Explore every episode of the podcast Space Café Radio
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space Cafe Radio - Cyber Threats in Space: Why the Ground Segment Is the Real Target with Roger Patrick | 23 Jul 2026 | 00:18:03 | |
"If someone ever claims they've finished implementing all the cyber, it's nonsense - it's a continually evolving problem." That clear-eyed honesty runs through this entire conversation, recorded live at SmallSat Europe in Amsterdam, where Torsten Kriening sits down with Roger Patrick, Director of Sales and Business Development at TERMA. TERMA sits right at the core of the operational chain - building satellite control and test systems that integrate with manufacturers and operators - which makes Patrick the ideal person to puncture a dangerous assumption: that the satellite is the prize and the ground is just plumbing. As he puts it, the plumbing is exactly what gets you access to the satellite. People talk about jamming and signal spoofing, but the real soft target is the terrestrial infrastructure: polluted software supply chains, abused user access rights, and all the familiar weaknesses of any IT system. A system is only as strong as its weakest link - and that link is usually on the ground. From there, the conversation ranges across the questions that rarely make the slides: how to retrofit secure-by-design, DevSecOps and zero trust into existing systems without breaking them or the budget; what NIS2, Germany's space security strategy and the coming EU Space Act mean for operators built on assumptions regulators may be about to retire; and the unglamorous reality that certification is fragmented across countries and standards. Patrick is candid on scaling security across thousands of satellites - layered architecture, automated key management, and resilience that lets you cut a compromised ground station loose and keep operating - and on why zero trust has moved from recommendation to near-mandate, even if "100% zero trust" remains a utopian ideal. He also tackles AI on both sides of the fight (penetration testing and productivity versus smarter attacks), the post-quantum threat and the NIST algorithms built to withstand it, and why none of this is a military-only problem: every asset in orbit is mission critical and worth protecting. His one ask for Monday morning? Think about security from day one — never as a bolt-on afterthought. Sharp, practical, and refreshingly free of hype. Press play. This Space Cafe Radio is supported by TERMA. We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Empowering the UAE's Space Future - Insights from Franck Mouriaux | 09 Jul 2026 | 00:20:50 | |
"We're the supermarket of data. If you want a biscuit, you buy the milk - you don't need to be an expert in cows." Mouriaux is a space engineer whose CV reads like a tour of modern spaceflight - Sentinel-1, Galileo, EarthCARE, OneWeb, and Rocket Lab - before EDGE and the UAE offered him a new challenge: building a sovereign, industrial-scale space company from a near-standing start. In barely two years, FADA has set out to move the UAE from buying components to designing its own systems, and from government-funded activity to a genuine, commercially viable business. As Mouriaux explains, sovereignty doesn't mean doing everything yourself - it means knowing what's critical enough to keep in your own hands, and leveraging a surprisingly rich Emirati ecosystem for the rest. At the heart of the discussion is the SIRB constellation, and FADA's deliberate bet on synthetic aperture radar over the optical everyone else is chasing. Mouriaux makes a compelling case: radar sees day and night, through cloud, anywhere on the globe - and during the difficult months earlier this year, when clouds rendered most optical imagery useless, it was radar the armed forces relied on. He talks candidly about the dual-use civilian and defence applications, the transfer-of-knowledge model behind the first three satellites, partnerships with MetaSensing and ST Engineering, and a first launch targeted for early 2028. But the most forward-looking thread is Zenith - FADA's multi-constellation orchestration system, already live and optimising tasking across some 300 commercial satellites from eight to ten providers, with FADA's own satellites to come. It's the "supermarket" made real: one unified format, whoever the data comes from. Mouriaux closes on the thing you can't buy - people - and FADA's work embedding UAE nationals and running the Space Academy to build the brains long before the hardware. Visionary, pragmatic, and full of momentum. Press play. We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Understanding NATO's Intelligence Challenges - A Conversation with Major General Paul Lynch | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:33:38 | |
"When allied intelligence sharing fails, it's almost never a collection failure - it's an integration failure." That's the uncomfortable argument Major General Paul Lynch opened the main stage with at GEOINT 2026, and it's the thread Torsten Kriening pulls on in this candid, wide-ranging conversation recorded live in Aurora, Colorado. As Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence at NATO Headquarters for nearly three years - and a Royal Marine with a 30-year career behind him - Lynch has a rare vantage point on how the alliance turns raw collection into decisions at speed. He walks us through the hard-won lessons of Ukraine, where fusing geospatial, open-source and electronic intelligence onto a single platform and linking it directly to effect transformed battlefield effectiveness in months, not years. He explains how NATO is capturing those lessons through JATEC, the first joint NATO–Ukraine centre in Poland, and why the real challenge is never just identifying a lesson, but turning it into capability, doctrine and policy - knowing all the while that the next war won't look like this one. The discussion ranges across the deterrence operations now shaping the alliance - Eastern Sentry, Baltic Sentry, Arctic Sentry - the power and friction of 32-nation consensus, and the growing role of commercial GEOINT as a core part of the enterprise rather than an afterthought. Lynch makes a clear-eyed case for NGA's LUNO model of machine-driven, near-real-time intelligence, and argues that the barrier isn't technology but data and trust: sharing by default, and commercial integration at scale. It closes on something more personal. In his final GEOINT in this role, Lynch reflects on why he calls legacy "a comforting illusion," on the informal trust he calls HANDCON - the relationships that let you make things work when it matters most - and on a borrowed line from Lincoln: "character is the tree, reputation merely its shadow." Honest, human, and genuinely thought-provoking. Press play. We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Innovation vs. Monopoly: Shaping Germany's Space Future with Major General Michael Traut | 11 Jun 2026 | 00:35:47 | |
What does it take for a nation to treat space not as a scientific hobby, but as a strategic necessity? Live from the 41st Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Torsten Kriening sits down with Major General Michael Traut, Commander of the German Space Command, for a candid conversation about turning vision into execution. This episode moves from strategy to hard numbers: Germany's historic €35 billion (rising to roughly €45 billion) space investment, the new Space Safety and Security Strategy with its 65 named missions, and SATCOM Stage 4 - the largest space programme the Bundeswehr has ever attempted, a multi-orbit constellation of several hundred satellites modelled on the U.S. SDA's "rolling fleets" approach. Traut speaks frankly about the tensions shaping Europe's space moment: speed versus competition, the SPOCK reconnaissance awards and the risk of new monopolies, SIGINT from space, inspector satellites and counter-space capabilities, and how national capability (SATCOM Stage 4) and European cooperation (IRIS²) can reinforce rather than rival each other. With the clock ticking toward 2029, it's a clear-eyed look at how Germany intends to become a partner others can lean on - and why time, not money, is now the scarcest resource. Essential listening for anyone tracking the future of European security in orbit. To read: German Space Safety and Security Strategy Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Permission to Retire: Denied - How the US Space Force Was Born with Clint Crosier | 04 Jun 2026 | 00:35:08 | |
"It's not about the satellites and rockets - it's about the data." That single line captures a career that has reshaped how the world thinks about space. Live from the Cheyenne Mountain Resort on the eve of the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Torsten Kriening sits down with Major General (Ret.) Clint Crosier for a rare, candid conversation across three transformations. Crosier was the lead architect of the U.S. Space Force - and he takes us behind closed doors: the empty white board, the 30-day deadline from the President, the "antibodies" inside the Pentagon, and the day on Capitol Hill when he first believed it would really happen. He recounts commanding the global GPS constellation through a live, on-orbit operating-system swap for a billion users, and launching national-security payloads from Vandenberg in the tense weeks after 9/11. Then comes transformation number two: building the AWS Aerospace & Satellite business from zero to thousands of customers worldwide, and proving that space is, at its heart, a big-data problem - from a Snowcone on the ISS to edge computing on orbit. The conversation looks ahead to commercial GEOINT, allied integration, the Moon, Mars, and the cloud following customers all the way to the edge of the solar system. And it closes with transformation number three: Crosier's new venture, Delta V Strategies, and an open invitation to build what comes next. A masterclass in leading change in the space domain. Essential listening. Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - "What Washington Doesn't See" - Dr. Michael Gleason on Europe's Geopolitical Space Awakening | 28 May 2026 | 00:21:36 | |
"I think the US in general doesn't pay much attention to European space." That's how Dr. Michael Gleason of the Aerospace Corporation opens - and it's exactly the blind spot this conversation sets out to expose. Recorded live on day two of the 41st Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Torsten Kriening sits down with the analyst whose latest paper, "Geopolitical Awakening: The European Union and Space," made a lot of Europeans uncomfortable - not because he got it wrong, but because an American got it right. It's Gleason's ninth paper on EU space activities across more than twenty years of watching the continent's slow, incremental, and now suddenly accelerating progress. The conversation digs into what mapping Europe's space ecosystem from the outside reveals that insiders often miss. Gleason walks through the political-will framework he first built in 2004 - policy, institutions, senior-leader attention, and money - and explains why, with up to €60 billion on the table in the next EU budget, he believes this time Europe means it. Then comes his one truly original insight: as EU funding flows into ESA, the share could climb past 50%, and that "different color of money" might quietly loosen the geographic-return rule that has held European space together for forty years. From strategic autonomy (and what Washington actually hears when Europeans say it - "not much") to dual-use tensions around Galileo, Copernicus and IRIS², from missile-warning data sharing to the role of NATO, this is a clear-eyed, transatlantic exchange. And it ends on a provocation worth sitting with: the most uncomfortable thing isn't Gleason's conclusions - it's that a European institution didn't write the paper. Strategic autonomy, as Torsten argues, starts with self-understanding. Torsten's Op'ed: #SpaceWatchGL Opinion: Who Understands European Space Better - Washington or Brussels? Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - "Space Is a Team Sport" - Major General Ohl on NATO, Burden Shifting, and the Future of Space Defense | 21 May 2026 | 00:23:19 | |
"Space is a team sport." With that single phrase, German Major General Wolfgang Ohl captures the shift that defined Germany's presence at the 41st Space Symposium - and perhaps the decade ahead for European space defense. Recorded live on the final day in Colorado Springs, Torsten Kriening sits down with the Deputy Director of the Armed Forces Department at the German Ministry of Defense for a candid, strategic conversation. Germany arrived this year with a footprint never seen before: its largest-ever cross-ministerial delegation, a whole-of-government booth under the banner of the national space security and defense strategy, and - for the first time in its history - a federal ministry with "space" in its name.
Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Cafe Radio - Eyes Wide Open: Marshall Smith on Building the Commercial Space Station | 14 May 2026 | 00:20:03 | |
In this episode of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening, Publisher of SpaceWatch.Global, sits down with Marshall Smith, CEO of Starlab Space, at the 41st Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. The conversation reconnects a story that began in Bremen back in 2018, when Marshall was wiring together SLS, Orion, and Gateway at NASA, and now finds him on the other side, building the commercial future he once championed from inside the agency.
Marshall reflects on his transition from NASA, where he was always "commercial at heart" - pushing the system to go faster, do things differently, and question whether all those requirements were truly necessary. Now leading Starlab, he gets to put those convictions into action.
After 54 years of space stations and more than two decades of permanent crewed presence on the ISS, the industry has learned enough. The technology readiness is there. The standards are there. The time has come for commercial enterprise to take over LEO so NASA can focus on the harder things- Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Marshall reveals concrete progress: Starlab is past Critical Design Review with NASA (completed in December), in manufacturing, building structures, with long-lead items in process. They're roughly five to six years into the typical six-to-ten-year development cycle for a complex space vehicle. Some say they haven't hit the hard part yet, but Marshall responds: "We have the capability, we have the experience. Eyes wide open."
The ISS retires around 2030. China's space station is operational today. Marshall is candid about the leaks, the aging equipment, the obsolete components, and the uncertainty about whether extension to 2030 or 2032 will be possible. Starlab's launch target is 2029 - and they intend to be there before the gap opens.
Starlab is a joint venture with Voyager as majority shareholder, joined by Airbus, Mitsubishi, MDA, Palantir, and Hilton -a multinational structure that recreates the ISS partnership at a commercial and business level. The same companies that built parts of the ISS are now building the commercial successor.
Marshall explains why he's not worried: Starship has already been to orbit, and Starlab only needs to reach orbit and deploy - no Moon landing required. By the time Starlab launches, Starship will likely be on its seventh version.
Marshall hints at semiconductor manufacturing, biopharma, pill production, fiber optics, and a proprietary concept that could revolutionize the pace of in-orbit manufacturing. He predicts the demand will be so great that companies might want their own dedicated Starlab modules - and that copies could be built in roughly one to two years.
Having been involved in Artemis 1 and 2 at NASA, Marshall shares his personal joy at the mission's success. For him, it's a signal to the world that humanity is going back to deep space, to the Moon's surface, building Moon bases, going to Mars.
Marshall draws the parallel to the 1400s - when explorers asked "what if we cross this big body of water?" - and now humans are asking the same question about the void of vacuum. The exploration accelerates. We were built for this.
This is a conversation about commercial space stations, the urgency of LEO transition, the iPhone-platform future of orbital manufacturing, and what it means to become a multi-planet species. Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Cell Towers Are Already Dead - They Just Don't Know It Yet with Daniel Faber | 07 May 2026 | 00:23:06 | |
In this special edition of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening, Publisher of SpaceWatch.Global, sits down with Daniel Faber, former CEO of Orbit Fab, on the sun deck of Daniel's home near Hidden Lake outside Denver, Colorado. After almost a decade of knowing each other, this conversation hits differently. Daniel has just stepped down from Orbit Fab - the company he co-founded eight years ago to make satellites refuelable - and is preparing his next bold move. What unfolds is a wide-ranging conversation that challenges assumptions about the future of space.
This is the prediction that sets the tone for an extraordinary conversation.
Daniel reflects on building Orbit Fab from a paradigm nobody believed in to a company where the technology now works and the paradigm has shifted. He shares why stepping aside was the right call, why he's not the right person to take the company to IPO, and what comes next.
From asteroid mining ambitions at Deep Space Industries to creating the in-orbit refueling market at Orbit Fab, Daniel has spent 25 years working on what most people thought was impossible. He shares the throughline: getting humans and life off Earth as the most significant step since we crawled out of the ocean.
Daniel breaks down the emerging direct-to-device satellite communications landscape:
Why AST SpaceMobile is worth $36 billion with only $10 million in revenue, why SpaceX is valued at $1.75 trillion, and what this means for the half-dozen new mega constellation companies funded in the last 6-9 months.
How much of these markets will move to space? Daniel makes the case that the next 10-20 years will reveal dozens of massive new space markets we haven't even imagined yet.
This isn't a friendly endorsement session. Torsten challenges Daniel on sovereignty concerns, single-person dependencies, spectrum constraints, landing rights, and whether the world really needs 100 mega constellations. The exchange that follows shows why this conversation matters.
Daniel stays coy about his new stealth space company, but reveals he's already meeting with likely co-founders and putting pieces in place. His philosophy: be contrarian AND right. Being contrarian is easy. Being right is the hard part. "In order to be successful, entrepreneurs need to be contrarian. If they're doing something everybody already believes, it's a commodity. There's no margins. Why bother?"
From Deep Space Industries to Orbit Fab to whatever comes next—Daniel's mission remains constant: build the in-space economy that can support permanent human life beyond Earth. The most significant step since we crawled out of the ocean.
This is a conversation about cell tower obsolescence, in-space manufacturing markets, the geopolitics of mega constellations, and the contrarian mindset needed to build something the world doesn't yet know it wants.
We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Commercial EO and Sovereign Space Perspectives with Sean Wiid | 30 Apr 2026 | 00:30:54 | |
In this episode of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening, Publisher of SpaceWatch.Global, sits down with Sean Wiid, CEO of UP42, the Berlin-based Earth Observation platform now part of the Neo Space Group. A Unique Vantage Point UP42 sits at a fascinating intersection: a European EO platform headquartered in Berlin, now under Neo Space Group ownership, operating commercially across the world. This positioning gives Sean exceptional perspective on the global EO market in 2026.
The Saudi Acquisition Impact How the ownership change has been positively received globally, plus deployment of a national sovereign version of UP42's platform in Saudi Arabia. European Sovereignty Wave Reading the EO market amid German armed forces investments and emerging sovereignty requirements across Europe. Has Earth Observation Actually Matured?
Customer Empowerment How UP42 enables customers to operate with engineering teams half the size by handling heavy lifting on data acquisition. Sovereignty vs. Monopoly Why diversity creates resilient systems, and how Germany's Spoke 1 and Spoke 2 show sovereign and commercial EO can work together.
Sean's insight: "Standards don't have to come from long, complicated processes. They emerge from people in industry sitting in a room and figuring it out."
For Journalists: How to access satellite imagery responsibly and why building a reputation for responsible usage matters. Security and Privacy: SOC 2 compliance, order anonymity considerations, and the realities of dual-use data. The Sovereignty Solution: Not replacing one monopoly with three, but creating orchestrated ecosystems built on open standards.
"This is probably the most exciting time in our industry that I've ever seen. I'm extremely proud of how far we've come, particularly as a European, Berlin-based company." Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - TTTech - The Silent Power Behind Space Innovation with Christian Fidi and Sascha Bechthold | 23 Apr 2026 | 00:22:45 | |
Host Yvette Gonzalez, Senior Editor at SpaceWatch.Global, talks with Christian Fidi (General Manager) and Sascha Bechthold (VP Engineering and Product Development) of TTTECH’s aerospace business entity - the Vienna-based company quietly powering modern aerospace's most consequential missions. The Heritage: Key Topics: 💰 Investment Philosophy: 70-75% of revenue into product development—one core technology serving multiple industries 🎯 Artemis 2 Reflection: Christian on seeing TTTECH's technology perform flawlessly after years of development 🏗️ Sprint AND Marathon: Balancing rapid satellite deployment with rigorous human spaceflight certification 🇪🇺 Europe's Edge: Why TTTECH is one of the only companies outside the US with this capability Sascha's Perspective: Fresh from Collins Aerospace with 20+ years of aerospace leadership - why he joined TTTECH. The Human Element: "We need something we can feel and believe in." Christian on how Artemis 2 reconnects humanity with purpose after years of global challenges. Sascha's Closing: "When it comes to safe and secure systems, TTTECH is the right partner to keep the environment safe, the people safe, the world safe." Tune in next time, because what happens in space matters on Earth. Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Crafting the Future of Space - Engineers as Policy Pioneers with Dr Daniel Baker | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:30:33 | |
Host Torsten Kriening, Publisher of SpaceWatch.Global, talks with Dr. Daniel Baker, Director of the Space Policy Center at CU Boulder, recorded hours before Artemis 2's splashdown. Why Colorado?
Key Topics: 🔧 The Engineer's Blind Spot: Why technical excellence isn't enough - engineers need to understand historical, political, and legal forces 🌐 The Reverse Approach: Starting with science/engineering, then layering policy and law -opposite of most space policy institutes 🌌 Wild West of Commercial Space: Who's thinking responsibly about how space is used? 🌙 Human vs. Robotic Exploration: What's the right balance? This deserves thoughtful examination, not stumbling forward 📡 Protecting the Moon's Far Side: Satellite proliferation threatens quiet radio astronomy ⚖️ The Space Law Gap: "Other than the Outer Space Treaty, there's almost no guiding principles." Time to act before we damage space like we've damaged Earth. Key Insight: "Engineers are so busy learning technical aspects that they don't get a deeper understanding of how this plays in the broader societal sense."The Mission: Train socially responsible engineers and scientists who understand not just HOW to build space systems, but WHY. We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Oman Signs Artemis Accords and Charts Its Path to Space Sovereignty with Dr. Ali Al Shidhani | 02 Apr 2026 | 00:18:19 | |
Join Torsten Kriening, publisher of SpaceWatch.Global, for this special episode recorded live at the second Middle East Space Conference in Muscat, Oman in January 2026, featuring His Excellency Dr. Ali Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of Communications and IT at Oman's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. In a historic moment for the Gulf region, Dr. Al Shidhani reveals the breaking news: Oman has just become the 61st nation to sign the Artemis Accords -announced on the conference's opening day, just 24 hours after the third round of Oman-U.S. Strategic Dialogue where space cooperation was a key agenda item. Discover:
Dr. Al Shidhani articulates a compelling vision where space is not just about satellites and rockets, but about digital sovereignty, youth inspiration, capacity building, and localizing space technology capabilities with Omani talent. From downstream applications to upstream enablement, from regulatory red tape to red carpet treatment - this is the story of how a Gulf nation is carving its distinctive path in the global space ecosystem. We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - The Transparent Battlefield: Germany's Space and CID Revolution with Major General Fleischmann | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:21:31 | |
The Transparent Battlefield: Space, AI, and the Future of Military Operations In this episode of Space Café Radio, host Torsten Kriening speaks with Major General Armin Fleischmann, Head of Planning for Cyber and Information Domain (CID) and Digitalization of the Bundeswehr, about how modern warfare is being fundamentally transformed by space, data, and artificial intelligence. At the core of the discussion is a powerful concept: the “transparent battlefield.” Driven by pervasive sensors, satellite-based reconnaissance, and real-time data flows, today’s operational environment leaves little room for concealment. Information has become the decisive factor in military success. As Major General Fleischmann explains, modern operations are no longer conceivable without space-based capabilities, which are essential for both communications and intelligence. The Bundeswehr’s Cyber and Information Domain (CID) services plays a central role in this transformation. Acting as the “nervous system” of the armed forces, CID services integrates cyber, geospatial intelligence, and digitization into a unified operational framework. The goal is to connect all available sensors - across land, air, sea, cyber, and space - into a digital combat cloud, supported by AI to process vast amounts of data and accelerate decision-making. The episode also explores Germany’s growing investment in military space capabilities, including new satellite constellations, commercial partnerships, and the integration of geospatial intelligence systems. These developments are positioning Germany not only as a consumer of allied intelligence, but increasingly as a contributor within NATO frameworks. Interoperability remains a central priority. Drawing on lessons from past missions, such as Afghanistan, the Bundeswehr is working toward “zero-day interoperability” with allies - ensuring that systems can connect and operate seamlessly from the outset of any mission. Finally, the conversation turns to the next generation of talent. Major General Fleischmann highlights the importance of emerging leaders, interdisciplinary networks, and strong connections between industry, academia, and the military. In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, people remain the decisive factor. This episode provides a clear and grounded perspective on how space, AI, and digitalization are reshaping defense - and why the future of security will depend on the ability to integrate information, technology, and human judgment into a coherent whole. This episode of Space Cafe Radio is supported by DGI 2026. We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Transforming the Space Foundation - with Dr. Heather Pringle | 19 Mar 2026 | 00:26:03 | |
From Vision to Action: Why Space Symposium 2026 Matters Now More Than Ever In this forward-looking episode of Space Café Radio, Torsten Kriening speaks with Dr. Heather Pringle Maj Gen, USAF (Ret.), CEO of the Space Foundation, ahead of the 41st Space Symposium in Colorado Springs - a gathering that is no longer just an event, but a global platform for action. After years of alignment, the outlook for 2026: 👉 The space community is moving from vision to execution. Dr. Pringle reflects on her journey as CEO through three lenses - appreciation, clarity, and confidence. Appreciation for the speed and scale of the global space ecosystem. Clarity about the structural barriers - the “stovepipes” between sectors. And confidence that these challenges can be solved - but only together. The Space Symposium itself is evolving with that mindset. It is no longer just a week in April - it is a year-round engine of momentum, where conversations turn into partnerships, and partnerships into tangible outcomes. And 2026 could mark a historic moment. For the first time in the Foundation’s 40+ year history, a human mission to the Moon (Artemis II) may be underway during the Symposium itself - a powerful symbol that space is entering a new era of real-world progress. But beyond the headlines, the deeper story is about connection: •Bridging civil, commercial, military, and international actors •Turning geopolitical tension into collaboration •Building interoperability while strengthening sovereign capabilities •Creating a workforce pipeline that inspires, prepares, and employs the next generation From record-breaking participation and growing international engagement to new initiatives in education, storytelling, and industry insights, the Space Foundation is positioning itself as a trusted convener in a fragmented world. And perhaps the most powerful takeaway? 👉 Progress in space is not driven by technology alone - it is driven by relationships. Because in a time of global uncertainty, one thing stands out: The future of space will be shaped not just by rockets and satellites - but by the people who come together, face to face, to make it happen. Colorado Springs is where those conversations begin. We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Cafe Radio - Shaping Tomorrow: UAEs Path in the Global Space Sector with H.E. Salem Al Qubaisi | 14 Mar 2026 | 00:18:46 | |
From Vision to Execution: The UAE’s Next Space Chapter In this special episode of Space Cafe Radio, recorded live at the Middle East Space Conference in Oman, Torsten Kriening speaks with His Excellency Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, about the remarkable evolution of the UAE as a modern, agile space nation. In just over a decade, the United Arab Emirates has moved from ambition to execution — building not only missions, but a fully integrated ecosystem spanning exploration, Earth observation, AI-driven analytics, and international cooperation. Today, the focus is clear: scale, multiply, and globalize. At the heart of this transformation lies the Emirates 2030 Strategy and a bold KPI: “2X everything.” Double the number of companies. Double research output. Double socioeconomic impact. The result? A 35% increase in space companies, now exceeding 300, alongside growing investments in academia, startups, and advanced technologies. But this is more than numbers. Al Qubaisi outlines a model built on enablement — streamlined licensing, 100% foreign ownership, “Zero Bureaucracy” initiatives, and seamless one-stop-shop processes designed to accelerate innovation without compromising safety or risk management. The message to the world: the UAE is open, fast, and serious. Security, he emphasizes, is a pillar — not through militarization, but through enablement. Defense is viewed as a vital customer of space services, reinforcing the role of Earth observation, ISR capabilities, and resilient infrastructure as foundations of sovereignty and economic growth. Partnership is central. The UAE does not seek isolation or duplication. Instead, it positions itself as a high-quality partner in global supply chains — offering world-class infrastructure, political stability, and access to over 30 comprehensive economic agreements worldwide. The goal is not relocation. It is integration. From the Arab Space Cooperation Group’s satellite initiatives to an upcoming regional space-data hackathon leveraging new Earth observation assets, the UAE continues to translate inspiration into industrial capability. Astronaut achievements and youth engagement are not symbolic — they are strategic multipliers feeding a rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem. Looking ahead five years, Al Qubaisi’s vision is pragmatic and ambitious: achieve the 2X target, attract more international co-production, strengthen midstream and downstream industries, and position the UAE as a trusted, competitive node in the global space economy. This episode of Space Cafe Radio captures a nation that understands momentum — and intends to sustain it. The UAE space story is no longer about proving capability. It is about scaling influence. We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Space, Defense, and Diversity: Insights from Prof. Dr. Rafaela Kraus | 08 Mar 2026 | 00:23:57 | |
"We have to bring people together. If we want a functioning ecosystem, we have to break these silos." Prof. Kraus works at the intersection of entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and innovation ecosystems, supporting startups and young innovators in security, defense, and space technologies. In this discussion, she shares insights on why diversity of perspectives - across disciplines, experiences, and backgrounds - is not only a matter of fairness, but a critical capability for building resilient innovation ecosystems. The conversation explores key challenges facing Europe today, including fragmented markets, underdeveloped capital ecosystems for deep-tech startups, and the need to better connect universities, industry, policymakers, and investors. Prof. Kraus emphasizes that innovation rarely happens within isolated sectors - it thrives at the boundaries between disciplines, cultures, and industries. Laura and Rafaela also reflect on the role of education in shaping future talent. Beyond technical expertise, the next generation of engineers and innovators must develop leadership, economic understanding, communication skills, and entrepreneurial thinking to transform breakthrough ideas into real-world capabilities. Another powerful theme of the episode is how space and technology are communicated to society. Too often they are framed as either overly complex or inherently dangerous. Instead, Prof. Kraus suggests presenting space exploration as a long-term human endeavor - comparable to the great cathedral-building projects of past centuries - ambitious, collaborative, and inspiring. Looking ahead, the discussion highlights the importance of breaking down institutional silos, modernizing public-sector structures, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across academia, startups, and established industry players. For International Women’s Day, Prof. Kraus leaves listeners with an inspiring message: follow your passion, connect across boundaries, and help build the ecosystems that will shape the future of space and technology. Or, as Laura Todd put it: "Go for what you enjoy, your passion, and what you love." We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - UAE's Stellar Journey on Space Exploration and Innovation with H.E. Salem Al Marri | 19 Feb 2026 | 00:14:18 | |
From Mars to the Moon: The UAE’s Bold Space Vision In this powerful episode of Space Cafe Radio, recorded live at the Middle East Space Conference 2026 in Muscat, Oman, Torsten Kriening sits down with H.E. Salem Al Marri, Managing Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), to reflect on one of the most remarkable space transformations of the past two decades. From its beginnings in Earth observation with DubaiSat-1 to developing fully indigenous satellite systems, MBRSC has evolved into a project-driven powerhouse - focused not on bureaucracy, but on delivery. But the story does not stop in orbit around Earth. 🚀 The UAE’s Hope Mars Mission proved that ambitious deep space exploration is possible - even for a young space nation. 🛰️ The astronaut program has delivered long-duration ISS missions and the first Arab spacewalk. 🌕 As a partner in Artemis program, the UAE is building the Gateway airlock - securing seats to lunar orbit, and aiming ultimately for the Moon’s surface. Salem Al Marri makes one thing clear: these missions are not symbolic milestones. They are capability engines. Every astronaut mission fuels human life sciences research. Every deep space challenge strengthens engineering excellence. Every rover built pushes national talent further. MBRSC’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: Think bigger than what seems possible - and build the talent to match it. From landing a rover on the Moon’s far side to one day placing an Emirati footprint on the lunar surface, the UAE is not chasing headlines - it is building long-term capability. And perhaps the most inspiring moment of the episode? When asked what success looks like, Salem Al Marri answers without hesitation: A human from the UAE standing on the Moon. That is the vision. That is the ambition. And the journey is already underway. Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Beyond Earth: Space Refueling and National Security with Daniel Faber | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:17:14 | |
Refueling the Future: How Orbit Fab is Building Gas Stations in Space Join host Maria Varmazis from T-Minus Space Daily as she sits down with Daniel Faber, CEO of Orbit Fab, at Commercial Space Week in Orlando, Florida for this special guest production for Space Café Radio. In this fascinating conversation, Daniel reveals how his company is revolutionizing space operations by building the critical infrastructure that will unlock humanity's multi-planetary future - refueling stations in orbit. Discover:
From hydrazine to xenon, from LEO to GEO, Orbit Fab is building the industrial chemical supply chain that will enable satellite servicing, space manufacturing, and eventually - asteroid mining. As Daniel says: "Getting humanity off Earth is going to be the most significant thing that's happened since we crawled out of the ocean. Why would I work on anything else?" Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Power, Politics, and Strategy in Todays World with Dr. Patrick Keller | 05 Feb 2026 | 00:24:07 | |
Power, Responsibility, and Europe’s Moment of Truth In this episode of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening speaks with Dr. Patrick Keller, Deputy Research Director at the German Council on Foreign Relations, about a world order that is no longer theoretical - but brutally real. Dr. Keller dismantles one of Europe’s most comfortable assumptions: that international politics is still governed primarily by rules, institutions, and good intentions. That era, he argues, is fading fast. Power - political, economic, military, and technological - is once again the decisive currency. And Europe, especially Germany, must learn to think and act accordingly. The conversation moves swiftly from abstract geopolitics to concrete consequences. A more transactional United States, shifting signals from Washington, and growing doubts about the long-term credibility of NATO security guarantees force Europe to confront an uncomfortable reality: strategic autonomy is no longer a slogan - it is a necessity. From Greenland’s geopolitical relevance to the erosion of trust in long-standing alliances, Keller outlines a world in which geography, deterrence, and credibility matter again. In this context, space emerges not as a futuristic add-on, but as a core pillar of sovereignty. Investment in space infrastructure, resilience, and security is no longer optional - it is foundational for national and European defense. Perhaps most striking is Keller’s call for clarity. Germany, he argues, must distinguish between what is essential and what is merely comfortable. Defense capability, economic competitiveness, technological leadership, and European cohesion must take precedence over symbolic debates and strategic hesitation. Looking toward 2026, the message is unmistakable: Germany has the weight, the responsibility, and the opportunity to lead - but only if it is willing to act. Leadership, in this new global order, means making hard choices early rather than paying higher prices later. This episode of Space Cafe Radio is not about alarmism. It is about realism. And about Europe finally stepping into a role it can no longer afford to avoid. Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Cafe Radio - Navigating Brazil's Space Frontier with Ian Grosner | 22 Jan 2026 | 00:27:48 | |
Brazil's Space Sector: 2025 Shifts and Future Outlook In this episode of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening sits down with Ian Grosner, the Head of the Legal Department of the Brazilian Space Agency, Chair of the Working Group on the Definition and Delimitation of Outer Space of COPUOS, Chair of the Latin American and Caribbean Subcommittee (LAC-SC) of the IAF to discuss the significant shifts in Brazil and Latin America's space sector in 2025. Ian provides insights on how the industry has transitioned from a technology-driven model to a market-oriented approach, emphasizing the essential role of satellites in agriculture, climate policy, and security. They also talk about the educational impact of small satellite programs, Brazil's progress with the Alcântara launch site, and the challenges faced by the burgeoning space startup ecosystem. Join us as we explore how Brazil is integrating space-based data to drive economic and strategic outcomes on Earth. Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Space Security in the High North: A 2025 Retrospective with Christian Hauglie-Hanssen | 08 Jan 2026 | 00:30:30 | |
Space Threats and Nordic Perspectives on Security: In-Depth with NOSA's Christian Hauglie-Hanssen Join us in this insightful episode of Space Cafe Radio, where host Torsten Kriening talks about the critical role of space in security and defense from a Nordic perspective with Christian Hauglie-Hanssen, CEO of the Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA). He shares his reflections on 2025 and sheds light on Norway's space-related contributions to NATO and the European Commission. Hauglie-Hanssen discusses key programs like the Arctic Surveillance Program and the Arctic Satellite Broadband mission, emphasizing their impact on national and regional security. They also talk about the evolving space strategies in Europe and the United States, Germany's significant investment in space defense, and how these moves shape the broader geopolitical landscape. Don't miss this comprehensive discussion on the challenges and opportunities ahead in 2026 for Norway and its partners. Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Cafe Radio - Inside the DLR: National Security and Space Defense review 2025 with Prof. Dr. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla | 02 Jan 2026 | 00:21:17 | |
Inside the DLR: National Security and Space Defense review 2025 with Prof. Dr. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla Join us in this episode of Space Cafe Radio as host Torsten Kriening sits down with Inside the DLR: National Security and Space Defense review 2025 with Prof. Dr. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chairwoman of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). They talk the evolving role of DLR in national security and space defense research, discussing the impact of increased investments in the sector, the importance of dual-use technologies, and the agency's collaboration with startups and European partners. Discover insights into the future of space defense, robotics in space missions, quantum technologies, and much more. Don't miss this comprehensive overview of the advancements and ambitions in aerospace research. Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Strategic Shifts in Military Space - Dr Bleddyn Bowen' Take | 01 Jan 2026 | 00:30:00 | |
Reflecting on the Future of Military Space Strategies with Dr Bleddyn Bowen In this episode of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening talks about the evolution of military space strategies and the pressing defense issues facing Europe in 2025. He welcomes back Dr Bleddyn Bowen, Associate Professor of AstroPolitics at Durham University, to discuss a wide range of topics, including Europe's shifting defense language, the formation of the US Space Force, NATO's recognition of space as a war-fighting domain, and the need for robust political leadership. Dr Bowen also reflects openly on Europe's dependence on US space capabilities and the potential future scenarios that Europe might be unprepared for. This insightful conversation highlights the intersection of international politics, military strategy, and space security. Useful Links: Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - 2025 and Beyond: The Franco-German Dynamics in Military Space with Dr Xavier Pasco | 31 Dec 2025 | 00:16:24 | |
2025 and Beyond: The Franco-German Dynamics in Military Space with Dr Xavier Pasco Join us as host Torsten Kriening sits down at the sidelines of the EU ISOS Strategic Forum 2025 in Munich with Dr Xavier Pasco, Director of the French Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS), to discuss the shifting dynamics in European military space policy. In the review series for 2025, they discuss the strategic moves by France and Germany, the importance of cooperation, and the investments being made in military space. Xavier provides insights into the Franco-German relationship, budgetary challenges, and the critical role of space in modern defense. Don't miss this comprehensive analysis of Europe's space strategy and the outlook for 2026! Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Innovation in the Skies: Unveiling the DLR National Drone Research Center with Daniel Suelberg | 30 Dec 2025 | 00:27:48 | |
DLR National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Innovations and Future Prospects In this episode of Space Café Radio, host Torsten Kriening talks about the inauguration of the DLR National Drone Research Center in Cochstedt, Germany, on December 8, 2025. Joined by Daniel Suelberg, the center's Head, they explore the strategic and operational reasons behind Germany's need for such a facility. The conversation covers the reduction of testing times for drone technologies, the importance of the newly implemented geozone, and the center's different mission profiles, ranging from drone technology development to airspace integration and security applications. Additionally, they discuss the global position of Germany in drone technology, the importance of counter UAS technology, and the dual-use reality of civil and security applications. Tune in for a comprehensive understanding of how the center aims to bridge the gap between research, industry, and regulatory bodies to accelerate drone technology development. Useful link: DLR National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio on China's Space Ventures: A 2025 Retrospective with Blaine Curcio | 29 Dec 2025 | 00:28:10 | |
2025 Reflections on China's Rapidly Expanding Space Sector with Blaine Curcio In this insightful episode of Space Café Radio, we talk about the advancements and strategic directions of China's space industry with guest Blaine Curcio, also known as the #ChinaSpaceGuy. Hosted by Torsten Kriening, the conversation covers everything from the explosive growth in communication satellite launches to the academic and commercial integration fueling innovation. We also explore China's international expansion efforts and its competitive drive against notable figures like Elon Musk. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of 2025 developments and offers predictions for the future, making it a must-listen for space enthusiasts and industry professionals. Useful link: Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Space, Power, and Dependence: A Geopolitical Review of 2025 with Dr Antje Noetzold | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:31:59 | |
Germany's Bold Moves in Space Defense: A Comprehensive Review with PD Dr Antje Noetzold In this episode of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening interviews PD Dr Antje Noetzold, about Germany's significant shifts in space defense and security policies in 2025. They discuss Germany's constitutional changes allowing for increased space defense spending, implications of U.S. geopolitical moves, and emerging European space strategies. The conversation highlights Germany's ambitious 35 billion Euro commitment to space defense by 2030, the challenges and strategies for Europe to reduce dependency on the U.S., and the need for European coordination and accepted leadership in space security. Tune in to understand the evolving landscape of space politics and defense in Europe.
Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Cafe Radio - Innovating and Storytelling at the Edge from Space Tech Expo Bremen | 18 Dec 2025 | 00:42:58 | |
Exploring Collaboration and Innovation in the Space Industry In this episode of Space Cafe Radio, recorded live from the Space Tech Expo in Bremen, host Torsten Kriening discusses the critical roles of space technologies in everyday life with guests The conversation covers the evolving dynamics of the space industry from traditional to new space models, the importance of storytelling in communicating the sector's impact, and the significance of collaboration, both nationally and internationally, to achieve sustained innovation and mission success. Special focus is given to the challenges and the inspirational journeys of each guest, aiming to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in the space sector. The episode of Space Cafe Radio is supported by Astroscale UK. Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Cafe Radio - Switzerland's Space Strategy: Navigating Neutrality and Security with Ludovic Monnerat | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:23:51 | |
Switzerland's Military Space Strategy Explained - with Colonel GS Ludovic Monnerat In this episode of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening talks with Ludovic Monnerat about Switzerland's comprehensive military space concept (Gesamtkonzeption Weltraum) and its implications for Swiss security and European cooperation. They discuss the distinction between data and intelligence, the evolution of Switzerland's space strategy, and the critical role of space-based assets in national defense. Col Monnerat explains why Switzerland, a traditionally neutral country, has been shaping its strategic thinking and military doctrine in response to global space developments. He provides insights into Switzerland's collaborations with other nations and commercial entities, the development of autonomous space capabilities, and the balance between neutrality and the necessity of defensive measures in space. Guest: Colonel GS Ludovic Monnerat is the designated Commander of the recently created Swiss Space Command. Col GS Monnerat launched this initiative 10 years ago with the aim of establishing sovereign and dual operational capabilities in space. He was previously in charge of medium- and long-term planning at the Joint Operations Command and responsible for operational training. Prior to that, he was head of the special operations section of the Joint Operations Command’s staff for 8 years. Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Exploring Geospatial Frontiers with Aaron Addison | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:19:29 | |
The Role of Geospatial and Earth Observation for a Sustainable Future In this episode, recorded at the InterGeo 2025 in Frankfurt, host Torsten Kriening discuss with Aaron Addison, Executive Director, World Geospatial Industry Council the imperative role of geospatial technology and earth observation in tackling global challenges. He shares a personal perspective, motivated by a desire to create a thriving world for future generations. Discover how individual contributions and advancements in these fields are crucial to addressing issues larger than any single entity. Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Cafe Radio - Building Space Resilience: An Inside Look at ERS with Dr Josef Aschbacher and Dr Pascal Legai | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:24:53 | |
Europe's Space Resilience Initiative Explained with Dr Pascal Legai In this episode of Space Café Radio, we take you deep into one of Europe’s most strategic space initiatives: ERS – European Resilience from Space. Host Torsten Kriening is joined by ESA Director General Dr. Josef Aschbacher and his Security Advisor Dr. Pascal Legai to unpack how ERS aims to give Europe independent, secure, and rapid access to intelligence from orbit – and why this matters now more than ever. Dr. Aschbacher explains how ERS is designed as a “system of systems”, federating national, commercial, and institutional capabilities into a resilient European framework. He outlines the ambition to move from fragmented assets to a coherent, interoperable architecture that can deliver near-real-time situational awareness for crises, defence, and security. Dr. Legai then takes us into the core of the concept:
We also discuss:
If you want to understand how Europe plans to move from strategy to implementation on space security and resilience, this episode is your roadmap. Useful Links: Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Germany's Space Security Strategy: A New Era with Michael Kniepen | 20 Nov 2025 | 00:21:26 | |
Unveiling Germany's Historic Space Safety and Security Strategy In this episode of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening talks with Michael Kniepen, Head of Division politics at the German Ministry of Defense, about Germany's first-ever Space Safety and Security Strategy, released on November 19, 2025. Join us as we discuss the significance of this document, and explore the political, military, and European implications. Learn about Germany's newfound recognition of space as a contested domain, the investments needed for space security, and how this strategy aims to integrate European partners into a cohesive space security architecture. Tune in for insights on the strategic shifts and future prospects of German and European space defense. Useful document: Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - The Indian Space Boom: Novaspace's Strategic Move with Surbhi Dalmia and Rainer Horn | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:14:11 | |
Novaspace Expands to India: Insight into the Booming Indian Space Market In this episode of Space Café Radio, host Torsten Kriening unmantles the exciting announcement of Novaspace opening a new office in India. Join us as he discusses the rising prominence of India in the space sector with Surbhi Dalmia, the Managing Director of Novaspace India, and Rainer Horn, Partner at Novaspace. Discover the strategic reasons behind choosing Bangalore, understand the dynamic growth of India's space market, and learn about the significant contributions of the Indian space sector. We also explore India's regulatory support for startups and the impact of governmental policies on the sector. Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Lessons from NATO Transformations for Germanys space defense ambitions with Chris Badia | 14 Nov 2025 | 00:16:59 | |
NATO's Future and Germany's Role in Space: Interview with General (Retired) Chris Badia In this episode of Space Café Radio, host Torsten Kriening interviews General (Retired) Chris Badia, former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (NATO ACT). They explore the concept of transformation within NATO and its relevance to modern defense, emphasizing the importance of future-oriented thinking. The discussion covers Germany's emerging role as a military space power, the significance of space, data, and command structures, and the challenges inherent in cultural and technological shifts. General Badia offers insights into how NATO and Germany can adapt to maintain strategic advantages, touching on lessons from Ukraine and the need for innovation, digitalization, and information sharing. Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Space Defense and Security Summit - A Review with Rainer Horn | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:22:22 | |
Convergence of Commercial and Military Space Defense: Insights from the Space Defense and Security Summit Join SpaceWatch.Global's Torsten Kriening for an exclusive interview with Rainer Horn, Managing Director of Novaspace, about the Space Defense and Security Summit (SDSS) during the World Space Business Week in Paris. This episode dives into key discussions from the conference, highlighting the increasing need for international cooperation in space security, the shift towards faster deployment of existing commercial technologies, and the evolving narrative on offensive and defensive space capabilities. Learn about the significant growth in global military spending on space, the challenges of integrating commercial assets into defense architectures, and predictions for the future of space defense. Useful Links: Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Bridging Space and Defense - The EUs Strategic Path Forward with Marjolijn van Deelen | 06 Nov 2025 | 00:18:55 | |
The Seventh Summit of Space Sustainability: Europe's Vision for Space Security In this episode of Space Café Radio, recorded live at the Ministry of Economics of France in Paris during the seventh Summit of Space Sustainability, host Torsten Kriening talks with Marjolijn van Deelen, the EU Special Envoy for Space of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Topics include the European Union's vision (Defence Readiness Roadmap) and strategy for space security, the importance of space as a strategic enabler, the preparedness union strategy, and the newly launched European Space Shield. We also discuss the intersection of space and defence communities, member states' roles, and the balance between national and pan-European initiatives. Join us for insights into Europe's defense readiness roadmap and its implications for the future. Useful Links: Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Germanys 35Bn Euro Path Forward in Space Defense - A Discussion with Major General Traut | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:44:35 | |
Germany's Bold Leap into Space Defense: Interview with Major General Michael Traut In this episode of Space Café Radio, we explore Germany's ambitious space defense plans announced by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, featuring major investments worth 35 billion Euros by 2030. Host Torsten Kriening reflects on Germany's evolving role in space security and interviews Major General Michael Traut, Commander of the German Space Command. General Traut discusses the operational and functional developments in Germany's space defense capabilities, including satellite communication, early warning systems, and active counter-space initiatives. They also cover Germany's collaborative efforts with European and international partners, the role of commercial technology, and the importance of adapting procurement processes to meet the new pace of space defense challenges. Tune in to understand Germany's strategic shift toward becoming a significant player in the realm of space defense and security. Useful Links: Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Exploring the Future of In-Flight Connectivity with Philippe Carette | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:36:46 | |
In-Flight Connectivity Revolution: An Interview with NSG's COO Philippe Carette Join us for a captivating episode of Space Café Radio as your host, Torsten Kriening, sits down with Philippe Carette, now President of Satellite Communications at NSG - Neo Space Group, during the World Space Business Week in Paris. Listen into an insightful discussion on the future of in-flight connectivity and how NSG's recent acquisition of Display Interactive strengthens its role as a global leader in integrated satellite and aviation services. Learn about the challenges and opportunities in the aviation industry, the importance of multi-orbit solutions, and how NSG contributes to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. Don't miss this episode packed with expert perspectives on the evolving landscape of in-flight entertainment and digital passenger experience. This episode is supported by NSG. Useful Links:
Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - In-Orbit Servicing and Beyond - A Discussion with Dr Luca Rossettini | 16 Oct 2025 | 00:25:11 | |
Revolutionizing Space Logistics and Cloud Computing in Orbit with Dr Luca Rossettini In this episode of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening catches up with Dr Luca Rossettini, CEO and Founder of D-Orbit, during the World Space Business Week in Paris. Dr Rossettini speaks about the challenges faced by public servants, the evolution of D-Orbit, and how they are pioneering in-orbit economy and space logistics. They discuss the importance of building infrastructure for the expanding space economy, in-orbit servicing, and the transformative potential of space cloud computing. Additionally, Dr Rossettini touches on cybersecurity, the role of partnerships, and D-Orbit's future plans, including their restructuring efforts and expansion across the globe. Tune in to gain insights into the future of space technology and innovation. This episode is supported by D-Orbit Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Space Debris and Policy: A Conversation with Prof Michael Byers | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:32:09 | |
In this episode of Space Café Radio, Torsten Kriening sit down with Professor Michael Byers, co-director of the Outer Space Institute in Vancouver, to discuss pressing issues in space governance. Recorded at a scenic street café in Berlin, Michael sheds light on the potential future crisis in Earth's orbit, comparing it to the current plastic crisis in our oceans. He talks about the mission and methods of the Outer Space Institute, the influence of academic research on policy-making, and the urgent need to address the environmental impact of space activities. Michael discusses topics ranging from space debris and mega constellations to international space policy and advocacy against kinetic anti-satellite weapon tests. Useful literature: International Law and the Arctic Intent for a Nation: What is Canada For? We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - From the Lunar Surface to Global Diplomacy with Dr Jessica West | 18 Sep 2025 | 00:35:48 | |
Navigating Space Security and the Future of Lunar Exploration with Dr Jessica West Join us in this Space Cafe Radio episode as we sit down with Dr Jessica West, a senior researcher at Project Ploughshares in Canada, recently back from the Outer Space Security Conference in Geneva. Dr West shares insights on changes in the global space security landscape since her first conference in 2007, highlighting inclusivity and the introduction of new topics like cis-lunar space security. We delve into the complexities of space governance, dual-use technologies, and the importance of transparency and dialogue among nations. Discover how the safety and interoperability challenges on the lunar surface can encourage international collaboration and hear perspectives from young experts shaping future space policies. This episode is packed with valuable discussions on the legal, doctrinal, and practical hurdles in ensuring a secure and peaceful use of space. Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - The Quest for Sustainable Space: Dialogue with Dr. Nic Ross | 11 Sep 2025 | 00:28:51 | |
Space Café Radio - Space Sustainability: Challenges and Future Prospects with Dr Nic Ross In this episode of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening sits down with Dr Nic Ross, co-author of the 3rd NIPARO Summit report and a leading voice in space sustainability. Together, they explore the evolving definition of sustainability in the space sector, the challenges of balancing innovation with responsible stewardship, and the philosophical and practical dilemmas facing the industry. Dr Ross shares insights from the recent NIPARO Summit, discussing the importance of holistic approaches to sustainability, the impact of orbital debris, and the often-overlooked environmental costs of space activities—including supercomputing and data analysis. The conversation delves into the complexities of regulation, insurance, and international policy, as well as the ethical questions of who truly benefits from space exploration. You will gain a nuanced understanding of the urgent need for global cooperation, the lessons space policy can learn from Earth’s environmental crises, and Dr Ross’s vision for a sustainable future in orbit and beyond. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of space, policy, and the shared responsibility to keep the final frontier accessible for all. Useful links: Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Exploring Poland's Path to Space Leadership with Marcin Mazur | 04 Sep 2025 | 00:22:53 | |
Space Café Radio – Poland’s Space Ambitions with Col. Marcin Mazur In this episode of Space Café Radio, host Torsten Kriening is joined by Colonel Marcin Mazur of Polish Space Agency (POLSA) to explore Poland’s fast-rising role in space. Almost half a century after its first astronaut flew into orbit, Poland has returned to human spaceflight with the AX-4 mission – a highly symbolic step that signals the nation’s ambition to be a full partner in global space exploration. But this milestone is only one part of a much broader national effort. Together, Torsten and Col. Mazur discuss:
Col. Mazur also reflects on the symbolic power of Poland’s astronaut mission and outlines the next steps for his country’s space ambitions – from lunar exploration to a stronger role in European and transatlantic space partnerships. Tune in for a unique insight into how Poland is shaping its space future, and what it means for Europe’s collective space ambitions. Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - The Evolving Landscape of Space Governance and Sustainability with Dr Peter Martinez | 28 Aug 2025 | 00:28:36 | |
Space Sustainability and Security: Insights from Dr Peter Martinez In this insightful episode of Space Café Radio, SpaceWatch.Global's Torsten Kriening interviews Dr Peter Martinez, Executive Director of the Secure World Foundation. They discuss space governance, the 2025 Global Counter Space Capability Report, and the indispensable UN COPUOS Briefing Book. The episode delves into the 7th Summit for Space Sustainability in Paris, the EU Space Act, and pressing issues in space traffic coordination and debris mitigation. Dr. Martinez shares his expertise on space sustainability, policy updates, and the evolving landscape of global space security. Useful Links 2025 Global Counterspace Capabilities Report 7th Summit for Space Sustainability Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - VLEO: Game Changer or Orbital Optimism? - with Prof René Laufer | 21 Aug 2025 | 00:24:52 | |
Exploring Very Low Earth Orbits (VLEO): The Future of Space Systems with Prof René Laufer In this captivating episode of our Space Cafe Radio, recorded live in Berlin, host Torsten Kriening sits down with Professor René Laufer, Head of Space Systems at the Lulea University of Technology. They discuss the significance of Very Low Earth Orbits (VLEO), exploring whether it is a game-changer or just orbital optimism. They discuss the unique challenges and advantages of VLEO, such as real-time data transmission, minimized space debris impact, and the technological advancements enabling new possibilities. Join us as we uncover how Europe is positioned in this burgeoning field and why policymakers and investors should pay attention to VLEO now. Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Café Radio - Shaping Polands Military Space Strategy with Brigadier General Marcin Górka | 14 Aug 2025 | 00:20:59 | |
Poland's Space Strategy and Lessons from Ukraine: Insights from Brigadier General Marcin Górka In this special episode of Space Cafe Radio, live from the 8th Prague Space Security Conference, host Torsten Kriening sit down with Brigadier General Marcin Górka, Director at the Department of Innovation at the Polish Ministry of National Defense and a key figure in shaping Poland's military space policy. General Górka discusses Poland’s strategic vision for space capabilities, integrating with NATO, and lessons learned from the Ukraine war. He highlights the importance of international cooperation, development of national space assets, and the evolving role of space in modern warfare. The conversation also shed a light into Poland’s space domain awareness, ISR capabilities, and future plans for space control and defense. Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Cafe Radio - 50 Years of ESA - a Journey in Space with Dr Kai-Uwe Schrogl | 07 Aug 2025 | 00:21:49 | |
Celebrating 50 Years of ESA: Achievements and Future Prospects with Dr. Kai-Uwe Schrogl In this special episode of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening talked with Dr. Kai-Uwe Schrogl, ESA’s Special Advisor for Political Affairs. In this capacity Dr Schrogl is coordinating the events throughout the year, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ESA Convention of 1975.
Useful Links: 50th Anniversary Statement Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Cafe Radio - Space Security in Europe: A Discussion with Juliana Suess | 31 Jul 2025 | 00:15:20 | |
Europe's Space Power Dynamics: A Dialogue with Juliana Suess In this episode of Space Cafe Radio, Torsten Kriening looks into the critical topic of space security in Europe with Juliana Suess, an associate at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP). Recorded at the 8th Space Security Conference in Prague, Juliana Suess shares her expertise on the evolving dynamics of space policy and geopolitics. The discussion touches on the similarities and differences between the UK and Germany's approaches to space security, the impact of international collaborations, and the challenges Europe faces in terms of military procurement and public funding. She also highlights the shifting power balance in space, particularly with the rising assertiveness of China and the declining influence of Russia. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis of Europe's readiness to meet future space security challenges. Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||
| Space Cafe Radio - Unpacking Space Policy and Security with Dr Peter Hays | 24 Jul 2025 | 00:21:31 | |
Space Policy and Global Security: An Interview with Dr Peter Hays Join host Yvette Gonzalez on Space Cafe Radio for an thoughtful conversation with Dr Peter Hays, a leading authority on US space policy and national security, at the eighth Prague Space Security Conference. Explore pressing issues like Russian anti-satellite weapons, Chinese satellite capabilities, and the integration of commercial space activities into national security. Dr Hays discusses the challenges of space domain awareness, the need for government and commercial collaboration, and the importance of lowering the classification level of space programs to foster better international and commercial cooperation. Get a detailed look at how evolving threats and technological advancements are shaping the future of space security.
We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast! | |||