Your Space Journey

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has uncovered a cosmic mystery: the universe is expanding faster than our current models predict!

Dive into the fascinating world of spacecraft engineering as we explore SpaceX's groundbreaking approach to thermal protection. This episode unravels the mystery behind Starship's innovative stainless steel heat shield, a departure from traditional ceramic tiles used in spacecraft like the Space Shuttle. Learn how SpaceX combines grade 304L stainless steel with cutting-edge transpiration cooling technology to protect the world's largest spacecraft from temperatures reaching 3,000 degrees Celsius during atmospheric reentry. Our experts discuss the cost-effectiveness, durability, and engineering challenges of this revolutionary design, including the unique "belly flop" maneuver that helps distribute heat across the spacecraft. Discover how SpaceX's data-driven approach and willingness to challenge conventional wisdom is pushing the boundaries of space exploration. Whether you're a space enthusiast, engineering buff, or simply curious about innovation, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of space travel and SpaceX's mission to make it more accessible and sustainable.

Discover the groundbreaking innovations that are transforming space exploration! In this deep dive, we unpack Blue Origin's massive New Glenn rocket and the evolutionary Blue Ring Pathfinder mission.Key Highlights:​New Glenn: A game-changing heavy-lift rocket capable oflifting 100,000 pounds to Earth orbit​Blue Ring Pathfinder: A versatile space platform testingnext-generation space infrastructure​American-made engines and cutting-edge space technology​Potential implications for scientific research, spacetourism, and national securityWhat you'll learn:​How reusable rockets are making space access more affordable​The future of space mobility and infrastructure​Exciting developments in commercial spaceflight

The Invisible Force Behind Betelgeuse's Strange Behavior Dive into the mystery of Betelgeuse's intriguing companion star! Scientists have found evidence of a sun-sized "Beetle Buddy" orbiting the red supergiant, helping explain its puzzling 2,170-day brightness cycle. Learn how this companion acts as a cosmic snowplow, clearing paths through Betelgeuse's dust clouds and potentially influencing its eventual supernova. In this episode, we explore: How astronomers detected the hidden companion What this means for Betelgeuse's future supernova Why this companion orbits at a surprisingly close distance The role of dust and debris is Betelgeuse's brightness changes How the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope could revolutionize our understanding with its powerful coronagraph technology. Coming soon: The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope may give us our first direct look at Betelgeuse's mysterious companion through advanced spectroscopy and imaging!

Get ready for a spectacular December in the night sky! Joinus as we explore this month's incredible celestial events, including Venus's stunning evening display, Jupiter at opposition, and the dazzling Geminid meteor shower. We'll guide you through what to look for, how to find thesecelestial events without needing fancy equipment, and why this December is particularly special. Plus, learn about Mercury's appearance on Christmas morning and how to spot it.Join us as we explore the night sky, share tips for first-time stargazers, and ponder the vastness of the universe together.Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just beginning to look up, this video will enhance your sky-watching experience. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more cosmic adventures!#Astronomy #Stargazing #NightSky #December2024 #Planets #MeteorShower #Space

Join us for an in-depth exploration of China's latest entry into the space race - the Long March 9 rocket, and its striking similarities to SpaceX's Starship. In this fascinating discussion, we break down the technical parallels, strategic implications, and what this means for the future of human space exploration.  

In our latest episode, we delve into the thrilling developments of SpaceX's Starship program, focusing on the upcoming sixth test flight. This launch is pivotal as SpaceX aims to repeat the monumental success of catching the Super Heavy booster with 'Mechazilla's chopstick arms' during its return, a technique that promises to revolutionize rocket reusability. We'll explore the extensive upgrades made to both the booster and the Starship upper stage, including enhancements to the propulsion system, structural reinforcements, and crucial software updates that are designed to make these flights more efficient and safe. Additionally, we'll discuss the implications of these technological advancements for future space travel, particularly how they align with SpaceX's ambitions for lunar missions and beyond. The episode will also cover additional objectives for this flight, such as an in-space engine burn to demonstrate deorbiting capabilities, and the ongoing work on the heat shield, with new materials tested to withstand the brutal conditions of atmospheric reentry. We'll analyze what these tests mean for the broader picture of making space travel more accessible and sustainable, reflecting on how each step SpaceX takes is a move towards a future where interstellar travel could become a reality. Join us as we unpack the significance of these developments, drawing from the latest posts on X and web insights, providing a comprehensive look at what's at stake with SpaceX's next big leap.

In this captivating episode, we delve into the pressing question of NASA's Artemis program's relevance in the era of SpaceX's Starship. Join us as we explore the future of lunar exploration and the fascinating clash between traditional space agencies and innovative private companies. We examine the contrasting approaches of NASA's Artemis program and SpaceX's Starship, highlighting the game-changing potential of reusable rockets and comparing the staggering cost differences between the SLS and Starship launch systems. Our discussion covers how SpaceX's rapid innovation is reshaping the space industry and the challenges both NASA and SpaceX face in their quest to return to the Moon. We also explore the broader implications for the future of space exploration, including possibilities like asteroid mining and space tourism. Don't miss our insights into NASA's decision to rely on SpaceX for the Artemis III lunar landing and what this collaboration means for the future of space travel. This episode offers an exciting glimpse into what could be the dawn of a new era in space exploration and its potential impact on humanity's future beyond Earth. #SpaceExploration #NASA #SpaceX #Artemis #Starship #MoonMission #ReusableRockets #FutureOfSpace

In this fascinating discussion, we explore the mysterious world of Europa, one of Jupiter's moons and a prime candidate in our search for extraterrestrial life. The conversation revolves around NASA's Europa Clipper mission, which launched on October 13, 2024 and will arrive at Jupiter in April 2030. We explain that what makes Europa special is its vast subsurface ocean, potentially containing twice the volume of all Earth's oceans combined, hidden beneath an icy shell. This ocean, along with potential energy sources and chemical building blocks, makes Europa an intriguing target for exploring the possibility of life beyond Earth.The discussion delves into the sophisticated technology aboard the Europa Clipper, including nine cutting-edge instruments designed to study various aspects of the moon, from its ice shell to its deep interior. Discover how the spacecraft will perform a careful "cosmic ballet" to navigate Jupiter's intense radiation belts while gathering data during flybys. We'll also explore the broader implications of the mission, emphasizing that it's not just about finding alien life, but understanding our place in the cosmos and potentially unlocking clues about the origins of life itself. The conversation concludes by reflecting on the profound impact that discovering even microbial life on Europa would have on human understanding and perspective.

In this episode we dive into the highly anticipated Flight 5 of SpaceX's Starship, set for as soon as October 13th. Join us as we explore the cutting-edge advancements that make this mission a potential game-changer for space travel. With a focus on reusability, we discuss SpaceX's ambitious goal of catching the Super Heavy booster and the upgrades to Starship's thermal protection system that promise a smoother reentry and splashdown. We also touch on the broader implications of these developments for the future of space exploration, envisioning a world where space travel becomes accessible to everyone. As we prepare for this monumental launch, the excitement is palpable—history is in the making, and the possibilities are endless!

In this episode, we dive into the intriguing conflict between SpaceX and the FAA regarding the Starship program, a critical component of humanity's journey to Mars. As excitement builds for the upcoming flight test of the Starship and its innovative booster recovery system, the FAA has put the brakes on the launch, citing safety concerns. This clash highlights not just the challenges of rocket science but also the regulatory hurdles that could impact the future of space exploration.We explore the implications of this tension, including environmental concerns tied to SpaceX's operations and how these regulations could affect broader initiatives like NASA's Artemis program. With rising competition from other countries and the need for updated regulatory frameworks, we ask the crucial questions: How do we balance safety and innovation? What does the future of space exploration look like in a landscape where private companies are taking the lead? Join us for a deep dive into these pressing issues and their significance for the future of humanity in space.

Interview with David Oh, Chief Engineer NASA's upcoming Psyche mission is a robotic spacecraft mission that will explore the asteroid 16 Psyche, which is believed to be made almost entirely of metal. The mission is scheduled to launch in October 2023and arrive at the asteroid in 2026. The spacecraft will study the asteroid's composition, geology, and magnetic field. The mission will also test a new laser communication technology that will allow for faster data transmission between Earth and the spacecraft. This interview features David Oh, a Chief Engineer for Psyche: Journey to a Metal World, a mission in NASA's Discovery program. David has experience in all phases of spacecraft development from conceptual design to deep space operations. He has worked on both Earth Orbiting and Interplanetary missions and has led teams of 20+ engineers in spacecraft design, testing, and operations. His expertise includes avionics, electric propulsion, low thrust trajectories, power systems, and spacecraft environmental interactions. For more information visit https://www.nasa.gov/psyche

We're just a few weeks away for the Crew-7 mission, the seventh operational flight of a Crew Dragon spacecraft. SpaceX's Crew Dragon is a reusable spacecraft designed to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station. It is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, which aims to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the ISS. Crew Dragon is capable of carrying up to seven astronauts and is equipped with advanced features such as touch screen controls, an environmental control and life support system, and a launch escape system. The spacecraft is launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket and returns to Earth by splashing down in the ocean. Since its first crewed flight in May 2020, Crew Dragon has successfully transported multiple crews to the ISS, including the upcoming Crew-7 mission. This mission will transport four astronauts to the International Space Station: Jasmin Moghbeli from NASA, Andreas Mogensen from ESA (European Space Agency), Satoshi Furukawa from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and Konstantin Borisov from Roscosmos. The launch is currently targeted for August 17th and will take place at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In this episode I'm pleased to present my recent interview with Crew 7 pilot Andreas Mogensen. This will be his second trip to space, following his 10-day ISS mission in 2015 where he became the first Danish citizen in space. During the Crew-7 mission, Andreas will be responsible for the spacecraft's performance and systems, and will become the first European to serve as the pilot of a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. In addition, Andreas will take over as Station Commander of the ISS in September. In this interview, we will discuss Andreas' role in the Crew-7 mission, his passion for space exploration, and some of the experiments that he will conduct on board the International Space Station during the 6-month mission. For more info, visit Nasa.gov Esa.int ——————————————————————

Interview with Andreas Voigt, Satcoms Innovation Group Satellite communications is a fast-growing industry with lots of challenges. In this episode we speak with Andreas Voigt, a leader in the SatCOM industry. Andreas has more than 20 years of experience in the satellite communications industry, serving as senior engineer for Eutelsat and as director of Satcoms Innovations Group, or SIG. Formed in 1997, SIG is an association that promotes innovation in the satcom industry to improve operational efficiency and reduce impact, saving time and money. It aims to do this by encouraging industry cooperation at engineering level through meetings, events and workshops, lobbying regulators and groups, and supporting innovation projects.——————————————————————ツ HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS INTERVIEW!

Interview with ESA Euclid Senior Project Manager, Giuseppe Racca. Since 2012 Giuseppe has been responsible for the Euclid mission, a space-based optical/near-infrared survey mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) designed to investigate the nature of dark energy, dark matter and gravity by observing their signatures on the geometry of the Universe and on the formation of large structures over cosmological timescales. Euclid will use two main techniques in the detection of the signature of dark matter and energy: Weak Gravitational Lensing and Galaxy Clustering. The spacecraft is scheduled for a launch date in 2023 and is designed for 6 years of nominal survey operations.——————————————————————ツ HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS INTERVIEW!

Harvesting Resources from the Moon and asteroidsHello and welcome to this exciting interview with Joel Sercel, the CEO and founder of TransAstra, a pioneering space company that is shaping the future of space exploration. Joel is a renowned expert in the field of space resource utilization and has been at the forefront of developing innovative technologies to harvest resources from the Moon and asteroids. Today, we'll be discussing how TransAstra plans to engineer the future of space by tapping into the vast resources available in space.——————————————————————ツ HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS INTERVIEW!

In this episode we discuss Intuitive Machines and how they plan on sending a lander to the Moon later this year!Intuitive Machines is a Houston-based company that designs and manufactures advanced spacecraft for government and commercial customers. Founded in 2013 by Dr. Tim Crain, a respected engineer and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the aerospace industry, the company has quickly established itself as a leader in the field of space exploration and technology. With a focus on reliability, innovation, and cost-effectiveness, Intuitive Machines is committed to advancing humanity's understanding of the universe and expanding our capabilities in space. Dr. Crain, who serves as the company's Chief Technical Officer, is an expert in the design and operation of spacecraft and has played a key role in the development of many of the company's most innovative and ambitious projects.——————————————————————ツ HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS INTERVIEW!

The Misfits and Geniuses Racing to Put Space Within ReachIn this episode we speak with Ashlee Vance, New York Times bestselling author of ELON MUSK. In his latest book, WHEN THE HEAVENS WENT ON SALE, Ashlee takes us on a captivating journey into the world of commercial space, shedding light on the revolution happening right above our heads. With unprecedented access to private space companies, Ashlee unveils the untold stories of misfits and geniuses racing to put space within reach. Get ready to discover how this new space economy is transforming economics, geopolitics, and daily life, and what it means for the future of humanity's ventures beyond Earth.——————————————————————ツ HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS INTERVIEW!

A Torsten Hoffman DocumentaryIn this episode we feature Torsten Hoffmann, the award-winning filmmaker behind the upcoming documentary 'Fortitude: Forging the Trillion Dollar Space Economy'. For this film Torsten has interviewed more than 70 experts on four continents to cover the people, perils and promises behind the emerging space industry. Interviews feature influential figures, including policy makers, astrophysicists, venture capitalists, and technology companies, as well as startups aiming to turn science fiction into science fact. The documentary is nearing completion and is in the final stages of fundraising, where supporters can get a chance to send their pet's dna to the Moon.——————————————————————ツ HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS INTERVIEW!

The New Guys by Meredith BagbyI am delighted to welcome author and space historian Meredith Bagby to our show today. Meredith has just released her latest book, "THE NEW GUYS: The Historic Class of Astronauts That Broke Barriers and Changed the Face of Space Travel". In this captivating work, Meredith delves into the story of the first class of civilian astronauts for the space shuttle, and their enduring impact on the American space program.The first class of civilian astronauts for the Space Shuttle program was selected in 1978, as part of NASA's effort to diversify the astronaut corps and bring in more non-military personnel. The class included two women, Sally Ride and Judith Resnik, as well as three men, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, and Gregory Jarvis. The civilian astronauts brought a range of expertise to the space program, from physics and engineering to medicine and social sciences. Their selection marked an important shift in the space program, demonstrating NASA's commitment to opening up space travel to a broader range of Americans. Tragically, two members of the class, Resnik and Onizuka, were among the crew of the Challenger space shuttle that was lost in the 1986 explosion, underscoring the risks and challenges of space exploration. However, their legacy lives on, inspiring new generations of astronauts and space enthusiasts to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space travel.As a historian and expert on space exploration, Meredith's research and insights are second to none. Her book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of space travel, and for those who are inspired by the courage and determination of the early pioneers of spaceflight. 

Space situational awareness and debris managementWelcome to our interview with Dr. Luisa Buinhas, the Chief Program Officer of Vyoma, a company revolutionizing the way space debris is monitored and managed. Luisa has a background in space situational awareness and debris management, and her company offers a range of technology and services to help organizations track and mitigate the effects of space debris. With the increasing use of satellites and the potential risks posed by debris in orbit, Vyoma's services are more important than ever. In this interview, we'll be discussing how Vyoma's technology works, the challenges the company faces, and how it is working towards a more sustainable future for space activities. We'll also hear about the company's recent projects and partnerships, as well as its future plans in the field of space situational awareness and debris management.Vyoma is building the operating system of space. With cameras on satellites paired with ML-supported automation services, Vyoma ensures real-time mapping of space objects and safe satellite operations. In short, Vyoma provides the critical infrastructure needed for satellite safety as our orbits get 10-100x busier in the next decade.For more information:·         https://www.vyoma.space/ ·         https://www.instagram.com/vyoma_space/·         https://www.facebook.com/vyomaspaceOfficial·         https://www.linkedin.com/company/vyomaspace·         https://twitter.com/vyoma_space 

Get ready to explore Jupiter's icy moons with the European Space Agency's JUICE mission. Join us as we uncover the secrets of one of the solar system's most mysterious and fascinating places.ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, or JUICE, is a mission to study Jupiter and its three largest moons: Ganymede, Europa, and Callisto. Launching in April 2023, JUICE will spend more than three and a half years studying the atmosphere, magnetic field, and magnetosphere of Jupiter, as well as the icy surface and subsurface ocean of the three moons. The spacecraft will be equipped with a suite of scientific instruments, including cameras, spectrometers, and a radar, to study the geology, chemistry, and potential habitability of the moons. JUICE will also be the first spacecraft to make in-depth observations of Ganymede, which is the largest moon in our solar system, and the only moon known to have a magnetic field. The mission will provide new insights into the formation and evolution of Jupiter and its moons, and will help to answer key questions about the potential for life beyond Earth.For more information visit https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Juice 

Two Fascinating New Kids (and everyone else!) Books for AstronomyDid you know that one of Saturn's moons is so hollow it would float on water? Or that Jupiter might have diamonds floating in its clouds? Learn about these and others in 1,000 Facts about Space, a new book by astronomer Dean Regas, who joins us next in today's episode. Dean Regas is an astronomer, writer, and educator who is best known for his work as the Outreach Astronomer at the Cincinnati Observatory, where he has been sharing the wonders of the cosmos with audiences of all ages for over a decade. He is the author of two books, "1000 Facts About Space" and "How to Teach Grown-Ups About Pluto", which are aimed at bringing the latest research and discoveries in astronomy to a wider audience. "1000 Facts About Space" is a fun and engaging guide to the universe, packed with fascinating facts and stories about stars, galaxies, planets, and more. Meanwhile, "How to Teach Grown-Ups About Pluto" is a humorous and practical guide for anyone who wants to learn more about the dwarf planet and the ongoing debate over its planetary status. Both books are perfect for anyone who has ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what's out there.For more information visit CincinnatiObservatory.orgTimeline:Welcome and introduction to Dean Regus.0:00How did the partnership with National Geographic come about?1:48Diamonds floating in the clouds of Jupiter and other amazing facts about space.4:01How did you decide on 1000 facts about space?5:24What motivated you to write this book?10:36Advice for those who want to get more into astronomy.16:25What's happening at the observatory right now.21:18Astronomical events coming up!Let's Talk ShopComing to you from the Windy City, and hosted by Elias Khnaser! Welcome to Lets Talk...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

SpaceX Crew-6 is launching soon, with many first-time surprises. The sixth SpaceX commercial crew mission to the International Space Station for NASA is scheduled to launch in a few days from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, named Endeavour, mated atop a Falcon 9 rocket will carry two NASA astronauts, Mission Commander Stephen Bowen, and Pilot Woody Hoburg, along with UAE (United Arab Emirates) astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, who will join as mission specialists. During its 6-month mission, Crew-6 will conduct new and exciting scientific research to prepare for human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit and benefit life on Earth. Experiments will include studies of how particular materials burn in microgravity, tissue chip research on heart, brain, and cartilage functions, and an investigation that will collect microbial samples from the outside of the space station. These are just some of the more than 200 science experiments and technology demonstrations that will take place during their mission.  This is the first spaceflight for three of the astronauts, including Mission Specialist Sultan Al Neyadi who joins us today.Sultan will be making his first trip to space and will be the first UAE astronaut to fly on a commercial spacecraft. Once aboard the station, he will become a flight engineer for Expedition 69. Sultan was one of two people selected from more than 4,000 candidates to become the first Emirati astronauts. He went through the UAE Astronaut Programme at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center, or MBRSC.The MBRSC is a space research and development agency based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Established in 2006, the agency is responsible for developing and operating space projects and missions in the UAE. The MBRSC has played a key role in the development of the UAE's space program, including the launch of the country's first satellite, DubaiSat-1, and the development of the Emirates Mars Mission's Hope spacecraft. The center also conducts research and development in areas such as remote sensing, space science, and space exploration, and has partnerships with international space agencies and organizations.Crew-6 Mission: https://blogs.nasa.gov/crew-6  Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center: https://www.mbrsc.ae/

Joakim Espeland is the CEO and co-founder of QuadSAT, a Danish company that has developed brand new tools and techniques for testing and calibrating satellite antennas using a drone-based solution. He has already led the company from idea to $million revenue and continues to grow it. Early on, this technology was recognized as a “game changer” for the satellite industry. Satellite operators see QuadSAT's technology as being a valuable alternative to traditional methods of antenna testing and the European Space Agency (ESA) sees it as having considerable market value to the satellite industry. QuadSAT has already worked with some leading companies, including OneWeb, SES, ESA, and Oxford Space Systems, amongst others.Quadsat is a cutting-edge drone technology company that specializes in testing satellite communications. Their innovative drone-based solutions allow for quick and efficient testing of satellite systems, reducing the cost and time required for traditional testing methods. Quadsat's drones can fly to specific locations and simulate satellite signals, allowing for real-world testing of satellite systems. This technology can be used by satellite operators, telecommunications companies, and government agencies to test and optimize their satellite networks. With Quadsat's technology, companies can improve their satellite communications and ensure that their systems are functioning properly before deployment. Overall, Quadsat is a leader in the field of drone-based satellite testing, providing reliable and cost-effective solutions to a wide range of clients.For more information, visit quadsat.com

Dragonfly, an upcoming mission from the Applied Physics Laboratory, is a pioneering project that aims to explore Saturn's largest moon, Titan. The mission will send a rotorcraft called Dragonfly to Titan's surface to study its geology, atmosphere, and potential habitability. Titan is of particular interest to scientists because it has a thick atmosphere, stable liquids on its surface, and a complex chemistry that is similar to that of early Earth. Dragonfly will be able to fly to different locations on Titan, land and take off again, and conduct in-situ measurements with a suite of scientific instruments. The mission is set to launch in 2027 and will arrive at Titan in 2034. The mission is expected to provide new insights into the origins of life and the potential for life elsewhere in the Solar System.Elizabeth “Zibi” Turtle, the principal investigator for Dragonfly joins us to discuss this incredible mission. Zibi was an associate of the imaging team on the Galileo mission and an associate of the imaging and RADAR teams on the Cassini mission. She also serves as a co-investigator working with the camera on board the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft. She has co-authored many scholarly articles about planetary impact features, surface processes, and planetary imaging and mapping.For more information about the Dragonfly mission, visit dragonfly.jhuapl.edu

Season 4 starts February 1st! Here's a sneak peek at some of our episodes. 

The fourth season of "Your Space Journey" starts on February 1st! This season, we'll be taking you on an exciting journey through the latest and greatest in space exploration. First up, we'll be diving into the Dragonfly mission to Titan, led by APL. This mission will see a drone-like spacecraft explore the surface of Titan, one of Saturn's moons, by making multiple flights during a two-year mission.Next, we'll be showcasing QuadSAT's cutting-edge drone technology, which is being used to test and improve satellite communications.Then, we'll be learning from Dean Regas, the author of "1000 facts about space" and "How to teach grownups about Pluto", as he shares his knowledge and passion for space with us.We'll also be following the ESA missions Juice and EUCLID, which will explore Jupiter's icy moons and study the large-scale structure of the universe respectively.So get ready to join us as we embark on this exciting journey through the final frontier, and discover the latest and greatest in space exploration.

SPACE RACE 2.0: SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, NASA, and the Privatization of the Final Frontier Interview with Author Brad BerganIn this episode we'll discuss SPACE RACE 2.0, a new book that follows the development of commercial space exploration to the present, including today's major players SpaceX, Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic. Joining me today is the book's author Brad Bergan. Brad is senior editor at NFT Now. Previously, he was a contributing editor at Futurism and senior editor at Interesting Engineering, specializing in space and tech. As an investigative journalist, his words have been cited in Bloomberg, Discover, Business Insider, and NBC News. SPACE RACE 2.0Space Race 2.0 follows the development of commercial space exploration to the present. The first steps in private ventures are covered, such as those by Space Services Inc. and Orbital Science in the 1980s and '90s, as well as today's major players: SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic. While examining the hardware, Bergan also explores such considerations as the importance of design-forward equipment and the endgame: what ultimately is “in it” for firms at the forefront? Natural resources? NASA and ESA contracts? Commercial travel? Communications? And what legal boundaries, if any, restrain corporate interests in space?Space Race 2.0 is the only authoritative photographic history of the efforts of private companies—often alongside NASA—to accelerate humankind's exploration and understanding of the final frontier. It's the ultimate visual look at this relatively young industry, looking back at recent remarkable decades—and ahead to what the future might bring.For more info about Brad Bergan:https://www.bcbergan.com/ https://twitter.com/filterthesnow

Interview with SpaceX Crew-5 JAXA astronaut, Dr. Koichi Wakata (re-release interview from 2020).  Dr. Koichi Wakata has accumulated more than 350 days in space spanning five missions, setting a record in Japanese human space flight history for the longest stay in space. He has flown on three space shuttle missions, and a Soyuz mission, and became the first Japanese Commander of the International Space Station. Dr. Wakata has held several key positions with JAXA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, including serving as JAXA Vice President and Senior Advisor.With the Crew 5 mission, Dr. Wakata made his fifth trip to space and now that he's aboard the International Space Station, he will serve as a flight engineer for Expedition 68. Dragon was the third different type of spacecraft Dr. Wakata has flown to space. In this interview (from 2020), we discuss how Dr. Wakata became an astronaut, plus JAXA missions such as Hayabusa2, IKAROS, JUICE (Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer) and MMX (Martian Moons Exploration). For more information, visit https://global.jaxa.jp/ 

In this episode we'll discuss NASA's upcoming Artemis 1 mission, scheduled to launch no earlier than the end of this month. The Space Launch System rocket, or “SLS” will propel the Orion spacecraft on its mission around the Moon and back to Earth. Artemis 1 will be an uncrewed flight test that will travel farther than any other human-rated spacecraft has traveled before. This mission, the first of an increasing series of complex missions, will demonstrate NASA's capability to extend human existence to the Moon, and on to Mars. Joining me today from NASA's Marshal Space Flight Center is Dave Reynolds, Deputy Program Manager for SLS Booster Subsystems. 

Kevin LaRosa II is the Aerial Coordinator & Camera Pilot for Top Gun: Maverick. He's one of Hollywood's most sought-after pilot and aerial coordinators, licensed to fly a variety of aircraft ranging from helicopters and airplanes to Learjets and more. He's known for his work on major blockbusters including Ironman, The Avengers, and Transformers 5. Kevin is an accomplished ATP rated pilot in a multitude of fixed wing and rotorcraft, and works heavily in the motion picture and television industries worldwide coordinating and directing film sequences in the air and on the ground.Kevin joins me in this interview to discuss his career and his latest work which can be seen in Paramount's Top Gun: Maverick.——————————————————————

Two Starlinks, two locations, two slightly different results. In this episode I tested out Starlink internet in two locations 1,000 miles apart. First we try it out in central Florida, then we go to Indianapolis to test another unit. We tested 4k, multiple 4k streams, FaceTime, multiple devices, upload and more. The results surprised us...

This is a tribute to the late solar astrophysicist Dr. Eugene Parker, featuring my interview with him from 2018. In the mid-1950s Dr. Parker developed the theory of the supersonic solar wind and predicted the spiral shape of the solar magnetic field. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1967 and received...

In today's episode we'll explore the growing problem of space junk and how the new company Privateer Space is working to help make space safer. Joining us today is Dr. Moriba Jah, the Chief Scientist of Privateer. Moriba is a co-founder of Privateer along with the company's CEO Alex Fielding and the company's president, Steve...

In today's episode we'll speak with Scott “Kidd” Poteet, a Mission Pilot for the new SpaceX Polaris Program. Kidd is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel with more than 3,000 flying hours as a pilot and over 400 hours of combat time. Most recently Kidd served as the Mission Director for Inspiration4, the world's...

What kind of discoveries can we expect from the James Webb Space Telescope? Find out in our interview with Lee Feinberg, James Webb's Optical Telescope Element Manager. Lee Feinberg has been the Optical Telescope Element Manager for the James Webb Space Telescope at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for the past 20 years. Lee...

Interview with best-selling author Homer Hickam Homer Hickam is the New York Times #1 best-selling author of 19 books, including ‘Rocket Boys' which became the major motion picture ‘October Sky', starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Homer. In this interview Homer talks about how his fascination with rockets began in October, 1957 with the launch of Sputnik....

Interview with SpaceX Crew-3 pilot Tom Marshburn Crew-3 Launch currently scheduled for November 2021. Dr. Thomas Marshburn is the pilot of the Crew Dragon spacecraft and second in command for the SpaceX Crew-3 mission. He is responsible for spacecraft systems and performance. Once aboard the International Space Station (ISS), he will serve as an Expedition...

A new documentary about the pioneer of human colonies in space In this episode we dive into the new award-winning documentary about inspirational physics professor Gerry K. O'Neill. Gerry was a Princeton University professor who changed the face of space exploration during the 1970s and 80s with his plans for building human colonies in space....

Are you interested in pursuing a career in space? In this episode we interview space consultant and author, Laura Seward Forczyk. Laura is the owner of Astralytical, a space consulting firm specializing in space science, industry, and policy. Laura & her company also offer space & aerospace career coaching services to students and professionals. In...

Cloud-Based Mission Control In this episode we speak with Tyler Browder, CEO and founder of Kubos, a satellite software company. Tyler joins us to discuss how their company's cloud-based mission control platform, Major Tom, helps operators take care of every aspect of a satellite's flight software, from mission design and onboard software to hardware testing and...

In this episode we explore speak with Jeromy Grimmett, the founder & CEO of Rogue Space Systems. Rogue is a new space startup company that is creating orbital robots, or “Orbots”, that will repair and service satellites using Artificial Intelligence. Their new service will increase satellite lifespans, reducing the need to replace expensive space assets;...

A space journey to explore an alien ocean on a moon of Jupiter Is there life on Europa and in our Solar System? We'll discuss this question and more in this interview with David W. Brown that will talk about just how close we are to finding an answer about alien life in our own...

Welcome to Episode 1 of Season 2! In this episode we discuss NASA’s SpaceX Crew-2 mission, the upcoming second rotational flight to the ISS which is currently scheduled to launch in late April 2021. We feature an interview with ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet, and also discuss ESA’s quest to find new astronauts and open up...

Planetary scientist Dr. Alan Stern has been chosen to be the first to conduct NASA-funded science experiments while flying aboard a commercial spacecraft. In this interview Dr. Stern discusses the experiments he will perform aboard Virgin Galactic’s “SpaceShipTwo” on a suborbital mission from the Spaceport America launch site in New Mexico. He also discusses software...

Interview with Project Scientist Dr. Jason P. Dworkin On October 20th, 2020, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft made history as it collected samples from asteroid Bennu, which are expected to return to Earth in 2023. For this episode I’m pleased to introduce Dr. Jason Dworkin, the project scientist for OSIRIS-REx, for an update and more details on...

Water on the Moon – Sunny side up! NASA’s aircraft SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) has confirmed for the first time, water on the sunlit surface of the Moon. Previously NASA had discovered evidence for water in shadows of craters, but this new discovery has incredible implications for possible use of this water as...