Episode #114: The Legal Landscape of Mars
On this week's episode, I sit down with an international lawyer to discuss his recent efforts to debunk SpaceX’s attempts to claim “Mars as a free planet," why the field of space law can no longer be overlooked by the broader legal community, and how science fiction plays into the way we think about future legal and governance frameworks. My guest on today’s episode, is Cristian van Eijk, author of the viral article, "Sorry, Elon: Mars is not a legal vacuum - and it's not yours, either."
Episode #113: Deconstructing the Legacy of Colonization in Space
On this week's episode, I sit down with two space lawyers to discuss the legacy of colonization in outer space, the role that international treaties have played historically on this topic, and how we can commit to an anti-colonial mindset going forward. One of the guests on this episode is, Julia Malette, a life-long space enthusiast and a practicing attorney in the United States. I was also joined by, Mclee Kerolle, a graduate of the International Institute of Air and Space Law at Leiden University.
Episode #112: Making Space for Women
On this week's episode, I sit down with Bailey Burns to discuss her important work as a space advocate and communicator, what she is up to at Paragon, her experiences as an analog astronaut with Hi-SEAS, and also her perspective on how the space industry could be more supportive of women.
Episode #111: Nuclear Innovation in Space
On this week's episode, we’ll discuss humanity's future on Earth and in space from an energy and climate policy perspective. We’ll also cover how space mining factors into visions of off-Earth living and what strategies might be employed for better shared resource management in space. My guest on the show, Alex Gilbert, is a complex systems researcher focusing on space mining, climate policy, energy markets, and nuclear innovation.
Episode #110: Black Architectural Aesthetics on Earth and in Space
As we look toward the not-so-distant reality of life on the Moon, Mars, and beyond, an important question emerges - how do we build structures and cities in space that reflect the diverse population and cultures of our planet? On this week's episode, we’ll discuss an approach to architectural design that specifically celebrates and pays homage to uniquely Black experiences and cultures. Demar Matthews and his firm, OffTop Design, are engaging Black communities in the planning process such that they are better represented in their built environment, and in so doing, might better inform how we design and build future structures and cities in space someday.
Episode #109: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Space Resources
On this week's episode, we’ll discuss the multidisciplinary field of space resources and how the Center for Space Resources at the Colorado School of Mines is leading the charge on this exciting new academic discipline. Listen in to learn more about how utilization of space resources will shape the future of humanity and how you can get involved from anywhere in the world. My guest on the show, Dr. Christopher Dreyer, has a range of interests in the development of space resources and advancement of space exploration of asteroids, the Moon, and Mars.
Episode #108: Space Law – Entering the Space 5.0 Era
What lies ahead as we enter the Space 5.0 Era? How can space law support equitable outcomes amongst stakeholders in space? On this week's episode, we'll discuss the future of governance and how it must evolve to meet the needs of humans living and working in space.
My guest on the show, Dr. Timiebi Aganaba-Jeanty, is currently an Assistant Professor in the School for the Future of Innovation in Society with a courtesy appointment at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. She is an expert on all things space law.
Episode #107: Greenhouses in Space
What will we eat in space? How will we grow it? What psychological and cultural benefits can be derived from future greenhouses in space? On this week's episode, we’ll discuss space architecture and specifically the design of greenhouses for the Moon and Mars. My guest on the show, Mahsa Esfandabadi, designs habitats and greenhouses for Mars, the Moon, and zero-gravity environments. She has over ten years experience working as a professional architect, project manager, and assistant professor.
Episode #106: How to Live Off the Land in Space
How do humans live off the land in space? On this episode of Celestial Citizen Podcast, we discuss the innovative field of space resources and how a sustainable future off-Earth might be sooner than you think. My guest on the show, Dr. Angel Abbud-Madrid, is the Director of the Center for Space Resources at the Colorado School of Mines, where he leads a research program focused on the human and robotic exploration of space and the utilization of its resources.
Episode #105 Algae-Based Innovation in Space
Are you interested in the social impact of greater food security, access to nutritious ingredients, as well as, sustainable production methods both on Earth and in space?
In this week's episode, I speak with Elliot Roth about his startup, Spira Inc., and how his team plans to disrupt the global supply chain by replacing harmful compounds with carbon-negative algae to create safer, locally-sourced products. We’ll also discuss how algae-based products can support humanity’s future in space, as well as, Elliot’s recent analog Moon mission with HI-SEAS on Mauna Loa in Hawaii.
Episode #104: Countdown to Mars
With all the excitement of this month in full swing - Hope Probe, Tianwen-1, and next up, Perseverance - it seemed only fitting to dedicate an episode to all things Mars! Enjoy this special, early-release episode with "professional martian" and Director of Science Strategy at Planet, Dr. Tanya Harrison.
We discuss the significance of the upcoming Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Landing on February 18th, how to bring positive change to toxic work cultures in the space industry, and Dr. Harrison's new book, For All Humankind: The Untold Stories of How the Moon Landing Inspired the World.
Episode #103: Countdown to the Moon
Many space industry insiders talk excitedly about a human return to the Moon, but how does the general public feel about this endeavor? Do they think it will really happen and how does it stack up against a long list of priorities for our home planet?
In this week's episode, I speak with Nathan Price about his project, Countdown to the Moon, in which he interviews one person every day until humans are set to return to the Moon in 2024. Nathan and I will discuss how his passion project has evolved into an important time capsule of public sentiment regarding the planned Artemis missions and valuable lessons learned from his conversations so far.
Episode #102: United Africa for Space Innovation
On this episode of Celestial Citizen Podcast, I am joined by Ruvimbo Samanga, space law and policy analyst. We’ll discuss lunar governance, the African Space Sector, and Ruvimbo’s involvement with the Space Generation Advisory Council’s 4th African Space Generation Workshop.
Episode #101: Building the Future - A Space Architecture Conversation
Have you ever wondered about how humans might live and work someday on the Moon, or what the field of space architecture is all about? In this episode, I have the opportunity to talk with Madhu Thangavelu, about the space architecture and infrastructure that will support Artemis mission objectives, and a sustained presence on the Moon. We’ll also discuss how those plans might feed into future cities on the Moon and eventually Mars.
Trailer: Welcome to the Cosmos - Introducing Celestial Citizen
A citizen's podcast for planning humanity's future in space - exploring the social, political, technical, and scientific aspects of living off-Earth from the perspective of a space urban planner.