The Space Madness Podcast

In this episode, Bets Arce from Earthrise VC shares her journey from SpaceX to venture capital, exploring the future of private space investments, the importance of failure in space missions, and the emerging markets in space technology. We discuss Bets' journey from SpaceX to venture capital, the importance of failure and psychological safety in space missions, emerging markets in space technolog...

Bill Stone knew exploration was his calling as a teen watching the moon landings. He would go on to become a world leading caver pushing the limits of human exploration even beyond what NASA astronauts perform. Explore the incredible world of cave exploration, human endurance, and the parallels to space missions. Discover the complexities of underground expeditions, advanced technology, and the mi...

In this episode we dive into the captivating world of cave exploration with Gilly Elor, a physicist and explorer from Stone Aerospace. Gilly’s projects not only push the boundaries of technological innovation but also take us to the most remote and challenging environments on Earth. Next up she extends this spirit of exploration to the moon with her new NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts project, L...

In this episode, Brandon Williamson discusses his innovative work on Vaxon Space, exploring the challenges and opportunities of VERY low Earth orbit propulsion, space environment sensing, and the future of satellite technology. We discuss the fascinating and dynamic environment at very low altitudes and how that creates novel challenges and opportunities for propulsion and long term operation. Of...

After 70 episodes we have heard a lot of stories of leadership ranging from changing one's personal situations, to national leadership on Mars exploration. In this episode we highlight familiar and emerging themes of leadership from a wide variety of space exploration journeys.

I'm always happy to share unconventional journeys to space exploration, and this story goes hard! Julian Ragland shares his unconventional journey from Middle Eastern history to cybersecurity at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, highlighting the intersection of space assets and cybersecurity, and exploring future opportunities in aerospace and intelligence.

Today's episode spotlights Ref Bari, a Brown University physics student who I think is a future leader to watch. He's already quite a leader at the university level, having herded the necessary cats to develop and submit a NIAC proposal! This is tough enough from a NASA center where these things happen routinely, but Ref made it happen as a student at a University where advanced space mission conc...

In this episode, Dan Goldman explores the fascinating intersection of physics, biology, and robotics, revealing how principles from natural systems inform the design of robots for complex environments, including space exploration and agriculture. We talk about cockroaches, reptiles, sand dunes and pest control and how each of those things have lessons to offer future space robots.  

See what I did there? In this episode, Universe Today founder Fraser Cain shares his journey into space journalism, his approach to engaging audiences, and his thoughts on the future of science communication in the age of AI. We explore how curiosity drives storytelling and the importance of maintaining human voice in content creation.  

Jack Mills has a unique approach to journalism, inspired by authors like J.G. Ballard and William Gibson. His work delves into the strangeness of our world, exploring different pathways and futures. With a background in music and a knack for speculative storytelling, he combines the realms of literature, culture, and the cosmos. His father, a crime reporter, instilled in him a curiosity about huma...

In this episode, Jeff hosts Jim Armor and Jess Sponable to explore the history and lessons of the DoD Payload Specialist Program, its connection with the space shuttle, and its implications for future space endeavors. They share insights on the program's development, challenges, and legacy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manned_Spaceflight_Engineer_Program  

Victoria Samson, Chief Director of Space Security and Stability at the Secure World Foundation, shares insights on space sustainability, space security, and international cooperation. Discover how privately funded nonprofit organizations influence space policy and the future of space security.  

In this episode, quest Quinn Morely and host Jeff Nosanov talk mostly about the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts program and how it led to both of our aerospace entrepreneurship. Quinn's Mars "Borebot" project led to terrestrial applications in mining and resource exploration. We talk about this curious dynamic, seen repeatedly in the history of space exploration, wherein ambitious far-reaching s...

In this episode, Nicholas Jedrich shares his 40-year journey through NASA, from his early days in space shuttle operations to his role as chief engineer of the Science Mission Directorate. Discover insights into space mission management, the importance of team dynamics, and lessons learned from iconic missions like Hubble and Challenger.

In this episode we talk with Tom Marotta, CEO of The Spaceport Company. His journey to founding the Spaceport Company is both fascinating and unconventional. With a background in business and urban planning, he initially worked as a commercial real estate agent before transitioning to city planning. He then worked for the United States foreign service. His diverse experiences laid a solid foundati...

Explore the fascinating intersection of topological physics, string theory, and the nature of reality with Jenny Nielsen Ph.d. candidate at the University of Kansas. Discover how advanced mathematical models and intuitive insights are shaping the future of physics research. In this episode, Jenny Lorraine Nielsen explores the fascinating intersections of physics, metaphysics, and advanced theories...

I find myself drawn to space architecture as a podcast topic because 1. it takes as a given that humans will live and work in space, 2. requires challenging so many daily assumptions and 3. has so many interesting entrace pathways. Speaking to space architects feels like talking to a 3rd century fisherman about modern cruise ships, or to 12th century cathedral builder about skyscrapers. The field...

Discover Jim Erickson's 50-year journey at JPL from Voyager to Perseverence, and the lessons learned from a life spent pioneering space exploration. Jim's journey to JPL began in college when he was looking for a summer job to help pay for his education. A fortuitous connection through his father led him to apply for a position at JPL. After impressing the team with his resume and a bit of luck, J...

The idea of racing in space may seem like a sci-fi fantasy, but it’s rooted in humanity's longstanding love for competition. From racing cars to horses, we have always sought to push the limits of speed. However, while other forms of transportation have seen organized competitions shortly after their invention, space has lagged behind. The average time from technological invention to the first org...

In the rapidly evolving landscape of satellite technology, one question looms large: How can we optimize the vast resources of satellites to create more efficient networking solutions? In this episode, we explore insights from Rama Afullo, the founder and CEO of Satlyt, who is pioneering a unique approach to treating satellite networking as a shared resource. With a background in mechanical engine...

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, host Jeff Nosanov welcomes fine artist Samuel Stubblefield, the founder of Off Earth, to discuss a captivating topic: space art. In a world increasingly fascinated by the cosmos, this conversation delves into what space art means today, the historical context, and the exciting possibilities for the future.

In this in-depth interview, space physicist Kelvin Long shares his journey from childhood fascination with space to pioneering advanced propulsion technologies. Discover insights on fusion energy, interstellar travel, and the future of space exploration, including UK and US initiatives.

In our second interview recorded shortly after the Artemis II landing, Les Johnson, NASA's former Chief Technologist, shares insights into space hardware innovation, the role of technology push versus mission pull, and the future of human space exploration including Artemis II. We talk about the dynamics between NASA headquarters and center leadership, working with congress, and discuss how NASA n...

In this episode, join me in exploring the Psyche mission to a metallic asteroid, its scientific significance, engineering challenges, and the inspiring journey of lead engineer David Oh. Discover how space exploration advances technology and our understanding of planetary formation. We talk about David's education, early exposure to Hall thrusters and other enabling technologies of the current age...

In this episode, Jim Muncy shares his extensive experience in space policy, the evolution of NASA's programs, and the future of space exploration, including lunar bases and Mars missions. We discusses historical lessons, current challenges, and innovative ideas for advancing space development especially what went wrong with the advocacy for the Mars Sample Return mission. We talk about the origins...