spacetaskforce's Podcast

The SpaceTaskForce is back with a very important video. We couldn't let the 50th anniversary of Apollo 13 pass without a look back. We can learn a lot from this mission... and it will help get us through what we fact today. 

With the retirement of the Space Shuttle, members of the SpaceTaskForce went into the background - and went to work. One of the completed projects we're proud to present is a new book called Not Because It's Easy. Here's a preview of the book in trailer form! "Not Because It's Easy" is based on the history of Project Apollo - looking at the future of Space Exploration. Also included for our subscribers - a PDF - the first chapter of Not Because It's Easy! Not Because It's Easy A Novel by George C. Schellenger One part metaphorical autobiography, one part rollicking adventure story, and one part self-help guide, Not Because It's Easy is a trip to extremes you won't forget. For Agent Hunter Algier, it's anything but easy: saving a charter jet from crashing into the suburbs of Northern Virginia; escaping the evil clutches of his ex-wife; tracking down three artifacts from Roswell, New Mexico; listening to a possessed billionaire moonwalker talk about Project Apollo; surviving a shootout on a golf course at one of America's most prestigious country clubs; and coming face to face with a massive Tiger Shark at night. That's just the warm up. The real adventure begins in an underground cave full of poisonous spiders somewhere in the Cayman Islands, ending in orbit somewhere above the planet. Success or failure on his mission could be the difference between reaching his ultimate goal or unwittingly aiding in the destruction of the free world. Then again, for Agent Algier, it's a typical week on the job.

George and Tim cover the final flight of Space Shuttle Atlantis, in this special video -- with Ben and Cariann from SpaceVidCast.com We'll see you in space!

In this special report from the Kennedy Space Center, George and Tim take a look at President Obama's visit to NASA. (there's also an audio version only below).  

George and Tim take a look at President Obama's visit to Space X and the Kennedy Space Center, what it means for the present - and what it means to the future of NASA. 

Night turned to day at the Kennedy Space Center as STS-130 roared into the sky. Tim and I were fortunate to be there for an unforgettable moment to take in the launch and to think about the future. This is one of five space shuttle launches scheduled for this year, as the program winds down. Thanks, as always, to the National Space Society. Get involved, help make your future!

As 2010 begins, we've started to countdown for the final shuttle flights. This time, Tim and I go behind the scenes of a shuttle rollout. Space Shuttle Endeavour is scheduled to launch of Feb 7 on a mission to the International Space Station to install Tranquility - space's first bay window on the earth.

In the final part of our 4 part series, Space 2010, we remember the words of Gemini and Apollo Astronaut Ed White. In describing his first spacewalk, he talked about having "unlimited visibility." Space provides "unlimited visibility" - but it also provides something more - and the more is the focus of this final segment. On behalf of Tim and myself and all the members of the Space Task Force, special greetings this holiday season - and here's wishing that the New Year provides us all the vision for an incredible future.

Is it me, or does it seem crazy, that even today, we have to justify sending people into space? The so-called "spinoff" argument. As we continue our series, Space 2010, we look at the most important spinoff of all -- ourselves.

2009 marked 40 years since the first time people walked on the moon. 40 years. What did Apollo teach us? Have we done enough to honor the legacy - or was it just about footprints and flags? It will never be a good time to do the impossible, the difficult - or the challenging. What we need is the resolve to evolve. There is simply no other choice.

What would John F. Kennedy say? At the Space Task Force, we've been fortunate to be near the front lines during this massive transition to the next space age. So much is happening. And as things change, it is critical we participate in any way we can. Will we make the right decisions for the long term? What will happen after the space shuttle? Are we up for the challenge? This short video looks ahead to 2010 and also back to John F. Kennedy and his address to the students at Rice University in 1962.

The Space Task Force at the launch of STS-129. Wow. Tim and I have been fortunate to see launches at the Kennedy Space Center, but today was extremely special. Cloudy weather cleared, we got to see a lot of old friends and the launch was incredible. As NASA starts to wind down the Space Shuttle Program - it's important to think about the future. 5 flights remain. We'll see you in space!

George and Tim at the Ares 1-X Test Flight on October 28, 2009. This test flight was delayed by weather for a day. Special thanks to SpaceVidCast.com.

Here's a tribute to the 920th Rescue Wing and their performance in the Cocoa Beach Air Show.

This time on the Space Task Force, we introduce you to the 920th Rescue Wing of the Air Force Reserve. Its main mission is combat search and rescue, but they also support NASA. George shows us how. If you want to see the 920th Rescue Wing in action - check out the Cocoa Beach Air Show this October.

We were on hand for the incredible night launch of STS-128. The Space Shuttle Discovery took off just before midnight on August 28, 2009. It's the 128th shuttle flight. We did something a little different for this video, we were at a viewing point three miles away. The camera is on a very smooth surface. The result is a pretty awesome representation of what the shockwaves feel like. Take the time to see one of the remaining shuttle launches, it's an experience you'll never forget. More importantly, if you have children, give them the experience of a lifetime, by taking them to a launch. There's plenty of information on the best viewing points for a shuttle launch. Check out Spaceflightnow.com or NASA.gov for the schedule of the remaining flights.

George Schellenger and Tim Baily with a video update from ISDC 2009. Special thanks to everyone at The National Space Society (Brett Silcox) and many, many others for making this possible.

A big preview of ISDC in Orlando, we'll take you on a visit to KSC to find two shuttles on the launch pads - and what's that in the water? Plus Tim takes us behind the scenes for a very special day at KSC. Get ready to spend some time in the "no gravity zone" as the Space Task Force launches right now!

When it comes to space, states across America are looking to the future, ready for a piece of the action. We'll take a look at Yuri's Night, see why there's extra space on board SpaceShipTwo and preview ISDC. Join us in the "No Gravity Zone" as we launch... right now.

Is there enough space in space? George and Tim take on the big issues in this episode from colliding satellites to how it could impact a mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. Plus - the debut of new music for Yuri's Night - expanded dates for Yuri's night and ISDC. Come on in, the "No Gravity Zone" is open for business.

Okay America, a little bit of cash goes a long way in space. Okay, maybe not to Pluto, but it still gets you pretty far. Join George and Tim as they head to orbit with all the news you need to know.

As we celebrate the inauguration of a new president in the United States, it's the perfect time to launch a new edition of the Space Task Force. Join us for a conversation about Barack Obama and space, Space X, Virgin Galactic and all things space. You're in the No Gravity Zone with George and Tim as the Space Task Force Launches, right now!

From ISDC 2008, George and Tim interview Dan Linehan the author of SpaceShipOne: An Illustrated History. It's an incredible look back of the history of the world's first commercial manned space program.

It's everyone's favorite topic, jumping out of a perfectly good spaceship. But wait there's more! What will the spacesuit of the future look like? How will your basic comforts be taken care of? And will you look cool? Those questions and more discussed in this edition of the Space Task Force, as we take our No Gravity Zone to Washington, DC for ISDC 2008.

Get ready for The Wonder of it All at ISDC 2008. Everything you wanted to know about space - and wanted to ask. George and Tim get ready to head to Washington, DC - plus very special guest Jeff Roth, director of The Wonder of It All.

Episode 23 launches with special guest Brett Silcox from the National Space Society. He's here with a preview of ISDC 2008 in Washington, DC this year. ISDC will be the place to be - to help secure your ticket to space. It's one of of the coolest space gatherings in the known universe.

Hello Universe, it's Episode 22 of your Space Task Force. Tim gives us the mission plan for Yuri's Night 2008; we see what's up with the Moon and Mars in Washington, D.C. and George's special invitation to Neil Armstrong. It's all ahead on the Space Task Force. (If you hear pops in the podcast, it's just our nozzle test for the Lunar Lander Challenge).

Hello everyone - here's new video of the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis, STS-122. We were at the Kennedy Space Center testing the new RED 4K camera - and decided to take time out to cover the launch. The video is a month old now, but a shuttle launch always looks good. We hope you enjoy. See you soon on STF!

We've talked a lot about George's new DVD focusing on sharks. So here's a bonus preview of Sharks: Knights of the Sea. This is a quick expedition to a place called "Tiger Beach" in the Bahamas. You'll find a ton of Lemon Sharks and Tiger Sharks. "I've got to say - it's one of the wildest places on planet earth." Sharks: Knights of the sea takes a look at why it's important we reach out to protect the world's sharks. We hope you enjoy.

Tim and George discuss the launch of STS-123, Yuri's Night (which is coming up April 12), getting the "NextGen" excited about space, COTS, Constellation, a one-way ticket to Mars, robot versus human exploration, three movies to get excited about. We also invite Neil Armstrong on the show. Mr. Armstrong if you're listening contact the NSS - tell them you'd like to be on STF. Thanks! A Special shout out to Sharks: Knights of the Sea - George's exploration of inner-space to help protect sharks. The release date is March 18, 2008.

Here we go with the first Episode of the year - Episode 20. We'll party in New York, see where the candidates stand on the issues, answer viewer email - and take a look at the next few months ahead.

This time on the SpaceTaskForce, it's a big World Space Expo recap -- and Decision 2008 - which candidate would you like to launch with?

Here it is, our first video podcast - live to flash card at the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery, October 23, 2007 - and a really cool view of the shuttle if I could be so bold.

Hey, it's episode 14 - from the joys of space exploration - to the major question of what do we do first - Explore Earth from Space or Space from Space? That and Space Headlines as we go "live to digital media" from the Kennedy Space Center.

In this episode:George returns from swimming with great white sharksNASA's NEEMO mission trains aquanautsnews on tiles, teachers, and ripped gloves on space shuttle mission STS-118tips from public relations expert Ian Murphyupdates on 'teacher in space' Barbara Morgan's space-flown basil seedsRoving Mars on DVD with downloadable educator guide

This week on the Space Task Force, we take a look at the accident at Mojave Spaceport, a very rough week for NASA, ZeroG expands and George and Tim take on The Astronaut Farmer.

We're back and better than ever. This time on the TaskForce, space junk, space spelling and space horticulture -plus how the overview effect impacts everyone. Happy anniversary to Apollo 11. Enjoy.

Episode 9 of the Space Task Force. Space Shuttles, Space Diving, Isolation and Mars and "Where's Tim Now?" All ahead on Episode 9 of the Space Task Force.

Episode 10 of the SpaceTaskForce. Tim is back in studio to talk about his recent space adventures. We also have a special guest from NASA's Ames Research Center to talk about the role you can play in the NASA CoLab website. My big question this week is - what if they'd had an iPhone during Project Apollo? Would we already be on Mars? That and a Shuttle Launch Experience on this week's SpaceTaskForce.

A very busy week in space. We cover developments on board the International Space Station and the mission of Space Shuttle Atlantis. Tim talks about watching a top-secret launch from his driveway and the launch of a new movie dedicated to the Apollo astronauts. For me - it's all about decorum in Zero-G (Bach versus Korn) and oceans on Mars. But wait - there's more -- don't miss our review of Mr. Bailey goes to Washington.

Episode #7 - George and Tim wrap up ISDC 2007, the Space Shuttle prepares for launch, Frank Miller gives us an update on the World Space Expo, and Nicky Jordan joins us from the Wirefly X PRIZE Cup to talk about women in aerospace.

One of the most innovative private space companies is Masten Space Systems. When you decide to go into space - Masten wants to make it as simple as making a retail purchase - and it looks like they're already well on their way to doing just that. Michael Mealing, the CFO and VP of Business Development stopped by to tell us why it doesn't need to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to go into space and why you can start making your plans right now.

One of the coolest parts of ISDC was getting to spend some time with Robert Zubrin, the Founder and President of the Mars Society. In this interview, he gives his take on why going to Mars is critical - and how you can play a role. He also tells us about the 10th International Mars Society Convention, August 30 to September 2 at the University of California, Los Angeles.

If you want a piece of space history, collectSPACE at collectSPACE.com is a good place to start. The site offers everything you need to know about artifacts - but also breaks news as well. The founder of collectSPACE, Robert Pearlman, stopped by to talk with us about everything from Project Apollo - to the Space Shuttle Launch Experience at the Kennedy Space Center.

We talked with a lot of great people in Dallas, and one of those was Ken Davidian. In this interview he talks about the NASA Centennial Challenges for 2006, what's to come - and some great things to expect at the 2007 Wirefly X PRIZE Cup.

Tim and I had a great time in Dallas, Texas at ISDC. Special thanks to the National Space Society for their outstanding hospitality. So let's get started with the podcasts. Here's an overview of the conference.

Get ready for ISDC! We have George Whitesides from the National Space Society to discuss the 2007 ISDC Conference in Dallas. Will Pomerantz gets us ready for the 2007 Wirefly X PRIZE Cup... and we take a look at NASA's DAWN Mission - a new way to explore!

Space Task Force Episode 4. We bring you the latest Space Headlines: IPods in space, Earth-like planets and Cape Canaveral takes a different look at space. John Gedmark joins us from the Personal Spaceflight Federation. We preview the International Space Development Conference in Dallas at the end of May.

Episode 3 of the Space Task Force - recorded from the Status Productions studios on April 19, 2007.

Space Task Force Episode #2 -Space Headlines -Loretta Whitesides, Space Generation Foundation President -Michael Cassutt, Author and award-winning television producer -Thoughts on "What's next?" for Space Email spaceshark@gmail.com with feedback

Okay folks, here it is. Space Task Force Show #1. Think of it as a test vehicle, we're working out the bugs and making sure all systems are nominal. Can we do this? Can we deliver quality space entertainment to the masses and keep them entertained and informed, while they're waiting for the spacecraft of tomorrow to be built? No small goal, sure, but why not give it a try?(By the way, you've got to love the word nominal. It's just an intelligent word). This first show runs about 54 minutes (give or take a few minutes). Okay - 50 minutes. Perfect for that long commute. The rundown goes a little something like: -Welcome-George introduces the show (from the shores of the highly secretive Lake Apollo on the Space Coast of Florida)-George talks about the sponsor (www.worldspaceexpo.com)-George Introduces Tim Bailey, co-host and rocket scientist, extraordinaire (www.skyfirelab.com) -Tim introduces George (www.captainjon.com) -Tim talks about Zero-G (www.gozerog.com). (he's a coach onboard)-George and Tim discuss the Space Task Force and what it's all about (George is the Journalist, Tim is the Rocket Scientist)-Yuri's Night Preview (www.yurisnight.net). We discuss why Yuri jumped out of the spacecraft on the way back and the missing 18 minutes of his flight. We also talk about events coming up on April 12 (the anniversary of Yuri's flight). A musical break from Scott Rodell (a damn good song and downloadable from Yurisnight.net)-Break-Space Headlines (special sound effects provided by Tim)-Space junk and air traffic (and why the two aren't a good combination)-Bigelow Aerospace and valet parking (Expensive? Who would you trust with your spacecraft? And what about the Space Junk?)-Who wins the race back to the Moon? Tim gives the definitive answer (at least for this week)-Space Clothing Design (How do you drink a martini in space? We don't really talk about that this time around, but it's a good question) (For more great space design check out Tim's company, www.SkyFireLab.com)-Why the International Space Station needs good module names (listen and it will become clear)-Stephen Hawkings' dream of a lifetime (A Brief History of Time, still a good book)-Break-George and Tim talk with Frank Miller, Event Manager of the World Space Expo (www.worldspaceexpo.com) -Show wrapThat's show number one, please send comments, suggestions or your own space music to spaceshark@gmail.com .