Episodes

  • Today, in our series finale, we're venturing once again into the world of small satellites, discussing the latest partnership between the Catapult and Open Cosmos to build and launch a key demonstration satellite to join the Open Cosmos OpenConstellation.

    The Open Cosmos OpenConstellation is a global shared satellite infrastructure built to provide diverse, frequent, and reliable data of our changing planet. This new satellite, expected to launch as early as next year, will gather and process Earth observation imagery that can be used to develop solutions to challenges in the Atlantic Ocean, from illegal fishing to ocean pollution.

    Our host Dallas Campbell is joined by Gary Cannon from the Satellite Applications Catapult, and from Open Cosmos we have Jordi Barrera Ars and Florian Deconinck.

    Satellite Applications Catapult: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Website
    Open Cosmos: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Website


    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

  • In today's episode, we will explore the critical role of satellite antenna testing and its importance to the space industry.

    Antennas are the unsung heroes of space missions, enabling vital communication and data transmission between spacecraft and ground stations. However, ensuring their reliability and performance in the harsh conditions of space is no easy feat. That's where satellite antenna testing comes into play, where rigorous evaluation and experimentation are conducted to guarantee their functionality, durability, and efficiency.

    Our host Dallas Campbell is joined in the studio by Evangelos Mellios and Harvinder Nagi from the Satellite Applications Catapult, and Miro Blicharz from Helix Geospace and joining remotely, Martyn Lees from Spire.

    Satellite Applications Catapult: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Website
    Helix Geospace: LinkedIn, Website
    Spire: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Website


    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

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  • In this episode we’re continuing our exploration of launch from the UK and beyond.


    The launch market is changing rapidly all the time, both here in the UK and overseas. But space innovation is never without setbacks, and our journey towards becoming a spacefaring nation is showing no signs of slowing down.

    Our host Dallas Campbell is joined in the studio by Mike Curtis-Rouse, Head of In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing at the Satellite Applications Catapult, and remotely by Jan Skolmli, Chief Commercial Officer at Orbex, and Jeff Feige, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Radian Aerospace.

    ***

    We are deeply saddened to share that our dear friend and colleague Jan Skolmli, who joined us for the discussion, has passed away since the recording of this episode.

    Jan's passion for space exploration was contagious, and he inspired many to pursue careers in this field. Jan will be sorely missed, and we dedicate this episode to his memory.

    ***

    Satellite Applications Catapult: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
    Radian: Twitter, LinkedIn, Website
    Orbex: Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Website


    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

  • In this episode, we're going to be discussing the fascinating topic of microgravity.

    Microgravity exists where only very small gravitational forces are experienced. This is a unique environment that creates new opportunities and challenges for scientific research, technology development, and human spaceflight.

    Our host, Dallas Campbell, is joined by two members of the Access to Space team at the Satellite Applications Catapult - Jane Davies and Laura Gonzalez Llamazares. We’re also joined by two fantastic guests from Gravitilab - Brian Zielinski-Smith and Charlotte Daniels.

    Satellite Applications Catapult: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Website
    Gravitilab: Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Website


    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

  • Drones have become an increasingly popular technology in recent years, with applications ranging from aerial photography and videography to search and rescue, agriculture, and even package delivery. Despite their versatility, however, drones remain a somewhat controversial technology, with concerns about privacy, safety, and their impact on the environment.

    In this episode, we will be ‘flying high’ into the world of drones, exploring their history, technology, and future possibilities. We will also be discussing some of the key challenges facing the drone industry, the various regulations and policies that govern their use, and new facility that the Catapult has just opened in Buckinghamshire to offer support to UK drone companies.

    Our host Dallas Campbell is joined in the studio by Liam Braeger from the Satellite Applications Catapult, Dr Anthony Lawrenson from Volant Autonomy, and Liam Flood from Ajuno Solutions.

    Satellite Applications Catapult: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Website
    Ajuno: Twitter, LinkedIn, Website
    Volant Autonomy: Twitter, LinkedIn, Website


    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

  • In this episode we will be exploring sustainable land use and how we can balance the needs of local communities, businesses, and ecosystems, to ensure that our land is used in a way that benefits everyone.


    As our population continues to rise, how do we adopt sustainable land use practices, improve the well-being of local communities, and protect the environment for future generations? The answer lies in technology and collaboration.

    Our host Dallas Campbell is joined in the studio by Cristian Rossi from the Satellite Applications Catapult, and remotely by Tim Hopkin from the Land App, and by Donna Lyndsay from Ordnance Survey.

    Satellite Applications Catapult: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Website
    Ordnance Survey: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Website
    The Land App: Twitter, LinkedIn, Website


    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

  • In this episode we will be discussing sustainable finance, and how – alongside data insights from space – this initiative can be a key tool for promoting sustainable development and combating climate change.

    What do we mean when we talk about sustainable finance? Sustainable finance refers to financial activities that take into account environmental, social, and governance factors in investment decision-making - promoting sustainable economic growth while minimising negative impacts on society and the environment.

    Satellite imagery can be a powerful tool for supporting sustainable finance decisions - providing valuable information about the environmental impact of investment activities, help investors identify potential risks and opportunities, and monitor the impact of sustainable finance initiatives over time.

    Our host Dallas Campbell is joined in the studio by Daniel Dias, Founder of Route2, Christophe Christiaen, Deputy Head of the Spatial Finance Initiative at the Oxford Sustainable Finance Group, and Cristian Rossi, Geospatial Science Lead at the Satellite Applications Catapult.

    Satellite Applications Catapult: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Website
    Route2: Twitter, LinkedIn, Website
    Oxford Sustainable Finance Group: Twitter, LinkedIn, Website


    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

  • In this episode, we will be discussing In-Space Manufacturing and talking to some of the companies who are at the forefront of this new space race.

    The future of commercial space is dependent on our ability to build and assemble large structures entirely outside of the Earth’s atmosphere. From emission-free solar power stations to spacecraft capable of travelling beyond our solar system, all of this and more will be directly affected by how we manufacture in space.

    This journey into a new era of engineering will break the paradigm of existing space design and manufacturing. We will need to develop new ways of building, create new technologies, and reimagine what we are capable of.

    Our host Dallas Campbell is joined in the studio by David Pile from Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Portia Bowman from Growbotics Space, and Alex Goodhand from the Satellite Applications Catapult.

    Satellite Applications Catapult: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Website
    Northrop Grumman Space Systems: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Website
    Growbotics: LinkedIn


    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

  • In this episode, we’re celebrating the Catapult’s 10th anniversary, reflecting on a fantastic decade of ground-breaking innovations and achievements.

    The Satellite Applications Catapult has made remarkable strides in advancing satellite technology and its applications. Through innovative research and development, the Catapult has made significant contributions to various sectors – energising these markets, empowering the use of new technologies, and enabling businesses to exploit the power of space.

    Over the last 10 years, the Catapult has facilitated enhanced connectivity in remote areas, supported small island nations to build resilience to the devastating impacts of climate change, and started our journey towards establishing a truly renewable energy source from space, and much more besides – all while fostering collaborations between academia, businesses, and government organisations - demonstrating their commitment to pushing the boundaries of satellite technology and leveraging its potential for the betterment of society.

    Our host Dallas Campbell is joined in the studio by Stuart Martin, CEO, Nafeesa Dajda, Director of National Capabilities, and Joel Freedman, Head of Innovation Services.

    Satellite Applications Catapult: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook


    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

  • In this episode, we’re exploring the concept of Digital Twins.

    A Digital Twin is a virtual representation of a real-world physical counterpart, they use sophisticated data models to accurately simulate changes and problems, using the virtual environment to test and monitor potential scenarios without ever altering the physical counterpart – this enables users to run various simulations and to plan for, or prevent, any issues before they become a problem.

    Digital Twins are a powerful decision-making tool, but the system is reliant on data and can only be as good as the data it is provided with. One potential source of information is Earth Observation data collected from space.

    Our host Dallas Campbell is joined in the studio by Mark Hennen from the Satellite Applications Catapult and Simon Evans from Arup, and remotely by Peter Bauer from ECMRWF.

    Satellite Applications Catapult: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
    Arup: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
    ECMWF: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook


    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

  • In today’s episode, we’re going to be discussing how Artificial Intelligence can be used to enhance Earth Observation.

    Most of the images generated by satellites will never be seen by human eyes. There simply aren’t enough humans on Earth—let alone trained experts—to sift through the TBs of imagery generated daily and extract valuable intelligence and insight.

    Big data and AI approaches can be used for innovative and cost-effective management and processing of data, learning to recognise patterns and find correlations that humans would otherwise miss. New insights unlocked in this way offer the potential to deliver value to a range of users across markets such as finance, insurance, transport, and agriculture.

    Our host Dallas Campbell is joined in the studio by Dr. Freddie Kalaitzis from the University of Oxford, James Parr, Founder of Trillium Technologies, and Maral Bayaraa from the Satellite Applications Catapult.

    Satellite Applications Catapult: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
    Trillium Technologies: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn
    University of Oxford: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook


    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

  • Welcome to In-Orbit – the fortnightly podcast exploring how technology from space is empowering a better world.

    This podcast is brought to you by the Satellite Applications Catapult, a UK technology and innovation company driving economic growth through the commercialisation of space, and hosted by writer and broadcaster, Dallas Campbell.

    The UK has always played a pivotal role in transforming the space sector, but the opportunity for us to become a global leader is now. As a nation, we need to become the world’s best adopters of new space technologies, harness the strength of our industries, and exploit the benefits of being in orbit.

    Across this new series, we’ll be in conversation with the expert minds behind these new innovations, exploring the ways that the UK is translating data from space into real-world impact.

    Join us on our journey exploring how the UK is using space to make huge differences to our everyday lives, as well as gaining a better understanding of its role in shaping – and sustaining – our planet for the future.

    Satellite Applications Catapult: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook

  • Amber is expected to be the first of a constellation of satellites to provide Maritime Domain Awareness data to users. Using unique, patented technology, the system will geolocate and demodulate radio frequency data from ships around the world, including listening for the presence or absence of a ships Automatic Identification System (AIS).

    Amber forms part of the Satellite Applications Catapult’s In-Orbit Demonstration programme, also known as IOD. The In-Orbit Demonstration Programme offers partners a fast-track, low-cost opportunity to test their service or technology on a CubeSat mission (a small satellite ranging from the size of a loaf of bread to the size of microwave) launched into low Earth orbit. IOD helps accelerate to ‘proof of concept’ stage by providing an affordable in-orbit testbed and a range of operational and business support services to exploit the commercial potential of the mission.

    This episode is hosted by the Satellite Applications Catapult's Head of Access to Space, Mike Curtis-Rouse. Mike is joined by Nick Marshall, Project Manager of Amber at the Satellite Applications Catapult, John Beckner, CEO of Horizon Technologies, and Peter Anderson, CCO at AAC Clyde Space.


    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

  • The UK is home to some of the world’s leading space companies and satellite manufacturers, but they have never been able to launch from the UK itself – until now. We are on the cusp of a major milestone as a spacefaring nation.

    This mission from Spaceport Cornwall marks the beginning of a new domestic launch market as
    the UK completes its end-to-end ecosystem, enabling companies to design, build, launch and operate their spacecraft all from one place.

    This historic launch is bringing together a combination of skills, capabilities, infrastructure, and organisations of all sizes from across the UK and beyond to support innovation and ensure that companies operating in space have the skills and the resources they need to make themselves a success.

    This episode is hosted by the CEO of the Satellite Applications Catapult, Stuart Martin. Stuart is joined by Dan Hart, CEO of Virgin Orbit, Matthew Archer, Commercial Space Director at the UK Space Agency, and Melissa Thorpe, Head of Spaceport Cornwall.

    Satellite Applications Catapult: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
    Virgin Orbit: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
    Spaceport Cornwall: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
    UK Space Agency: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook


    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

  • The Westcott Space Cluster is a growing nucleus of space-related companies developing new technologies in rocket propulsion, 5G communications, and in-orbit manufacturing to name a few. The site offers unique testing facilities in a secure and controlled environment where sector experts can help businesses to identify and benefit from the opportunities in these emerging fields.

    The Expo, hosted in July this year, was a celebration and showcase of the organisations developing these next-generation technologies and building new opportunities for the UK space industry.


    In this episode we’re sharing the Integrating Drone Aircraft into National Airspace panel, discussing the current challenges in operating autonomous systems, requirements for business growth, and what needs to be considered as we move away from segregated airspace.


    This episode is introduced by our Chief Operating Officer, Lucy Edge. The panel is hosted by our Head of Transport, Liam Braeger, and he is joined by Clem Robertson of R4darTech, Richard Ellis of Altitude Angel, Michael Merritt of Skyports, Kieran Arnold of Sat Applications Catapult, Ajay Modha of FlyANRA.

    Satellite Applications Catapult: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
    Westcott Space Cluster: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn


    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

  • The Westcott Space Cluster is a growing nucleus of space-related companies developing new technologies in rocket propulsion, 5G communications, and in-orbit manufacturing to name a few. The site offers unique testing facilities in a secure and controlled environment where sector experts can help businesses to identify and benefit from the opportunities in these emerging fields.

    The Expo, hosted in July this year, was a celebration and showcase of the organisations developing these next-generation technologies and building new opportunities for the UK space industry.

    In this episode we’re sharing the Small Business Growth panel – companies with both a new and established presence within the Westcott Space Cluster discuss how the unique testing facilities on site are invaluable to their growth, why more international companies are putting down roots in the UK, and explore the next steps in a move towards more sustainable solutions for space.

    This episode is introduced by our Chief Operating Officer, Lucy Edge. The panel is hosted by Avantika Gupta of Type One Ventures, and she is joined by Charlie Young of Plastron, Emily Dingle of URA Thrusters, Manny Shar of OrbitFab, and James Macfarlane of Airborne Engineering.

    Satellite Applications Catapult: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
    Westcott Space Cluster: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn


    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

  • The Westcott Space Cluster is a growing nucleus of space-related companies developing new technologies in rocket propulsion, 5G communications, and in-orbit manufacturing to name a few. The site offers unique testing facilities in a secure and controlled environment where sector experts can help businesses to identify and benefit from the opportunities in these emerging fields.

    The Expo, hosted in July this year, was a celebration and showcase of the organisations developing these next-generation technologies and building new opportunities for the UK space industry.

    In this first episode, we’ll be sharing the Commercial Space panel – our guests explore the challenges and opportunities within the evolution of a new in-space economy and discuss how we can improve our access to space whilst ensuring our activities bring value back down to Earth.

    This episode is introduced by our Chief Operating Officer, Lucy Edge. The panel is hosted by Mike Curtis-Rouse of the Satellite Applications Catapult, and he is joined by Chris Brunskill of D-Orbit, Alberto Garbayo of AVS UK, Matt Escott of Protolaunch, Talini Pinto of SpaceForge, Jeff Fiege of Radian Aerospace, and Armando Rojas of Nanoavionics, who joined the panel remotely.

    Satellite Applications Catapult: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
    Westcott Space Cluster: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn


    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

  • The National Space Strategy was published in September 2021, bringing together the UK’s strengths in science and technology, defence, regulation and diplomacy to pursue a bold national vision of growing the UK as a science and technology superpower. The Strategy is a considerable undertaking and driving it forward will require knowledge, insight, and evidence of where new interventions are best targeted.

    The National Space Partnership will build a much-needed, unified relationship between Government, industry, and academia, providing co-ordinated strategic insight and advice to the space sector, creating an agile and robust approach to supporting the delivery of the National Space Strategy.

    Our host, Sarah Cruddas, talks to Ruth Mallors-Ray of RMR Consultants, Andy Shaw from Assimila Ltd, and Mark Presley from MAP Analytica.

    Satellite Applications Catapult: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
    National Space Partnership: Website, LinkedIn
    Assimila Ltd: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn
    MAP Analytica: Website, LinkedIn


    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

  • Without space, we would not know nearly as much about our need to act against climate change as we currently do. As the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events increases, there has never been more of a need for this type of information.

    This is particularly true for people of Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. Despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, small island nation developing states are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. With around one-third of the population living less than five metres above sea level, rising waters are forcing communities from their ancestral homes, as land and lives are lost to the effects of climate change.

    Recognising the need to act, the UK Space Agency funded IPP CommonSensing project has created a tool to support these nations and assist decision-makers in their efforts. Through the CommonSensing platform, map-based evidence can be used to navigate the complex funding landscape, resilience and relocation efforts, disaster risk reduction, and enhanced food security.

    Visit the CommonSensing website >>

    Our host Sarah Cruddas is joined virtually from Fiji by Leba Gaunavinaka from UNOSAT and Katherine Cooke from The Commonwealth; and from the UK, Richard Oates from Spatial Days and the Satellite Applications Catapult, and Nathan Woodley, also from the Satellite Applications Catapult.

    Satellite Applications Catapult: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Website
    CommonSensing: Twitter, Website
    UNITAR-UNOSAT: UNITAR Twitter, UNOSAT Twitter, LinkedIn, Website
    The Commonwealth: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Website

    Spatial Days: LinkedIn, Website


    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

  • Access to space in the UK is changing. New technologies emerge every year, creating the opportunity for new types of companies to exploit the power of space.

    The next natural step in the UK space industry’s journey, is launch.

    Spaceport sites have been planned across the UK, including in Scotland and Cornwall, which could cement the country as Europe's most attractive destination for commercial spaceflight activities. But what will these spaceports look like, how will they operate, and what challenges are we facing?

    Our host Sarah Cruddas is joined remotely from the Westcott Space Cluster by Mike Curtis-Rouse from the Satellite Applications Catapult, and Matt Escott from Protolaunch, and from Argentina, Dan Etenberg from LIA Aerospace.

    Satellite Applications Catapult: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
    Protolaunch: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn
    LIA Aerospace: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn


    Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.