Astro Ben Podcast Podcast By Ben Gamble cover art

Astro Ben Podcast

Astro Ben Podcast

By: Ben Gamble
Listen for free

Whether you work in the Space industry or dreamed about becoming an astronaut as a kid, we all have some sort of a connection to Space. Space enthusiast, Ben Gamble, brings you a weekly podcast all about Space. Although Ben currently works in events and hospitality, he has always had an interest in the Space industry. As a preliminary jump into the Space world, Ben created this podcast to explore what goes on in the industry with the dream of launching his own Space tech company later in life. Ben hopes to connect people of all ages and encourage them to get involved in Space. AstroBen will be a podcast to empower Space enthusiasts, as well as discussing difficult topics. From rockstars to CEO's, astronomers to actors, expect to hear from diverse perspectives all with the shared obsession with the stars!(C) Astro Ben Limited Astronomy Astronomy & Space Science Science
Episodes
  • The Journey to the Stars: An Interview with Astronaut Aspirant Alyssa Carson

    The Journey to the Stars: An Interview with Astronaut Aspirant Alyssa Carson
    Mar 26 2026

    Explore the inspiring story of Alyssa Carson, a passionate space enthusiast aiming to become an astronaut and destined for Mars. From childhood curiosity to citizen science and space education, Alyssa shares her journey, insights into space missions like Artemis, and practical advice for the next generation.

    In this episode:

    ● Alyssa shares her lifelong fascination with space and her earliest memories of curiosity about the cosmos

    ● The impact of space camp in shaping her passion and skills

    ● How her diverse experiences—water survival, zero G flights, pilot's license—prepare her for space

    ● The evolving goals of the space industry, including Artemis, Mars missions, and space tourism

    ● The importance of resilience, problem-solving, and staying adaptable in pursuit of space dreams

    ● Opportunities in astrobiology and microbiology related to Mars exploration

    ● Her perspectives on the future of space travel accessibility for ordinary people

    ● Tips and motivational words for young people dreaming of space careers

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction and Alyssa's space origin story

    02:38 - The significance of space camp in her journey

    05:42 - Building skills through diverse training experiences

    09:28 - The interdisciplinary nature of astrobiology and microbiology

    12:36 - Her studies at Florida Tech and focus on Mars exploration

    16:15 - How "The Martian" movie aligns with her interests

    17:27 - Moving into her PhD and future plans in space industry

    21:34 - The trajectory of lunar and Mars missions, space tourism potential

    23:33 - The significance of Artemis and lunar exploration for humanity

    28:36 - Upcoming opportunities and her advice to young space enthusiasts

    33:34 - Closing thoughts and Alyssa's message for aspiring astronauts

    Resources & Links:

    ● So You Want To Be An Astronaut: The Book

    ● Ready For Lift Off: Becoming An Astronaut Of The Mars Generation

    ● Alyssa Carson - Official Website

    ● NASA Artemis Program

    ● Florida Tech Astrobiology Program

    Connect with Alyssa Carson:

    ● Twitter

    ● LinkedIn

    This episode is a must-listen for anyone dreaming of a future beyond Earth, offering a blend of personal motivation and industry insights.

    Keep looking up at the stars and stay curious about the future of space in the UK and beyond!

    Stay connected with us!

    Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

    Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

    Website: www.astroben.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

    X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

    Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/
    Show more Show less
    35 mins
  • Unlocking the UK Space Sector: Insights from John Abbott of Satellite Applications Catapult

    Unlocking the UK Space Sector: Insights from John Abbott of Satellite Applications Catapult
    Mar 13 2026
    Discover how the UK is leveraging academia, government policy, and industry collaboration to grow its space ecosystem. Join John Abbott as he shares the story of Catapult's role, UK's ambitions, and practical advice for aspiring space entrepreneurs. In this episode: The purpose and impact of the UK's satellite applications catapult The significance of UK launch capabilities and recent developments with Allbex John's background in geospatial data and transition into the space sector The UK government's industrial strategy and funding landscape for space How UK companies are solving real problems and expanding internationally The importance of customer focus versus grant dependency in scaling startups Strategies for fostering resilient and ambitious founders The role of international partnerships, like the Taiwan Space Agency MOU Practical advice for future space entrepreneurs in the UK and beyond Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to John Abbott and the UK's space industry context 02:00 - The purpose of the UK's satellite applications catapult 03:10 - Recent UK launch developments and Allbex exit 04:00 - John's geospatial and tech background explained 06:21 - UK's industrial strategy supporting space growth 08:00 - Key UK space companies and heritage 08:39 - Interlink with UK Space Agency and government programs 11:37 - Transition from traditional sectors into space entrepreneurship 13:14 - Why space is a sector of purpose and opportunity 15:52 - The importance of customer focus over grant-led projects 18:00 - Helping startups with a holistic approach: teams, market, funding 20:17 - UK ambition, government support, and international positioning 25:01 - Growing through international cooperation (Taiwan MOU) 28:16 - Balancing innovation with market needs at Catapult 31:00 - Assessing startup success factors: resilience, team, market 33:10 - The evolving space economy and reducing entry barriers 35:09 - Advice for future space founders and key takeaways Resources & Links: Satellite Applications Catapult UK Space Agency Allbex Open Cosmos Space Forge Mag Drive Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) Space Solar Limited Connect with John Abbott: LinkedIn Twitter Follow and learn more: Satellites Applications Catapult on X Gamble on It – Twitter & Instagram AstroBen Podcast on Instagram/TikTok/LinkedIn Keep looking up at the stars—and stay curious about the future of space in the UK and beyond! Stay connected with us! Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast Website: www.astroben.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/ X: https://x.com/Gambleonit Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/
    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • Dan Hart: Exploring Space Innovation

    Dan Hart: Exploring Space Innovation
    Mar 2 2026
    Exploring Space Innovation with Dan Hart Join us in this episode as Dan Hart shares his incredible journey from childhood curiosity to leading transformative space ventures. Discover the lessons learned from rocket failures, the evolving industry landscape, and the future of space exploration. In this episode: Dan's early fascination with space and engineering sparked by tinkering with toys and curiosity How a cold call to NASA's astronaut corps set him on a space career path The transition from NASA and defense projects to leading Virgin Orbit Lessons from Virgin Orbit's successes and setbacks, including the Cornwall launch failure The shift from government-led to private industry-driven space missions Insights into the future of space industry: commercialization, international cooperation, and scientific discovery Dan's perspective on air launch systems and their niche applications His current focus on space science advocacy, emerging technologies, and mentorship Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and Dan Hart's journey into space exploration 01:07 - Inquisitiveness and early influences in space and engineering 02:23 - Cold calling NASA and beginning in the space shuttle program 03:44 - Industry's role in iconic space vehicles and innovations 05:28 - Shifts in space program management and private sector empowerment 06:56 - Scientific discoveries and the pursuit of life beyond Earth 08:13 - Early career at McDonnell Douglas and experience during Challenger 10:00 - Transition to missile defense and satellite systems 12:08 - Virgin Orbit inception, COVID challenges, and early launch attempts 14:02 - The Cornwall launch failure and lessons learned 17:01 - UK launch ventures and regulatory hurdles 18:58 - Market shifts towards national security and satellite launching 22:23 - Reflection on Virgin Orbit's setbacks and industry lessons 24:26 - The resilience of space startups and the importance of perseverance 28:21 - Future of air launch technology and niche applications 32:17 - Dan's current work on space science, policy, and emerging tech 36:39 - Final thoughts and advice for aspiring space entrepreneurs Resources & Links: Virgin Orbit Dan Hart - LinkedIn National Academy of Sciences Atlantic Council James Webb Space Telescope Hubble Space Telescope Connect with Dan Hart: LinkedIn Twitter/X Additional Notes: Dan emphasizes the importance of resilience, teamwork, and embracing failure as essential parts of space innovation. Discussions highlight the evolving landscape from government-led projects to vibrant private industry participation. Insightful perspectives on policy, regulation, and international collaboration shape the future of space exploration. Stay connected with us! Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast Website: www.astroben.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/ X: https://x.com/Gambleonit Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/
    Show more Show less
    40 mins
No reviews yet