Manifest Space with Morgan Brennan

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.

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.

Tory Bruno, CEO of United Launch Alliance and leader of a Boeing-Lockheed Martin joint venture, shares insights on ULA's upcoming Vulcan launch, which marks a pivotal national security mission. He discusses the competitive landscape of satellite internet, especially Amazon's Kuiper project, and the innovative strategies to enhance rocket launch frequency. Bruno emphasizes the critical role of technology and public-private partnerships in strengthening national defense in space, all while advancing rocket reusability for future success.

Planets Labs CEO Will Marshall joins Manifest Space to discuss the company’s rapid growth, fueled by deals across the globe as the changing geopolitical landscape means countries are looking for real-time data from satellites to respond to natural disasters, security threats and more. Planet Labs stock is up more than 100% in the last three months and Marshall talks about the demand for his company’s product.  

Hadrian, a defense manufacturing startup focused on machine parts, has closed a $260 million Series C funding round. Led by Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund and Lux Capital, the capital will go towards building a 270,000 square foot factory in Arizona and expanding its California footprint. CEO Chris Power joins to discuss the raise, reviving American manufacturing and where defense tech goes from here.

Will Bruey, CEO and co-founder of Varda Space, discusses the company's groundbreaking work in in-space manufacturing and its recent $187 million funding round. He explains the revolutionary potential of drug manufacturing in microgravity, detailing partnerships with pharmaceutical firms and the establishment of a biologics lab. Bruey also addresses innovations in hypersonic testing for the defense sector, enabling cost-effective testing at extreme speeds, and shares insights on scaling operations for future growth in the commercial space landscape.

Tejpaul Bhatia, CEO of Axiom Space, shares insights on the company's recent AX-4 private crew mission to the ISS, which features an international astronaut team. He discusses Axiom's bold ambition to build a commercial space station and design lunar spacesuits, marked by unique collaborations with fashion brands like Prada. The episode also delves into the evolving economics of space travel, highlighting the shift to value-driven models and the increasing importance of public-private partnerships in space exploration.

Pete Cannito, CEO of Redwire, a leader in space infrastructure and defense tech, teams up with Kirk Konert, Managing Partner at AE Industrial Partners, to delve into Redwire's transformative acquisition of Edge Autonomy. They explore how drones and AI are revolutionizing modern warfare and discuss the booming investment landscape in defense tech. The duo highlights the vital role of space in global deterrence and shares insights on navigating funding challenges, emerging technologies, and the importance of intelligence and surveillance in military operations.

Voyager Technologies, a commercial space and defense technology startup, has gone public. Skyrocketing more than 80% in its first day trading at the New York Stock Exchange, it reflects a milestone for the broader space. Co-founder & CEO Dylan Taylor joins Morgan Brennan from the stock exchange to talk about the new frontier for the company and space economy: Wall Street.