How does a kid obsessed with ancient Rome end up building rocket software for startups? In this episode, Shane Austrie sits down with Mark Stokes, CEO of Magdrive, a space-tech startup building high-performance propulsion systems to move satellites and spacecraft through orbit and beyond.

With a background in physics and a deep curiosity about how the world (and universe) works, Mark shares how he went from reading classics to pioneering electric plasma engines for New Space companies.

In this wide-ranging conversation, you'll hear:

– Why most small satellites today are “floating bricks” with no way to maneuver

– How Magdrive is enabling a new layer of autonomy for satellites

– The shift from university labs to venture-backed space startups

– What it's like fundraising in a high-risk deep-tech field

– Why space propulsion isn’t about fuel, but control and precision

– The mental shift from research scientist to company CEO

– How to hire in aerospace when you’re competing with SpaceX

– The unexpected intersections between classic literature and startup leadership

– What the future of space logistics looks like—and why Mark believes “mobility is freedom” even in orbit

– The role of the UK space ecosystem in the next decade

A blend of philosophy, physics, and founder grit—this episode captures the ambition behind making space tech more accessible, precise, and commercially viable.