

Space Business Podcast
spacebusiness
Space is rapidly growing into an exciting ecosystem for business. In this podcast we hear from entrepreneurs, executives, investors and others about the many opportunities that exist. This podcast is produced by the Space Business Institute in partnership with the International Space University.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 28, 2025 • 50min
#149 | Mini-Brains in Space | Prof. Alysson Muotri, UC San Diego
Mini-brains in space. Did you know that we can study something called brain organoids, effectively mini-brains, in the special conditions in space, on the International Space Station, and that such studies may help us with diseases like Alzheimers, Autism or Parkinsons? My guest this week is Prof. Alysson Muotri from the University of California San Diego. He and his team have flown such brain organoids to the ISS many times already. Don’t miss this episode on what I consider one of the most exciting intersections of space and biology, and ultimately a potential source of massive positive impact right here on Earth!
🕰️ Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:29 Alysson Muotri
02:12 Understanding Brain Organoids
03:49 Stem Cells and Brain Organoids
10:31 Accelerated Aging in Space
14:18 Challenges and Discoveries in Space Research
17:33 Applications and Future Research
26:43 Neurodegenerative Diseases
27:27 Brain Organoids in Computing
29:25 Ethical Considerations of Brain Organoids
31:32 Regenerative Medicine and Brain Organoids
34:39 Brain Evolution and Neanderthal Genes
39:21 Space Research and Future Prospects
43:58 Challenges and Opportunities in Space Biology
47:22 Science-Fiction
🔗 UCSD Sanford Integrated Space Stem Cell Orbital Research Center (ISSCOR)
🏠Website : https://stemcells.ucsd.edu/centers/sanford-integrated-space-stem-cell-orbital-research-center/index.html
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/
🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast
🔗 Follow Raphael:
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
◇ Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space Economy
This book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.
📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOC
This course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.
🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Business Newsletter
📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/

Jul 21, 2025 • 47min
#148 | Making Space Safe & Sustainable | Tim Solms, Slingshot Aerospace
How can we make operating in space safe & sustainable for everyone? Given the risks we face up there, like space debris and adversarial actors. This is where a company like Slingshot Aerospace comes in with its sensors, data, and insights derived from that data. My guest this week is their CEO, Tim Solms. Enjoy!
🕰️ Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:44 Elevator Pitch
01:53 Founders and Mission of Slingshot Aerospace
03:28 Challenges in Space Operations
04:18 Situational Awareness in Space
05:41 Slingshot's Sensor Network and Data Collection
14:21 Data Sharing and International Collaboration
19:50 Autonomous Operations and Future Prospects
24:23 Avoiding Contact in Space
25:26 Understanding Space Traffic Management
25:46 Global Space Traffic Management
26:41 The Role of the Office of Space Commerce
30:28 Challenges of Space Debris
31:33 In-Orbit Refueling and Space Operations
35:40 Slingshot's Future
40:02 Tim's Background
42:48 Future of Commercial Space
44:22 Science Fiction
🔗 Slingshot Aerospace
🏠Website : https://www.slingshot.space/
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/
🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast
🔗 Follow Raphael:
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
◇ Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space Economy
This book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.
📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOC
This course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.
🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Business Newsletter
📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/

Jul 15, 2025 • 43min
#147 | Space & Biology | Paul Kamoun, SpacePharma
Space & Biology – we have another episode on this exciting intersection of deep tech themes. My guest this week is Paul Kamoun from SpacePharma. He also organizes an entire conference on space bio, called “Health from Space” every year. We talk about what use cases he finds most exciting, and the opportunities and challenges on the road to scaling space biology into the next big thing. Enjoy!
🕰️ Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:17 Background on Paul Kamoun & SpacePharma
01:18 The Exciting World of Space Biology
04:37 Understanding the Role of Gravity in Biology
08:38 Applications and Use Cases in Space Biology
13:50 Challenges and Opportunities in Space Manufacturing
18:34 The Future of Space Life Sciences
37:15 Regulatory and Policy Considerations
40:51 Closing Thoughts and Science Fiction
🔗 Health from conference:
🏠Website : https://www.healthfromspace.com/en/
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/
🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast
🔗 Follow Raphael:
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
◇ Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space Economy
This book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.
📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOC
This course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.
🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Business Newsletter
📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/

Jun 17, 2025 • 49min
#146 | Space Financing | Justin Stevens, Overlap Holdings
Justin Stevens, founder and CEO of Overlap Holdings and a seasoned investor from Apollo Global Management, dives deep into the intricacies of space financing. He discusses why traditional investment methods may not support the space sector effectively. The conversation highlights the importance of balancing debt and equity in startup funding, the challenges of accessing government contracts, and emerging investment trends. Justin shares insights into the future of space ventures and the economic potential beyond Earth, blending finance with fascinating frontier technology.

May 19, 2025 • 1h 8min
#145 | Commercial Space - Uncensored | Pierre Lionnet, ASD-Eurospace
My guest this week is Pierre Lionnet, Director of Research at Eurospace, who has followed the global space sector for over 30 years. We discuss a range of topics including e.g. SpaceX, the launch sector in general, and national space policies. Pierre is one of my favorite people to follow on space as he usually provides very frank and thought out opinions. I think this comes through in this episode - enjoy!
🕰️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:55 - Guest Introduction
01:34 - Day-to-Day Activities at Eurospace
03:15 - Challenges in the Space Sector
06:22 - SpaceX's Impact on the Space Industry
07:35 - Economic Contributions and Cost Structures
11:02 - Production and Market Segmentation in Space
21:44 - Institutional Programs vs. Commercial Ventures
27:40 - Starlink's Business Model and Future Prospects
35:12 - SpaceX's Dominance in Commercial Launch
35:56 - The Cost and Pricing of Space Launches
38:40 - Starship's Potential and Market Impact
40:51 - Challenges for New Market Entrants
43:25 - National Space Policies and Industrial Strategies
46:27 - Global Space Economy and Future Projections
55:16 - Advice for Emerging Space Nations
01:00:19 - The Future Structure of the Space Economy
01:05:13 - Science Fiction and Space
01:06:07 - Conclusion
📍 About the Guest:
Pierre Lionnet is the Research and Managing Director at Eurospace, the trade organization of the European space industry). He labels himself a space economist, being an economist by training and being professionally involved in the analysis of space markets, space industry supply chains and space technology and innovation trends for the past 30 years
🔗 Connect with Pierre:
🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eurospacepierrelionnet/
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/
🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast
🔗 Follow Raphael:
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
◇ Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space Economy
This book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.
📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOC
This course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.
🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Business Newsletter
📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/

May 12, 2025 • 47min
#144 | Downmass Logistics | Sebastian Klaus, ATMOS Space Cargo
My guest this week is Sebastian Klaus, Co-Founder & CEO of Atmos Space Cargo, who discusses his company’s mission to unlock downmass logistics with an innovative and reusable space capsule, paving the way for in-space manufacturing, defense applications, and other applications.
🕰️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:59 - Elevator Pitch
02:07 - Importance of Returning Cargo from Space
04:24 - Challenges and Technologies in Space Re-entry
06:16 - Innovations in Heat Shield Technology
11:16 - Economic Impact and Reusability
13:12 - Mission Operations and Logistics
20:15 - Regulatory Considerations
22:33 - ATMOS Phoenix Capsule
23:36 - Impact of Starship on Space Logistics
25:13 - Space Stations and Free Flyers
27:22 - Market Segments in Space Logistics
30:35 - Defense Applications and Future Prospects
37:16 - Recent Test Flight and Future Plans
42:07 - Science-Fiction
📍 About the Guest:
Sebastian Klaus holds a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering with a focus on atmospheric re-entry and reusable rocket engines. He has more than a decade of leadership experience as a military officer, supplemented by business knowledge from an MBA program at ESB Business School Reutlingen. Sebastian has developed and submitted several patented technologies for entry and descent. With a commercial pilot license and unique knowledge about parachute systems, as well as passion for nature and spaceflight, he is determined to overcome existing and future challenges in life sciences research in space in order to benefit all of humanity.
🔗 https://atmos-space-cargo.com/
🔗 Follow us:
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/
🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast
🔗 Follow Raphael:
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
◇ Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space Economy
This book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.
📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOC
This course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.
🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Business Newsletter
📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/

Apr 21, 2025 • 59min
#143 | Mining the Moon | Glen Martin, XMC
My guest this week is Glen Martin, Co-Founder & CEO of Extraterrestrial Mining Company (XMC), discusses his company’s bold mission to mine Helium-3 on the Moon and its potential to revolutionize energy and tech on Earth.
🕰️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
01:36 - Elevator Pitch
03:42 - Understanding Helium-3 and Its Applications
11:59 - Tech Aspects of Lunar Mining
20:39 - Future Prospects and Initial Missions
23:31 - Energy Solutions for Lunar Operations
29:23 - Helium-3 Concentrations and Mining Challenges
32:09 - Lunar Data and Exploration Techniques
35:32 - Geopolitical Implications
40:33 - Transportation and Return Logistics
48:08 - Project Financing for Space Mining
51:28 - Personal Background and Career Path
56:14 Science Fiction
📍 About the Guest:
Glen Martin, CEO of XMC, has over 30 years of experience in renewable energy and space infrastructure. Before founding XMC in 2023, he led companies like Hyox Inc., Infrastructure Energy, and Pod Generating Group, and co-founded ProtoStar Limited. He’s worked on projects spanning green hydrogen, solar PV, intelligent grids, and satellite systems. Early in his career, he contributed to the International Space Station at McDonnell Douglas. Glen holds a BTech in Aerospace Engineering from TMU and an MBA from USC.
🔗 Connect with Glen:
🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-martin-space-heavy-industrialist/
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/
🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast
🔗 Follow Raphael:
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
◇ Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space Economy
This book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.
📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOC
This course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.
🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Business Newsletter
📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/

Apr 14, 2025 • 32min
#142 | Commercial In-Space R&D and Manufacturing | Raphael Roettgen, E2MC Ventures
This episode kicks off a new series on in-space R&D and manufacturing, exploring its potential (e.g. for sectors like pharma and semiconductors), its current status, and its challenges, among other topics.
At the end of this episode, Raphael highlights the recent launch of the Orbital Edge accelerator to support startups in this emerging sector.
Orbital Edge Accelerator: https://orbitaledge.techconnect.org/
🕰️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
02:23 - Why research and manufacture in Space?
10:28 - How to research and manufacture in Space, in practice?
22:35 - How can be build a thriving in-space R&D and manufacturing sector?
28:45 - Conclusion
🔗 Follow us:
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/
🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast
🔗 Follow Raphael:
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
◇ Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space Economy
This book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.
📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOC
This course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.
🎓https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-economy
Space Business Newsletter
📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/

Mar 17, 2025 • 48min
#141 | In-Orbit Servicing | Adel Haddoud, Infinite Orbits
My guest this week is Adel Haddoud, Founder & CEO of Infinite Orbits, a French in-orbit servicing company. We discuss their technology, business model, and vision, as well as the broader market for satellite servicing and space sustainability. Enjoy!
🕰️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
01:04 - Elevator Pitch
03:30 - Origin Story
04:51 - Technological Innovations
07:35 - Core of the Company
09:15 - Computing Hardware in Space
12:47 - Market Segments and Competition
18:38 - Life Extension in Space
23:49 - Unit Economics
26:13 - Life Extension and Docking
30:22 - OrbitGuard and Defense
31:06 - European vs. U.S. Space Market Dynamics
33:10 - Technological Advances and Future Prospects
42:06 - The Future of Space Servicing
45:00 - Interesting Developments in the Industry
45:55 - Sci-Fi Favorites
📍 About the Guest:
Adel Haddoud is the Founder & CEO of Infinite Orbits, a Toulouse-based space company pioneering in-orbit services like satellite inspection and life extension. In 2024, the company raised €12 million from private and public investors, following the successful 2023 test of its OrbitGuard1 nanosatellite—the world’s first geostationary nanosatellite. Founded in 2017, Infinite Orbits has developed an innovative space rendezvous solution using in-orbit image recognition. Adel previously had a career as an entrepreneur and manager, including a stint in Silicon Valley.
🔗 Connect with Adel:
🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelhaddoud/
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/
🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast
🔗 Follow Raphael:
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
◇ Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space Economy
This book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.
📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOC
This course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.
🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Business Newsletter
📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/

Mar 10, 2025 • 49min
#140 | Mining Asteroids | Daynan Crull, Karman+
Asteroid mining is making a comeback. It may sound futuristic, but some startups are betting on a viable and economic path to making it a reality and investors are taking notice. One of those companies is Karman+, and this week, I’m joined by its Co-Founder, Daynan Crull. Enjoy!
🕰️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
01:13 - Elevator Pitch
04:18 - Vision and Challenges of Asteroid Mining
06:07 - Recruitment and Team Building
07:44 - Origin Story and Motivation
12:35 - Market Timing and Investor Sentiment
19:49 - Technological and Logistical Challenges
26:12 - Geopolitical and Legal Considerations
32:11 - Mission Timeline and Milestones
36:53 - Economic Viability of Asteroid Mining
41:16 - Future Missions and Scaling Operations
45:19 - Interesting Developments in the Industry
46:15 - Sci-Fi Favorites
📍 About the Guest:
Daynan Crull is the Co-Founder and Mission Architect at Karman+, leading efforts to mine Near-Earth Asteroids for sustainable energy and resources. Previously, he was a Senior Data Scientist at New Light Technologies and the World Bank. From 2018 to 2020, he held data science roles at GeoPhy. Before transitioning to tech, he served in strategy and policy roles at the NYC Mayor’s Office and the Department of Information Technology & Telecommunications. Earlier, he worked at Blue State Digital and the NYC Council. Crull holds an M.S. in Urban Informatics from NYU Tandon and a B.A. from DePauw University.
🔗 Connect with Daynan:
🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daynan/
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/
🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast
🔗 Follow Raphael:
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
◇ Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space Economy
This book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.
📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOC
This course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.
🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Business Newsletter
📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/