Ad Astra

It's a new year, and the Ad Astra guys are back with a new episode all about what to look forward to this year. Amid a partial government shutdown, there are some exciting events coming up in the next 12 months. Included is that is the newly announced Ad Astra Challenge. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more information regarding the rules of the Challenge. Past, Present, and Future in Washington The Air AND Space Force? But public opinion! House wants to fund NASA (and others) ...at the Senate funding levels Jack’s NASA Budget Tracker OSTP has a Director The Year in Tech March: SC tries on CST-100 spacesuit Remembering George H. W. Bush George H. W. Bush’s Space Exploration Initiative NASA’s 90-day Study

With a little help from friend of the show, Zoe Aldrich, Jack and Newton attempt to make a good news episode about climate change. But after digging through climate reports, polling data, and upcoming space missions, the outlook isn't as grim as one might think. But it won't stay on that trajectory unless you go vote on November 6th! Hubble is back online   Latest From Washington Space Force is officially recommended from NSpC The VP’s remarks   Climate Change: the Good, the Better, and the Not-So-Bad The climate report you may have heard about 90% of voters want Ds and Rs to work together to address climate change 6 in 10 worldwide support action on climate change Washington State Initiative on Carbon Tax Venus “mission”   Voting Information Vote Climate PAC Ranking Get all the info about things on your ballot here

We back, baby! Jack and Newton return from a long Summer to discuss recent news in space policy and technology. Topics range from Congressional appropriations to words that rhyme with schmimate schmange. From Bremen to China, the space world is abuzz with exciting news. Stay tuned to hear about some special projects the guys have been cooking up this Summer.   Latest From Washington Happy orbitday, NASA! Here’s a continuing resolution NASA Budget Spreadsheet   Space News Highlight of the Week Trump administration sees a 7-degree rise in global temperatures by 2100 Volume I of the Fourth National Climate Assessment Past, Present, Future of 100+ degree days   International News US and China space agencies want to work together Latest in Tech National Academies Report on Exoplanet Strategy BONUS: Moon Express secures $10 million, $2.5 million loan Coming Soon to Space Lecture: Life on Mars with Author and Scientist David Grinspoon Lecture: Exploring Titan by Rotorcraft Election Notice: Find out election info

Summer 2018 has been a busy time for the Ad Astra team. Starting in September, the show will be back to its regular biweekly episodes. There are some great guests and content in the works. Until then... Ad Astra!

Candidate for Congress, Chris Hearsey, is an aerospace executive, scientist, and all around space enthusiast who has decided to vie for a chance at public service in Maryland's (fightin') 6th Congressional District. Listen in on a riveting conversation about economic opportunity, expanding access to the internet, how the robots might be taking all, and how it all relates back to space. Chris Hearsey for Congress, Campaign Website DONATE HERE   Background on Supreme Court case about redistricting Geographic/social info about the 6th District Electoral info about the 6th District Days until the Maryland Democratic Primary

With two special guests from the Humans to Mars Summit in early May, Jack and Newton explore the future of exploration of the Red Planet. Astronauts will need something to keep them busy, something to help them learn, and a roadmap to the stars, if we're ever going to set foot on another planet. Humans to Mars Summit Website Humans to Mars Report (2018) Raw Science Keri Kukral's blog Keri's Twitter Planetary Science Caucus

Space Corps comes back and so does Blue Origin's rocket. Galilean moons and FAA regulations. This week is chock full of shenanigans, from our Pale Blue Dot to the furthest reaches of the Solar System. Be sure to check out the Humans to Mars Summit happening in DC next week! Full recap coming in the next episode. Latest From Washington FAA AST gets boost, kinda Space Corps reared its ugly head Pace says SPD-2 is on President’s Desk   Space News Highlight of the Week NASA Finally has an Administrator   Latest in Tech Blue Origin launches New Shepherd for 8th time Lunar Shenanigans Galileo Spacecraft is the Gift that Keeps on Giving   Coming Soon to Space H2M Next Week! InSight launches this Saturday

Back from their bye week, the guys are talking about TESS, NASA authorizations, and a new space policy directive from the National Space Council. Untracked space junk is all the rage, apparently. Latest From Washington New NASA Authorization comes out The NASA Authorization Act of 2018 (TEXT) Pence picks Commerce to handle debris   International News We almost got hit   Latest in Tech TESS gets delayed   Coming Soon to Space Newton on Story Collider!

Who knew running a space podcast could cause such a commotion? An awesome budget for NASA, while a major project gets a delay. A new shipment of supplies for the International Space Station goes up, while some international space junk falls into the South Pacific. What a (couple) week(s). NOTE: The show will now come out every other week starting this week. The next episode will be during the week of April 16th. Latest From Washington Omnibus passed and signed! NASA gets $20.7B NASA Budgets Spreadsheet   Space News Highlight of the Week James Webb launch slips to 2020   International News Tiangong-1 crashes back to Earth   Latest in Tech SpaceX launches cargo to ISS   Coming Soon to Space USA Science and Engineering Festival is this weekend

Bitcoin, Bitcoin, Bitcoin. We promise we aren't becoming that kind of podcast. But the general theme is that nothing matters until it matters; From letters from the House, to the Space Force debate; Block-chain networking of deep space missions, to interpretations of the Outer Space Treaty. Get your Ad Astra shirt here! Latest From Washington 61 Members of the House sign bipartisan pro-Bridenstine letter General Hyten not too hyped about the Space Force ...Even though Trump is serious   Space News Highlight of the Week NASA Adapts Cryptocurrency Technology to Build Deep Space Networks International News Japanese government launches $940 million fund for space start-ups Text of the Outer Space Treaty   Latest in Tech Google AI for hunting planets is now open to the public   Coming Soon to Space New JWST schedule coming up House Science Committee marking up bills about space Stephen Hawking's ashes to be buried near graves of Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin at Westminster Abbey EVENT IN DC: Gravitational Waves Lecutre @ the NASEM RSVP HERE OR WATCH ONLINE

A super space policy focus doesn't keep us from talking SCIENCE in this week's episode. Of course, the Trump Administration is making some missteps, just now in space. But some air powered thrusters and stressed genes make the real headlines. Get your Ad Astra shirt here! Latest From Washington Space Subcommittee Hearing Broadcast New NASA CFO confirmed by Senate Jurczyk moves on up Lightfoot to retire Ongoing Omnibus The Donald doesn't really get space Trump's Force for Space   International News A rocket fueled by air   Latest in Tech I went to space and all I got was this different pair of genes!

LightSail2, Congressional testimony, James Webb delayed, and planetary annihilation 4 light years away. Busy week back in action for your hosts. A lot is going on, even as space falls to the backburner in the policy scene in DC. Happy one year anniversary to the most opinionated space podcast on the internet; Ad Astra! Get your Ad Astra shirt here! Latest From Washington This week in space policy The ROI of Space Lightfoot to testify Exploration roadmap (kinda) released GAO says JWST is falling behind Ask your member of Congress to join the Planetary Science Caucus   Latest in Tech We've struck water! CIMON in Space Goodbye Proxima Centauri b   Coming Soon to Space Dark Side of the Sun at APL LightSail 2 Launch Date released!

With the launch of the second biggest rocket ever, a special panel discussion about the Falcon Heavy is on the docket for today. Listen to three incredible space advocates and communicators talk about what FH means to them, what they expect next, and where we're going from here. Purchase the brand new Ad Astra merch here!!! Esther Trevino Instagram The Gluten Free Nerd Website Twitter GeekFold Justin Foley Instagram Twitter YouTube Tom Cross Instagram Twitter Stellar Things Website Teslarati Website  

The Trump Administration has released their skinny budget for FY 2019. Did they just copy and paste last years budget request? What happens to Earth Science now? And where can I go to find out more information about previous NASA budgets? All this and more in this week's episode. Purchase the brand new Ad Astra merch here!!! Mentioned Articles The full Trump skinny budget Space Policy Online's write-up about the updated NASA numbers Fiscal Year 2017 Budget Jack's NASA Budget Spreadsheet Coming Soon to Space Second National Space Council Meeting planned for February nth

Falcon Heavy launched, and it was glorious. Need we say more? Yes we do. Listen in to hear our immediate reactions to the launch of the second most powerful rocket ever flown.   Purchase the brand new Ad Astra merch here!!!   Check out these articles this week: The full, unedited, unadulterated launch of Falcon Heavy Comparing rockets of unusual size Tesla Roadster is 4th in electric vehicles in space UPDATE: Main booster failed to stick its landing on the drone ship Oh, and... "Shut it down."  

The State of the Union wasn't quite what everyone expected. Here is a brief episode to give you the State of Space Policy.   Purchase the brand new Ad Astra merch here!!!   Referenced Works Trump advisors defend then-candidate's space policy proposals Same advisors call for "new direction" Space Foundation valuation of worldwide space economy New NASA record for longest time without an administrator (featuring Casey Dreier) State of the Union Addresses of the past   Coming Soon to Space Falcon Heavy gets go ahead for February 6th launch date   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

Government shutdown, budgets, aerospace commissions, lunar x-prizes, and of course, SpaceX. A short episode, but full of all the space policy and technology news you need for the week ahead.     Purchase the brand new Ad Astra merch here!!!   Links:   Latest From Washington Shutdown ends...but did we learn our lesson? List of programs affected by a government shutdown Related… NASA 2019 Budget Request to include details on Lunar and Martian exploration California gets an Aerospace Commission Back where we ended last year for Bridenstine and Myers   International News Google Lunar X-Prize ends without winner   Latest in Tech Falcon Heavy is getting ready to go Rocket Lab rocket launches   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

The Celeste Project: Celeste is a collaboration between MIT, UC Berkeley, Harvard, Julia Computing, Intel, and NERSC (the DoE's supercomputing center). They recently managed to calculate the first comprehensive statistical catalog of astronomical objects in the visible universe. That's over 188 million stars and galaxies! Using some nifty new methods they developed, the collaboration managed to complete the entire calculation in only 15 minutes. We believe this system will massively accelerate astronomy research, especially once scientists start receiving higher-resolution images from new telescopes like the LSST and the James Webb Space Telescope.   Purchase the brand new Ad Astra merch here!!!   Further Reading: Info about Julia   Here are some Celeste pointers Honored for HPC Innovation Excellence Celeste Enhancements Create New Opportunities In Sky Surveys A New Model For Cataloging the Universe   and some other projects at NERSC Big Science Problems, Big Data Solutions A Look At Deep Learning for Science     Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

NASA looking over commercial Earth Science data, NASA Administrator hopeful Jim Bridenstine begins to feel some pressure, and 'what spacecraft?' says US Government. 2018 might not be a return to normalcy, but your favorite podcast returns to our usual format. Be sure to check out next week's episode with special guests: The Celeste Project. And be sure to grab your official Ad Astra t-shirt.    Subscribe at Apple Podcasts I Google Play I Overcast I Stitcher I Pocketcasts I Podbean   Purchase the brand new Ad Astra merch here!!!   Links: Latest From Washington Government Shutdown (NOT) (Update) NASA is preparing to buy some earth science data Administration renominated Bridenstine, Myers New National Academies report calls for more concerted focus on earth science Space News Highlight of the Week Honoring John Young Statement by Robert Lightfoot   Latest in Tech SpaceX’s “failed” launch Coming Soon to Space NASA Hosts Media to Discuss Testing on James Webb Space Telescope   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

2018 is going to be an exciting year for space. From budget discussions to major policy proposals, new rocketships to old favorites visiting exciting (and icy) locations in the Solar System. New year, same space podcast.   Purchase the brand new Ad Astra merch here!!!   Links: Washington in 2018 Budget battle looms over Washington ahead of Jan. 19th deadline Space Policy will take off-center stage for Trump Administration Let’s get serious about military space   Spaceflight in 2018 Spaceflight in 2018   Other Links: Elemental Annual with Newton and Zoe     Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and nothing else in this week's episode! It's no surprise that Jack has seen the movie 4 times already, but Newton just got back from Africa and only 30 minutes has passed since he saw the film for the first time. Make sure to tweet at the show for a lively discussion on this Blockbuster new release!    Links: Latest from the Galaxy Far, Far Away Last Jedi Redeems the Prequels Last Jedi Killed Our Childhood But those ratings though… All thanks to the Alt-Right   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

Newton is back from Ethiopia and the guys do what they do best! Trump lays out a national security strategy, there's another crew change up at the ISS, more planets are discovered, the government may shut down, and footage of a UFO is released! What a week!   Links: Latest from Washington Space is highlighted in Trump’s National Security Strategy Thales Alenia working on DSG NASA is planning to purchase some remote imaging data...and not for the reason you think “Foreign Policy” talks “Space Policy” Let’s go to Mars   Space News Highlight of the Week UFOs are in the news...again…     International News NASA Astronaut Bresnik and Crewmates Return to Earth From Space Station Three new crew members sent to ISS   Latest in Tech NASA Sends New Research to Space Station Aboard SpaceX Resupply Mission NASA uses Deep Learning to discover Eighth Planet at another star   Coming Soon to Space NASA to Name Finalists for Future Solar System Mission A government shutdown???     Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

As Newton gets some much deserved rest, Jason Callahan of the Planetary Society joins the team to cover some big news in space policy. Are we really going back to the Moon? Are our Martian dreams shot? Who won the Alabama Senate Election? You'll have to listen to find out.   Links: Latest from Washington Aerospace Corporation calls on Administration to listen The paper   Space News Highlight of the Week Trump Administration edits one line in the National Space Policy The National Space Policy   Latest in Tech Blue Origin resuming test flights Rocket Lab aborts at the last second SpaceX is launching a reflown rocket to the ISS ...With a space debris sensor on board   Coming Soon to Space Star Wars Episode VIII comes out on Friday!!!   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

Late night, lightnight round of news. Major policy discussions mounting in Washington and worldwide, SpaceX's Falcon Heavy's maybe-probably not payload, and the cutest darn baby picture you've ever seen. You're gonna want to hear about this and much, much more.   Links: Ad Astra is on Reddit!    Latest from Washington NASA Caucus update Space Corps is “inevitable” Deep Space Gateway is part of plan to expand human exploration of space NASA’s little brother gets an administrator nominee Space News Highlight of the Week Universe’s Baby Picture Wins $3 Million     International News ESA pours $107 million into Vega E and a reusable spaceplane Japan wants to be part of Deep Space Gateway Japan also wants to play some war games IN SPACE Latest in Tech James Webb Space Telescope Out of Chamber A Elon makes another great claim   Listener Submitted Question NASA approves SpaceX to fly pre-flown rocket on next Dragon mission ...BUT, NASA also expects the highest safety standards for future commercial space missions   Coming Soon to Space Achieving Mars Workshop wrapping up this week, update to come next week   Special Election in Alabama is 12/12!!!     Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

Short episode! The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence gets a neoliberal bent, James Webb (Space Telescope)’s little brother gets a proposed funding cut, and the return of the Listener Submitted Question segment. Hint: It’s all about SpaceX. Stock up on water, food, and your favorite podcast as we go into the last week of the federal government (unless Congress does something).   Links: Latest from Washington Privately funded SETI Proposed changes to WFIRST Budget hangs in the balance   Listener Submitted Question From Ralph Steenblik: Why is BFR not useful to the US Government? Government needs reliable access to space SpaceX wants to prove reliability   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

This week, the guys highlight the launch of JPSS-1 and where space enthusiasts should go for Black Friday deals! They also dive into future funding for Virgin Orbit and SpaceX, the FAA’s role in commercial space, ISRO and Japan teaming up to go to the moon, and the current state of the Parker Solar Probe.   Links: Latest from Washington Virgin Orbit gets its first customer; DoD SpaceX wants the government to help pay for BFR Companies agree that FAA AST is the right agency for commercial space   Space News Highlight of the Week JPSS-1 launched   International News ISRO, Japan space agency JAXA discuss joint mission to moon   Latest in Tech Parker Solar Probe Passes Acoustic Testing   Coming Soon to Space Emily Lakdawalla’s recommended space books of 2017 Space.com 2017 Black Friday deals for Space Fans   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

Bridenstine moves on to full Senate, Space Corps is no more, rocket launches, and a couple big things going on in the tech world. Newton and Jack take a departure from the usual routine.   Links: Latest from Washington No More Space Corps Private Plane Disrupts Orbital ATK Launch EM-1 launch in December 2019   Space News Highlight of the Week Bridenstine Passes Committee, on to the Full Senate   International News Vega has launched to deploy an Earth observation satellite for Morocco   Latest in Tech Hubble Shows Light Echo Expanding from Exploded Star Antares launches Cygnus spacecraft to ISS   Coming Soon to Space JPSS-1 Launch   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

Bridenstine moves on to a full committee vote, a climate report shakes up the country (and internet), and our favorite future space station gets an update. Be sure to check out Nerd Nite this weekend for a presentation from your favorite podcast. Links: Latest from Washington Commerce Committee to vote on advancing Bridenstine House Science Committee Chairman Lamar Smith to retire Air Force hopeful they won’t need Russian rockets for much longer   Space News Highlight of the Week Climate Science Special Report   International News China plans to link 30 satellites to provide real-time geospatial information worldwide by 2020   Latest in Tech NASA Selects Studies for Gateway Power and Propulsion Element A sandy core may have kept Enceladus’ ocean warm Coming Soon to Space Ad Astra is presenting “How to be a Space Advocate” at the November Nerd Nite Falcon Heavy is launching in December   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

Jim Bridenstine gets ready to jump the first hoop towards Administrator. Plus, some news about upcoming events in space, commercial spacecraft launches, and the end to the RAINN fundraiser.   Jack’s fundraiser for RAINN   Latest from Washington Senator Murray opposes Bridenstine   Space News Highlight of the Week NASA approves “flight-proven” Falcon 9 rocket for CRS-13   Latest in Tech Small Asteroid or Comet ‘Visits’ from Beyond the Solar System   Coming Soon to Space NASA Highlights Science on Next Commercial Mission to Space Station Ad Astra is presenting “How to be a Space Advocate” at the November Nerd Nite   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

What are you waiting for? Join us on Capitol Hill for some Planetary Society events. Oh, and check out this week's episode, featuring committee hearing, Luxembourg, and some awesome upcoming events! Also, commercial satellites may provide faster and more reliable internet for the planet, and may come online soon to help the people of Puerto Rico. XCOR may be staring death straight in the eyes as SpaceX is awarded more money from the Air Force, and Blue Origin reminds us once again that they're still in the game.  Jack’s fundraiser for RAINN   Latest from Washington Senate Commerce Committee Hearing on Commercial Satellite Industry   Space News Highlight of the Week Hurry! Come to these awesome Planetary Society events in DC!   After Cassini: What’s Next? Happy Hour with Casey Dreier and Jason Callahan   International News Luxembourgers and Google helping out Puerto Rico   Latest in Tech Air Force adds more than $40 million to SpaceX engine contract New NASA Study Improves Search for Habitable Worlds XCOR is running out of time to find an investor Blue Origin tested their BE-4 engine   Coming Soon to Space Astronomy on Tap next Monday!!! Ad Astra is judging the halloween costume contest! Ad Astra is presenting “How to be a Space Advocate” at the November Nerd Nite   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

The Last Jedi reactions, NASA working with Russia, one of the biggest astrophysical events we’ve ever observed, SpaceX making the news (AGAIN), and much more on this week’s episode of Ad Astra. Jack’s fundraiser for RAINN     Links: Latest from Washington NASA discussing potential partnership with Russia Why send humans? New NASA caucus takes shape in the House   Space News Highlight of the Week NASA Missions Catch First Light from a Gravitational-Wave Event   International News What was ESA’s role?   Latest in Tech SpaceX launches third pre-flown rocket with EchoStar-SES satellite, lands booster Musk talks BFR in reddit AMA     Coming Soon to Space The Planetary Society is hosting a reception at the Library of Congress     Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

The National Space Council's inaugural meeting, proposed changes to commercial space regulators, the schedule slip for James Webb Space Telescope. All that and more on your favorite weekly space podcast.   Places to Donate for Hurricane Irma American Red Cross: Usually the first group people think of when giving after a disaster. It says it is providing shelters for those displaced by Irma, and it has thousands of volunteers on the ground in the state. Global Giving: A charity crowdfunding site that is attempting to raise $2 million to be used exclusively for local relief and recovery efforts. Airbnb: The hospitality company is working to coordinate people in need of a place to stay with people willing to offer a free room.   Links: Latest from Washington GAO releases report, recommendations for FAA AST Space News Highlight of the Week Watch the whole NSpC Meeting NASA Statement on National Space Council Policy for Future American Leadership in Space Moon before Mars is now our national policy     International News NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to be Launched Spring 2019   Latest in Tech Media Accreditation Opens for Launch of NOAA’s JPSS-1 Satellite   Coming Soon to Space Star Wars: The Last Jedi Poster Star Wars Trailer!   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

Space agencies abound! Elon Musk makes us all excited for space again, yet...we've heard this spiel before. Lockheed Martin announces a lander for their Mars plan. One step closer to Mars!   Links:   Places to Donate for Hurricane Irma American Red Cross: Usually the first group people think of when giving after a disaster. It says it is providing shelters for those displaced by Irma, and it has thousands of volunteers on the ground in the state.   Global Giving: A charity crowdfunding site that is attempting to raise $2 million to be used exclusively for local relief and recovery efforts.   Airbnb: The hospitality company is working to coordinate people in need of a place to stay with people willing to offer a free room.   Ad Astra T-Shirt Competition   Latest from Washington NSpC is meeting for the first time on Thursday     Space News Highlight of the Week Elon Musk announces the Big Falcon’ Rocket   International News UAE announces their astronaut corps Egypt gets a space agency too! Latest in Tech NASA spotlight on Puerto Rico NASA photos of Puerto Rico show how Maria wiped out power on the island NASA to update EM-1 schedule Lockheed Martin adds a lander to their Mars plan   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

Australia hosts IAC and announces their space program. Bill Nye gets famous (again). And we all forgot to die on Saturday. All this and more on this week of Ad Astra.   Places to Donate for Hurricane Irma American Red Cross: Usually the first group people think of when giving after a disaster. It says it is providing shelters for those displaced by Irma, and it has thousands of volunteers on the ground in the state.   Global Giving: A charity crowdfunding site that is attempting to raise $2 million to be used exclusively for local relief and recovery efforts.   Airbnb: The hospitality company is working to coordinate people in need of a place to stay with people willing to offer a free room.   Links: Ad Astra T-Shirt Competition     Latest from Washington NASA names building after Katherine Johnson NDAA Passed the Senate, Now on to Conference Trump makes a speech in Huntsville, mentions National Space Council, still no details Pence visited Huntsville too Buzz Aldrin and Greg Autry endorse Bridenstine for NASA Admin. Duh.   Space News Highlight of the Week Australia announces intent to start a space agency Yes, Australia will have a space agency. What does this mean? Experts respond   International News Long March 5 failure to postpone China’s lunar exploration program Australia hosts IAC 2017   Latest in Tech NASA GRACE mission is ending   Coming Soon to Space Outer Space Treaty is about to turn 50 Explore Mars makes the case for Moon AND Mars Elon to give update to Interplanetary Transport System on Friday 9/29   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

Northrop Grumman just bought a whole lotta rockets, Cassini bids adieu, and the guys have a great conversation with Emily Calandrelli; the Next Science Person. This episode concludes the first trilogy of episodes focused specifically on science communication, best practices, and the need for more of it. Be sure to check out Ad Astra Episodes 8 and 27 to get the whole picture.   Places to Donate for Hurricane Irma American Red Cross: Usually the first group people think of when giving after a disaster. It says it is providing shelters for those displaced by Irma, and it has thousands of volunteers on the ground in the state. Global Giving: A charity crowdfunding site that is attempting to raise $2 million to be used exclusively for local relief and recovery efforts. Airbnb: The hospitality company is working to coordinate people in need of a place to stay with people willing to offer a free room.   Links: Ad Astra T-Shirt Competition Robert Picardo’s Opera to Cassini Northrop Grumman to buy Orbital ATK Orbital ATK’s press statement Commercial Resupply Services Fact Sheet Antares Rocket Fact Sheet Emily’s TED Talks Emily Calandrelli on Twitter Emily’s website Ada Lace, on Amazon   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

Carl Sagan is an inspiration to us all. This week, they guys bring in Ingrid Ockert, a PhD student at Princeton University and an expert in the inner and outer machinations of science communication. Ingrid offers insight into the history of modern science education, while everyone waxes poetic about the man, the myth, the legend: Carl Sagan.   Places to Donate for Hurricane Irma American Red Cross: Usually the first group people think of when giving after a disaster. It says it is providing shelters for those displaced by Harvey, and it has thousands of volunteers on the ground in the state. Global Giving: A charity crowdfunding site that is attempting to raise $2 million to be used exclusively for local relief and recovery efforts. Airbnb: The hospitality company is working to coordinate people in need of a place to stay with people willing to offer a free room.   Links: Ad Astra T-Shirt Competition These Vibes Are Too Cosmic Carl Sagan & Bill Nye BEYOND THE HORIZON Red Rocket’s Glare Space and the American Imagination SaganSense on Tumblr Astronomy on Tap Last STEM Comic Standing Rick and Morty Halt and Catch Fire Mr. Robot The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets   Minute Physics on YouTube Science Court on ABC Mythbusters on Discovery   Coming Soon to Space Cassini Final Orbit begins on September 9, ends on the 15th   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events! 0 Likes

The guys talk about Jim Bridenstine’s place in the Climate Change Denier’s Alignment System. They then put the spotlight on Peggy Whitson and her plunge back to Earth. They cover SLS and Hurricane Harvey imagery by NASA. Finally, they chat about Cassini’s upcoming plunge.   Links: Places to Donate for Hurricane Harvey American Red Cross: Usually the first group people think of when giving after a disaster. It says it is providing shelters for those displaced by Harvey, and it has thousands of volunteers on the ground in the state. Global Giving: A charity crowdfunding site that is attempting to raise $2 million to be used exclusively for local relief and recovery efforts. Airbnb: The hospitality company is working to coordinate people in need of a place to stay with people willing to offer a free room.   Ad Astra T-Shirt Competition: Submit your ideas via email as a 300dpi .png to AdAstra@elemental.fm   Latest from Washington Administration picks Bridenstine for NASA Admin position But he faces some obstacles NSpC is getting ready to tackle space   Space News Highlight of the Week Peggy Whitson comes Home!   International News ESA Helped Out   Latest in Tech NASA Conducts Final (5th) Test of RS-25 Engine Flight Controller Unit Hurricane Harvey seen from Space   Coming Soon to Space Cassini Final Orbit begins on September 9, ends on the 15th   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

This week, the guys tackle...the Eclipse. Jack and Newton are joined by friends of the show, and fellow Planetary Society members, Tom, Gerrit and Jeremy. The group dives into their experience from the Path of Totality and just how special this moment was for all those who participated. And if you did not catch the Livestream from the trip, be sure to head over to the Facebook page to catch up on all of your Ad Astra content!     Links: Listener Submitted Topic The Great American Eclipse! History of Eclipses Joanne’s Post on Greater Greater Washington   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

This week, Jack and Newton speak with Casey Dreier, Director of Space Policy for the Planetary Society, about why we want to go to Mars and why the future of the Mars Exploration Program is in jeopardy. Space warfare remains a hot topic in Washington, while the smallsat boom continues to, well, boom around the world. SpaceX announces a November launch date for Falcon Heavy, and the guys are getting ready for an eclipse.   Links: Join the Planetary Society!!!   Listener Submitted Topic Robert Brockmeijer asks: Why do people think it would be easier to colonize Mars than to fix Earth? Casey Dreier’s Mars Op-Ed Mars In Retrograde White Paper The National Academies are meeting at the end of August to discuss the future of NASA’s planetary science programs     Latest from Washington Space War starts to become a clearer strategy   Space News Highlight of the Week SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy is launching in November     International News Lithuanian company receives 3.2M Euros to commercialize its propulsion system   Latest in Tech Supercomputer, launched on a Falcon 9, will arrive at ISS on Wednesday Virgin Orbit gets another smallsat contract   Coming Soon to Space Tune in for our Great Ad Astra Livestream on August 20   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

This week, the guys record a short episode. Just kidding! The guys cover a range of topics, from Buzz Aldrin's call for a presidential commitment to humans on Mars and a space technology smuggling ring bust in Texas. We also see the return of Listener Submitted Topics, the results of the favorite planet vote, and an announcement about the eclipse that you won't want to miss.   Links: Listener Submitted Topic What about an episode on commercial contracts to design the living comforts for space modules and habitats? IKEA designers spend a week inside a Mars simulation NASA NextSTEP program   Latest from Washington Rogers and Cooper argue that Space Corps will solve DoD space problems America’s future is both commercial and traditional Space News Highlight of the Week Buzz says US should pivot back to the Moon International News Plano man admits illegally smuggling U.S. space technology to China, Russia Latest in Tech Spotlight on the Ninth Planet EVIDENCE FOR A DISTANT GIANT PLANET IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM Coming Soon to Space Tune in for our Great Ad Astra Livestream on August 20   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

This week, the fellas cover some big updates on previous stories, while touching on some new ones. Space Corps makes a return, as does the NASA Reauthorization from earlier this year. Expedition 52 has arrived at the ISS, and SpaceX has become the most valuable privately held space company. NASA and Newton celebrate their birthdays, too! Tune in next week for an update on Ad Astra’s Great American Eclipse Livestream, the final vote tally for the Favorite Planet contest, and the return of Listener Submitted Queries.   Latest from Washington What is this guy even talking about? Ban for Funding Space Corps Banned from Debate What’s the future of the ISS?   Space News Highlight of the Week Happy 59th birthday, NASA!   International News Veteran 3-Man Crew Launches to International Space Station   Latest in Tech NASA Awards $14.3 Million to Small Businesses, Research Institutions to Develop Innovative Technologies SpaceX is now valued at $21.2 Billion Jeff Bezos briefly Overtakes Bill Gates To Become World's Richest Man and then isn’t   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

THIS WEEK, THE GUYS TACKLE THE HEALTHCARE DEBATE. Ha. Just kidding. Jack and Newton cover the latest and greatest in space, including the Mars Exploration Program, UN COPUOS's June meeting, and the new NASA budget proposed by the Senate.   Links: Latest from Washington Louis Friedman points out further problems facing NASA’s Mars Exploration Program NASA is happy with Commercial Crew schedules Jeff Bezos gets an Instagram, shows off New Glenn factory DoD gets new advisory committee Donald Rumsfeld’s Space Commission Report   Space News Highlight of the Week Senate picks $19.5B for NASA’s FY18 budget   International News Summer Update on COPUOS long-term sustainability guidelines Secure World Foundation publishes a fact sheet about these guidelines   Latest in Tech Sierra Nevada to launch Dream Chaser atop Atlas 5 rocket in 2020 Mishap to delay launch of NASA communications satellite Coming Soon to Space Astronomy On Tap   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

This week, Jack and Newton cover the latest news on the future of JPSS and the National Space Council, answer a listener-submitted query on the Space Corps, asteroid mining from Luxembourg, and quantum teleportation. They also talk updates on some upcoming DC space events.   Links:   Latest from Washington House cuts NOAA Polar Follow On Program [LISTENER SUBMITTED QUERY: Why does Mike Rogers want a Space Corps?] The White House doesn’t want a Space Corps either… Peter Hays’ space power paradigm theories (page 7) Instead, White House and new NSpC should focus on integral improvements OMB likes NSpC   Space News Highlight of the Week Jack’s former professor is the Executive Secretary of the NSpC   International News Luxembourg keeps marching (slowly) towards being a hub for commercial space   Latest in Tech Chinese Scientists Just Set the Record for the Farthest Quantum Teleportation   Coming Soon to Space Local Events in DC: -Outdoor Movie Series, Star Wars: Rogue One -Astronomy of Tap, Baltimore ISSR&D Conference Jeff Bezos won the first annual Buzz Aldrin Space Innovation Award   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

Links: Latest from Washington Mike Pence gives a vague speech, touches things that say DO NOT TOUCH Text of Pence’s speech   Space News Highlight of the Week G20 closes with rebuke to Trump's climate change stance   International News ESA unveils BepiColombo Mercury orbiters ahead of October 2018 launch   Latest in Tech NASA Pluto Probe's Next Target May Actually Be 'Swarm' of Objects NASA's Juno Spacecraft flying over Jupiter’s Great Red Spot   Coming Soon to Space NASA planning August release of Mars robotic exploration architecture   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

This week, Jack and Newton talk about the latest House appropriations bill for NASA and the announcement about the new National Space Council. They then briefly touch on the June 2 failure of the Long March 5, DARPA hitching a ride with ISRO, and Dylan Taylor's thrust for diversity in space tourism.   Links: Latest from Washington Congress says ‘eff you’ to Trump NASA budget Congress says 'eff you' to Trump even more House hearing Senate hearing   Space News Highlight of the Week We now have a National Space Council!   International News China experiences an anomaly on the launchpad   Latest in Tech DARPA trying to launch smallsat experiment on an Indian rocket Space for Humanity seeks 10,000 citizen astronauts   Coming Soon to Space Future Space Leaders 2017   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

Slow space news week? We got you covered. This week, the guys cover the latest news, including SpaceX flying twice in one weekend, NASA (not) finding life, and the chair of the Congressional drama caucus - Mike Rogers - beefing with the Air Force. Listen to the latest podcast by Elemental.fm, Straight Up, with Newton Campbell   Links: Latest from Washington Mike Rogers is beefing with the Air Force over space Blue Origin is building a rocket factory in Bama     Space News Highlight of the Week No. NASA has not found alien life     International News Arianespace is building a reusable rocket engine   Latest in Tech They’re launching rockets like crazy! 2 Million Free Eclipse Glasses Coming to US Libraries Coming Soon to Space Newton on Women In Tech Panel   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

Announcing a brand new show for the Elemental.fm podcast network! The Straight Up podcast is an unbiased source of news in today's Internet age. Tune in to hear audio readings of the raw source material for the latest news stories, without any added spin or analysis. No opinions, no bias. Just the straight-up facts. Coming soon to Elemental FM.  

This week, the guys welcome all of our new followers from Awesome Con (hi everyone!) with an episode all about new exoplanets, the AWESOME Bill Nye: Science Guy documentary, and how France is trying to make the planet great (again?).   Links: Latest from Washington Awesome Con NASA closing out Asteroid Redirect Mission Go see the Bill Nye documentary. Seriously. National Academies of Science just released a Planetary Protection report   Space News Highlight of the Week Kepler finds 219 new exoplanets   International News Emmanuel Macron wants to make our planet great again   Latest in Tech French startup raises $1.9M for SmallSat electric propulsion   Coming Soon to Space NASA Briefings on Total Solar Eclipse More info about the eclipse   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

This week, Jack and Newton talk infrastructure, Outer Space Treaty, and why everyone dislikes Ted Cruz. They also touch on fires in space, India's space program, and shooting down ICBMs.   Links: Latest from Washington Infrastructure Week: President Trump Announces Air Traffic Control Reform Initiative Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) Cruz out of step with industry, lawyers A hearing on the American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act of 2017 will follow the budget hearing in the House SS&T subcommittee. Text of the draft bill can be found here Results of the briefing   Space News Highlight of the Week NASA’s Newest Astronaut Candidates   International News COPUOS met in Vienna last week (if this is for our guest, this should probably be a highlight) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched their biggest rocket yet China replaced its space agency administrator...quietly   Latest in Tech NASA is going to set a fire in space US shows they can shoot down ICBMs   Coming Soon to Space NASA Hosts Briefing on Latest Results of Exoplanet-Hunting Mission We’ll be at AwesomeCon (for the Planetary Society)!     Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

This week, Jack and Newton are joined by comedienne and special guest Rubi Nicholas! They talk about the importance of studying humor for missions to Mars and beyond, the ability for robots to both understand and create humor, and ways that the public is becoming involved.   Links: Comedy and Humor in Space Robonauts, Natural Language Understanding, and the role of Computational Humor for Human Spaceflight How NASA Will Keep Astronauts From Going Stir-Crazy on Long Space Missions Astronauts with a Sense of Humor will go to Mars   Coming Soon to Space Surviving Mars: The Space Simulation With A Sense Of Humor   Latest from Covfefe Land Two hearings coming up on Thursday about the NASA Budget CJS Hearing SS&T Hearing NASA and Pence will be announcing the newest class of astronauts   Other Links Surviving Mars game by Paradox Interactive Rubi Nicholas on Twitter   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!

This week, the boys discuss everyone's favorite topic: the President's budget request. They also delve into the intricacies of regulations for space, the future of commercial space exploration, and updates on international stories from previous weeks.   Links: Latest from Washington Court Ruling: The FAA Can't Make You Register Your Drone Ruling can be found here God, do we really have to keep talking about how awful this budget is? All 66 programs cut in the Trump budget   Space News Highlight of the Week New Juno Science JunoCam It's a gag 400 years in the making   International News Congrats to Rocket Lab for their mostly successful first test of the Electron rocket Astronauts Restore Space Station to Full Health in Quick Repair Spacewalk     Latest in Tech Boeing and DARPA revisit the oldest spacecraft design in new contract   Coming Soon to Space Founder Institute calls for 500 new space startups by 2025 Seth MacFarlane Is Headed to Space with 'The Orville' on Fox   Follow Ad Astra on Twitter at @AdAstra_Podcast, on Facebook, and subscribe to the mailing list for future updates and events!