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

Meet Christy McFerren, an experienced Human Resources (HR) and Operations professional with a proven track record in developing and elevating HR and Marketing departments through strong collaboration with all levels of management and key stakeholders. Currently serving as the Human Resources Manager at Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation (VT-ARC), Christy brings a unique perspective to the space industry by bridging people, innovation, and the future of space exploration. In this episode, she shares her inspiring journey and her passion for empowering the next generation of women leaders.

Christy has supported various industries, including Federal Government agencies like the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Commercial Real Estate, Wastewater Management, and Fairfax County Public Schools. At VT-ARC, she leads HR initiatives, ensuring people have the resources and tools they need to succeed. Her work intersects with the space realm through VT-ARC’s partnership intermediary agreement with the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), supporting STEM education and technology marketing initiatives.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Christy’s path to HR leadership

• Empowering women in space

• HR’s evolving role in innovation

• Bridging diverse skills for space

• Inspiring future generations

Quote:

“I want our daughters growing up today to understand that whatever they want to be is within their grasp.”

— Christy McFerren

Episode Links:

• Connect with Christy on LinkedIn

• Visit VT-ARC

Credits:

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Artwork: Ryan Field

Recorded on location in Virginia, USA with thanks to Nomono’s Sound Capsule

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

Renee Wynn, former NASA CIO, brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion of space industry’s multifaceted nature.

She navigates through the critical roles that data science, IT, and cybersecurity play in the expanse beyond our atmosphere.

Wynn’s experience offers a deep dive into the integration of technology in space operations, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity and debris management to ensure the sustainability of space endeavors.

In this episode, Renee shares her insights on the vast opportunities space offers to diverse professions and the necessity for collaborative efforts to foster peaceful and profitable use of this frontier.

As someone who has transitioned from environmental policy to the realm of IT at NASA, her journey epitomizes the cross-disciplinary nature of space industry roles, highlighting the scope for contribution from virtually any professional background.

In this episode you'll discover:

• The expansive opportunities for a diverse range of professions in the space industry, from data scientists to lawyers.

• Insights into global government collaboration for sustainable space business, emphasizing peaceful operations and risk mitigation.

• The essential role of cybersecurity and space debris management in the growing space economy.

• How NASA embraces arts and design, including how Origami-inspired technology, is essential to space innovation.

• Renee’s personal narrative on transitioning careers and the value of inviting unexpected talent into the space sector.

• A strategic approach for entrepreneurs and businesses considering the space industry, focusing on problem-solving and innovative partnerships.

Quote:

“You're operating with everyone else up there, including what space throws at you. Operate accordingly, deal with your risks, and then I'd ask everybody to invite somebody to the game that you would least expect.”

- Renee Wynn

Episode Links

Follow Renee on LinkedIn

NASA

Listen to The Heart of a Public Servant with Renee Wynn

on ‘Kathy Sullivan Explores…’ Now part of the Inter Astra Podcast Network

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 Sarah Pousho, CEO of Space Bridge Partners, a trailblazer connecting private capital with space missions focused on exploration, science, and education. With a background in global licensing and a lifelong passion for space, Sarah brings a unique perspective to the industry. In this episode, she shares her journey from the consumer products world to leading a company that bridges the funding gap for non-commercial space missions. Tune in to discover how Sarah is opening doors for new entrants in the space sector and why she believes there’s a place for everyone in this exciting field.

Sarah leads Space Bridge Partners, an organization dedicated to securing funding for space missions organized by nonprofits, universities, and small civil space agencies that lack large budgets. By connecting wealthy philanthropists, brand sponsorships, and media licensing opportunities, she helps bring groundbreaking missions to life that might otherwise remain grounded.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Sarah’s journey from global licensing to the space sector.

• How Space Bridge Partners supports science missions through private funding.

• The critical role of “space outsiders” in building a thriving space ecosystem.

• Sarah’s tips for newcomers looking to break into the space industry.

• The exciting future of mission-focused partnerships and exploration.

Quote:

“You'd be surprised how many people that you might know are actually already in the space sector or helping the space sector or space adjacent. ”

- Sarah Pousho

Episode Links:

Check out Space Bridge Partners

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

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

Dayna Steele is a Rock Radio Hall of Famer who made an unexpected transition to the world of… Space retail!

In this episode, Dayna shares her journey from being a radio DJ to creating TheSpaceStore.com, the first NASA e-commerce operation.

Her story highlights the power of listening and embracing serendipitous moments.

Listen in as Dayna recounts her unexpected journey into NASA through her marriage to a NASA pilot and, how it led to building a business around space merchandise.

Along the way, she became an aerospace executive and a passionate advocate for the benefits of space technology in everyday life.

Dayna illustrates how space influences our daily lives, from communication devices to medical breakthroughs, encouraging listeners to keep exploring the boundless possibilities in the business of space.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Dayna transitioned from rock radio to founding TheSpaceStore.com.
• The role of NASA merchandise in popular culture and the business of space.
• Dayna's experience as an aerospace executive and her unique perspective on the space industry.
• Common misconceptions about space exploration and the actual benefits derived from space technologies.
• Dayna's outlook on the future of space exploration and why dreaming big is crucial.

Quote:

"When it comes to the business of space, the biggest misconception is that your tax dollars are being wasted.

The reality is that even a minuscule amount of taxes dedicated to space does a tremendous amount of good."

- Dayna Steele

Episode Links:

Connect with Dayna Steele on LinkedIn

Follow Dayna Steele on Instagram

Follow Dayna Steele on Facebook

Follow Dayna Steele on X

Follow Dayna Steele on Tic-Tok

Find Dayna Steele on YouTube

See where TheSpaceStore.com is today

Listen to Dayna's interview in conversation with Astronaut Kathy Sullivan on 'Kathy Sullivan Explores...'

Get more from Dayna (books, rock 'n' roll, podcasts, play...)

Credits:

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Artwork: Ryan Field

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

Meet Kaci Heins, the Executive Director of the Limitless Space Institute.

With a passion for education, Kaci works to inspire students and teachers to explore space sciences and imagine a future beyond our solar system.

Raised in rural Illinois, Kaci’s career transformed when she discovered space education.

Today, she creates educational programs that equip teachers with resources to inspire future explorers. Her work connects students globally to the vast possibilities in space, fostering a diverse and engaged future workforce.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How Kaci’s journey into space began with an educator’s reluctance and curiosity.

• The Limitless Space Institute’s mission and global education initiatives.

• The value of space education in inspiring future leaders and innovators.

• Kaci’s collaborations in Brazil and Nigeria to ignite student interest.

Quote:

“Space is just so cool, and it’s so neat to be a part of something bigger than yourself.”

- Kaci Heins

Episode Links:

Connect with Kaci Heins on LinkedIn

Limitless Space Institute Website

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