Space Business Podcast #134: On-Orbit Services | Chris Blackerby, Astroscale
Astroscale is a prominent space company from Japan, focused on a variety of on-orbit services incl. active space debris removal. My guest is their Group Chief Operating Officer, Chris Blackerby.
🕰️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
01:41 - Elevator Pitch
03:22 - On-Orbit Servicing Categories
06:53 - Core Competency of Astroscale: RPOD
09:00 - Tech Stack of current Mission
12:41 - Automated Space Operations and Safety
17:53 - Space Situational Awareness
20:46 - Space Debris
29:22 - Regulations
32:25 - What if we had a catastrophic event in orbit?
35:53 - Astroscale's Vision for a Circular Space Economy
38:19 - Astroscale's Future Plans
41:10 - Astroscale's IPO
43:35 - Chris's journey from NASA to Astroscale
46:23 - U.S. vs. Japanese Space Sector
50:34 - Other Commercial Space Opportunities
52:06 - Chris’ Sci-Fi Favorites
📍 About the Guest:
Chris Blackerby, Group COO of Astroscale. Astroscale is a pioneering company focused on space debris removal, ensuring the sustainability of Earth’s orbits. Based in Tokyo, Chris manages strategic planning, global operations, and the company’s activities across Japan, the UK, and the U.S. He also draws on his extensive experience as NASA’s Attache for Asia, where he forged international partnerships and advised on space policy.
🔗 Connect with Chris:
🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-blackerby-0111695/
🔗 Follow the Space Business Podcast:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
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🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelrottgen/
🌐Instagram - https://.instagram.com/raphael_space/
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To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
- "To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space Economy
This book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.
📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO - edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOC
This course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.
🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space- - Space Business Newsletter
📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/