Talking Space

On this episode of Talking Space, we start by tie everything in to the ISS. We begin with a discussion on whether or not the ISS will make it past its current planned deorbit date, and not because of age, but because of budget and politics. We then discuss how the world isn't going to end as the sun's poles flip. We then discuss an upcoming conference which we've talked a lot about in the past, the 100 Year Star Ship Symposium, and look at some of this year's topics. On our second trip around the table, we discuss a system that tracks space debris and how the sequester is set to shut it down eminently. Mark then takes us on a quick trip with three stories in three minutes. On our final trip around the table, we discuss some new updates with Reaction Engines and single stage to orbit systems. We then look at Elon Musk's new "Hyperloop" system which could revolutionize high speed rail systems. We finish off with how lasers and communications are making their way to the ISS. Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Pa

On this episode of Talking Space, we begin with the news of Deputy Administrator Lori Garver's departure from NASA and discuss who may be next to fill the position. We then discuss the successful launch of the HTV-4 to the space station as it "screamed" into the sky. We also go into detail about some of the unique items it's bringing to the ISS. We then talk about the development of the X-56A and NASA's role in it. On our second trip around the table, we discuss an image released by the Ames Research Center which caused some controversy as the funding of the project was investigated. We then talk about a new control center which opened at the Marshall Space Flight Center, which at one point was threatened to be shut down. On our final trip, we talk about the Orion capsule passing its PDR, but an article in the Houston Chronicle says that it may be grossly over budget, and we're not talking a few million dollars more, here. Finally, we discuss a space shuttle replica available on eBay for the bargain price of

On this episode of Talking Space, we return from our two-week summer hiatus to bring you the news of our absence. We start with a discussion of the rapid, four-orbit approach the next ISS resupply vehicle took, Progress 52. In the conversation, we discuss the recent spacesuit failure which resulted in astronaut Luca Parmitano's spacesuit filling with water. Sticking with Russia, we discuss the latest findings of the Proton rocket failure back on July 1st, and talk about the future of Russian rockets and their current reliability. We then discuss some vibration tests that will shake things up in the science world, which came as a result of Ares 1-X. On our second trip around the table, we discuss Lori Garver's comments at the NewSpace convention about going to an asteroid as well as bringing up some budget woes. We then move on to looking at the first trailer for the reboot of the "Cosmos" series. This version with Neil DeGrasse Tyson will air on Fox, but do we think it'll stand up to the original, or can it e

On this special episode of Talking Space, Mark Ratterman interviews Andy Scheer, a spacetweep from Merrit Island, FL also known as @apacheman Andy is husband to Jen Scheer @flyingjenny and father to their new baby, Fara. Starting in July 2000 Andy worked at Kennedy Space Center Pads 39B and 39A. He was part of the PRSD Power Reactant Storage and Distribution Shop team working on Orbiter Fuel Cell Systems and ground support equipment at the launch pad. We talk about the shuttle days plus his earlier work with the US Army, Cessna Aircraft Company and current employment with SpaceX at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Also Andy tells us his thoughts and some tips about the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex “Atlantis Exhibit”.  Since no meetup would be complete without fun with fellow spacetweeps we talk about the Endless BBQ. Host this week: Mark Ratterman with a segment by Sawyer Rosenstein. Special Guest: Andy Scheer Show Recorded 07/6/2013

On this special, patriotic episode of Talking Space, Sawyer and Mark head to Florida for the grand opening of the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Complex. On top of walking you through the exhibit, we talk with the people who worked on the exhibit, designed it, organized it, and astronauts who flew on the shuttle. You'll hear what the grand opening sounded like and what the exhibit sounds like, including the grand Atlantis reveal. Interviews include KSCVC COO Bill Moore, KSCVC's Andrea Farmer, astronauts Bill Readdy, Ken Ham, and Jim Halsell, and more! To view the image taken by Michelle Ham during the STS-124 launch, visit https://twitter.com/spacechelle/status/343521922002333696/photo/1 [TWO IMAGES WERE INSERTED HERE. TO VIEW THEM, PLEASE VISIT HTTP://TALKINGSPACEONLINE.COM] Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Member: Mark Ratterman Show Recorded 07/2/2013

With Sawyer Rosenstein under the weather, the Talking Space Team is joined by singer song writer and space advocate, CraftLass with Gene Mikulka in the left seat.  We examine NASA’s new Astronaut Class and discuss the media’s reaction. The Wave At Saturn project to coincide with a photo NASA/JPL plans to take of Saturn’s ring with a cameo appearance by our home, Earth in the photo. We then move on to NASA’s Asteroid Initiative Industry and Partner Day, where the space agency asked, Academia, Industry, and anyone to help get humans to an Asteroid by setting up a Request For Information. We discuss an article by Policto article indicating Congress is trying to do away with the Asteroid Mission altogether and put in place a Constellation-Like program, featuring a Lunar and Mars base (with no additional funds to pay for it). and a little bit of a Twitter firestorm that happened when Gene Mikulka posted the article on his Twitter feed. The Houston Chronicle's SciGuy, Eric Berger, posted the results. Host this we

On part two of our two-part special on SpaceFest V, we invite attendee Libby Norcross to join us as we discuss the rest of the Sunday panels, which included the Mars and asteroid panels. Discussed are the benefits of going to Mars, robots vs. humans, and what the experts such as Emily Lakdawalla and Peter Smith think about the idea of commercial companies such as Mars One and Inspiration Mars. We then hear from the asteroid panel, which includes discussions on commercial mining, how much science that actually gives, and if we're blurring the line of science fiction and science fact too soon. You'll hear from experts such as Deep Space Industries' Rick Tumlinson and Geoff Notkin, Planetary Resources' Chris Lewicki, and planetary scientist Dan Durder. For more on Libby, visit http://libbydoodle.com As well, our thoughts go out to Gene Mikulka and his family as they deal with a difficult time. Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Libby Norcross, Mark Ratterman Show Recorded 06/10/2013

On this special two-part episode of Talking Space, we begin by discussing last week's Soyuz launch before devling into the weekend-long event in Tucson, AZ. The event involved vendors and artists who specialize in space, as well as an impressive panel of astronauts which spanned every single American manned space flight program from Mercury to shuttle. On top of the astronauts were many panels and discussions. You'll hear bits from the talks by Dr. Carolyn Porco famous for working on Cassini and Prof. Brian Cox. We then jump to the Apollo astroanuts panel and hear their views on where we are and where we should be going in space. Tune in next week for two of the best panels of the show: the panel on Mars and on asteroids, which includes thoughts from members of the private sector. NOTE: This show was recorded on the week of May 27th, however due to technical difficulties, it was released this week, so some news is out of date. For the Apollo panel transcript, visit http://pad39a.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/spac

On this episode of Talkling Space, the regular gang is dealing with illness and traveling on the road. However, Mark Ratterman comes to the rescue with a phenomenal interview about something this show has become known for: space debris. Mark interviews Alex von Eckartsberg, who recently returned from the Sixth European Conference on Space Debris in Darmstadt, Germany. Alex discusses some shocking numbers about how bad our debris problem is. Also discussed is the current means for trying to avoid debris, avoid collisions, what to do with defunct satellites, and what the plan is for the future. Is it too late to stop pollution near earth orbit? For more information on Alex and space debris, visit her blog at http://www.skyhie.net/. You can also follow Alex on Twitter @StarlingLX Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Mark Ratterman and special guest Alex von Eckartsberg Show Recorded 05/16 and 5/21/2013

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss some ISS news, including the return of the Expedition 35 crew, which occurred during the recording of the episode. We then talk about the emergency repair that occurred onboard, as well as about Chris Hadfield and his as well as Canada's current and possible future contributions to the station. On our second trip around the table, we discuss an auction of some pretty important space memorabilia. We then talk about the rapidly-nearing conclusion of "Astronaut Abby's" campaign. Then, we discuss some health concerns about Mars and our future with the red planet. On our final trip around the table, we focus on listener-submitted content, including comments from last show's discussion of Mars vs. Asteroid, and a discussion about the anniversary of Skylab. To check out the space memorabilia auction, visit http://www.rrauction.com/browse_gallery.cfm?Category=65 To contribute to Astronaut Abby, visit http://www.rockethub.com/projects/22119 Thanks again to Pieter and Eva

On this episode of Talking Space, we return from a technology issue the previous week with a delay of the next Orbital launch and look into why. We then discuss some interesting comments made by NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, who announces his frustration with NASA's budget and where we're going next. We then discuss a video with a look at commercial spaceflight, if it can be called that. On our second trip around the table, we discuss the success of the X-51A, aka the Waverider. We then talk about some telescopes thrown into NASA's lap and what they should do with them. We finish off the round talking about the forgotten Ares 1-X, and what we got out of that flight. On our last trip, we talk about some fun videos to watch. We then talk about a man selling the moon, but can he legally do it? We finish off with a well-deserved award. Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman Show Recorded 05/6/2013

On this special episode of Talking Space, we discuss the maiden voyage of Orbital Science's Antares rocket. Our very own Gene was in Wallops Island, VA and recounts his experience. We discuss the pre-launch festivities, the launch scrubs prior to Sunday's successful launch at 5pm EDT, as well as the way Orbital handled their media relations. We also discuss the future of Orbital as well as their fellow COTS member, SpaceX. We also compare the two companies and rockets and look at their potential for the future. Lastly, we discuss SpaceX's grasshopper as well as a fun story of seeing the launch from New York State. Tune in to hear exclusive stories and press conferences as well as launch audio direct from the launch site on this exciting episode! [THREE IMAGES WERE INSERTED HERE. TO VIEW THEM, PLEASE VISIT HTTP://TALKINGSPACEONLINE.COM] Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman Show Recorded 04/22/2013 Listen now:

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the deorbit of the Russian Progress vehicle. We then go into an in-depth discussion into the reason why Gene was unable to join us tonight-the demo launch of Orbital Science's Antares rocket from Wallops Island. We discuss the flight, the COTS program, and our thoughts on it. We then discuss a cool little camera doing some big science. On our second trip around the table, we discuss the proposed 2014 NASA budget. We look at where it's going, a possible asteroid capture mission getting funding, how sequestration will affect the budget, Russia's increase in spending to its space program, and some other space-related programs worried about their budgets. On our final trip around the table, we discuss the progress of the new Atlantis exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex. Next, we talk about a supercomputer named Endeavour. Lastly, we discuss the space anniversaries: April 12th and April 13th. [TWO IMAGES WERE INSERTED HERE. TO VIEW THEM, PLEASE VISIT H

We're not foolin' on this April Fools Day episode, recorded April 1st. We discuss some ISS news, with the new members of the Expedition 35 crew arriving to the station in under six hours, and our thoughts on whether it's a good idea or not. We then discuss a cool experiment onboard the station called ISERV. On our second trip around the table, we discuss SpaceX's CRS-2 mission coming to an end and some interesting things Elon Musk said on a teleconference. Also, we check in on the other member of the COTS program, Orbital. We then talk about a special anniversary for SpaceX. On our final trip around the table, we discuss a NASA PSA that is being petitioned to be shown before the new Star Trek movie, and why some of us think that might actually be a bad idea. We then talk about an engine test by XCOR which could affect a couple of different other companies. Lastly, we can't pass up a good joke, and the Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) came through with Moon or Frying Pan. For more on SERVIR and ISERV, visi

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss SpaceX's Dragon capsule and its return to Earth, as well as the scheduled departure of the next crew to the space station, and why their launch day will be different from the rest. We then discuss everyone's favorite term in the United States: sequester. We discuss the impacts it will have on NASA, and specifically public outreach. We then get an update on Astronaut Abby's campaign. On our second trip around the table, we discuss the amazing new information released by ESA's Planck spacecraft on some exciting info on cosmology and the early universe. We then discuss Voyager leaving the solar system...or did it? We then talk about the interesting case involving an arrest, IT information, and China. On our third round, we discuss Jeff Bezos' effort to recover Saturn V engines from the ocean floor. We then talk about the meteor seen streaking across the Eastern United States. Lastly, we discuss Angry Birds invading the Kennedy Space Center. Host this week: Sawyer Ros

On this special episode of Talking Space, we talk to Abigail Harrison, also known as Astronaut Abby on Twitter. Abby is a teenager with a passion for space, who is planning to be the first person on Mars by 2030. We discuss with Abby her special trip to Russia and then to Kazakhstan to see the launch of theSoyuz TMA-09M spacecraft carrying 3 crew members to the ISS, including her mentor ESA astronaut LucaParmitano. We discuss how she met Parmitano and how her whole adventure came about. We talk about what she'll be doing overseas, as well as what she'll be doing when she returns to the states. We talk about her plans to take her experiences and make it a learning experience by talking to teachers and classrooms about her experiences and promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. To support Abby's trip and outreach efforts, visit http://www.rockethub.com/projects/22119-share-the-adventure-astronaut-abby-soyuz-space-launch For more on Abby, visit her blog http://astronautabby.com a

On this episode of Talking Space, we return from our two week break refreshed and ready to cover the latest space news. We discuss SpaceX's CRS-2 launch, the minor issue that occurred, and how they handled the issue from a media relations point of view. We then discuss a bit of corrupted data on the main computer aboard the Mars rover Curiosity and what that means for MSL. On our second trip around the table, we discuss Dennis Tito's plan to send a couple on a journey of a lifetime-to orbit Mars by 2018. We then discuss some space debris news, and how a Challenger Center is getting involved. We then talk about the Google Science Fair, what it is, and how you can get your child involved. On our final trip around the table, we answer three listener questions. M. Scott Worthington asks us about Pluto, Evan Burton asks us about space shuttle facts, and Buck Field asks us about faster than light, or FTL, travel and its feasibility. Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman

On this episode we talk about asteroids. In particular the one affecting Russia and of course the flyby of 2012 DA14. Next up or down as the case may be, a Proton rocket launch failure and a Sea Launch Zenit rocket launch failure causing loss of their payloads. The 21st Century Ground Support Systems upgrade at Kennedy Space Center gets some time on this episode too. Will the work done and planned at KSC benefit government or commercial users or both? Watch the video titled "Dave Travels - Episode 11 NASA Space X" by NASASocial SpaceX CRS1 Launch attendee David Bankston @TravelsDave Also enjoy the great information from the (NHMFL) National High Magnetic Field Lab Check your community and others around you to see what riches are there to be discovered. Expand your knowledge like the NHMFL did for Mark. Show recorded - 2/18/2013

On our very special 150th episode of Talking Space, we welcome on 7-time shuttle flier and author of the new book "Spacewalker" Astronaut Jerry Ross. In our interview we discuss the reason behind the new book, discuss some of his funniest moments, and the effects of launch on him and his family. We then discuss if there was any animosity in the astronaut office for his record number of flights, and talk about how his work as a trainer in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab helped him walk better in space and train better. We ask about some spaceflight aspects, including what happens to the crew members when you perform an engine burn. We then discuss the difference between the orbiters, and the difference between Mir, the beginning of ISS, and where it is today. We then get into the serious matter of how Mr. Ross was affected by the Challenger disaster and what a large role he played in Columbia's final mission in 2003. We finish off talking about his views on the future of NASA and we ask a listener-submitted question

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the continued controversy around Iran's reported launch of a monkey into space. We also discuss the announcement about who they announced would be their first human candidate. On our second trip around the table, we do some quickie stories covering a Red Bull Stratos update, a look at the Axe/Lynx Apollo commercials, and a woman who wants to be the first adult film star in space. We then discuss some news involving the Dream Chaser and Lockheed Martin. Then we discuss the next NASA Social. On our final trip around the table, we talk about some videos from astronaut Chris Hadfield about life in space. We then discuss how the ISS crews are now "good to grow." Lastly, we discuss the batteries that were in the trouble-ridden Boeing 787 Dreamliner and how they relate to the ISS. Chris Hadfield's videos: Washing your hands: http://youtu.be/9Z2KNDGNnlc Clipping your nails: http://youtu.be/xICkLB3vAeU Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Ma