Today In Space

After taking a week off and going North into the woods of Maine, we have returned refreshed and ready to discuss the near future of space! For Week 2 we're discussing humanity's future home on Mars, and we couldn't have asked for a better guest. This week we had the pleasure of speaking with James Burk, the Director of IT and Webmaster of the Mars Society and the lead for MarsVR. James shares his STEM origin story and how his passion for science and space began. We dive into the history of the Mars Society and how close we are to sending humans to the Red Planet really is. We discuss all things space to the max, from SpaceX & Starship to the crowdfunded success of James' project MarsVR, as well as potential uses for cryptocurrency in space - we went deep.  If you are a fan of space and wondering where all this progress is heading, this is a great podcast for you. Even more so if you are new to space and have lots of questions! Please enjoy our talk with James Burk and reach out to the Mars Society if you

Welcome to August of 2021! This month we wanted to discuss our near space future for all of us. While Billionaires and other lucky folks head to the edge of space we have to really focus on where this takes us. If going to space is regular, how do we make that a stable thing? What kind of job opportunities open up for all people? How do we secure our space assets, from top secret satellite technology to the data a crew is using to dock successfully to the space station? This week we welcome Bill Britton to the podcast to share his STEM origin story and discuss the cross-section of cyber and space. There is a need for over 650,000+ jobs right now in cybersecurity, and that isn't including the space industry that is virtually all digital and old - analog and highly susceptible to hacking. Do we need more PhD Rocket Scientists? Or just people who understand the basics of cybersecurity - digital literacy, cloud analytics, and cyber awareness? Can it be taught like any other skill but focused on the needs of the i

It has been one space-filled July! Today in Space we share our 5 major takeaways from everything human spaceflight this month...because that's a thing now!? But seriously, there's a lot to unpack here. It's not just logical and technological, but emotional and complicated. So let's talk about it We want to know what this billionaire space race means to you. Email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com or on social media @todayinspacepod! To stir up the conversation, we discuss: 1. Capsules vs. Spaceships 2. Astronauts vs. Space Tourists 3. Wealth, Inequality, & open-access to space 4. Rage Against the 'Machine' of Humanity 5. The Affect of Human Spaceflight - why are these missions so emotional!!?? We also share a New Concept thanks to Jacob Hoffman for a new inclusive term 'spaceflyer' that acknowledges the magic of being a space tourist, but maintains the unique certification & skill for becoming an Astronaut or Cosmonaut. And the FAA tends to agree, and so would we. Blue Origin Test Flight Replay:

Blue Origin is set to launch their New Shepard rocket to the edge of space with four crew members on board! Jeff Bezos and his brother, Legendary Wally Funk, and 18 year old physics student Oliver Daemen get ready to launch to the edge of space and back. I did my best to cover what I know about Blue Origin in one episode while be honest and pointing out where I am biased. Because if you didn’t already know, we’re pretty big SpaceX fans here. But that can’t stop us from talking about what Blue Origin is doing right and what I wish they would do more of!  the best of luck to the crew tomorrow morning! Here’s to another first in the new space race, here’s to a safe and successful launch of New Shepard! Space Links: Blue Origin: Jeff Beezos and his brother will go to space: https://www.blueorigin.com/news/jeff-bezos-first-human-flight Auction closes at 28 million for ride with Beezos brothers to Space: https://www.blueorigin.com/news/the-very-first-seat-on-new-shepard-sells-for-28-million  https://youtu.be/Ik0

On this weeks episode we share the compact and edited version or our Launch Hangout the the Virgin Galactic Fully Crewed SubOrbital flight of Unity22. The successful mission launched Richard Branson and his crew of 6 up to the edge of space and glided safely to the runway at Spaceport America in New Mexico. A powerful human Spaceflight mission that has us thinking the future of open access to space for everyone! We open with some talk about the billionaires space race and share our thoughts about this unique way of sending humans into space commercially  - big congrats to Richard Branson and the team for 17 years of hard work to reach this day. Apologies for any sound issues, I introduced a new microphone and went live on Facebook with a new setup. I did my best to remove the echo and balance the sound.  Wally Funk joins crew for first human flight of Blue Origin: https://www.blueorigin.com/news/wally-funk-will-fly-to-space-on-new-shepard Virgin Galactic First Fully Crewed Spaceflight https://www.virgingala

This week we have the honor of having Haley Harrison on the podcast for a segment of People of Science. I met Haley at the CRS-19 NASA Social where we witnessed a Falcon 9 launch supplies to the International Space Station and toured the NASA Facilities like the VAB And Veggie Lab. Haley shares her path in STEM in pursuing her PhD in Nanoscience (which we can officially congratulate her for achieving recently! Way to go Haley!). She shares her experience finding a great team to support her through Grad school and shares advice on how to make the most of it while you are there.  We also brainstorm about how nanoscience can change the future, and specifically some applications in the space industry on how things like nanotubes (carbon or boron nitride) can help us achieve amazing things! Want some quick context on Nanoscience if you're new to the topic? Check out these links: https://www.nano.gov/timeline https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainsnanoscience Follow us on social: - @todayinspacepod on instragr

We're back! After some much needed time for a mental health break and an introspective view at where I'm at in my life at 31, we have returned fired up and ready to talk about the balance.  This is a great episode for anyone who is new to the podcast for some context on who I am, and a deep look at a part of my STEM origin story. No one has an easy time in a STEM career - it's a gauntlet. And I found myself doubting my own self after mentioning my goal of training to become an Astronaut. The same doubt that plagued me as a young 20-something, still full of angst and self-sabotage from a lack of confidence. I get more philosophical than scientific as the episode continues...but still a fun one that I hope helps someone going through a tough time as we transition to the next phase post-pandemic. But thanks to a commencement speech by the President and COO of SpaceX, Gwynne Shotwell - things started to align and make sense again! HIGHLY recommended listen for anyone in a STEM career or studying to become a scie

On this episode of the podcast I try to answer the question "Did I apply for the Inspiration4 or dearMoon project?" as honestly as possible. Going to space is not easy, and having physical limitations makes that harder. But not impossible. The possibility of going to space and podcast about my experience has me literally dreaming about the stars. Just like with any problem, solutions can be found even when it seems impossible. It just takes looking at things from a different perspective and then new solutions reveal themselves. I've changed my mind about wanting to be an astronaut over the course of this podcast. Recently, with all the exciting opportunities for everyday people to go to space upon us - I find myself being both brutally honest about my chances now and extremely hopeful and excited about the future possibility.  This was a really stressful episode to record and put out there. I've been thinking about this for a while, and especially now that I'm trying to be healthier and more fit. I've got a l

On this episode, we discuss the shear momentum behind SpaceX as they continue to gain trust in the space industry. We get some progress with NASA's HLS Contract for Artemis, and I discuss the failures/learning with our new SLA 3D printer as I 'fail forward' towards our first 3D print. Taking requests for topics you'd like to hear on the podcast!  Follow us on social: - @todayinspacepod on instragram & twitter - @todayinspace on TikTok - /TodayInSpacePodcast on Facebook How to Support the podcast:   Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop ag3dprinting.etsy.com Donate at todayinspace.net  Share the podcast with friends & family! - SpaceX gets National Defense funding increase https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2605292/ - Innovative new Space Technology enabled by affordable reusable rockets https://spacenews.com/tyvak-satellite-on-spacex-rideshare-mission-carries-tiny-space-telescope/ - Yusaku Maezawa to the ISS to train for #dearMoon https://twitter.com/yousuckmz/status/1392789

On this weeks episode of #todayinspace we were honored to talk with Luca Rossettini, the CEO and Founder of D-Orbit for a segment of People of Science. We discuss Luca’s STEM Origin story and talk about challenge of orbital debris as the future of space develops.   D-Orbit is strategically positioned to help humanity create debris management solutions for satellites - enable us to create logistics needed to ensure safety and prevent collisions that could inevitably ruin everyone’s access to space. Orbital Debris is everyone’s problem, especially the people who launch satellites into space, and D-Orbit is there to innovate and provide solutions to the explosive LEO and GEO markets around Earth...and if needed - the Moon and more!   Enjoy our discussion of all things space, the the growing challenge of orbital debris logistics, and the incredible things yet to come for our near future in space! Learn more about D-Orbit by going to https://www.dorbit.space   Follow us on social: - @todayinspacepod on i

On this weeks episode we dive into the success of NASA and SpaceX with Crew 1 and Crew 2, now that both Crew Dragons are making history. Drama is developing with NASAs Human Lander System contract going solely to SpaceX for Starship, and we celebrate Astronaut Michael Collins after his passing as I share my favorite thing about the legendary human being.  I also share how the show will change over the next few months and the newest 3D printer added to our 3D printing Lab AG3D   Follow us on social: - @todayinspacepod on instragram & twitter - @todayinspace on TikTok - /TodayInSpacePodcast on Facebook How to Support the podcast: Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop ag3dprinting.etsy.com Donate at todayinspace.net Follow us on social media  @todayinspacepod (Instagram & Twitter) @todayinspace (TikTok) /TodayInSpacePodcast (Facebook) Share the podcast with friends & family! Astronaut Michael Collins:  https://youtu.be/E4mnpHvK8yM Nighttime Splashdown for Crew 1: https://twitter.com/nasa/status/1

The balance has been achieved between NASA & SpaceX! Starship was chosen as the single investment and winner of the HLS contract to bring the first woman and next man to step foot on the Moon. We started this segment of the balance with a question about whether or not NASA & SpaceX could combine forces and bring their best aspects together for a single effort to advance humanity in space....and this selection is a MASSIVE win for everyone involved.  As is custom with 'The Balance' I also discuss balance in my own life and explain why this episode is audio only and what I'm doing to take care of myself physically and mentally in the middle of ALOT of change in life.  I also share my thoughts on the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter test flight and some ideas on how to prevent martian dust from killing any future rovers.

In this episode we’re playing catch-up to review all the human Spaceflight underway in the next few weeks and months. Crew 1 makes a port relocation in preparation for Crew 2, and we review the Inspiration 4 mission and crew, as well as the impact of the first all civilian space mission. What does this mean for the future? I also discuss the impact of what First Contact IRL would have on humanity in honor of this years April 5th anniversary of the scifi timeline in Star Trek when humans met Vulcans for the first time. And a quick overview of what happened to Starship SN11 and why SpaceX is jumping to SN15. (UPDATE: Still unknown whether SpaceX used FTS or SN11 had an RUD - removed section speculating FTS was used. Still no data to support that. Thank you @sontavas on Twitter for pointing that out!) Elon Musks explanation for Starship SN11 RUD https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1379022709737275393?s=21 Meet the First All-Civilian Space Crew: https://youtu.be/4bkx2ENyAAs Who’s on board Inspiration 4?? https:/

On this week's episode there's alot to catch up on in Space! NASA successfully test fired their RS-25 engines for the Space Launch System, the heavy lift vehicle created from the Space Shuttle, and is planned to be used for the Artemis Missions. Starship SN11 test fired successfully in Boca Chica, Texas. SpaceX scrubbed the 10km test flight until Monday. March 25th was the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence and I share my thoughts as a second generation Greek American and reflect on just how recent that it.  & March 26th was Leonard Nimoy Day here in Boston, MA and I share how one of his tweets basically saved my life - to Live long and prosper! Have a great week! Stay sharp, and keep questioning & learning! Spread love & Spread Science! Follow us on social: - @todayinspacepod on instragram & twitter - @todayinspace on TikTok - /TodayInSpacePodcast on Facebook Support the podcast: Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop ag3dprinting.etsy.com Donate at todayinspace.net Follow us on soci

In this episode I explore my thoughts on redefining the 'Scientific Ladder of Ideas' - specifically for a Hypothesis. Our talk with Avi Loeb last week opened my mind to two distinct groups for the 1st stage of scientific ideas. Testable and Untestable Hypothesis. Oumuamua vs. String Theory. If you haven't already listen to our last podcast about Avi's groundbreaking hypothesis about the origins of our first observed interstellar object, Oumuamua.  Which idea has the potential for the most benefit to humanity? Is one idea more likely to be solved in 100 years, or even sooner? Do we have our priorities all wrong because certain scientific theories have become an 'industry' that would rather perpetuate the machine of science than to fund a hypothesis that may change the 'industry'? All this and more in this episode! Follow us on social: - @todayinspacepod on instragram & twitter - @todayinspace on TikTok - /TodayInSpacePodcast on Facebook Support the podcast: Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop ag3dprinti

On this episode of People of Science we are pleased to have Avi Loeb on to discuss the scientific mystery of Oumuamua. Avi is an Astrophysicist who's hypothesis on the first detected interstellar object to pass through our solar system looks at all the facts and leads us to challenge humanities greatest question - "Are we alone in the universe?" A true Sherlock Holmes style mystery challenging our logic when the evidence in front of us points to Oumuamua not having a natural origin. First thought to be a comet, but without any evidence of a tail or gas emitting from it as it passed the sun the change in orbit can't be accounted for. Add up the other details; a large change in reflectivity pointing to a pancake shape (not cigar shaped) and knowledge that we've discovered our own space trash exhibiting the same behavior from the sun's reflectivity - it points to Oumuamua exhibiting a very long and wide shape measuring 1mm or thinner in thickness that was 'pushed' by the Sun as it went by. Where did this object

In our final episode of February we wanted to share what to expect in space to start March 2021 (on earth and mars). I share my thoughts on Mars Perseverance Landing and the data we've gathered. The inevitable fake science reporting or poor attention grabbing content sharing fake Mars has returned. Can we get better at this as science communicators? Latest data from Mars rover (images, videos, & more) can be found here:  https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/multimedia/images/ Then we close talking about NASA's history, which is infinitely tied with Black History month. This year we learned about Nichelle Nichols' influence on NASA from the 1970's-2015. A major influencer on the diversity of talent from all spectrums of humanity.  The new movie about Nichelle Nichols, 'Woman in Motion', on this exact topic can be found here: https://amzn.to/3e2MpWa More about Ed Dwight: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Dwight More about Charles Bolden: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Bolden  

We went LIVE on Facebook to have a Mars Mission hangout to celebrate the final of three missions to the Red Planet. Catch the replay of the exciting finale of Mars Exploration for this season with the Perseverance Rover Entry, Descent, and Landing for NASA & JPL.  A MASSIVE congratulations to the Mars2020 team, quite literally persevering through a pandemic and still accomplishing what so many have failed at before - landing successfully on Mars. Never mind using a rocket powered skycrane to drop an SUV sized robot on another planet.  Looking forward to learning and sharing what our newest robotic emissary will teach us about one of our planetary neighbors in our solar system. Possibly the next one we adventure too as humanity... NASA's Eyes Animated Simulation - https://eyes.nasa.gov/apps/mars2020/#/home?id=surface_operations&time=2021-02-18T15:44:04.816-05:00&rate=0 About the landing location - Jezero Crater https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/mission/science/landing-site/ Broadcast LIVE by NASA ht

In this episode Alex shares his favorite facts about the two missions of the Mars Triplet this month - Hope & Tianwen-1. We also discuss the ideas of an interplanetary mission to Mars as an amplifier for a country's value and recognition on the world stage. Can a small, young team of engineers and scientists succeed where the most powerful countries in modern history have failed? Can space progress and the ideal of adding to humanities collective knowledge of a planet like Mars be the grounds for continuing international partnership & teamwork in the future? Let us know what you think! https://www.nature.com/immersive/d41586-020-01862-z/index.html?WT.ec_id=NATURE-20200709&utm_source=nature_etoc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20200709&sap-outbound-id=D2B97D206CFC64E6C035AC49CAC4D67FAFEBE1C0 https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/tianwen-1 https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/ https://www.instagram.com/p/CKUlvzXs5Tc/?igshid=12cugcu5zkb1x https://www.space.com/tianwen-1.html https://www.spac

On this week's episode we sat down and watched both SpaceX Starship high altitude test flights (SN9 & SN8) to compare the two. Both ended in a 'boom', but the 'landing' position was pretty good. How much good data did they get from this launch? Is it enough to continue progress on the Starship program? We'll learn soon enough once SpaceX goes through the debris and analyzes. Best of luck  Alex shares his first thoughts and reaction to watching both SN8 & SN9 launches side by side. There are a surprising amount of differences that we observed and a whole lot of questions yet to be answered. Would love to know what you think! Be well! Spread love & spread science! SN9 Test Flight (SpaceX) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zZ7fIkpBgs SN8 Test Flight (SpaceX) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap-BkkrRg-o