Space Minds

In this week’s episode of Space Minds David Ariosto sits down Nathalie Cabrol, Director of the Carl Sagan Center at the SETI Institute who explains why the Red Planet may hold answers about extraterrestrial life as well as our own origins.Our conversation explores the potential for life on Mars, the implications of exoplanet discoveries, and how AI is transforming our understanding of habitability. She challenges our assumptions about intelligence, consciousness, and the very nature of life itself—both here on Earth and beyond. A thought-provoking conversation that expands your view of the universe—and our place within it.And in our second segment, Space Takes, our hosts discuss space based tools used for war and the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. They then discuss Europe's launch capability and their efforts to be less reliant on SpaceX.

In this week’s episode of Space Minds David Ariosto sits down with Chris Stott, Chair and CEO of Lonestar Data Holdings who explains how lunar storage could be humanity's best defense against a digital catastrophe.The discussions delves into the company’s efforts to establish data infrastructure beyond Earth, including the deployment of early-stage hardware and software in lunar orbit. Our conversation with Stott examines the challenges and implications of creating off-world data centers, and considers how such developments could serve both terrestrial markets and long-term space exploration goals.Stott discusses the strategic and technical motivations behind the missions, including latency, security, and geopolitical competition—highlighting parallels with terrestrial data vulnerabilities and the growing scale of global data production. The episode also delves into the broader context of lunar development, the role of commercial space actors, and the evolving dynamics of global space policy.And don't miss our co-hosts' Space Take on important stories.

In this week's episode of Space Minds, we explore how microgravity accelerates aging—and guest Dr. Nadia Maroouf shares her insights on the phenomenon and what she’s doing to help protect astronauts.Dr. Maroouf is a clinical scientist and analog astronaut. From simulating life on Mars at the Mars Desert Research Station to exploring healthcare technologies for astronauts, Dr. Maroouf shares how innovations developed for space can help medicine here on Earth. Our host David Ariosto and Dr. Maroouf delve into the physiological toll of space travel, the promise of the AstroSkin biowearable system, and the exciting potential of the HSP27-based cardio-protective vaccine. Plus, Dr. Maroouf reflects on her inspiring personal journey from rural Morocco to the frontlines of space medicine. Don't miss this powerful conversation about science, resilience, and the future of human health in space.And don't miss our co-hosts' Space Take on important stories.

In this week's episode of Space Minds Retired Space Force Lt. Gen. John Shaw explains what it was like building a new military branch, the risks of commercial integration and the race to protect U.S. satellites in orbit.General Shaw shares some of the history on the formation of the Space Force and its cultural shift away from the Air Force, to the growing influence of commercial players like SpaceX and the conversation dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of the “Third Space Age.” General Shaw also shares insights on emerging technologies, vulnerabilities in space infrastructure, the strategic implications of China’s advancements, and the potential of data centers and AI-enabled autonomy in orbit.And don't miss our co-hosts' Space Take on important stories.

Ashley Johnson, President and CFO of Planet, shares insights on how daily Earth imaging can make global change visible and actionable. She discusses the transformative role of AI and hyperspectral data in monitoring the planet. The conversation highlights the unique ability to analyze historical imagery to anticipate events, emphasizing its applications in environmental protection and disaster response. Johnson also addresses ethical considerations and the future implications of geospatial intelligence in an increasingly transparent world.

Devin Brande, the Director of Commercial Operations at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, shares insights from the GEOINT Symposium. He discusses the importance of collaboration and innovation in geo-intelligence, emphasizing the role of international partnerships. Brande also addresses the challenges entrepreneurs face when presenting complex ideas, and the need for clear communication. Additionally, he reflects on how integrating commercial tech can enhance capabilities and shape the future of geospatial intelligence.

This is a bonus edition of Space Minds by SpaceNews. This week we’re at the US Geospatial Intelligence Foundation GEOINT Symposium in St. Louis where we’ll post episodes Monday through Wednesday.Our guest today is Keith Masback, Principal Consultant of Plum Run, LLC. He sits down with Chief Content and Strategy Officer Mike Gruss to break down the latest news and insights from the event.

Robert Cardillo, President of the Cardillo Group and former head of the NGA, delivers fascinating insights about the evolving landscape of geospatial intelligence. He discusses the pressing need for reform in intelligence procurement, arguing for a commercial-first approach. The conversation also dives into the transformative role of artificial intelligence in data analysis, dispelling myths about its impact on jobs. Cardillo highlights the expectations for upcoming initiatives under new leadership and the future of space policy.

This is a bonus edition of Space Minds by SpaceNews. This week we’re at the US Geospatial Intelligence Foundation GEOINT Symposium in St. Louis where we’ll record post episodes Monday through Wednesday.Our guest today is Ronda Schrenk, CEO of the US Geospatial Intelligence Foundation. She sits down with Chief Content and Strategy Officer Mike Gruss, to break down the latest news and insights from the event.

In this week's episode of Space Minds Mamta Patel Nagaraja - NASA's former associate chief scientist-offers an insider's look at how science priorities are set, what gets cut and what the future holds for research aboard the ISS and beyond.In our conversation with Nagaraja she reflects on her time at the agency, her unexpected layoff, and the broader implications of the current shift in the U.S. space landscape. She explains her role and that of the Office of Chief Scientist in advising NASA leadership on science priorities and mission viability during times of tight resources, particularly as the International Space Station (ISS) faced increasing demands. Nagaraja also discusses the agency's transition toward commercial partnerships in space, emphasizing the fundamental shift from NASA being an architect to a client in this new commercial space age. Nagaraja then shares the emotional impact of her layoff, underscoring her lifelong passion for space inspired by the 1980s shuttle era and her parents' immigrant sacrifices. Despite the setback, she remains committed to the spaceflight mission and is optimistic about contributing from the private sector. She also advocates for the societal value of space research, offering a compelling example of NASA-developed technology transforming hospital care.