Zero Pressure

This is a very special edition of the Zero Pressure Podcast series as Helen Sharman is joined by 3 fellow astronauts to discuss the future of space stations.

Since the 1970s, humans have been using orbiting space stations as places to live and work in microgravity. More than engineering and life support marvels, they are platforms for ground-breaking experimental research, expanding our knowledge of science and our ability to explore further.

Helen is joined by Reinhold Ewald, German physicist and astronaut, now President of the Association of Space Explorers, who spent 20 days in space, 18 days on the Mir space station.  Soyeon Yi, biotechnologist, and South Korea’s first astronaut, who spent 11 days in space, 9 on the ISS. Soyeon is now a lecturer and businessperson, currently with a particular interest in medical devices.  And Christer Fuglesang, physicist and the first Swedish astronaut, who spent 26 days over 2 missions in space, 17 days on board the ISS, with five EVAs, or spacewalks.

What does a technical roadmap to sustainable aviation look like, and what role will innovative technologies, sustainable aviation fuels, and new propulsion methods play in this transformation? We explore the costs, timelines, and infrastructure changes needed, and consider how these shifts could reshape not just the industry, but our global approach to climate resilience.

Britain's first astronaut, Helen Sharman, is joined by Professor Christer Fureby. Christer is a professor at Lund University in Sweden, specialising in computational fluid dynamics, with a focus on sustainable energy solutions. With extensive expertise in advanced propulsion systems and sustainable aviation, his research aims to improve the efficiency of energy use and to reduce the climate impact of aviation.

This time we delve into the world of asymmetric warfare, a term used to describe imbalances in conflict. From geopolitics to cutting-edge technology and even the growing divide between humans and machines, asymmetry is reshaping the battlefield of today and tomorrow.

We are delighted to be joined on Zero Pressure by Paul Scharre. Paul is an author, scholar, and expert on defence technology, artificial intelligence, and future warfare. He currently serves as the Vice President and Director of Studies at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS).

Paul is the author of the books - Four Battlegrounds: Power in the Age of Artificial Intellligence, and Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War. In 2023 TIME Magazine named him as one of the 100 most influential people in AI.  

This time we are exploring how the interplay between the commercial and military sectors - as well as the financial system, can foster innovation. In recent decades there has been a seismic shift in how aerospace, defence and security technologies are funded, with a drastic move from public to private investment. This surge in private funding not only accelerates the production of advanced technologies but also unlocks previously restricted public projects, paving the way for dual-use applications, market efficiency, open-source advancements, and a wealth of commercial opportunities.

Helen Sharman is joined by Clayton Williams, Managing Director of IQT International UK Ltd. IQT is a not-for-profit strategic investor that accelerates the development and delivery of cutting-edge technologies to intelligence and national security agencies of the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.

Professor Yang Gao joins Helen Sharman in the studio for a deep dive into robotics. Professor Yang heads the Centre for Robotics Research at King's College London. We'll also be hearing excerpts from our recent Zero Pressure live event at the Great Exhibition Road Festival, where a panel discussed the technologies on Earth that may help humanity thrive on other planets.

This time we are focussing on the world of sensor technology that allows us to collect information at an atomic level. Improvements in quantum sensors are changing how we can detect all sorts of tiny changes in the world around us, revolutionising medical diagnostics, resource extraction and even letting us see around corners…

Britain's first astronaut, Helen Sharman, is joined by Professor Sir Peter Knight. Sir Peter is an internationally renowned academic in the field of quantum optics and has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Royal Medal from the Royal Society.

In today's discussion, we're delving into the transformative world of drones. From their pioneering potential in healthcare, other delivery services, disaster relief and agriculture, to disrupting defence and security, the ways drones are used are revolutionizing several sectors at an incredible rate. Much of the drone technology is not in itself revolutionary. Rather, it's the way this technology is harnessed that's helping to change the world around us.

Helen Sharman is joined by Professor Sir Iain Gray. Sir Iain is the director of aerospace at Cranfield University and chairs the Drone Industry Action Group for the UK's Drone Industry Trade Association.

Kevin Czinger joins Helen to kick off the third season of Zero Pressure. Kevin is the founder, lead inventor and CEO of Divergent 3D, a company that uses some of the world's most advanced methods of design and additive manufacturing (that's 3D printing) to build vehicle structures.

The Zero Pressure podcast series looks at how science and technology positively can contribute to solving complex, interrelated global challenges of today and tomorrow. We look at pioneering technologies and speak to those on the thinking edge.

Zero Pressure is a podcast from Imperial College London and Saab. A relaxed conversation with those on the cutting edge of science and technology - hosted by Britain's first astronaut Helen Sharman - Presented by Imperial College London and Saab.

In this special edition of the Zero Pressure podcast, we will be discussing the mapping of the Earth’s oceans. It’s been said that the ocean is the Earth’s final frontier for good reason. With telescopes, scientists can see objects in space that are 30 billion light years away from Earth. Closer to home, 90% of Mars and the entire Moon’s surface has been mapped. Yet only a quarter of Earth’s oceans have been mapped. How can detailed ocean maps be used to solve problems as wide-ranging as energy, defence, and climate change?

We are joined in the studio by Professor Jenny Collier. Jenny is a Professor of Marine Geophysics at Imperial College London with broad interests in geology, geophysics, and geodynamics. She specialises in marine methods and often goes to sea on expeditions to collect data that has transformed our understanding of Earth science, including the process by which the island of Britain became isolated from continental Europe. We will also be hearing recordings of the panellists from a Zero Pressure live event at the Royal Geographical Society, part of the 2023 Great Exhibition Road Festival.

The Zero Pressure podcast series looks at how science and technology positively can contribute to solving complex, interrelated global challenges of today and tomorrow. We look at pioneering technologies and speak to those on the thinking edge.

Zero Pressure is a podcast from Imperial College London and Saab. A relaxed conversation with those on the cutting edge of science and technology - hosted by Britain's first astronaut Helen Sharman - Presented by Imperial College London and Saab.

This time we are discussing emerging and disruptive technologies. From artificial intelligence to genome editing and quantum computing, industries are being reshaped and traditional norms challenged. How can policymakers stay ahead of the game in an ever-changing world? In this episode, we discuss strategies for policymakers to encourage and support as well as effectively track and regulate these emerging and disruptive technologies.

Our guest is Professor Deeph Chana. Deeph is Managing Director of NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, otherwise known as DIANA, which was launched in April 2023 with the mission of uniting innovators so that the NATO Alliance can adapt to emerging and disruptive technologies: seizing opportunities and combatting threats.  

The Zero Pressure podcast series looks at how science and technology positively can contribute to solving complex, interrelated global challenges of today and tomorrow. We look at pioneering technologies and speak to those on the thinking edge.

Zero Pressure is a podcast from Imperial College London and Saab. A relaxed conversation with those on the cutting edge of science and technology - hosted by Britain's first astronaut Helen Sharman - Presented by Imperial College London and Saab.

This time we're talking about microchips and the world of microelectronics. Microchips are the bedrock of modern technology and are vital in everything from fighter jets to mobile phones. The United States and more recently, Taiwan have been dominant leaders in the global markets of new chip technology. But massive investment in China might change all this.

Our guest today is Dr Chris Miller. Chris is an associate professor of international history at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and Jeane Kirkpatrick visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. His research examines key shifts in technology, international politics and economics. His most recent book, 'Chip War', explores the history of microchip technology and the hold this tiny tech has on the whole planet.

The Zero Pressure podcast series looks at how science and technology positively can contribute to solving complex, interrelated global challenges of today and tomorrow. We look at pioneering technologies and speak to those on the thinking edge.

Zero Pressure is a podcast from Imperial College London and Saab. A relaxed conversation with those on the cutting edge of science and technology - hosted by Britain's first astronaut Helen Sharman - Presented by Imperial College London and Saab.

This time, we're delving into the world of materials science. In the English-speaking world, the word 'material' is often confused with 'cloth', but in the context of material science, and this podcast, we mean any physical substance. And as one set of chemical elements can be combined in multiple ways to produce quite different materials, there is a huge number of possible new materials yet to be made. New materials and processes to make them, from printed electronics to biological hybrids and data science, are driving innovation throughout electronics and beyond. How can new materials affect the way we work towards sustainability, and what role is biology playing in the development of new materials themselves?

Our guest is Professor Magnus Berggren. Magnus is a professor in Organic Electronics at Linköping University and an elected member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. He is one of the pioneers of Printed Electronics, Organic Bioelectronics and Electronic Plants.

The Zero Pressure podcast series looks at how science and technology positively can contribute to solving complex, interrelated global challenges of today and tomorrow. We look at pioneering technologies and speak to those on the thinking edge.

Zero Pressure is a podcast from Imperial College London and Saab. A relaxed conversation with those on the cutting edge of science and technology - hosted by Britain's first astronaut Helen Sharman - Presented by Imperial College London and Saab.

This time we are talking about the future of speed in the air. What is the difference between supersonic and hypersonic travel, what speeds might we reach in the future and how can engines achieve this? Since the grounding of Concorde there has been no supersonic commercial air travel – but with new start-ups appearing globally, is that all about to change?  And what are the implications of hypersonic speeds for global security?

Helen is joined by Conrad Banks. Conrad is the Chief Engineer for Defence Future Programmes and Research and Technology for the Aerospace division of Rolls-Royce plc., where he is responsible for new propulsion system technology for future military aerospace requirements. An aeronautical engineer, Conrad’s career is based on engine performance and controls, and he has held various roles in engineering and management at Rolls Royce, which have included projects such as engines for the Harrier and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, and propulsion for the Taranis Unmanned Combat Aircraft.

The Zero Pressure podcast series is looking at how science and technology positively can contribute to solving complex, interrelated global challenges of today and tomorrow. We look at pioneering technologies and speak to those on the thinking edge.

Zero Pressure is a podcast from Imperial College London and Saab. A relaxed conversation with those on the cutting edge of science and technology - hosted by Britain's first astronaut Helen Sharman - Presented by Imperial College London and Saab.

In this episode, we are talking about connectivity, in particular 5G and 6G technology. How will these upcoming new technology standards for cellular networks transform the way we live and work? What are the implications for aerospace, defence and security? How will the technology affect positioning, navigation and timing services on which we are becoming increasingly reliant?

We are very pleased to be joined on Zero Pressure by our guest, Dr Magnus Frodigh. Magnus is Vice President and Head of Research at Ericsson, where he has held various key senior positions in research and development and product management, notably with the evolution of standards - and now with 6G. He holds 29 patents, and is Professor in Wireless Infrastructures at KTH, Sweden’s Royal Institute of Technology.

The Zero Pressure podcast series looks at how science and technology positively can contribute to solving complex, interrelated global challenges of today and tomorrow. We look at pioneering technologies and speak to those on the thinking edge.

Zero Pressure is a podcast from Imperial College London and Saab. A relaxed conversation with those on the cutting edge of science and technology - hosted by Britain's first astronaut Helen Sharman - Presented by Imperial College London and Saab.

In this episode we are talking about PNT – that’s Positioning, Navigation, and Timing – systems, their use within many aspects of critical national infrastructure, and their extensive impact on our daily lives.

We are joined by Professor Washington Ochieng, Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, as well as Chair in Positioning and Navigation Systems at Imperial College London. He is also the Senior Security Science Fellow at the Institute for Security Science and Technology at Imperial. With a background in industry and academia, Professor Washington Ochieng has participated in various international industrial programmes developing satellite navigation systems, and has undertaken award-winning research in critical infrastructure resilience and PNT systems.

The Zero Pressure podcast series looks at how science and technology positively can contribute to solving complex, interrelated global challenges of today and tomorrow. We look at pioneering technologies and speak to those on the thinking edge.

Zero Pressure is a podcast from Imperial College London and Saab. A relaxed conversation with those on the cutting edge of science and technology - hosted by Britain's first astronaut Helen Sharman - Presented by Imperial College London and Saab.

In this episode we are talking about ‘moving to a hydrogen society.’ We will discuss the role hydrogen has to play in generating clean energy, as well as potential challenges and misconceptions around hydrogen production.

This time we are joined by Dr Andy Palmer, an automotive executive and engineer who is currently CEO of electric vehicle manufacturer Switch Mobility, and has previously served as CEO of Aston Martin and COO of Nissan. Andy has been described as ‘the godfather of EVs’ following his extensive work in the field, including the launch of the Nissan Leaf in 2010. He supports a variety of organisations within the net zero transportation space through his work and has previously submitted evidence to the parliamentary Science and Technology Committee on the role hydrogen can play in reaching net zero.

The Zero Pressure podcast series looks at how science and technology positively can contribute to solving complex, interrelated global challenges of today and tomorrow. We look at pioneering technologies and speak to those on the thinking edge.

Zero Pressure is a podcast from Imperial College London and Saab. A relaxed conversation with those on the cutting edge of science and technology - hosted by Britain's first astronaut Helen Sharman - Presented by Imperial College London and Saab.

In the second episode of Season 2, Helen Sharman, Britain's first astronaut, explores how science and technology help us plan for and mitigate Black Sky Events. Modern day systems are so interdependent that serious disruption of any major service or supply network could cascade into them all and create a so-called Black Sky Event. So how can science and technology make our infrastructure more resilient in the face of these challenges? 

Helen is joined by Avi Schnurr, the CEO and President of Electric Infrastructure Security (EIS) Council, which leads discussion, research and collaboration for global resilience planning with senior executives, key government and NGO stakeholders across all sectors.  Avi founded EIS Council to help bridge resilience gaps for hazards on all scales, treating the black sky problem with a systematic, systems engineering approach. Avi says, ”Hoping for the best is not a plan.”

The Zero Pressure podcast series looks at how science and technology positively can contribute to solving complex, interrelated global challenges of today and tomorrow. We look at pioneering technologies and speak to those on the thinking edge.

Zero Pressure is a podcast from Imperial College London and Saab. A relaxed conversation with those on the cutting edge of science and technology - hosted by Britain's first astronaut Helen Sharman - Presented by Imperial College London and Saab.

In the first episode of Season 2, Helen Sharman, Britain's first astronaut, explores how science and technology can help us to manage the polar regions, as melting ice due to climate change opens up shipping lanes, makes resource extraction increasingly viable and throws up environmental and geopolitical issues that affect the whole planet.

Helen is joined by Professor Klaus Dodds, Executive Dean for the School of Life Sciences and the Environment at Royal Holloway, University of London. Klaus has extensive experience of working with Governments and commercial stakeholders including the NATO Strategic Foresight Analysis, which assesses trends and their implications to the security environment.

The Zero Pressure podcast series looks at how science and technology positively can contribute to solving complex, interrelated global challenges of today and tomorrow. We look at pioneering technologies and speak to those on the thinking edge.

Zero Pressure is a podcast from Imperial College London and Saab. A relaxed conversation with those on the cutting edge of science and technology - hosted by Britain's first astronaut Helen Sharman - Presented by Imperial College London and Saab.

In this episode, Helen Sharman, Britain’s first astronaut, explores the New Space Economy. But what exactly is "New Space"?

To find out, Helen is joined by Professor Andy Koronios, CEO and Managing Director of the Australian SmartSat Co-operative Research Centre, and Pekka Laurila, co-founder of Finnish New Space satellite technology company ICEYE.

The Zero Pressure podcast series will be looking at how science and technology positively can contribute to solving complex, interrelated global challenges of today and tomorrow. We will be looking at pioneering technologies and speaking those on the thinking edge.

Zero Pressure is a podcast from Imperial College London and Saab. A relaxed conversation with those on the cutting edge of science and technology - hosted by Britain's first astronaut Helen Sharman - Presented by Imperial College London and Saab.

Helen Sharman, Britain’s first astronaut, explores how humans are building working relationships and trust with machines. From the oceans to the skies, this episode considers the current capabilities and potential future applications of human-machining teaming.

Helen is joined by Captain Michael Brasser, commander of the 59th task force and air traffic management expert Associate Professor Sameer Alam.

Zero Pressure is a podcast from Imperial College London and Saab. A relaxed conversation with those on the cutting edge of science and technology - hosted by Britain's first astronaut Helen Sharman - Presented by Imperial College London and Saab.

The Zero Pressure podcast series will be looking at how science and technology can positively contribute to solving complex, interrelated global challenges of today and tomorrow. We will be looking at pioneering technologies and speaking those on the thinking edge.