Space Business Podcast

#162 | A New LEO Broadband Constellation | Rafel Jordá Siquier, Open Cosmos

Open Cosmos, a European space scale-up, has cemented a reputation as a reliable provider and operator of satellites for various mission types. Now they have secured priority spectrum to build a new LEO broadband satellite communications constellation. Co-founder and CEO Rafel Jordá Siquier is our guest to tell us about it. Enjoy!
🕰️ Timestamps: 
0:00 Podcast Intro
01:13 Elevator Pitch
02:05 Today's News: Spectrum Rights for Satellite Communications
04:24 The Journey of Open Cosmos
06:02 Innovative Business Models
13:46 Manufacturing Capabilities
19:52 Future Plans and Partnerships
24:02 What It Takes To Build A LEO SatComm Constellation
31:19 Synergy Between Earth Observation and Communications
36:02 Spectrum & Regulatory
43:41 Vision for the Future and Favorite Science-Fiction
 
🔗 Open Cosmos
🏠Website :  https://www.open-cosmos.com/
 
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/ 🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast  
 
🔗 Follow Raphael:
◇  Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
 
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space EconomyThis book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
 edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOCThis course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Founder NewsletterA new newsletter with opportunities for space startup founders. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/JCUq92vERtxsuYnF8
Space Business Newsletter📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/

#161 | The Dell of Satellites | Ian Cinnamon, Apex Space

Apex Space is a Los Angeles based satellite bus manufacturer. They want to productize satellite buses and build them at scale for government and commercial customers. Our guest is co-founder and CEO Ian Cinnamon. Enjoy!
🕰️ Timestamps: 
0:00 Podcast Intro
01:00 Welcome & Elevator Pitch
03:06 Origin Story
10:33 Challenges in Satellite Manufacturing
14:18 Vertical Integration and Supply Chain
19:23 Global Competition
22:03 Apex Space's Product Line
23:06 Introduction to Robust Satellite Platforms
27:53 Business Model
30:38 Markets
34:15 More on Manufacturing
36:25 Current Status & Future Plans
40:39 Favorite Sci-Fi
 
🔗 Apex Space
🏠Website :  https://www.apexspace.com/
 
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/ 🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast  
 
🔗 Follow Raphael:
◇  Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
 
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space EconomyThis book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
 edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOCThis course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Founder NewsletterA new newsletter with opportunities for space startup founders. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/JCUq92vERtxsuYnF8
Space Business Newsletter📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/

#160 | 2026 in Space Preview | Raphael Roettgen, E2MC

This is my preview of what the year 2026 may hold for the Space sector - including in launch, lunar, space applications, science, government, finance, events, etc.
🕰️ Timestamps: 
00:00 Podcast Intro
00:57 Intro: Preview of 2026 in the Space Sector
02:45 Launches & Rockets
07:27 Lunar Missions
09:12 Space Stations & Downmass
11:05 Human Spaceflight
12:01 Space Applications
14:51 Space Science Missions
15:39 Government Space
17:35 Finance, Funding & Investments
19:13 Selected Space Events
20:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/ 🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast  
 
🔗 Follow Raphael:
◇  Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
 
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space EconomyThis book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
 edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOCThis course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Founder NewsletterA new newsletter with opportunities for space startup founders. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/JCUq92vERtxsuYnF8
Space Business Newsletter📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/

#159 | SpaceX IPO | Aaron Burnett, Mach33

There has been a lot of recent talk about a potential SpaceX IPO. I sit down with Aaron Burnett, co-founder and CEO of Mach33, to discuss. Mach33 and Ark Invest collaborate on an open-sourced SpaceX financial model. Enjoy!
🕰️ Timestamps: 
0:00 Podcast Intro
01:25 Episode Overview: SpaceX IPO and Business Model
03:07 Aaron Burnett
04:54 Understanding SpaceX's Businesses
09:31 Launch Business
17:51 Starlink
36:30 Margins, Cashflows and Valuation
43:54 Potential Future Business Lines
51:42 Mars and Long-Term Value
56:25 Potential Tail Risks
1:01:30 When to Sell?
 
🔗 SpaceX model by Ark Invest & Mach33: https://github.com/ARKInvest/ARK-Invest-Mach-33-SpaceX-Valuation-Model
🔗 Mach33 website: https://www.33fg.com/
 
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/ 🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast  
 
🔗 Follow Raphael:
◇  Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
 
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space EconomyThis book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
 edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOCThis course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Founder NewsletterA new newsletter with opportunities for space startup founders. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/JCUq92vERtxsuYnF8
Space Business Newsletter📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/

#158 | Optical Comms As-a-Service | Jordan Vannitsen, Odysseus Space

Space lasers again! Odysseus Space from Luxembourg focuses on providing optical communications solutions between Space and Earth as a service. If you seem to notice that is not the first episode on optical communications, you’re right – I think this will be a potentially very big theme going forward. Our guest this week is Odysseus’ CEO & Co-Founder Jordan Vannitsen. Enjoy!
🕰️ Timestamps: 
0:00 Podcast Intro
01:14 Elevator Pitch02:44 Optical Communications07:02 Business Model13:09 Interoperability and Integration15:17 Space-to-Ground Communication Architectures18:41 Security and Geopolitical Considerations22:18 Future of Optical and RF Coexistence24:10 Challenges in Optical and Radio Communication26:44 Satellite Requirements32:05 Marketing and Business Development34:05 Commercial Operations and Ground Stations38:57 Future Plans40:20 Luxembourg's Space Ecosystem42:35 Origin Story44:59 Closing: What else in Space? & Favorite Science-Fiction
 
🔗 Odysseus Space
🏠Website :  https://www.odysseus.space/home
 
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/ 🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast  
 
🔗 Follow Raphael:
◇  Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
 
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space EconomyThis book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
 edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOCThis course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Founder NewsletterA new newsletter with opportunities for space startup founders. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/JCUq92vERtxsuYnF8
Space Business Newsletter📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/

#157 | Keeping Satellites Stable | Alessandro Stabile, Magma Space

Magma Space is a U.S. startup with advanced technology to help keep satellites stable / jitter-free, which is more important to satellite communications and remote sensing than you may realize. We have Magma's CEO & Co-Founder Alessandro Stabile as our guest to help explain.
🕰️ Timestamps: 
0:00 Podcast Intro
02:02 Elevator Pitch
04:31 Markets & Customers
10:11 Origin Story
15:50 Technology
21:46 Superconducting Materials in Space
22:35 Magnetic Levitation and Shielding
23:55 Testing and TRL Levels
24:35 Future Applications and Challenges
27:27 Scaling Production
28:22 Magnets
30:08 Vision for the Future of Space Technology
35:39 Orbital Edge Accelerator experience
37:42 DC Space Ecosystem
39:31 Science Fiction
 
🔗 Magma Space
🏠Website :  https://www.magma-space.com/
 
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/ 🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast  
 
🔗 Follow Raphael:
◇  Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
 
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space EconomyThis book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
 edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOCThis course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Founder NewsletterA new newsletter with opportunities for space startup founders. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/JCUq92vERtxsuYnF8
Space Business Newsletter📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/

#156 | Hyperspectral Earth Intelligence | Awais Ahmed, Pixxel

Pixxel is a prominent earth observation startup originally from India and now present in the U.S., too. They are focused on so-called hyperspectral imaging. CEO & Co-Founder Awais Ahmed is our guest.
🕰️ Timestamps: 
0:00 Podcast Intro
01:23 Elevator Pitch03:32 Origin Story07:51 Hyperspectral Imaging09:54 Market Demand and Use Cases18:25 Hyperspectral vs. Multispectral22:07 Pixxel's Satellites31:28 Data Cube and Onboard Processing34:38 Machine Learning in Orbit36:06 Current and Future Satellite Deployments38:40 Beyond Hyperspectral39:34 Future of Earth Observation46:43 Entrepreneurial Lessons and Industry Insights50:32 The Indian Space Ecosystem52:19 Science Fiction Favorites
 
🔗 Pixxel
🏠Website :  https://www.pixxel.space/
 
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/ 🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast  
 
🔗 Follow Raphael:
◇  Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
 
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space EconomyThis book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
 edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOCThis course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Business Newsletter📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/

#155 | Real-time Geospatial Intelligence | Michael Bartholomeusz, Novi Space

How can you get real-time intelligence from space rapidly and cheaply? Novi Space is a startup from Virginia that uses its own hardware and on-orbit edge processing to do just that. Their CEO Michael Bartholomeusz is our guest this week.
🕰️ Timestamps: 
0:00 Podcast Intro
01:33 Elevator Pitch
02:50 Real-Time Intelligence and Use Cases
06:02 Technical Details
12:02 Commercial and Defense Applications
18:33 Low Latency
19:09 Cost Reduction and Democratization of Geospatial Intelligence
20:00 Innovative Use Cases and Market Disruption
23:33 Space Data Centers
25:47 Novi's Satellite Constellation
31:37 Developing a Space-Based App Ecosystem
36:35 Future Vision & Closing Thoughts
 
🔗 Novi Space
🏠Website :  https://www.novispace.ai
 
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/ 🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast  
 
🔗 Follow Raphael:
◇  Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
 
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space EconomyThis book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
 edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOCThis course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Business Newsletter📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/

#154 | Optical Communications | JF Morizur, Cailabs

Cailabs is a French laser company and one thing they are doing are optical communications between Earth to Space. This has a number of advantages over radio frequency communications, which is why it is being adopted by customers, for example in defense. The company also just raised EUR57M. Founder & CEO JF Morizur is our guest.
🕰️ Timestamps: 
00:00 Podcast Introduction
01:08 Intro & Elevator Pitch
02:32 Advantages of Optical Communication
10:31 Solving Atmospheric Interference
24:13 Market Demand
26:38 Future of Optical Architecture
26:51 Spectrum Scarcity
28:31 Optical vs. Radio: A Hybrid Future
29:50 In-Flight Connectivity
31:12 Optical Comms and Constellations
37:37 Risk and Industrialization of Optical Comms
41:04 Supply Chain and Scalability
44:03 Future Plans and Expansion
46:56 Safety of Lasers
48:36 Extraterrestrials & Science Fiction
 
🔗 Cailabs
🏠Website :  https://www.cailabs.com/
 
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/ 🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast  
 
🔗 Follow Raphael:
◇  Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
 
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space EconomyThis book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
 edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOCThis course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Business Newsletter📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/

#153 | Earth Intelligence| Prateep Basu, SatSure

SatSure is an Earth intelligence company from India, processing satellite imagery to generate insights for various industry verticals. Co-founder and CEO Prateep Basu is our guest. Enjoy! 
🕰️ Timestamps: 
00:00 Podcast Introduction
01:10 Elevator Pitch
02:51 Non-Defense Markets
05:22 Market Education
08:27 Market Verticals
16:47 SatSure's Product
19:46 Satellite Data
23:43 Future Proprietary Data
24:15 Investments and Gaps in Earth Observation Capabilities
25:11 Sensor Diversity and Data Harmonization
26:50 Government Influence and Market Dynamics
28:49 Hyperspectral Data and Market Challenges
30:54 Space Data Explosion and Onboard Computing
32:28 Downlinking Challenges
33:35 Business Model and Market Strategy
37:09 Future of Earth Observation
41:54 SatSure's Vision and Indian Space Ecosystem
44:35 Closing: Other Opportunities in Space & Science Fiction
 
🔗 SatSure
🏠Website :  https://www.satsure.co/
 
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/ 🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast  
 
🔗 Follow Raphael:
◇  Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
 
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space EconomyThis book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
 edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOCThis course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Business Newsletter📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/
 

#152 | Space Robots | Ethan Barajas & Jamie Palmer, Icarus Robotics

SPACE ROBOTS! We are are talking about this exciting topic again in this episode. Icarus Robotics is a NY-based space robotics start up that just raised its $6M seed financing round. Co-founders Ethan Barajas and Jamie Palmer are our guests. 
🕰️ Timestamps: 
00:00 Podcast introduction
01:33 Elevator Pitch
02:56 Role of Robots in Space Stations
05:42 Challenges and Innovations in Space Robotics
12:22 Future of Space Robotics and Competition
24:16 Training for Space Missions
24:42 Robots in Space Exploration
25:38 Business Opportunities in Space
26:43 Low Earth Orbit Innovations
32:10 Prototyping and Testing Robots
36:05 Future of Robotic Labor in Space
38:41 Founders' Backgrounds and Inspirations
42:56 Favorite Robots in Science Fiction
 
🔗 Icarus Robotics
🏠Website :  https://www.icarusrobotics.com/
 
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/ 🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast  
 
🔗 Follow Raphael:
◇  Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
 
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space EconomyThis book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
 edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOCThis course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Business Newsletter📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/
 

#151 | Advanced Composites | Trevor Smith, Atomic-6

Atomic-6 is an advanced composites solutions manufacturer providing products such as satellite solar arrays and Space Armor(TM), based in Atlanta. Founder & CEO Trevor Smith is our guest this week.
🕰️ Timestamps: 
00:00 Podcast Intro
02:02 Elevator Pitch on Atomic-6
02:43 The Advantages of Composites in Space
04:00 From Real Estate to Advanced Composites: Trevor's Journey
04:14 The Birth of Atomic-6: From Tequila to Technology
08:40 Finding the Right Market: Space and Defense
13:49 Innovative Products: Space Armor and Solar Arrays
21:24 Customer Requirements for Solar Arrays
22:52 Challenges of Scaling Production
25:25 Space Armor
31:42 Future Milestones
35:30 Atlanta Space Ecosystem
36:55 What else is interesting in Commercial Space
39:58 Science Fiction
 
🔗 Atomic-6
🏠Website :  https://www.atomic-6.com/
🎤 Trevor's podcast on Atomic-6 YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@atomic6_composites/podcasts
 
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/ 🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast  
 
🔗 Follow Raphael:
◇  Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC
🔷LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelroettgen
🌐Instagram - https://instagram.com/raphael_space/
 
To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy:
"To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space EconomyThis book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities.📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO
 edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOCThis course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments.🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-
Space Business Newsletter📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/