Talking Space

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the hottest space topic of the last two weeks: the successful landing of the Mars Science Laboratory, or Curiosity. We then discuss the Commercial Crew integrated Capability initiative and who's getting money, who isn't, and who we feel should or should not have received any funding for furthering work on commercial efforts to send humans into space. We then go from the success of Mars to a couple of recent failures. We discuss the recent Proton upper stage failure, which has now been the cause of 3 satellites entering incorrect orbits in 1 year. We also discuss the major explosion of the Morpheus test vehicle. We then discuss the newest head of the astronaut office and what that title actually is. We then discuss a new website offering an interesting look at NASA spinoffs. Lastly, we read a listener letter discussing the much-talked-about subject on our show of the location of Saturn V blueprints. Special thanks to Evan Burton for sending us a listener letter. Yo

On this episode of Talking Space, we welcome back rock star, author, and co-host of the Science Channel show "Meteorite Men" Geoff Notkin back onto the program. We discuss with Geoff his new memoir, "Rock Star: Adventures of a Meteorite Man." We talk specifically about his life decision of punk music or meteorites. We also discuss his writings from music to books, fiction to non-fiction. During this conversation we discuss the question of whether art should be added to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education. We then talk about the recent successful landing of the Mars Science Laboratory, also known as Curiosity, and the future implications of the mission on Mars exploration and more. We then discuss meteorites, from hunting locations to speaking events. Finally we talk about the "rock star" aspect and his reaction to meeting fans. For more on the TV show and to buy either of Geoff's books, visit http://meteoritemen.com To contact Geoff or to purchase meteorites, visit http://aerolite.or

On this episode, we begin by taking a listener letter from Rich Way discussing the blueprints for the Saturn V rocket and it's components and whether the tale he tells us is fact or fiction. We then hand it over to Mark with an update from Associate Program Scientist for the International Space Station, Dr. Tara Ruttley. We hear about the SpaceX docking, student science experiments, what's arriving on the next supply ship, and how station science is helping us back on the planet. Thanks again to Rich for sending in your comment. You can send us your questions or comments that you'd like to hear discussed on air as a text email or a .mp3 by sending it tomailbag@talkingspaceonline.com For more on ISS research, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iss-science For more on CASIS (Center for the Advancent of Science in Space), visit http://www.iss-casis.org/ Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman with special guest Dr. Tara Ruttley Show Recorded - 7/9/2012

On this very special episode of Talking Space, we commemorate one year since the end of the Space Shuttle program, when Atlantis lifted off on July 8th, 2011 at 11:29am EDT on STS-135. The entire team of Talking Space covered the event live on Astronomy.FM that day, and we bring you some of our favorite moments from the broadcast. We also present some never-before-heard interviews, as well as our thoughts on them. We also talk about our best memories from the days leading up to and including launch, compare previous launches, and talk about what one year means to us. Interviews in this show include STS-130 Pilot Terry Virts; STS-73, 93, and Expedition 26/27 Veteran Cady Coleman; STS-74, 100 veteran and future Expedition 34/35 commander Chris Hadfield; Space Suit Technicians Heather Paul and Mallory Jennings; and tweeters/listeners: Tina Canali, Jack Dearlove, Karen James, and Geoff Bergen To see images and read blogs from launch day, visit http://talkingspaceonline.com/135 To listen to the nearly 3 hour la

On this episode, we talk about China's second docking attempt, except this time manual, and discuss the future of the Chinese space program and how the United States might react. We then discuss updates on the Space Launch System (SLS) and talk about our opinions on NASA's next program. Of course, the important part of this episode is the second part of Mark Discovers Discovery: Extended Edition. This time, we hear from some of the astronauts from Discovery's final flight, STS-133. Lastly, we get a listener question from Mark Zaugg on the gap between the Apollo and Shuttle program, as well as the significance of Mark's interviews. Thanks to Mark Z. for sending in his audio question. You can send your question in text form or as a .mp3 to mailbag@talkingspaceonline.com and we may answer it on the air! Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman Show Recorded - 6/25/2012 with additional recordings on 6/27/2012

On thiis episode, we take one trip around the table. First, we discuss the recent successful launch of the Shenzhou-9, China's manned mission containing the first female "taikonaut" and the implications this has around the world. We then talk about the return of the US Air Force's X-37B and talk about some of the secrecy surrounding the ship. Lastly, we have another installment of "Mark Discovers Discovery" from Marks trip to the Kennedy Space Center to cover the departure of Discovery to the Smithsonian. In part 1 of Mark's 2 part extravaganza loaded with clips, we hear from members who worked on the shuttle and/or its retirement: Bart Panullo, Dorothy Rasco, Kevin Templin, and Stephanie Stilson. We also hear from STS-133 astronaut Dr. Michael Barratt. Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman Show Recorded - 6/18/2012

On this episode of Talking Space, we spend our entire first round discussing the successful SpaceX COTS 2+ mission. We talk about the on-orbit operations that occured, the landing, and what role this will play in the future of commerical spaceflight. We also discuss a test performed by Sierra Nevada. On our second round, we talk about Houston's "Shuttlebration" as they received the mockup orbtier Explorer as well as quite the "oops" as the test orbiter Enterprise heads to New York City. We then discuss two satellites that the NRO has decided to give to NASA and why that's so important. We then hear another great clip from Mark in his "Mark Discovers Discovery" series talking with one of the shuttle technicians. On our final go-around, we briefly talk about the US Air Force's X-37B and when it could be landing. We then discuss ExoMars and whether it's dead or alive. Lastly, we discuss a little bit about TDRS. To view the video Mark referenced, visit http://youtu.be/Q3GpP_XU_ps and be sure to tell them you hea

On this episode, we welcome back Scott Maxwell who works for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory driving Mars rovers. We first discuss the Mars Exploration Rovers, or MERs, Spirit and Opportunity. We talk about the end of Spirit, what was done, and what it was like saying goodbye. We then talk about the milestones and records that Opportunity is reaching having been on Mars for just under 100 months on it's planned 90 day mission. From there, we move on to Scott's next task, which will be driving the Mars Science Laboratory, or Curiosity, when it lands on Mars in early August of this year. We talk about the differences in the rovers, the training involved, and about what Curiosity's mission will be on Mars. For more on the MERS, Curiosity, and their activities on Mars, visit http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov For more on Scott Maxwell, check him out on Twitter: @marsroverdriver or on Google+ Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman, and special guest Mars rover driver Scott M

On this special episode of Talking Space, Mark and Sawyer travel down to the Kennedy Space Center to cover the launch of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule. Discussed in this episode is the events leading up to the first launch attempt, the scrub itself at T-0.5 seconds on the first attempt, and the reactions to the scrub. You'll also hear stories of some of the launch attendees as well as hear directly from members of SpaceX and NASA talking about the launch, their companies, and more. Clips in this episode include NASA's Director of Commercial Spaceflight Development Phil McAlister, NASA Manager, Commercial Crew and Cargo Program Alan Lindenmoyer, SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell, and SpaceX Co-Founder and CEO Elon Musk. To view a photo fo the Falcon 9 on the launch pad taken by Talking Space's Sawyer Rosenstein, visit http://twitpic.com/9miche Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman Show Recorded - 5/21/2012

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the busy week of launches including the first launch of the week, a manned Soyuz launch to the ISS, as well as the last of the week being SpaceX. We then move on to a large dose of space shuttle retirement news including the final power down of Endeavour, the de-mating of Enterprise from the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, and the ways that the museums owning those two vehicles are raising money for their exhibitions. We then continue on to another of Mark's shuttle retirement interviews from the Kennedy Space Center, and in fact we get two of them this week. This week Mark gives us SCA Flight Engineer Larry LaRose and United Space Alliance Senior Aerospace Technician Richie Van Wart. Following that we answer a listener question regarding future engines. We conclude with another space junk story and how the "asteroid" Vesta may not in fact be an asteroid. A special thank you to Joe Haberthier for sending in his listener question. You can send yours in as a written quest

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the reasons for another delay of the SpaceX launch to the International Space Station, now scheduled for May 19th. We then discuss the upcoming Soyuz launch carrying 3 new crew members to the ISS. After discussing a recent Atlas V launch, we talk about Planetary Resources, a company with some big-name backers who are planning to mine Near Earth Asteroids, or NEAs. We talk about our thoughts on the success and benefits of the new program. Following that, we discuss a company's plan to create scotch in space. We then discuss a very unique blog post on the late astronaut Janet Voss. Finally, we continue our space shuttle retirement coverage with an interview with a member of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft crew. To read the blog post on Janet Voss, visithttp://wiki.nasa.gov/cm/blog/ISS%20Science%20Blog/posts/post_1328802418652.html Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Mark Ratterman and special guest Craft Lass. Show Recorded - 5/7/2012

On this special episode of Talking Space, we take a look at the events surrounding the retirement of the Space Shuttle Discovery and the relocation of Enterprise. We begin with Mark's recounting of his week at the Kennedy Space Center and the events surrounding the preparation and departure of Discovery. We then get a brief look into Discovery's arrival at the Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles International Airport as well as the transfer ceremony of Enterprise from our correspondent Craft Lass. From there, we move to Enterprise's arrival in New York City where Craft Lass looks at the flyover of New York and Sawyer takes a look at the official ceremony at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Special thanks to the following people for their interviews: Stephanie Stilson, Discovery Flow Director; Sen. Charles Schumer (NY-D); Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy; Joe Engle, Enterprise Test Pilot; SCA Pilot Bill Rieke; Astronaut Mario Runco; and Susan Marenoff-Zausner, President-Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum. Click

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the results of North Korea's attempt at launching a rocket into space and the repercussions of the results. We then talk about the opportunity for any member of the scientific community to submit a proposal for a Mars mission. On our second go-around, we talk about SpaceX's upcoming launch and a readiness review recently conducted, as well as touching upon some NASA budgetary information. We then finish off our story format with doubts about science being performed onboard the International Space Station. To alleviate those doubts, our very own Mark Ratterman sat down with Associate Program Scientist for the International Space Station Tara Ruttley to get an update on some of the science currently onboard and soon to be onboard the ISS. PROGRAM NOTE: There will be no episode next week, April 23, due to activities surrounding the retirement of the space shuttles. We will return with a special space shuttle show on May 2nd. Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the mystery and concern surrounding the upcoming North Korean rocket launch. We then discuss the current situation of Plutonium-238 and if it's as bad as was reported or not. We then discuss some former NASA members becoming entrepreneurs.On our second go-around, we discuss a record that we almost tied for, but lost because of Pluto. We then talk about an all too popular topic on this show, space junk. Then, Mark talks about the history of the T-38 and if it's still important with the shuttle program over. On our final go around, we make a VERY special announcement regarding our shows. SPOILER: Talking Space will be covering the final retirements of the space shuttles throughout the month of April. Mark will be covering Discovery's departure from KSC, Gene will be covering Discovery's arrival in Washinton DC and Enterprise's departure, and Sawyer will be covering Enterprise's landing in New York City. Listen to the episode to hear exactly what we'll each be doing

On this episode of Talking Space, we take a look at another CBS "60 Minutes" piece, except this time on the current condition of Florida's "Space Coast" after the end of the shuttle program. We then discuss some congressional hearings involving some commercial spaceflight. Following that we talk about sustaining a space to ground network. On our second go-around, we discuss the Express AM-4 satellite and the questionable call to deorbit it. We then discuss an update on SpaceX as well as the questionable future of ESA's ATV. We then discuss another use for Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. On our final go-around, we discuss a milestone for the Space Launch System. We talk about plans to recover engines from Apollo 11 off the ocean floor. Lastly, we discuss an interesting slide show released by the Goddard Space Flight Center. To view the 60 minutes piece, or to read the transcript if outside of the USA, visit http://cbsn.ws/HmUTRq Also, to view the Goddard video discussed by Mark, check out ht

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the successful launches of ATV-3 to the International Space Station and the Intelsat 22 communications satellite. We then discuss the possibility and probability of whether China, with cooperation from ESA, become an ISS partner. We then move onto a news briefing for the International Space Station talking the next Expedition to the station, SpaceX updates, as well as an update on a pump brought back on STS-135. On our second go-around, we discuss the YouTubeSpace Lab winners and their experiments. We then discuss a near-miss with the station and a piece of space junk. We then discuss an extraordinarily powerful laser. On our final go-around, we talk about wind and a bizarre anomaly on Mars, we then discuss the 100th birthday celebration for the late Dr. Wernher Von Braun. Lastly, we discuss some technologies being used from NASA technology right back here on planet Earth. To see the NASA press conference on YouTube, visit http://youtu.be/16rfcTbU_D4 To see the

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss a piece aired on the CBS program "60 Minutes" about SpaceX and discuss our thoguhts on that as well as getting test subjects into a seven-person crewed mockup of the Dragon capsule. We then discuss China's plan for a female astronaut, or taikonaut, and when they might fly. We then talk about the FAA's involvement with Virgin Galactic's activities in the Mohave Desert and other private companies. On our second go-around, we discuss some Russian activities going on. We then discuss a look for fossils on Mars. We then discuss how a satellite that was declared lost might not be after all. On our final trip around the table, we learn a little bit about what's going on with NuSTAR and its status. We then move on to a launch of 5 rockets in 5 minutes. Lastly, we talk about Boeing and all-electric spacecrafts. To see the SpaceX story on 60 Minutes, visit http://cbs.com/60minutes Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman Show Recor

On this episode of Talking Space, we begin with the announcement of NASA's prolonged dependcy on Russia's Soyuz rocket as well as some other NASA budgetary news. We then discuss the new Angry Birds: Space which is working in cooperation with NASA. We then discuss a satellite aimed at helping with the ozone layer as well as Earth's weather. On our second go-around, we discuss SpaceX's possible use of launch pad 39A. We then talk about a 'maglev' train to space. Next the topic turns to a new X-plane which has an added safety feature. On our final trip around the table, we discuss a debris tracking system by Lockheed Martin. We then talk about whether artifacts dating back to the Apollo era belong to the astroanuts or the government. Lastly, we discuss a laser able to detect important features on exo-planets. To view the trailer for Angry Birds: Space, visit http://youtu.be/lxI1L1RiSJQ Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman Show Recorded - 3/11/2012

On this episode of Talking Space, we begin with tests of SpaceX's Falcon 9 as well as NASA's Orion capsule. We then discuss some commerical spaceflight regulations regarding the FAA. On our second trip around the table, we discuss hackers getting into NASA's systems, what they accessed, and how it happened. We then discuss some NASA budgetary news with hearings currently going on surrounding the subject. Then, we discuss some solar weather. On our final round, we discuss a NASA-designed biocapsule that could detect an ailment and automatically release medication to treat it. We then talk a little bit about Neil DeGrasse Tyson who has a new book out. Lastly, we take a look into ways of determining information about exoplanets. You can read the full hacking report in PDF form by clicking here (or if you are listening on iTunes, visit http://talkingspaceonline.com) Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman Show Recorded - 3/5/2012

On the second part of this episode of Talking Space, we continue our first interview of 2012 with LCROSS's flight software lead, a software engineer for Northrop Grumman, musician, and public speaker Emory Stagmer. We continue where the show left off with a story about SpaceUp and tribbles. We then discuss a little bit about Emory's music career and delve into the world of tech of years goneby, incuding what a VAX is. We then discuss the current status of some of his satellites as well as discover the computing power which these million dollar machines run on. We finish off with the way that Emory began his unique transition to becoming a software engineer and gives tips on how you can be the next software engineer. For the video regarding the "tribbles" visit youtu.be/7ayyisF5FOM (credit: ThinkGeek) To listen to the entire version of "Water on the Moon" and to download a copy, visit the LCROSS website at http://lcross.arc.nasa.gov/mission.htm For more on Emory, follow him on Twitter as @VAXHeadroom and al