Manifest Space with Morgan Brennan

Anduril Industries is a fast-growing defense tech startup best know for attack drones, robot submarines and unmanned fighter jets. The company is now forging forward into the next domain: space. Earlier in November, Anduril won a $100 million contract with the U.S Space Force to upgrade its military satellite sensor network. The company is also developing its own spacecraft, partnering with other venture-backed space startups like Apex and Impulse Space. On this episode, Senior Vice President of Engineering Gokul Subramanian joins Morgan Brennan to discuss the next frontier.

Blue Origin just launched its ninth crewed mission—but is suborbital flight the only route to space? Space Perspective is developing its own near-space experience: offering high-altitude balloon rides for a fraction of the cost. The startup, which boasts 1,800 reservations, aims to send passengers just twenty miles above the earth for its voyages, still giving passengers an expansive view of the planet. CEO Michael Savage joins Morgan Brennan to discuss making space more accessible and affordable, plus how the company is viewing brand and marketing opportunities like Space Oreos

President-Elect Trump is set to be back in the White House, with space policy set to change accordingly. Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine joins Morgan Brennan to discuss the future of the Artemis lunar program, space as the forefront of national security and geopolitics—plus, whether Bridenstine would consider rejoining the space agency.

When it comes to capital in space and defense technology, the government and VC investors have remained king. But Leonid Capital Partners is doing something different: pivoting the industry to private credit. With the firm, companies—including clients like ABL Space Systems, Canopy Aerospace, Phase Four and more— can borrow against their government contracts. Co-Founder & President James Parker joins Morgan Brennan to discuss what’s enticing him now and the investing landscape writ large.

Maxar Space Systems is pioneering a new way to observe Earth from space. One of the original satellite manufacturing companies, CEO Chris Johnson joins Morgan Brennan to discuss the evolution of the company, advancements in satellite technology, and Maxar's role in NASA's Artemis program.

In the wake of Hurricane Milton – space companies like ICEYE are enabling real-time data and analysis of conditions on the ground. ICEYE U.S. CEO Eric Jensen joins Morgan Brennan to lay out how the company is collecting data of earth to help governments and companies respond faster and how the startup is channeling Apple to build its satellites. 

The Department of Defense is prepared to award nearly $1 billion in loans to jumpstart technology critical to national security. The office, established in 2022, recently issued a Notice of Funding Availability laying out the criteria and application process for the Pentagon loans. The loans can be awarded to 31 categories ranging from quantum science to space propulsion. OSC Director Jason Rathje joins Morgan Brennan to discuss the new program and the intersection between technology and national security.

The U.S. Commerce Department has unveiled a proposed a ban on Chinese software and hardware in connected vehicles on American roads—but it could expand to drones and other technology. Skydio co-founder & CEO Adam Bry joins Morgan Brennan on the heels of his company’s customer day. The largest maker of drones in the U.S., Bry and Brennan discuss the future of the technology, implications for public safety, & potential for package delivery by drones.