Today In Space

Hey there Space Fam we’re back for another episode of Today In Space! We need to review SpaceX’s historic success of Starship’s Flight Test 5, which happened just this past Sunday on October 13th, 2024. They made the impossible possible and gave us a glimpse of what our future looks like going back to the Moon, on to Mars in 2026, and beyond in the future of human space travel. Let's dive right in! This week we review some of the top facts from the mission in a lightning round, and then share a launch and landing breakdown! We close with some thoughts after Flight Test 5 showed us the impossible is quite possible, and this had me thinking about the first humans to touchdown on Mars and how Starship will change how we think about the crew selected for such an adventure. Topics: Starship launch, super heavy booster, liquid oxygen, methane plumes, hot stage separation, Mechazilla catch, 33 Raptor engines, propellant load, Starbase Texas, regulatory approval, boost back burn, lifting lugs, stainless steel, Mars m

We're back to start October for a Space Update!  This week on Episode 359:  Crew-9 successfully docked with the space station, marking a significant milestone for the Commercial Crew Program as Crew Dragon acts as backup to bring Suni & Butch home in Early 2025 Astronomy news | Comet C/2023-A3 Atlas is now visible, with its brightness increasing as it approaches perihelion (best time might be the last two weeks of October!)  SpaceX's Starlink is aiding hurricane-affected areas (Hurricane Helene) with free internet services. Starship is assembled for Test Flight 5 and awaiting FAA approval for its fifth test flight.  My thoughts on SpaceX & the FAA Heading to NYCC to compete in Veefriends TCG Championship! Topics: Crew 9, Starliner drama, Commercial Crew Program, visible comet, Comet a3, Starlink satellites, Hurricane Helene, SpaceX Starship, FAA approval, Mars mission, New York Comic Con, VeeFriends TCG, trading cards, cosplay, space update Sources: https://earthsky.org/space/comet-c-2023-a3-sep

On this week's episode we are joined by John Conafay, the CEO & Co-Founder of Integrate to share his STEM Origin story and chat with us about the company. Integrate is touted as the only program management tool built specifically for multi-team hardware development. Another way of saying it could be that Integrate is bringing all of the various hardware teams involved in launching a rocket to space under one platform. The overlapping timelines of each piece of hardware on that rocket is a daunting task, especially when more than one thing goes wrong. Going to space is not just technically hard, it's a web of decisions that all need to go right - and it's not being looked at as fully or strategically as even the most Space Hardcore might think! John and his team at Integrate are working to solve this problem by bringing all of these hardware teams into one program management tool. One timeline, everyone's needs, one source of truth. Which, if done well, could help reduce many potential mistakes and stressf

On this episode, we're breaking down the Polaris Dawn Mission after the Crew of 4 has returned safely from their 5-Day mission & 1st Commercial Spacewalk! If you wanted a quick catch up of everything Polaris Dawn - we got you covered. We'll start with a mission overview, and discuss the Human Spaceflight records broken, the scientific research done, the details of the spacewalk, reentry & splashdown recovery, and what we think are the significance and impact of the mission! A great episode to get caught up! Let us know what you think in the comments or email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com Topics: spacex, space, crew, astronauts, polaris dawn, spacewalk, spacesuit, EVA, nasa, human spaceflight, earth, launch,, science, research, falcon 9, crew dragon Sources: https://polarisprogram.com/dawn/ https://x.com/PolarisProgram Timestamps: 00:00 Polaris Dawn Mission Overview  02:34 Breaking Human Spaceflight Records  04:51 Scientific Research and Spacewalk Details  06:47 Re-Entry and Recovery Process  08:

On this week's episode Matthew Onassis and Luca De Caneva, co-founders of NAVXCOM, join us to discuss their company's mission to develop a Lunar Positioning System (LPS) for autonomous navigation and communication on the moon. Matt & Luca share their STEM origin story which includes meeting at NASA identifying a gap in lunar infrastructure. NAVXCOM won a contract with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center to establish the first proof of concept by the end of the year. The NAVXCOM team aims to support autonomous lunar operations, including rover deployment and habitat preparation. Leaning into AI & collaboration in the space industry, NAVXCOM has big plans for dual-use technologies for Earth and Space Applications! We'd love to know what YOU think! Let us know in the comments below or by emailing us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com. Topics: ai, nasa, companies, space, system, rovers, idea, lunar, proposal, talk, started, today, industry, terms, develop, people, satellites, moon, working, operations, navxco

We're back for another Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test update! NASA has finally made the decision to return the Starliner uncrewed, leaving the Crew 9 mission with two empty seats so that SpaceX can bring Astronauts Suni Williams & Butch Wilmore back to Earth in February 2025. It's been a summer full of human spacflight and enough chaos to go with it! We share the top 3 press questions from the conference that truly encapsulates the whole situation. But this was a truly special day in Human Spaceflight History that I think will be given more appreciation in the future when we look back at it. In the meantime, the press will have a field day with Boeing. And while NASA will have some flack, they truly represented the best of human spaceflight today with this decision and how they held themselves in leadership positions. We need more of that. I'm very excited and optimistic for the future of space and humanity after today! We'd love to know what YOU think! Let us know in the comments below or by emailing

On this episode we are breaking down the next exciting human spaceflight mission: Polaris Dawn! The mission will be the 1st Commercial Spacewalk at 700km/435 miles above the Earth. Aside from breaking human spaceflight records, there will be an incredible amount of research, science, and technology demonstrations as well! The new SpaceX EVA (Spacewalk) suit, Crew Dragon spacecraft, and Falcon 9 rocket are ready - and so is the crew! Preparations for launch NET April 27th 03:38AM ET are underway! We dive into the original of the Polaris Program, Inspiration 4 - which was the 1st Commercial Orbital Mission before it. It's commander - Jared Isaacman, is leading the Polaris Dawn crew to the next adventure of attempting the highest ever Human-flown Earth orbit & EVA! Meet the crew and hear the story of what to expect for this 5-day mission and why it might be the most underrated human spaceflight mission of 2024! A great episode to get caught up before the launch - and some thoughts on why its important, as we

We're back for the next update of Boeing's Starliner's Crew Flight Test (CFT) and the subsequent delays in the flight readiness review meeting. Coupled with reported internal NASA concerns related to the Starliner's Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters - it's clear there isn't 100% confidence & more options needs to be considered. That means engineering is involved! So let's dive into the world of an Engineer: Using a nuanced approach to understanding all of the physics involved that ultimately guides your decision-making for managing risk in bringing these adventurous human beings home. Human Spaceflight is as real as it gets!  On this episode we put you in the Engineer's seat as we consider multiple viewpoints and the importance of gathering accurate data to inform your decision-making (aka being a good engineer). We also discuss the difference between a healthy & toxic STEM environment as well as how dissenting opinions can be voiced and addressed in combination with rigorous testing and data an

In this week's episode Alex breaks down his thoughts on the connections between Space & Sea Travel! It's amazing what being on an adventure in a beautiful place like Scotland can do for your imagination and deep thinking. All the island (isle) hopping we did, along with hiking the highlands and the lowlands, made me see just how similar sea travel is with space travel! The same small crews of professionals taking us to from island to isle in Scotland will be taking humans to low Earth Orbit, the Moon, and eventually Mars!  The first days (years) of regular, continuous human spaceflight will be adventurous, and will require small, highly dedicated teams of trained Astronauts. Adventuring through Scotland brought that time to my imagination - so let's talk about how we get there! So buckle up, and get ready for a ride as we venture to the potentially near-future of human spaceflight. We want to hear what YOU think about what's to come in our near future with human spaceflight! So make sure to COMMENT below,

We got an update from the NASA & Boeing teams about Starliner CFT on July 10th, 2024. We wanted to share the TOP 4 Press & Media Questions and the NASA/Boeing team answers for us to all gain more INSIGHT into this Crew Test Flight for Boeing. I think we learned a lot about the problem and how the Boeing & NASA teams think about this. As most revealing things, it brings up more questions. So buckle up - and let's dive into the top 4 questions & answers from the July 10th Update with a short breakdown from me with my thoughts (from an engineer) after each one! We want to hear what YOU think too! So make sure to COMMENT below, EMAIL us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com, or FOLLOW US on social media. SOURCES: Media Briefing: NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test (July 10, 2024): https://www.youtube.com/live/PAIZHhrGqBM?si=v9gCtlaLOJkYIN2s Topics:  thruster, spacecraft, flight, deorbit burn, boeing, question, astronauts, white sands, test, return, pulses, space station, crew, mission, undocking, space, tes

There was A LOT of space news happening the last 2 weeks while we were adventuring in Scotland! (more on that soon) Our first episode back is dedicated to the Boeing Starliner news and reports of the astronauts being “stranded” on the ISS. We break down why that click-bait headline isn’t true but also how NASA is dealing a double standard with Boeing's test flight status.  We review the latest from what’s been shared by NASA/Boeing leadership, the tests underway, and what to expect for a timeline for when Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore could return home on Starliner. We also discuss the possibility of another spacecraft bringing the Astronauts home, as well as the “worst-case” scenario from all of this.  But in the meantime - we want to know what YOU think! Email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com, or DM us on social media! Topics from the episode:  astronauts, spacex, boeing, spacecraft, space, thrusters, nasa, teleconference, stranded, testing, helium leaks, space shuttle, iss SOURCES: Internat

On this episode we dive into the Human Factor where we talk about what it means to be human, and how ALL of our traits & skills matter (good and bad). This week we're discussing what it means to be DEDICATED and why 'the Mission' is so important to a person like myself, especially after 10 years of podcasting about all-things space! We want to thank ‪@veefriends‬ for making these AWESOME Character Caps, and while I wasn't 100% sure which Cap I was going to relate to at first the DEDICATED Dragonfly hit home. Great time to reflect on the hard-work, challenges, and sacrifices it takes to make it happen. We'd love to know what YOU think in the comments! S upport the podcast: MAGIC MIND You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code TODAY20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/TODAY20

The first week of June went HARD for Space - and for Human Spaceflight it was fully loaded! So many launches, including the success of Boeing's CFT Starliner that brought Astronauts Sunita Williams & Butch Wilmore! We break down what happened, why it was a success, and our thoughts on the Crew Test Flight. We really can't stress how important having TWO human-rated spacecraft for the US to launch from our own soil - and we do our best to tell that story with this episode. For those wondering - this is a good review of my thoughts on EVERYTHING Starliner CFT - so buckle up. Best of luck to Astronauts Suni & Butch on their return trip on 'Calipso' - their Starliner! Let us know what YOU thought about Boeing's Starliner Crew Test Flight - email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com! Topics from the episode: spacecraft, astronauts, space, boeing, spacex, space station, orbit, launch, nasa, program, humans, leaks, space shuttle, test, iss, experienced, decisions, united launch alliance, crew, team We'd love

Last week was some of the most exciting and jam packed space events I've seen in a while. So many launches, including the success of SpaceX's Starship Test Flight 4! We break down what happened, why it was a success, and our thoughts on Flight Test 4, 5, and beyond. We really can't stress how much progress was made with IFT4 - and we do our best to tell that story with this episode. For those wondering - this is a good review of my thoughts on EVERYTHING test flight 4 - so buckle up. Let us know what YOU thought about IFT4 and Starship - email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com! Topics from the episode: starship, spacex, spacecraft, rocket, flaps, flight, booster, test, launch pad, humans, faa, launch, space, landing, orbit, land, reentry, artemis, experienced, starships We'd love to know your thoughts and questions!  Email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com SOURCES: https://x.com/SpaceX/status/1798689697184764071 https://x.com/SpaceX/status/1799458854067118450 https://x.com/SpaceX/status/179879222274312216

On this episode we speak NASA Astronaut Don Pettit about his Astronaut Origin Story and the 'maker mentality'. Don is preparing for Expedition 71/72 which will launch to the International Space Station aboard a Soyux (MS-26) from Baikonur Cosmodrome later this year. We were grateful for the NASA teams for helping us set up time with Don to chat all-things space. Welcome our first Astronaut to the podcast! Don Pettit's origin story encapsulates that of a Maker - always wondering if things can be done better and making things to adjust a long the way. From his early days in junkyards, his time as a Rookie Astronaut, and helping create the first off-world patented item (the Zero-G cup), Don has had an amazing career. We discuss what's to come on Expedition 71/72, how "the crew" is the most important aspect of human space travel, and what the future could hold for us in space. Thank you to Don, Garrett, and the NASA teams for helping us make this happen! Topics from the episode: space, astronaut, spacecraft, miss

On this episode, we're recapping last weeks Aurora Extravoganza that the internet was a buzz about! We got pictures from folks like you that whole weekend, which was all we needed to survive a weekend of cloud-filled New England nights. But one thing many curious folks were thinking - what are Auroras? How can we know when the next one is coming? Why do Auroras happen? What impacts do solar weather pose to planets, spacecraft, and humans in space? ALL of these answered on this week's episode.  Thank you to everyone who reached out with questions - and shoutout to Anne Bagg (@theannebagg on X/@annebagg on Instagram) for sending her question about predicting Auroras! Let us know if you captured the Auroras - we'd love to share your astrophotography! Email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com or DM us @todayinspacepod on Instagram & Today In Space podcast page on Facebook. Topics from the episode: space, sun, atmosphere, happening, aurora, earth, weather, solar, noaa, particles, mars, sunspot, solar storm, co

On this episode, we dive into the Human Factor - which is all about learning about what it is to be a human and how that can help us grow and succeed in life. Because regardless of what we do, we are all human beings - even scientists and engineers. This week, I talk about one of my earliest passions - trading cards! Pokemon, YuGiOh, Dragon Ball, Magic the Gathering - all a MASSIVE part of my childhood and where I found the passion that is behind this podcast. It's an origin story of what made me who I am today...a big ole nerd!  While I was preparing for the Total Solar Eclipse, my trading card game days started to come back to me. I got myself into the VeeFriends Trading card world - an intellectual property created by Gary Vaynerchuck (aka Gary Vee). Right before my trip to Maine I got LAUNCHED into the VeeFriends TCG universe after winning two gift goats! These are some of the rarest cards in the series with only 555 in what I believe is 2.8 million cards in circulation. But the fun didn't stop there - le

In this episode, we prepare for next week's human space launch of Boeing's Starliner, the first Crewed mission for Altas V & the CST-100 spacecraft! This is the culmination of the investment NASA & US taxpayers put into the Commercial Crew Program. Two human-rated spacecraft were given contracts to test & evenutally fly human beings to the ISS. SpaceX Crew Dragon already flies to the ISS regularly with Astronauts & supplies, and Boeing's Starliner is ready to have its first crewed mission! It's been a long road, and much controversy over the years - even beginning at the start of Commercial Crew when only two companies were chosen there was a rift that unfolded in the space industry. I share my thoughts on the whole endeavor in the hopes that we can learn something and be better off for the future. It's also a good time to contemplate how grateful we should be that the US is close to having full redundency for human launch capability to the ISS. In a world where not long ago we relied fully on

On this episode we have some Astronomer friends on to discuss our thoughts from the Total Solar Eclipse! Matt Schricker (@Bostronomy), Andrew Abban (@aa.astro01), and Thorne Ransom (@ransomobservatory) join us to share their Astronomy Origin Stories and their experience during the Total Solar Eclipe. For some it was our first, and others were looking for redemption from 2017. But all of us were close to speechless when it happened, until we had this mega podcast for some Eclipse Talk. Maine was one of the best places in the country to see the Total Solar Eclipse, given the cloud coverage on the day of the eclipse. Even us New Englanders were shocked that out of the 13 states in the US - Maine would be the place to be. But, as you'll hear and see from the images taken...we had the best seats in the solar system that day! Thank you to our guests and new friends for such a fun Eclipse Talk - make sure to follow them online for awesome astrophotography! Let us know if you were able to watch the total solar eclips

On this episode we talk about the North American Total Solar Eclipse happening on April 8th, 2024! We break it down into three parts: (1) What to Expect, (2) What to do during the Eclipse, and (3) Our Telescopes Vespera and our newest Vaonis device - Hestia. We close out the episode with an unboxing and first demo with Hestia practicing for the Total Solar Eclipse. There is always lots of excitement around any eclipse, but you want to be as present as possible to soak in this wild phenomena! So let this episode act as a guide to make the most of it, with some tips on what to look for during the eclipse and some tools you can use. While it will be my third solar eclipse, it's my first chance to watch a Total Solar Eclipse and catch the Corona during totality. And there's a chance we might even see something else during totality - a comet tail! But more on that in the episode... Let us know where you'll be watching the eclipse and whether it's your first or your 50th! We'd love to hear from you. Email us at tod