The episode explores how satellite data and Earth observation enable real-world applications across key sectors.
Space ecosystem builder | Advisor | Investor
Tim Parsons is a seasoned space ecosystem builder, advisor and investor with extensive experience in the space and technology sectors.
As the Managing Director of Lunar Ascent and Expert-in-Residence at the National Space Industry Hub, he plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and growth in Australia’s space industry. Tim also serves on the board of the Space Industry Association of Australia, leveraging his board-level and front-line experience in corporates, start-ups, and innovation teams.
Tim’s passion for space, coupled with his expertise in systems engineering and collaboration, makes him a key figure in driving the development of Australia’s space economy.
Director | Advisor | Business Storyteller
Rafferty Jackson is a seasoned business storyteller, director, and advisor with extensive experience guiding tech companies through high-growth phases, global expansion, M&As, and IPOs.
As the Principal of Jack Industries, she helps founders and leaders articulate their company’s purpose and scale effectively. Rafferty serves as a Non-Executive Director at Optern and advises Xona Space Systems and New Vista Capital in the aerospace sector.
Her expertise in conveying complex deep tech stories to non-technical audiences and her operational experience, including growing Beats by Dr. Dre to a $3B acquisition by Apple, make her a valuable asset to startups and later-stage companies.
Former Australian Government Minister and Diplomat
The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO has served as the Australian Ambassador to the United States and held various government positions, including Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Assistant Treasurer, and Senator for New South Wales. Currently, they are the Co-Chair of the AUKUS Forum and the Chairman of the Asia Group.
Chief Scientist & Customer Success
Dr. Sudhakar Manda is the Chief Scientist at Eartheye Space.
With over 21 years of experience, including his role as the product lead for the world’s first satellite-based farm score platform, Sudhakar is an expert in GIS, UAVs, and satellite data. Besides his scientific role, he also handles Customer Success, ensuring client satisfaction and effective use of satellite data solutions.
Dr. Manda’s extensive background in remote sensing enables Eartheye Space to guide customers unfamiliar with the earth observation domain.
Investor | Advisor | Director
Josh Kennedy-White is a highly experienced political and business advisor, investor, and board director. He has worked with some of the world’s most respected private and public sector organisations, such as BCG, Accenture and the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Australia.
With a focus on driving technological innovation in national security and cybersecurity, he holds directorships at HEO SPACE in Australia and Sirar by STC in Saudi Arabia. Josh’s advisory roles include Arqit (quantum encryption), Interos (supply chain platform), Nominet Cyber (cyber defence), and S-RM (risk & investigations).
Josh’s extensive experience in cybersecurity and national security underscores his leadership in the tech industry.
CEO & Product
Shankar Sivaprakasam founded Eartheye Space with a mission to solve the frictions he saw his customers encounter while working at some of the largest earth observation satellite start-ups that became scales-ups and eventually listed publicly. He is an experienced leader with a proven track record in the space and technology industries. As the CEO of Eartheye Space, Shankar leverages his extensive experience in enterprise software and go-to-market to lead the company’s efforts.
As a former regional leader at Hewlett-Packard, OpenText, and Planet Labs, Shankar managed significant P/L responsibilities. His associations with other new space companies such as Satellogic and Spire further demonstrate his expertise in the satellite and space technology sectors.