Dr. Charles Justiz is a former research pilot at NASA Johnson Space Center and an aerospace engineering and risk management expert.

Sharing his remarkable journey from the U.S. Air Force Academy to NASA, you’ll hear about the variety of aircraft he flew, including the Space Shuttle training aircraft, and how he contributed to crucial safety and risk management programs.

You’ll hear about his most memorable moments working with Astronauts and team members and lessons learned from past missions. He shares why understanding and managing risks in space exploration is crucial. He also highlights the opportunities that come with these risks and how innovative processes can lead to safer and more efficient space operations.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Dr. Justiz’s journey from the U.S. Air Force Academy to becoming a research pilot at NASA.

• The critical role of risk management in space exploration and the lessons learned from NASA’s history.

• How Dr. Justiz’s work in safety management has influenced current practices in aviation and space industries.

• Insights into the development of innovative aerospace technologies and the challenges of designing space vehicles.

• The future of space exploration and the opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators in the space industry.

Quote:

"We had, 2 massive accidents while I was there, of course, which were devastating to us. But, the whole thing is, you can't make all the mistakes yourself. You have to learn from the mistakes of others."

- Dr. Charles Justiz

Episode Links:

• 🎧 Dr. Justiz in conversation with Kathy Sullivan: ‘The Man Who Carried Space Shuttles’ on Kathy Sullivan Explores…
• Connect with Dr Justiz via The Charles F. Bolden Group
• NASA
• Charles Justiz on LinkedIn

Credits:

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Artwork: Ryan Field

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Join our journey into the world of education and space: https://interastra.space

As the CEO of The Bolden Group and Chairman of the Inter Astra Institute a non-profit creating equitable access and opportunity to the business of space, Ché Bolden builds relationships between young stem workforce, small businesses, corporations, and governments around the globe to create access to the business of space.

A retired Marine, Ché has extensive experience at the executive level leading projects and teams at the governmental, national, and international level. He has decades of experience navigating complex problems and providing qualitative results.

In this encore episode, Ché Bolden shares his journey from aspiring fighter pilot to becoming a key player in the business of space. As the son of a four-time astronaut and former administrator of NASA, Charles F. Bolden, Ché speaks about growing up in the shadow of the shuttle era.

You’ll hear how being immersed in the remarkable NASA community around him, gained a unique perspective on the potential of space as a day-to-day reality for humankind and how he brings diverse voices to the table in the global business of space.

On This Episode You’ll Discover:

• The influence of Ché's NASA lineage on his career in aerospace and his vision for accessible space commerce.

• Defining experiences that pivoted Ché's focus from military service to the commercial space sector.

• Ché's take on the burgeoning role of private companies in space and their impact on global business opportunities.

• Insights into the Inter Astra Institute's mission under Ché's leadership, promoting diverse industry involvement.

• The significance of education and cross-industry collaboration in the new era of space business as envisioned by Ché.

• Influences from astronauts like Nyberg and Hurley on Ché's mission to foster a worldwide space community.

• The role of storytelling and connection in making the space industry relevant across various demographics.

Quote:

“Today, I focus on bringing the business of space to places it has not traditionally been seen as relevant. And the best way to go about that is to connect the different people from disparate areas and tell their story in a way that lets people see the possibilities”

- Ché Bolden

Episode Links:

Follow Inter Astra on LinkedIn

Connect with Ché Bolden on LinkedIn

🎧 Listen to Ché’s interview on Kathy Sullivan Explores…

'Creating Diverse and Inclusive Pathways to Space with Ché Bolden'

Credits:

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Artwork: Ryan Field

Join the #1 community creating equitable access to the business of space.

https://interastra.space/

Meet Maleha Khan, an MEng in Spacecraft Engineering, Pilot, and Educator passionate about international collaboration and inspiring the next generation in the space industry.

Born in Pakistan and raised in the UK, Maleha’s journey from aspiring pilot to space engineer is a testament to resilience and determination.

In this episode, she shares her experiences overcoming challenges, the importance of global cooperation in space exploration, and her mission to empower young women to pursue their dreams.

Maleha works at the UK Space Agency, contributing to wider Agency goals in future space missions and collaboration with other organisations such as the European Space Agency and NASA. With a master’s degree in spacecraft engineering from the University of Southampton, she taught rocket propulsion in Saudi Arabia, inspiring top female students in space science. As a licensed pilot, she combines her love for flying with her passion for space.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Maleha’s journey into aerospace engineering and becoming a pilot

• The importance of global cooperation in space exploration

• Empowering women in STEM and the space industry

• How space technology impacts our daily lives

• Using space to address Earth’s challenges

Quote:

“I want young women who look like me to feel like they can do it too.”

— Maleha Khan

Episode Links:

• Connect with Maleha on LinkedIn

• Maleha on Instagram

• Learn more about the UK Space Agency

• Explore the University of Southampton’s Aeronautics and Astronautics

• Check out the Red Arrows

• UK National Space Centre

Credits:

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Artwork: Ryan Field

Find your place in the business of space: https://interastra.space