Welcome to Brilliant Brains of Space , a series exploring the people shaping humanity’s future beyond Earth.”

We have Dr. Chris Welch, space engineer, educator, and global advocate for space exploration. A former Professor of Space Engineering at the International Space University, Dr. Welch has spent decades working across space propulsion, microgravity science, and planetary exploration. With over 300 media appearances and international leadership in space education, he continues to inspire the next generation of space thinkers. Now, through his interdisciplinary consultancy, Space-ist, he connects science, education, and imagination to expand humanity’s space future.”

In this episode of Brilliant Brains of Space, we sit down with Ben Haldeman, space entrepreneur, engineer, futurist, and founder of LifeShip. Ben shares his extraordinary journey from building Mars rover instruments at UC Berkeley to designing and launching hundreds of satellites as an early engineer at Planet Labs.

Ben explains why preserving life beyond Earth matters, how community-driven space exploration can shape our future, and what it takes to turn moonshot ideas into reality.

In this episode:

• The story behind LifeShip and its mission

• Sending Earth's DNA and seeds to space

• Building satellites at Planet Labs

• Mars rover technology and the search for life

• The future of human space settlement

• Entrepreneurship, moonshot thinking, and innovation

• Lessons from endurance sports, exploration, and personal growth

What does it really take to build a career in the space industry without becoming an astronaut?

Whether you're a student, engineer, tech enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the future of humanity beyond Earth, this episode offers a practical and inspiring look into real careers in space exploration.

In this episode:

How to enter the space industry without being an astronaut

The skills that matter most in aerospace careers

Behind-the-scenes realities of space missions

Engineering challenges in modern space systems

The future of Moon & Mars exploration

Innovation, robotics, satellites, and the next era of space tech

🎧 Brilliant Brains of Space explores the minds building the future beyond Earth—one conversation at a time.

Welcome to Brilliant Brains of Space -a podcast series produced by Podone and powered by SpaceVrse, where we uncover the inspiring stories of the visionaries shaping the future of space exploration.

This series goes beyond astronauts and rocket launches. It highlights the rise of the global space economy and the brilliant minds from diverse backgrounds, entrepreneurs, scientists, researchers, educators, analog astronauts, technologists, and innovators who are making space accessible to humanity like never before.

Featuring conversations with:

• Dr. Chris Welch

• Rebeca J.

• Fay Abdul Ghani

• Ben Haldeman

• Lakshmi Karan

• Aayushi Doshi

• Jorge Rubén Casir Ricaño

• Ekaterina Kostioukhina

• Dr. Egbert Edelbroek

• Aravinda RaviBhanu

• Antonio Fowl Stark (KangSan Kim)

From lunar innovation and analog missions to space entrepreneurship, deep-tech, education, sustainability, and the future of human civilization beyond Earth. Each episode dives into the journeys, challenges, and bold ideas driving the next era of space exploration.

Whether you’re a student, creator, entrepreneur, dreamer, or simply curious about the cosmos, this series proves one powerful idea:

You don’t have to be an astronaut to build a career in space.

Produced by Podone.

Marketing Amplified by New Media Holdings.

Streaming exclusively on SpaceVrse and all the leasing Podcasting Platforms.

Subscribe now and discover the brilliant brains shaping humanity’s future among the stars.

In this episode of Women of Space by SpaceVrse, we feature Dr. Alice Bunn, Chief Executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and President of the UK space trade association.

With decades of experience at the forefront of global space policy, Dr. Bunn shares her journey of leadership, her vision for how space can drive innovation on Earth, and why the commercialization of space is opening up new opportunities for nations and industries worldwide.

Her perspective blends science, diplomacy, and strategy — showing us how leadership in space is not just about rockets, but about building frameworks that benefit humanity.

In this episode of Women of Space by SpaceVrse, we feature Andrea Prazakova, a dynamic leader shaping the future of space innovation and strategy.

Andrea shares her journey of stepping into leadership, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and why the active participation of women is critical for the growth of the global space ecosystem.

Her story is about vision, resilience, and opening doors for the next generation.

Tune in to hear Andrea’s inspiring perspective — only on SpaceVrse.

What does it take to imagine human life beyond Earth?

In this episode of Women of Space by SpaceVrse, we meet Leka Hattori, Founder of Space Terra, who is redefining how we think about space habitats, sustainability, and inclusivity in exploration.

Leka’s journey is one of curiosity, courage, and cross-disciplinary vision. She shares:

Why designing for space is about more than technology — it’s about people

How sustainability on Earth can teach us to survive beyond our planet

Hmissioniis on to make space exploration accessible and inclusive for all

Her store reminds s that space isn’t just about reaching the stars — it’s about building a future where everyone has a place.

Watch this inspiring conversation now on SpaceVrse.

Women of Space — featuring Shelli Brunswick

As CEO & Founder of SB Global LLC, Shelli has spent her career championing innovation, education, and inclusion in the space industry.

In this episode of Women of Space by SpaceVrse, Shelli shares:

How military discipline shaped her leadership style

The power of mentorship in building a stronger, more inclusive space workforce

Why collaboration across nations and sectors is key to unlocking the industry’s future

Her vision for empowering the next generation of space leaders

Shelli’s story is proof that leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about impact.

Watch Episode 4 now on SpaceVrse.

Produced by Podone.