The Vector

What does it take to close the business case of space—and what factors should we be watching?  In this episode, Kelli Kedis Ogborn, vice president of space commerce & entrepreneurship at Space Foundation, is joined by Michael Mealling, General Partner at Starbridge Venture Capital, to explore how the commercial space sector is working to justify investment, scale sustainably, and deliver tangible economic returns. Together, they examine what it means to validate the broader economic promise of space: proving enduring market demand, securing anchor customers, and demonstrating that space-based solutions can compete in—and create—new markets. Michael shares candid insight into the investment landscape, the importance of capital-efficient growth, and the signals investors are watching as space matures from a frontier to a foundational domain of commerce. Tune in for a forward-looking discussion on how the business case for space is being built—and who's paving the way for its long-term success.    The Vector, from Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation, covers the topics, trends, and insights driving the space ecosystem.   Get the latest updates from The Vector by joining the quarterly newsletter at https://www.spacefoundation.org/cie/space-commerce-institute/the-vector/

How are lunar operations shaping the future of space exploration, and what role does the cislunar economy play in the next era of commercial space activity? In this episode, Kelli Kedis Ogborn, vice president of Space Commerce & Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation, sits down with Takeshi Hakamada, CEO of ispace, to explore the growing potential of lunar infrastructure and business opportunities beyond Earth's orbit. They discuss how companies like ispace are pioneering lunar landers, resource utilization, and sustainable operations to drive economic growth in the cislunar space. Takeshi shares insights into the challenges and breakthroughs in lunar exploration, the commercial viability of moon-based industries, and the global partnerships fueling this new frontier. Tune in to discover how the cislunar economy is evolving and what it means for the future of space commerce, innovation, and sustainability.    The Vector, from Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation, covers the topics, trends, and insights driving the space ecosystem.   Get the latest updates from The Vector by joining the quarterly newsletter at https://www.spacefoundation.org/cie/space-commerce-institute/the-vector/

How is artificial intelligence revolutionizing space innovations and redefining autonomy in orbit? In this episode, Kelli Kedis Ogborn, vice president of Space Commerce & Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation, sits down with Lorenzo Feruglio, CEO and founder of AIKO, to discuss the game-changing role of AI in the space industry. They explore how machine learning and AI are streamlining mission operations, reducing repetitive tasks, and driving efficiency, scalability, and innovation in space exploration and commerce. Lorenzo also shares insights into the research and development behind these breakthroughs and offers strategies for fostering growth with cutting-edge AI solutions. Discover how AI is shaping the future of autonomous operations in space and creating endless opportunities for innovation in this dynamic and rapidly evolving sector.    The Vector, from Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation, covers the topics, trends, and insights driving the space ecosystem.   Get the latest updates from The Vector by joining the quarterly newsletter at https://www.spacefoundation.org/cie/space-commerce-institute/the-vector/

How can space drive economic growth and strengthen national security? Join Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Vice President of Space Commerce & Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation, and Kevin O'Connell, President and CEO of Space Economy Rising, LLC, as they discuss the emerging business models shaping the space economy and how countries can expand their roles in this dynamic ecosystem. Drawing from global insights and private discussions with government leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs, Kevin shares actionable strategies for fostering innovation, enabling effective governance, and building diverse talent pipelines. Learn why “status quo is not an option” in the rapidly evolving space economy and how leveraging space can enhance both economic and national security outcomes.   The Vector, from Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation, covers the topics, trends, and insights driving the space ecosystem.   Get the latest updates from The Vector by joining the quarterly newsletter at https://www.spacefoundation.org/cie/space-commerce-institute/the-vector/  

The commercial space industry is transforming rapidly, with private companies driving innovation and accessibility like never before. Join Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Space Foundation Vice President of Space Commerce & Entrepreneurship, and Kevin Lausten, President of Morpheus Space, as they discuss how advancements in space mobility are reshaping operations and the role of private companies in this transformation. Kevin shares insights from Morpheus Space's work and his 23 years of industry expertise to shed light on the future of space commerce.   The Vector, from Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation, covers the topics, trends, and insights driving the space ecosystem.   Get the latest updates from The Vector by joining the quarterly newsletter at https://www.spacefoundation.org/cie/space-commerce-institute/the-vector/

How do we protect critical assets in space? Join Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Vice President of Space Commerce & Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation, and Lt Gen John Shaw, USSF (Ret), as they share insights into the vital role of Space Domain Awareness in national security. They'll explore current threats, strategies for safeguarding the space environment, and the evolving landscape of defense in the space sector.   The Vector, from Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation, covers the topics, trends, and insights driving the space ecosystem.   Get the latest updates from The Vector by joining the quarterly newsletter at https://www.spacefoundation.org/cie/space-commerce-institute/the-vector/ 

Is your company defense ready? Join Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Vice President of Space Commerce & Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation, and Sean McKay, Owner & CEO of Precision ISR Consulting, as we explore the ways companies can design and prepare their technology for both commercial and defense applications.   The Vector, from Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation, covers the topics, trends, and insights driving the space ecosystem.   Get the latest updates from The Vector by joining the quarterly newsletter at https://www.spacefoundation.org/cie/space-commerce-institute/the-vector/ 

Want to know how the space industry has changed over the past year? Tune in as Lesley Conn, Director of Research & Digital Programming at Space Foundation, explores the latest changes and highlights from The Space Report Q2 2024.    The Vector, from Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation, covers the topics, trends, and insights driving the space ecosystem.   Get the latest updates from The Vector by joining the quarterly newsletter at https://www.spacefoundation.org/cie/space-commerce-institute/the-vector/ 

How can commercial space entities approach sustainability strategically? Listen to Chris Blackerby, Chief Operating Officer of Astroscale, a leading on-orbit servicing company, as he discusses their approach to creating a sustainable infrastructure to decrease risk and increase value in space with host Kelli Kedis Ogborn.  The Vector, from Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation, covers the topics, trends, and insights driving the space ecosystem.   Get the latest updates from The Vector by joining the quarterly newsletter at https://www.spacefoundation.org/cie/space-commerce-institute/the-vector/ 

How will space sustainability efforts today impact the global space ecosystem tomorrow? Join Dr. Peter Martinez, Executive Director of Secure World Foundation, and host Kelli Kedis Ogborn to learn more about the paradigms shaping space sustainability conversations among stakeholders worldwide.  The Vector is brought to you by Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation. To tune in live, listen on other platforms, and learn more about Space Commerce Institute programs, please visit http://bit.ly/sci_links.  

In a special edition episode of The Vector filmed at the 39th Space Symposium, host Kelli Kedis Ogborn discusses the players and initiatives driving the workforce of the future with Mel Stricklan of the Space Workforce 2030 initiative and Mike French of Aerospace Industries Association.  Tune in and find out how you can become part of the solution.  The Vector is brought to you by Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation. To tune in live, listen on other platforms, and learn more about Space Commerce Institute programs, please visit http://bit.ly/sci_links.

How will U.S. policy and regulation efforts create viable pathways for international commercial cooperation in space? Hear from Rose Croshier, International Relations Specialist at NOAA's Office of Space Commerce, as she and host Kelli Kedis Ogborn discuss how businesses from across the globe can effectively engage with the U.S. space industry. To access Rose's free e-book, the Handbook for Space Capability Development, visit this link: www.cgdev.org/publication/handbook-space-capability-development. To learn more about the Office of Space Commerce, visit their website: www.space.commerce.gov/. The Vector is brought to you by Space Commerce Institute at Space Foundation. To tune in live, listen on other platforms, and learn more about Space Commerce Institute programs, please visit http://bit.ly/sci_links.  

What if satellites could be assembled in space? In-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) has a long name and an even longer list of game-changing applications. On this episode of The Vector, hear from iBOSS GmbH Co-Founders Joerg Kreisel and Thomas A. Schervan as they embark on an insightful conversation about ISAM innovation with host Kelli Kedis Ogborn. How will companies like iBOSS enable the build-out of a sustainable ISAM ecosystem? Tune in for the inside scoop on this up-and-coming space industry segment.  

Dr. Ken Davidian, vice president of International Space University North America discusses strategies, considerations, pitfalls, and emerging sectors in transatlantic space activities with Kelli Kedis Ogborn, vice president of Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation.

2023 marks fifty years since the U.S. Department of Defense began developing GPS technology. Today, it underlies everything from navigation to recreation and agriculture. Register now to join us for a conversation with Lisa Dyer, executive director of GPS Innovation Alliance, and Kelli Kedis Ogborn vice president of Space Commerce & Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation about the wide-ranging impact of GPS technology on our lives.  

Gail Nolan, CEO of the Puerto Rico 5G Zone + Blockchain Ignition Lab discusses Puerto Rico's pivotal role in nurturing space workforce development, spanning from K-12 education to thriving businesses with Kelli Kedis Ogborn, vice president of Space Commerce & Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation.  

Michal Brichta, director of Slovak Space Office discusses the new space players and technologies shaping the ecosystem and contributing to its growth potential with  Kelli Kedis Ogborn, vice president of Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

Delve into the state of the space economy and insights from The Space Report Q2 2023 with Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Space Foundation's vice president of  Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship, Lesley Conn, Space Foundation's director of research and analysis, and Brendan Rosseau, and Matthew Weinzierl from Harvard Business School. Learn more about the Space Report 

Raphael Roettgen, Founder, E2MC Ventures chats about how to identify opportunities in the space economy and create strategies to achieve goals and respond to demand signals with Kelli KedisOgborn Vice President of Space Commerce & Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation.  Episode Resources: Space Business Podcast https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast Space economy book https://www.amazon.com/Infinity-New-Space-Economy-Participate-ebook/dp/B0BK9R7C6C/ Space economy course https://www.edx.org/course/new-space-economy Forthcoming Newsletter https://spacebusiness.substack.com/

Clay Mowry, Chief Revenue Officer, Voyager discusses commercial low earth orbit (LEO) destinations– the intent, activities, and goals for stimulating economic growth with Kelli Kedis Ogborn Vice President of Space Commerce & Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation.

Mike French, Vice President for Space Systems at the Aerospace Industries Association discusses  the evolving space ecosystem is changing business practices and how companies can recruit diverse top talent to stay competitive with Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Vice President of Space Commerce & Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation.

Kelli Kedis Ogborn Vice President of Space Commerce & Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation and Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark discuss how to leverage (and secure) your great idea to advance the space ecosystem.

Meredith Reeves, Technology Transfer Expansion Lead (T2X) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center about the Benefits of Technology Transfer and Kelli Kedis Ogborn, VP of Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship discuss how to leverage NASA's IP to increase business opportunities and create a competitive edge.

Matt Tompkins, VP of the Space Portfolio at The Outpost and Kelli Kedis Ogborn Vice President of Space Commerce & Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation discuss strategies for engaging the government and private sector to advance innovation and R&D efforts.

John Wensveen, Ph.D., Chief Innovation Officer, Nova Southeastern University & Executive Director, of Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation and Kelli Kedis Ogborn VP of Space Commerce & Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation discuss the power of collaboration and the necessity to cultivate strong innovation ecosystems to allow entrepreneurs to thrive.

Jamie Lesser, CEO of of NewSpace Finance, Zaheer Ali, Managing Director of NewSpace Finance, and Kelli Kedis Ogborn, VP of Space Commerce & Entrepreneurship at Space Foundation discuss investing in the space economy.