The SpaceNews Commercial Space Transformers video series gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the people and companies driving the space industry’s commercial transformation.
The weekly series features 15-minute down-to-Earth interviews with key players in space, ranging from the executives at the helm of some of the market’s biggest disruptors to the bankers and investors helping to finance their journey.
Join SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow as he embarks on a mission to learn where the fast-evolving space industry is heading next.
Standardized Satellites and Scalable Solutions: Loft’s Next Leap
In this episode of Commercial Space Transformers SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow speaks with Alex Greenberg, Co-founder and COO, Loft Orbital.The discussion centers on Loft Orbital's innovative approach as a "space-as-a-service" provider, simplifying satellite deployment for customers. The company recently announced $170 million in a Series C funding round.Loft Orbital's focus on offering standardized and turnkey satellite solutions, providing faster and more cost-effective access to space. The company distinguishes itself by not being vertically integrated, sourcing satellite buses from external partners, and prioritizing the integration of payloads and operational infrastructure. Looking forward, Loft Orbital plans to scale its operations, automate processes, and enable AI-powered satellite missions, allowing customers to deploy software applications in space with minimal customization and rapid deployment.
22 Jul 2025
Building Saudi Arabia’s Global Space Ambitions: Martijn Blanken on NSG’s Strategy
In this episode of Commercial Space Transformers SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow speaks with Martijn Blanken, CEO, Neo Space Group (NSG).In the conversation, Blanken discussed the company's recent acquisitions and the role of sovereign wealth funds like Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) in shaping the global commercial space industry. NSG was created last year by Saudi Arabia's PIF.NSG's strategy involves a mix of acquisitions, partnerships, and organic development across geospatial services, communications, navigation, and IoT. The company plans to lease satellite capacity initially and eventually own its own constellations. Sovereign wealth funds, like PIF, play a crucial role in providing capital and fostering innovation. NSG aims to balance global market reach with regional investments, leveraging partnerships and acquisitions to enhance capabilities. The company also focuses on workforce development, particularly in Saudi Arabia, through university partnerships and recruiting local talent.
15 Jul 2025
Inside Seraphim’s Strategy: Defense, Growth, and the Future of Space Capital
In this episode of Commercial Space Transformers SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow speaks with Mark Boggett, CEO, Seraphim Space.The conversation focuses on the evolving landscape of space investment and the role Seraphim plays as a publicly traded space fund. Boggett highlights the dual impact of being publicly listed, noting the increased profile and credibility in markets such as the US and Asia, but also acknowledging the challenges posed by limited IPO and fundraising opportunities. This has led Seraphim to adopt a more selective investment approach, with a focus on high-growth companies.Boggett expresses optimism about the future of space investment, particularly in light of a potential second Trump administration, which he believes could drive increased NASA budgets and defense spending. He cites Trump's previous support for space initiatives like the Artemis Accords and the creation of the Space Force as evidence of his pro-space stance. Boggett also notes the broader implications for NATO defense spending and the trickle-down effect this could have on space-related industries.In Europe, Boggett discusses the impact of the Iris² broadband constellation project and the EU's broader investment in space technologies. He acknowledges the persistent challenge of scaling startups in Europe, citing a lack of growth capital However, he highlights UK pension reforms aimed at increasing investment in growth-stage companies as a potential model for broader European adoption.
8 Jul 2025
Financing the Final Frontier: James Parker on Space, Credit & Government Risk
James Parker, Founding Partner at Leonid Capital Partners, discusses with Jason Rainbow, Senior Staff Writer at SpaceNews, the challenges of financing space companies and the importance of government contracts for mitigating risks, in this interview.
1 Jul 2025
Satellite Networks Evolved: Multi-Orbit, AI-Driven, and Standardized
ST Engineering iDirect CEO Don Claussen speaks with SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow in an interview about virtualization and automation to achieve flexibility and interoperability in satellite networks.
11 Jun 2025
Scaling the Final Frontier: Redwire’s Growth Playbook with Peter Cannito
Redwire CEO Peter Cannito discusses Redwire's inorganic growth strategies with SpaceNews Staff Writer Jason Rainbow, including strategic acquisitions and alignment with national security, in this interview.
4 Jun 2025
Financing the Final Frontier: Deutsche Bank on the $1 Trillion Space Economy
Pawel Skonieczka discusses the trillion-dollar space economy with Jason Rainbow, emphasizing regulatory frameworks and satellite technology advancements as pivotal for future innovations in this interview.
20 May 2025
Inside MDA Space’s Digital Leap: AI, Robotics, and Mass Manufacturing
In this episode of Commercial Space Transformers SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow speaks with Mike Greenley, CEO, MDA Space.Greenley discusses the company’s evolution from subcontractor to constellation prime to capitalize on the industry’s growing preference for satellite builders with advanced payload expertise.Renowned for its iconic robotic arm on the International Space Station, MDA Space is making waves with investments in cutting-edge mass manufacturing facilities and an innovative digital satellite platform that’s rapidly gaining traction with customers.Greenley also shares his thoughts on satellite servicing, debris removal, and other pioneering advancements such as AI-driven robotics to keep MDA Space at the forefront of space technology.
13 May 2025
Navigating Disruption in the Space Economy with Advent International
In this episode of Commercial Space Transformers SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow speaks with Shonnel Malani, Managing Partner, Advent International.In the conversation, Malani shares insights on how private equity investment is shaping the commercial space sector, particularly with technological innovations that have lowered costs and increased private participation. Malani highlights Advent's focus on national security, strategic technologies, and their high-profile investment in Maxar Technologies, emphasizing the company's role in advancing satellite and Earth observation technologies.The conversation also addresses Advent's approach to managing disruption in the fast-evolving space sector, emphasizing innovation, environmental responsibility, and their cautious approach to public-private partnerships. Additionally, they discuss Advent's strategies for incorporating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations, noting the consistency of ESG principles across regions.
7 May 2025
SES CEO Charts Bold Path in Satellite Innovation
In this episode of Commercial Space Transformers SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow speaks with Adel Al-Saleh, CEO, SES.SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh dives into the fleet operator’s bold moves in satellite innovation, including the Intelsat acquisition and the company’s multi-orbit strategy to outpace rivals like Starlink. Al-Saleh highlights a key strength: combining GEO, MEO, and LEO partnerships to deliver greater flexibility and resilience across industries — from government and defense to airlines and maritime. He also addresses SES’s push for agile development, regulatory shifts, and seamless integration with 5G networks. For space industry professionals, this is a must-watch on how SES plans to lead the multi-orbit era and redefine satellite connectivity.
29 Apr 2025
Morgan Stanley Investing in Space Companies
In this episode of Commercial Space Transformers SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow speaks with Phillip Ingle, Managing Director, Investment Banking Division, Morgan Stanley.
Phillip joined Morgan Stanley more than two decades ago as an analyst in Australia but soon moved to New York where he's been helping the Investment Bank cover large aerospace and defence companies. Several years ago he helped Morgan Stanley fine tune a focus on pure play space companies and in addition to facilitating merges and acquisitions, has been helping space companies raise capital through the debt and equity markets.
22 Apr 2025
Lockheed Martin Ventures Space Portfolio
In this episode of Commercial Space Transformers SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow speaks with Chris Moran, Vice President and General Manager, Lockheed Martin Ventures (LMV). LMV is Lockheed Martin's Venture Capital arm and about a third of its portfolio is invested in space. Some of its most notable space Investments include launchers Rocket Lab and ABL Space. LMV also initially invested in satellite maker Terran Orbital, which is now in the process of being sold to Lockheed Martin.
16 Oct 2024
Kirk Konert, AE Industrial Partners
In this episode of Commercial Space Transformers SpaceNews Senior Staff Writer Jason Rainbow speaks with Kirk Konert, a Managing Partner and board member at AE Industrial Partners (AEI). AEI is a private equity firm with over $6 billion in assets. AEI is a prime example of how institutional investors are now helping shape the space industry.
Commercial Space Transformers (https://spacenews.com/commercial-space-transformers/)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
351,397
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
36
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
0
Contact Commercial Space Transformers
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Commercial Space Transformers?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
