Europe's Space Resilience Initiative Explained with Dr Pascal Legai

In this episode of Space Café Radio, we take you deep into one of Europe’s most strategic space initiatives: ERS – European Resilience from Space.

Host Torsten Kriening is joined by ESA Director General Dr. Josef Aschbacher and his Security Advisor Dr. Pascal Legai to unpack how ERS aims to give Europe independent, secure, and rapid access to intelligence from orbit – and why this matters now more than ever.

Dr. Aschbacher explains how ERS is designed as a “system of systems”, federating national, commercial, and institutional capabilities into a resilient European framework. He outlines the ambition to move from fragmented assets to a coherent, interoperable architecture that can deliver near-real-time situational awareness for crises, defence, and security.

Dr. Legai then takes us into the core of the concept:

• Why time-to-decision is the defining metric in today’s geopolitical environment
• How ERS will connect Earth observation, secure connectivity (IRIS²) and PNT into an integrated operational backbone
• The distinction between technical governance (ESA) and political governance (EU) – and why that separation is crucial
• How ERS will evolve into the broader EOGS – European Union Governmental Services vision

We also discuss:

• The funding reality behind the first ERS phase and expectations for the ESA Ministerial in Bremen
• The challenge of handling classified, sensitive, and commercial data across 27+ countries
• What ERS means for Europe’s role between allies and competitors – and why credible capabilities are a prerequisite for credible partnerships

If you want to understand how Europe plans to move from strategy to implementation on space security and resilience, this episode is your roadmap.

Useful Links:

• ERS Program

Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global

We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters

Support the show

You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast!

Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters.
Follow us on LinkedIn and X!

Unveiling Germany's Historic Space Safety and Security Strategy

In this episode of Space Cafe Radio, host Torsten Kriening talks with Michael Kniepen, Head of Division politics at the German Ministry of Defense, about Germany's first-ever Space Safety and Security Strategy, released on November 19, 2025.

Join us as we discuss the significance of this document, and explore the political, military, and European implications. Learn about Germany's newfound recognition of space as a contested domain, the investments needed for space security, and how this strategy aims to integrate European partners into a cohesive space security architecture.

Tune in for insights on the strategic shifts and future prospects of German and European space defense.

Useful document:

• Space Safety and Security Strategy Germany

Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global

We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters

Support the show

You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast!

Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters.
Follow us on LinkedIn and X!

Novaspace Expands to India: Insight into the Booming Indian Space Market

In this episode of Space Café Radio, host Torsten Kriening unmantles the exciting announcement of Novaspace opening a new office in India.

Join us as he discusses the rising prominence of India in the space sector with Surbhi Dalmia, the Managing Director of Novaspace India, and Rainer Horn, Partner at Novaspace. Discover the strategic reasons behind choosing Bangalore, understand the dynamic growth of India's space market, and learn about the significant contributions of the Indian space sector.

We also explore India's regulatory support for startups and the impact of governmental policies on the sector.

Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global

We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters

Support the show

You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast!

Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters.
Follow us on LinkedIn and X!

NATO's Future and Germany's Role in Space: Interview with General (Retired) Chris Badia

In this episode of Space Café Radio, host Torsten Kriening interviews General (Retired) Chris Badia, former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (NATO ACT).

They explore the concept of transformation within NATO and its relevance to modern defense, emphasizing the importance of future-oriented thinking. The discussion covers Germany's emerging role as a military space power, the significance of space, data, and command structures, and the challenges inherent in cultural and technological shifts.

General Badia offers insights into how NATO and Germany can adapt to maintain strategic advantages, touching on lessons from Ukraine and the need for innovation, digitalization, and information sharing.

Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global

We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters

You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast!

Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters.
Follow us on LinkedIn and X!

Convergence of Commercial and Military Space Defense: Insights from the Space Defense and Security Summit

Join SpaceWatch.Global's Torsten Kriening for an exclusive interview with Rainer Horn, Managing Director of Novaspace, about the Space Defense and Security Summit (SDSS) during the World Space Business Week in Paris.

This episode dives into key discussions from the conference, highlighting the increasing need for international cooperation in space security, the shift towards faster deployment of existing commercial technologies, and the evolving narrative on offensive and defensive space capabilities.

Learn about the significant growth in global military spending on space, the challenges of integrating commercial assets into defense architectures, and predictions for the future of space defense.

Useful Links:

• World Space Business Week
• Space Defense and Security Summit
  
  

Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global

We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters

You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast!

Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters.
Follow us on LinkedIn and X!

The Seventh Summit of Space Sustainability: Europe's Vision for Space Security

In this episode of Space Café Radio, recorded live at the Ministry of Economics of France in Paris during the seventh Summit of Space Sustainability, host Torsten Kriening talks with Marjolijn van Deelen, the EU Special Envoy for Space of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Topics include the European Union's vision (Defence Readiness Roadmap) and strategy for space security, the importance of space as a strategic enabler, the preparedness union strategy, and the newly launched European Space Shield.

We also discuss the intersection of space and defence communities, member states' roles, and the balance between national and pan-European initiatives.

Join us for insights into Europe's defense readiness roadmap and its implications for the future.

Useful Links:

• Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030

Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global

We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters

Support the show

You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast!

Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters.
Follow us on LinkedIn and X!

Germany's Bold Leap into Space Defense: Interview with Major General Michael Traut

In this episode of Space Café Radio, we explore Germany's ambitious space defense plans announced by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, featuring major investments worth 35 billion Euros by 2030. Host Torsten Kriening reflects on Germany's evolving role in space security and interviews Major General Michael Traut, Commander of the German Space Command.

General Traut discusses the operational and functional developments in Germany's space defense capabilities, including satellite communication, early warning systems, and active counter-space initiatives. They also cover Germany's collaborative efforts with European and international partners, the role of commercial technology, and the importance of adapting procurement processes to meet the new pace of space defense challenges.

Tune in to understand Germany's strategic shift toward becoming a significant player in the realm of space defense and security.

Useful Links:

• German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius' speech

Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global

We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters

You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast!

Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters.
Follow us on LinkedIn and X!

In-Flight Connectivity Revolution: An Interview with NSG's COO Philippe Carette

Join us for a captivating episode of Space Café Radio as your host, Torsten Kriening, sits down with Philippe Carette, now President of Satellite Communications at NSG - Neo Space Group, during the World Space Business Week in Paris. Listen into an insightful discussion on the future of in-flight connectivity and how NSG's recent acquisition of Display Interactive strengthens its role as a global leader in integrated satellite and aviation services.

Learn about the challenges and opportunities in the aviation industry, the importance of multi-orbit solutions, and how NSG contributes to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

Don't miss this episode packed with expert perspectives on the evolving landscape of in-flight entertainment and digital passenger experience.

This episode is supported by NSG.

Useful Links:

• Space Cafe Radio - with Martijn Blanken
• Space Cafe Radio - with Jason Andrews
• Space Cafe Radio - with Dr Mark Dickinson
• Space Cafe Radio - with Nathan O'Konek

Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.global

We love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love letters

You can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast!

Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters.
Follow us on LinkedIn and X!