In this episode of Space Minds, host David Ariosto speaks with Doug Hendrix, co-founder and CEO of ExoAnalytic Solutions — a company born from three physicists’ passion for solving hard problems in space. Hendrix shares how ExoAnalytic grew from missile defense algorithms to building a global telescope network that tracks thousands of objects in orbit, providing vital insights into space debris, collisions, and threats. Together, they explore how commercial innovation, AI, and automation are reshaping space domain awareness, the rising challenges of orbital congestion, and what a future space conflict might really look like. Hendrix also reflects on how science fiction and the Apollo era first inspired his lifelong pursuit of the final frontier.

In this episode of Space Minds, host David Ariosto speaks with Terry Hart, former NASA astronaut and mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Challenger. Hart reflects on the triumphs of early shuttle missions, the lessons of the Challenger tragedy, and how those experiences shape today’s commercial space era led by companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin.Now a professor at Lehigh University, Hart shares insights on leadership, safety, and the enduring human drive to explore. This conversation connects the legacy of the Shuttle program to the future of human and commercial spaceflight.

On this episode of Space Minds, SpaceNews China correspondent Andrew Jones joins host Mike Gruss to unpack China’s year‑end sprint in space: expected tests tied to Long March 10 and a new crew spacecraft, up to eight maiden commercial launches from firms like Landspace and Space Pioneer alongside CASC’s Long March‑12A, and the state‑backed funding push behind national mega‑constellations.He also breaks down the recent “non‑Earth imaging” cat‑and‑mouse between Maxar and Chang Guang Satellite Technology—and shares how he verifies news from Finland as China’s space information ecosystem evolves.

In this week’s episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss speaks with Robert Lightfoot, president, space at Lockheed Martin and former NASA associate administrator. Lightfoot takes us inside the company’s large space portfolio — from building weather and GPS satellites to advancing missile defense and next-generation interceptors. He shares how Lockheed is adapting to faster, more agile ways of working, explores the evolving economics of space, and reflects on how the U.S. can protect critical assets in an increasingly contested domain. Plus, a look ahead to ambitious milestones like the Artemis moon missions and a potential 2028 space-based interceptor test.

This week’s episode guest is Steve Kitay — former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, former head of Microsoft’s space initiatives, and now Senior Vice President for Space Defense at True Anomaly.The conversations takes us inside a rapidly shifting orbital landscape, where national security, commercial innovation, and geopolitical competition collide. From China’s accelerating satellite programs to the race for real-time space situational awareness, we explore how companies like True Anomaly are building the tools to protect U.S. interests and maintain deterrence in a new era of space as a warfighting domain.

In this week's episode of Space Minds SpaceNews editor Mike Gruss talks with Julien Lamamy, Managing Director of ispace Europe from the World Space Business Week in Paris.Julien shares how the company is developing cost-efficient lunar exploration — from testing and launching its first rover to preparing MAGPIE, a groundbreaking European mission to study hydrogen on the Moon. We discuss how “new space” approaches are reshaping exploration, Europe’s emerging lunar economy, and why Luxembourg is fast becoming a global space hub. Listen in for a deep dive into the future of lunar mobility and resource discovery.

In this episode, SpaceNews editor Mike Gruss talks with Pacome Revillon, CEO of Novaspace. They discuss the accelerating race in direct-to-device satellite communications, the surge in defense spending and dual-use technologies, and the growing role of sovereignty in global space strategies. Revillon also shares insights on consolidation trends within the industry, the future of AI in space applications, and predictions for what’s ahead in launch and defense markets.

In this episode, SpaceNews editor Mike Gruss talks with Brian O'Toole, CEO of BlackSky.The conversation dives into BlackSky’s latest contract win with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, the growing role of AI in geospatial intelligence, and the race to deliver near real-time imagery from space. O’Toole also shares insights on sovereign space capabilities, commercial opportunities beyond defense, and how the next generation of satellites is reshaping the future of intelligence.

In this episode, SpaceNews editor Mike Gruss talks with Peter Cannito, CEO of Redwire.They discuss the future of the European space market, Redwire’s expanding footprint, and the growing intersection of space and defense technology.From strategic acquisitions in Europe to investments in autonomy and software, Cannito outlines how Redwire is positioning itself as a nimble, mid-sized player bridging the gap between startups and aerospace giants. The conversation also explores avenues in pharmaceutical research in microgravity, the rise of very low Earth orbit missions (VLEO), and how space and drone technologies are converging to reshape national security.

In this episode, SpaceNews editor Mike Gruss talks with Mina Mitry, CEO of Kepler Communications. They discuss Kepler’s groundbreaking optical communications test — the first ever to connect an aircraft and a spacecraft via laser link. Mitry explains why this milestone matters for defense, border monitoring, and the future of real-time data transfer. The conversation also explores Kepler’s role in an evolving space ecosystem, the push for interoperability and sovereignty, and the company’s roadmap toward delivering internet beyond Earth.

In this episode, SpaceNews editor Mike Gruss talks with Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency.They discuss Europe’s case for greater investment in space, the growing role of defense and security in ESA’s agenda, and the ambitious budget negotiations ahead of November’s ministerial conference. From dual-use technologies to new launch competition and commercial partnerships, Aschbacher outlines how ESA is positioning itself for a rapidly changing space economy.

Space Minds host Mike Gruss is joined by SpaceNews senior writer Jeff Foust to break down the surprising appointment of Sean Duffy as NASA’s Acting Administrator.From his unexpected dual role as Secretary of Transportation to his growing influence on the Artemis program, nuclear power on the Moon, and NASA’s embattled budget, Duffy has quickly become a central—if unconventional—figure in U.S. space policy. The conversation explores how industry, Congress, and the space community are reacting to his leadership, and what’s at stake as NASA navigates an uncertain future.

In this week’s episode of Space Minds, host David Ariosto speaks with Riley Duren, CEO of Carbon Mapper and veteran of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Duren discusses how his nonprofit is harnessing cutting-edge satellite technology to track methane and carbon dioxide emissions—the “super pollutants” driving climate change. He explains Carbon Mapper’s mission to make greenhouse gas data visible and actionable, the technical innovations behind their hyperspectral satellites, and the incentives that motivate companies to reduce emissions. Drawing from his decades at NASA, Duren highlights the shift from risk-averse institutional missions to an agile, public-private partnership model, and why moving fast is essential in the fight against climate change.

Space Minds host David Ariosto speaks with Will Bruey, CEO and co-founder of Varda Space Industries.Varda is pushing the boundaries of drug development by leveraging microgravity to create new formulations not possible on Earth, bringing them back through its own reentry vehicles.In our conversation, Bruey explains why the economics of launch and manufacturing have finally made this business viable, how Varda’s “microgravity oven” could transform drug development, and why their technology also opens doors to hypersonic applications.

Space Minds speaks with Al Tadros of Redwire, to explore the future of space infrastructure.From the growing role of private investment in orbit to breakthroughs in bioprinting and pharmaceuticals in microgravity, Tadros explains why this is one of the most exciting times in the history of space. He also discusses the balance between civil, commercial, and national security missions, and how companies like Redwire are shaping the new economy beyond Earth. With decades of experience at the forefront of satellite and space systems, Tadros offers a unique perspective on where the industry is heading—and why the next era of exploration could be even more transformative than the Apollo years.

This week SpaceNews is at the SmallSat Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. In this episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss speaks with Gabe Zimmerman, Director, In-Space at Ursa Major.The conversation revolves around the small satellite industry’s evolving priorities, from balancing cost and reliability to overcoming persistent supply chain challenges. Zimmerman highlights the growing emphasis on volume production, strategic vertical integration, and early cross-team collaboration to meet rising demand for satellite hardware. Zimmerman also reflects on the conference’s growth, the rapid proliferation of small satellites, and the potential of hybrid propulsion solutions in shaping the sector’s future.

This week SpaceNews is at the SmallSat Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. In this episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss speaks with Todd Master, Chief Operating Officer of Umbra, about the evolving small satellite market, supply chain challenges, and the company’s expansion from SAR data services into satellite components. Master discusses shifting investment trends in the space industry, the importance of building products around real customer needs, and how AI is reshaping operations. The conversation also explores how the definition of “SmallSat” is changing as launch access improves and technology cycles accelerate.

This week SpaceNews is at the SmallSat Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. In this episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss speaks with Tom Walkinshaw, founder and CEO of Alba Orbital, a Scotland-based manufacturer specializing in pocket-sized satellites known as PocketQubes. Their discussion covers the growth of the small satellite sector, trends in satellite miniaturization, challenges of launch and supply chains, and strategies for building reliable, commercially viable spacecraft.

This week SpaceNews is at the SmallSat Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. In this episode of Space Minds, host Mike Gruss speaks with Professor Sir Martin Sweeting, Executive Chairman of Surrey Satellite Technology Limited and a professor at the Surrey Space Institute of the University of Surrey.They discuss the growth of the small satellite industry from its first meeting in 1987 of just a few dozen participants to today’s nearly 5,000 attendees, and preview the key issues the community will address at this year’s conference.

In this episode of Space Minds, host Jeff Foust moderates the panel "Evolution of Multi-Mission Orbital Vehicles" recorded live on July 24 at the AIAA Ascend conference. The Panelists include:- Colonel Owen Stephens, Director of Contracting, Space Rapid Capabilities Office, U.S. Space Force- Seth Lacy, Senior Scientist for Space Mobility and Precision Maneuver, AFRL, U.S. Space Force- Michael Creech, VP of Strategy and Business Development, Firefly Aerospace- Israel "Fig" Figueroa, Director of National Security Programs, Firefly AerospaceTogether, they unpack what it takes to create agile, high-delta-V spacecraft capable of fulfilling multiple operational roles in orbit—from tactical awareness to refueling, orbital transfers, and national security missions. This episode delves into the technical, procurement, and cultural shifts required to build a flexible, scalable, and responsive space ecosystem. Don't miss insights on the future of spacecraft modularity, propulsion innovations, and the real challenge: changing the mindset of space acquisition.