#134: On-Orbit Services | Chris Blackerby, Astroscale

Astroscale is a prominent space company from Japan, focused on a variety of on-orbit services incl. active space debris removal. My guest is their Group Chief Operating Officer, Chris Blackerby.   🕰️ Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction 01:41 - Elevator Pitch 03:22 - On-Orbit Servicing Categories 06:53 - Core Competency of Astroscale: RPOD 09:00 - Tech Stack of current Mission 12:41 - Automated Space Operations and Safety 17:53 - Space Situational Awareness 20:46 - Space Debris 29:22 - Regulations 32:25 - What if we had a catastrophic event in orbit? 35:53 - Astroscale's Vision for a Circular Space Economy 38:19 - Astroscale's  Future Plans 41:10 - Astroscale's IPO 43:35 - Chris's journey from NASA to Astroscale 46:23 - U.S. vs. Japanese Space Sector  50:34 - Other Commercial Space Opportunities 52:06 - Chris’ Sci-Fi Favorites   📍 About the Guest: Chris Blackerby, Group COO of Astroscale. Astroscale is a pioneering company focused on space debris removal, ensuring the sustainability of Earth’s orbits. Based in Tokyo, Chris manages strategic planning, global operations, and the company’s activities across Japan, the UK, and the U.S. He also draws on his extensive experience as NASA’s Attache for Asia, where he forged international partnerships and advised on space policy.    🔗 Connect with Chris: 🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-blackerby-0111695/   🔗 Follow the Space Business Podcast: 🏠Website : https://www.e2mc.space/ 🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/space-business-podcast/ 🌐Socials: https://linktr.ee/spacebusinesspodcast     🔗 Follow Raphael: 🔷LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelrottgen/ 🌐Instagram - https://.instagram.com/raphael_space/  ◇  Twitter/X - https://x.com/RaphaelE2MC   To Learn more about Space & the Space Economy: "To Infinity" – Raphael’s Revised Introduction to the Space Economy This book provides an insightful look into the space economy, its current trends, and future opportunities. 📚 https://a.co/d/6jIQ2LO  edX/EPFL's Space Economy MOOC This course offers a detailed understanding of the New Space Economy, covering key concepts and market developments. 🎓 https://www.edx.org/course/new-space- Space Business Newsletter 📬 https://spacebusiness.substack.com/