The SPAC Comeback, Military AI, & Future of Defense Tech 8/22/25

Morgan Brennan sits down with Steve Altemus, CEO and co-founder of Intuitive Machine, a company known for lunar landings. But the company just bought Lanteris (formerly part of Maxar )to expand into multi-domain space and establish deep-space communications. Altemus explains how Intuitive Machines plans to own and operate a “Verizon from the Moon,” the next steps in its lunar landing missions, and how the ongoing government shutdown is affecting new space contracts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Morgan Brennan sits down with Ashley Pilipiszyn, CEO and founder of Besxar, a startup that just emerged from stealth with a bold mission — manufacturing semiconductors in space. Pilipiszyn explains how Besxar’s autonomous “fab ships” leverage the ultra-high vacuum of space to create ultra-pure wafers and substrates — the foundation for every advanced chip powering AI, data centers, and defense systems. They discuss the company’s upcoming launch campaign with SpaceX and why space-based manufacturing could dramatically cut costs while securing domestic chip supply chains. Pilipiszyn also shares how her time at OpenAI and SLAC National Lab inspired this fusion of AI, materials science, and orbital production — and why she believes in-space manufacturing is American manufacturing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At the UP.Summit in Bentonville, AR, Morgan Brennan speaks with CesiumAstro CEO Shey Sabripour and Trousdale Ventures founder Philip Sarofim about driving next-generation industrialization, advanced connectivity, dual-use innovation, and how hard tech is reshaping both defense and commercial markets—on Earth and in space. Plus, CesiumAstro just secured eight SpaceX rideshare missions starting in 2026, a major leap that will fast-track validation of its next-gen space communications technology and what it all means for the new space race. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Maxar splits into two companies: Vantor and Lanteris. Both will remain Advent portfolio companies. Morgan sits down with Vantor CEO Dan Smoot to discuss the company’s rebrand, growth in key software revenue metrics and and how AI-powered satellite data is reshaping defense, navigation, and global security. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The global space economy has hit a record $613 billion, growing nearly 8% year over year. Morgan Brennan speaks with Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle about what’s fueling the boom—like human spaceflight and national security initiatives such as Golden Dome. They also discuss investor enthusiasm, the role of AI, and why Pringle expects the sector to hit $1 trillion by 2032. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Helium-3 is a critical resource for quantum computing and other futuristic technologies. But it is extremely rare on Earth. Luckily, the Moon contains tons of it. Morgan Brennan sits down with Interlune co-founders Rob Meyerson and James Antifaev along with Bluefors’ Chief Business Officer Dr. David Gunnarsson to discuss their partnership aiming to bring Helium-3 to Earth from the Moon.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SPACs, or Special Purpose Acquisition Companies, are back – with aerospace & defense tech startups embracing the moment. Merlin, a startup focused on deploying AI into cockpits, is the latest to do so. The company announced a reverse merge with a SPAC led by Inflection Point Asset Management, valuing the company at $800 million pre-money and raise hundred of millions of dollars in proceeds. CEO Matt George joins Morgan Brennan to discuss the prospects of going public. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Armada is a startup focused on movable data center systems in AI computing in remote locations. It all started with a close collaboration with SpaceX, using the Starlink broadband network for connectivity. Co-founder & CEO Dan Wright joins Morgan Brennan to discuss edge computing, partnerships with energy producers and the AI arms race. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Impulse Space is expanding further into space. The in-space services startup has two space tugs in low earth orbit, but an upgraded spacecraft capable of going to geosynchronous orbit will launch this fall. Founder & CEO Tom Mueller was a founding member of SpaceX where his work on propulsion led the way for reusable rocket engines. He joins Morgan Brennan to discuss the new frontier, the startup’s $300M Series C funding round, and the potential for an IPO. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The IPO market heads to space today as Firefly Aerospace, a small & medium launch rocket maker, debuts on the Nasdaq. In what’s expected to be 2025’s biggest American space tech listing, the company is looking to list between $41 and $43 apiece for a $6.3 billion valuation. CEO Jason Kim joins Morgan Brennan ahead of trading to discuss the IPO, the company’s pathway to profitability, and how lunar missions play a role. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.