Space Minds

This week’s episode guest is Steve Kitay — former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, former head of Microsoft’s space initiatives, and now Senior Vice President for Space Defense at True Anomaly.The conversations takes us inside a rapidly shifting orbital landscape, where national security, commercial innovation, and geopolitical competition collide. From China’s accelerating satellite programs to the race for real-time space situational awareness, we explore how companies like True Anomaly are building the tools to protect U.S. interests and maintain deterrence in a new era of space as a warfighting domain.

In this week's episode of Space Minds SpaceNews editor Mike Gruss talks with Julien Lamamy, Managing Director of ispace Europe from the World Space Business Week in Paris.Julien shares how the company is developing cost-efficient lunar exploration — from testing and launching its first rover to preparing MAGPIE, a groundbreaking European mission to study hydrogen on the Moon. We discuss how “new space” approaches are reshaping exploration, Europe’s emerging lunar economy, and why Luxembourg is fast becoming a global space hub. Listen in for a deep dive into the future of lunar mobility and resource discovery.

In this episode, SpaceNews editor Mike Gruss talks with Pacome Revillon, CEO of Novaspace. They discuss the accelerating race in direct-to-device satellite communications, the surge in defense spending and dual-use technologies, and the growing role of sovereignty in global space strategies. Revillon also shares insights on consolidation trends within the industry, the future of AI in space applications, and predictions for what’s ahead in launch and defense markets.

In this episode, SpaceNews editor Mike Gruss talks with Brian O'Toole, CEO of BlackSky.The conversation dives into BlackSky’s latest contract win with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the growing role of AI in geospatial intelligence, and the race to deliver near real-time imagery from space. O’Toole also shares insights on sovereign space capabilities, commercial opportunities beyond defense, and how the next generation of satellites is reshaping the future of intelligence.

In this episode, SpaceNews editor Mike Gruss talks with Peter Cannito, CEO of Redwire.They discuss the future of the European space market, Redwire’s expanding footprint, and the growing intersection of space and defense technology.From strategic acquisitions in Europe to investments in autonomy and software, Cannito outlines how Redwire is positioning itself as a nimble, mid-sized player bridging the gap between startups and aerospace giants. The conversation also explores avenues in pharmaceutical research in microgravity, the rise of very low Earth orbit missions (VLEO), and how space and drone technologies are converging to reshape national security.

In this episode, SpaceNews editor Mike Gruss talks with Mina Mitry, CEO of Kepler Communications. They discuss Kepler’s groundbreaking optical communications test — the first ever to connect an aircraft and a spacecraft via laser link. Mitry explains why this milestone matters for defense, border monitoring, and the future of real-time data transfer. The conversation also explores Kepler’s role in an evolving space ecosystem, the push for interoperability and sovereignty, and the company’s roadmap toward delivering internet beyond Earth.

In this episode, SpaceNews editor Mike Gruss talks with Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency.They discuss Europe’s case for greater investment in space, the growing role of defense and security in ESA’s agenda, and the ambitious budget negotiations ahead of November’s ministerial conference. From dual-use technologies to new launch competition and commercial partnerships, Aschbacher outlines how ESA is positioning itself for a rapidly changing space economy.

Space Minds host Mike Gruss is joined by SpaceNews senior writer Jeff Foust to break down the surprising appointment of Sean Duffy as NASA’s Acting Administrator.From his unexpected dual role as Secretary of Transportation to his growing influence on the Artemis program, nuclear power on the Moon, and NASA’s embattled budget, Duffy has quickly become a central—if unconventional—figure in U.S. space policy. The conversation explores how industry, Congress, and the space community are reacting to his leadership, and what’s at stake as NASA navigates an uncertain future.

Riley Duren, CEO of Carbon Mapper and former NASA engineer, dives into groundbreaking technology for tracking methane and CO2 emissions. He shares how his organization uses hyperspectral satellites to identify super-emitters, transforming greenhouse gas data into actionable insights. Duren discusses the unique motivations for companies to reduce emissions and the importance of fast, agile partnerships in tackling climate change. He also highlights the broader applications of their hyperspectral data and the shift from traditional risk-averse space missions to innovative approaches.

In a fascinating discussion, Will Bruey, CEO of Varda Space Industries, dives into the transformative potential of microgravity for pharmaceuticals. He shares how their innovative 'microgravity oven' can create drug formulations impossible on Earth. Will explains the economics behind space manufacturing becoming viable and outlines the exciting possibilities for hypersonic applications. He even hints at when these breakthrough formulations could begin clinical trials. His insights position Varda at the forefront of merging space exploration with healthcare.