The Just Rocket Science Show

AstroForge and CEO Matthew Gailich is betting big on asteroid mining—a plan that could reshape the space economy and the way we source platinum group metals (PGMs).

In this episode of Just Rocket Science we break down:

⏰ Why AstroForge wants to mine asteroids NOW and why the economics finally work

🛰️ what went wrong with their first mission, Odin

☄️ and how their next spacecraft, DeepSpace-2 aims to land on an asteroid

If you’re curious about the future of space resources, deep-tech startups, and off-world mining, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.📍 Timestamps for this episode are as follows:00:00 - Episode Preview00:43 - Why mine asteroids now?05:24 - What kind of asteroids are we selecting?08:57 - The economics of Platinum group metals17:42 - The types of satellites that AstroForge will be making 21:53 - What happened to Odin? Why did it fail?33:04 - How does AstroForge handle failures and lessons learned?38:18 - Matt's take on the Space Economy📌 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share

Ashwin Iyer and Alex Pinel, co-founders of Instinct, share their vision for building the first navigational satellite constellation around the Moon.

Their innovative approach uses CubeSat technology to provide GPS-like services that could drastically reduce mission failures and enable the emerging lunar economy.

In this episode, we discuss:

- The $19 billion problem: How navigation failures risk lunar missions

- How a lunar GPS constellation can revolutionize space exploration

- Why CubeSats could make lunar navigation accessible years ahead of government programs

"In the last five years, if you look at the total losses in lunar missions due to navigation, the cost is at $350 million. You extrapolate the same failure rate across the next eight years of lunar missions we currently have planned, you're looking at $19 billion in losses," explains Ashwin, highlighting the critical need for their solution.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction to lunar navigation challenges

01:31 - Meet Instinct's co-founders

02:35 - The lunar navigation problem explained

05:02 - Government vs. private sector approaches

07:14 - Technical challenges of lunar GPS

09:06 - The emerging lunar economy

12:38 - Business model and commercial opportunities

15:45 - Scaling their satellite constellation

19:52 - Regulatory landscape for lunar services

21:33 - Future applications beyond the Moon

24:50 - Taking moonshots in the space industry

📱 CONNECT WITH US:

- Instinct’s Website: https://www.instinct-space.com

- Ashwin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashwin-iyer-626263245

- Alex's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-pinel

- Anurag's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anuragbs

#LunarNavigation

#SpaceTech #MoonGPS #Instinct #CubeSats #LunarEconomy

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In this episode, I sit down with Philip Johnston, CEO of Starcloud.

Philip explains how space-based data centers solve two critical challenges facing AI development: limited energy resources and physical scaling constraints.

By harnessing constant solar power in orbit and using the vacuum of space for cooling, Starcloud aims to deliver computing power at a fraction of Earth's energy costs. The conversation covers their incremental roadmap from this summer's technology demonstrator to future gigawatt-scale facilities, the unique technical challenges of orbital operations, and how this approach could fundamentally transform both AI capabilities and the space economy.

So excited to talk to Philip!

💬 Let me know what you think about this episode in the comments.

📌 Timestamps:

00:00 - Episode Previews

03:15 - Why move Data Centers to Space

08:45 - Technical Challenges of Building Data Centers in Space

15:30 - Future Roadmap for Starcloud

25:15 - Impact to the overall Space Economy

#ai #space #SpaceTech #DataCenters #CleanEnergy #ArtificialIntelligence #NewSpace #SpaceEconomy #spacex #starship

🚀 How do you sell space technology? In this episode of Just Rocket Science, I sit down with Michael Stinson, Business Development Manager at Idemitsu Technologies, to discuss how space hardware is commercialized, the role of business development in the new space economy, and the future of space-based solar power. We also explore how engineering meets sales in the aerospace industry and why Starship will change everything.

This week I talk to Jarkko Antila. Jarkko is the CEO of Kuva Space, a hyperspectral imaging company from Finland.

Satellite imagery senses the reflections of Electromagnetic radiation from objects on Earth. But satellites can image the Earth in a few different ways. Most people associate satellite imagery with what you see in Satellite view on Google Maps. This is a Multispectral image.

Hyperspectral imaging goes a step further and captures data across hundreds of wavelengths in narrow spectral bands, in the visible and infrared ranges of light. The more bands we capture the image in, the more information we can extract about the target area imaged by the satellite. This enables precise identification of materials, vegetation health and even tank vessels in the open ocean.

Every hyperspectral company we’ve had on the show takes a unique approach to their technology stack.

The folks at Kuva Space are taking this bet: tunable optics. Tunable optics on satellites are essentially guitar strings that can be tuned.. In SPACE!. A tunable optical filter enables satellites to filter for specific wavelength signatures. Each material has its own unique wavelength signature. So whether we want to identify a ship or gas leak, we can tune into those specific wavelength signatures.

On this episode, we also cover:

- The evolution of Finland's space industry and how Kuva Space emerged from it.

- Kuva's innovative "divide and conquer" approach with their satellite constellations.

I really enjoyed this chat with Jarkko. If you are enjoying these episodes, make sure you hit like and subscribe to the show.

Now, onto the conversation with Jarkko Antila.

In this episode of Just Rocket Science, I had the pleasure of hosting Michael and Amit Mehra from Novi to discuss how they’re transforming the way space data is processed and delivered. They shared their vision for edge computing on satellites—processing data directly onboard to provide actionable intelligence faster, cheaper, and more effectively.

We broke down Novi’s innovative technology stack, including onboard processors, advanced algorithms, multi-sensor satellites, and efficient communication systems. Michael and Amit explained how their approach democratizes Earth observation data, enabling industries like agriculture, logistics, and defense to access insights at a fraction of the current cost.

Some key highlights from our conversation:

- The challenges of edge computing in space and why onboard processing is critical. - Novi’s game-changing satellite constellation that aims to reduce data costs by orders of magnitude. - How their marketplace platform empowers developers and enterprises to build and leverage new applications for space intelligence. - The parallels between space-based data applications and terrestrial IoT systems, such as precision farming and automation. - We also discussed the future of space intelligence, including the importance of affordability and latency in government and commercial use cases. Michael and Amit shared their contrarian bet: that a purpose-built, low-cost satellite constellation can completely disrupt the industry by making actionable space data accessible to everyone.

This conversation left me inspired by Novi’s bold vision for the future of space technology. If you’re fascinated by the intersection of cutting-edge tech and the final frontier, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode, I interview Chris Robson, CEO and co-founder of Wyvern, a Canadian company that is building Hyperspectral Imaging Satellites. We dive into Chris's fascinating journey, from growing up in Southeast Asia to his first spark for space during a Space Shuttle launch. Wyvern's innovative deployable optics technology is also enabling industry-leading hyperspectral image resolutions.

Chris shares Wyvern's evolution, lessons from being a Y Combinator company, and the challenges of building a deep-tech startup in a cautious VC market. We also discuss the balance between complexity and capability in satellite design, the future of hyperspectral imaging, and the broader potential of space industrialization.

This is an exciting conversation about the future of Earth observation, the role of student groups in fostering innovation, and the critical importance of customer-focused product development in the space economy.

Timestamps for this episode:

00:00 - Introduction

01:12 - Chris' intro and Wyvern’s Canadian roots

04:11 - Chris’s early life and the moment he fell in love with space

07:51 - Challenges of breaking into the space industry in Alberta, Canada

11:37 - Founding Wyvern and the inspiration behind its name

16:19 - Why Wyvern chose hyperspectral imaging over other satellite imaging types

20:23 - The role of deployable optics in enabling high-resolution hyperspectral imaging

30:41 - On-orbit data processing: A game-changer for hyperspectral data?

33:11 - Lessons from Y Combinator and building an investable deep-tech startup

43:36 - Simplifying pricing and licensing in Earth observation data

48:58 - Advice for hardware and software founders in the space industry

Thanks for tuning into the show. Share this episode with someone if you learned something.

#spacetech #space #startup #podcast #wyvernspace#HyperspectralImaging #SpaceTech #EarthObservation #Satellites #SpaceExploration #EnvironmentalTech #ycombinator

In this special episode, we flips the script. Akash Bhat, the host of the Desi VC podcast, Akash Bhat, interviews me, for my take on the Space industry. I dive into my passion for the space industry, my journey from childhood dreams to a successful career in aerospace, and my insights into the current state of the industry.

🔗 Links & Resources:Follow me on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anuragbs/

Follow me on X: https://x.com/anu_bonth

Make sure you check out the Desi VC Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1VCIgz0PYgWQQoyzdP233r

Follow Akash Bhat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhatakash/

Follow Akash on X: https://x.com/bhatvakash

Subscribe to stay updated on the latest episodes! Hit the 🔔 to get notified when we upload a new episode.

In this episode I sit down with Awais Ahmed, the CEO and co-founder of Pixxel, to discuss the future of space exploration and Earth monitoring through hyperspectral imaging. Pixxel is revolutionizing how we observe our planet, using advanced satellite technology to capture data across hundreds of wavelengths. This enables insights into environmental issues such as deforestation, pollution, and resource management that would be impossible to detect with conventional imaging systems. Awais shares his journey, from growing up in a rural town in India to leading a cutting-edge space-tech startup that has made a global impact. His story begins near Chikmagalur, Karnataka, where his passion for science and technology blossomed despite limited access to resources. Awais later pursued higher education at BITS Pilani, where his involvement in the Hyperloop India team, a student-led initiative to compete in the SpaceX Hyperloop competition, ignited his interest in building space hardware. He describes the process of forming and growing Pixxel, from initial concept to launch, and how the company managed to succeed despite the challenges faced by startups in the space industry—especially in India. With hyperspectral imaging satellites already in space and more planned, Pixxel is on the path to delivering daily global coverage with unprecedented data resolution. Awais also talks about the future of space exploration, including his thoughts on the potential of SpaceX's Starship to redefine satellite launches and what it means for the space industry. The conversation covers the growing intersection of technology and environmental conservation, Pixxel's global ambitions, and how the company is poised to become a leader in Earth observation. Towards the end, Awais and I reflect on our shared roots in Bangalore. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the challenges, triumphs, and ambitions of one of India's leading space-tech startups. Topics covered: - Hyperspectral imaging technology and its applications - Challenges of building a space startup in India - The role of satellite technology in environmental monitoring - Insights into Pixxel's mission and future roadmap - The future of space exploration and the impact of SpaceX’s Starship - Awais Ahmed's personal journey and inspirations Make sure to subscribe to the channel for more conversations, with leaders in the space industry. Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction 02:35 - Awais Ahmed's early life and education in Chikmagalur, India 06:45 - How Awais’ exposure to the internet and technology shaped his career 10:20 - Joining BITS Pilani and early space projects 14:00 - Leading the Hyperloop India team and lessons learned 18:30 - The genesis of Pixxel during Hyperloop competition 22:15 - Challenges of building a space-tech startup in India 27:40 - Pixxel’s hyperspectral imaging satellites and their environmental impact 32:10 - The role of SpaceX’s Starship in revolutionizing satellite launches 36:55 - Pixxel's constellation and future expansion plans 40:05 - Working with investors and overcoming challenges 43:15 - Awais’ advice for entrepreneurs facing imposter syndrome 46:40 - The future of large-scale satellite constellations 50:20 - Awais’ thoughts on space exploration beyond Earth 54:00 - Reflections on Bangalore, favorite food, and local culture 58:00 - Conclusion and final thoughts Enjoy the episode, and don't forget to hit the like button, subscribe, and click the bell icon to stay updated with our latest content! Let us know in the comments your thoughts on hyperspectral imaging and the future of space exploration. #spacetech #space #startup #podcast #pixxel #HyperspectralImaging #SpaceTech #EarthObservation #Satellites #SpaceExploration #EnvironmentalTech #AwaisAhmed

In this episode of Just Rocket Science, I welcome back Aravind Ravichandran, founder of Terrawatch Space, to recap and review EO Summit 2024, a one of a kind Earth Observation event, hosted by Terrawatch Space.

Aravind and I dive into EO Summit 2024, which aimed to bring together data creators, aggregators, and end users from various sectors like energy, finance, insurance, and climate. I attended EO Summit as well.

This summit was all about breaking down the barriers of complexity and making the EO industry more inclusive and open to everyone, from engineers to data scientists to policymakers.

EO Summit 2025:Want to be part of the next big thing in Earth Observation? Join Terrawatch Space EO Summit 2025 in New York City!🗓️ Register for EO Summit 2025 is yet to be live. Stay tuned.

Key Time Stamps for this Episode:

00:00 - Introduction

01:28 - Introduction to Aravind Ravichandran and Terrawatch Space

02:19 - Overview of EO Summit 2024 and bridging the EO data gap

03:35 - Aravind’s introduction and Terrawatch's evolution

05:07 - The origins of EO Summit and its first edition in 2024

07:11 - The success and validation of EO Summit 202408:40 - Expectations vs. Reality: Key surprises from EO Summit 2024

11:08 - Challenges in attracting end users to EO Summit12:31 - Bridging the awareness gap between data creators, aggregators, and end users

13:18 - Sectoral participation in EO: Energy, finance, agriculture

16:12 - Where the EO industry needs to improve for greater adoption

20:32 - Business models in EO: B2B, B2G, and B2C tracks at future summits

24:40 - Future B2C applications of Earth Observation

25:43 - Invitation to EO Summit 2025 in New York City

30:14 - Connecting EO with climate change efforts and Climate Week

31:38 - Industry outlook for Q4 and beyond

35:38 - Open data and the future of B2C EO applications

39:25 - Closing thoughts and looking forward to EO Summit 2025

Website: https://terrawatchspace.com/

Newsletter: https://newsletter.terrawatchspace.com/

Follow Aravind Ravichandran

Twitter (X): https://x.com/aravind

EOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aravindravichandran/📍

Let’s Connect!If you wanted to sponsor an episode of Just Rocket Science, get in touch via email.

In this episode, I sit down with Rahul Rugani and Dave Barnhart, the founders of Arkisys, a company set to revolutionize on-orbit satellite servicing. Arkisys is spearheading the creation of one of the first business platforms in space. Their first product is called the "Port Module", an aggregatable spacecraft that is designed to service, refuel, and repair satellites in space.

As Dave puts it, space missions have been defined by a "throwaway culture"—launch a satellite, use it until its end of life, and let it drift as space debris. But what if this didn't have to be the norm? What if we could repair satellites, upgrade systems, and extend the functionality of space assets? That’s the vision Arkisys is pursuing, aiming to turn space into a sustainable environment for growth and innovation, for ALL!

Dave is a veteran of the aerospace industry. He shares his experience at DARPA and Vanguard Space. Dave gives us insight into how Arkisys is navigating the "new space" economy, how they’re pushing boundaries in satellite servicing, and what it takes to succeed in an industry with no playbook.

Also in this conversation, Rahul, the chief systems engineer, dives into the technical architecture of the Port Module. Rahul explains how Arkisys is overcoming the challenges of building an adaptable, modular system that can grow and evolve as more satellites and space systems enter orbit.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

- The evolving role of on-orbit satellite servicing

- How Arkisys’ Port Module can serve as a "gas station" in space

- Challenges in scaling and developing modular space infrastructure

- The vision for creating a long-term space economy

- How Arkisys is making space sustainable by avoiding the "throwaway culture"

- Insights into Arkisys’ partnership with cutting-edge companies like Motiv and Gate Space

Timestamps in this episode:

00:00 - Episode Intro

02:02 - Guest Intro

02:14 - Exploring the Port Module

03:38 - Meet Rahul Rughani

04:21 - Evolution of the Space Industry

07:41 - Genesis of Arkisys

10:19 - Challenges and Innovations

20:41 - Future Missions and Testing

26:39 - Investor Expectations and Business Strategy

27:21 - Testing and Technology Development in Space

27:42 - Market for Space Servicing

28:19 - Analogy to AWS and Business Enablement

29:39 - Space Economy and Port Infrastructure

32:22 - Space Accelerators and Partnership with Gate Space

37:02 - Visiting Vessel Handbook and Standards

41:31 - Future of Space Ports and Starship Era

46:54 - Closing Thoughts and Advice for Founders

MES systems have been around since the late 1980s but they have struggled to keep up with the times. Meet Karan Talati, CEO and co-founder of First Resonance. First Resonance on a mission to supercharge the way modern manufacturing technology is built and deployed into factories of the future. Karan also delves into the core value proposition of First Resonance, explaining how their software platform helps manufacturers streamline operations, enhance flexibility, and make data-driven decisions in real-time. He shares insights on the future of manufacturing, the role of AI, and how companies can adapt to a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Key moments in this video: 00:01:34 - Introduction 00:02:01 - Karan's Early Career and Background 00:04:25 - Working at SpaceX 00:06:22 - Challenges in Aerospace Manufacturing 00:08:47 - Founding First Resonance 00:14:48 - Failure and Learning in Aerospace 00:19:57 - The Genesis of First Resonance 00:23:57 - Key Value Proposition of First Resonance 00:31:51 - Modern Manufacturing Techniques 00:39:49 - Data Management in Aerospace 00:47:50 - Thoughtful AI Integration 00:55:47 - Advice for Founders in the Space Industry 01:00:09 - The Importance of Simplicity in Manufacturing 01:01:38 - What food would Karan take on a Starship? Karan's socials: https://x.com/karantalati First Resonance: https://www.firstresonance.io/ Anurag's socials: https://x.com/anu_bonth

In this episode, I talk to Ian Cinnamon. Ian is the co-founder of Apex Space. Ian, along with his other co-founder Max Benassi, started Apex to build productized satellite buses.

In an industry where satellite development often takes years, sometimes decades, Apex is focusing on creating standardized satellite buses that aim to envelope the growing needs of this industry.

In this episode, Ian and I explore the need for productizing satellites as well as Apex’s first successful mission, Aries.

Apex operates out of their 50,000 sqft Factory One facility in Los Angeles, California, which we got to visit, thanks to Ian. I hope you enjoy this episode.

And as always, if you like the episode, make sure you rate and review the podcast.

Key timestamps for the episodes are as follows:

00:04:11 - Why productize satellites?

00:09:32 -The unit economics of satellites

00:12:59 - Apex's Series B round and challenges with scale

00:17:57 - Challenges with Standardization

00:20:41 - Insights on the risks of underestimating the complexity of spacecraft manufacturing at scale.

00:24:29 - E-commerce models for buying satellites

00:29:52 - The importance of being first to market versus strategic product development.

00:32:00 - Reflections on the slow adoption of e-commerce in the satellite industry.

00:36:03 - Contrarian bets in the Aerospace industry

00:38:14 - What about cat lovers!?

🔗 Apex Space: https://www.apexspace.com/

🐥 Ian's socials: https://x.com/IanCinnamon

🐥 My socials: https://x.com/IanCinnamon

If you'd like to sponsor the show, get in touch with us at just.rocketscience1@gmail.com

This week my guest is Luke Fischer. Luke is the CEO and co-founder of SkyFi. At SkyFi, Luke and his team are developing a one-stop shop Earth Observation and Analytics marketplace.

If you think ordering a satellite image should be as easy as ordering an Uber from your phone, this episode is for you. You will see that this is the central thesis around which SkyFi was created; “easifying” the Earth Observation marketplace.

Also in this episode, “Why Geospatial data can potentially tell you if your cow isn’t getting enough to eat. Yes, I said COWS.”
I hope you enjoy this episode!

Here is a link to the SkyFi App: https://app.skyfi.com/welcome