Space Sustainability Challenges - Episode 56 - Audrey Schaffer, VP of Strategy and Policy at Slingshot Aerospace

Join us as we discover how Audrey Schaffer, Vice President of Strategy and Policy at Slingshot Aerospace, is tackling the growing challenges of space sustainability through innovative AI solutions.

Throughout the episode, Audrey shares her fascinating journey from childhood space enthusiast to aerospace engineering student to playing a key role in establishing the US Space Force. She explains how Slingshot's groundbreaking Agatha AI system helps detect anomalous behaviour in satellite constellations and discusses the urgent challenges of orbital debris and space traffic management.

Listen along for valuable perspectives on transitioning between government and private sector roles, the diverse career paths available in the space industry, and practical advice for those looking to enter this exciting field. Audrey offers unique insights on international cooperation for space sustainability and the future of space domain awareness.

Chapters:

00:01:57 -- Audrey's childhood interest in space
00:04:22 -- Diverse career paths in the space industry
00:05:41 -- Transition from government to Slingshot Aerospace
00:09:39 -- Establishing the US Space Force
00:12:20 -- Evolution of space sustainability challenges
00:18:04 -- The Agatha AI system for space monitoring
00:21:56 -- Shaping space policy from the private sector
00:23:33 -- Space domain awareness catalogues
00:26:24 -- International space traffic management
00:38:27 -- Career advice for the space industry

About our guest:

Audrey Schaffer is the Vice President of Strategy and Policy at Slingshot Aerospace, a leading business in space situational awareness dedicated to making space safer and more sustainable. Before joining the private sector, Audrey served in the US government for over 15 years, including as Director for Space Policy on the National Security Council staff, where she led efforts to establish the US Space Force and represented the US in negotiating the first-ever United Nations guidelines for space sustainability.

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