Chasing Space

Brenden Swanik

What’s really happening in the trillion dollar space industry? Chasing Space tells the story of the people, the global movements, and the unimaginable engineering feats that are transforming our world every day - in ways most people don’t even realize.

Hosted by Brenden Swanik.

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16. Eric Stallmer: Finding Harmony in Commercial & Government Space

16. Eric Stallmer: Finding Harmony in Commercial & Government Space

Eric Stallmer is the Executive Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy for Voyager Space. Eric leads Voyager's Washington D.C. office and is responsible for representing the interests of Voyager to key government institutions including Congress, the White House and the many federal and international agencies that impact the success of Voyager and its subsidiaries.Prior to joining Voyager, he was the President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation. CSF is the most recognized and largest trade organization dedicated to promoting policies and best practices that fosters the development of the commercial spaceflight industry.Eric has served on both the Defense Innovation Board, Space Advisory Committee, as well as the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC). Eric was appointed to the National Space Council Users’ Advisory Group (UAG) where he sits on the Executive Committee and serves at the Co-Chair of the Economic Development and Industrial Base Subcommittee.Eric has testified several times to Congress, before the House of Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, the Senate Commerce Committee and the National Space Council. During these testimonies, he has encouraged Congress to support policies that will facilitate growth and innovation in the industry.Before working at CSF, Eric served as the Vice President of Government Relations at Analytical Graphics Inc. (AGI).For almost three decades, Stallmer served as an officer in the United States Army and Army Reserves. He and his wife Amy live in McLean, Virginia with their three children, Charlie, Billy and Catherine.Like the show? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Overcast, Castro, truefans, or your favorite podcast player. Visit Chasing-Space.com for more content! You can also find us on: Twitter: @ChasingSpacePod Linkedin: Chasing Space Special thanks to Jóse Arcos with OOOTWD for outstanding branding & graphics! The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the views or opinions of any affiliated organizations or entities. ...

Episodes

16. Eric Stallmer: Finding Harmony in Commercial & Government Space

16. Eric Stallmer: Finding Harmony in Commercial & Government Space

Eric Stallmer is the Executive Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy for Voyager Space. Eric leads Voyager's Washington D.C. office and is responsible for representing the interests of Voyager to key government institutions including Congress, the White House and the many federal and international agencies that impact the success of Voyager and its subsidiaries.Prior to joining Voyager, he was the President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation. CSF is the most recognized and largest trade organization dedicated to promoting policies and best practices that fosters the development of the commercial spaceflight industry.Eric has served on both the Defense Innovation Board, Space Advisory Committee, as well as the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC). Eric was appointed to the National Space Council Users’ Advisory Group (UAG) where he sits on the Executive Committee and serves at the Co-Chair of the Economic Development and Industrial Base Subcommittee.Eric has testified several times to Congress, before the House of Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, the Senate Commerce Committee and the National Space Council. During these testimonies, he has encouraged Congress to support policies that will facilitate growth and innovation in the industry.Before working at CSF, Eric served as the Vice President of Government Relations at Analytical Graphics Inc. (AGI).For almost three decades, Stallmer served as an officer in the United States Army and Army Reserves. He and his wife Amy live in McLean, Virginia with their three children, Charlie, Billy and Catherine.Like the show? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Overcast, Castro, truefans, or your favorite podcast player. Visit Chasing-Space.com for more content! You can also find us on: Twitter: @ChasingSpacePod Linkedin: Chasing Space Special thanks to Jóse Arcos with OOOTWD for outstanding branding & graphics! The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the views or opinions of any affiliated organizations or entities. ...

15. Part 2: The Chinese Space Program

15. Part 2: The Chinese Space Program

Two weeks ago (Episode 13) we discussed the roots of China's Space Program dating back to 1957, and how it is organized. Where does it stand now, and where are they headed? All of these questions are answered here.Image Credit: CAST Audio Credit: SciNewsHema Nadarajah: China: A Global Power’s Celestial AmbitionsLike the show? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Overcast, Castro, truefans, or your favorite podcast player. Visit Chasing-Space.com for more content! You can also find us on: Twitter: @ChasingSpacePod Linkedin: Chasing Space Special thanks to Jóse Arcos with OOOTWD for outstanding branding & graphics! The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the views or opinions of any affiliated organizations or entities. ...

14. Jodi Goldberg: Space is No Longer the Wild West

14. Jodi Goldberg: Space is No Longer the Wild West

Jodi Goldberg is special counsel in the Corporate and Securities Practice Group in the Sheppard Mullin's Washington, D.C. office. Jodi’s practice is focused on technology and telecommunications, with a particular emphasis on satellite, space, wireless, and novel technologies. Jodi advocates for clients in FCC and NOAA regulatory proceedings, advises on licensing, allocation, and transactional matters, negotiates and drafts commercial agreements, and counsels clients on new technologies and services. Jodi has experience with managing global managed-networks, including working with regulators in foreign markets, supervising outside counsel and consultants, and ensuring on-going compliance. Jodi also represents companies before the “Team Telecom” Executive Branch agencies and the Committee of Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).Prior to joining Sheppard Mullin, Jodi was an associate in the telecommunications, media, and technology group of a major law firm. She also worked in-house at both late-stage startup and established satellite telecommunications companies. Jodi was listed as a Recommend Lawyer in the 2025 Legal 500 and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Society of Space and Satellite Professionals InternationalLike the show? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Overcast, Castro, truefans, or your favorite podcast player. Visit Chasing-Space.com for more content! You can also find us on: Twitter: @ChasingSpacePod Linkedin: Chasing Space Special thanks to Jóse Arcos with OOOTWD for outstanding branding & graphics! The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the views or opinions of any affiliated organizations or entities. ...

13. Part 1: The Chinese Space Program

13. Part 1: The Chinese Space Program

The People's Republic of China is no stranger to space exploration. From space stations to launch vehicles to crewed spaceflight, they have accomplished it all. Part 1 dives into the history & roots of China's Space Program as well as how the nation organizes all of their space adjacent administrative assets.Image Credit: NYTimesDave Marsh's Article: PLAASF: Thirty Years of PLAnningLike the show? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Overcast, Castro, truefans, or your favorite podcast player. Visit Chasing-Space.com for more content! You can also find us on: Twitter: @ChasingSpacePod Linkedin: Chasing Space Special thanks to Jóse Arcos with OOOTWD for outstanding branding & graphics! The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the views or opinions of any affiliated organizations or entities. ...

12. Lee Steinke: Building in Space & Disrupting Change

12. Lee Steinke: Building in Space & Disrupting Change

TEDx Talk: Innovation PendulumUSS Hornet Apollo 11 Splashdown 55th Anniversary KeynoteLee Steinke is the Chief Operating Officer at CisLunar Industries, a venture-backed company developing hardware for in-space metal processing and power conversion to enable key emerging space capabilities. She also served as Interim COO of Orbit Fab during a leadership transition for the satellite refueling company and in various strategic and front-facing roles with Space Foundation and Foundation for the Future. As a partner to the United States Space Force and NewSpace Nexus, Lee led the Space Futures Workshop with Industry to explore commercial views on the future of space and document the implications of those views for national security. She has performed as an executive on contracts for NASA, Space Force, AFRL, DIU, DARPA, CASIS/ISS-National Lab, and commercial customers. Prior to joining the aerospace industry, Lee was engaged in the energy industry working on flagship programs with public and private companies.Lee is well published on a variety of topics and is a sought-after speaker who has been featured on the TEDx stage. She has served on various Advisory and Review Boards, including for Canopy Aerospace, the State of Colorado, and the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists. Lee holds an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, an MS in Geology and Geophysics from Yale University, and a BA with Distinction in Geology and Classics from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is also a licensed professional geologist and an alumna of the U.S. Army War College National Security Seminar.Like the show? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Overcast, Castro, truefans, or your favorite podcast player. Visit Chasing-Space.com for more content! You can also find us on: Twitter: @ChasingSpacePod Linkedin: Chasing Space Special thanks to Jóse Arcos with OOOTWD for outstanding branding & graphics! The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the views or opinions of any affiliated organizations or entities. ...

11. A World Without the ISS

11. A World Without the ISS

It's difficult to contest the unprecedented accomplishments and impossible challenges overcome by the International Space Station. Unfortunately, good things don't last forever. What is the status of ISS and what comes next?Image Credit: ISS Program GalleryOrbital ReefAxiom SpaceStarlab SpaceVASTLike the show? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Overcast, Castro, truefans, or your favorite podcast player. Visit Chasing-Space.com for more content! You can also find us on: Twitter: @ChasingSpacePod Linkedin: Chasing Space Special thanks to Jóse Arcos with OOOTWD for outstanding branding & graphics! The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the views or opinions of any affiliated organizations or entities. ...

10. Lobbying Space from DC to Spain: Stephen McCall

10. Lobbying Space from DC to Spain: Stephen McCall

Stephen McCall followed his passion for aerospace and defense by establishing Cislunar International in 2024. Prior to his current role, Stephen was Head of Government Relations at Firefly Aerospace, where he led global affairs at the federal, state, local, and international level. Before joining Firefly, he served 23 years of federal service. Most notably, he was a senior advisor in military space, missile defense, and defense innovation in the Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division of the Congressional Research Service (CRS). In this role, he provided critical authoritative research and analysis to Members of Congress on various foreign and domestic issues relating to space policy, missile defense capabilities, national security space launch, and innovation in the Department of Defense (DOD).Prior to his legislative appointment, Stephen served nearly 20 years as a career civilian in the Defense Department as a level Ill space professional. He held various leadership roles to include division branch chief for the Science & Technology Branch at Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. He culminated his executive branch tenure as a Congressional Fellow for the U.S. Senate. Stephen is a distinguished military veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Outside of his national security career, Stephen is a proud single Dad of two sons (Santiago and Julian) through international adoption. He is also an international keynote, Amazon best-selling author, an off-Broadway playwright, producer, and performer and was recently honored as "Top Lobbyist of the Year" for 2023.Like the show? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Overcast, Castro, truefans, or your favorite podcast player. Visit Chasing-Space.com for more content! You can also find us on: Twitter: @ChasingSpacePod Linkedin: Chasing Space Special thanks to Jóse Arcos with OOOTWD for outstanding branding & graphics! The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the views or opinions of any affiliated organizations or entities. ...

9. US to the Moon...52 Years Later

9. US to the Moon...52 Years Later

The United States has not been back to the moon since 1972, but other nations certainly have. Today we talk about the ups and downs of the lunar initiatives both domestically and internationally.Image Credit: Intuitive MachinesLike the show? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Overcast, Castro, truefans, or your favorite podcast player. Visit Chasing-Space.com for more content! You can also find us on: Twitter: @ChasingSpacePod Linkedin: Chasing Space Special thanks to Jóse Arcos with OOOTWD for outstanding branding & graphics! The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the views or opinions of any affiliated organizations or entities. ...

8. How to Get Your Satellite in Orbit: Jake Cornish

8. How to Get Your Satellite in Orbit: Jake Cornish

Jake Cornish has led the progress, launch, and deployment of small satellites to the International Space Station and launch vehicles across the space industry. To date, Jake has coordinated the launch and deployment of 200+ satellites into low Earth orbit, across seven different launch vehicles, collaborating with satellite providers around the globe.After graduating with a degree in Spaceflight Operations from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Jake started as a Mission Manager at Nanoracks deploying satellites from the International Space Station, primarily for NASA customers. Eventually he worked his way to a Program manager position overseeing all payloads from Nanoracks that ended up external to the ISS, hosted payload or deployable. While in this position he interfaced with NASA, Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, and a host of other customers around the world and Small Launch Vehicles. He led design efforts for new products, built a team of experienced mission managers and even aided in the efforts to launch the Bishop Airlock on board the ISS. Eventually after 5 years at Nanoracks, Jake moved over to Exolaunch to help their team establish a strong US presence, and build a pipeline of government and commercial customers in the United States.As the US Launch Director at Exolaunch, Jake is responsible for maintaining Exolaunch's US based contracts, ensuring execution of all aspects of a satellites lifecycle, up to and through launch. Jake supports launch campaigns as a Mission Manager, but also helps ensure Exolaunch's US business is prepared to take on the biggest of Government and commercial customers.Like the show? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Overcast, Castro, truefans, or your favorite podcast player. Visit Chasing-Space.com for more content! You can also find us on: Twitter: @ChasingSpacePod Linkedin: Chasing Space Special thanks to Jóse Arcos with OOOTWD for outstanding branding & graphics! The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the views or opinions of any affiliated organizations or entities. ...

7. Starliner, Dragon, and Ubers to ISS

7. Starliner, Dragon, and Ubers to ISS

Discussing Boeing Starliner's technical obstacles, SpaceX Dragon, and the history of crewed spacecraft to the International Space Station.Image Credit: NASA AP/NPR ReviewAudio Credit:1. Space Shuttle Challenger2. Roscosmos Soyuz Progress 88 3. SpaceX Dragon Demo-24. Boeing CFT-1 Like the show? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Overcast, Castro, truefans, or your favorite podcast player. Visit Chasing-Space.com for more content! You can also find us on: Twitter: @ChasingSpacePod Linkedin: Chasing Space Special thanks to Jóse Arcos with OOOTWD for outstanding branding & graphics! The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the views or opinions of any affiliated organizations or entities. ...

6. Marketing the Case for Commercial Space: Abby Dickes

6. Marketing the Case for Commercial Space: Abby Dickes

Abby Dickes is the Chief Marketing Officer for Voyager Space. In this role, she is responsible for building and managing Voyager’s marketing, corporate communications, and brand strategy, while providing leadership and coordination across the Voyager enterprise. Abby also oversees marketing and communications for Starlab Space LLC, a global joint venture lead by Voyager, that is building Starlab, a next generation commercial space station. At Voyager, Abby has previously held the roles of Vice President of Marketing and Executive Vice President of Marketing.Prior to joining Voyager Space, Abby served as a U.S. Government Marketing & Communications Manager at Maxar Technologies (now Maxar Space Systems). At Maxar, she managed the civil and national security space infrastructure portfolio, marketing critical technologies, capabilities and programs to government customers while supporting corporate public relations strategy.Additionally, Abby previously served as the Director of Marketing, Communications and Special Events for Nanoracks LLC (since acquired by Voyager Space). While at Nanoracks, a leading provider of commercial space systems and services, she oversaw all corporate communications and marketing campaigns, managed public relations, supported commercial business development efforts and public policy strategy, and directed executive engagements. Abby earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics and a Minor in Astronomy from the University of Maryland, College Park, and currently lives in Washington, DC.Like the show? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Overcast, Castro, truefans, or your favorite podcast player. Visit Chasing-Space.com for more content! You can also find us on: Twitter: @ChasingSpacePod Linkedin: Chasing Space Special thanks to Jóse Arcos with OOOTWD for outstanding branding & graphics! The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the views or opinions of any affiliated organizations or entities. ...

5. Analog Astronauts & On-Orbit Servicing: Alex Coultrup

5. Analog Astronauts & On-Orbit Servicing: Alex Coultrup

Alex Coultrup (she/her) is the Director of LEO Business and Policy at Starfish Space, a startup working toward the future of affordable, accessible satellite servicing. She earned her M.S. from Florida Institute of Technology, where she focused on Space Policy and Human-Centered Design for microgravity platforms. Alex has worked as a policy researcher at the CSIS Aerospace Security Project, was a Matthew Isakowitz Fellow at the XPRIZE Foundation, and worked on the Outpost and Starlab Commercial LEO Destinations programs at Nanoracks. Today, her focus is on the commercial economics of satellite servicing in LEO, and engaging with the policy environment for consensual and cooperative on-orbit servicing operations.Like the show? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Overcast, Castro, truefans, or your favorite podcast player. Visit Chasing-Space.com for more content! You can also find us on: Twitter: @ChasingSpacePod Linkedin: Chasing Space Special thanks to Jóse Arcos with OOOTWD for outstanding branding & graphics! The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the views or opinions of any affiliated organizations or entities. ...

4. Axiom Station and Spacesuits: Vishnu Selvakumar

4. Axiom Station and Spacesuits: Vishnu Selvakumar

Vishnu Selvakumar is an aerospace engineer with a deep passion for pushing the boundaries of human spaceflight. With a diverse background in environmental control, life support systems (ECLSS), human factors, and propulsion, Vishnu has made his mark at leading organizations like Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX, and Firefly Aerospace.At Axiom Space, Vishnu is developing hardware for the Axiom Station's life support systems. His work at NASA involved pioneering augmented reality for spacesuits, enhancing astronaut safety and performance on the lunar surface. At SpaceX, he played a crucial role in optimizing the maintenance and repair operations of the Raptor engine, contributing to the advancement of launch vehicle reusability.Inspired by the astronauts of the past, and the teams that supported them, Vishnu is dedicated to enabling space exploration in a way that honors their pioneering spirit. His hands-on experience, technical expertise, and unwavering enthusiasm make him a standout voice in human spaceflight.Like the show? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Overcast, Castro, truefans, or your favorite podcast player. Visit Chasing-Space.com for more content! You can also find us on: Twitter: @ChasingSpacePod Linkedin: Chasing Space Special thanks to Jóse Arcos with OOOTWD for outstanding branding & graphics! The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the views or opinions of any affiliated organizations or entities. ...

3. Candy to Cosmos: SpaceX Starship PEZ Dispenser

3. Candy to Cosmos: SpaceX Starship PEZ Dispenser

SpaceX’s Integrated Flight Test 3, their first orbital insertion of Starship, certainly did not disappoint. Curiously, among the stunning footage and impressive feats, one event seemed to have gone under the radar. With the significance of changing the game for payload deployment, it is certainly worth keeping your eye on.Image Credit: John CargileLike the show? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Overcast, Castro, truefans, or your favorite podcast player. Visit Chasing-Space.com for more content! You can also find us on: Twitter: @ChasingSpacePod Linkedin: Chasing Space Special thanks to Jóse Arcos with OOOTWD for outstanding branding & graphics! The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the views or opinions of any affiliated organizations or entities. ...

2. The Heavenly Palace, China's Entrance to Low Earth Orbit

2. The Heavenly Palace, China's Entrance to Low Earth Orbit

The ISS is not alone. In this episode we discuss China's latest installation into Low Earth Orbit, the Tiangong Space Station. Carefully engineered from lesson's learned from the International Space Station and engineered towards the future, Tiangong is there to stay.Image Credit: South China Morning PostLink to affiliated LinkedIn Article about the Tiangong Space StationLink to learn more about the 2011 Wolf AmendmentThank you for listening!Like the show? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Overcast, Castro, truefans, or your favorite podcast player. Visit Chasing-Space.com for more content! You can also find us on: Twitter: @ChasingSpacePod Linkedin: Chasing Space Special thanks to Jóse Arcos with OOOTWD for outstanding branding & graphics! The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the views or opinions of any affiliated organizations or entities. ...

1. Why Should I Care About Space?

1. Why Should I Care About Space?

Kicking off the Chasing Space Podcast with its inaugural episode, host Brenden Swanik discusses the purpose of the podcast, as well as the value of staying in tune with the space industry.Like the show? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Overcast, Castro, truefans, or your favorite podcast player. Visit Chasing-Space.com for more content! You can also find us on: Twitter: @ChasingSpacePod Linkedin: Chasing Space Special thanks to Jóse Arcos with OOOTWD for outstanding branding & graphics! The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the host and do not reflect the views or opinions of any affiliated organizations or entities. ...