation
Casual Space
Ever feel like you can’t take a break because there’s always one more thing to do? In this heartfelt episode in the abbreviated Summer-ease (summeries) series, host Beth Mund explores the myth of “earning” your time off — and how a much-needed family vacation almost didn’t happen because of it. Tune in as Beth shares: The chaotic lead-up to pressing pause on work, life, and laundry How her family rediscovered joy, spontaneity, and s’mores (not necessarily in that order) Surprising science on why breaks literally make you healthier, happier, and way more creative A...
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270: John A. Read, Space Systems Engineer, Author and Astronomer
Casual Space
John A. Read is no stranger to reaching for the stars—both figuratively and literally. Fresh off earning his Master’s in Space Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins (without an undergrad in engineering—yes, really), John joins Beth to explore his fascinating journey from finance to astrophysics, and from a $15 pharmacy telescope to founding Stargaze Nova Scotia, a public dark-sky observatory. Along the way, John shares how a spark of curiosity from a Chris Hadfield novel launched him into grad school, how he's helping democratize astronomy through smart telescopes and best-selling...
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.