Advertise on podcast: The Kármán Line

From bricks made from moon rock to designer watch dials, what can’t you print in space? How do you take a terrestrial company into orbit? Can the UK lead in making lunar infrastructure? How can 3D printing speed up innovation in space? Space stations have always needed spare parts, but 95% of spare parts in space remain spare parts. 3D printing could eliminate that wasted payload. William Birch, Chief Commercial Officer of space 3D printer CosmicMaker, shows us the future of space he’s printing and how to take a terrestrial company beyond the Kármán Line. Featuring: William Birch, Chief Commercial Officer, CosmicMaker Jonners Davies, The Karman Line Topics: The Moon3D PrintingCatapultNASAESAParabolic Flight Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a fight for space resources, industry and defence are winning. Is there still a bright future for space-based science? Space academic extraordinaire Prof. Kate Robson-Brown tells the full story of what it means to do science in space, and how to bridge the gap to industry: “There’s never been more opportunity for science to engage in space programmes than now.” Are nano-satellites made of wood possible? What’s the next big thing in microgravity innovation? How can the boundaries between academia and business be made as porous as possible? How can academics develop business skills? How can pathways for impact from academia to business be identified? How can academic experts present the latest evidence to the government? How will access to space change in an increasingly privatised space world? Key topics: Microgravity International Space Station Space Wooden satellites Academia Professor Kate Robson-Brown: UCD Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact President of the European Low Gravity Research Association (ELGRA). Previous co-chair of the Space Academic Network & Member of the Space Partnership Board. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the ultimate vision for the UK space sector? What skills do you need to succeed in space? Which international partners should the UK prioritise? How can industry help make the markets that the government has picked? In this exclusive Kármán Line Q&A, a heavyweight panel takes industry questions. No filter, no fluff, pure exchange from the industry for the industry. Contributors: Dr Alice Bunn, Co-Director, UK Space Agency Sam Adlen, Co-CEO, Space Solar Andrew Stanniland, Managing Director, MDA Space UK Dr Barbara Ghinelli, Director of Innovation Clusters & Harwell Campus Dr Sarah Beardsley, Director, RAL Space Jonathan Davies, The Kármán Line Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A blockbuster cast of industry leaders debate the UK’s new space strategy with invited guests live at the Harwell Campus. What do they all think about the government as a procurer and facilitator of private growth capital? Why does Sam Adlen argue that the strategy lacks forward-looking economic ambition? What are the real benefits of alignment between DSIT, MOD and UKSA, as well as the explicit decision to prioritise four capability pillars – Satcoms, space domain awareness (SDA), ISAM and launch? Join Jonners and his guests as they debate how Government procurement, private capital and a “one-sector” coalition can turn strategic intent into binding contracts and global scale-ups. Contributors: Dr Alice Bunn, Co-Director, UK Space Agency Sam Adlen, Co-CEO, Space Solar Andrew Stanniland, Managing Director, MDA Space UK Dr Barbara Ghinelli, Director of Innovation Clusters & Harwell Campus Dr Sarah Beardsley, Director, RAL Space Jonathan Davies, The Kármán Line Key topics covered: Live panel reaction to the UK Space Strategy at Harwell Campus State of the Space Nation 2026 report One Government approach vs One Sector execution Prioritising the four capability pillars Economic growth logic Rebooting execution: Contracts, anchor customers, and £7.8B committed spend UK Space and Defence Gateway launch & Investor Council Discovery science vs. short-term applied research (RAL Space / UKRI) Taking a VC portfolio approach to deep-tech risks & scaling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does winning the UK Space Agency's Active Debris Removal (UK ADR) contract position ClearSpace to capture defunct satellites? How do their multi-arm robotics and advanced machine-learning algorithms match up to the task? How does active debris removal establish a long-term national capability and commercial service layer in space? And what does a transition from R&D grants to major anchor contracts mean for hyper-scaling UK In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM)? Join Jonners as he talks with Rob Atchison, Managing Director of ClearSpace UK, about active debris capture, cross-domain defence resilience, and setting firm foundations for ISAM across Europe. Contributors: Jonathan Davies, The Karman Line Jonathan Davies | LinkedIn The Karman Line | Website Rob Atchison, Managing Director, ClearSpace UK Rob Atchison | LinkedIn ClearSpace UK | LinkedIn Key topics covered: The UK Active Debris Removal (UK ADR) missionRobotic multi-arm capture of non-cooperative, defunct satellitesIn-orbit inspection, station-keeping, hardware replacement, and deorbitingTransitioning from R&D grants to government anchor procurement contractsIn-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM)Unlocking institutional private capital & venture hyper-scalingOrbital resilience for essential terrestrial infrastructure (maritime, healthcare)Cross-domain space defence (UK Space Command) & soft powerDesigning future satellites for modularity, servicing, and recycling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does Metalysis strip oxygen as a captured gas from metal oxides and convert the oxide into pure metal alloys? How will this help us to supply life support for lunar bases or create rocket propellant for deep-space refuelling? Once the oxygen is stripped away how can the remaining metal alloys be repurposed for 3D-printed infrastructure, landing pads or road surfaces? And how can Metalysis’ research help regolith inks to print electronic components directly in space? Join Jonners as he talks with Nitesh Shah, Director CEO, and Ian Mellor, Managing Director of Metalysis, about the extraction of lunar oxygen, high-performance engine alloys and domestic supply chain resilience. Find out how a UK company is pioneering technologies that will allow future exploration missions to “live off the land”. Contributors: Jonathan Davies, The Karman Line Jonathan Davies | LinkedIn The Karman Line | Website Nitesh Shah, Director CEO, Metalysis Nitesh Shah | LinkedIn Metalysis | LinkedIn Ian Mellor, Managing Director, Metalysis Ian Mellor | LinkedIn Metalysis | LinkedIn Key topics covered: Solid-state Cambridge FFC process & electrochemical oxide reductionIn-situ resource utilization (ISRU) on the MoonExtracting ~95% oxygen yield from aluminosilicate lunar regolithRegolith metal byproducts for lunar roads, landing pads, and constructionAI and machine-learning-driven alloy discoverySovereign production of C-103 (niobium-hafnium) rocket engine alloyClean, energy-efficient domestic titanium production vs. traditional Kroll processingIn-space 3D printing, conductive regolith inks, and electronics manufacturingTransitioning from R&D to commercial midstream manufacturing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does sub-centimetre, non-trackable space debris pose an existential threat to satellites and orbital infrastructure? How can ultra-lightweight "black box" sensors turn a spacecraft's surface into an impact detector to diagnose anomalies? What do satellite operators need to unlock affordable, named-peril collision insurance through Lloyd's of London? And how can a "neighbourhood watch" network of sensor-equipped satellites build live space domain awareness to protect the space economy? Join Jonners as he talks with Dan Terrett, Co-Founder and COO of Odin Space, about the 130 million rogue “poppy seed bullets” flying around, punching holes in satellites and the challenge this presents to insuring a market that is moving from frontier to real economy at an incredible pace. Contributors: Jonathan Davies, The Karman Line Jonathan Davies | LinkedIn The Karman Line | Website Dan Terrett, Co-Founder & COO, Odin Space Dan Terrett | LinkedIn Odin Space | LinkedIn Key topics covered: Lethal, non-trackable sub-centimetre orbital debrisOdin Space "black box" impact sensing & diagnosticsInstant failure attribution vs. unexplained spacecraft anomaliesLloyd's of London & named-peril collision insuranceSpace Domain Awareness (SDA) & "Neighbourhood Watch" network alertsTransitioning from seed venture risk to mature institutional capitalCommercial space platforms & hosted payload risk management (D-Orbit)Space sustainability & the Astra CartaTransatlantic synergy: US satellite ecosystem & UK financial/insurance markets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the true balance between human spaceflight and robotic exploration when it comes to science, inspiration, and decision-making capabilities? How is space transitioning from a niche frontier to an everyday commercial workplace? What role do regulatory frameworks, such as the United Nations, the Artemis Accords, and the Astra Carta, play in keeping orbit and the lunar surface safe and sustainable? And how can the UK Government act as an "anchor customer" to bridge the commercial "valley of death" for domestic space startups? Join Alice and Jonners in this special episode recorded in Chichester Marina with British astronaut Tim Peake as he shares insights on space adaptation syndrome, commercial space stations, lunar research bases, global space traffic management, and the future of human exploration to Mars. Contributors: Alice Bunn, President of UKspace Dr Alice Bunn OBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng | LinkedIn UKspace: Overview | LinkedIn Jonathan Davies, The Karman Line Jonathan Davies | LinkedIn The Karman Line | LinkedIn Tim Peake, Astronaut Tim Peake | LinkedIn Key topics covered: Human spaceflight vs. robotic explorationSpace Adaptation Syndrome (nausea & gravity adjustment)Normalising space as a commercial workplaceTransition from space stations to commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO)Artemis programme & sustainable lunar research basesAstronaut selection mindsets, psychological profiles, and stress testingInternational space cooperation & soft power (ISS legacy)Governance, leaseholds, and regulatory frameworks on the MoonThe Astra Carta & space sustainabilityHuman exploration of MarsGovernment as “anchor customers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can a malleable, plant-based bio-leather grown off-grid in Scotland transform under extreme heat into an RF-transparent, rock-like ceramic shield? What does Draconite mean for the economics of spacecraft re-entry and thermal protection systems? How does self-taught material science disrupt traditional "old space" gatekeeping and university lab paradigms? What are the dual-use applications of biomimetic thermal shields across space re-entry, defence satellite protection, and terrestrial wildfire mitigation? Join Alice and Jonners as they talk with the astonishing Alisha Fuller-Armah, CEO and founder of Draconite, about her journey from scaling a Caribbean wedding venue to inventing a self-vitrifying, plastic-free thermal protection material and proving it works by pointing a blow torch at her own hand! Contributors: Alice Bunn, President of UKspace  Dr Alice Bunn OBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng | LinkedIn UKspace: Overview | LinkedIn   Jonathan Davies, The Karman Line Jonathan Davies | LinkedIn The Karman Line | LinkedIn Alisha Fuller-Armah, CEO & Founder, Draconite Alisha Fuller-Armah | LinkedIn Key topics covered: Draconite bio-based thermal shield technologySelf-vitrification and heat-soak insulation vs. traditional ablationRF transparency during re-entry communicationsOff-grid, low-cost cellulose fermentation & sovereign manufacturingUK Space Agency Accelerator & scaling deep techDefence applications (anti-laser satellite shrouds)Overcoming academic gatekeeping through self-taught sciencePFAS-free, traceless, and non-toxic space materialsTerrestrial wildfire and passive fire protection Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does the Government's latest space strategy properly connect defence, civil policy and commercial space growth? How will the MOD and DSIT merge procurement approaches? What are the specific outcomes targeted across the four core focus areas: Satcoms, Space Domain Awareness, Launch, and In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing? How do freedom of action and assured access balance sovereign UK capabilities with NATO and ESA alliances? And what major regulatory, insurance, and procurement changes are coming down the line? Join Jonners and Stephanie Ayres, Head of Policy at UKspace, as they debate whether the machinery of Government is fully backing a practical blueprint for picking winners and driving national security and economic growth or delivering just another false dawn. Contributors: Jonathan Davies, The Karman Line Jonathan Davies | LinkedIn  The Karman Line | Website Stephanie Ayres, Head of Policy UKspace Stephanie Ayres | LinkedIn  UKspace: Overview | LinkedIn Key topics covered: New National Space Strategy overview MOD and DSIT procurement alignment Government as an "anchor customer" Four core capability pillars (Satcoms, SDA, Launch, ISAM) Sovereign ISR and Space Control Freedom of action vs. Allied integration (NATO/ESA) Assured launch (SaxaVord & Spaceport Cornwall) "Picking winners" and targeted funding awards Regulatory and insurance sandboxes (City of London) Enterprise Category Management and cross-departmental governance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does Ploughshare turn Ministry of Defence owned R&D into commercial businesses serving wider society? Why has commercialising defence technology historically been "suboptimal," and how is the newly launched Technology and Growth Alliance (TAG) shifting the dial? How can classified innovations be declassified by separating the underlying core technology from its military application? What structural changes are required in UK venture capital to build "bolder, braver" scale-ups capable of navigating defence procurement and space markets? Join Alice and Jonners as they talk with Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, CEO of Ploughshare, about how to take brilliant defence innovation out of Government labs and apply it to wider commercial markets like healthcare and telecoms. Plus, navigating the rules, regulations and protection rackets. “No, you can’t go speak to the Minister”. Contributors: Alice Bunn, President of UKspace  Dr Alice Bunn OBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng | LinkedIn UKspace: Overview | LinkedIn   Jonathan Daves, The Karman Line Jonathan Daves | LinkedIn The Karman Line | LinkedIn Hetti Barkworth-Nanton CBE, CEO, Ploughshare Hetti Barkworth-Nanton | LinkedIn Ploughshare | LinkedIn Key topics covered: Commercialising defence R&D & Ploughshare's missionThe Technology and Growth Alliance (TAG)Declassifying top-secret defence techReverse dual-useCultural shifts in academia and corporate defence primesSpace and defence tech synergyDefence procurement challengesThe Defence Investment Plan (DIP)UK venture capital gapsFunding dual-use scale-upsPurpose-driven leadership & organisational culture Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does the Satellite Applications Catapult evaluate and select "high-potential" space ventures? What role does commercial matchmaking, tech validation, and international growth strategy play in scaling startups into global leaders? How can the UK shift from passive R&D grants to an "Olympic-style" industrial policy that goes all-in on world-class space "winners"? What structural changes—such as rapid regulatory approvals, sovereign capital funds, and secure defence gateways—are needed to cut a path through the space growth jungle? Join Alice and Jonners as they talk with John Abbott, CEO of the Satellite Applications Catapult, about the ruthless selection strategies to unleash businesses with the highest potential for growth. And why this process is worth it, even if you pass on The Beatles. Contributors: Alice Bunn, President of UKspace  Dr Alice Bunn OBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng | LinkedIn UKspace: Overview | LinkedIn   Jonathan Daves, The Karman Line Jonathan Daves | LinkedIn The Karman Line | LinkedIn John Abbott, CEO, Satellite Applications Catapult John Abbott | LinkedIn Satellite Applications Catapult | LinkedIn Key topics covered:  Satellite ApplicationsCatapult operating model & impactEvaluating "high-potential" space businessesOpen Cosmos, Mag Drive, and UK space scale-upsThe three core Catapult missions: Beyond Earth, Autonomous & Connected Earth, Resilient EarthMatchmaking vs. ChallengeAccelerating Sovereign space capability & international trustIndustrial Strategy: "Picking winners" vs. broad SME supportCross-government alignment, capital growth, and rapid regulationThe Space and Defence Gateway at Harwell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really happened at Spaceport Cornwall after the 2023 Virgin Orbit launch? Why, from an operational and regulatory standpoint, was the failed mission actually a success? How can spaceport infrastructure and segregated airspace be repurposed for high-volume drone testing, hypersonic flight, and returning spaceplanes? What is the true definition of "assured launch," and why is domestic launch capability crucial for national resilience? How is Cornwall evolving beyond its launch heritage into a multi-sector commercial technology ecosystem?  Join Alice and Jonners as they talk to Ross Hulbert, Space Engagement Lead at Spaceport Cornwall, and discuss the realities of pioneering spaceports, mixed airspace regulation, local economic impact, and subsidising future space access. Contributors: Alice Bunn, President of UKspace  Dr Alice Bunn OBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng | LinkedIn UKspace: Overview | LinkedIn   Jonathan Daves, The Karman Line Jonathan Daves | LinkedIn The Karman Line | LinkedIn Ross Hulbert, Space Engagement Lead, Spaceport Cornwall  Ross Hulbert | LinkedIn Spaceport Cornwall | LinkedIn Key topics covered:  Spaceport Cornwall evolution & operations Virgin Orbit launch legacy & technical learnings Mixed airspace & BVLOS drone testing Hypersonic testing & spaceplane recovery Assured vs sovereign launch capability Global launch bottlenecks & reliance on SpaceX Space Clusters & Cornish economic growth Subsidising space access for UK operators  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does "dual-use" technology truly mean? What happens when academia, industry, and government join forces at an institution like NESST? What connects the London Olympics and the MoD’s Skynet satellite system? And are policy and legal hurdles holding back the full potential of dual-use tech? In this episode, Dave Moody - Director of the North-East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) at Northumbria University - joins Alice Bunn and Jonners to explore the critical dual-use elements of space technology. From the First Gulf War to the London Olympics, space has, time and time again, quietly delivered essential capabilities. Is it time we start singing its praises? Contributors: Alice Bunn, President of UKspace  Dr Alice Bunn OBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng | LinkedIn UKspace: Overview | LinkedIn   Jonathan Daves, The Karman Line Jonathan Daves | LinkedIn The Karman Line | LinkedIn Dave Moody, Director, North East Space Skills and Technology Centre, Northumbria University Dave Moody | LinkedIn Northumbria University | LinkedIn Key topics covered: Dual Use Military London Olympics SkyNet NESST Northumbria University Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does the UK still have its adventure spirit? With other countries getting the jump on UK launch, can the nation take advantage of the pathway forged in Cornwall? What commercial opportunities arise when the government plays a more active role in launch? Should a spaceport just be viewed as a normal piece of infrastructure, and how can it connect to its local setting? How can the space industry take on climate challenges head-on?  Spaceport builder Melissa Quinn joins Alice and Jonners to talk launch, alignment, and whether the UK can get back into its groove as the rest of the world looks to take off. The powerhouse behind Spaceport Cornwall’s first launch and Spaceport Nova Scotia’s ambitious plans tells her inspiring story about achieving big things. This episode is a must-listen. Contributors: Alice Bunn, President of UKspace  Dr Alice Bunn OBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng | LinkedIn UKspace: Overview | LinkedIn   Jonathan Daves, The Karman Line Jonathan Daves | LinkedIn The Karman Line | LinkedIn Melissa Quinn, Vice President Spaceport Operations, Maritime Launch Services Melissa Quinn | LinkedIn Maritime Launch Services | LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.