Today In Space

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/SNuauG1Gvr8 Starman and Elon Musk's Cherry Red Tesla Roadster complete 1st solar orbit https://www.space.com/spacex-starman-tesla-falcon-heavy-first-orbit-sun.html RESEARCH PAPER (PDF): MECHANICAL, POWER, AND THERMAL SUBSYSTEM DESIGN FOR A CUBESAT MISSION https://web.wpi.edu/Pubs/E-project/Available/E-project-031212-121649/unrestricted/Mechanical,_Power,_and_Thermal_Subsystem_Design_for_a_CubeSat.pdf We close out this week's episode with my thoughts on why SpaceX has such loyal fans. It has something to do with my sneakers...more on that at the end of the episode. Hope you have a great week - don't forget t

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 simply taking care of yourself. At the very least, it's a place for me to talk about the human side of science. Plus, this is a space science show and last I checked we are all still in human form. If we can't handle ourselves on Earth, how are we expected to survive in the infinite vacuum of space without going mad or becoming unstable? Will we just continue the madness we see today but on other planets?? Never mind actually having a colony on another planet like Mars and not have it dissolve into complete anarchy. So, let's start talking about the human side of science - I'll start. Follow us @todayinspacepod on Instag

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 Society) https://youtu.be/-cEXKu_Onlk SpaceX had a successful CRS18 launch followed up by a docking of the Dragon spacecraft on ISS to resupply the 6 crew members onboard with supplies and experiments.  NASA Broadcast of CRS-18 https://youtu.be/nPbA9-oLDI8 SpaceX Broadcast of CRS-18 https://youtu.be/SlgrxVuP5jk BioPrinter that will start 3D printing human organs in space on the ISS https://youtu.be/YFg4Zi_AVCk NASA sends slime to the ISS to show effects of microgravity on fluids https://www.space.com/nickelodeon-slime-launching-to-space.html Astronaut Chris Hadfield shows what wringing a wet towel in microgravit

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 close and personal for the first time EVER! So much space nerding - and you can see my pictures and videos on our instagram page @todayinspacepod There weren't many guides I found on what to see at JSC - but I did find this great guide if you find yourself in Houston! https://spacetourismguide.com/visit-johnson-space-center/ We've got a lot of Orbital news to catch up on next week - a busy summer of space 2019! Spread Love - Spread Science! Alex G. Orphanos

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 also share my logic against the age old argument that "We shouldn't put money and resources into a space program when there are so many things we could use that money for down on Earth". I hope you enjoy! I'm off to the Houston Space Center next week! If you have any recommendations of what to see when I'm out there - please let me know! https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48857752 https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/apollo/apollo11_audio.html https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:266725

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, India's Moon mission launch (day episode was released), and we cover the change at NASA for leadership of the Human Exploration and Operations division. Something that will definitely have an effect on the success of the Artemis mission in 2024. Hopefully this former astronaut returning from the private sector will bring the government back what it needs to accomplish the goal in 5 years.  Have a great week! Don't forget to catch the live broadcast of the Apollo 11 mission on July 20th thanks to NASA! https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1149550157068812290 http://www.planetary.org/explore/projects/lightsail-solar-

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 recover a fairing from a rocket literally gave me enough energy and excitement to write a 20 minute episode. Imagine what else and who else this act of free sharing is inspiring.  Which leads me to the second point of this week's podcast - from my research into Space History, thanks to the book Chasing the Moon. Space Programs that do great things take a while to accomplish - 5-10 years. If we learn anything from the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, its that the trend shows interest in the program fades before the mission is finished and fully funded. How does NASA adjust in 2019 to make sure that su

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 from Rocket Lab. I wish you a happy Independence Day! Enjoy the week. As this is one of my favorite holidays, I share my thoughts on what independence means to me this year. I can't believe I've done it for each year of the podcast. It's wild! (links are below) Don’t forget you can get a free audiobook and trial by going to audibletrial.com/todayinspace. Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project with us at AG3D Printing, my idea workshop where we can bring your ideas into reality leveraging 3D printing and Design services. Check us out on instagram to see what cool stuff we are making right now @ag3dprinting

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 woman and next man on the Moon by 2024. Alex breaks down the general difference between the two programs and their link to Greek Mythology.  Rocket Lab also has a launch next week of the Electron rocket for the mission #MakeItRain. Spread Love, Spread Science. http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-051319a-nasa-artemis-moon-program.html https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-to-partner-with-american-industry-to-supply-artemis-moon-missions https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/completed-missions/make-it-rain/

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/status/1136736879783682049 - The President sends a confusing tweet about funding NASA, the Moon, and Mars https://twitter.com/Erdayastronaut/status/1137068997516648450 - SpaceX's Starlink Gets Backlash for Potentially Interfering with Future Earth-Based Astronomy https://spacenews.com/spacex-launches-60-starlink-satellites-begins-constellation-buildout/ https://earthsky.org/human-world/aas-statement-spacex-starlink-satellites NSF Statement on it's work with SpaceX to reduce interference with Earth-based Astronomy https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=298678 Astronomy Live Starlink effects on Sky (video)

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=1010lStL Also help support the podcast by heading over to AG3D-printing.com to start 3D printing today and learn how to do it at home!

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 audibletrial.com/todayinspace and start your free trial. The podcast is also supported by AG3D Printing - get started 3D printing today and follow us to learn more about it! www.ag3d-printing.com. We're on Instagram at AG3Dprinting https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2019/05/24/spacex-cleaning-up-cape-canaveral-landing-zone-after-crew-dragon-explosion/1227473001/ https://www.engadget.com/2019/05/23/spacex-starlink-launch/ https://spacenews.com/spacex-begins-starship-hopper-testing/ https://twitter.com/ELGR3CO/status/1133015295650684929

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 images from the M87 Supermassive Black Hole by the Event Horizon team (and Dr. Katie Bouman who created the algorithm used to help image the black hole). There's so much happening in the Space Science world, especially this year - hopefully this breakdown helps get you caught up. Enjoy! Don't forget you can get a free audiobook and trial of Audible by going to www.audibletrial.com/todayinspace!

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 the cost to go to space dramatically! They launched the ArabSat 6A satellite that will provide for communication coverage for people in the Middle East and Africa. Launch Hangouts are just that - a hangout. We watch a launch, share some extra knowledge you won't get in the live broadcast, and you get to enjoy the reactions of space nerds! I can't wait to go see a launch LIVE and in-person. The most difficult thing about going to see a launch is you need to take a few days off of work just in case the launch gets delayed. From my research, it seems like you need 5 days to play it safe. This launch was delayed twice, and

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. But he also dives into where the balance is off, and how the 'Launch America' program could bring balance back to the force to bring us an interplanetary future for the human race. This week's audiobook recommendation: 'The Dichotomy of Leadership' by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

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 breakdown. 2019 Missions: New Horizons Flyby of Ultima Thule, OSIRIS-REx at Asteroid Bennu, Hayabusa-2 at Asteroid Ryugu, Mars INSIGHT, Boeing CST-100 Starliner, SpaceX Dragon 2, Commercial Crew Program, Virgin Galactic's first space flight, Blue Origin's first crewed flight Finally, Alex discusses the momentum of all-things-space as we enter 2019. The things to look out for are a Space Economy, a Space Culture, and Space Exploration. Here's to a fantastic future! Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts and Youtube - Spread Love and Spread Science! Happy New Year! Here's to another orbit around the Sun in 2019 This episod

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 on the BFR, #dearMoon, and making life interplanetary: https://www.spacex.com/mars This episode is sponsored by Audible! Get your first free audiobook and free trial by heading over to audibletrial.com/todayinspace to get started today.

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 Generalists VS. Specialists in New Space The effect of 'on-demand' access to space AND MORE! These 'People of Science' episodes will be interviews with the human beings who are involved in all walks of science. We're looking to connect the logic of science with the passion of the people doing it, in the hopes it may influence the next great scientist. If you have a suggestion for our next guest please email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com Get your first free audiobook and month trial from Audible! Head over to audibletrial.com/todayinspace to get started today

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 industry very quickly.  These 'People of Science' episodes will be interviews with the human beings who are involved in all walks of science. We're looking to connect the logic of science with the passion of the people doing it, in the hopes it may influence the next great scientist. If you have a suggestion for our next guest please email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com Get your first free audiobook and month trial from Audible! Head over to audibletrial.com/todayinspace to get started today

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 wind, and space weather.  Get your first free audiobook and free trial of audible by going to audibletrial.com/todayinspace RESOURCES: http://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/Multimedia/Videos.php#Mission-Videos https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/12992 https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/4671 https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/4672 https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/4673 https://astro.uchicago.edu/people/eugene-n-parker.php https://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/parker-solar-probe https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/4653 Tori Bruno Tweet Infographic  https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1026951855086039040