Interplanetary Podcast

Matt welcomes Roman Chiporukha, co-founder and CEO of SpaceVIP, the concierge service that books everything from zero-g airplane jaunts to orbital stays aboard the ISS. Episode 317 invites you to imagine your next vacation above the Kármán line—and weigh whether the price tag is worth the view. Strap in for a conversation that spans luxury, logistics, and the future of off-world adventure

Episode 316 of the Interplanetary Podcast kicks off with Matt tackling the unsettling news of NASA's potential science funding cuts—raising concerns about the future of groundbreaking space research—and pondering whether SpaceX's mighty Starship could become an over-budget behemoth or the key to humankind's next giant leap. Then, Matt welcomes Steve Matier, CEO of Maritime Launch Services, who sheds light on Canada's ambitious foray into commercial spaceflight. From building Spaceport Nova Scotia to launching the next wave of satellites, Steve shares how MLS is staking out its place in the rapidly growing space economy. It's a thought-provoking deep dive into the business, engineering, and dream-chasing behind the new frontier of Canadian aerospace.

After a rant about civil discourse and the need for truth in the space commnuity, Matt Chats with Alan Smale who writes alternate and twisted history, and hard SF. Hot Moon, his alternate-Apollo “technothriller with heart”, was launched back in July 2022, followed by sequel Radiant Sky, in November 2024. The Apollo Rising series will conclude with Burning Night, in late 2025.

Matt chats with Stephen Thrum, a teacher at Windaroo Valley State High School in Logan QLD (Australia), whose career spans from professional model making to interning at NASA. and is a Space Settlement Design Coach—a role in which he has led teams of Australian school students to National and International victories over the past 16 years www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 -

Matt chats with Tarek Waked, Founding Partner of Type One Ventures. Type One is an investment firm committed to developing a future civilization that is self-sufficient and interplanetary. The firm invests in space centric innovations. Matt Also www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7

Matt chats with Yanni Barghouty, CEO and co-founder of Cosmic Shielding Corporation (CSC). Yanni is creating radiation shielding technology to ensure that hardware can operate in space without degrading. www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Twitter @interplanetypod

Matt catches up with the crew from MSI-DFAT a company with over 60 years of combined engineering experience in spacecraft acoustic testing.

Matt catches up with Ethan Siegel again to chat about the James Webb Space Telescope and his new book Infinite Cosmos on National Geographic.

Matt is joined by Michelle Snyder and Jay Snyder to talk about their work with FREA the Foundation for Research of the Enzmann Archive. https://enzmannarchive.org/

Matt is joined by Pu Jian of Cailabs to talk about Space Laser Communications.

Matt is joined by the esteemed Dr. Gerard Van Belle of the Lowell Observatory to discuss the imminent nova of T Coronae Borealis. Dive into the fascinating details of this stellar event and what it means for our understanding of cosmic phenomena. Don't miss this stellar conversation as we explore the universe's explosive wonders!

Matt chats with Dr. Eiman Jahangir who was recently selected by Web 3 group MoonDAO as there 2nd astronaut to fly on a future Blue Origin New Shepard flight. A crazy story of trying and trying to then win a lottery. www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Twitter @interplanetypod

Matt sits down with acclaimed author and journalist Adam Higginbotham to discuss his latest book, "Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space." This definitive account of the tragic space shuttle Challenger disaster takes us on a journey from the Apollo program through the investigation that followed the catastrophe. Adam shares the meticulous research to reveal the untold story of what really happened and why. We delve into the internal discussions between NASA and Morton Thiokol executives, the heroic efforts of whistleblowers, and the profound impact this disaster had on space exploration and public perception. Adam's masterful storytelling brings to life the human drama, fascinating science, and shocking political infighting that defined this pivotal moment in history. Whether you're a space enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the Challenger disaster, this episode promises to be both enlightening and unforgettable. www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Twitter @interplanetypod

Matt speaks with The CEO and co-founder of Arkisys, David Barnhart. Arkisys is a company developing future space expansion by engineering 'The Port', a primary center for technology hosting, satellite integration, assembly, and resupply.

Episode 303: Space Oddities with Dr. Harry Cliff - Anomalies and New Frontiers in Physics Matt delves into the mysteries of the cosmos with Dr. Harry Cliff, particle physicist, science communicator, and author of the new book, "Space Oddities." We explore the fascinating anomalies challenging the very foundations of physics, Dr. Cliff shares insights from his work at CERN's Large Hadron Collider and his deep dive into the latest scientific enigmas. #SpaceOddities #ParticlePhysics #Cosmology #ScienceAnomalies #InterplanetaryPodcast

Matt is Joined by Chris Lintott to talk about Our Accidental Universe his new book out this month and some of the ideas contained within. Chris Lintott is a Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Oxford, where his research ranges from understanding how galaxies form and evolve, to predicting the properties of visiting interstellar asteroids. He is Principal Investigator of the Zooniverse citizen science platform. Lintott is best known as presenter of the BBC ‘Sky at Night' program. In 2023, he was appointed the 39th Gresham Professor of Astronomy

Matt is Joined by cultural astronomer and Paleolithic researcher Bernie Taylor In this unusual and captivating episode, join us on a remarkable journey as we delve into the intricacies of ancient timekeeping and its deep connection to the natural world. Taylor takes us back to early 2001, recounting his research with Oregon Fish and Wildlife on salmon migration patterns. He unravels a fascinating story linking lunar cycles to salmon behavior, a knowledge long held by Native Americans but overlooked by modern science. This episode is not just about the biology of salmon; it's a profound exploration of how ancient peoples, from Native Americans to cave artists, synchronized their lives with the rhythms of the sun and moon. Discover the lost art of reading nature's clock and how our disconnection from the night sky since the Industrial Revolution has impacted our understanding of time. Bernie's insights offer a unique perspective on the intricate dance between celestial bodies and life on Earth, reminding us of the wisdom held by our ancestors and the importance of reconnecting with the natural world

In this landmark 300th episode of the Interplanetary Podcast, Matt is thrilled to welcome renowned space journalist Eric Berger from Ars Technica. Join us for an enlightening journey through the major space exploration milestones of 2023, as we delve into the year's most groundbreaking events and achievements. Eric, with his in-depth expertise, shares insights on the pivotal developments from global space agencies and private companies alike. We cover the stunning progress of SpaceX, including their ambitious Starship tests, and discuss the latest missions that continue to push the boundaries of our cosmic understanding. Not to be missed are the international feats from ESA, JAXA, and other key players, marking 2023 as a year of unparalleled advancements.

Sustainable Horizons: SSC's Eco-Friendly Space Adventures Ever wondered about the environmental impact of shooting for the moon? This week's episode Matt is joined by Henrik Lampa, SSC's Head of Sustainability. Henrik's on a mission to turn space exploration green! We'll dive into how the Swedish Space Corporation is shaking things up in the cosmos by encouraging more eco-friendly rockets and sustainable space missions. Grab your space helmets and join us for our discussion about making the galaxy greener. This episode is for anyone who loves space, cares about the planet. Blast off with us into a more sustainable space future!

In this episode of the Interplanetary Podcast, we venture beyond the earthly realm with Andrew Cohen, one of the creative maestros behind the hit BBC series 'The Planets'. Our conversation orbits around the release of The Folio Society edition of the companion book to the series, delving into the awe-inspiring narratives and stunning visual storytelling that brings the celestial ballet to life. Cohen shares a glimpse into the collaborative odyssey of translating cosmic wonders to the screen, the intertwining dance of science and art, and the quest for unveiling the mysteries of our vast cosmic neighborhood. The Folio Society edition of The Planets by Professor Brian Cox and Andrew Cohen, introduced by David A. Rothery, is exclusively available from foliosociety.com.

Join hosts Jamie and Matt as they delve deep into the cosmos, exploring the latest advancements and discoveries in space exploration.Episode 297, where we delve into the mesmerizing world of Lunar exploration and colonization! In this episode, we navigate through the Moon's untapped potential, its allure for the human race, and the future prospects it holds for interplanetary living.

Join Matt and Jamie on this enlightening episode of the 'Interplanetary Podcast' as they delve into one of the universe's most enigmatic phenomena: dark energy. What is this mysterious force that's driving the accelerated expansion of our universe? We'll explore the latest theories, from quintessence to black holes, and discuss the groundbreaking discoveries that have shaped our understanding. Plus, we'll ponder the philosophical implications of a universe dominated by an unseen force. Whether you're a seasoned space enthusiast or just curious about the cosmos, this episode promises to expand your horizons. Tune in and let's journey through the dark side of the universe together!

Hosts: Jamie Franklin and Matt Russell Description: Join hosts Matt and Jamie as they dive into the enigmatic world of Dark Matter. This episode explores the history, theories, and ongoing research surrounding this elusive substance that makes up 26.8% of our universe. From Fritz Zwicky's initial observations to the latest space missions hunting for Dark Matter, we'll delve into the science and the scientists behind the quest to understand the unseen. We'll also look at Dark Matter's influence on popular culture and even share some cosmic poetry. Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast, a science fiction fan, or just curious about the cosmos, this episode is sure to intrigue and inspire. Tune in and let's journey together into the dark! Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: Midjourney Additional Narration: George Russell Twitter @interplanetypod

Join your hosts Matt and Jamie in this mini episode of the Interplanetary Podcast, as we voyage to the outer reaches of our solar system and beyond to uncover the enigmas of the Oort Cloud! This icy cloud of asteroids and comets, teetering on the edge of interstellar space, holds the answers to many questions about our solar system's formation and its cosmic interactions. In this episode, we'll be exploring the fascinating history of the Oort Cloud, discussing its namesake - Dutch astronomer Jan Oort, and revealing why this region of space is so vital for understanding our place in the galaxy. From explaining how the Oort Cloud could potentially harbor long-period comets, to exploring the complex gravitational influences of the Milky Way on this distant cloud, Matt and Jamie will guide you through an interstellar journey that's sure to captivate every space enthusiast. We'll also delve into a groundbreaking study, discussing the surprising link between the Oort Cloud, high-energy comets, and the formation of the Earth's continental crust. Plus, we'll ponder the broader implications of this research, and how it is shaping our view of Earth's interactions with cosmic forces. So buckle up for an astronomical adventure, as we journey through the mysteries and marvels of the Oort Cloud, and remember, the sky is not the limit! Hosts: Jamie Franklin and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: Midjourney Additional Narration: George Russell Twitter @interplanetypod

In this week's episode of the Interplanetary Podcast, host Matthew Russell sits down with Jaime Green, a renowned science writer, essayist, and series editor of The Best American Science and Nature Writing. Jaime discusses her latest book, "The Possibility of Life," which dives into the captivating history of our understanding of extraterrestrial life and its potential locations in the cosmos.

George joins Matt to chat about Space Exploration. www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary and become a Patron or even a producer of the show. Hosts: George and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: Midjourney Additional Narration: Polly Twitter @interplanetypod

Matt is joined by Olivier Witasse the @esa Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (#JUICE) mission project scientist. www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: Mark McCaughrean Additional Narration: Brian Blessed Twitter @interplanetypod

Jamie Joins Matt once again to talk all about ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Jamie Franklin and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: Midjourney Additional Narration: George Russell Twitter @interplanetypod

Dr Bob joins Matt on a quick and special episode to chat with Dr Kevin Fong about his latest project 16 Sunsets. www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Dr Bob Hodges and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: Kevin Fong Additional Narration: Polly Twitter @interplanetypod

Jamie Joins Matt once again to talk all about Mars. www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Jamie Franklin and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: Midjourney Additional Narration: George Russell Twitter @interplanetypod

Jamie Joins Matt once again to talk all about Venus. www.Patreon.com/Interplanetary and become a Patron or even a producer of the show. www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: George and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: Midjourney Additional Narration: Polly Twitter @interplanetypod

George joins Matt to chat about Space Exploration. www.Patreon.com/Interplanetary and become a Patron or even a producer of the show. www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: George and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: Midjourney Additional Narration: Polly Twitter @interplanetypod

Matt flies solo this week to bring a timely interview with Ibrahim Al Qasim of the UAE Space Agency. If you enjoy the show please go over to www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary and become a member on Patreon. Host: Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell

Linn also Interviews fellow astronomer James Miley and tells Matt about her trip to ESO's Telescope facility in the Atacama Desert the largest optical-infrared observatory in the Southern Hemisphere.

Matt is joined by Dr. Rebecca Smethurst a British astrophysicist, author, and YouTuber. Linn and Matt Chat about DART and Blackhoples and Birmingham. If you enjoy the show please go over to www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary and become a member on Patreon. Hosts: Linn Boldt-Christmas and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: ESA/ESA/NASA

Linn is on holiday, so this week Rob joins Matt to talk about habitations on Mars. We Interview Nicki and Ella from the Building a Martian House Project based in Bristol. Matt also talks to Steel River Rocketeers about their Rocoon. If you enjoy the show please go over to www.Patreon.com/Interplanetary and become a Patron or even a producer of the show. If you enjoy why not join the BIS at www.bis-space.com the oldest space advocacy organisation in the world. www.interplanetary.org.uk Hosts: Rob Annable and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image:Matt Additional Narration: Indian Polly Twitter @interplanetypod

Matt and Linn chat about Matt's recent trip to Kourou and the launch of the Vega C and then get excited about the JWST images out in the same week. If you enjoy the show please go over to www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary and become a member on Patreon. Hosts: Linn Boldt-Christmas and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: ESA/ESA/NASA

Matt and Linn chat with exoplanetary researcher Bibiana Prinoth a PhD student at the Department of Astronomy and Theoretical Physics at Lund University. If you enjoy the show please go over to www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary and become a member on Patreon. Hosts: Linn Boldt-Christmas and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: Rob Annable - Dall-E 2

Matt and Linn chat about Rockets and Blackholes, and George joins Matt to talk about languages, If you enjoy the show please go over to www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary and become a member on Patreon. Hosts: Linn Boldt-Christmas and Matt Russell Guest host : George Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: ESA Additional Narration: Polly

Matt and Linn catch up with Dr. Catherine Walsh, Associate Professor; UKRI Future Leader Fellow, and chat about astrochemistry; molecular astrophysics; protoplanetary disks; comets; exoplanetary atmospheres; interferometry; submillimeter astronomy, and a bit of career and work-life balance advice ...and more. If you enjoy the show please go over to www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary and become a member on Patreon. Hosts: Linn Boldt-Christmas and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: Leeds University Additional Narration: Polly

Matt and Linn catch up with Paul Byrne and chat about the geology of Planets and way more. If you enjoy the show please go over to www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary and become a member on Patreon. Hosts: Linn Boldt-Christmas and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: WUSTL Additional Narration: Polly Twitter @interplanetypod

This week Linn joins Matt to talk about Exobiology with Dr Jessica Abbott. If you enjoy the show please go over to www.Patreon.com/Interplanetary and become a Patron or even a producer of the show. If you enjoy why not join the BIS at www.bis-space.com the oldest space advocacy organistion in the world. www.interplanetary.org.uk Hosts: Linn Boldt-Christmas and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: ESA Additional Narration: Polly Twitter @interplanetypod

Chris joins Matt to chat about the week's space news and Matt is joined by Gillian and Justin who's artwork goes to the ISS next week as part of moongallery.eu If you enjoy the show please go over to www.Patreon.com/Interplanetary Hosts: Chris Carney and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: moongallery.eu Additional Narration: USA Polly Twitter @interplanetypod

This Week Matt and George chat about Legrange points, Red Noise Gravitational Waves, and star formation on the Local Bubble If you enjoy the show please go over to Patreon www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Host: Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: Nasa Additional Narration: US Polly Twitter @interplanetypod

Matt introduces the final part of his Alan Bond interviews. If you enjoy the show please go over to Patreon www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Host: Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: Reaction Engines Additional Narration: UK Polly Twitter @interplanetypod

Chris joins Matt to chat about Moon Missions past and future If you enjoy the show please go over to www.Patreon.com/Interplanetary and become a Patron or even a producer of the show. If you enjoy why not join the BIS at www.bis-space.com the oldest space advocacy organisation in the world. www.interplanetary.org.uk Hosts: Chris Carney and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: ESA Additional Narration: USA Polly Twitter @interplanetypod

George Joins Matt in Guildford, from Devon, to chat about Galina Balshova, Space Architecture and fonts sorry for the delay. If you enjoy the show please go over to www.Patreon.com/Interplanetary and become a Patron or even a producer of the show. If you enjoy why not join the BIS at www.bis-space.com the oldest space advocacy organisation in the world. www.interplanetary.org.uk Hosts: George Russell and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: SpaceX Additional Narration: Polly Twitter @interplanetypod

In the wake of the James Webb Launch this week Julio joins Matt to talk with Ruedegar Albat Ariane 5 Program Director and Future Propulsion at the European Space Agency. If you enjoy the show please go over to www.Patreon.com/Interplanetary and become a Patron or even a producer of the show. If you enjoy why not join the BIS at www.bis-space.com the oldest space advocacy organisation in the world. www.interplanetary.org.uk Hosts: Julio Aprea and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: ESA Additional Narration: Polly Twitter @interplanetypod

George Joins Matt in Birmingham to chat about 2021 in Space If you enjoy the show please go over to www.Patreon.com/Interplanetary and become a Patron or even a producer of the show. If you enjoy why not join the BIS at www.bis-space.com the oldest space advocacy organisation in the world. www.interplanetary.org.uk Hosts: George Russell and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: SpaceX Additional Narration: Polly Twitter @interplanetypod

Matt is co-hostless this week, which gives him the chance to release a chat with Paul Knight from Goohilly Earthstation, If you enjoy the show please go over to www.Patreon.com/Interplanetary and become a Patron or even a producer of the show. If you enjoy why not join the BIS at www.bis-space.com the oldest space advocacy organisation in the world. www.interplanetary.org.uk Hosts: Chris Carney and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: ESA Additional Narration: USA Polly Twitter @interplanetypod

Chris joins Matt to chat about IXPE, USP Exoplanets, Astronauts and a bit more. If you enjoy the show please go over to www.Patreon.com/Interplanetary and become a Patron or even a producer of the show. If you enjoy why not join the BIS at www.bis-space.com the oldest space advocacy organisation in the world. www.interplanetary.org.uk Hosts: Chris Carney and Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Cover Image: ESA Additional Narration: USA Polly Twitter @interplanetypod