Space Café Podcast - Navigating Our Interplanetary Ambitions

🎙 Guest: Dr. Claudia Schnugg, Curator of the Universe Pavilion at the Venice Biennale & Art-Science VisionaryThe Cosmic Scoop:What if art could transform how we design habitats beyond Earth—and inspire new ways to live here at home? Dr. Claudia Schnugg is making this vision a reality. As curator of the groundbreaking Universe Pavilion at the prestigious 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, she merges indigenous wisdom, aesthetic dialogue, and rigorous science to reshape how we think about shelter, community, and our cosmic future.In this episode, Claudia guides us from pioneering Austrian yeast experiments in circular life support systems to ancient Aboriginal star maps navigating by dark patches in the Milky Way.Quotable Insights:💡 “Experience can reveal what expertise alone can’t. That’s where artists make the invisible visible.” 💡 “To shelter in space isn’t just about engineering—it’s about redefining what it means to be at home.” 💡 “Bringing artists into science labs isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity for asking better questions.”Cosmic Timestamps:⏳ [00:01:15] What is the Universe Pavilion? Art in the heart of the Venice Biennale⏳ [00:03:00] Challenging the nation-state model in architecture through cosmic discourse⏳ [00:06:00] A new renaissance? Why space and AI demand new aesthetic reflection⏳ [00:09:15] STEAM over STEM: Claudia makes the case for creative collaboration⏳ [00:16:10] Artists asking naive questions—and pushing science to unexpected breakthroughs⏳ [00:24:00] Yeast, sourdough & space: An artistic experiment leads to biotech insights⏳ [00:29:30] Life support systems as metaphor and method⏳ [00:43:50] Indigenous sky knowledge and sheltering beyond architecture⏳ [00:50:30] Symbiosis vs. exploitation: What culture are we exporting to space?⏳ [01:00:40] The Venus Conversation: A 10-year art-science journey across missions⏳ [01:03:10] Claudia’s music pick: “Dressed for Space” by Trouble Andrew ⏳ [01:04:32] Espresso for the Mind: Ted Chiang’s “The Great Silence”To Explore:🔗 Venice Biennale – Architecture 2025 🔗 ESA Arts Initiatives 🔗 Claudia Schnugg's Research & Projects 🔗 Ted Chiang – “The Great Silence” 🔗 Dressed for Space – Trouble Andrew (Spotify)📩 Subscribe to the Space Café Podcast Substack 🔗 Connect with Markus on LinkedInSend us a textYou can find us on Spotify and Apple Podcast!Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

🎙 Guest: Guadalupe Cañas Herrera, Theoretical Cosmologist and Euclid Consortium MemberThe Cosmic Scoop:What’s driving the universe’s wild expansion? Dark energy and dark matter make up 95% of the cosmos—but we barely understand them. Enter Euclid, launched in July 2023 to map a 3D universe and crack these mysteries. Guadalupe Cañas Herrera, a key player in the mission, takes us 10 billion light-years into the past, challenging Einstein’s gravity and rethinking the “dark” labels we’ve slapped on the unknown. Bonus: she also brings Zumba energy to cosmology.Quotable Insights:💡 "We completely messed up in terms of assigning 'dark' to dark energy and dark matter—like, it was a fraud in terms of marketing." 💡 "I prefer to believe that mathematically we’re still not there yet—so we must revisit Einstein’s equations rather than assume some hidden fuel." 💡 "Statistically, it’s so unlikely that we’re alone—we’re on an average planet, in an average galaxy, in an average universe."Cosmic Timestamps:⏳ [00:01:45] The dream for Euclid: challenging the standard model⏳ [00:03:15] Modified gravity vs. dark energy⏳ [00:05:00] Why “dark” was a branding blunder⏳ [00:08:45] How dark energy pushes the universe apart⏳ [00:12:20] Teaching relativity with a Nobel-worthy twist⏳ [00:15:09] Euclid’s place in cosmology’s big picture⏳ [00:19:28] Mapping 1.5 billion galaxies from Lagrange Point 2⏳ [00:23:57] Measuring distance with redshift and spectra⏳ [01:08:17] Is the universe homogeneous?⏳ [01:12:17] Are we alone? Guadalupe says, “Definitely not!”⏳ [01:18:38] Zumba vibes: her cosmic playlist pick⏳ [01:20:56] Inspiration tip: Write down wild ideas—you’ll come back to themTo Explore:🔗 Euclid Mission 🔗 First Images from Euclid 🔗 ESA on Dark Energy 🔗 Send us a voice message 🔗 Zumba Track – "Zumba - Merengue Mix"Spread the Cosmic Love!🚀 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with friends, stargazers, and curious minds! 📩 Subscribe on Substack 🔗 Connect with Markus on LinkedIn👉 Visit SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletter, and follow us on LinkedIn and X!Send us a textYou can find us on Spotify and Apple Podcast!Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

🎙 Guest: Arttu Luukanen, Head of Space & Defense at Solar FoodsThe Cosmic Scoop:How do we feed ourselves in space? The settlers of the past brought livestock, but in deep space, resupply isn’t an option, and every gram counts. Could microbes be the answer? Enter Solar Foods, a Finnish company producing food from just water, electricity, and bacteria—a breakthrough that won NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge. It’s no longer just a prototype; it’s ready to scale.From feeding astronauts on Mars to reshaping food production on Earth, this innovation challenges everything we thought we knew about sustainability.At SXSW in Austin, Texas, Arttu Luukanen reveals why traditional food systems won’t work in space—and how Solein, their microbial protein, could transform the way we eat.Quotable Insights:💡 "Microbes don’t have brains, don’t have free will, and all they want to do is multiply. That’s what makes them the perfect food source for deep space." 💡 "With our method, we can turn CO₂ and hydrogen into protein—it's 100 times more efficient than animal farming." 💡 "We could place food factories in the desert, powered by solar energy, and produce protein without farmland or livestock."Cosmic Timestamps:⏳ [00:00:00] Introduction – How do we feed ourselves in deep space? ⏳ [00:03:05] Arttu’s background: From space research to revolutionizing food ⏳ [00:07:55] Why growing food on Mars is a massive challenge ⏳ [00:12:30] The NASA Deep Space Food Challenge and how Solar Foods won ⏳ [00:19:18] The science behind Solein – food made from air, water, and microbes ⏳ [00:27:42] Why livestock and even plants are inefficient in space ⏳ [00:34:15] Could microbial protein replace farming on Earth? ⏳ [00:40:50] The biggest challenge: Scaling production to industrial levels ⏳ [00:48:12] Will AI and automation make self-replicating food factories possible? ⏳ [00:53:25] Space exploration and the next step for food sustainabilityTo Explore:🔗 Solar Foods – https://solarfoods.com 🔗 NASA Deep Space Food Challenge – https://www.nasa.gov/feature/deep-space-food-challenge 🔗 More on microbial protein (ESA feature) – https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Food_from_air_for_space_and_Earth🎵 Arttu Luukanen's choice: Rush – Countdown 🎶Spread the Cosmic Love!🚀 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with friends, colleagues, and fellow space enthusiasts! 📩 Subscribe to our Substack: Space Café Podcast – https://spacecafepodcast.substack.com 🔗 Find Markus on LinkedIn: Markus Mooslechner – https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-mooslechner-87878085/Send us a textYou can find us on Spotify and Apple Podcast!Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

Professor Luciano Iess, Planetary Scientist and NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement MedalistThe Cassini spacecraft’s final moments were like a fading heartbeat—one last signal before silence. In this episode, Professor Luciano Iess takes us on a journey across the solar system, from Saturn’s icy moons to Venus’s runaway greenhouse effect. Hidden oceans beneath alien surfaces, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the delicate balance between planetary protection and bold exploration.Quotable Insights:🪐 "Cassini was called the moonlighting spacecraft. Wherever you looked, you found something new."🌍 "To understand other worlds, you must first love your own."🔬 "If an alien civilization observed Earth with our own technology, could they detect life? The answer may surprise you."🌊 "We know there are oceans beyond Earth. The real question is: are they alive?"Cosmic Timestamps:[00:00:00] Opening: Cassini’s poetic farewell—why its last signal felt like a heartbeat[00:04:31] How would aliens detect life on Earth? Planetary geodesy & the art of remote sensing[00:07:02] Chirality & the chemistry of life: The hidden signature that could reveal extraterrestrial biology[00:10:46] Are we alone? Luciano’s personal shift from skepticism to cautious optimism[00:15:12] The strange physics of Jupiter & Saturn: Do gas giants have solid cores?[00:19:37] Venus, the hellish twin of Earth: What went wrong?[00:25:17] Drilling into alien oceans: The bold plan to send a nuclear-powered probe into Europa’s subsurface ocean[00:35:00] The Cassini mission’s biggest surprise: Liquid water geysers on Enceladus[00:45:38] Titan’s methane seas: Radar scans of Saturn’s largest moon reveal alien lakes[01:02:53] Cassini’s endgame: The emotions of watching a mission burn up in Saturn’s atmosphere[01:09:39] What space missions teach us about life on Earth: Rational thinking, collaboration, and pushing beyond the impossibleLinks to Explore:🔗 Cassini-Huygens Mission Overview🔗 ESA’s Upcoming JUICE Mission to Jupiter🔗 NASA’s Dragonfly Mission to TitanMusic for the Aspiring Space Traveler’s Playlist:🎵 Beethoven’s Opus 133 – A deep, reflective piece chosen by Professor Luciano Iess for a long interstellar journey🚀 Spread the Cosmic Love!If this episode expanded your mind, share it with fellow explorers and cosmic thinkers. And if you’d like to support the show, leaving a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps the algorithms spread the word to more curious minds.🎙 Follow & Subscribe:🌍 SpaceWatchGlobal 📩 Substack 📲 Send us a textYou can find us on Spotify and Apple Podcast!Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

What if space exploration wasn’t driven by governments or billionaires but by a decentralized community? Enter MoonDAO, an experiment in blockchain-powered space governance. In this episode, Pablo Moncada shares insights into how MoonDAO successfully crowdfunded a spaceflight, the potential of blockchain-based lunar economies, and whether decentralization can truly work in space.Pablo also takes us through the unexpected lessons learned from attempting to buy a copy of the U.S. Constitution with a DAO and how these lessons now shape their bold vision for the Moon. This conversation is about technology, power, ownership, and the future of humanity among the stars.Quotable Insights:“50 million dollars sprang up out of nowhere in a week—that’s the power of DAOs.”“Imagine the Moon as a blank slate. How would you design governance, ownership, and society?”“What happens when we build lunar infrastructure owned by the people, not corporations?”“We don’t need permission from governments to explore space anymore.”Links to Explore:Join MoonDAO: https://moondao.com/joinMoonDAO on Discord: https://discord.gg/moondaoConstitutionDAO: constitutiondao.comMusic Choice: Since I Left You - The AvalanchesSpace Café Playlist for the Aspiring Space Traveler: Listen on SpotifyEnjoyed the episode? Share it with fellow space explorers! Subscribe to the Space Café Podcast and leave us a review—it helps us reach more cosmic thinkers like you.Until next time and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.Send us a textYou can find us on Spotify and Apple Podcast!Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

Aoife Van Linden TolSpace Artist and VisionaryEpisode Summary:In this explosive episode of the Space Café Podcast, we delve into the fascinating intersection of art, space, and planetary healing with renowned space artist Aoife Van Linden Tol. Known for her bold approach to creation and destruction, Aoife explores how the vastness of the cosmos can inspire solutions to Earth's most pressing challenges. From the power of artistic expression to reimagine humanity’s role in the universe, to the potential of space as a canvas for healing our broken planet, this conversation invites you to rethink the role of creativity in addressing existential questions.Quotable Insights:“Sometimes things need to blow up before you can create something truly new.”“Space isn’t just a destination; it’s an endless source of inspiration for solving problems here on Earth.”“Art is how we process the incomprehensible, and space is the ultimate canvas.”Cosmic Timeline (Timestamps):[00:00:00] Introduction: Art, Destruction, and Cosmic Creativity[00:05:12] Aoife’s journey: From traditional art to space-inspired projects[00:12:34] The philosophy of destruction as a creative force[00:20:15] Cosmic art installations: Using the universe as a medium[00:30:42] Addressing Earth’s challenges through artistic innovation[00:40:11] Space as a mirror for humanity’s potential[00:50:27] What’s next for Aoife: Upcoming projects and aspirations[00:55:46] Music recommendation: Luminous Space by Jon HopkinsLinks to Explore:Aoife Van Linden Tol’s Portfolio: http://www.aoifevanlindentol.com/Space Art Projects: https://www.spaceartinitiative.orgRelated Resources: Art and Space Exploration ArticleLuminous Spaces by Jon HopkinsSpread the Cosmic Love:If this episode inspired you to see the universe in a new light, share it with your friends, family, and fellow stargazers. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Space Café Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. For more cosmic conversations, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter and subscribe to our newsletter at SpaceWatch.Global.Let’s create, explore, and heal together—one cosmic idea at a time.Send us a textYou can find us on Spotify and Apple Podcast!Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

Guest: Chris "Hanks" Sembroski – Inspiration4 Astronaut, Engineer, and Space EnthusiastEpisode OverviewIn this thrilling episode of the Space Cafe Podcast, host Markus Mooslechner speaks with Chris Sembroski, one of the civilian astronauts aboard SpaceX's Inspiration4—the first all-civilian mission to orbit. Chris shares his incredible journey from an ordinary life to an extraordinary experience, reflecting on what it means to step into the unknown, see Earth from space, and how the adventure reshaped his perspective on humanity's future in space.Key Topics Discussed[00:01:00] From Earth to Orbit: The Phone Call That Changed Everything[00:03:00] The Overview Effect: Falling in Love with Earth[00:08:00] Family, Risk, and Courage: The Emotional Rollercoaster[00:14:00] SpaceX and the Dragon Capsule Experience[00:21:00] Life in Microgravity: Adjusting to Floating[00:40:00] Purpose Beyond Launch: Lessons for Earth[01:00:00] Looking Ahead: Democratizing Space ExplorationInspirational Quotes"I think my bigger fear would be not being able to go back to space.""When you look at Earth from space, you don’t see borders—you see connection.""We’re not passengers on spaceship Earth; we’re its crew."Music for the Aspiring Space Traveler's PlaylistChris Sembroski adds "Colors" by the Black Pumas—a soulful celebration of life’s vibrancy and connection to Earth—to the official Space Cafe Podcast playlist.Links and ResourcesInspiration4 Mission: inspiration4.comFrank White’s Overview Effect: overviewinstitute.orgSpaceX Dragon Capsule Details: spacex.com/dragonFollow Chris Sembroski on X (formerly Twitter): @ChrisSembroskiFinal ThoughtChris’s story is a testament to the power of dreams, resilience, and the unexpected paths that can lead to extraordinary journeys. This episode challenges listeners to rethink their relationship with Earth and imagine a future where space exploration becomes part of everyday life.Spread the Cosmic Love!If this episode made you dream bigger or view our planet in a new light, share it with fellow space enthusiasts. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the Space Cafe Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) for more cosmic conversations.Until next time—keep looking up!Send us a textYou can find us on Spotify and Apple Podcast!Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

Guest: Yasmine El Baggari, social entrepreneur, cultural connector, and near-astronautEpisode Highlights:Yasmine El Baggari joins the Space Cafe Podcast to share her incredible journey of cultural exchange, space aspirations, and fostering global unity. A visionary leader, Jasmine’s initiatives bridge gaps between communities, bringing astronauts, refugees, and locals together for meaningful dialogues. Her story reflects a passion for space exploration not just as a technical frontier but as a platform for human connection and understanding.Quotable Insights“It’s not about going to space for the sake of it; it’s about returning as Earth ambassadors, carrying new perspectives to unite humanity.”“Astronauts and refugees share resilience and bravery. They risk everything to step into the unknown.”“We’re all explorers at heart. Expanding our horizons—be it across cultures or planets—is what defines humanity.”Cosmic Timeline (Timestamps):[00:00:00] Welcome & Markus’s encounter with Jasmine[00:03:20] Jasmine’s near-astronaut experience: reaching the final five of 7,000 applicants for Space for Humanity’s overview effect mission[00:05:43] Reflections on the overview effect: the transformative experience astronauts share after seeing Earth from space[00:12:00] A serendipitous dinner: sharing her space dreams with luminaries like the head of Virgin Galactic and NASA moon mission veterans[00:14:53] The genesis of Voyaj: creating platforms for astronauts, refugees, and locals to explore identity and origin stories[00:19:59] Shared courage: the striking parallels between the risks faced by astronauts and refugees, both stepping into unknown worlds[00:22:30] Connecting space communities: astronauts sharing their profound experiences with marginalized groups[00:40:56] Analog missions as a model for grounded human connection: parallels between simulated Mars missions and cross-cultural dinners[00:53:06] Jasmine’s dream of a diverse space exploration future: refugees, Israelis, Palestinians, and others uniting in orbit[00:56:00] Jasmine’s vision for democratizing access to space: bridging technology and human empathy for a more inclusive cosmic futureLinks to Explore:Jasmine’s Voyaj Platform: voyaj.comSpace for Humanity Initiative: spaceforhumanity.orgInspiration4 Mission: https://inspiration4.com/Overview Effect: Frank White’s BookMore episodes of Space Cafe Podcast: SpaceWatch.GlobalMusic for the Aspiring Space Traveler’s Playlist:Jasmine’s pick: Coldplay’s The Moon (from their new album)Send us a textYou can find us on Spotify and Apple Podcast!Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

Guest: José Mariano López Urdiales, CEO and Founder of Zero 2 InfinityThe Cosmic Scoop:In this remarkably candid episode, José Mariano López Urdiales presents a compelling case for why balloon-assisted launches might be the only economically viable solution for small satellite deployment. Drawing from 15 years of experience with Zero 2 Infinity, José breaks down why conventional micro launchers face fundamental economic challenges, from capital-intensive launch sites to the physics of dense lower atmosphere. He explains how launching from 25km altitude could eliminate up to 70% of conventional launch costs while offering a refreshingly honest perspective on the challenges of innovating in Europe's space sector and why copying American rocket designs isn't the answer.Quotable Insights:1. "Developing a micro launcher traditionally needs a couple hundred million dollars. We believe with a balloon-assisted launcher, it's in the ballpark of 120 million Euro - including four orbital trials."2. "Nobody explains it like this - they just say 'because we're so innovative' or whatever. I don't know. I'm going to tell you how it really works."3. "The only kind of micro launcher that can be viable is balloon-based. But nobody's actually developing it - we got to a certain point, but we're lacking funding."4 "You don't win by copying. That's not how the V2 appeared, and Starship is super interesting because it's very, very different."Cosmic Timeline (Timestamps):- [00:00:00] Introduction to Zero 2 Infinity's unique approach- [00:04:50] Technical discussion of balloon launch altitudes and capabilities- [00:14:30] Advantages of balloon-assisted launches vs traditional rockets- [00:27:34] Cost comparison of micro launchers vs balloon technology- [00:42:09] European space industry challenges and opportunities- [00:52:54] Space tourism potential and market analysis- [01:01:14] Challenges with ESA and European space sector- [01:15:35] Zero 2 Infinity's journey and pivots- [01:28:04] ESA funding mechanisms and politics- [01:32:00] Astronomical research possibilities with balloons- [01:37:46] Personal reflections on entrepreneurship and vision- [01:42:54] Music recommendation and final thoughts- [01:44:37] Closing thoughts on finding meaning in lifeChoice of Music for the Aspiring Space Traveller's Playlist: Public Service Broadcasting - "Go" - Links to Explore:Zero 2 Infinity: zero2infinity.spaceFollow José's insights: @JMLU77 on XThis episode challenges conventional wisdom about space access and offers crucial insights for anyone interested in the future of small satellite launches. A must-listen for space industry professionals, investors, and anyone following the transformation of space access.Send us a textYou can find us on Spotify and Apple Podcast!Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

Based in Shanghai for the past decade, Slovenian photographer Matjaž Tančič has uncovered a hidden space revolution happening far from the spotlight. Through his 'Mars on Earth' project, he documents remarkable space innovations emerging in the world's most unexpected places. Starting with candid insights into modern-day China, Tančič reveals how space ambitions and breakthrough technologies are flourishing beyond traditional aerospace centers.HighlightsLife in Modern China [00:03:01 - 00:19:21][00:04:21] China's digital ecosystem and social surveillance[00:11:59] Life and community in Shanghai's French Concession[00:17:11] Navigating language and culture[00:19:21] Living costs and lifestyle contrastsSociety & Development [00:20:51 - 00:34:12][00:20:51] Professional landscape and opportunities[00:24:21] Urban-rural development dynamics[00:31:25] Education and technology prioritiesThe Mars on Earth Project [00:34:52 - 00:51:43][00:34:52] Origins of the project in Gobi Desert[00:40:32] Documentation of global space initiatives[00:46:15] Meeting with Mongolia's first cosmonaut[00:49:05] Photographing space innovation worldwideFuture of Space Exploration [00:51:43 - 01:21:31][00:51:43] Discussion of first Mars landing possibilities[01:10:25] 3D photography in space documentation[01:15:16] Collaboration with innovative space companies[01:17:08] Personal aspirations for space travel[01:20:00] Final thoughts on inclusive space explorationKey Topics DiscussedUntraditional Space InnovationMongolian engineers developing Mars rovers inspired by camelsSlovenian company Duol creating inflatable habitats for NASASpace doctor Dr. Susan Jewel's VR medical training systemArmenian watchmaker crafting timepieces for Mars timeBarbara Belvisi's Interstellar Lab creating closed-loop habitat systemsALE's artificial shooting star technology in TokyoSouth Africa's growing space sector with 200+ startupsThe Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope projectChinese space program developmentsQuote"New planet is going to be Tabula Rasa... we can do there whatever we want and we can make it right."Links & ReferencesInterstellar LabALE (Artificial Shooting Stars)Square Kilometre Array ProjectDuol Space HabitatsPhotography & Visual ElementsFeatured photo: Astronaut on camel in Mongolian desert [00:52:54]Biopod installation in Paris [01:13:14]Mars simulation base in Gobi Desert [00:52:09]Various space technology prototypes and innovators worldwideConnect with Matjaž TančičSend us a textYou can find us on Spotify and Apple Podcast!Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!