In Her Orbit

Today on In Her Orbit, we're joined by Kelly Page, President of Barrios Technology, a woman-owned and operated small business with a long-standing legacy supporting NASA and advancing space exploration. Kelly shares her journey from growing up surrounded by the space industry to becoming the second-generation leader of a trailblazing woman-owned business with the guidance of her mother and former guest, Sandy Johnson. Kelly re...

In this episode, we're joined by Carol Craig, Founder and CEO of Sidus Space and Craig Technologies. As the first female founder to take a space company public, Carol shares the journey that led her from a career in the Navy to building a legacy in space and defense. She also discusses the challenges she’s faced as a woman in the aerospace industry, from fundraising hurdles to breaking through outdated expectations.

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Whe...

In this episode, we’re joined by Laurie Labra, Vice President of the Science and Space Human Exploration Division at KBR. With a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Houston and a career in aerospace spanning more than three decades, Laurie leads a team of over 2,750 employees and oversees multiple high-value contracts that support NASA’s most critical human spaceflight missions.

After beginning out as an astronaut i...

In this episode, we’re joined by Meghan Pipitone, Advanced Project Engineer at Honeywell and co-inventor of life-sustaining technologies for spacecraft and marine environments. With a background in electrical engineering from the University of San Diego, Meghan has played a key role in developing CO₂ removal systems for NASA missions, including the groundbreaking Carbon Dioxide Removal by Ionic Liquid System (CDRILS).

Meghan’s work ...

In this episode, we’re joined by Kirsten Whittingham, President of MAX SPACE, the company developing expandable space habitats designed for greater livability, lower cost, and easier launches. With a background in aerospace engineering and leadership roles at Axiom Space and Pratt & Whitney, Kirsten brings a wealth of experience and a passion for operational excellence to the future of space infrastructure. Listen now on all pl...

In this episode, we’re joined by Maraia Tanner, Chairwoman of the Board and CEO of STAR HARBOR, the company behind the world’s first publicly accessible spaceflight training facility. With a degree in astrophysics from UC Irvine, Maraia’s career spans the commercial and defense sectors, including engineering roles at TRW, Northrop Grumman, NASA, and JPL. She’s contributed to major missions like the Mars Sample Return and Space Inte...

In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren Fell, an Outreach and Marketing specialist at Lunar Outpost Oceania and a PhD candidate in Quantum Cognition. Lauren’s cutting-edge research explores how quantum concepts shape human intuition, particularly in trust-based decision-making. Lauren has contributed to projects like reforestation in the Galapagos and paleontology in Argentina and was honored with the Inspiring Future Leader Award ...

In this episode, we’re joined by Michelle Lucas, a trailblazer in space and education. From working at NASA’s Johnson Space Center to becoming a technical instructor for astronauts and flight controllers, Michelle’s career has been driven by her passion for space. But her journey didn’t stop there. Michelle founded Higher Orbits, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders through the wonders of space. Tu...

In today's episode, we're joined by Diane Howard, Principal of sur l'espace PLLC and Visiting Professor at UT Austin School of Law/Strauss Center for International and Security Studies. Diane takes us through her unique career journey, from the fashion industry to space law, and ultimately to her former role as Director of Commercial Space Policy at the National Space Council in the Executive Office of the President.

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In today's episode, we're joined by Meagan Crawford, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of SpaceFund, Co-Founder of the NewSpace Business Plan Competition, and Host of the Mission Eve Podcast. This week, Meagan dives into her journey of starting her own VC firm, how startups can find success through space business plan competitions, and the importance of women of all ages pursing space related endeavors to achieve human civi...

In today's episode, we're joined by Beth Mund, Owner of Stellar Communications, Executive Director and Founder of STORIES of Space, and Host and Creator of the Casual Space Podcast. In this week's conversation, Beth takes a seat at the other side of the podcast table where she shares her experience as a a former Public Affairs Officer at NASA'S Johnson Space Center, how that experience led her to creating her po...

Today on In Her Orbit, we're joined by Marisa Achée, the Chief Business Development Officer at a.i. solutions. Join us in this week's conversation where we discuss the marriage between engineering and business development, fostering an employee-centric company culture in small businesses, and how to collaborate with your competitors, transforming them into "competimates".

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Where to Find Marisa

Today on In Her Orbit, we’re bringing together some of our favorite moments from our first year of podcasting. The conversation ranges from professional success and mentorship, to community and family, bringing a comprehensive picture to the female experience in the space industry.

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Guests featured:
Dr. Tanya Harrison // Apple | Spotify
Loretta Hidalgo-Whitesides // Apple | Spotify
Brittany Pitcel // App...

Today on In Her Orbit, we're joined by Sheila Lucas, A Strategic Growth Leader focusing on Strategy & Business Development and Space Ground Solutions at General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.. Join us in this week's conversation where we explore the multitude of pathways to the space industry, and the importance of fostering confidence in young women and girls as they embark on their professional journeys.

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In today's episode, we're welcoming Sandy Barker, Associate Director and Export Control Officer at The University of Texas at Austin. Join us as we discuss Sandy's experience at NASA JSC, The Texas Rocket Engineering Lab (TREL) at UT Austin, and how a strong support system is crucial to personal and professional success.

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Where to find Sandy:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandybarker

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Hosted b...

In today's anniversary episode, we are joined by Karsen Kitchen, the Founder and CEO of Orbitelle, Student at UNC-Chapel Hill, and Blue Origin Astronaut. While Karsen has been working towards her BA in Communications at UNC, she founded Orbitelle, a foundation dedicated to supporting young women in the space industry, and made history as the youngest woman to cross the Kármán Line on Blue Origin's NS-26 mission. Join Shaw...

Today on In Her Orbit we’re joined by Irene Chan, a Flight Planning Engineer at Summit Technologies & Solutions, Inc. where she brings her passion for problem solving to life in support of the International Space Station.  In this episode we discuss the importance of finding a supportive profesional community, turning your passions into a career, and how staying true to yourself will reap the greatest reward.

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In today's episode of In Her Orbit, we're joined by Dr. Timiebi Aganaba, a Senior Global Futures Scientist and Assistant Professor at Arizona State University's School for the Future of Innovation in Society. We're so excited to have her join us and share her trailblazing story of being at the forefront of space innovation across the world, inspiring generations of women along the way.

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Where to ...

This week we're joined by Caryn Schenewerk, the President and Founder of CS Consulting LLC, where her decades of experience in space law and public policy provide clients with unparalleled strategic guidance. Join us as we discuss Caryn's transition from government offices to commercial space, the growing space law and policy sector, and a glimpse into its future through Caryn's experience as a Commercial Space Law p...