Best Astrononomy Podcasts (2025)

1
Building a Laser Comms Startup in New Zealand: An Interview with Pavel Kalinin 31:33

10d ago31:33

31:33

An interview with Pavel Kalinin, CTO at OutThere Astronautics, a New Zealand startup focusing on the development of optical communications systems for space applications. Pavel was born in Irkutsk, Siberia, Russia. He came to New Zealand with his family when he was 5 years old. Pavel has a degree in physics as well as aerospace engineering from the…

1
Global Space Enablers Network (GSEN) Spotlight: Hungary - An Interview with Peter Kristof 39:21

12d ago39:21

39:21

An interview with Peter Kristof on spotlighting the space ecosystem in Hungary. Peter is a multiple award-winning space professional, innovation expert, exited startup founder, corporate executive, and strategic consultant in digitalization, venture capital, as well as technology and economic development. He is a sought-after speaker at domestic an…

1
Global Space Enablers Network (GSEN) Spotlight: Thailand - An Interview with Aim Charoenphan 50:40

2M ago50:40

50:40

An interview with Amarit or "Aim" Charoenphan. Aim is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and ecosystem builder with a deep impact on the startup and innovation landscapes across Asia-Pacific. As President of the New Zealand-Thai Chamber of Commerce and Managing Partner of Aim Ventures, he has backed over 40 investments, while also playing a key rol…

1
Global Space Enablers Network (GSEN) Spotlight: Indo-Pacific Region - An Interview with Antonio Stark 26:05

4M ago26:05

26:05

This is the start of our alternating series focused on the Global Space Enablers Network, and interviews with space enablers around the world to leverage their insights, experiences, and knowledge on the needs, challenges, and opportunities, for budding or growing space enablers worldwide. These interviews have been conducted by SpaceBase co-founde…

1
Building a Career in Aerospace Medicine and Founding the NZ Health Space Research Network: An Interview with Lisa Brown 33:03

5M ago33:03

33:03

An interview with Dr. Lisa Brown, a Hepatobiliary Surgeon and Aerospace Medicine Researcher at the New Zealand Space Health Research Center. Lisa’s background is in Surgery. And In addition to surgical training, Lisa completed training and research in Aerospace Medicine, including as the Aerospace Medicine Research Fellow at the University of Oxfor…

1
It's Never too Early to Start a Career in Space: An Interview with Cairo Akehurst 26:35

6M ago26:35

26:35

An interview with Cairo Akehurst, a year 12 student at Cashmere High in Christchurch, New Zealand. And he is also already a serial entrepreneur having founded Convergence Aerospace and most recently Cattle Credit. His team was a finalist to the Space for Planet Earth Challenge 2023-24, High School level. He won the Emerging Technology Award as part…

1
Special Episode: Establishing a Global Space Enablers Network 18:12

6M ago18:12

18:12

This is a special episode on the Global Space Enablers Network and the start of an alternating theme to feature space enablers globally working to catalyze, develop, and grow their own space sector and industry in different parts of the world. The aim is to share lessons learned, best practices, and resource opportunities specially for nascent and …

1
Space for Good and Building the Aerospace Sector in Aotearoa: An Interview with Emma Renowden 30:57

8M ago30:57

30:57

An interview with Emma Renowden, Aerospace Cluster Lead at Otautahi Christchurch. Emma is an experienced strategic partnerships manager who is passionate about the role of innovation and technology in addressing some of the world's most significant challenges. In her role at ChristchurchNZ, Emma is responsible for developing an ambitious city strat…

1
From Disney Rides to Building New Rockets to the Moon: An Interview with James Brice 33:38

9M ago33:38

33:38

An interview with with James Brice, Lead Systems Engineer for New Glenn, Blue Origin’s prime launch system for Moon missions. Jim has over three decades experience working with aerospace companies like Boeing and Orbital Science and leading engineering projects from space planes to rocket systems like the X34, Antares rocket, and the launch abort s…

1
From NASA Space Architect to Commercial Space Development: An Interview with Gary Martin 49:27

10M ago49:27

49:27

An interview with Gary Martin, one of SpaceBase’s Advisors. Gary retired from NASA after 32 years supporting space science missions, advanced technology development, technology transfer and human spaceflight. In 2022, he became NASA’s first Space Architect leading the team that developed the Vision for Space Exploration in 2004. He also served as P…

1
Democratising Deployments in Space: An Interview with Max Daniels 40:51

11M ago40:51

40:51

An interview with Max Daniels, CEO and Co-Founder of Astrix Astronautics, a startup company focusing on inflatable, rigidized deployment for spacecraft. Max has a BS degree from the University of Auckland and was part of the Auckland Program for Space Systems at University of Auckland. In 2019, his team won the New Ventures Category at the $100k Ve…

1
Leveraging Creative Technologies and Multi-disciplinary Problem Solving for a Career in Space: An Interview with Caleb McIvor 35:26

12M ago35:26

35:26

An interview with Caleb McIvor, Founding Director of PrintGig and CEO/CTO of Epsilum Design. PrintGig is a cutting-edge 3D printing company that specializes in high-temperature polymers for the high-tech and deep-tech sectors - including the space industry in New Zealand; the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Caleb is an entrepreneur…

1
Channeling Our Stardust Origins into Space Innovation: An Interview with Stu Potter 39:11

1y ago39:11

39:11

An interview with Stu Potter, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Stardust Me, an Innovative small payload solutions and space memorial service provider. It is the first Māori space-tech company in the world. Stu has over 20+ years of senior management and business experience in Māori business, financial services, health, education, research and de…

1
From Defence and Strategic Intelligence, to STEM Education and Advocacy: An Interview with Sam Leske 52:19

1y ago52:19

52:19

An interview with Sam Leske, Sam Leske, Director at Milky-Way.Kiwi, a social enterprise whose goal is to inspire people to think about our collective future and how they can actively contribute through quality science education with an added cosmic perspective. Sam has a long career in Aoteroa’s Defence Force, first as a Royal New Zealand Air Force…

1
Superconnectors Accelerate Growth in the Space Industry: An Interview with Gill Dal Din 47:55

1y ago47:55

47:55

An iinterview with Gill Dal Din, Global Activation Executive focusing on Business Development and Growth for Space Trailblazers. Gill is a superconnector who connects people and resources that catalyze change in high growth businesses. She was instrumental in getting the aerospace ecosystem up and running in Christchurch from the early years. Gill …

1
Sales and Marketing are Conduits for Growth in the New NZ Space Industry: An Interview with Erica Lloyd 44:13

1+ y ago44:13

44:13

An Interview with Erica Lloyd, Chief Revenue Officer at Zenno Astronautics, a New Zealand startup company revolutionizing space movement through the untapped energy of super magnets. Eric Lloyd who has a broad and varied career here in New Zealand and across Asia Pacific and the USA in Broadcasting, Technology, Banking and innovation businesses. Er…

1
Exploring the Solar System Through Robotic Missions: An Interview with Betina Pavri 48:09

1+ y ago48:09

48:09

An interview with Betina Pavri, Senior Principal Engineer at the Paiahu-Robinson Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington. Betina is supporting the development of high-temperature superconducting magnet technologies for space applications. Prior to moving to New Zealand, Betina has had a long and illustrious career at NASA Jet Propulsi…

1
Optimising Space Manufacturing through 3D Printing: An Interview with Peter Sefont 35:44

1+ y ago35:44

35:44

An interview with Peter Sefont, Technical Director for Zenith Tecnica, a contract manufacturer specialising in Titanium 3D Printing using Electron Beam Melting (EBM) technology. Zenith Tecnica produces a myriad of additively manufactured parts for industries around the world; including large structural hardware for spacecraft and satellites. Peter …

1
Riding the Wave Towards Private Spaceflight Development: An Interview with Khaki Rodway 45:34

1+ y ago45:34

45:34

An interview with Khaki Rodway, Spaceplane Sales and Operations Director for Dawn Aerospace USA. Khaki has an extensive New Space business development and marketing experience working for launch companies like XCorp and Masten, to delivering payload to the International Space Station like Nanoracks, and on orbit truster manufacturing like Bradford …

1
Democratising Data and Solving Challenges to Scale: An Interview with Kurt Janssen 43:41

1+ y ago43:41

43:41

An interview with Kurt Janssen, CEO of Orbica based in New Zealand, Australia and Germany. Kurt is a geographer and geospatialist by trade, with a passion for emerging technology and data. Kurt has a BSc with Honors in Geography from the University of Canterbury and was the 2016 NZSEA Young Professional of the Year. He worked for central government…

1
Driving Exponential Innovation and Generative Investing : An Interview with Mark Bregman 51:12

1+ y ago51:12

51:12

Mark is an Edmund Hillary Fellow from the US. He launched Quidnet Ventures, a new fund to support early-stage NZ companies. Mark has spent over 30+ years in the technology and innovation sector, with experience in semiconductor manufacturing, open systems hardware. software development, big data, software as a service, and Internet of Things. Previ…

1
Systems Engineering to Space Mission Operations: An Interview with Chris Jackson 37:37

2y ago37:37

37:37

An interview with Chris Jackson, Head of Space Operations and Ground Segment at the Te Pūnaha Ātea - Auckland Space Institute based in the University of Auckland. He is overseeing the design and set up of the Institute’s Mission Operation Centre and Ground Station. He is also developing the operations support and building the capability of the cent…

1
From Anthropology to Satellite Applications for the Good of Planet Earth: An Interview with Scott Madry 52:52

2y ago52:52

52:52

An interview with Dr. Scott Madry, Research Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA. He is also the founder and President of Informatics International, Inc., a global geospatial services company. He is a professor emeritus at the International Space University and has served as faculty in over 30 …

1
Building a Space Startup in New Zealand: An Interview with Alexandar Majstorovic 39:43

2y ago39:43

39:43

An interview with Alexandar Majstorovic, co-founder and CEO of OutThere Astronautics, a student-led startup based in Auckland focusing on development of optical, intersatellite communications for cubesats. Alex is working on a Medical degree and has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. His unorthodox background has led him to founding a startup that …

1
From Aerospace Apprenticeship to Entertainment from the Edge of Space: An Interview with Mekdim Tesfaye 33:06

2y ago33:06

33:06

An interview with Mekdim Tesfaye, founder and CEO of Oasis Orbital Systems, an aerospace startup based in Christchurch focusing on development of an innovative orbital live streaming platform. He is also a marketing specialist for Aerospace New Zealand. Mekdim has a Bachelors of Commerce from the University of Canterbury, and a level 3 Certificate …

1
Business and Sales Savviness Accelerates Your Career Path to the Space Industry: An Interview with Jess Covich 36:26

2y ago36:26

36:26

An interview with Jess Covich, founder and CEO of Engineering Dreams, an aerospace consultancy based in Auckland focusing on providing professional services with top tier resources to the space industry. Jess has more than 15 years experience in senior level technology consulting and business development roles in New Zealand. In this interview, we …

1
Engineering for Fun Gets You Places in the Space Industry: An Interview with Nelson Smith 36:16

2y ago36:16

36:16

An interview with Nelson Smith, co-founder of Aquila, a tech company based in Auckland focused on wireless energy infrastructure for terrestrial and space applications. Nelson did his bachelor’s degree in Engineering in Mechatronics and Product Development at the University of Auckland and Massey University. He has worked as a Guidance,Navigation a…

1
Catalysing Space Ecosystems from New Zealand: An Interview with Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom 33:24

2+ y ago33:24

33:24

An interview with the host, Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom. Emeline is Co-Founder and CEO of SpaceBase based in New Zealand. Emeline is also part of the Ceres Robotics team and a Co-Founder of International Space Consultants. She is an Institute of Space Commerce Fellow, an Edmund Hillary Fellow, and is a member of the Associate Editorial Board for the New…

1
Becoming a Space Investor: An Interview with Christian Thaler-Wolski 41:44

2+ y ago41:44

41:44

An interview with Christian Thaler-Wolski, a startup advisor, business developer, and angel investor focused on Spacetech. Previously, Christian worked in venture capital in Europe. Prior to his investor role he had a five-year career in technical product sales and key account management at ORACLE, a global leader in enterprise software. Christian …

1
On Galaxy Clusters, Dark Matter, and the Origin of the Universe: An Interview with Yvette Perrott 32:21

2+ y ago32:21

32:21

An interview with Dr. Yvette Perrott, Senior Lecturer at the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences at University of Victoria Wellington. Yvette has degrees in BA, BSc and BSc( with Hons)majoring in Physics, Italian and Spanish. She completed her PhD in the Cavendish Astrophysics Group in 2013 on a Rutherford PhD Scholarship and was awarded a Tri…

1
Building Factories in Space through Swarm Technologies: An Interview with Rahul Rughani 29:27

2+ y ago29:27

29:27

An interview with Rahul Rughani, systems engineer for Arkisys, a company building an autonomous research outpost in low Earth orbit. Rahul has a Bachelor’s of Engineering degree in Mechanical engineering from McGill University, with a concentration in Aeronautics. He also holds both PhD and Master of Science degrees in Astronautical engineering fro…

1
Building a Star Trek Universe from a Socio-Political Perspective: An Interview with Daniel Mackisack 43:46

2+ y ago43:46

43:46

An interview with Daniel Mackisack. Founder of Celestial Commons - a network devoted to improving public interest and representation in space - ensuring that the journey and the benefits of development are shared by all. Daniel is a kiwi presently living in Berlin. A writer, researcher, diplomat, and serial founder, He holds a Bachelors degree in P…

1
From NASA Jet Propulsion Lab Mission Manager to Developing Ion Propulsion in New Zealand: An Interview with Randy Pollock 40:58

2+ y ago40:58

40:58

An interview with Randy Pollock, Chief Scientist and Engineer for Space at the Robertson Research Institute at Victoria University,Wellington, where he is working to adapt high temperature superconductor technologies for space applications. Prior to moving to New Zealand, he was an Instrument Manager and Systems Engineer for NASA Jet Propulsion Lab…

1
Space Medicine and the Road Map to Human Spaceflight Opportunities: An Interview with Sarita Dara 43:28

3y ago43:28

43:28

An interview with Dr. Sarita Dara, an Aerospace physician and a space medicine and human factors consultant and occupational medicine physician for Humane Factors Exponential Limited. She currently also works as a Senior Medical Officer with Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand. Her training, qualifications and experience span Aviation and Space…

1
Cryogenics for Sustainable Energy Production on Earth and off Planet: An Interview with Hugh Reynolds of Fabrum 38:19

3y ago38:19

38:19

An interview with Hugh Reynolds, Co-Founder and Technical Director of Fabrum, a world leader in cryogenic systems. Their cryocoolers, composite storage tanks and liquid gas generation systems are used in wide range of applications that include industrial cryogenics, animal husbandry, lightweight space applications, copper & superconducting electric…

1
Building a Cis-Lunar Economy: An Interview with Udit Shah 38:36

3y ago38:36

38:36

An interview with Udit Shah, Chief aerospace engineer for Ceres Robotics, a company building landers, rovers and tools to enable affordable surface operations on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Udit has a MS in Aeronautical and Space Engineering from Virginia Tech, and a Bachelors of Technology in Aeronautics and Space from UPE in India . In the past, …

1
Pathways to Entering the Space Industry: An Interview with Jennifer Blackburne 28:17

3y ago28:17

28:17

An interview with Jennifer Blackburne, a mechanical engineer on the propulsion team at Dawn Aerospace working on rocket propulsion and engine testing. She has a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of South Dakota in the US, followed by joint degrees in turbomachinery and aeromechanics from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in…

1
Linking Industry with Academia for Capacity Building and Innovation in the NZ Space Sector: An Inteview with Prof. Guglielmo Aglietti 52:51

3y ago52:51

52:51

An interview with Prof Guglielmo Aglietti or known mostly as Prof G. who heads the Auckland Space Institute – Tepunaha Atea at the University of Auckland. Prof G was the Royal Academy of Engineering Research Chair in Space Engineering, and the Center Director for Surrey Space Center in the UK. He worked on a range of topics from space missions desi…

1
From Thermofluids for Jet Engines to Reusable Rockets: An Interview with Priyanka Dhopade 39:46

3y ago39:46

39:46

An interview with Priyanka Dhopade, Lecturer at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at University of Auckland. Priyanka's research expertise is in aerospace thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. Previously she held a senior research position at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute based at University of Oxford. where she developed computational mod…

1
From Science Fiction to Building Plasma Rockets for Interstellar Travel: An Interview with Jamal Olatunji 40:25

3+ y ago40:25

40:25

An interview with Jamal Olatunji. Jamal is a Research Engineer at the Robinson Research Institute at Victoria University of Wellington. He has degrees in Chemical Engineering, chemistry and nanotechnology from Massey University. He is developing mathematical models of superconducting magnets and machines, and researching applications of high-temper…

1
On Personal Spaceflights, Founding Aerospace Companies, and Catalysing Innovation in the NZ Aerospace Industry: An Interview with Mark Rocket 28:59

3+ y ago28:59

28:59

An interview with Mark Rocket, founder and CEO of KEA Aerospace, developing a solar-powered, unmanned aircraft that will fly continuously in the stratosphere for months at a time to collect frequent high-resolution aerial images. Mark was also a co-founder of Rocket Lab, and the President of Aerospace Christchurch, a group of individuals and organi…

1
Leveraging Physics and Systems Engineering to Ensure Space Mission Success: An Interview with Jessica Tucker 48:53

3+ y ago48:53

48:53

An interview with Jessica Tucker. Jessica is a senior associate in systems engineering at Beca Applied Technologies, a consulting company focused on high-assurance systems and software engineering in defence and aerospace. Jessica has BS and MS degrees in Physics and has almost twenty years experience in aerospace. Prior to arriving in New Zealand …

1
Scrapy Entrepreneurship Can Get Your Tech on an Electron Rocket: An Interview with Astrix CEO, Fia Jones 38:49

3+ y ago38:49

38:49

An interview with Fia Jones. Fia is CEO of Astrix Astronautics. Astrix is a satellite startup that aims at inventing an alternate power generation system, which produces more power without compromising functionality of a satellite. In 2019, her team won the New Venture Category Prize at the Velocity’s $100K Challenge. Fia is pursuing a Physics degr…

1
NASA Returns to the Moon from New Zealand: An Interview with Tom Gardner 56:00

3+ y ago56:00

56:00

An interview with Thomas Gardner, Director of Engineering for Advanced Space, a space company supporting the sustainable exploration, development, and settlement of space. Prior to joining Advanced Space, he had experience as the Chief Engineer/Principal Mission Systems Engineer at Moon Express, as a Senior Principal Space Systems Engineer with the…

1
From Old Space to New Space, and Leveraging Space for Planet Earth: An Interview with Rafael Kargren 40:38

3+ y ago40:38

40:38

An interview with Rafael Kargren. Rafael has extensive background and career in the space industry spanning from ground communication systems to earth observation applications. He has been working closely on many space related projects with space agencies around the world including NASA, ESA, JAXA ISRO, Australian Space Agency, and a number of comm…

1
From Aerospace Engineering to Space Policy and working for the NZ Space Agency: An Interview with Kate Breach 47:48

4y ago47:48

47:48

An interview with Kate Breach, an aerospace technical specialist at the New Zealand Space Agency. Kate is an aeronautical engineer who has worked on military fighter jets and helicopters in New Zealand and the UK, led a team of UN military armistice inspectors in the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, represented New Zealand at inter…

1
Building an NZ Space Consulting Practice from Scratch: An Interview with Nicholas Borroz 37:11

4y ago37:11

37:11

An interview with Nicholas Borroz, founder of space sector-focused consultancy Rotoiti and Filling Space, a social enterprise that democratices engagement with space. Nicholas is completing his doctoral studies in international business at the University of Auckland. Before moving to New Zealand, he worked as a business intelligence consultant in W…

1
Predicting Solar Tsunamis to Tracking Red Sprites: An Interview with Craig Rodger 48:34

4y ago48:34

48:34

An interview with Dr. Craig Rodger, professor of space physics at the Department of Physics at University of Otago. Craig has a BSc(Hons) in Physics, and a PhD degree in Space Physics. His areas of research are in space weather, atmospheric electricity, and most recently carbon emissions in transport. He has won numerous awards including the Univer…

1
STEM Education through Antarctic Programs and Analog Missions for Space Exploration: An interview with Miranda Satterthwaite 28:42

4y ago28:42

28:42

An interview with Miranda Satterthwaite, Antarctic Academy Director at the International Antarctic Centre. Miranda has multiple degrees in Physical and Biological Sciences, Psychology and Political Science, and Masters degrees in Business Administration and Education. In the past she has worked for the Centre for Earth Space Science Technology (Xer…

1
Supporting International Space Missions from the Bottom of the World: An Interview with Robin McNeill 41:24

4y ago41:24

41:24

An interview with Robin McNeil, Engineering and Ground segment Manager at Great South where he oversees the space programmes. Robin is called the "Dish Master" at the Awarua Ground Stations located in Invercargill. In the past he has worked for Thermo Cell and the International Telecommunications Union. Robin has an honours degree in Electrical and…

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Astrononomy Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen