Albertans In Space Podcast

OUR SEASON FINALE! Dr. Jim Ellis (Director) and Dr. Noreen Humble (Associate Director) of the Calgary Institute for the Humanities join our hosts Zac and Meghan for the Season Two finale - Myths That Shape Us. We discuss how every culture and society has their own stories about the sky above us, and how these stories can provide lessons in how we shape the future of space. The University of Calgar...

Edmontonian Madison C. Feehan is the founder and CEO of Space Copy, an international logistics and manufacturing company, focused on developing 3D printing technology for use in extreme environments and Space. In this episode we join the inspiring early career professional as she shares with us her experience working for NASA and how it led her to starting her company. All episodes are available N...

Building an innovation ecosystem within Canada for space companies and entrepreneurs is no easy task. It takes drive, perserverance, and passion. In anything, sometimes the path to your destination isn't very linear, and Regan Hinchcliffe is a testament to that! The former lead singer, of the rock band Ink Road, tells us how he went frontman to head of Space Innovation Canada -- a space foundation...

Have you seen episode 6 of season 2 yet? Calgary to Space with Kaleigh Beer? Watch/listen that first and then this one gives an update on FRONTIERSAT getting launched into its orbit as it discovers more secrets of the universe. So proud of the CalgarytoSpace Team / U of C and can't wait to see what you do next. Albertans in Space  is an interview style video Podcast with in-person and virtual...

It takes a village to accomplish any great feat deemed impossible. It also takes a certain kind of character to keep a project going. In this episode, we welcome Kaleigh Beer, President of #CalgaryToSpace, a student-led organization, for a deeper conversation. Comprised of dedicated students from multiple faculties at the University of Calgary we explore how to get involved and how it feels to hav...

CubeSats have opened the door for a wider range of users globally to get invovled with space exploration and discovery. From students, to startups, and hobbyists from all over the world. Alberta's very first cubesat, Ex-Alta 1 was deployed into orbit from the International Space Station in 2017 thanks to a student team lead by the University of Alberta. Priya Manavalan, the project manager of Albe...

The real life ROCKET MAN! Despite rockets initially being developed for use of warfare, its technology would inspire humanity to pursue rocketry as a hobby. Calgarian Bryan Hill, a passionate rocketry hobbyist from the Calgary Rocketry Club shares with us how he got involved, the history of the club, how model rockets work, and how they have the same foundational principals of space rockets. In th...

Fulfilling one’s childhood dream is a rare and powerful gift—one that can inspire self confidence and motivation in one's life. For Chris Herd, that dream took shape early on as his love for rocks transformed into a love for meteorite rocks. In What’s Up With Rocks, the University of Alberta professor shares with us his fascination with meteorites—how they differ from ordinary rocks, why his resea...

Is light pollution harming human and animal kind on earth? Though darkness often carries the weight of fear of what hides beyond the shadows, it remains essential to life on Earth. In this episode, we’re joined by Jennifer Howse, the Education Specialist at the University of Calgary’s Rothney Astrophysical Observatory. She shares with us the impact of light pollution and the timeless beauty of Ind...

Join us for season 2 where we talk with an astronaut, an astronomer, geologist, rocket scientist, students building rockets, a CEO of a company that is 3D printing in Space and Humanists that seek to discover how we approach space critically. Albertans in Space  is an interview style video Podcast with in-person and virtual interviews with space enthusiasts that live and work in Alberta. We a...

Season Two kicks off with a stellar guest—literally. Former Canadian astronaut Robert “Bob” Thirsk, the first Canadian to complete a long-duration stay aboard the ISS. Bob shares what it’s like to live in space for six months, the awe of seeing Earth from orbit, and how that view forever changed his sense of identity—as a true citizen of Earth. Bob opens up about life before, during, and after spa...

What do you think the next event will be to unite humankind?? Meghan Westelmajer, our host ask this question plus many others to our special guest Amanda Green, Secondary School teacher and Canadian Space Agency Ambassador - who was our guest on the final episode one season 1. Meghan and Amanda talk about the upcoming Artemis II mission, how special and monumental this event is, what the astronaut...

In our final episode, middle school teacher Amanda Green from Beaumont, Alberta, joins us to talk about how she aims to inspire the next generation of space enthusiasts. Amanda speaks about how her love for the environment has a huge influnence on her passion for space. She also speaks about the importance of children and family, and how they are the centre of her universe. Albertans in Space &nbs...

Hailing from Sherwood Park, Alberta, Dr. Shawna Pandya the first named female Canadian commercial astronaut joins us to talk about the medical technology invovled in space medicine. Shawna explains how her journey began in neuroscience medicine, and how she eventually found her way into the space sector. Shawna also discusses with us the huge impact representation has on space and education as a w...

Dr. Michael Gallager speaks to how humans can live and work in space, while keeping happy and healthy. Michael talks about his involvment as former President and CEO of Spaceflight Professionals Inc. Michael describes his training in the military, experience as a rural medicine doctor, and how wilderness training can help save lives in Space with limited medical resources. He also explains what ha...

With the help of space lawyer, Sean Mitra CEO and Co-Founder of Foundation Space Resources (FSR), we learn about what space resources are, and why regulation is needed. Sean goes over what his startup's mission is and the challenges the company faces. Sean speaks of the purpose of mining for energy and mining for criticial minerals in space Albertans in Space  is an interview style video...

Awarding winning concept artist Bryan Versteeg of Calgary, Alberta speaks to what it's like to create breathtaking designs for space habitats and technologies. Bryan talks about when his passion for art and space began, and how his love for gardening and nature influences his work. Bryan defines the importance of STEAM, and how crucial it has been and continues to be for technological advancem...

Awarding winning concept artist Bryan Versteeg of Calgary, Alberta speaks to what it's like to create breathtaking designs for space habitats and technologies. Bryan talks about when his passion for art and space began, and how his love for gardening and nature influences his work. Bryan defines the importance of STEAM, and how crucial it has been and continues to be for technological advancem...

Marc Boucher, founder of SpaceQ a Calgary based intelligence company joins us to discuss the history of the Canadian Space Agency and the ongoing projects happening in the CSA right now. Originating from Montreal, now a recent Calgarian has had many jobs in journalism and Space across Canada. Marc shares with us his journey of being a technological pioneer, engineer and a space journalist. We disc...

The inaugural episode outlines the series and what you can expect from season 1 and the personal story of Albertans In Space Host Zac Trolley. Zac speaks about his experience being a finalist on the controversial one way mission to Mars; Mars One, his time at the International Space University, Mars Utah Simulation and starting his own space company in Calgary Albertans in Space  is an interv...