265: Shawn Linam: Training Astronauts, Launching a Business, and Finding Her Orbit

Casual Space

Shawn Linam, Aerospace Entrepreneur & Host of In Her Orbit Podcast

Shawn Linam’s journey didn’t start with a telescope or dreams of rockets—it began with candy striping, biomedical engineering, and a resilient heart that would eventually take her to NASA. Listen for a candid conversation about the challenges and joys of being a woman in the space exploration industry, raising kids while growing a company, and navigating a professional trajectory that’s anything but linear. Shawn shares the behind-the-scenes truths of her extraordinary career: from training astronauts at Johnson Space Center to co-founding her own company after a surprise layoff (while on maternity leave!). Together, Beth and Shawn reflect on NASA culture, building confidence in male-dominated fields, and why mentoring the next generation—especially girls in STEM—is the legacy that matters most.

About Shawn Linam: Shawn Linam is the co-founder and CEO of Qwaltec, a space systems operations and training company. Before launching her own business, she served as a NASA trainer supporting the International Space Station and Shuttle programs. Today, she leads In Her Orbit, a podcast amplifying women’s voices in STEM and beyond. A mom, leader, and advocate for women in space-related careers, Shawn continues to mentor, speak, and support others as they launch their own bold missions.

🚀 Explore her podcast In Her Orbit wherever you listen to podcasts 🌍 Learn more about Shawn’s work at qwaltec.com

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