Spexcast

Biomedical Engineers Augie and Cole lead a discussion on cryonics, torpor, and the science of human preservation in the name of space travel.

It's Astronomy Week here at RIT, so Phil and TJ sit down with two astronomers and physicists, Dr. Jennifer Connelly and Dr. Michael Zemcov, to talk about the technology that allows us to see beyond our home planet -- telescopes. How do modern telescopes work? Is empty space really empty? Can we use wormholes as windows across the universe?

Phil, TJ, and August sit down with our special guest, Ben McFadden, to talk about rocket engines. Why do we use rockets in space? What physical principles govern rocket engines? What are the basic designs of chemical rocket engines and how can they be improved?

Phil, TJ, and Anthony discuss all the different methods of travelling within our solar system. What types of propulsion is out there? How can we survive long journeys? Do astronauts eat enough?

SPEXcast hosts a Q&A session with Brennan Ireland and Monica Rizzo, two researchers from the RIT Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation (CCRG) who simulate spacetime with supercomputers. How are gravitational waves modeled? Are there practical applications for gravitational waves? Can we simulate wormholes? What does a black hole merger sound like?

SPEXcast discusses the future of asteroid mining. Our special guest, Anthony Hennig is a 5th year student at RIT whose thesis is on Asteroid Mining Public Policy. Who owns asteroids? Is it moral to mine asteroids but not Mars? How do we utilize the resources we harvest in space?

SPEXcast dicusses whether humanity should focus on the Moon or Mars first as it steps out beyond the Earth's gravity well. Should we use the Moon to practice eventual techniques for visiting Mars? What benefit would a lunar colony have for humanity? Would a Phobos base speed up Martian colonization? We delve into all of those questions in this episode of SPEXcast.

SPEXcast goes a bit off-topic and discusses the dystopia of Brave New World. We discuss the role of production on the culture of society and whether the achievement of universal happiness is the satisfying conclusion of the pursuit of happiness

SPEXcast discusses the recent discovery of gravitational waves. We delve into RIT's key role in the discovery, as well as the history of the theory of gravitational waves.

SPEXcast delves into the field of reusable rocket technology. Listen as we discuss SpaceX's historic rocket landing, Blue Origin's New Shepard, SMART reuse and Project Adeline.