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  • Marino Fragnito: Chief Commercial Officer and Launch Services Director at Avio
    2025/04/23
    This week on The Astro Ben Podcast, we dive into the world of space launches with Marino Fragnito, Avio’s Chief Commercial Officer and Launch Services Director. Appointed in September 2024, Marino drives Avio’s Vega C and Ariane 6 programs while navigating the competitive space market in March 2025. With a career spanning Airbus, Arianespace, and Thales Alenia Space, he shares insights on commercialising Vega, boosting Europe’s launch capabilities, and tackling global competition. From sustainable propulsion to defense applications, this episode explores how Avio is shaping the future of space access.

    OUTLINE:

    Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

    00:53 Introducing Marino

    01:56 Marino’s interest in Space

    04:50 Technical background

    06:19 Avio

    08:56 Vega C Program

    13:34 Lack of European ambition?

    19:30 Reusability of rockets

    21:20 AI

    23:14 Geopolitics in Europe effecting the Space industry

    26:29 Space Tourism

    27:59 Ambition for Avio

    30:34 Advice to next generation

    31:53 Wrap Up and Socials

    Follow Avio on Social:

    Website: https://www.avio.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avio_spa/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvioGroup

    X: https://x.com/avio_group

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GroupAvio

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avio-s-p-a/

    Stay connected with us!

    Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

    Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

    Website: www.astroben.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

    X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

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    33 分
  • Mark Sasson: Co-founder and CEO of Pinpoint Search Group (recruiting in the space industry)
    2025/04/03

    This week on The Astro Ben Podcast, Ben sits down with Mark Sasson, co-founder and CEO of Pinpoint Search Group, as he launches Operation Voyager to tackle the space sector’s talent gap in March 2025. From his roots in cybersecurity to his new frontier in space, Mark shares a compelling story of industry evolution, drawing parallels between these booming fields. We dive into proven strategies for attracting top talent, the unique hiring challenges facing space companies, and how to build effective recruiting processes in an industry still finding its footing.

    OUTLINE:

    Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

    00:00 Intro to Mark Sasson

    01:09 Pinpoint getting into the Space Sector

    03:01 Segments

    03:58 Growth industries

    05:12 Pinpoint

    08:00 How Pinpoint works

    09:40 Operation Voyager

    11:00 Startups attracting top talent

    14:06 Graduates entering the space force

    18:30 Is space industry still mainly technical?

    20:53 Remote work vs in real life

    22:38 Company culture

    25:00 Trends in keeping staff engaged

    27:45 Soft skills for space industry candidates

    30:00 Most exciting parts about space industries future

    32:00 Wrap Up and social

    Follow Mark/Pinpoint on Social:

    Website: https://pinpointsearchgroup.com/

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pinpoint-search-group/

    X: https://x.com/Pinpoint_Search

    Stay connected with us!

    Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

    Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

    Website: www.astroben.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

    X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

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    33 分
  • Jonathan McDowell: Astronomer and owner of Jonathan's Space Report
    2025/02/14

    In this week's episode of The Astro Ben Podcast (sponsored by SkyFi), we dive into the cosmos with the legendary Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer known for his extensive work in cataloging space objects and his invaluable contributions to the space community. Ben and Jonathan discuss his journey, the importance of space tracking, and his monumental effort to transition his private space library to the UK, for which he's currently seeking support through a GoFundMe campaign (link below). Tune in to learn about the significance of his work, the future of space cataloging, and how you can contribute to preserving space history!

    This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi.

    Check them out: https://skyfi.com/

    OUTLINE:

    Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

    00:00 Intro and thanks SkyFi!

    00:52 Intro to Jonathan Mc Dowell and journey to Jonathan's Space Report

    02:48 Educational foundation

    04:57 Chandra X-ray Center (X-ray cousin of the Hubble!)

    07:10 AI and effect on Astrophysics

    08:45 Space tracking

    10:58 UFO Misinterpretations

    13:15 Most unusual item catalogued

    15:16 Space Junk

    17:09 Public Engagement

    18:16 Favourite era of space history

    22:14 Jonathans library

    26:48 Moving the library!

    27:47 Book recommendations

    30:30 Space culture

    33:10 Final thoughts

    34:44 Wrap Up and Socials

    Follow Jonathan on Socials:

    Website: https://planet4589.org/

    X: https://x.com/planet4589

    Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fund-jonathans-space-report-library-transition

    Stay connected with us!

    Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

    Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

    Website: www.astroben.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

    X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

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    36 分
  • Kate van Dam: Marine Corps attack helicopter pilot, now strategic leader in the space industry with SkyFi
    2025/02/05

    In this episode, sponsored by Sky Fi, Ben journeyed with Kate Van Dam from her days as a Marine Corps attack helicopter pilot to her current role leading strategy at SkyFi. They explore SkyFi's mission to democratise access to geospatial data, touching on the ethical implications, privacy concerns, and the revolutionary potential of this technology. Kate shared insights on how her military background shapes her strategic vision, how SkyFi navigates the evolving space industry landscape, and the role of AI and machine learning in transforming geospatial analysis. They also discussed upcoming SkyFi projects and the next frontier in commercial space technology. Kate also discusses “Austin 4 America” and tells people how to get free tickets!

    This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi.

    Check them out: https://skyfi.com/

    OUTLINE:

    Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

    00:48 Introducing Kate Van Dam - frome Helicopter Pilot to SkyFi

    06:48 A “Ariel view” of the world

    09:40 The accessibility of pictures anywhere from space and mass use of technology

    13:00 What is hyper spectral imaging and other uses of SkyFi

    14:48 Increase in commercial activity and priorities for customer

    18:40 Integrating AI and ML and security concerns

    22:28 Upcoming projects for SkyFi (update mentioned here: https://skyfi.com/en/blog/planet-launches-single-order-tasking-powered-by-skyfi )

    24:42 Austin 4 America - free tickets here! https://www.austin4america.org/

    27:03 Kate’s personal thoughts about Space

    29:03 Wrap Up & Socials

    Follow SkyFi:

    Website: https://www.skyfi.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyfi.app

    X: https://x.com/SkyfiApp

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skyfi-imaging/posts/?feedView=all

    Austin 4 America: https://www.austin4america.org/

    Stay connected with us!

    Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

    Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

    Website: www.astroben.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

    X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

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    30 分
  • Astronaut John “ Danny ” Olivas: Astronaut, Mission Assurance Expert, Author and Forensic Engineer
    2025/01/22

    In this episode of The Astro Ben Podcast, Ben speaks with astronaut and mission assurance expert Dr. John "Danny" Olivas from Intuitive Machines HQ. The conversation centers around the IM-2 Lunar Lander mission, set to land at the Moon’s south pole in early 2025. Danny shares exclusive insights into the technology on board, including NASA’s PRIME-1 drill, Nokia’s Lunar Surface Communications System, and Intuitive Machines’ Micro Nova Hopper.

    The discussion also explores the critical role of engineering in lunar infrastructure, the challenges of operating in the Moon’s extreme environment, and Danny’s experiences as a NASA astronaut, including his iconic spacewalks and space shuttle repair missions.

    This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi.

    Check them out: https://skyfi.com/

    OUTLINE:

    Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

    00:00 Intro to Episode

    00:22 This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi

    00:42 Introducing Astronaut Dr. John "Danny" Olivas

    01:28 Ben tries streaming for the first time (successfully)

    02:04 Intuitive Machines IM-2

    04:22 Challenges of landing on the lunar South Pole?

    06:41 Micro Nova Hopper

    09:19 First cellular network on the moon

    11:50 IM-2 fitting in with Artemis

    15:08 Engineering Innovations of IM-2

    17:47 Spacewalks and lunar exploration

    21:28 IM-2 to IM-4

    24:05 Humanities relationship with the Moon

    27:30 Space experience effecting everyday life

    32:35 Words of wisdom

    34:55 Wrap Up and Socials

    Follow Dr John "Danny" Olivas:

    Website: https://uniphigood.com/portfolio_page/john-danny-olivas/

    IM-2 Mission Details: https://www.nasa.gov/event/intuitive-machines-clps-flight-im-2/

    Intuitive Machines: https://www.intuitivemachines.com/

    Stay connected with us!

    Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

    Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

    Website: www.astroben.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

    X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

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    36 分
  • The Astro Ben Podcast Trailer 2025
    2 分
  • Remco Timmermans: Space Events Marketing Specialist at Space Agenda, Independent Space Marketing and Communications Consultant
    2025/01/10

    In this episode, Ben sits down with Remco Timmermans to explore the dynamic world of space industry marketing and events. They discuss Remco's journey into space, the emotional power of rocket launches, and how space is becoming a true people's industry. The conversation covers the space industry's outlook for 2025, the curation of industry events, the debate between live and virtual events, and the critical role of social media in engaging the public. Remco also shares his predictions for the sector's future.

    To celebrate the start of this dynamic year, we invite you to download Remco's exclusive FREE Space Agenda 2025 events poster!

    This printable PDF highlights a selection of key events happening around the world—one for each week of the year!

    Download your FREE copy now: https://lnkd.in/e5yB5VeU

    This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi.

    Check them out: https://skyfi.com/

    OUTLINE:

    Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

    00:16 Bens proposal - thanks to Sky Fi! See the pics of Bens proposal here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEqMzU4xAV-/?img_index=1

    01:10 Remco Timmermans

    02:15 New Year

    03:44 Remco’s interest in space

    13:50 The Power of a Launch!

    15:00 A true peoples industry

    17:20 Space industry in 2025

    19:50 Space Agenda https://www.spaceagenda.com/

    22:50 How to decide which events to include in “industry events calendar”

    26:44 Live events vs virtual events

    34:38 Social Media and Marketing in the space industry.

    36:47 Predictions for Space Industry 2025

    39:28 Wrap Up and Socials

    Follow Remco Timmermans:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/remcotimmermans/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelsinorbit/

    X: https://x.com/timmermansr

    Stay connected with us!

    Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

    Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

    Website: www.astroben.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

    X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

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    41 分
  • Emily Carney: Space Historian, Journalist, and Co-Author of new book Star Bound: A Beginner’s Guide to the American Space Program.
    2024/12/20

    In this episode of the Astro Ben Podcast, we chat with Emily Carney, space historian, journalist, and co-author of the new book Star Bound: A Beginner’s Guide to the American Space Program. OUT JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS (LINK BELOW)

    Emily shares her insights on the cultural and societal impact of America’s space exploration journey and why understanding our space history is vital for the next generation. From her iconic Space Hipsters community to her thoughts on mining the Moon and asteroids, Emily brings her trademark wit and wisdom to the conversation. We also touch on the lessons the U.S. space program can teach us about innovation, reactionary progress, and global collaboration. This is a must-listen for space enthusiasts and newcomers alike!

    This weeks episode is sponsored by AIDAA.

    Check them out: https://www.aidaa.it/

    OUTLINE:

    Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

    01:05 Introducing Emily Carney

    01:40 Co-authoring a book!

    02:47 Inspiration

    05:50 Writing pattern

    10:11 Keeping the book culture

    12:44 Politics in the US - is Space always a positive?! National Pride!

    17:00 Artemis & Cultural Commitments

    19:32 Emilys Military background

    23:10 Space Hipsters Facebook Group

    28:33 Space & Things Podcast

    34:10 Dreams for the book!

    36:22 Wrap Up and Socials

    Connect with Emily Carney:

    X: https://x.com/EmilyLCarney

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilycarneyspace/

    Space Hipsters: https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroups%2Fspacehipsters%2F

    Pre-order Emilys Book:

    Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Bound-Goldilocks-Everything-Spaceflight/dp/1496241398

    Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/star-bound-a-beginner-s-guide-to-the-american-space-program-from-goddard-s-rockets-to-goldilocks-planets-and-everything-in-betwe-bruce-mccandless/21091286?ean=9781496241399

    Nebraska: https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/nebraska/9781496241399/star-bound/

    Stay connected with us!

    Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

    Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

    Website: www.astroben.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

    X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

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    38 分