Marino Fragnito: Chief Commercial Officer and Launch Services Director at Avio
This week on The Astro Ben Podcast, we dive into the world of space launches with Marino Fragnito, Avio’s Chief Commercial Officer and Launch Services Director. Appointed in September 2024, Marino drives Avio’s Vega C and Ariane 6 programs while navigating the competitive space market in March 2025. With a career spanning Airbus, Arianespace, and Thales Alenia Space, he shares insights on commercialising Vega, boosting Europe’s launch capabilities, and tackling global competition. From sustainable propulsion to defense applications, this episode explores how Avio is shaping the future of space access. OUTLINE: Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode. 00:53 Introducing Marino 01:56 Marino’s interest in Space 04:50 Technical background 06:19 Avio 08:56 Vega C Program 13:34 Lack of European ambition? 19:30 Reusability of rockets 21:20 AI 23:14 Geopolitics in Europe effecting the Space industry 26:29 Space Tourism 27:59 Ambition for Avio 30:34 Advice to next generation 31:53 Wrap Up and Socials Follow Avio on Social: Website: https://www.avio.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avio_spa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvioGroup X: https://x.com/avio_group Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GroupAvio Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avio-s-p-a/ Stay connected with us! Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast Website: www.astroben.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/ X: https://x.com/Gambleonit Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/
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33:25
Mark Sasson: Co-founder and CEO of Pinpoint Search Group (recruiting in the space industry)
This week on The Astro Ben Podcast, Ben sits down with Mark Sasson, co-founder and CEO of Pinpoint Search Group, as he launches Operation Voyager to tackle the space sector’s talent gap in March 2025. From his roots in cybersecurity to his new frontier in space, Mark shares a compelling story of industry evolution, drawing parallels between these booming fields. We dive into proven strategies for attracting top talent, the unique hiring challenges facing space companies, and how to build effective recruiting processes in an industry still finding its footing. OUTLINE: Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode. 00:00 Intro to Mark Sasson 01:09 Pinpoint getting into the Space Sector 03:01 Segments 03:58 Growth industries 05:12 Pinpoint 08:00 How Pinpoint works 09:40 Operation Voyager 11:00 Startups attracting top talent 14:06 Graduates entering the space force 18:30 Is space industry still mainly technical? 20:53 Remote work vs in real life 22:38 Company culture 25:00 Trends in keeping staff engaged 27:45 Soft skills for space industry candidates 30:00 Most exciting parts about space industries future 32:00 Wrap Up and social Follow Mark/Pinpoint on Social: Website: https://pinpointsearchgroup.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pinpoint-search-group/ X: https://x.com/Pinpoint_Search Stay connected with us! Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast Website: www.astroben.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/ X: https://x.com/Gambleonit Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/
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33:22
Jonathan McDowell: Astronomer and owner of Jonathan's Space Report
In this week's episode of The Astro Ben Podcast (sponsored by SkyFi), we dive into the cosmos with the legendary Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer known for his extensive work in cataloging space objects and his invaluable contributions to the space community. Ben and Jonathan discuss his journey, the importance of space tracking, and his monumental effort to transition his private space library to the UK, for which he's currently seeking support through a GoFundMe campaign (link below). Tune in to learn about the significance of his work, the future of space cataloging, and how you can contribute to preserving space history! This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi. Check them out: https://skyfi.com/ OUTLINE: Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode. 00:00 Intro and thanks SkyFi! 00:52 Intro to Jonathan Mc Dowell and journey to Jonathan's Space Report 02:48 Educational foundation 04:57 Chandra X-ray Center (X-ray cousin of the Hubble!) 07:10 AI and effect on Astrophysics 08:45 Space tracking 10:58 UFO Misinterpretations 13:15 Most unusual item catalogued 15:16 Space Junk 17:09 Public Engagement 18:16 Favourite era of space history 22:14 Jonathans library 26:48 Moving the library! 27:47 Book recommendations 30:30 Space culture 33:10 Final thoughts 34:44 Wrap Up and Socials Follow Jonathan on Socials: Website: https://planet4589.org/ X: https://x.com/planet4589 Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fund-jonathans-space-report-library-transition Stay connected with us! Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast Website: www.astroben.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/ X: https://x.com/Gambleonit Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/
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35:57
Kate van Dam: Marine Corps attack helicopter pilot, now strategic leader in the space industry with SkyFi
In this episode, sponsored by Sky Fi, Ben journeyed with Kate Van Dam from her days as a Marine Corps attack helicopter pilot to her current role leading strategy at SkyFi. They explore SkyFi's mission to democratise access to geospatial data, touching on the ethical implications, privacy concerns, and the revolutionary potential of this technology. Kate shared insights on how her military background shapes her strategic vision, how SkyFi navigates the evolving space industry landscape, and the role of AI and machine learning in transforming geospatial analysis. They also discussed upcoming SkyFi projects and the next frontier in commercial space technology. Kate also discusses “Austin 4 America” and tells people how to get free tickets! This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi. Check them out: https://skyfi.com/ OUTLINE: Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode. 00:48 Introducing Kate Van Dam - frome Helicopter Pilot to SkyFi 06:48 A “Ariel view” of the world 09:40 The accessibility of pictures anywhere from space and mass use of technology 13:00 What is hyper spectral imaging and other uses of SkyFi 14:48 Increase in commercial activity and priorities for customer 18:40 Integrating AI and ML and security concerns 22:28 Upcoming projects for SkyFi (update mentioned here: https://skyfi.com/en/blog/planet-launches-single-order-tasking-powered-by-skyfi ) 24:42 Austin 4 America - free tickets here! https://www.austin4america.org/ 27:03 Kate’s personal thoughts about Space 29:03 Wrap Up & Socials Follow SkyFi: Website: https://www.skyfi.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyfi.app X: https://x.com/SkyfiApp Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skyfi-imaging/posts/?feedView=all Austin 4 America: https://www.austin4america.org/ Stay connected with us! Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast Website: www.astroben.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/ X: https://x.com/Gambleonit Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/
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30:04
Astronaut John “ Danny ” Olivas: Astronaut, Mission Assurance Expert, Author and Forensic Engineer
In this episode of The Astro Ben Podcast, Ben speaks with astronaut and mission assurance expert Dr. John "Danny" Olivas from Intuitive Machines HQ. The conversation centers around the IM-2 Lunar Lander mission, set to land at the Moon’s south pole in early 2025. Danny shares exclusive insights into the technology on board, including NASA’s PRIME-1 drill, Nokia’s Lunar Surface Communications System, and Intuitive Machines’ Micro Nova Hopper. The discussion also explores the critical role of engineering in lunar infrastructure, the challenges of operating in the Moon’s extreme environment, and Danny’s experiences as a NASA astronaut, including his iconic spacewalks and space shuttle repair missions. This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi. Check them out: https://skyfi.com/ OUTLINE: Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode. 00:00 Intro to Episode 00:22 This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi 00:42 Introducing Astronaut Dr. John "Danny" Olivas 01:28 Ben tries streaming for the first time (successfully) 02:04 Intuitive Machines IM-2 04:22 Challenges of landing on the lunar South Pole? 06:41 Micro Nova Hopper 09:19 First cellular network on the moon 11:50 IM-2 fitting in with Artemis 15:08 Engineering Innovations of IM-2 17:47 Spacewalks and lunar exploration 21:28 IM-2 to IM-4 24:05 Humanities relationship with the Moon 27:30 Space experience effecting everyday life 32:35 Words of wisdom 34:55 Wrap Up and Socials Follow Dr John "Danny" Olivas: Website: https://uniphigood.com/portfolio_page/john-danny-olivas/ IM-2 Mission Details: https://www.nasa.gov/event/intuitive-machines-clps-flight-im-2/ Intuitive Machines: https://www.intuitivemachines.com/ Stay connected with us! Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast Website: www.astroben.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/ X: https://x.com/Gambleonit Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/
Whether you work in the Space industry or dreamed about becoming an astronaut as a kid, we all have some sort of a connection to Space.
Space enthusiast, Ben Gamble, brings you a weekly podcast all about Space. Although Ben currently works in events and hospitality, he has always had an interest in the Space industry. As a preliminary jump into the Space world, Ben created this podcast to explore what goes on in the industry with the dream of launching his own Space tech company later in life.
Ben hopes to connect people of all ages and encourage them to get involved in Space. AstroBen will be a podcast to empower Space enthusiasts, as well as discussing difficult topics. From rockstars to CEO's, astronomers to actors, expect to hear from diverse perspectives all with the shared obsession with the stars!
![Podcast Cosmosis [Formerly The UFO Rabbit Hole]](https://www.radio.net/podcast-images/175/the-ufo-rabbit-hole-podcast.jpeg?version=aa810190eb6547a8fd808bdc7f700e9f)
USA