Today In Space

ABOUT THE EPISODE: The report from Air Force Space Command came across my space radar this week, both online and in person which is usually a good indication we should talk about it here on the podcast. I sat down, read the report, and now I have some thoughts to share. Since there's a solid shot you will never take the time to actually read this report - sit back, buckle up, and get ready as we e...

I'm back from Amsterdam and we have lots to talk about! The Chandrayaan-2 mission attempted to land on the surface of the moon but complications arose. We update you on the latest with the mission and will continue to monitor as things continue. Then we close out talking about the importance of understanding that failure is only part of the journey. The Chandrayaan-2 mission showed us a great exam...

In this episode, we cover some Orbital News to cover what's new in the Space Industry. SpaceX just returned their Dragon Capsule from CRS-18 safely, the United Launch Alliance (ULA) had their last launch of the Delta IV Medium rocket and we discuss it's replacement, the Vulcan Centaur Booster. There's also some insight into a potential option for the Lunar Gateway thanks to a tweet from Eric Berge...

This week the timing of everything Starhopper worked out and I was able to sit in front of the microphone and watch the 150m test launch for SpaceX. While the first day was scrubbed, there was solid space-talk about Starhopper, how to make spaceships and rockets cheaper, the power of iterative design, 3D printing, and more.  Just an Aerospace Engineer, a microphone, and a launch hangout as we talk...

On this week's episode, we have a few Orbital News segments to go through to catch you up on what's going on this week in space: Waiting on the FAA for Starhopper 200m Test https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1162096454367756288?lang=en Chandrayaan-2 Enters Lunar Orbit https://www.space.com/india-chandrayaan-2-moon-mission-enters-lunar-orbit.html RocketLab's #LookMaNoHands mission https://youtu.be...

This past week was really busy, and I wanted to refocus myself for the week ahead. So, here's another installment of the Balance in this week's Personal Log. We all have a balance for success, and we're all human and get off the wagon. I'm sharing my struggles and achievements of personal development in the hopes it starts a discussion about things like mental health, personal well being, and simp...

On this week's episode, we go deep and cover some major Orbital news from Earth's space industry - catching you up on what's new in Space.  Lightsail2 now using propulsion thanks to Solar Pressure http://www.planetary.org/blogs/jason-davis/ls2-deploys-sail.html http://www.planetary.org/blogs/jason-davis/lightsail-2-successful-flight-by-light.html Carl Sagan interview on Johnny Carson (Planetary So...

This past week I had the chance to visit Johnson Space Center while I was in Texas! I wanted to share my thoughts on my first time there, including some tips on what to see and where I stayed - I still want to go back and see more of it. It's a pretty interesting area, and I love Texas. It also made me think of my early influences for space and science - because I got to see a Space Shuttle up clo...

Happy 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing! In this special edition of the podcast, I will be sharing my thoughts on the Apollo60th, and hope to cover it from an angle you haven't heard before. To start, we have a launch hangout using the audio from the Saturn V launch on July 16th, 1969 and we finish off with my thoughts on the influence of the Apollo 11 moon landing 50 years later. I a...

This last week was packed full of space! I got to attend a public conversation at the Boston Public Library where Robert Stone and Alan Andres spoke about 'Chasing the Moon' and everything Apollo as the 50th is coming up this week July 16-20th. Lots of NASA centers to celebrate at, see links below for more.  In Orbital News, we go over SpaceX's Starhopper test on Tuesday, LightSail2, Hayabusa2, In...

This week I got carried away after SpaceX tweeted video from the Falcon Heavy STP-2 mission where the camera was attached to the fairing they recovered thanks to Ms. Tree. It's really amazing how much inspiration and learning you get for everyone when a company like SpaceX takes NASA's tact of sharing their development for everyone to see. The simple act of sharing a video of what it looks like to...

As part of the lead up to the Apollo11 moon landing 50th anniversary, I want to start by sharing a part of one of JFK's most famous space speeches and moments. In Orbital News, we review the night launch of the third Falcon Heavy mission (STP-2) and give some reusability stats. We also discuss one of the payloads on board from the Planetary Society, as well as a follow-up of the MakeItRain mission...

Alex has been doing some research into the history of the Space Race, reading up on some recommended books (listed below) and sharing his thoughts on the influence of the rocket on human history. With the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing coming up on July 20th, we'll be focusing on the comparisons between the Apollo Program and the newly announced Artemis Program to put the first wom...

In this episode, Alex discusses his thoughts on the importance of unplugging from technology and work in the 21st century after a week long vacation in Hawaii. Rest is so important, since stress and unproductive criticism can creep in otherwise and slows most of us down.  We then review some Orbital News: - SLS Orion Crew Abort Test Getting Setup in Florida https://twitter.com/JimBridenstine/statu...

In this episode, Alex shares his thoughts on the new Apollo 11 documentary. Have you seen it? What did you think? Alex shares the moments of that documentary that he is still stuck on days after watching it. New Documentary is available through iTunes, use this link and help support the podcast through the Affiliate Program. https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/apollo-11-2019/id1461314381?mt=6&at...

Alex shares his thoughts on SpaceX's latest successes and difficulties with Starlink, Crew Dragon, Falcon 9 Reusability, and Starship Testing. He continues his theory of balance in science by discussing why and how SpaceX may be doing too much and could run itself too thin. Our Audible Recommendation for this episode is 'Failure is not an Option' by Gene Kranz. Get your copy for free by going to a...

In this episode, Alex reviews some of the top Space Science events of this year to break down where we are so far in this year of Space.  - India's Anti-Satellite Test - Israel attemped their first lunar landing with their Beresheet spacecraft - The recent Falcon Heavy Test and results of the mission - NASA plans to send the 1st Woman and Next Man to the surface of the moon in 5 years - The recent...

In this episode, hangout with your Science Communicator Alex for the first commercial launch of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy. They attempted to land all three rockets, two side boosters and one center core, on land and at sea on the droneship 'Of Course I Still Love You". SpaceX also attempted to recover the two fairings for the first time, enabling more reusability of each part of the rocket, driving th...

Personal Log...Earth Date: March 12, 2019. After a few months away, Alex returns to explore a thought he has been obsessed with - balance. Balance in life, balance in work, balance in all things. But most importantly, how balance plays a part in science and engineering. Alex uses NASA and SpaceX as perfect examples to explain how each approach, science or engineering, can be used to solve problems...

On this episode, Alex talks about entering Year 5 of the Today In Space podcast and looks at how both he and the podcast have evolved since the beginning, as well as plans for what the focus of the podcast will be moving forward in 2019. Alex also previews the planned missions for 2019. These missions are coming up in the new year, and you can preview a whole year of spaceflight in this 10 minute...

In this episode of Orbital News, we review the recent (Sept 17, 2018) SpaceX announcement of the first person and to purchase a BFR orbital trip around the Moon. We'll overview some key aspects of the mission, including a project called #dearMoon. SOURCES: https://dearmoon.earth/ #dearMoon video: https://youtu.be/x_TpmSram2g Full SpaceX Webcast announcement: https://youtu.be/zu7WJD8vpAQ For more o...

In this episode, we had an interview with Brian Stofiel of Stofiel Aerospace - an aerospace company looking to revolutionize how business can enter the space industry with their 3D printed rocket technology. In part 2 Brian and Alex discuss some space topics, including: The ISS leak caused by a hole in a docked spacecraft Space Force and the possibilities of Space War Our near sci-fi future Genera...

In this episode, we had an interview with Brian Stofiel of Stofiel Aerospace - an aerospace company looking to revolutionize how business can enter the space industry with their 3D printed rocket technology. In part 1 we learn about what Stofiel Aerospace is up to right now, what they goals are for the next 2 years, as well as a deeper look into why and how Stofiel Aerospace can change the space i...

The Parker Solar Probe launched aboard a ULA Delta IV Heavy rocket to 'touch' the Sun on August 12th, 2018. During it's mission (until 2025) the solar probe will orbit closer to the Sun than any other spacecraft. In this episode of Orbital News, Alex breaks down the launch, mission details, and share his take on why this mission is important, and what mysteries it may unlock about our Sun, solar w...

In this episode, Alex shares his thoughts on whether or not the creation of a 'Space Force' is necessary. Alex also challenges the idea that space should be looked at as only a war-fighting domain. He also shares his thoughts on the evolution and changes in his personal life, with the podcast, and more! Get your first free audiobook and free trial of audible by going to audibletrial.com/todayinspa...