Best Payload Ignition Tectonic Podcasts (2025)

1
Hypersonic Power Play, with Bryon Hargis (CEO of Castelion) 56:14

5d ago56:14

56:14

We’re excited to launch Valley of Depth, our new podcast taking the place of our beloved (formerly known as) Pathfinder (RIP) podcast. Valley of Depth is about the technologies that matter—and the people building them. We talk to founders, investors, government officials, and military leaders shaping the future of national security and deep tech. F…

1
Beyond the Brief, with Ed Fyfe (Founder of Ed Fyfe Design) 57:43

2M ago57:43

57:43

This week on Pathfinder, we’re joined by Ed Fyfe, founder of Ed Fyfe Design, a creative studio focused on branding and visual identity for space and hardware companies. With a background in agency work and a passion for the space industry, Ed has built a reputation for helping companies craft compelling brand identities that stand out in a crowded …

1
Inside SpaceX's Revenue, with Jack Kuhr (Research Director at Payload) 43:22

3M ago43:22

43:22

This week on Pathfinder, we’re joined by Jack Kuhr, Research Director at Payload, for a deep dive into one of the most closely watched companies in the space industry—SpaceX. We break down Payload’s latest analysis of SpaceX’s revenue, exploring how the company’s launch business and Starlink network are shaping its financial trajectory. With our es…

1
Space to Grow, with Matt Weinzierl and Brendan Rosseau 1:02:32

3M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

This week on Pathfinder, we’re joined by Matt Weinzierl, Chair of the MBA Program and Professor at Harvard Business School, and Brendan Rosseau, a member of the strategy team for launch at Blue Origin. Together, they’ve co-authored Space to Grow: Unlocking the Final Economic Frontier, a new book exploring the history, key players, and economic forc…

1
Subsurface Vision, with Jeremiah Pate (CEO of Lunasonde) 43:37

3M ago43:37

43:37

This week on Pathfinder, we’re joined by Jeremiah Pate, founder and CEO of Lunasonde, a company pioneering subsurface imaging from space. Lunasonde is developing technology to map the Earth’s underground, leveraging low-frequency synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to identify critical minerals and resources. With two satellites launched and the first f…

1
Spectral Revolution, with Awais Ahmed (CEO of Pixxel) 54:10

3M ago54:10

54:10

This week on Pathfinder, we’re joined by Awais Ahmed, founder and CEO of Pixxel, a company focused on developing hyperspectral imaging technology from space. Pixxel is developing the world’s first commercial hyperspectral satellite constellation, aiming to provide detailed insights into critical industries like agriculture, energy, and defense. Wit…

1
First Check, with Adam Draper (Founder of Boost VC) 57:48

4M ago57:48

57:48

This week on Pathfinder, we welcome Adam Draper, founder and managing director of Boost VC, an early-stage venture capital firm based in San Mateo, CA, specializing in pre-seed deals in deep tech, including space. Boost VC’s track record includes early investments in space companies such as Varda, Starfish Space, and K2 Space. This episode explores…

1
Mach 1, Dawn Rises, with Stefan Powell (CEO of Dawn Aerospace) 1:00:50

4M ago1:00:50

1:00:50

This week on Pathfinder, we’re ready to kick off 2025 with our first episode back from a brief holiday hiatus. Joining us is Stefan Powell, co-founder and CEO of Dawn Aerospace—a company focused on building scalable, sustainable space transportation solutions. After cutting their teeth with an in-space propulsion business, Dawn is now pushing the b…

1
Nuclear Power and Propulsion for a Lunar Architecture, with Joe Miller (BWXT) & Kerry Timmons (LMT) 52:22

4M ago52:22

52:22

Quick PSA: This is our final Pathfinder episode of 2024! We’re so grateful for your support and can’t wait to bring you more content and a new format next year. Stay tuned! In our third and final episode of our special three-part Pathfinder series on lunar architecture—brought to you by our partners at Lockheed Martin—we’re focusing on how nuclear-…

1
Commodities & Tech of a Lunar Architecture, with Tim Cichan & Christie Iacomini (Lockheed Martin) 55:14

5M ago55:14

55:14

In the second episode of our special three-part Pathfinder series on lunar architecture—brought to you by our partners at Lockheed Martin—we’re zooming in on the technologies and design principles that will help establish a sustainable, long-term presence on the Moon and pave the way for future missions to Mars. Joining us are Christie Iacomini, wh…

1
ISAM in Defense Strategy, with Patsy Klein (Falcon Research) and Dennis Wille (Astroscale U.S.) 58:48

5M ago58:48

58:48

This week on Pathfinder, we’re excited to bring you a special one-off episode, made possible by Astroscale U.S., the Denver-based subsidiary of Astroscale, a global provider of on-orbit servicing solutions. This episode dives into the DoD’s push to integrate commercial in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) capabilities to enhance f…

1
A Future Lunar Architecture, with Alex MacDonald (NASA) & Rob Chambers (Lockheed Martin) 1:05:00

5M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

This week on Pathfinder, we’re kicking off a special three-part series on lunar architecture, brought to you by our friends at Lockheed Martin. To kick off the series, we’re exploring the future of lunar architecture more broadly with Rob Chambers, Director of Strategy for Human Space Exploration at Lockheed Martin, and Alex MacDonald, Chief Econom…

1
From F-18s to Term Sheets, with Chris Morales (Partner at Point72 Ventures) 48:51

5M ago48:51

48:51

This week on Pathfinder, we are joined by Chris Morales, Partner at Point72 Ventures, for a discussion on venture capital’s role in shaping the space and defense technology landscape. In this episode, Chris provides a detailed overview of Point72 Ventures’ strategic approach to investing, drawing on his background as a former naval officer and his …

1
End-to-End Space, with Peter Beck (CEO of Rocket Lab) 52:54

5M ago52:54

52:54

This week on Pathfinder, we’re excited to welcome the one and only Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab. Rocket Lab continues to solidify its position as a leading end-to-end space company, offering launch services, spacecraft platforms, and in-house satellite manufacturing. In light of Rocket Lab’s Q3 earnings report, which saw a 55% year-ove…

1
Direct to Deployment, with Robert Sproles (CEO of Exolaunch) 54:59

6M ago54:59

54:59

This week on Pathfinder, we explore the world of satellite deployment and launch services with Robert Sproles, CEO of Exolaunch. Exolaunch is a leader in satellite integration, offering launch services and deployment solutions for commercial and government clients. We explore how Exolaunch has built a cashflow-positive business with a remarkable tr…

1
The Future of Manufacturing, with Erik Palitsch & TJ Ronacher (Co-Founders of Freeform) 1:02:14

6M ago1:02:14

1:02:14

This week on Pathfinder, we explore the future of 3D metal printing and manufacturing with Erik Palitsch and TJ Ronacher, co-founders of Freeform, a pioneering startup aiming to redefine industrial-scale additive manufacturing. Both SpaceX alumni, Erik and TJ share their journeys from leading projects on the Merlin and Raptor engines to co-founding…

1
Harnessing the Sun, with Baiju Bhatt (CEO of Aetherflux) 53:26

6M ago53:26

53:26

In this week’s pod, we dive into the world of space-based solar power with Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood and now founder of Aetherflux, a new startup aiming to change how we think about energy from space. Baiju takes us on his personal journey from building a public company to tackling one of the most ambitious ideas in the space industry. D…

1
Telemetry Unleashed, with Karthik & Austin (CEO & CTO of Sift) 49:34

7M ago49:34

49:34

In this week’s Pathfinder pod, we bring in Karthik Gollapudi, CEO, and Austin Spiegel, CTO, of Sift, as they dive into the company's mission to build software tools for complex machines, with a focus on telemetry solutions. Sift’s platform enables end-to-end data ingestion, real-time analysis, and visualization, helping companies streamline the tes…

1
Algorithmic Debris Management, with Chiara Manfletti (CEO of Neuraspace) 40:28

7M ago40:28

40:28

In this week’s Pathfinder pod, Chiara Manfletti, CEO of Neuraspace and former President of the Portuguese National Space Agency, discusses the growing importance of space situational awareness (SSA) and space traffic management. Neuraspace is a Portuguese startup that is developing a software platform that provides satellite operators with risk ass…

1
Mega Scale Prop Production, with Saurav Shroff (CEO of Starpath) 1:02:33

7M ago1:02:33

1:02:33

The cost to build a mass scale propellant production system on the Moon? Much less than $100M according to Starpath cofounder and CEO Saurav Shroff. The LA-based startup is developing the infrastructure for lunar resource extraction—including a power plant, a fleet of rovers, and a processing plant. In this episode, Saurav breaks down Starpath's ap…

1
Fission Surface Future, with Lindsay Kaldon (NASA) 1:04:57

7M ago1:04:57

1:04:57

This week on Pathfinder, we sit down with Lindsay Kaldon, NASA’s Fission Surface Power Project Manager, to explore NASA's plans for deploying small nuclear reactors on the Moon and Mars as part of the Artemis missions. Before her current role at NASA, Lindsay spent over a decade in the DoD, where she worked as an Air Force officer specializing in e…

1
Platinum or Bust, with Matt Gialich (CEO of AstroForge) 56:03

8M ago56:03

56:03

This week on Pathfinder, we welcome back Matt Gialich, cofounder and CEO of AstroForge, to discuss the company’s plans to mine platinum group metals from near-Earth asteroids and its recent Series A funding. In this episode, Matt provides updates on AstroForge’s upcoming missions, the challenges of developing a cost-effective method for extracting …

1
Space Marketing Playbook, with Brian D'Erario (Payload) 59:27

8M ago59:27

59:27

This week’s Pathfinder pod features Brian D’Erario, the man who keeps the lights on at Payload as the Director of Client Partnerships. Brian’s role is to bring in all the revenue that makes everything at Payload possible (no pressure, Brian!). With experience working with over 97 partners, Brian has been instrumental in shaping Payload's approach t…

1
Dodging Debris, with Tony Frazier (CEO of LeoLabs) 53:26

8M ago53:26

53:26

This week’s Pathfinder pod features Tony Frazier, LeoLab’s newly appointed CEO, to discuss the critical role the company plays in building a living map of orbital activity for space operations. With over $120M of private capital raised, LeoLabs has continued to expand its global network of ground-based radars, currently cataloging over 22,000 objec…

1
100% Reusability, with Andy Lapsa (CEO of Stoke Space) 58:10

9M ago58:10

58:10

This week on Pathfinder, we welcome back Andy Lapsa, cofounder and CEO of Stoke Space. Stoke has made remarkable strides since Andy's last appearance on the show two years ago. They've grown to over 140 employees and developed innovative full-flow staged combustion cycle engines and reusable upper-stage prototypes. Andy shares his insights on the c…

1
Space Station Foundations, with Colin Doughan (Gravitics) 51:49

9M ago51:49

51:49

This week's Pathfinder features Colin Doughan, CEO of Gravitics, a Seattle-based startup that specializes in the development of modular space infrastructure to support the expansion of stations and orbital platforms. Their primary product is the StarMax module, which can be customized in various sizes to accommodate different launch vehicles and mi…

1
Global Satellites, with Tina Ghataore (Aerospacelab) 1:01:18

9M ago1:01:18

1:01:18

This week's Pathfinder guest is Tina Ghataore, Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer at Aerospacelab as well as CEO of Aerospacelab N.A. With a background in aerospace engineering and extensive experience in business development and strategy, Tina has been instrumental in taking products and services to market in both large and small companies. Aerosp…

1
Nuclear in Space, with Kate Kelly (BWXT) 46:29

9M ago46:29

46:29

This week on Pathfinder, we feature Kate Kelly, Director of Space and Emerging Programs at BWXT, an 8,000-person firm that specializes in delivering nuclear reactors and components for the Navy, commercial nuclear industry, and advanced technologies. Kate shares her journey into the nuclear and space industry, providing insights into the advancemen…

1
Grand Design, with Ian Cinnamon (Apex) 58:04

10M ago58:04

58:04

Fresh off of a $95M Series B funding round, this week we bring back Ian Cinnamon, CEO of Apex, on to the show. Ian, along with his co-founder Max Benassi, started Apex to address the bottleneck in satellite bus manufacturing. Apex is revolutionizing the small satellite bus market with its productized approach and rapid manufacturing capabilities. O…

1
Space Market Realities, with Pierre Lionnet (Eurospace) 1:08:41

10M ago1:08:41

1:08:41

There aren’t many dedicated space economists out there, but today we’re lucky enough to be joined by one. This week’s Pathfinder guest is Pierre Lionnet, Research and Managing Director at Eurospace, who shares his critical and thought-provoking insights into the space economy. Pierre, with a background in engineering and finance, has spent 30 years…

1
Agent to Investor, with Mike Palank (MaC Venture Capital) 1:04:21

10M ago1:04:21

1:04:21

It’s not every day you get to hear space industry perspectives from a former Hollywood talent agent turned investor. Today we're joined by Mike Palank, General Partner at MaC Venture Capital, who shares his career path and insights into the world of VC. Mike, with a background in the entertainment industry, including working at WME as a talent agen…

1
A View From Above, with Mason Angel (Industrious Ventures) 45:06

11M ago45:06

45:06

Ever wanted to hear the firsthand experience of a New Shepard astronaut? Well, today we're joined by Mason Angel, General Partner at Industrious Ventures, who was on Blue Origin’s most recent flight to space. Mason, with a background deeply rooted in industrial sectors like GE and Linde through his family, shares his unique journey and insights int…

1
The Blue Ghost, with Ray Allensworth (Firefly) 47:50

11M ago47:50

47:50

This week on Pathfinder, we're joined by Ray Allensworth, Spacecraft Program Director at Firefly Aerospace. Ray, who has a previous background with major aerospace names like Raytheon and Northrop, helps lead Blue Ghost, Firefly’s lunar lander program designed to deliver scientific and commercial payloads to the surface of the Moon. The company is …

1
Free-Flying Stations, with Jed McCaleb & Max Haot (Vast) 58:57

11M ago58:57

58:57

This week on Pathfinder, we're joined by Jed McCaleb, Founder, and Max Haot, CEO, the leaders behind Vast, a company pioneering the development of commercial space stations. Jed, a seasoned software entrepreneur, and Max, a veteran in space and internet ventures, bring their unique expertise to the ambitious goal of advancing human habitation in sp…

1
The State and Future of EO, with Sid Dixit (Space Exec, Former Maxar) 55:34

11M ago55:34

55:34

This week on Pathfinder, we're joined by Sid Dixit, former CTO of Maxar and a seasoned leader in the space industry. Sid's career spans pivotal roles at Planet, Amazon, and Maxar, where he has been at the forefront of satellite technology, artificial intelligence, and geospatial data platforms. Our discussion delves into the transformative impact o…

1
A Critical Lens, with Sinead O'Sullivan (European Space Policy Institute) 1:05:51

12M ago1:05:51

1:05:51

This week on Pathfinder, we’re joined by Sinead O’Sullivan, an economist and board member of the European Space Policy Institute. Sinead has had a unique career, from her early days in aerospace engineering in Northern Ireland to significant roles on Wall Street and at top academic institutions like Georgia Tech and Harvard. In her free time, she’s…

1
Global Connectivity, with Chris Taylor (Aalyria) 54:45

12M ago54:45

54:45

This week’s Pathfinder features Chris Taylor, CEO and founder of Aalyria, a Google spinout that specializes in advanced connectivity solutions. The company is developing what could be game changing free-space optics hardware and network orchestration software to meaningfully change communication speed and efficiency across air, space, land, and sea…

1
Single-Stage-to-Orbit, with Livingston Holder (Radian Aerospace) 59:57

12M ago59:57

59:57

The first single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) space plane? That's exactly what we're discussing on this week’s Pathfinder podcast. We interview Livingston Holder, cofounder and CTO of Radian Aerospace, which is developing a fully reusable space plane designed for horizontal launch and landing. SSTO? Essentially, SSTO vehicles are designed to reach orbit u…

1
Drugs in Space, with Will Bruey & Delian Asparouhov (Varda Space) 59:38

1y ago59:38

59:38

Right on the heels of their $90M funding round, this week’s Pathfinder spotlights Varda and its cofounders, Will Bruey (CEO) and Delian Asparouhov (President). The LA-based startup harnesses microgravity for pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. In its latest mission, the company successfully processed ritonavir, a crucial antiviral drug ut…

1
The New Edge, with Dan Wright (Armada) 52:06

1y ago52:06

52:06

Dan Wright is no typical founder. With a formidable background at software powerhouses like AppDynamics and DataRobot, Dan has shifted his focus towards bridging the technological gap in edge computing with his latest venture, Armada. As the world’s first full-stack edge computing platform, Armada integrates computing and AI capabilities directly w…

1
The State of EO + SatCom (Payload Editorial) 44:13

1y ago44:13

44:13

This week, we bring you our second installment of Pathfinder’s special podcast series on the State of the Space Industry. As a reminder, you’ll hear from two members of Payload’s editorial staff on key trends, exclusive interviews, and insights shaping the industry. Today’s episode explores EO & SatCom, featuring Payload’s Research Director, Jack K…

1
The State of Launch & OSAM (Payload Editorial) 41:34

1y ago41:34

41:34

Pathfinder is shaking things up for the next two weeks with a special pod series on the State of the Space Industry. In each episode, you’ll hear from two members of Payload’s editorial staff on key trends, exclusive interviews, and insights shaping the industry. This week? Launch & OSAM, featuring Payload’s Managing Editor Jacqueline Feldscher and…

1
Live from Austin, with Dan Goldin (Former NASA Administrator) 44:08

1y ago44:08

44:08

This week, we're going live from Austin, TX, at Payload’s inaugural event, “The Ultimate High Ground: The Role of Space in National Security,” held during SXSW. Our episode features a fireside chat with Dan Goldin, the longest-serving NASA Administrator, from April 1992 to November 2001. Dan is known for leading NASA’s resurgence during one of its …

1
Command and Control, with Nate Hamet (Quindar) 45:37

1y ago45:37

45:37

This week's Pathfinder podcast features Nate Hamet, cofounder and CEO of Quindar, a startup attempting to dramatically change satellite operations. Quindar's software suite simplifies satellite command and control, enhancing health, security, and connectivity management. With a rich background in satellite operations at notable companies like OneWe…

1
Breakthrough Solar, with Stan Herasimenka (Solestial) 46:55

1y ago46:55

46:55

Did you ever think that solar power generation in space could be 10x cheaper, 20% more efficient, and extend operational life to over 50 years? Well, that’s what the Arizona-based startup Solestial believes it can achieve with its silicon cell technology. We bring in CEO and cofounder Stan Herasimenka for his first-ever podcast to discuss the uniqu…

1
The Architect of Change, with Lori Garver (NASA) 56:36

1y ago56:36

56:36

This week’s Pathfinder features Lori Garver, a pioneering force in the space industry known for her instrumental role in propelling NASA into the modern era of commercial spaceflight. The former Deputy Administrator of NASA joins us today to discuss how partnerships with private space firms helped to shift the landscape from government-dominated mi…

1
Space and Defense Tech Roadmap, with Tess Hatch (BVP) 49:14

1y ago49:14

49:14

San Francisco-based venture capital firm, Bessemer Venture Partners, is diving into defense technology, with Payload securing the first interview to discuss the firm's new strategy with Partner Tess Hatch. Despite the firm's historical successes with space companies such as Terra Bella (formerly Skybox), Spire, and Rocket Lab, they are cautiously a…

1
Starship is Misunderstood, with Casey Handmer (Terraform Industries) 1:00:12

1y ago1:00:12

1:00:12

Our guest this week not only has a PhD in theoretical astrophysics but is also a pilot, musician, entrepreneur, language enthusiast, and a thought leader on how humanity can create a better future for itself. No, we’re not constructing a dating profile, but describing Casey Handmer, the founder of Terraform Industries, a startup focused on scaling …

1
Space Research 2.0, with Jack Kuhr (Payload) 47:18

1y ago47:18

47:18

Two weeks ago, we launched Payload Research, a new division within Payload dedicated to providing incisive, insight-driven analysis tailored for industry leaders and investors. Today, we welcome Jack Kuhr, the esteemed Research Director of Payload, to go under the hood of our new venture. We explore the motivations behind its inception and offer a …

1
The Future of Engineering, with Malory McLemore (Stell) 39:59

1+ y ago39:59

39:59

Our guest this week is Malory McLemore, the co-founder and CEO of Stell, an LA-based startup that is building workflow software to serve as the future data layer for hardware and industrials. Their platform enables complex, multi-company hardware development efforts to track engineering and compliance documentation, replacing traditional methods li…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Payload Ignition Tectonic Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen