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In this episode of Go! For Launch, we talk with Dr. John Wensveen, President of the International Space University, about the rise of the space economy and how young people can carve out a future in one of the fastest-growing sectors on Earth—and beyond.

John shares his unexpected path from evacuating a burning 747 as a child to leading a global institution at the forefront of space education. We dive into the expanding opportunities in space careers, the commercialization of space, and how new technologies and policies are reshaping what’s possible.

From satellite constellations and spaceports to the growing need for sustainability and AI in orbit, John gives a powerful glimpse into the future of space and what it will take to build it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
1. Why space is becoming a full-scale global economy
2. What the “new space economy” means for emerging careers and industries
3. How public-private partnerships are shaping space exploration and policy
4. What the International Space University is doing to prepare the future workforce
5. Why space exploration helps us solve problems here on Earth

Timestamps:
00:01:49 – How evacuating a burning 747 sparked a lifelong fascination with flight
00:04:29 – What is the International Space University and how did it begin?
00:07:26 – Inside the ISU master’s program and global reach
00:09:22 – From industry to economy: the rise of the new space economy
00:11:14 – Why space is becoming embedded in every sector of life
00:14:36 – The future of global collaboration and space governance
00:18:08 – What happens when the ISS is dismantled?
00:20:11 – Satellite-as-a-service and solar storm forecasting
00:22:01 – ISU’s Moonshot 2030 strategy and global satellite campuses
00:26:30 – Investing in space to solve Earth’s most urgent problems
00:29:10 – Mars vs. Moon: what’s practical, what’s possible
00:30:53 – The most in-demand jobs and future career trends in space
00:34:08 – Space medicine, AI-driven satellites, and Earth observation
00:37:01 – Why sustainability and cybersecurity are top priorities
00:39:10 – Building lifelong learning pathways for space careers
00:44:06 – The Artemis Accords and global space policy
00:46:20 – Advice for anyone curious about entering the space field
00:50:06 – The big question: can space go on forever?

Helpful Links:
International Space University: www.isunet.edu/
Artemis Accords: www.nasa.gov/artemis-accords/
Space Foundation: www.spacefoundation.org/
Space Symposium: www.spacesymposium.org/
ISU Programs and Opportunities: www.isunet.edu/programs/

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