Space is an exciting and dynamic sector that is constantly evolving and expanding. But staying connected and informed about the latest developments, innovations, and opportunities is a challenge. There is also a lack of opportunities to network with other space enthusiasts and experts and for entrepreneurs with innovative space business ideas to gain exposure and feedback from industry experts.
AstroAgency’s SpaceBar, a monthly YouTube show that brings the space community together, is helping tackle these challenges in a fun and interactive format.
SpaceBar was established at the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. AstroAgency, a strategic marketing firm dedicated exclusively to the commercial space sector, stepped up to provide the thriving UK space community with an accessible networking and knowledge-sharing forum. As ‘in-person’ industry events were cancelled and virtual replacements adopted “listen-in” formats, SpaceBar offered an informal, interactive alternative, which has since hosted some of the biggest names – and brains – from the sector.
Since its launch in April 2020, AstroAgency’s SpaceBar has received award nominations and started its own merchandise line, with proceeds going to geospatial charity OceanMind.
For three years, SpaceBar was held as a monthly Zoom event. As the audience grew, AstroAgency wanted to reimagine and relaunch SpaceBar as a more dynamic monthly show that would be broadcast on YouTube, therefore becoming more accessible and expanding SpaceBar’s reach whilst retaining the interactivity and networking potential that SpaceBar was known for.
AstroAgency turned to us at Chaos Created, a creative agency specialising in live video production focusing on live, interactive events.
The new format SpaceBar launched on YouTube Live in August of 2023, with one of its largest audiences to date. The new show continues to be hosted by Dallas Campbell, a TV presenter and science communicator who has appeared on shows such as The Gadget Show, Bang Goes the Theory and Stargazing Live, and Professor Suzie Imber, Associate Professor of Planetary Science at the University of Leicester and the winner of the BBC series Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes? They bring their expertise and knowledge to the show, interviewing fantastic, high-profile guests.
The new SpaceBar takes full advantage of YouTube’s live chat feature for networking and audience questions for the experts. Episodes cover various space topics, including AI and robotics, UK rocket launches, sustainable space, educational outreach and more. SpaceBar also has two regular segments: Space News, where Vix Southgate and Torsten Kriening recap the latest headlines and developments in the space sector and provide context on the month’s big stories, and Startup Spotlight, where space startups can pitch their business idea to a panel of experts, led by Dr Andy Campbell, and get feedback, advice and exposure. Each episode is followed by an After Party, which takes place on Zoom and provides additional content and an opportunity for viewers to discuss the episode and network.
SpaceBar is a fun and informative event for the space community and a showcase of the capabilities and expertise of AstroAgency and Chaos Created.
AstroAgency is responsible for all the strategic and marketing aspects of the show, such as the concept, the branding, the promotion, the guest selection and the audience engagement. AstroAgency is the first marketing firm focusing solely on the commercial space sector, providing full-service solutions to space companies, public bodies, new entrants and startups. AstroAgency helps clients build awareness and engagement, translate capabilities, highlight expertise, showcase achievements, generate leads, secure investment and find new revenue streams. AstroAgency also offers market intelligence, key introductions, business development and event management services to clients.
Chaos Created is responsible for the technical and creative aspects of the show, such as the video production and editing, the graphics and titles, pre-production, mixing and streaming, and facilitating the audience questions on-screen. Chaos Created has extensive experience producing live and recorded video content for various platforms and audiences, such as webinars, podcasts, documentaries, educational videos and even a couple of indie movies! Chaos Created also offers other digital services, such as web design, app development and audio production, to help clients tell their stories in engaging and innovative ways. We also built the booking and ticketing system for SpaceBar, allowing viewers to sign up in advance and receive viewing links and reminders and allowing the viewer to submit a video question to be shown on the show.
SpaceBar is a successful and popular event that has received positive feedback from the space community, award nominations and media coverage. Since its launch in April 2020, SpaceBar has attracted hundreds of viewers and participants, from space enthusiasts and students to industry professionals and investors. SpaceBar has also featured some of the most prominent and respected guests in the space sector, such as Tim Peake (ESA astronaut), Melissa Quinn (General Manager, Slingshot Seradata), Les Johnson (Physicist and sci-fi novel writer), Ray Fielding (Head of Space Sustainability at UKSA), Minister George Freeman (Minister of State in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) and many more.
It’s been an absolute pleasure working with the AstroAgency team, including Daniel, Rebekah and Becky, and we’re excited to launch the 2024 programme of SpaceBar events shortly.
To learn more about SpaceBar, you can visit the AstroAgency website. You can also watch previous episodes on their YouTube channel and register for upcoming episodes. If you want to learn more about Chaos Created’s live events platform, video production services or other services, please check out our portfolio and services pages.