The Astro Ben Podcast Ben Gamble

In episode 102, chats to Roman Chiporukha, founder of SpaceVIP and co-founder of the luxury lifestyle management firm Roman & Erica. They dive deep into the burgeoning world of private space exploration, discussing the fascinating journey of introducing the final passenger to Axiom’s Ax-1 mission—a $50 million ticket to the first all-private space mission to the International Space Station.
Roman shares his insights on making space exploration more accessible to the private sector, the exciting future of Michelin-starred meals in space, and how celebrities and billionaires are shaping the next frontier.
OUTLINE:
Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.
00:14 Introduction to Episode
00:50 Origin story or not!
03:00 Axiom1 and selling a $50m ticket!
05:58 Space VIP https://www.spacevip.com/
07:24 Experience in luxury lifestyle management
09:05 Michelin-starred meals in Space
13:44 Space Perspective https://spaceperspective.com/
16:30 The Space Prize Foundation https://www.spaceprize.org/
21:10 SpaceVIP Products/Experiences in the pipeline
26:30 Risks with these experiences
32:40 Celebs in Space
40:00 Final thought - WHY SPACE
41:50 Wrap Up and socials
Connect with
Website: https://www.spacevip.com/
X: https://twitter.com/getmaxspace
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spacevip/
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/

In episode 101, Ben chats to  Kirsten Whittingham, President of Max Space. Kirsten shares insights into her diverse and impressive career in the aerospace industry, from generating significant revenue at Axiom Space to overseeing the development of innovative expandable habitats at Max Space. The conversation delves into the unique technology behind Max Space's scalable habitats, the challenges and milestones ahead, and the future of space habitation. Kirsten also discusses her work with the Cosmic Girls Foundation, aiming to address gender inequality in the space industry and inspire more young girls to pursue STEM careers.
OUTLINE:
Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.
00:14 Intro to
00:48 Introduction to Kirsten Whittingham
01:28 What is Max Space?
04:57 Inflatable
06:21 Mission in 2026
09:00 What is a soft goods?
10:22 Psychology of inflatable structures 
12:20 How big could they be?
13:50 Experience from Axiom
17:35 Raising money for space startups
20:50 Sustainability
23:08 Private/public partnerships
25:55 Uses of Max Space habitat from research, manufacturing, space debris and sport?!
27:50 Cosmic Girls Foundation https://www.cosmicgirls.org/donate
30:45 CGF Initiatives
32:02 Advice to young people
35:10 Vision for the future of the space industry
37:53 Wrap Up and socials
Connect with Max Space:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmaxspace
Website: https://getmaxspace.com/
X: https://twitter.com/getmaxspace
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getmaxspace/about/
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/

In this milestone episode, we had the honour of speaking with Nicole Stott, a retired NASA astronaut, artist, and author. Nicole shared her inspiring journey, including her space missions on ISS Expedition 20 and 21, and STS-128 and STS-133. We explored her unique experiences, such as participating in the first live tweet-up from space and painting with watercolour in microgravity. Nicole also discussed her post-NASA work, including her book "Back To Earth" and her co-founding of the Space for Art Foundation. Her story is a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts.
OUTLINE:
Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.
00:14 Intro to Nicole Stott
01:00 Episode 100/how Ben and Nicole met
02:35 Impact of astronauts
05:27 Females in space
10:00 Favourite mission?
13:32 Painting in space
16:50 Role of art and creativity in space
19:40 Polaris Dawn & SpaceX/Public Private Partnerships
24:00 Artemis
27:20 Bringing benefits of space
28:05 “Back to Earth” https://www.npsdiscovery.com/book-back-to-earth
31:44 Seeing Earth from space
35:40 Sharing Experiences
37:10 Blue Origin’s vision for the future
38:48 Cosmic perspective
41:37 Final thought from Nicole - “Stay curious!”
44:54 Wrap up and socials
Connect with Nicole Stott:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astro_nicole & https://www.instagram.com/spaceforartfoundation/
Website: https://www.npsdiscovery.com/
X: https://x.com/Astro_Nicole
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/
 

In episode 99, we had the privilege of hearing the remarkable journey of Dr. Eiman Jahangir, Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University and aspiring astronaut. From being a finalist for NASA's Astronaut Candidate program to winning a ticket to space through a raffle with MoonDAO, Dr. Jahangir's story is a testament to the power of persistence and the limitless possibilities of space exploration. Winning a ticket to space from over 2,200 participants, his journey serves as an inspiring reminder that dreams can indeed take flight. Tune in to hear more about his extraordinary adventures and the exciting future that lies ahead.
OUTLINE:
Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.
00:00 Introduction to
00:49 Lucky Numbers!
01:40 MoonDao and how it will get Eiman to Space
06:50 How Eiman entered the raffle
08:40 Navigating Crypto
11:10 Applying for NASA
15:24 Space Tourism - health barriers
18:33 Phycological impact on Space Tourism
22:10 Analogue astronaut experiences
23:44 Blue Origin timeline and launch prep
25:50 Personal aspirations for the experience
29:52 Wrap Up and Socials
Connect with Dr Eiman Jahangir:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DrEJahangir
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drejahangir
X: https://twitter.com/DrEJahangir
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://twitter.com/Gambleonit
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

In Episode 98, Ben speaks with Andrew Parris, a space industry veteran who worked at NASA for over a decade. Andrew shares captivating stories from his time with the Space Shuttle and International Space Station missions, including his travels to Moscow and the Baikonur Cosmodrome. He also discusses his transition into commercial spaceflight and space communication, highlighting his work with innovative space organizations like The Inspired 24, Uplift Aerospace's Space+, and Axiom Space. Join the conversation to explore Andrew's fascinating journey through space exploration, mentorship, and his ongoing commitment to democratizing space for everyone.
OUTLINE:
Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.
00:58 Intro to Andrew
01:30 Andrew’s Space Origin Moment
03:08 Working for NASA
08:48 Inspiration 4 and Inspired 24
11:42 The work of Inspired 24
15:30 World View - Andrews Path to Space?
19:00 Importance of building a crew on Earth
20:01 The Overview Effect
23:45 Maximising Overview Effect through Photo’s/video
26:14 Time Management
30:20 Predictions for Space Tourism Industry
32:30 Breaking News
32:35 Wrap Up and Socials
Connect with Andrew Parris:
Website: https://theinspired24.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_inspired_24/
X: https://twitter.com/aparrisx
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://twitter.com/Gambleonit
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

In Episode 97, join us as we journey into the world of astrobiology and space exploration with Dr. Michaela Musilova. Michaela has been the Commander of over 30 simulated missions to the Moon and Mars, in collaboration with NASA and many international organizations. She is currently Global Faculty at the International Space University, Ambassador for Space ScAvengers and the Head of Research of NEEDRONIX. As an astrobiologist and analog astronaut from Slovakia, Dr. Musilova shares insights into her groundbreaking research and the importance of diversity within teams. Discover her visionary project, Astro Seven Summits, and how she's breaking barriers in space exploration right here on Earth!
OUTLINE:
Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.
00:52 Into to Michaela Musilova
01:10 The Eclipse
03:25 Astro Seven Summits Project
06:18 Hi Seas
13:44 How would we ACTUALLY live on Mars?
22:02 Selecting teams
26:42 Lessons learnt
34:35 Science communication
35:10 Michaela’s story
40:30 Where are the Aliens?
43:46 Wrap Up & Socials
Connect with Dr. Michaela Musilová:
Website: https://michaelamusilova.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astro_michaela
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astroMichaela/
X: https://twitter.com/astro_Michaela
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-michaela-musilova/
Support Astro Seven Summits: https://chuffed.org/project/astrosevensummits
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://twitter.com/Gambleonit
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/