Anthony Baker is the founder and CEO of Satellite VU, which is building the world's orbital thermometer through high-resolution thermal imaging satellites. In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Anthony shares his journey from spending 30 years operating satellites for NATO and Qatar to convincing investors to put £30M into his vision of seeing heat from space.Get intro to Anthony: https://brdg.app/s/00hi6g-----------------------------------------------Timestamps(00:00) Introduction

(06:03) Academic Background & Career Path

(14:08 The Decision to Become a Founder

(20:19) Seraphim Space Camp Experience

(30:32) Product Evolution & Market Focus

(41:39) Series A & Investment Strategy

(46:37) First Satellite Launch & Experience

(49:52) Dealing with Camera Anomaly

(52:06) Future Plans & Constellation Growth

(54:31) Quick Fire Round & Final Thoughts

-----------------------------------------------Episode Takeaways:1) Focus on Customer Problems, Not Space Technology- Went to customer conferences, not space conferences- Learned to pitch to solution buyers, not end users- "We've never really gone to space conferences. We've always gone to customer conferences"2) Use Grants and Accelerators Strategically- Grants provide non-dilutive funding and credibility- Choose specialized accelerators for your sector- "Go big, go specialized on what you need to show some difference at each stage"3) Plan for Survival, Not Just Growth- Plan for cash break-even, not just runway- Have insurance and contingency plans- "We plan for cash break even... we can always survive on where we are now"4) Embrace Pivots Based on Market Feedback- Originally focused on ocean plastic monitoring- Pivoted to thermal imaging based on market demand- "If three people tell you that your pitch is not good for this reason, they're probably right"5) Build Networks Before You Need Them- Leverage industry relationships and reputation- Get into relevant events and meet investors- "The network helps more... if you want more money, you want to hang around friends that have lots of friends with lots of money"6) Move Fast But Be Prepared for Setbacks- Launch quickly but have backup plans- Be transparent with investors about risks- "You have to believe in what you're doing and put 110% in, but also listen to the feedback"7) Think Beyond Traditional Space Applications- Look for high-value commercial applications- Focus on solving real-world problems- "We're opening up new markets beyond the traditional Earth Observation market"

Thomas Sinn is the founder of DCUBED, which develops mechanisms and deployable structures that need to be small in rockets but big in space. In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Thomas shares their journey from 3D printing prototypes in a basement to shipping hardware to the International Space Station. While growing from a €2,000 prize to a multi-million euro company. D-Cube is making space hardware more accessible by building critical release devices and deployment mechanisms for satellites and space stations.Get intro to Thomas: https://brdg.app/s/5vhet4-----------------------------------------------Timestamps00:00 Introduction08:45 From Academia to Rocket Lab13:20 Starting with 3D Printed Parts18:30 Getting MIT as First Customer27:45 Patent Strategy & Working with IP Lawyers32:40 COVID Crisis & Basement Operations37:15 First Institutional Money40:20 How to find investors48:50 Preparing for Series A Round54:20 Short & Long Term Future Plans56:10 Rapid Fire Questions with Investors1:02:10 Final Advice for Space Founders-----------------------------------------------Episode Takeaways:1) Don't Be Too Secretive About Your Technology- Being too confidential can lose you opportunities- Focus on protecting processes/tolerances, not designs- "If you're too confidential about it... you've already lost the foot in the door"2) Go to Market Early with Imperfect Products- Launch at 80% readiness to get customer feedback- Early market validation is crucial- "Go advertising your products early... sometimes the market assessments we do are wrong"3) Build Your Website Immediately- First MIT customer found them through their website- Put information and pictures online even if not perfect- "Nobody knows what you're doing if you don't publish it somewhere"4) Choose Investors Based on Personal Fit- Getting an investor is "almost like a marriage"- Look for investors in similar companies' portfolios- Get references from other founders about investors5) Time Your Fundraising Strategically- Avoid summer and winter breaks- Aim to close in May/June or mid-November- "You need to consider summer break and winter break"6) Start Global from Day One- Space industry is inherently international- Don't focus only on local markets- "The space industry is global... there's a lot happening all around"7) Balance Visionary Goals with Practical Steps- Started with simple actuators before space manufacturing- Use current revenue to fund future innovations- "We always said we want to follow our dream to do something very big in space"

Luc Piguet is the co-founder and CEO of ClearSpace, a pioneering company developing technology to capture and remove satellites from orbit, making space more sustainable.In this episode of Rockets & Radars, Luc shares the journey from a research project at EPFL to winning an €86 million ESA mission, making ClearSpace the first European company to attempt satellite removal from orbit.Get intro to Luc: https://brdg.app/s/l5odpn-----------------------------------------------Timestamps

(00:00) The Need for Space Debris Management

(03:10) ClearSpace: A Vision for the Future

(06:03) Challenges in the Space Industry

(08:58) Public Interest and Policy Changes

(11:55) The Origins of ClearSpace

(15:05) Building a Business Model for Space Cleanup

(17:58) The Role of ESA and Initial Funding

(28:13) The Sacrifices of Startup Life

30:10) Navigating the Challenges of Fundraising

(32:12) Strategic Timing and Market Readiness

(34:35) Collaborative Innovation in Space Missions

(36:30) Building a Competent Team

(39:58) Securing the ESA Contract

(41:01) Funding Strategies and Investor Relations

(44:00) The Journey to Series A Funding

(46:14) The European Space Landscape

(49:21) Future Aspirations for ClearSpace

(52:31) Rapid Fire Insights and Challenges for Founders-----------------------------------------------In this episode, we discuss:1. Space Sustainability: Why servicing capabilities are crucial for sustainable space operations2. Clear Space Origins: From EPFL research project to winning an 86 million euro ESA mission3. Team Building: Creating a weekend "Space Club" to attract top engineering talent before having funding4. Funding Journey: From ESA BIC support to raising 26 million euros in Series A5. Personal Sacrifices: Moving from lakeside apartment to two-bedroom flat with family of six6. ESA Contract Success: Securing major mission through strategic partnerships7. Market Timing: Anticipating policy changes around 2025-20268. Technical Innovation: Developing new approaches while working within ESA standards9. European Space Industry: Challenges and opportunities for deep-tech companies10. Future Vision: Plans to increase mission frequency from yearly to monthly launches