Navigating Space Security and the Future of Lunar Exploration with Dr Jessica West Join us in this Space Cafe Radio episode as we sit down with Dr Jessica West, a senior researcher at Project Ploughshares in Canada, recently back from the Outer Space Security Conference in Geneva. Dr West shares insights on changes in the global space security landscape since her first conference in 2007, highlighting inclusivity and the introduction of new topics like cis-lunar space security. We delve...

Space Café Radio - Space Sustainability: Challenges and Future Prospects with Dr Nic Ross In this episode of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening sits down with Dr Nic Ross, co-author of the 3rd NIPARO Summit report and a leading voice in space sustainability. Together, they explore the evolving definition of sustainability in the space sector, the challenges of balancing innovation with responsible stewardship, and the philosophical and practical dilemmas facing the industry. Dr Ros...

Space Café Radio – Poland’s Space Ambitions with Col. Marcin Mazur In this episode of Space Café Radio, host Torsten Kriening is joined by Colonel Marcin Mazur of Polish Space Agency (POLSA) to explore Poland’s fast-rising role in space. Almost half a century after its first astronaut flew into orbit, Poland has returned to human spaceflight with the AX-4 mission – a highly symbolic step that signals the nation’s ambition to be a full partner in global space exploration. But this milestone is...

Space Sustainability and Security: Insights from Dr Peter Martinez In this insightful episode of Space Café Radio, SpaceWatch.Global's Torsten Kriening interviews Dr Peter Martinez, Executive Director of the Secure World Foundation. They discuss space governance, the 2025 Global Counter Space Capability Report, and the indispensable UN COPUOS Briefing Book. The episode delves into the 7th Summit for Space Sustainability in Paris, the EU Space Act, and pressing issues in space traf...

Exploring Very Low Earth Orbits (VLEO): The Future of Space Systems with Prof René Laufer In this captivating episode of our Space Cafe Radio, recorded live in Berlin, host Torsten Kriening sits down with Professor René Laufer, Head of Space Systems at the Lulea University of Technology. They discuss the significance of Very Low Earth Orbits (VLEO), exploring whether it is a game-changer or just orbital optimism. They discuss the unique challenges and advantages of VLEO, such as real-time dat...

Poland's Space Strategy and Lessons from Ukraine: Insights from Brigadier General Marcin Górka In this special episode of Space Cafe Radio, live from the 8th Prague Space Security Conference, host Torsten Kriening sit down with Brigadier General Marcin Górka, Director at the Department of Innovation at the Polish Ministry of National Defense and a key figure in shaping Poland's military space policy. General Górka discusses Poland’s strategic vision for space capabilities, integra...

Celebrating 50 Years of ESA: Achievements and Future Prospects with Dr. Kai-Uwe Schrogl In this special episode of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening talked with Dr. Kai-Uwe Schrogl, ESA’s Special Advisor for Political Affairs. In this capacity Dr Schrogl is coordinating the events throughout the year, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ESA Convention of 1975. The episode covers European Space Agency (ESA)'s achievements over the past five decades, its ongoing adaptability, and the...

Europe's Space Power Dynamics: A Dialogue with Juliana Suess In this episode of Space Cafe Radio, Torsten Kriening looks into the critical topic of space security in Europe with Juliana Suess, an associate at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP). Recorded at the 8th Space Security Conference in Prague, Juliana Suess shares her expertise on the evolving dynamics of space policy and geopolitics. The discussion touches on the similarities and differences betwee...

Space Policy and Global Security: An Interview with Dr Peter Hays Join host Yvette Gonzalez on Space Cafe Radio for an thoughtful conversation with Dr Peter Hays, a leading authority on US space policy and national security, at the eighth Prague Space Security Conference. Explore pressing issues like Russian anti-satellite weapons, Chinese satellite capabilities, and the integration of commercial space activities into national security. Dr Hays discusses the challenges of space domain a...

The Future of Space Traffic Management: Insights from the US Office of Space Commerce In this episode of Space Cafe Radio from Prague, host Yvette Gonzalez interviews Janice Starzyk, Acting Director and Deputy Director of the US Department of Commerce, and Dr Mariel Borowitz, Head of International SSA Engagement. They discuss the evolution and future of space traffic management, the challenges of launching multiple satellites on a single mission, and the coordination between global SSA ...

Charting the Skies: Germany’s Military Space Command with Major General Traut In this episode from Prague, host Torsten Kriening sits down with Major General Michael Traut, Commander of the German Space Command, to discuss the rapid evolution of Germany's military space operations over the past three years. From becoming an independent command within the Air Force to participating in international initiatives like the US-led Olympic Defender, Germany's approach to space has dramatically...

EU Space Defense and Security Initiatives: An Interview with Christophe Morand In this episode of Space Café Radio live from Prague, host Torsten Kriening was joined by Christophe Morand, advisor to the European Commission's Directorate-General for Defense Industry and Space (DG DEFIS). As a former French Air Force Colonel with extensive experience in military space intelligence, Morand discusses the EU's current and future projects related to space and defense, the importance of the European...

Legal Insights for the New Space Era: Nathan O'Konek on NSG's Role In this episode of our Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening has an engaging conversation with Nathan O'Konek , General Counsel of NSG - Neo Space Group. Nathan shares his fascinating journey from a childhood fascination with space to his prominent role in the space industry. We dive deep into the complex landscape of space law, regulatory challenges, and the tension between commercial and regulatory impulses. Nathan also di...

Innovative Space Education: A Deep Dive with Dr Rosa Duran Join todays host Yvette Gonzalez and special guest Dr Rosa Duran on Space Café Radio as they discuss the future of space education. Rosa Duran, president of Nucleo and an expert in science education, shares her journey from studying black holes to leading international space education initiatives. Learn about the transformative Explore mission, which aims to provide students with hands-on experience as analog astronauts, and the...

Germany's Space Strategies Unveiled: A Dialogue with Major General Wolfgang Ohl In this episode of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening interviews Major General Wolfgang Ohl, the Deputy Director General for Military Strategy and Operations, about Germany's evolving space defense strategy. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of space situational awareness, the role of Germany's Space Command, developments in space-based communication and ISR capabilities, and the imp...

The Future of Earth Observation: AI, Quantum Sensors, and Industry Insights In this special episode of Space Cafe Radio, recorded at the St. Louis Airport, our host, Torsten Kriening sits down with Sylvain Drillholle, Manager at Novaspace, to discuss the latest trends and future directions in earth observation. From the accelerating role of AI in processing hyperspectral imagery to the importance of governmental budgets in driving industry resilience, the conversation covers key insights from...

The Future of the Space Economy: Insights from Space Capital's Chad Anderson Join Space Café Radio at the GEOINT Symposium 2025 in St. Louis as Laura Todd sits down with Chad Anderson, founder and managing partner of Space Capital, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the space economy. Learn about the evolution of space-based technologies, the role of geo-intelligence and satellite communications, and how emerging industries are shaping the future. Discover how Space Capital'...

From Space Symposium to Satellite Sustainability: Insights with Ron Lopez Join Torsten Kriening for an intriguing episode of Space Cafe '33 Minutes with...' as he sits down with Ron Lopez, President and Managing Director of AstroScale US, at their Denver facility following an exciting Space Symposium. They dive into how Astroscale is pioneering smaller, lighter satellite designs and discuss their latest advancements in the field of national security and commercial satellite logistics. R...

Future Horizons: ISU President Dr. John Wensveen on Moonshot 2030 & the Space Economy Join Senior Editor and Advisor Laura Todd on Space Café Radio for an enlightening conversation with Dr. John Wensveen, President of the International Space University, recorded at the Space Symposium 2025 in Colorado Springs. Dr Wensveen shares his vision for ISU's future, the creation of satellite campuses, and the pivotal Moonshot 2030 strategic plan. He discusses the crucial role of space in eve...

Exploring the Future of Space Missions: Biomass Satellite and Earth's Observation In this episode, Torsten Kriening dives deep into the importance of data in space missions with Dr. Nicolaus Hanowski, Head of the Mission Management and Ground Segment department at the European Space Agency (ESA). They discuss the innovative Biomass satellite, part of the Earth Explorer program, which uses advanced P-band radar to measure forest biomass and carbon dioxide storage. Discover how ESA's missions c...