Meet Christy McFerren, an experienced Human Resources (HR) and Operations professional with a proven track record in developing and elevating HR and Marketing departments through strong collaboration with all levels of management and key stakeholders. Currently serving as the Human Resources Manager at Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation (VT-ARC), Christy brings a unique perspective to the space industry by bridging people, innovation, and the future of space exploration. In this...

Renee Wynn, former NASA CIO, brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion of space industry’s multifaceted nature. She navigates through the critical roles that data science, IT, and cybersecurity play in the expanse beyond our atmosphere. Wynn’s experience offers a deep dive into the integration of technology in space operations, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity and debris management to ensure the sustainability of space endeavors. In this episode, Renee shares her insights...

Meet Sarah Pousho, CEO of Space Bridge Partners, a trailblazer connecting private capital with space missions focused on exploration, science, and education. With a background in global licensing and a lifelong passion for space, Sarah brings a unique perspective to the industry. In this episode, she shares her journey from the consumer products world to leading a company that bridges the funding gap for non-commercial space missions. Tune in to discover how Sarah is opening doors for new...

Dayna Steele is a Rock Radio Hall of Famer who made an unexpected transition to the world of… Space retail! In this episode, Dayna shares her journey from being a radio DJ to creating TheSpaceStore.com, the first NASA e-commerce operation. Her story highlights the power of listening and embracing serendipitous moments. Listen in as Dayna recounts her unexpected journey into NASA through her marriage to a NASA pilot and, how it led to building a business around space merchandise. Along the...

Meet Kaci Heins, the Executive Director of the Limitless Space Institute. With a passion for education, Kaci works to inspire students and teachers to explore space sciences and imagine a future beyond our solar system. Raised in rural Illinois, Kaci’s career transformed when she discovered space education. Today, she creates educational programs that equip teachers with resources to inspire future explorers. Her work connects students globally to the vast possibilities in space, fostering...

Meet Janet Ivey, CEO and founder of Janet’s Planet, an educational company dedicated to bringing the wonders of space and science to children. For over 25 years, Janet has captivated young minds through her TV programs, live shows, and educational camps, using her creative background in theater, music, and communication to make science fun and accessible. As a passionate advocate for space education, Janet is also the Director of Education at Explore Mars, where she plays a key role in...

Meet Kirsten Whittingham, the President of Max Space, a company committed to lowering the cost of doing business in space through innovative ‘expandable’ habitation modules. Kirsten’s journey from a space-obsessed child in rural Tennessee to leading a company at the forefront of space habitation reflects her relentless dedication and passion for the space industry. With an aerospace engineering degree and experience as a flight controller at NASA for both the Space Shuttle and the...

Today we’re republishing an epiosde with Dr Dorit Donoviel, Executive Director of the NASA-funded Translational Research Institute for Space Health at Baylor College of Medicine. Dorit brings over two decades of experience in leading biomedical research to advance human health in space. With a robust publication record and a background in drug discovery and project management, Dorit steers innovative efforts to transition solutions from research to space operations. In this episode, she...

Meet Agnieszka Lukaszczyk, founder and CEO of High Altitude Consulting, a company dedicated to shaping space policy, Earth observation, and space security. With deep experience in the space sector, Agnieszka has held pivotal roles, including Senior Director for European Affairs at Planet Labs and Senior Director at the Secure World Foundation. She has been a key figure in organizations such as the European Commission, where she led policy efforts related to space, and the United Nations,...

Today we're republishing an episode we recorded at South By Southwest in Austin, Texas earlier this year. Anousheh Ansari, CEO of XPRIZE Foundation is a trailblazer in space exploration. In 2006 she self-funded a trip to the International Space Station (ISS) where she spent 9 days performing a series of experiments on behalf of the European Space Agency. Today she spearheads some of the most innovative space competitions in the world.  Her work emphasizes that advancements in space directly...

Grant Blaisdell is the CEO and co-founder of Copernic Space, a company building the digital marketplace for the new space economy. With a unique background influenced by his family’s legacy in both the space and tech sectors, Grant is focused on how we can democratize space assets and enable greater participation in the space market. From his early days in Southern California to living in post-communist Poland, Grant’s journey reflects his passion for creating innovative business models that...

Dr. Shawna Pandya is an astronaut, physician, and research scientist who has dedicated her career to advancing space medicine and biomedical sciences. As an astronaut with the International Institute For Astronautical Sciences, Shawna is actively involved in pioneering research missions on suborbital flights, focusing on the biomedical and fluid physics domains. Her work is at the cutting edge of space health, exploring how space can serve as the next great research laboratory for...

Meet Anastasia Medvedeva, a communicator marketer, and journalist. Born with a curiosity and passion for storytelling, Anastasia, also known as Stacy, has carved out a unique niche in the space industry. She wears many hats, from organizing global Yuri’s Night events to consulting for space companies on translating complex space concepts into relatable narratives. Anastasia’s journey is one of curiosity and perseverance. Growing up in Russia, she was surrounded by a rich space heritage but...

Calling All Space-Curious!The space industry is widening its horizons, from arts to sciences, at warp speed. Every day private companies and international collaborations push the boundaries of exploration and technology. This era of innovation is unlocking new possibilities for science, commerce, and human habitation beyond Earth. With such boundless opportunities, you might be asking yourself: How can my current skills support the space industry?What new expertise will propel me...

Jas Purewal is a research scientist in the UK and a pioneering figure in the world of analog space missions. Jas’s career journey, from an early fascination with space at the Kennedy Space Center to leading the largest analog space mission project globally, exemplifies the dynamic interplay between passion and innovation in the space industry. Growing up in Warwickshire, Jas’s path was influenced by her British Asian heritage, with a strong emphasis on education and learning. Her work today...

Lily Asongfac, is a champion for space awareness and development in Cameroon. She has spearheaded numerous initiatives to bring space science to the forefront in her community, aiming to inspire and educate young people about the potential of space technology. Lily’s journey from a young enthusiast to a space advocate exemplifies her dedication to leveraging space for social and technological progress in Cameroon. She works to create educational opportunities and foster a space-conscious...

Hailing from Hungary and now based in the UK, Viktoria Urban is making significant strides in the space industry. A former beauty therapist turned journalist, she is the marketing and communications coordinator at Spaceflux Ltd. Today, Viktoria is training to become a space psychologist. Her studies focus on examining the psychological impacts of deep space missions on astronauts. Viktoria’s dynamic and multifaceted career reflects her deep passion for space and is a great example of how...

Meet Elizabeth Kennick, President of Teachers In Space, a transformative initiative integrating real space science into classrooms across the United States and beyond. Elizabeth’s journey from diverse careers in fashion and finance to pioneering space education exemplifies her dedication to making space accessible to educators and students alike. Growing up near NASA centers, Elizabeth was inspired by the Apollo missions and envisioned herself among the stars. Her early career path took...

As the CEO of The Bolden Group and Chairman of the Inter Astra Institute a non-profit creating equitable access and opportunity to the business of space, Ché Bolden builds relationships between young stem workforce, small businesses, corporations, and governments around the globe to create access to the business of space. A retired Marine, Ché has extensive experience at the executive level leading projects and teams at the governmental, national, and international level. He has decades of...

My guest on this episode is Zolana Joao, a distinguished engineer and dynamic leader from the Angola National Space Program Management Office. In this episode, we explore Zolana’s profound journey from his challenging early years in war-torn Angola to his instrumental role in advancing Angola’s aspirations in space exploration. With his deep commitment to education and his strategic vision, Zolana has been a driving force in launching Angola’s first satellites, significantly impacting his...

Michael Tyler Glymph is a rising junior at the College of Charleston Honors. Tyler combines his studies in geology, astronomy, and biology to forge a unique path in space exploration. His passion for understanding the complexities of the universe and human health in space has led him to significant research opportunities, including his work on Spaceflight Associated Neuroocular Syndrome at the Medical University of South Carolina. His commitment to bridging diverse fields showcases the...

Emily Carney is the founder of Space Hipsters, one of the world’s largest space advocacy groups on Facebook with over 60,000 members.  Emily’s passion for space history and her initiative in creating a community around space advocacy have significantly contributed to public engagement in space exploration. In this episode, you'll discover:• How a childhood fascination with space led to the creation of Space Hipsters. • The memorial spaceflight company sending DNA to space. • Emily’s views on...

This episode was recorded at the Inter Astra Retreat just outside Washington DC last November (2023). I sat down with Stella Marcy, a high school freshman from upstate New York with big dreams of becoming an astrobiologist. Stella’s passion for exploring the origins of life on other planets and her curiosity about the universe is truly inspiring. In our conversation, we discussed what it means to be an astrobiologist, the tools scientists use to search for life beyond Earth, and how high...

On this episode of ‘Your Business In Space’ podcast, Ché Bolden recaps the first five episodes and his takeaways from each. If you’re yet to listen to our early episodes, here’s your recap. Episode 1: Creating Access to The Business of Space with Ché Bolden Ché shares his inspiration to help more people find their place in the business of space. Episode 2: Health in Space with Dr Dorit Donoviel  The executive director of the Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH). She...