SpaceBase Podcast

Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom

SpaceBase is a social enterprise who's mission is to democratize access to space through education, entrepreneurship and community building starting in New Zealand. This podcast is dedicated to creating the journey from space enthusiast to space entrepreneurs through insightful interviews with aerospace specialists, investors, and entrepreneurs sharing their experience and knowledge of the space industry, and their personal journeys.To support the podcast, please consider becoming a patron.Since its incorporation in 2017, SpaceBase has collaborated with economic development agencies, local and national governments, and advocacy groups, startups, investors, educators to deliver over 300 educational presentations, briefings, and workshops, national space and aerospace competitions, as well as helping birth space communities and organizations locally and globally. SpaceBase also assists in technical due diligence, consulting projects for investors, industry stakeholders, and space startups. SpaceBase created a platform for the NZ Aerospace Directory and has co-founded the Global Space Enablers Network (GSEN), a decentralised alliance of organizations focused on enabling the space enabler worldwide. 

  1. Cataysing and Growing New Zealand's Deep Tech Community: An Interview with Mat Rowe

    5d ago

    Cataysing and Growing New Zealand's Deep Tech Community: An Interview with Mat Rowe

    An interview with Mat Rowe — Founding Parter and Executive Director of Outset Ventures, New Zealand’s leading deep-tech incubator and investment platform. Mat has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of science, engineering, and commercialization, helping turn breakthrough technologies into globally significant companies. Before founding Outset Ventures, he was part of the founding team at LanzaTech, contributing to the scale-up of one of the world’s most recognized industrial biotech companies across the US, Europe, and Asia. He has also co-founded and supported multiple deep-tech ventures including Dotterel Technologies, focused on UAV audio systems and drone noise reduction, and Mint Innovation, which recovers precious metals from e-waste using biometallurgy. Through Outset Ventures, Mat has helped build an ecosystem supporting some of New Zealand’s most ambitious science and engineering founders — including companies connected to aerospace, climate tech, advanced materials, biotech, and robotics. Mat is known for his hands-on approach with technical founders and his passion for helping breakthrough ideas move from prototype to global impact. Hosts:  SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom Resources: Outset Ventures - NZ incubator and investment platform What Founder's Want - resources platform for startup Founders Y Combinator - US based startup accelerator and venture capital firm Support the show

    46 min
  2. Working towards an 18th Sustainable Development Goal - "Space for All": An Interview with Chiara Moenter

    Apr 23

    Working towards an 18th Sustainable Development Goal - "Space for All": An Interview with Chiara Moenter

    An interview with Chiara Moenter, co-founder of the global initiative SDG 18: Space for All, and a leading voice in space sustainability and governance. Chiara’s journey bridges policy, research, and communication. From her work at the European Space Agency and the German Aerospace Industry Association to her academic research on sustainable space governance, she has consistently focused on one central question: how can we ensure space remains a shared and sustainable resource for humanity? Beyond policy, Chiara is also an active communicator and community builder — from moderating major international space events to delivering a TEDx talk on the Overview Effect, and contributing to global initiatives that connect space with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Chiara is a policy adviser for the New Zealand Space Agency. She is speaking here in her personal capacity. Hosts:  SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom Resources: UNOOSA: Space Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals Space Sustainability: Stakeholder Engagement Study Frank White and the Overview Effect - Books European Space Flight publications Space News Space Watch Global European Space Policy Institute Space Generation Advisory Council International Space University Space Experts: Steven Freeland Tanja Masson zwaan Torsten Kriening Tomas Hrozensky Support the show

    41 min
  3. Breaking Into Space - Careers in Communications, Marketing, and PR: An Interview with Suk Narayanan

    Mar 29

    Breaking Into Space - Careers in Communications, Marketing, and PR: An Interview with Suk Narayanan

    Continuing our alternating series featuring members of the Global Space Enablers Network – GSEN, highlighting individuals working to accelerate space ecosystems across emerging and established regions worldwide. An interview with Suk Narayanan — Head of Global Partnerships for Mission ShakthiSAT, Founder and President of the AIMERS Foundation, and a global leader at the intersection of space, technology, communication, and entrepreneurship. Suk’s journey is anything but linear. Starting in electrical and electronics engineering, she went on to co-found one of India’s largest robotics and AI outreach initiatives, impacting over 500,000 students. She later transitioned into global communications, working across 58 countries, before rebuilding her career from scratch in Australia — gaining experience across sales, leadership, and media.  Today, she plays a pivotal role in global space initiatives, including Space Kidz India and Mission ShakthiSAT — an ambitious all-women-led space mission engaging 12,000 girls across 108 countries — while also investing in startups and driving inclusive innovation ecosystems.  Hosts:  SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom Resources Mission ShaktiSAT AIMERS Foundation Support the show

    46 min
  4. Building an Aerospace Career Through Systems Thinking and Product Design: An Interview with Roger Warren

    Feb 23

    Building an Aerospace Career Through Systems Thinking and Product Design: An Interview with Roger Warren

    An interview with Roger Warren — an experienced aerospace design engineer, prototype specialist, and passionate community builder in the aviation and space sector. Roger brings decades of hands-on engineering experience across aerospace, medical devices, advanced product design, and human-powered flight. From working on the Airbus Zephyr stratospheric UAV program in the UK to leading research prototyping at the Surgical Engineering Lab at the University of Auckland, Roger’s career reflects a deep commitment to solving complex engineering challenges through experimentation, systems thinking, and practical innovation . He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Royal Aeronautical Society – New Zealand Division, Auckland Branch, where he is helping re-energize the aerospace community and break down silos across the sector . With a background spanning fluid mechanics, human factors, lightweight structures, extreme environments, and space systems engineering , Roger combines technical depth with a strong belief in collaboration and affordability in aviation. Hosts:  SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom Resources Airbus Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) Auckland Bioengineering Institute University of Auckland Aeronautics Club New Zealand Royal Aeronautical Society Auckland Branch Support the show

    52 min
  5. Catalysing a Space Cluster in South New Zealand: An Interview with David Powell

    Jan 22

    Catalysing a Space Cluster in South New Zealand: An Interview with David Powell

    An interview with David Powell — Business Development Manager at the University of Otago and Convener of the Aero+Space South initiative. With over 25 years of international experience in business development, trade, and innovation strategy, David has been at the forefront of building bridges between academia, industry, and government to support high-growth sectors like biotech, health, food — and most notably, New Zealand’s emerging space ecosystem. From leading global trade initiatives to supporting export companies and pioneering aerospace collaboration across Aotearoa’s southern regions, David brings a rare mix of vision, experience, and deep sector knowledge. He also has a long-standing passion for social enterprise and economic development — themes that continue to guide his work today. Hosts:  SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom Resources Aero+Space South - Space Cluster in Otago University of Otago City on Mars by Kelly and Zack Weinersmith Support the show

    48 min
  6. Accelerating Access to Space Through Startup Ecosystem Building and Innovation: An Interview with Vedika Latchman-Singh

    12/23/2025

    Accelerating Access to Space Through Startup Ecosystem Building and Innovation: An Interview with Vedika Latchman-Singh

    We continue the alternating series featuring Global Space Enablers Network - GSEN Members. Vedika Latchman-Singh is the Director of Exotopic where she leads the company's growth across Australia and the Asia–Pacific region. Vedika brings over two decades of experience working at the intersection of science, engineering, and innovation, with a particular passion for enabling diverse and inclusive futures in the space industry. Her journey spans roles in strategic partnerships, business development, and sustainability — from supporting Australia's space research programs at CSIRO, to building capacity for young engineers and technologists across Africa and Australia. She has also worked extensively in coaching and mentoring women in STEM fields, contributing to youth outreach and diversity-focused education initiatives. Vedika holds a degree in Chemical Engineering, has trained in professional coaching, and is an alumna of the International Space University’s Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program. At Exotopic, she combines her technical background with a visionary mindset, helping to deliver immersive, futures-oriented experiences that inspire new thinking about space, innovation, and our collective future. Hosts:  SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom Resources Vedikha's Linkedin Profile Exotopic CSIRO ISU Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program Reading LIst Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez So you want to build a space ecosystem?: A guide to growing a space  innovative ecosystem. A Space Ecosystem Maturity Index: Proposition to Assess and Identify the Development Level of Space Innovation Ecosystems Around the World Assessing Space Ecosystem Maturity Through Case Studies: Leveraging the Space Innovation Ecosystem Maturity Rubric for Strategic Development Support the show

    36 min
  7. Demistifying Hybernation Research for Space Exploration: An Interview with Ekaterina Kostioukhina

    11/18/2025

    Demistifying Hybernation Research for Space Exploration: An Interview with Ekaterina Kostioukhina

    An interview with Dr. Ekaterina Kostioukhina — a medical doctor, space medicine researcher, educator, and global security advisor. Ekaterina completed her medical training at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, with postgraduate studies at Harvard University. Her current research focuses on hypometabolic states in humans, such as torpor and hibernation, through interdisciplinary collaborations that span borders and institutions. She has served as a guest lecturer at MIT, teaching Space Medicine and Crisis/Disaster Management, and has trained military and intelligence personnel on high-stakes global security issues. Ekaterina is a member of the Parliamentary Intelligence and Security Forum in Washington, DC, and her expert commentary has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Crisis Response Journal, and other leading publications. Currently on medical assignment in New Zealand, she continues her work from a remote environment, all while balancing roles as a physician, mother, educator, and mentor to the next generation of space and security professionals. Hosts:  SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom Resources Hiberia - Hibernational Intelligence Base for Education and Research and International Alliance AlaskaX: Hybernational Science - an edX course exploring hibernation as a blueprint for resilience, drawing on the amazing strategies of animals that endure extreme Arctic winters. Support the show

    44 min
  8. Developing Superconducting Magnets for Breakthrough Spacecraft Propulsion Systems: An Interview with Ben Mallett

    10/29/2025

    Developing Superconducting Magnets for Breakthrough Spacecraft Propulsion Systems: An Interview with Ben Mallett

    An interview with Dr. Ben Mallett — a senior scientist at the Paihau-Robinson Research Institute and co-founder of JxB Space Systems, a bold new space startup positioning New Zealand at the forefront of next-generation spacecraft propulsion. Ben has been instrumental in developing superconducting magnet systems now operating aboard the International Space Station as part of the recently launched Heki mission. He led the creation of a superconducting flux pump. — a device that energizes spacecraft magnets using drastically less power than traditional systems. This is a milestone not just for New Zealand space tech, but for global efforts toward sustainable space propulsion. Ben holds a Bachelors and Doctoral degrees in Physics from the the Macdiarmid Institute and Victoria University of Wellington. Beyond the lab, he was selected into a global space accelerator program in 2023, where he helped shape the commercial vision for JxB while continuing to break technical ground. Ben just won the 2025 KiwiNet Research Commercialisation - Breakthrough Innovation Award  this month.  Hosts:  SpaceBase Founder Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom Resources Paihau-Robinson Research Institute Heki Mission - a technology demonstration mission to the International Space Station (ISS) that launched in September 2025. CHIASMA - connecting university students to STEM industries Support the show

    32 min
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Ratings & Reviews

2.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

SpaceBase is a social enterprise who's mission is to democratize access to space through education, entrepreneurship and community building starting in New Zealand. This podcast is dedicated to creating the journey from space enthusiast to space entrepreneurs through insightful interviews with aerospace specialists, investors, and entrepreneurs sharing their experience and knowledge of the space industry, and their personal journeys.To support the podcast, please consider becoming a patron.Since its incorporation in 2017, SpaceBase has collaborated with economic development agencies, local and national governments, and advocacy groups, startups, investors, educators to deliver over 300 educational presentations, briefings, and workshops, national space and aerospace competitions, as well as helping birth space communities and organizations locally and globally. SpaceBase also assists in technical due diligence, consulting projects for investors, industry stakeholders, and space startups. SpaceBase created a platform for the NZ Aerospace Directory and has co-founded the Global Space Enablers Network (GSEN), a decentralised alliance of organizations focused on enabling the space enabler worldwide. 

Information

  • Creator
    Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 SpaceBase Podcast
  • Show Website
    SpaceBase Podcast