Today, our guest is Susan Kilrain, someone who has not just pushed boundaries, but also defied gravity in the process. Starting her journey with a private pilot's license at age 17, Susan has navigated an incredible career path. Despite being denied a place in the Air Force because they’d fulfilled their annual quota of woman, Susan turned this setback into setups for greater achievements. She went on to become a distinguished American aerospace engineer, a United States Navy officer, and a NASA astronaut. Susan’s record as the youngest person to pilot a space shuttle, being only one of three ..read more

Today’s guest is self-professed accidental space cadet, Heather Leser. Heather’s early career started in healthcare, but she navigated her business and management skills through retail, non-profit, and even marketing, until she landed a role as executive assistant to the CEO of Eta Space. It was here that she discovered her love for space, climbing the ranks to her current role as Chief Administrative Officer. Heather's unplanned voyage into space has shaped her calling, and she now cherishes her position in the industry. Aside from Eta Space, she also supports Laura Forczyk, a space consultan ..read more

In today's episode, we’re joined by Laura Forczyk, a renowned space consultant and career coach with nearly 20 years' industry experience. As the founder and executive director of Astralytical, Laura has made it her mission to help businesses, governments, non-profits, and professionals worldwide thrive in the fast-paced and fascinating space sector. With a lifelong passion for space and a background in astrophysics and planetary science, Laura has successfully transitioned her broad range of skills into her unique niche today. In this episode, we'll discuss Laura's journey into the industry ..read more

Today on the podcast we’re joined by one of EVONA’s very own strategic advisors, Jeff Crusey. As an experienced deep tech venture capitalist, Jeff specialises in solving significant real-world problems in the realms of space, defence, climate, energy, cybersecurity, AR, VR, advanced computing, and beyond. Jeff is the founder and general partner of Farpoint, an early-stage deep tech venture capital firm, focussed on global security and resilience. Before Farpoint, Jeff was the investment director at Seraphim Capital where he worked on 20+ investment rounds for space tech startups. Seraphim part ..read more

In today's podcast episode, we're joined by special guest Andrew Aldrin, son of Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Although he didn't initially plan a career in the space industry, Andrew ultimately found his way there and made significant contributions to the field. He currently serves as Program Coordinator for the innovative Masters of Space Operations program at the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, preparing students and mid-career professionals for successful careers in space. Andrew also passionately leads the Aldrin Family Foundation as President, a charitable organization focused on ..read more

Today on the podcast we’re joined by Michael Cassandra, co-founder and chief culture office of RocketStar. Based in New York, RocketStar are rethinking space travel from the inside out, starting by improving the engines that power us to the stars. With a strong focus on reusability, reliability, and minimising cost, their revolutionary Aerospike engines combine efficiency and power, providing between 25-35% more thrust over conventional rocket engines, without using extra fuel to do so. Mike is passionate about cultivating a company culture that brings people with a genuine passion for space e ..read more

This week on the podcast we’re joined by Sam Peterson, director of spacecraft operations at Firefly Aerospace, and former Swedish Space Corporation business development director. With a military background, Sam’s extensive industry experience has taken him on an incredible journey through the space sector – he’s been involved in some unbelievable projects that we will discuss later in more detail. In this episode, we dive into Sam’s unique space origin story, and the path that lead him to Firefly, an end-to-end space transportation company. By designing, manufacturing, and operating reliable l ..read more

We’re switching things up on the podcast this week with our first ever double guest spot. Today, we’re joined by Christina Korp, Astronaut Wrangler, space advisor, producer, and the Director of Space for a Better World. Alongside Christina, we're speaking with Nicole Stott, astronaut, aquanaut, engineer, artist, and the director of the Space for Art Foundation. Not only is this our first double guest spot, but we’re approaching this episode from a brand new perspective. It’s an EVONA Origin Stories diversity and inclusion special ..read more

Today on the podcast we’re joined by Ryan McDevitt, co-founder and CEO of Benchmark Space Systems. Ryan’s dream of working in the space sector was set in motion in his early childhood, with his first ever drawings being of spacecraft and astronauts. From here, he followed his passion through education before founding Benchmark, an innovative space start-up who are reimagining systems for a new class of spacecraft. They’re combining mission heritage, best-in-class propulsion products with advanced control products and services, delivering bundled in-space mobility solutions with significant cos ..read more

Today we’re speaking with Leon Alkalai, CEO of Mandala Space Ventures. After some incredible industry experience, including 32 years as a tech fellow at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lap working on some fascinating lunar robotic exploration projects, Leon has re-entered the world of space as an entrepreneur, investor, and mentor. His latest endeavour, Mandala Space Ventures, is a venture studio dedicated to creating and investing in New Space companies, enabling founders to launch new pathways to space for the benefit of humanity. With such extensive experience across the industry, Leon has some reall ..read more