Space Minds

Gabe Zimmerman, Director of In-Space at Ursa Major, shares insights from the SmallSat Conference, emphasizing the industry's evolving priorities. He discusses balancing cost with reliability amidst supply chain challenges. Zimmerman highlights the importance of volume production and strategic vertical integration to meet growing satellite hardware demands. He also reflects on the rapid proliferation of SmallSats and the exciting potential of hybrid propulsion solutions, showcasing the need for collaboration to navigate the booming landscape of satellite technology.

This week SpaceNews is at the SmallSat Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. In this episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss speaks with Todd Master, Chief Operating Officer of Umbra, about the evolving small satellite market, supply chain challenges, and the company’s expansion from SAR data services into satellite components. Master discusses shifting investment trends in the space industry, the importance of building products around real customer needs, and how AI is reshaping operations. The conversation also explores how the definition of “SmallSat” is changing as launch access improves and technology cycles accelerate.

This week SpaceNews is at the SmallSat Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. In this episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss speaks with Tom Walkinshaw, founder and CEO of Alba Orbital, a Scotland-based manufacturer specializing in pocket-sized satellites known as PocketQubes. Their discussion covers the growth of the small satellite sector, trends in satellite miniaturization, challenges of launch and supply chains, and strategies for building reliable, commercially viable spacecraft.

This week SpaceNews is at the SmallSat Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. In this episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss speaks with Professor Sir Martin Sweeting, Executive Chairman of Surrey Satellite Technology Limited and a professor at the Surrey Space Institute of the University of Surrey.They discuss the growth of the small satellite industry from its first meeting in 1987 of just a few dozen participants to today’s nearly 5,000 attendees, and preview the key issues the community will address at this year’s conference.

In this episode of Space Minds, host Jeff Foust moderates the panel "Evolution of Multi-Mission Orbital Vehicles" recorded live on July 24 at the AIAA Ascend conference. The Panelists include:- Colonel Owen Stephens, Director of Contracting, Space Rapid Capabilities Office, U.S. Space Force- Seth Lacy, Senior Scientist for Space Mobility and Precision Maneuver, AFRL, U.S. Space Force- Michael Creech, VP of Strategy and Business Development, Firefly Aerospace- Israel "Fig" Figueroa, Director of National Security Programs, Firefly AerospaceTogether, they unpack what it takes to create agile, high-delta-V spacecraft capable of fulfilling multiple operational roles in orbit—from tactical awareness to refueling, orbital transfers, and national security missions. This episode delves into the technical, procurement, and cultural shifts required to build a flexible, scalable, and responsive space ecosystem. Don't miss insights on the future of spacecraft modularity, propulsion innovations, and the real challenge: changing the mindset of space acquisition.

In a lively discussion, Jason Rainbow, a Senior Staff Writer and Business Intelligence Manager at SpaceNews, dives into the seismic shifts brought about by SpaceX in the space economy. He explores SpaceX's dominance in the launch market, emphasizing its innovative reusability and how it’s reshaping costs and competition. The conversation extends to the broader impacts on communications and geopolitics, examining how this evolution influences international trade. Rainbow also speculates on the future challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in this fast-paced industry.

In this bonus edition of Space Minds, host David Ariosto moderates the panel "Mission to Market: The Evolution of CLPS" at the AIAA Ascend conference. The panelists include: - Tim Crain, Chief Technology Officer, Intuitive Machines- Tyler Mundt, Executive Vice President, Engineering, ispace US- Thierry Klein, President, Bell Labs Solutions Research, Nokia Bell Labs.

Robyn Gatens, NASA's Director for the International Space Station, joins the discussion to unveil the future of space exploration. She shares insights on the ISS's decommissioning by 2030 and the shift to commercial space stations. The conversation dives into NASA's evolving partnerships with private companies, balancing innovation with safety. Gatens reflects on the ISS's legacy and the emotional farewells ahead. The episode also touches on the implications of AI in space operations and the intriguing potential of external payloads in new commercial platforms.

Heather Pringle, CEO of the Space Foundation, joins the discussion to unveil insights from the Space Report 2025 Q2 edition. She reveals that the global space economy has shattered records, surpassing $600 billion with a remarkable 7.8% growth rate. The conversation dives into the booming commercial space sector, the impact of reduced launch costs, and the significant $25 billion investment in the Golden Dome defense program. Pringle shares a visionary outlook on the future, emphasizing increasing international collaboration and opportunities for innovation.

In this week’s episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss is joined by Matthew Weinzierl, Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Research at Harvard Business School, and Brendan Rosseau, Strategy Manager, New Glenn at Blue Origin, for a deep dive into the forces reshaping the global space economy as outlined in their book Space to Grow.Drawing from their new book Space to Grow, the pair discusses how market dynamics, shifting public-sector priorities, and defense investments are driving a new era of space activity.From the growing influence of Space Force and NASA budget constraints to the classroom at Harvard and the C-suite in industry, Weinzierl and Rosseau offer a rare macroeconomic lens on the challenges—and opportunities—facing space as it moves further into the commercial and geopolitical spotlight.Whether you're a policymaker, investor, operator, or observer, this episode captures the critical questions facing the future of space enterprise.