Interplanetary Podcast

#316 - Maritime Launch Services - Steve Matier

Interplanetary Podcast

Show Notes

Episode 316 of the Interplanetary Podcast kicks off with Matt tackling the unsettling news of NASA’s potential science funding cuts—raising concerns about the future of groundbreaking space research—and pondering whether SpaceX’s mighty Starship could become an over-budget behemoth or the key to humankind’s next giant leap. Then, Matt welcomes Steve Matier, CEO of Maritime Launch Services, who sheds light on Canada’s ambitious foray into commercial spaceflight. From building Spaceport Nova Scotia to launching the next wave of satellites, Steve shares how MLS is staking out its place in the rapidly growing space economy. It’s a thought-provoking deep dive into the business, engineering, and dream-chasing behind the new frontier of Canadian aerospace.

More from Interplanetary Podcast

Oct 18, 2026

A little later than planned, here’s our conversation with astrophysicist and author Dr Jillian M. Scudder about her new book The Universe: A Graphic Guide, illustrated by Lily Fossett. We talk dark matter, , Cosmic Noon, and the challenge of explaining the entire universe without losing the wonder. The second October Episode to follow shortly. Image Credits: Ohio State University and Lily Fossett

Sep 19, 2026

Matt interviews ESA astronaut John McFall: Paralympian, surgeon and the first astronaut with a Paralympic medal to be cleared for a long-duration space mission. They talk astronaut training, the science and engineering of making spaceflight accessible, and what John’s journey could mean for the future of human spaceflight.

Jul 26, 2026

In this episode, Matt chat with Rob Coppinger about the his new book on British spaceplanes HOTOL and Skylon. Matt is also joined by Leddra as they share their experiences of the Smithsonian Starstruck Immersive Experience in London and sample some classic astronaut ice cream. https://amzn.eu/d/04jUkGHP https://linktr.ee/interplanetary

May 31, 2026

In this episode of The Interplanetary Podcast, I'm joined by ay new co-host, singer-songwriter Leddra Chapman, as we tackle one of the most mind-bending ideas in all of science: special relativity. From the speed of light and the nature of causality to time dilation, the ether, and Einstein's revolutionary insight into space and time, we follow the story that changed our understanding of reality. And, as always, I can't resist ending with a slightly outrageous thought experiment of my own.

Apr 30, 2026

Former NASA food scientist Ryan Dowdy PhD joins Matt to explore how Artemis program is reshaping the future of human nutrition, from feeding astronauts on the ISS to the Moon and beyond to powering first responders here on Earth.

See all episodes →