Today In Space

On this week's episode we review some important progress in the Commercial Crew Program as both SpaceX and Boeing have had successful tests on their human rated spacecraft. This means the rest of this year will be busy with more testing of the Crew Dragon and CST-100 Starliner. We also review the general details on what Voyager 2 has found since it exited the Heliosphere of our Sun and entered interstellar space (not all of it is what we expected). Boeing's CST-100 Starliner Pad Abort Test https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7ZoAZuTWh0 Initial NASA Statement about success of CST-100 Test https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/status/1191380326871977989 ULA Atlas V LVOS for Boeing Starliner https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1191495218044055553 Interview with Starliner Crew after first test (Astronaut Mike Fincke) https://twitter.com/Commercial_Crew/status/1191363439333122050 SpaceX Multi Parachute (MK3) Dragon Test https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1191475073758064640 Commercial Crew Development (wikipedi

Happy Halloween! This week was a really crazy week and pushed me mentally. But I managed to get another podcast out and accomplish a lot with so many other things going on. This is life. But I wanted to take some time to talk about what helps me get all of this done, between the podcast and AG3D printing. It's the iterative mindset. Setting yourself up to take action and learn in the process. So much of my early 20's was focused on learning everything before taking action. While I may be turning 30 soon and certainly don't feel like I have things "figured out", it's hard not to take a step back and reflect on the progress I HAVE made.  Enjoy some rambling about the iterative mindset and how I expand that thought to discuss SpaceX's plans to land a Starship on the Moon by 2022.  If you want to see how I made the 3D printed Iron Man Wearable Arc Reactor - here's a 3.5min time-lapse video of the whole process: https://youtu.be/fmwzp5fW4YE SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell on SpaceX timeline for Stars

In this episode we cover some orbital news on the historic first all woman spacewalk with Astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir. Learn about what they accomplished on their spacewalk on the ISS, as well as a background on each Astronaut. I share my thoughts on why we don’t cover ISS operations regularly on the podcast. When you’ve gone to school for Aerospace engineering and they retire the Space Shuttle program before you graduate, you tend to be a little cautious about what’s happening today in space. I’m focused on what our next step is, as insurance, to make sure the pendulum of politics and goals for NASA don’t leave us without a human presence in space. Still love the Space Station though - just have to say that out loud lol. Have a great week! Spread love - Spread Science! https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/christina-hammock-koch/biography https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/jessica-u-meir/biography Short preview of all female spacewalk https://youtu.be/cNnvYACgwrE Full Br

This week it's time to discuss the "Balance" in the Space Industry once again as NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstein visited SpaceX HQ in Hawthorne, California to get an update on the progress for the Commercial Crew Program.  It's the belief of this podcast that our best chance for a fantastic future in space to happen is if there is a balance between how NASA and SpaceX operate. If they can learn from each other to create a leading space industry that has deep standards and knowledge, but can design and iterate quickly with reusable spacecraft and rockets - we may see the first woman and next man on the moon in 2024 for Artemis, including boots on the surface of Mars before 2030. Have a great week! Spread Love - Spread Science Jim Bridenstein tweet https://twitter.com/JimBridenstine/status/1177711106300747777?s=20 Tim Dodd Interview w/ NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstein in SpaceX HQ https://youtu.be/TU_vOt3wSDg Jim Bridenstein at SpaceX HQ https://youtu.be/DaJ0n0j-UB8 SpaceX Starship Launch Animation

Finally my voice is back from this cold I've had, and I'm well enough to cover the SpaceX Starship update from Elon Musk this past week. While I highly recommend listening to the update yourself (link below), I've broken down some key concepts that I think we should all take away from the current state of Starship. There's lots of work to be done and technology to develop. But, there's also some incredible things that Starship can achieve that no other spacecraft in existence can accomplish. The biggest concept we review this week is about orbital refueling and maxing out your mission's Delta V. Starship could be ahead of its time and allow an expanded mission capable of launching from Earth and to the Moon (and back) on a full tank of fuel, from orbit. We'll explain WHY that's important for space travel. Have a great week! Spread Love - Spread Science Starship Update - SpaceX https://youtu.be/sOpMrVnjYeY Tim Dodd Interview w Elon Musk after Starship Update https://youtu.be/cIQ36Kt7UVg Friction Stir Weldi

Hey there Space People!  Back this week for another podcast - it's been a busy week but I managed to pull one together amid the chaos! This episode is more off the cuff and me doing some Space Commentary on the Area 51 raid, my thoughts on Bob Lazar and his Joe Rogan Experience interview and the Netflix Documentary "Bob Lazar: UFOs and Flying Saucers".  But to start, I wanted to talk about what the state of space politics is not even a month after the Space Command report. I'll give you a clue - I don't think it can compete with the demand of space progress for commercial and military applications.  More exciting stuff to cover from SpaceX on next weeks episode... Have a great week! Spread Love - Spread Science Raptor Engines installed on Starship - Elon Musk tweet https://twitter.com/TodayInSpacepod/status/1177363106542100485?s=20 Starship Updates of Assembly (@BocaChicaGal on Twitter) https://twitter.com/BocaChicaGal Updates on the State of Space Politics (@SciGuySpace) https://twitter.com/SciGuyS

ABOUT THE EPISODE: The report from Air Force Space Command came across my space radar this week, both online and in person which is usually a good indication we should talk about it here on the podcast. I sat down, read the report, and now I have some thoughts to share. Since there's a solid shot you will never take the time to actually read this report - sit back, buckle up, and get ready as we explain the 8 possible space futures according to the US Space Command that are based on the axis of Space Power: Life in Space, Money in Space, and Allied Leadership.  Let's begin... Future of Space 2060: Air Force Space Command Report: https://www.afspc.af.mil/Portals/3/Future%20of%20Space%202060%20(5%20Sep).pdf?ver=2019-09-09-144648-380 Have a great week - don't forget to reach out if you have any questions or want a topic covered on the podcast! audibletrial.com/todayinspace for a free audiobook. Follow us @todayinspacepod on Instagram and Twitter for more space and science Follow us @ag3dprinting on Instagram

I'm back from Amsterdam and we have lots to talk about! The Chandrayaan-2 mission attempted to land on the surface of the moon but complications arose. We update you on the latest with the mission and will continue to monitor as things continue. Then we close out talking about the importance of understanding that failure is only part of the journey. The Chandrayaan-2 mission showed us a great example of how to support each other in the face of adversity.  Updates on the Chandrayaan-2 Landing https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.firstpost.com/tech/science/chandrayaan-2-can-isro-get-the-silent-possibly-broken-vikram-lander-on-the-moon-to-talk-7320881.html/amp https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.economictimes.com/news/science/chandrayaan-lander-vikram-not-broken-lying-in-a-tilted-position-isro-official/amp_articleshow/71046231.cms https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/isro-releases-latest-photos-of-moon-craters-taken-by-chandrayaan-2/story-6WKsbxDO96UdLmtQ97v7uN.html How to Pronounce the name of the ISRO Rover ht

In this episode, we cover some Orbital News to cover what's new in the Space Industry. SpaceX just returned their Dragon Capsule from CRS-18 safely, the United Launch Alliance (ULA) had their last launch of the Delta IV Medium rocket and we discuss it's replacement, the Vulcan Centaur Booster. There's also some insight into a potential option for the Lunar Gateway thanks to a tweet from Eric Berger. Then we go over my thoughts on aliens for the first time in a segment dedicated to the topic. I also share my thoughts on the microbiome and it's role in our lives, including the mystery of who came first - humans or the microbiome? Who was the first alien to the planet? A fun episode to put together - hope you enjoy! Hope you have a great week - don't forget to reach out if you have any questions or want a topic covered on the podcast! https://www.space.com/spacex-dragon-crs-18-returns-to-earth.html Last ULA Launch of Delta IV Medium Booster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AgiyxDoXtE More info on Vulcan Centau

This week the timing of everything Starhopper worked out and I was able to sit in front of the microphone and watch the 150m test launch for SpaceX. While the first day was scrubbed, there was solid space-talk about Starhopper, how to make spaceships and rockets cheaper, the power of iterative design, 3D printing, and more.  Just an Aerospace Engineer, a microphone, and a launch hangout as we talk everything SpaceX, Starhopper, Starship, and more!  https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1164184942978502656?s=21 https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3772474 3D Printing Time-lapse and Assembly of the hand-held Starhopper from AG3Dprinting: https://www.instagram.com/tv/B1qvZbEBQII/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet EryDayAstronaut Live Broadcast of first launch attempt (lot’s of good space talk here- Tim’s great at what he does! Legend.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fblo3vzsOo4 SpaceX live launch attempt 1 (scrubbed) broadcast (in case you actually wanted to see this...)https://youtu.be/Jhjyz183poo EryDayA

On this week's episode, we have a few Orbital News segments to go through to catch you up on what's going on this week in space: Waiting on the FAA for Starhopper 200m Test https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1162096454367756288?lang=en Chandrayaan-2 Enters Lunar Orbit https://www.space.com/india-chandrayaan-2-moon-mission-enters-lunar-orbit.html RocketLab’s #LookMaNoHands mission https://youtu.be/SNuauG1Gvr8 Starman and Elon Musk's Cherry Red Tesla Roadster complete 1st solar orbit https://www.space.com/spacex-starman-tesla-falcon-heavy-first-orbit-sun.html RESEARCH PAPER (PDF): MECHANICAL, POWER, AND THERMAL SUBSYSTEM DESIGN FOR A CUBESAT MISSION https://web.wpi.edu/Pubs/E-project/Available/E-project-031212-121649/unrestricted/Mechanical,_Power,_and_Thermal_Subsystem_Design_for_a_CubeSat.pdf We close out this week's episode with my thoughts on why SpaceX has such loyal fans. It has something to do with my sneakers...more on that at the end of the episode. Hope you have a great week - don't forget t

This past week was really busy, and I wanted to refocus myself for the week ahead. So, here's another installment of the Balance in this week's Personal Log. We all have a balance for success, and we're all human and get off the wagon. I'm sharing my struggles and achievements of personal development in the hopes it starts a discussion about things like mental health, personal well being, and simply taking care of yourself. At the very least, it's a place for me to talk about the human side of science. Plus, this is a space science show and last I checked we are all still in human form. If we can't handle ourselves on Earth, how are we expected to survive in the infinite vacuum of space without going mad or becoming unstable? Will we just continue the madness we see today but on other planets?? Never mind actually having a colony on another planet like Mars and not have it dissolve into complete anarchy. So, let's start talking about the human side of science - I'll start. Follow us @todayinspacepod on Instag

On this week's episode, we go deep and cover some major Orbital news from Earth's space industry - catching you up on what's new in Space.  Lightsail2 now using propulsion thanks to Solar Pressure http://www.planetary.org/blogs/jason-davis/ls2-deploys-sail.html http://www.planetary.org/blogs/jason-davis/lightsail-2-successful-flight-by-light.html Carl Sagan interview on Johnny Carson (Planetary Society) https://youtu.be/-cEXKu_Onlk SpaceX had a successful CRS18 launch followed up by a docking of the Dragon spacecraft on ISS to resupply the 6 crew members onboard with supplies and experiments.  NASA Broadcast of CRS-18 https://youtu.be/nPbA9-oLDI8 SpaceX Broadcast of CRS-18 https://youtu.be/SlgrxVuP5jk BioPrinter that will start 3D printing human organs in space on the ISS https://youtu.be/YFg4Zi_AVCk NASA sends slime to the ISS to show effects of microgravity on fluids https://www.space.com/nickelodeon-slime-launching-to-space.html Astronaut Chris Hadfield shows what wringing a wet towel in microgravit

This past week I had the chance to visit Johnson Space Center while I was in Texas! I wanted to share my thoughts on my first time there, including some tips on what to see and where I stayed - I still want to go back and see more of it. It's a pretty interesting area, and I love Texas. It also made me think of my early influences for space and science - because I got to see a Space Shuttle up close and personal for the first time EVER! So much space nerding - and you can see my pictures and videos on our instagram page @todayinspacepod There weren't many guides I found on what to see at JSC - but I did find this great guide if you find yourself in Houston! https://spacetourismguide.com/visit-johnson-space-center/ We've got a lot of Orbital news to catch up on next week - a busy summer of space 2019! Spread Love - Spread Science! Alex G. Orphanos

Happy 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing! In this special edition of the podcast, I will be sharing my thoughts on the Apollo60th, and hope to cover it from an angle you haven't heard before. To start, we have a launch hangout using the audio from the Saturn V launch on July 16th, 1969 and we finish off with my thoughts on the influence of the Apollo 11 moon landing 50 years later. I also share my logic against the age old argument that "We shouldn't put money and resources into a space program when there are so many things we could use that money for down on Earth". I hope you enjoy! I'm off to the Houston Space Center next week! If you have any recommendations of what to see when I'm out there - please let me know! https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48857752 https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/apollo/apollo11_audio.html https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:266725

This last week was packed full of space! I got to attend a public conversation at the Boston Public Library where Robert Stone and Alan Andres spoke about 'Chasing the Moon' and everything Apollo as the 50th is coming up this week July 16-20th. Lots of NASA centers to celebrate at, see links below for more.  In Orbital News, we go over SpaceX's Starhopper test on Tuesday, LightSail2, Hayabusa2, India's Moon mission launch (day episode was released), and we cover the change at NASA for leadership of the Human Exploration and Operations division. Something that will definitely have an effect on the success of the Artemis mission in 2024. Hopefully this former astronaut returning from the private sector will bring the government back what it needs to accomplish the goal in 5 years.  Have a great week! Don't forget to catch the live broadcast of the Apollo 11 mission on July 20th thanks to NASA! https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1149550157068812290 http://www.planetary.org/explore/projects/lightsail-solar-

This week I got carried away after SpaceX tweeted video from the Falcon Heavy STP-2 mission where the camera was attached to the fairing they recovered thanks to Ms. Tree. It's really amazing how much inspiration and learning you get for everyone when a company like SpaceX takes NASA's tact of sharing their development for everyone to see. The simple act of sharing a video of what it looks like to recover a fairing from a rocket literally gave me enough energy and excitement to write a 20 minute episode. Imagine what else and who else this act of free sharing is inspiring.  Which leads me to the second point of this week's podcast - from my research into Space History, thanks to the book Chasing the Moon. Space Programs that do great things take a while to accomplish - 5-10 years. If we learn anything from the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, its that the trend shows interest in the program fades before the mission is finished and fully funded. How does NASA adjust in 2019 to make sure that su

As part of the lead up to the Apollo11 moon landing 50th anniversary, I want to start by sharing a part of one of JFK's most famous space speeches and moments. In Orbital News, we review the night launch of the third Falcon Heavy mission (STP-2) and give some reusability stats. We also discuss one of the payloads on board from the Planetary Society, as well as a follow-up of the MakeItRain mission from Rocket Lab. I wish you a happy Independence Day! Enjoy the week. As this is one of my favorite holidays, I share my thoughts on what independence means to me this year. I can't believe I've done it for each year of the podcast. It's wild! (links are below) Don’t forget you can get a free audiobook and trial by going to audibletrial.com/todayinspace. Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project with us at AG3D Printing, my idea workshop where we can bring your ideas into reality leveraging 3D printing and Design services. Check us out on instagram to see what cool stuff we are making right now @ag3dprinting

Alex has been doing some research into the history of the Space Race, reading up on some recommended books (listed below) and sharing his thoughts on the influence of the rocket on human history. With the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing coming up on July 20th, we'll be focusing on the comparisons between the Apollo Program and the newly announced Artemis Program to put the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024. Alex breaks down the general difference between the two programs and their link to Greek Mythology.  Rocket Lab also has a launch next week of the Electron rocket for the mission #MakeItRain. Spread Love, Spread Science. http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-051319a-nasa-artemis-moon-program.html https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-to-partner-with-american-industry-to-supply-artemis-moon-missions https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/completed-missions/make-it-rain/

In this episode, Alex discusses his thoughts on the importance of unplugging from technology and work in the 21st century after a week long vacation in Hawaii. Rest is so important, since stress and unproductive criticism can creep in otherwise and slows most of us down.  We then review some Orbital News: - SLS Orion Crew Abort Test Getting Setup in Florida https://twitter.com/JimBridenstine/status/1136736879783682049 - The President sends a confusing tweet about funding NASA, the Moon, and Mars https://twitter.com/Erdayastronaut/status/1137068997516648450 - SpaceX's Starlink Gets Backlash for Potentially Interfering with Future Earth-Based Astronomy https://spacenews.com/spacex-launches-60-starlink-satellites-begins-constellation-buildout/ https://earthsky.org/human-world/aas-statement-spacex-starlink-satellites NSF Statement on it's work with SpaceX to reduce interference with Earth-based Astronomy https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=298678 Astronomy Live Starlink effects on Sky (video)