In this interview, Jean-Marc Piéplu, the EGNOS Exploitation Program Manager at the European GNSS Agency, discusses the role of EU Spine Operating Galileo and EGNOS within the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service. Editor in Chief Emma Gatti and Jean Marc discussed how the European GNSS Service Centre and the Galileo Reference Centres contribute to the provision of the Galileo Service, and the services provided by EUSPA. The complexity and importance of maintaining and evolving the infrastructure to meet our every day needs is staggering,  and much of this "unseen" work is performed by EUSPA.  Is Galileo competitive against its American more famous counterpart?  The answer is in this radio episode!This episode is supported by EUSPA - The European Union Agency for the Space Programme Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.globalPlease visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

In this Space Café Radio - SpaceWatch.Global publisher Torsten Kriening spoke with Richard Lochhead, Member of the Scottish Parliament and Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade just before the Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen. Torsten and Minister Lochhead spoke about the space industry in Scotland. Mr Lochhead highlights the rapid growth and impact of the space sector in Scotland, particularly in manufacturing small satellites. He mentions the presence of companies like Spire, AAC Clyde Space, and Mangata, which contribute to Scotland's reputation as a satellite manufacturing hub. They also discussed the role of universities in Scotland in providing talent and research for the space industry. Mr Lochhead emphasizes the economic benefits of the space sector, including higher-value jobs and export opportunities. He also talks about Scotland's focus on space sustainability and the support available from the Scottish government for companies interested in settling in Scotland.Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.globalPlease visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

In this latest episode of Space Café Radio, our editor in chief Emma Gatti converses with guest Patrizia Caraveo, research director at the Italian Institute of Astrophysics (INAF) about Europe's challenges within the space industry. The conversation revolves around the recent news of the EU commissioning the launch of part of its Galileo's satellites to SpaceX, due to lack of European heavy launchers. The European space programs are falling behind due to lack of investment in reusable rockets, economical sustainability of heavy launches, and policy mistakes related to past managerial decisions. Will Europe be able to catch up, and amend? 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:18 Discussion on European Space Strategy01:03 The Issue of European Dependence on SpaceX01:26 Reflections on Europe's Space Politics06:07 The Paradox of Europe's Space Economy10:43 The Future of Europe's Space Program12:17 The Political Complexity of Europe's Space Activities14:07 Conclusion and FarewellPlease visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

In this Space Café Radio - SpaceWatch.Global publisher Torsten Kriening spoke with Neutron Star Systems (NSS) CEO Manuel La Rosa Betancourt, CTO Dr. Michael Winter, and Investor Relationship Manager Robin Lebeau before the Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen. They shed a light on the challenges and future prospects of NSS, a German space startup specializing in electric propulsion technology.Challenges and Ambitions: NSS faces challenges operating as a smaller disruptive startup in the risk-averse German space ecosystem. However, their partnerships with the European Innovation Council and the European Space Agency provide them with opportunities to overcome these hurdles. They emphasize the importance of perseverance, determination, and capitalizing on the right opportunities to succeed.Future Plans and Collaboration: NSS aims to continue developing its electric propulsion technology, achieve technical milestones, and secure investments. They also highlight their commitment to collaboration across Europe and beyond, positioning themselves as part of a European ecosystem rather than being bound to a single country.Nuclear Propulsion: The conversation touches on the significance of nuclear propulsion for future space exploration. While the technology is not mainstream, it is recognized as a potential game-changer for high-power spacecraft. It's assumed that countries like Russia and China might take the lead in developing nuclear propulsion due to fewer regulatory constraints.In summary, the interview highlights NSS's determination to advance electric propulsion technology and its readiness to collaborate on a European scale. SpaceWatch.Global thanks Neutron Star Systems for its support producing this episode.Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.globalPlease visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

In this Space Café Radio - SpaceWatch.Global publisher Torsten Kriening spoke with Dr Pascal Faucher, Chairman of European Union Space Surveillance and Tracking (EU SST), Defense and Security, CNES, at the Software Defined Space Conference - SDSC in Tallinn, Estonia, beginning November 2023.In the interview, Pascal outlines the strategic imperative for Europe to enhance synergies between its civil and defense sectors to ensure a competitive edge in the space industry, especially given resource limitations. There's a positive outlook on the progress made, citing early European initiatives in space situational awareness (SSA) that could lead to strategic autonomy in space within a decade, bolstered by investments from both public and private sectors. The conversation also underscores a heightened awareness due to geopolitical tensions, which has propelled investments and policy discussions around space capabilities and autonomy, suggesting a significant shift toward prioritizing space in the European defense and civil agendas, with optimistic projections for future development and autonomy.Strategic Priorities and Coordination: There is a strong emphasis on the need for strategic prioritization and coordination between civil and defense sectors in the European space industry. The goal is to maximize synergies and efficiently use limited resources to maintain a competitive edge. This includes leveraging the civil European Union space program and the European Defense Fund to support the development of commercial and military sensors, which Pascal notes as a "win-win situation."Investment and Development Pace: There is a positive outlook on the development pace of Europe's space capabilities, despite being behind the market. Pascal points out that Europe started early in building operational SSA systems and suggests that with continued investment, including from the private sector, Europe could achieve a degree of strategic autonomy in space within 5 to 10 years.Geopolitical Impact and Awareness: The conversation touches upon the increased awareness of the importance of space capabilities due to the current geopolitical situation, marked by what is referred to as the "aggression war Russia." This awareness has led to a recognition of the need for strategic and military autonomy in space, resulting in significant investments like the 125 million euros for military SSA calls through the European Defense Fund. Policy discussions and upcoming political frameworks are also geared toward enhancing space situational awareness and space traffic management, which are seen as crucial for Europe's autonomy and security in space.Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.globalPlease visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

In this  Space Café Radio - SpaceWatch.Global publisher Torsten Kriening spoke with Aaron Addison, incoming Executive Director of the World Geospatial Industry Council, at the Intergeo 2023 in Berlin.WGIC's Role and Growth: Aaron highlighted the significant growth in the geospatial and space sectors, emphasizing the successful experience at Intergeo. He introduced the World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC) as a trade association aiming to unite various facets of the geospatial industry globally. The organization recently rebranded to reflect its diverse membership, which now includes traditional geospatial companies and newer entrants like satellite and ocean data companies.Potential of Unused Space Data: Aaron addressed a significant observation that a lot of space data remains unused, especially from Earth observations. He emphasized the vast potential for this data, encouraging the exploration of applications beyond the original intentions of data collection. This converges with WGIC's mission to elevate the geospatial conversation and create business opportunities.Metaverse and Geospatial Industry: The interview touched on the metaverse concept and its relevance to the geospatial industry. WGIC recently released a report focusing on the metaverse from a geospatial perspective. While the term "metaverse" can mean different things in different contexts (like gaming or business), the report aims to define its meaning and significance specifically for the geospatial industry, distinguishing it from the concept of digital twins. Here is the link to the Metaverse study. Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.globalPlease visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

In this episode of Space Café Radio, SpaceWatch.Global’s publisher, Torsten Kriening, talks with Nicole Thalhofer, head of Space at the BDLI - German Aerospace Industries Association about the new German Space Strategy, released at the end of September 2023. The strategy identifies nine fields of action for the German Federal Government. These action fields include:European and international cooperationSpace as a growth market - High-tech and New SpaceClimate change, resources, and environmental protectionDigitalization, data, and downstreamSecurity, strategic capability, and global stabilitySustainable use of spaceSpace researchInternational space explorationSpace in dialogue and talent acquisitionSpaceWatch.Global reported about the release of the strategy here.Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.globalPlease visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

In this  Space Café Radio - SpaceWatch.Global publisher Torsten Kriening spoke with Ketil Olsen, CEO of Andoya Space.  This episode was recorded 300 km north of the Arctic Circle on Andoya island during the presentation and the handover of the strategic framework for the spaceport Norway. Strategic framework means the potential development and opportunities that the spaceport will bring, from space business and an innovation hub to tourism, housing, and connectivity for the island and the region.  Here is the link to the Strategic Framework Andoya- A Place for Space.You can find a few pictures from the location in the episode on our website. This episode is supported by Innovation Norway.Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.globalPlease visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

In this episode of Space Café Radio, SpaceWatch.Global’s publisher, Torsten Kriening, has an exciting conversation with Prof Bertrand Goldman, Associate Professor and Research Facilitator of the International Space University and a resident faculty on the Central Campus, about the news from ISU and the new program.Bertrand has contributed as Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator to various observing astronomy projects related to the study of brown dwarfs and ultra-cool dwarfs, the search for Galactic dark matter, and the study of nearby open clusters and moving streams. He served as EU expert for the CoFUND programs, in telescope time allocation committees for the Calar Altar and European Southern Observatories, and chaired the Science Policy Oversight Committee of the Pan-STARRS1 Consortium.The ISU’s Master of Science (MSc): Space StudiesThe Master’s program in Space Studies is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the rapidly evolving space sector. The program covers all space domains and a wide range of topics.Graduates of the program will have a deep understanding of space engineering, space applications, space exploration, and the physical and life sciences of the space environment. They will also be familiar with space policies and regulations and will have the ability to critically evaluate knowledge across a variety of disciplines. The program also emphasizes entrepreneurial aspects, preparing students to establish and fund space startups and master project management techniques. If you are interested in a career in the space sector, the Master’s program in Space Studies is the perfect program for you.Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.globalPlease visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

In this episode of Space Café Radio, SpaceWatch.Global’s publisher, Torsten Kriening, has an exciting conversation with Lukasz Wilczynski, President of Space Communications Alliance and European Space Foundation, Organizer of European Rover Challenge, about the bid of Poznan, Poland for the International Astronautical Congress  (IAC) 2026.Key takeaways from the conversation:Poznań as a Host for IAC 2026: Lukasz emphasizes the suitability of Poznań, Poland, for hosting the International Astronautical Congress (IAC). He mentions the city's history of hosting large international trade fairs and its strategic location, making it easily accessible by plane and train. Furthermore, Poznań offers a compact layout with various amenities like restaurants and hotels in close proximity.Cultural and Historical Significance of Poznań: Lukasz highlights that Poznań was the first capital of Poland and is rich in history, featuring landmarks like the King's Castle and the Imperial Palace. The city is also very inclusive, showing its liberal nature by supporting rights of the LGBTQ+ community.Support and Sponsors for IAC: Lukasz details the extensive support they've received from various organizations, including the Polish government, Polish Space Agency, space industry associations, European universities, and global space agencies such as ESA, EUSPA, and Australian Space Agency. Moreover, many state-owned companies and foreign corporations in Poland have expressed interest in supporting the event.Unique Aspects of Poznań's IAC Bid: Poznań promises several unique features if chosen as the IAC host:Free public transport for all delegates and student volunteers.Affordable accommodation for young professionals and students in dormitories.Hosting the European Rover Challenge (ERC) alongside the IAC.A special grant to sponsor 50 young professionals from emerging countries to attend the IAC.The local organizing committee is not led by a space agency but by the European Space Foundation, providing a different organizing experience.Decision Timeline: The choice of host for the IAC is between Poznań and another city, with the decision to be announced on the 6th of October 2023 at the IAF General Assembly. Lukasz expresses his hope and eagerness for Poznań to be chosen.Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.globalPlease visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

In this episode of Space Café Radio, SpaceWatch.Global’s publisher Torsten Kriening, has an insightful conversation with Stewart Bain, Founder and CEO of NorthStar Earth and Space, during Euroconsult's 26th World Satellite Business Week in Paris.Stewart talked with Torsten about the upcoming launch of NorthStar’s constellation and the challenges in changing launchers. The constellation services will deliverprecise and timely Navigation Assistance from Launch to De-Orbit Change Detection Services, Space Object Tracking, Space Object Identification, and custom services to meet the challenges of the New Space Economy. NorthStar Earth and Space support the episode.Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.globalPlease visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

In this Space Café Radio -  SpaceWatch.Global's Rika Valluri spoke with Haji Azlikamil Bin Napiah, the Director General of Malaysia Space Agency - MYSA. The Director General spoke to us about the agency's involvement in their new space exploration plan, the push for international collaborations, and a focus on downstream applications.Today's episode is in partnership with DUET Global, a consulting company focused on the developing space ecosystem in Asia.This Space Cafe Radio episode was recorded during the Langkawi International Space Forum (LISF) held in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition in May 2023.As usual, listen up and enjoy!Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.globalPlease visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

In this episode of Space Café Radio, SpaceWatch.Global’s publisher Torsten Kriening, has an insightful conversation with Simon Flack, Special Advisor and Space Industry Coordinator at Innovation Norway, and Chris Choa, founder of OUTCOMIST, an urban strategy planner and architect.This conversation is supported by Innovation Norway and gets us high up into the north of Norway, to Andoya Spaceport. They talk about the Norwegian space ambitions and why the government invested in the spaceport. But they also delve into infrastructure around the location, accessibility, growing businesses, and tourism. One focus in this episode is the readiness of the facility, their long-term user Isar Aerospace, regulations, and the upcoming status event in Andoya on the 4th October 2023. Finally we will learn about "janteloven" and its meaning.Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.globalPlease visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

Welcome to Space Factor, the new  podcast mini-series presented by SpaceWatch.Global in collaboration with Dassault Systèmes Italia, the leading agency supporting the creation, simulation and production of space systems.Our aim is to connect space leaders with aspiring students and innovative thinkers in the Italian space sector. We have chosen to produce Space Factor in Italian to foster a local and direct approach to discussing space and its societal benefits.In our third episode we met with Giovanni Sylos Labini, the CEO of Planetek Italia. Giovanni  has a degree in physics and has collaborated with NASA, worked at ASI, was an Italian delegate for ESA, and  for several years he was a lecturer  in spatial information systems at the University Institute of Architecture in Venice.In this episode he told us about his personal journey,  how Planetek was born and the difficulties the company had in the early '90s, when the word start-up did not even exist. Enjoy your listening!Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

In this  Space Café Radio - SpaceWatch.Global publisher Torsten Kriening spoke with Maxime Puteaux, Principal Advisor at Euroconsult in Paris, about 40 years of Euroconsult, current market trends, and the forthcoming World Satellite Business Week in September 2023.Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.globalPlease visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

In this Space Café Radio -  SpaceWatch.Global's Dr. Emma Gatti  spoke with Dr. Raji Pillai Rajagopalan, the Director of the Centre for Security, Strategy & Technology (CSST), based in Delhi, India.Today's episode is in partnership with the Secure World Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on the long-term sustainability of outer space and earth orbits, as well as space security and stability considerations.This mini-series, composed of two episodes, want to reinforce some of the nuances of the discussion held at the SWF 2023 Summit for Space Sustainability, on why debris-causing anti-satellite tests are so destabilizing. Today's interview focuses on India and how (and if) India perceives anti-satellite weapons and debris as an urgent issue.  Raji knows very well the multiple angles and geopolitical nuances that weigh in regarding destructive tests.  She discussed them with Emma in detail in this candid interview,  during which she laid out her thoughts on the matter. As usual, listen up and enjoy !   Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global!Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

In this episode of  Space Café Radio, we have an insightful conversation with Dr. Ernst Pfeiffer, the CEO of HPS Group and Chairman of the German Space SME. Our host, Torsten Kriening, publisher at SpaceWatch.Global delves into the current state of the German and European space markets. Moreover, we explore the potential repercussions of the proposed German space budget cuts amounting to 180 million euros, anticipated for confirmation by the government by the end of 2023. Stay tuned as we dissect the implications of these financial adjustments for the industry in the summer of 2023.Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.globalPlease visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

In this Space Café Radio -  SpaceWatch.Global's Rika Valluri spoke with Muhamad Nurazmi Abbas, the Chief Executive Officer of Gading Group, a group of companies are involved in providing services to the Aerospace, Marine, Defence, Energy, Technology, Waste Management and related markets based out of Malaysia.Today's episode is in partnership with DUET Global, a consulting company focused on the developing space ecosystem in Asia.This Space Cafe Radio episode was recorded during the Langkawi International Space Forum (LISF) held in conjunction with Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition in May 2023.Azmi and Rika discussed the establishment of the space program in Malaysia, the challenges up ahead, and how Malaysia will navigate its way into the global space market. They also discuss the volatile geopolitics of Asia and discuss the road ahead for the region as a whole.Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global!Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

In this Space Café Radio -  SpaceWatch.Global's Dr. Emma Gatti  spoke with Tim Maclay, the chief strategy officer and US general manager at ClearSpace, an in-orbiting service and space debris company founded in 2018.Today's episode is in partnership with the Secure World Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on the long-term sustainability of outer space and earth orbits, as well as space security and stability considerations. This mini series composed of two episodes want to reinforce some of the nuances of the discussion held at the SWF 2023 Summit for Space Sustainability, on why  debris causing anti-satellite tests are so destabilizing.  Tim and Emma discussed his position about in-orbiting services and the challenges we might face pretty soon if we don't find a way to regulate access to space and decide to, to say it  with Tim's words, stop making a mess of our orbit.  As usual, listen up and enjoy !   Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global!Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

In this Space Café Radio -  SpaceWatch.Global's Dr. Emma Gatti  spoke with Piotr Sitek,  governmental and new components, security governance officer in the security authority department of EUSPA. This radio episode is part of a joint collaboration between SpaceWatch.Global and EUSPA, the EU Agency for the Space Programme. This three-episode mini-series delves into some core missions of EUSPA: security, EGNSS satellite-based service delivery, and GOVSATCOM. As EUSPA's responsibilities grow in tandem with the increasing number of components in the EU Space Programme, this series strives to elevate awareness and understanding of the programme's dynamic and evolving nature.Piotr and Emma discussed about the notion of security and risk acceptance, why security is so vital when it comes to space assets, collision avoidance and much more. Piotr has a very genuine and straightforward way to explain how space security works. To say it in his own words, he talked to us like he was talking to his mom. And he actually did! So if you're looking for a podcast explaining you why space security is very important, look no further. Enjoy your listening!Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global!Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!