Astro Ben Podcast

Recorded in January 2026.
Ben Gamble interviews Boris Otter, a Swiss pilot, former professional firefighter and founder of Swiss Space Tourism, about a lifetime of flying and his plan to reach space. Boris took his first flight at 14, went on to fly a Sukhoi 27 military jet, helicopters, seaplanes, aerobatic aircraft and gyrocopters, and trained as a cosmonaut in Star City. He now leads the SST6 project, a crew of six for a suborbital flight.
The conversation covers the risks of aviation and space tourism, how Swiss Space Tourism selects its crews, what a seat on Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic or SpaceX could cost, celebrities in space, the overview effect, and Boris's advice for anyone who dreams of going to space.
Chapters
0:00 Intro and welcome
0:32 Boris's space origin story and first flight at 14
3:21 A flying career: Sukhoi 27, helicopters and aerobatics
8:25 Seaplanes, gyrocopters and close calls
12:05 Safety in aviation and space tourism
16:16 Swiss Space Tourism and the SST6 crew
20:06 What a ticket to space costs
22:54 Celebrities in space
26:45 The overview effect
29:22 Advice for aspiring space travelers
31:44 Outro
Boris Otter
Swiss Space Tourism: https://swiss-space-tourism.ch
X: https://x.com/BorisOtter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swiss_space_tourism/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boris-otter/
Podcast links
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast
Website: https://www.astroben.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/
X: https://x.com/gambleonit
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/79072939/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-astro-ben-podcast/id1551366197
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F73IU58jphbVjrOdfHJx7
RSS: http://feeds.libsyn.com/311303/rss

Full show notes, key topics and links: https://www.astroben.com/episodes/anatolii-papulov-neworbit
Most satellites fly high to stay safe from the thin air of low Earth orbit. NewOrbit is flying lower. Anatolii Papulov, CEO and co-founder of NewOrbit, joins Ben to explain very low Earth orbit (VLEO): the closer-to-Earth region that offers sharper imaging and stronger signals, and that is hard to stay in because of drag.
We cover how NewOrbit started at a kitchen table in 2021, why the company is based in Reading, the challenges of flying this low, and how its NEO-1 satellite uses an ion thruster powered by xenon to stay there. We also talk about testing, applications, the launch timeline, scaling up, and space debris.
Ben also opens the episode with the week's space headlines.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro and space headlines
02:36 Welcome to the show
03:48 The space bug: how Anatolii got into space
05:17 Origin story
08:04 Meeting Ruslan
09:43 The 2021 kitchen table
11:31 Why Reading
13:18 What is very low Earth orbit (VLEO)?
15:31 The three enemies of flying low
17:32 The ion thruster
19:14 How do you test it?
20:23 Applications
22:26 NEO-1 timeline
23:36 Launching, then descending
24:02 Advisors
25:15 Scaling up
27:05 Space debris and Kessler syndrome
29:00 Quick-fire questions
30:36 Outro
Links
NewOrbit: https://neworbit.space
NewOrbit careers: https://neworbit.space/careers 
NewOrbit on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neworbit-space/posts/
Enquiries: sales@neworbit.space
ESA GOCE mission (VLEO background): https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/GOCE/ESA_launches_Earth_Explorer_mission_GOCE
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Look up. Listen in. If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe and leave a review, and it helps other people find the show.

Full show notes, key topics and links: https://www.astroben.com/episodes/skyler-chan-gru-space
Explore the bold vision of Skyler Chan, founder and CEO of GRU Space, as he shares insights into creating humanity's first hotel on the moon, harnessing lunar resources, and pioneering space infrastructure. Discover how pragmatic engineering, strategic partnerships, and a focus on making space accessible are shaping the future.
In this episode: 
Skyler's motivation to make humanity interplanetary and the significance of the lunar hotel project
The meaning behind "GRU" — Galactic Resource Utilization Space Inc.
ISRU (In-Situ Resource Utilization): Using lunar regolith to make bricks and building materials
Technical challenges of lunar brick-making and operational vs technological hurdles
The long-term vision: From lunar hotels to lunar cities and Mars habitats
Designing sustainable habitats against lunar radiation, vacuum, temperature swings, and dust
Collaboration with space agencies like Artemis and industry partners
The importance of practical, incremental steps to establish a lunar economy
The role of the lunar environment in resource extraction success
Building infrastructure for planetary settlement: hotels, robotics, mining, and resource chains
Addressing risks and safety in lunar habitat design
The inspiration from space pioneers like Chris Hadfield and Elon Musk
The influence of San Francisco's innovation ecosystem on GRU Space
Skyler's advice for young entrepreneurs eager to break into space
Timestamps: 
00:00 - Introduction to Skyler Chan and GRU Space's mission
01:07 - The origin of the name "GRU" and space resource utilization
02:04 - The concept of lunar bricks and in-situ resource utilization
03:01 - Technical challenges in lunar brick-making and control systems
03:57 - The operational vs technological hurdles in lunar missions
04:37 - Long-term visions: Moon hotels, lunar cities, and Mars habitats
05:36 - Designing sustainable lunar habitats with radiation shielding
06:33 - The importance of off-world habitation systems
07:03 - Expansion beyond hotels to lunar infrastructure and resource industries
08:07 - Space tourism and resource valuation in space vs Earth
09:04 - The experience-driven design of lunar hotels
09:48 - Early inflatable lunar habitats and future modular expansions
10:18 - Long-term habitat safety features and radiation shielding
11:16 - Potential partnerships with lunar launch programs like Artemis
11:36 - How Artemis program fits into GRU Space's timeline
12:44 - The philosophical perspective on Earth borders and space peace
13:05 - The role of Y Combinator and Nvidia Inception in GRU Space's growth
14:24 - Skyler's youth and background in space training
15:04 - His lifelong obsession with space and early influences
16:17 - Mentors like Chris Hadfield and Elon Musk as inspiration
17:44 - The impact of Elon Musk on space innovation and inspiration
18:43 - Space's unifying role and societal inspiration
19:12 - Balancing big visions with realistic engineering steps
20:18 - Prioritizing first principles and de-risking lunar technology
21:42 - Overcoming lunar environmental hazards and safety considerations
22:55 - Collaboration within the space industry ecosystem
23:37 - Managing lunar hazards: vacuum, radiation, dust, temperature
25:04 - Strategies for lunar resource utilization and infrastructure
27:15 - The pragmatic approach: focusing on what is necessary for economic viability
28:13 - The concept of the "wedge" to kick-start lunar exploration
29:12 - The importance of providing human-centric experiences
30:11 - Final words of advice to aspiring space entrepreneurs
30:59 - Skyler's perspective on trusting your intuition and decision-making
33:23 - Wrap-up and upcoming milestones for GRU Space
33:59 - Final encouragement: Look up at the stars, not down at your phones
Resources & Links:
GrooSpace Official Website
White Paper on Lunar Brick-Making
Skyler Chan on X (Twitter)
GrooSpace on Instagram
Connect with Skyler Chan:
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
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/

Full show notes, key topics and links: https://www.astroben.com/episodes/alyssa-carson
Explore the inspiring story of Alyssa Carson, a passionate space enthusiast aiming to become an astronaut and destined for Mars. From childhood curiosity to citizen science and space education, Alyssa shares her journey, insights into space missions like Artemis, and practical advice for the next generation.
In this episode: 
● Alyssa shares her lifelong fascination with space and her earliest memories of curiosity about the cosmos
● The impact of space camp in shaping her passion and skills
● How her diverse experiences—water survival, zero G flights, pilot's license—prepare her for space
● The evolving goals of the space industry, including Artemis, Mars missions, and space tourism
● The importance of resilience, problem-solving, and staying adaptable in pursuit of space dreams
● Opportunities in astrobiology and microbiology related to Mars exploration
● Her perspectives on the future of space travel accessibility for ordinary people
● Tips and motivational words for young people dreaming of space careers
Timestamps: 
00:00 - Introduction and Alyssa's space origin story
02:38 - The significance of space camp in her journey
05:42 - Building skills through diverse training experiences
09:28 - The interdisciplinary nature of astrobiology and microbiology
12:36 - Her studies at Florida Tech and focus on Mars exploration
16:15 - How "The Martian" movie aligns with her interests
17:27 - Moving into her PhD and future plans in space industry
21:34 - The trajectory of lunar and Mars missions, space tourism potential
23:33 - The significance of Artemis and lunar exploration for humanity
28:36 - Upcoming opportunities and her advice to young space enthusiasts
33:34 - Closing thoughts and Alyssa's message for aspiring astronauts
Resources & Links: 
● So You Want To Be An Astronaut: The Book
● Ready For Lift Off: Becoming An Astronaut Of The Mars Generation
● Alyssa Carson - https://alyssacarson.com/
● NASA Artemis Program https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis/
● Florida Tech Astrobiology Program
Connect with Alyssa Carson:
● X https://x.com/NASABlueberry1
● Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nasablueberry/
This episode is a must-listen for anyone dreaming of a future beyond Earth, offering a blend of personal motivation and industry insights.
Keep looking up at the stars and stay curious about the future of space in the UK and beyond!
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/

Full show notes, key topics and links: https://www.astroben.com/episodes/john-abbott-satellite-applications-catapult
Discover how the UK is leveraging academia, government policy, and industry collaboration to grow its space ecosystem. Join John Abbott as he shares the story of Catapult's role, UK's ambitions, and practical advice for aspiring space entrepreneurs.
In this episode:
The purpose and impact of the UK's satellite applications catapult
The significance of UK launch capabilities and recent developments with Allbex
John's background in geospatial data and transition into the space sector
The UK government's industrial strategy and funding landscape for space
How UK companies are solving real problems and expanding internationally
The importance of customer focus versus grant dependency in scaling startups
Strategies for fostering resilient and ambitious founders
The role of international partnerships, like the Taiwan Space Agency MOU
Practical advice for future space entrepreneurs in the UK and beyond
Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to John Abbott and the UK's space industry context
02:00 - The purpose of the UK's satellite applications catapult
03:10 - Recent UK launch developments and Allbex exit
04:00 - John's geospatial and tech background explained
06:21 - UK's industrial strategy supporting space growth
08:00 - Key UK space companies and heritage
08:39 - Interlink with UK Space Agency and government programs
11:37 - Transition from traditional sectors into space entrepreneurship
13:14 - Why space is a sector of purpose and opportunity
15:52 - The importance of customer focus over grant-led projects
18:00 - Helping startups with a holistic approach: teams, market, funding
20:17 - UK ambition, government support, and international positioning
25:01 - Growing through international cooperation (Taiwan MOU)
28:16 - Balancing innovation with market needs at Catapult
31:00 - Assessing startup success factors: resilience, team, market
33:10 - The evolving space economy and reducing entry barriers
35:09 - Advice for future space founders and key takeaways
Resources & Links:
Satellite Applications Catapult
UK Space Agency
Allbex
Open Cosmos
Space Forge
Mag Drive
Taiwan Space Agency (TASA)
Space Solar Limited
Connect with John Abbott:
LinkedIn
Twitter
Follow and learn more:
Satellites Applications Catapult on X
Gamble on It – Twitter & Instagram
AstroBen Podcast on Instagram/TikTok/LinkedIn
Keep looking up at the stars—and stay curious about the future of space in the UK and beyond!
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/