In-Orbit

ISAM Conference 2025: European Perspectives

What will it take for Europe to lead the global ISAM revolution?In this special live episode of In-Orbit, host Dallas Campbell takes us inside the ISAM Conference in Belfast for a wide-ranging panel discussion on Europe's ambitions and progress in in-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM).Featuring representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA), UK Space Agency (UKSA), Italian Space Agency (ASI), OHB, and GMV, the panel explores strategic priorities, mission developments, commercial opportunities, and regulatory challenges.From pioneering demo missions and robotic assembly to tackling debris and building a circular economy in space, this episode highlights how Europe is taking bold steps in space sustainability. Discover how ESA is leading by example, what barriers industry still faces, and why collaboration, innovation, and risk-taking will be key to staying ahead in the growing global ISAM market.(00:00) - Introduction to In-Orbit Podcast (01:21) - GMV's Contributions to ISAM (03:25) - ESA's Perspective on ISAM (06:40) - Italian Space Agency's Roadmap (10:40) - UK Space Agency's Role in ISAM (12:52) - OHB's Industrial Viewpoint (16:46) - Strategic Vision for In-Orbit Servicing (21:17) - Europe's Unique Role in IOS Market (26:02) - Policy and Institutional Support (30:59) - Challenges in Clear Space One Program (33:04) - Future Predictions and Recommendations Irene Huertas Garcia: GNC System Engineer at ESA, Irene provides institutional insights into ESA's evolving ISAM roadmap, sustainability efforts, and mission strategy.Matt Cook: Head of Space Exploration at the UK Space Agency, Matt shares the UK’s policy direction, strategic goals, and investments in programs like ADRIOS and ClearSpace One.Enrico Cavallini: Head of Space Transportation & In-Orbit Servicing at ASI, Enrico outlines Italy’s national ISAM roadmap and its pioneering demo mission for servicing and debris removal.Timo Stuffler: Director of Business Development at OHB, Timo gives an industrial view on ClearSpace One, new-space challenges, and balancing innovation with regulation.Juan Bevan: Head of Space at GMV, Juan highlights the company’s robotics, capture interface, and antenna assembly contributions to European ISAM projects.Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, WebsiteGMV: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, WebsiteESA: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, WebsiteASI - Italian Space Agency: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, WebsiteOHB: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, WebsiteUK Space Agency: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Website Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

Outer Orbit: Risk, Regulation and the Role of Non-Execs in the Space Sector

What does it take to turn space tech into a thriving commercial industry?In this bonus episode of Outer Orbit, host Dallas Campbell speaks with Manjari Chandran-Ramesh, Partner at Amadeus Capital and a new Non-Executive Director at the Satellite Applications Catapult. Together, they explore how investment in deep tech areas like AI, robotics, and quantum is shaping the future of the UK space sector. With a background in engineering and machine learning, and experience with early Google driverless car projects, Manjari brings a unique lens to the conversation on emerging technology and venture capital.(00:00) - Welcome to Outer Orbit (00:42) - Amadeus Capital's Investment Journey (01:19) - The Excitement of Deep Tech (02:13) - Diving into Driverless Cars (03:54) - The Role of a Non-Executive Director (04:50) - The Thrill of the Space Sector (05:58) - The Importance of Satellites (07:30) - Future of Space Tech Startups (08:30) - Risk Aversion in the UK vs. US Manjari Chandran-Ramesh: Partner at Amadeus Capital and non-executive director at the Satellite Applications Catapult. She brings over a decade of experience investing in AI, robotics, and quantum technologies and has a PhD in machine learning. Manjari has helped scale deep tech businesses from research through to commercial exit.Outer-Orbit is our bonus series where we share short episodes that continue the conversation from our main episodes, focusing in on a particular topic or point of view.Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Website Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

The Future of Space Finance

Is your space startup truly investible? In this episode of In-Orbit, host Dallas Campbell is joined by three leading voices from the investment world to unpack what makes the UK space sector so dynamic—and so challenging—for investors and founders alike. Manjari Chandran-Ramesh of Amadeus Capital Partners, Shruti Iyengar from Future Planet Capital, and Nayen Pankhania of the Satellite Applications Catapult share real-world insights on how the space tech landscape is evolving, what investors are looking for, and how founders can bridge the gap between engineering brilliance and commercial clarity.(00:00) - Welcome to In-Orbit (00:33) - Meet the Guests (05:10) - Understanding the UK Space Investment Landscape (07:25) - Challenges and Opportunities in Space Investment (09:47) - Government's Role in Space Sector Growth (15:37) - Making Space Companies Investible (20:30) - Valuation and Risk Assessment in Space Investments (24:22) - The Role of R&D and Commercialisation in Space Tech (25:09) - Investment Cycles and AI in Space Tech (27:36) - Space Domain Awareness and Debris Mitigation (28:27) - Regulation and Investment in Space Tech (35:05) - Scaling Challenges for Space Startups (36:20) - Advice for Space Startups Seeking Investment (39:23) - The Dynamic Space Ecosystem and Support Systems The conversation covers everything from the rise of dual-use technologies and defence applications to the critical importance of clear product-market fit. Whether you're a deep tech founder navigating funding options or a curious listener trying to understand where the smart money is going in space, this episode demystifies the venture landscape and offers concrete advice on scaling, strategy, and storytelling.Manjari Chandran-Ramesh: Partner at Amadeus Capital Partners and Non-Executive Director at the Satellite Applications Catapult, with expertise in deep tech and global investment strategy.Shruti Iyengar: Investment Manager at Future Planet Capital, leading the UK Innovation and Science Seed Fund's space sub-fund with a focus on impact-driven startups.Nayen Pankhania: Investment and Strategic Finance Director at the Satellite Applications Catapult, working to increase capital flow and commercial readiness across the UK space ecosystem.Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, WebsiteAmadeus Capital Partners: WebsiteFuture Planet Capital: Website Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

Outer Orbit: Why Local Space Clusters Matter for the UK's Space Industry

What does it take to build a truly connected and collaborative space sector?In this bonus episode of Outer Orbit, host Dallas Campbell sits down with Simone Hartless, Head of Capabilities and Clusters at the Satellite Applications Catapult, to unpack how the UK’s space ecosystem is evolving. From Connected Capability Networks (CCNs) to local space clusters, Simone explains the infrastructure behind innovation—linking academia, industry, and government across regions.Simone shares how actively managed clusters and CCNs enable 'curated serendipity', creating environments where chance encounters become strategic collaborations. They explore the challenges of sustaining these networks, the role of cluster managers, and how national growth in space employment is being driven by regional participation. Whether you're an SME, a researcher, or just space-curious, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how space innovation is nurtured across the UK.(00:00) - Welcome to Outer Orbit (00:29) - Connected Capability Networks (CCNs) (00:51) - Exploring the Space Ecosystem (01:14) - Roles in the UK Space Ecosystem (01:42) - Defining Primes and SMEs (02:02) - Health of the UK Space Ecosystem (03:07) - The Concept of Space Clusters (04:10) - Challenges in Connectivity and Collaboration (06:02) - The Role of Space Conferences (07:01) - Connecting with Local Space Clusters (07:36) - Conclusion and Future Episodes Simone Hartless: Head of Capabilities and Clusters at the Satellite Applications Catapult, Simone leads efforts to grow and connect the UK space ecosystem. She specialises in creating strategic networks that link industry, academia, and government to accelerate innovation in space data and technology.Outer-Orbit is our bonus series where we share short episodes that continue the conversation from our main episodes, focusing in on a particular topic or point of view.Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Website Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

Catalysing Innovation in Space: Connected Capability Networks

What if the key to solving Earth-based challenges lies in space? In this episode of In-Orbit, host Dallas Campbell explores Connected Capability Networks (CCNs) with guests Simone Hartless, Phil Carvil, and Jessie Hamill-Stewart. Together, they unpack how CCNs are transforming the UK's approach to space innovation by linking experts from space and non-space sectors. From cybersecurity to pharmaceuticals and even cosmetics, CCNs are creating "actively curated serendipity," enabling collaboration across disciplines that wouldn't otherwise intersect.(00:00) - Welcome to In-Orbit (00:29) - Meet the Guests (01:53) - Understanding Connected Capability Networks (CCNs) (02:23) - The Role of Space Clusters in the UK (03:10) - Connecting Experts Across the UK (04:58) - Cybersecurity and Space Domain Awareness (06:10) - Workshops and Networking (08:10) - Importance of Space Domain Awareness (15:33) - National Space Strategy (16:41) - Interdisciplinary Collaboration (17:54) - Government Priorities and Space Sector Growth (18:49) - CCN Kickoff and Dynamic Adaptation (19:27) - Flexibility and Future Focus (20:05) - Space Data Centers and Manufacturing (22:54) - Collaborative Networks and Workshops (25:09) - CCN Impacts and Success Stories (30:25) - Challenges and Interdisciplinary Collaboration (30:55) - Engaging Diverse Sectors (33:49) - Public Perception and Language Barriers (35:43) - Space Cluster Directory and Support (38:32) - Final Thoughts Listeners will hear how initiatives like the CyCCN bring together cybersecurity specialists and space domain awareness experts, while pilot programmes across the UK target agriculture, connectivity, and beyond-Earth solutions. This episode offers a unique glimpse into how cross-sector innovation is driven by practical workshops, strategic roadmaps, and a commitment to demystifying space. It also explores the national strategy behind the networks and how they aim to foster sustainable growth, create jobs, and position the UK as a global space leader. Simone Hartless: Head of Capabilities and Clusters at the Satellite Applications Catapult, leading innovation and business support services, cluster development, and national engagement across the UK space ecosystem.Phil Carvil: Head of Clusters at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), part of UKRI, focused on connecting regional science and innovation strengths through space cluster development and policy alignment.Jessie Hamill-Stewart: PhD researcher in cybersecurity and space at the Universities of Bristol and Bath, and lead on the CySpace CCN. She specialises in securing space domain awareness and interdisciplinary collaboration.Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, WebsiteScience and Technology Facilities Council: WebsiteCySpace: Website Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.