Manifest Space with Morgan Brennan

Morgan Brennan sits down with Ashley Pilipiszyn, CEO and founder of Besxar, a startup that just emerged from stealth with a bold mission — manufacturing semiconductors in space. Pilipiszyn explains how Besxar’s autonomous “fab ships” leverage the ultra-high vacuum of space to create ultra-pure wafers and substrates — the foundation for every advanced chip powering AI, data centers, and defense systems. They discuss the company’s upcoming launch campaign with SpaceX and why space-based manufacturing could dramatically cut costs while securing domestic chip supply chains. Pilipiszyn also shares how her time at OpenAI and SLAC National Lab inspired this fusion of AI, materials science, and orbital production — and why she believes in-space manufacturing is American manufacturing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Shey Sabripour, the visionary CEO of CesiumAstro, is shaping the future with advanced phased-array telecom systems, while Phillip Sarofim, CEO of Trousdale Ventures, focuses on investing in hard-tech for reindustrialization. Together, they discuss the critical role of connectivity in AI and defense, the shift in aerospace pricing models, and how CesiumAstro's tech will impact vehicles and robotics. They emphasize the urgency for reindustrialization amidst the new space race, highlighting the importance of a dual-use strategy for global innovation.

Dan Smoot, CEO of Vantor (formerly Maxar Intelligence), shares insights on the company’s bold transition to AI-powered geospatial software. He discusses the impressive 90% recurring revenue model and their new products, Raptor and Century. Smoot highlights how Vantor is integrating satellite data with AI to enhance defense and navigation, while also expanding their international customer base. The conversation touches on the convergence of commercial and defense technologies, showcasing the agility and strategic growth of Vantor in a changing market.

The global space economy has hit a record $613 billion, growing nearly 8% year over year. Morgan Brennan speaks with Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle about what’s fueling the boom—like human spaceflight and national security initiatives such as Golden Dome. They also discuss investor enthusiasm, the role of AI, and why Pringle expects the sector to hit $1 trillion by 2032. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Helium-3 is a critical resource for quantum computing and other futuristic technologies. But it is extremely rare on Earth. Luckily, the Moon contains tons of it. Morgan Brennan sits down with Interlune co-founders Rob Meyerson and James Antifaev along with Bluefors’ Chief Business Officer Dr. David Gunnarsson to discuss their partnership aiming to bring Helium-3 to Earth from the Moon.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SPACs, or Special Purpose Acquisition Companies, are back – with aerospace & defense tech startups embracing the moment. Merlin, a startup focused on deploying AI into cockpits, is the latest to do so. The company announced a reverse merge with a SPAC led by Inflection Point Asset Management, valuing the company at $800 million pre-money and raise hundred of millions of dollars in proceeds. CEO Matt George joins Morgan Brennan to discuss the prospects of going public. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dan Wright, Co-founder and CEO of Armada, dives into the future of AI with his innovative movable data centers designed for remote computing. He shares insights on the collaboration with SpaceX’s Starlink, enhancing connectivity for critical data processing. The conversation highlights edge computing's role in sectors like energy and defense, as well as leveraging stranded energy resources for AI advancements. Wright emphasizes the need for a strong U.S. infrastructure to stay competitive globally, particularly against China's rapidly developing technologies.

Tom Mueller, Founder and CEO of Impulse Space, is a veteran of space innovation, previously with SpaceX. In this conversation, he discusses the expansion into geosynchronous orbits with upgraded spacecraft and the significance of their Mira space tugs. Tom also shares insights on a recent $300M Series C funding round and the implications of their potential IPO. He highlights how advancements in satellite technology and chemical propulsion are reshaping the space economy, pushing the boundaries of in-space mobility and operational capabilities.

The IPO market heads to space today as Firefly Aerospace, a small & medium launch rocket maker, debuts on the Nasdaq. In what’s expected to be 2025’s biggest American space tech listing, the company is looking to list between $41 and $43 apiece for a $6.3 billion valuation. CEO Jason Kim joins Morgan Brennan ahead of trading to discuss the IPO, the company’s pathway to profitability, and how lunar missions play a role. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apple's had its biggest revenue growth since December 2021—but it also has a space play in its back pocket. Apple owns a 20% stake in Globalstar, the satellite company that gives iPhones their space-based emergency service communications. Globalstar CEO Paul Jacobs joins Morgan Brennan to discuss the promise of satellite communications, physical AI and the fight for spectrum. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.