Summary
In this conversation, Rich Julien of BOKA Capital shares his extensive journey through the defense and national security sectors, leading to the formation of BOKA. He discusses the implications of the AUKUS treaty on investment and collaboration between the US, UK, and Australia, particularly in the defense technology space. Rich emphasizes the importance of building relationships in fundraising and highlights common mistakes made by founders. He also provides insights for professionals looking to transition into the startup ecosystem, underscoring the value of their experience and expertise.

Chapters
00:00 Rich's Journey to Boca Capital
06:23 Understanding AUKUS and Its Implications
08:11 Trends in Global Defense Investment
12:00 AUKUS and Opportunities for Startups
14:27 Defining AUKUS: An International Treaty
17:55 Navigating the Startup Landscape
24:47 Common Mistakes Founders Make
28:19 Transitioning from Corporate to Startup Roles

BOKA Capital
LinkedIn (Rich)
https://www.boka-group.com/

Space Insiders Team
Email: info@spaceinsiders.show
LinkedIn (Show)
LinkedIn (Tony)
LinkedIn (Rob)

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or employer.

Summary
In this engaging conversation, Daryl Schuck shares his unique experiences and insights from his extensive career at NASA, particularly in mission control and extravehicular activities (EVA). He discusses the evolution of spacesuit technology, the integration of AI and voice technology in space operations, and the future of commercial space stations. Daryl also reflects on his personal hobbies and the importance of international cooperation in space exploration.

Chapters
00:00 Journey into Space: Daryl's Unique Background
13:36 The Evolution of Extravehicular Activities (EVA)
18:40 Innovations in Spacesuit Technology
23:05 AI and Voice Technology in Space Operations
26:49 The Future of Space Stations and Commercialization
28:48 Personal Passions: Flying and Building

Daryl Schuck
LinkedIn (Daryl)

Space Insiders Team
Email: info@spaceinsiders.show
LinkedIn (Show)
LinkedIn (Tony)
LinkedIn (Rob)

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or employer.

Summary
In this conversation, Tony and Rob chat with Francis about Rivada's journey over the past 20 years, focusing on the evolution of emergency communication solutions and the critical role of satellite technology in national security. He emphasizes the importance of building secure networks for government and enterprise customers, particularly in light of recent geopolitical events that have heightened the demand for such capabilities. The discussion also covers the challenges of funding in the space industry, strategies for selling to government clients, and the unique selling proposition of Rivada's solutions, which prioritize security and cost-effectiveness.

Chapters
00:00 The Journey of Rivada: From Communications to Space
13:27 Security and Sovereignty in Satellite Communications
20:40 Funding the Future: Financial Insights into Satellite Projects
24:22 Navigating Government Sales and Geopolitical Challenges
29:48 Selling Secure Networks: Tailoring Solutions for Customers
36:47 Cost-Effectiveness and Operational Efficiency in Satellite Networks

Rivada Space Networks
https://rivadaspace.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/francis-o-flaherty-a603b228/

Space Insiders Team
Email: info@spaceinsiders.show
LinkedIn (Show): https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-insiders-show
LinkedIn (Tony): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonysewell1
LinkedIn (Rob): https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-ruyak-4134a2/

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or employer.

Summary
In this conversation, Tony and Rob interview Brett Alexander, a seasoned professional in the space industry. They discuss Brett's journey from being a space enthusiast to holding significant roles in various organizations, including Blue Origin. The conversation explores the evolution of the space market, the role of government in shaping the industry, and the dynamics of the launch market. Brett shares insights from his time at Blue Origin, the culture of engineering excellence, and his thoughts on the future of space exploration, particularly the lunar economy and national security concerns.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
12:17 The Evolution of the Space Industry
21:02 Launch Market Dynamics
26:20 Insights from Blue Origin
37:20 Future Trends in Space Exploration
45:12 Wrap up

References:
Bulgarian Satellite Manufacturer EnduroSat Raises $49M, Led By Founders Fund
Satellite firms brace for potential budget cuts

Brett Alexander
bretton.alexander@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretton-alexander-3a8b045/

Space Insiders Team
Email: info@spaceinsiders.show
LinkedIn (Show): https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-insiders-show
LinkedIn (Tony): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonysewell1
LinkedIn (Rob): https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-ruyak-4134a2/

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or employer.

Summary
In this conversation, Chris Capon shares his journey from aerospace engineering to founding Nominal Systems, a company focused on improving satellite operations. The discussion covers the challenges faced by the satellite industry, the role of AI and digital twins in enhancing operational efficiency, and the complexities of insurance and risk management in space. Chris also provides insights into the current state of the space industry in Australia, emphasizing the need for pragmatic approaches and the importance of solving real-world problems. The conversation concludes with a light-hearted discussion about Vegemite and cultural insights.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
10:16 Chris Capon's Journey in Aerospace Engineering
13:12 Founding Nominal Systems
16:05 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19
19:17 Innovative Remote Work Solutions
22:20 Addressing Mission Failure Rates in Space
25:08 The Role of AI and Digital Twins
28:11 Customer Integration Challenges
30:59 Insurance and Risk Management in Space
37:05 Future of Space Operations and Technology
39:28 Insurance Challenges in the Space Industry
41:24 Sustainability and Insurability in Space Operations
43:47 Regulatory Frameworks and Quality Control in Space
45:20 The State of the Space Industry in Australia
47:42 Automation and the Future of Space Infrastructure
52:09 Sovereign Launch Capabilities and Economic Viability
57:06 Logistics and Costs of Launching from Australia
58:25 Fun Insights: Renaming Planets and Personal Reflections

Referenced Articles:
Foreign SpaceX launch customers seek relief from US tariffs
Iridium shields supply chain as higher tariffs loom
SIA Report

Nominal Systems
https://www.nominalsys.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-capon/

Space Insiders Team
Email: info@spaceinsiders.show
LinkedIn (Show): https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-insiders-show
LinkedIn (Tony): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonysewell1
LinkedIn (Rob): https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-ruyak-4134a2/

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or employer.

In this episode, Tony Sewell and Rob Ruyak engage with Lucy Hoag, founder and CEO of Violet Labs, a company focused on integrating software tools to enhance efficiency in hardware development. Lucy shares her journey from studying aerospace engineering to working at major tech companies like Google and Waymo, and ultimately founding Violet Labs out of frustration with existing software solutions. The conversation explores the challenges of starting a company, the importance of connectivity in hardware development, and the future vision for Violet Labs, including the potential of AI in engineering.

Referenced Articles:
The improbable story of the bra-maker who won the right to make astronaut spacesuits
Cerberus raised nearly $75M for its inaugural VC fund's first close

Violet Labs
https://www.violetlabs.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyhoag/

Space Insiders Team
Email: info@spaceinsiders.show
LinkedIn (Show): https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-insiders-show
LinkedIn (Tony): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonysewell1
LinkedIn (Rob): https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-ruyak-4134a2/

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or employer.

In this conversation, Jana Spruce (Managing Director, Spruce Consulting Group) shares her insights on the aerospace industry, discussing her career journey from engineering to consulting. She emphasizes the importance of understanding systems engineering, the role of technicians, and the differences between working in large companies versus startups. Jana also delves into the challenges of spacesuit technology, the significance of company culture, and how to influence it. She concludes with thoughts on emerging trends in engineering and advice for young professionals entering the field.

Jana Spruce
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sprucejana/

Space Insiders Team
Email: info@spaceinsiders.show
LinkedIn (Show): https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-insiders-show
LinkedIn (Tony): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonysewell1
LinkedIn (Rob): https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-ruyak-4134a2/

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or employer.

Summary
In this episode, hosts Tony Sewell and Rob Ruyak interview Laura Crabtree, CEO and co-founder of Epsilon 3, explore her journey in the space industry, her transition from SpaceX, and the challenges of software adoption in the sector. They discuss the impact of government contracts on innovation, the intricacies of building a business, and the importance of customer engagement. The conversation also touches on the significance of networking at conferences and personal aspirations outside of work.

Takeaways

• Laura Crabtree shares her transition from SpaceX to founding Epsilon 3.
• Software adoption in the space sector faces challenges due to security concerns.
• Government contracts significantly influence innovation in the aerospace industry.
• Building a business requires learning new skills beyond technical expertise.
• Industry jargon and acronyms can be overwhelming for newcomers.
• Understanding customer needs is crucial for successful engagement.
• Conferences serve as valuable networking opportunities in the space industry.
• The space industry is characterized by a collaborative and friendly atmosphere.
• Personal growth and learning new skills are important for professional development.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Entrepreneurial Journey
• 08:59 The Transition from SpaceX to Epsilon 3
• 12:03 Challenges in the Aerospace Software Landscape
• 15:04 Customer Adoption of Cloud vs. On-Prem Solutions
• 18:02 The Impact of Government Contracts on Business
• 20:45 Building a Business: Lessons Learned
• 23:57 Sales Strategies in the Aerospace Industry
• 26:44 Engaging with Customers and Demand Generation
• 29:52 The Value of Industry Conferences
• 33:00 Personal Aspirations Beyond Work

Epsilon3
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauracrabtree/
https://www.epsilon3.io/

Space Insiders Team
Email: info@spaceinsiders.show
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-insiders-show
YouTube: Coming Soon!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or employer.