In this episode of TECHNE Connect to Orbit: Visionaries, we speak with Steven Shepherd, Co-Founder and CEO of Axon Space.

Steven shares his journey from aerospace engineering at the University of Michigan, to working on advanced satellite programmes at Lockheed Martin, before founding Axon Space to develop the next generation of very low Earth orbit satellite technology.

Very low Earth orbit, or VLEO, operates between approximately 150 and 250 kilometres above Earth and offers significant advantages for applications such as high-resolution imaging, missile defence, AI infrastructure and telecommunications.

However, operating in this environment comes with unique challenges, including atmospheric drag and atomic oxygen exposure. Steven explains how Axon Space is developing air-breathing propulsion technology that uses the atmosphere itself as fuel, enabling longer-duration missions in this challenging orbital environment.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why VLEO could become a key part of the future space ecosystem
• The engineering challenges of sustaining satellites at lower altitudes
• How air-breathing propulsion could unlock new satellite capabilities
• Steven’s experience working on advanced technology programmes at Lockheed Martin
• The decision to leave a successful aerospace career and build a company
• Lessons learned from fundraising, hiring teams and navigating entrepreneurship
• Why domain expertise and deep technical knowledge matter when building hard tech companies

A conversation about innovation, entrepreneurship and the technologies shaping the next era of space exploration.

The Techne Connect Podcast 🎧

Thank you for listening to Techne Connect! This podcast takes you inside the companies and conversations shaping the future of engineering.

From space and defence to robotics, AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility, each episode features the founders, engineers and technology leaders building tomorrow's world.

Through candid discussions on innovation, leadership, product development and career journeys, the podcast uncovers the ideas, challenges and breakthroughs driving the world's fastest-moving industries. Whether you're an engineer, founder, investor or simply fascinated by emerging technology.

Techne Connect offers a front-row seat to the people creating what's next.

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