Today In Space

In this episode, Alex uses a scientific approach to combat the emotional rollercoaster this past week has been since Mr. Musk has confirmed SpaceX is going Public! The Space Conundrum strikes again - and it's leaving many to wonder: Why Now? Listen to this episode if you'd like to learn more and explore: What is Elon Musk Thinking, taking SpaceX from an independent private company and trading it on the US stock exchange? What does an IPO mean for SpaceX? Does this mean "SpaceX's Mission to Mars" is over? What are the upsides to SpaceX going public? We're going to give our answer to all of those questions and I'll share my thoughts on this major piece of news. Just another day in the Space Conundrum - but it definitely wasn't on my 2025 or 2026 space bingo card. By the end of the video - we want to hear from YOU! What do you think?? Are you excited? Scared?? Or Both??!! We'd love to hear what you think in the comments or by emailing us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com. Make sure to follow us on social medi

Jared Isaacman, previously chosen as the President's pick for NASA Administrator in March 2025, faced the Senate committee hearing AGAIN to discuss his qualifications and potential conflicts of interest before leading the American Space Program. The past year of delay was due to political nonsense, leaving NASA without leadership that whole time. Mr. Isaacman is an entrepreneur, 2 mission astronaut commander, philanthropist, and father who has a unique leadership style. He returned to the Senate Committee sharper than ever! We listen in on the live Senate Committee meeting for some Q&A and talk about the state of NASA. Not to mention, how much NASA is in need of clear leadership and direction after almost a year of delay. Today In Space is PRO-Jared! Go get 'em Rook! As of December 9th, 2025 - Mr. Isaacman has passed the Senate Committee and is on to full Senate Vote! Enjoy this bit of LIVE hangout from the past week We'd love to hear what you think in the comments or by emailing us at todayinspacepodcast

We went live for the NASA broadcast of the release of images of the Interplanetary "comet" 3I-Atlas, which was delayed due to the government shutdown. As the cultural curiosity surrounding 3I-ATLAS went viral during the poorly timed government shutdown, it was a unique opportunity for NASA to do what it does best. Share data and spend a little more time with the actual experts to explore that curiosity and dig deeper into what we found.  Unfortunately, it feels as though the government shutdown and funding cuts proposed by the current President's cabinet was more of an influence on this 3I-ATLAS review than curiosity was. If you wanted to know how I feel about this you can rewatch it live.  Two major themes for me: - Don't be an intellectual bully. There are curious people out there who are not trolling you (NASA). Talk to those people without demeaning their curiosity - The definition of a "Comet" is vague and outdated. Just like Pluto needed to be reclassified as a dwarf planet, we need a better term for th

We were LIVE hanging out for the 2nd launch of Blue Origin's New Glenn - this episode is a compilation of the best moments from launch, including the audio and sounds of launch, landing, and pure success from Team Blue. Make sure to follow us online and hang out in the chat in the future! Come hang, Ask questions, and let's all learn more and have a blast watching the Next Space Culture Moment LIVE Are you a big New Glenn or Blue Origin Fan? Check out our Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348   Timestamps: 00:00 New Glenn Launch and Blue Origin's Achievements 02:25 Live Stream and Launch Preparations 03:27 NASA's ESCAPADE Mission and Its Importance 08:55 Challenges and Significance of the Launch 10:51 Countdown and Launch Sequence  23:44 Post-Launch Updates and Analysis 24:58 Blue Origin's Future and Reusability 31:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn

We are joined by experts from Xometry, a company that many engineer's have grabbed instant quotes & custom parts on demand with CNC machining, 3D printing, and more. This week, we are joined by Mike Cavalieri and Greg Paulsen - both leaders at Xometry. Our guests are experts in rapid prototyping to full production and have helped big Space Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, NASA, and more when they need a reliable machine shop to make parts for space applications.  We discuss their origin stories, how 3D Printing can be helpful in Space applications, and what kinds of parts have been made for Aerospace. While they can't get too into the specifics, we get a great deep dive into how Xometry plays a big role in helping customers find unique advantages with 3D printing. We also discuss big topics like Manufacturing in America, and how platforms like Xometry can help skilled machine shops in the US find customers using their powerful tools and data. When AI is combined with their skilled experts in many manuf

Catch the latest on SpaceX's Starship Development with Flight 11! This video is a compilation of the launch and reentry of both the Super Heavy Booster and Starship S38. If you are looking for a fun launch hangout for Starship Flight 11 - here's the best of from our live stream during the launch. We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!) Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903 SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640 Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348 Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net

Trevor Smith, Founder and CEO of Atomic-6, shares his origin story and journey from a commercial real estate broker to leading a company specializing in near-theoretical high-performance composites. Some of Atomic-6's innovations include:  - A composite debris shield for the International Space Station, which outperformed traditional aluminum shields in tests. - Development on a redeployable solar array system, Light Wing, which offers significantly improved space power efficiency. - Composite Radomes that provide a great balance of functionality and light-weighting - And so much more - with video examples!! Trevor also shares on the importance of incentive alignment and 'delusional optimism' in order to succeed and lead in entrepreneurship. Learn more about Atomic-6 in this episode and make sure to check out their website for more: https://www.atomic-6.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Trevor Smith's Role as CEO and The Power of Incentive Alignment 02:22 Trevor's Origin Story and Early Career 06:32 Atomic-6's Early Day

On this episode of Today In Space, we are honored to have the creators of "The Complete Book of Spacecraft" 2nd Edition on the podcast to discuss deeply about space, storytelling, and humanity in the 3rd Age of Spaceflight!  We begin learning about each creator's origin story, Michael H. Gorn, Giuseppe De Chiara, Davide Sivolella - all who are active within the space industry in their own way. We then dive into storytelling, the 3 Ages of Space, Human Spaceflight, and their thoughts on the Space Conundrum. If you are massive space fan this book & the podcast episode are for YOU!  And like any space-nerd podcast, we also debate the current state of space exploration, the evolving definition of an Astronaut, the duality of Civilian/Private & Military Space Programs, including NASA's decline, China's progress, and SpaceX's dominance. Thankfully, we close with a little optimism for the future, the importance of teamwork in space (and on earth), and hope for humanity after we've had a hell of a year so far

SpaceX Starship Flight 10 was AMAZING to watch live, and challenging, since it took three attempts! But SpaceX delivered. Big Time, with Flight 10. We went through, cleaned up the audio, and got the live launch hangout from liftoff to landings! Relive Flight 10 with us! And make sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next live launch hangout! Apologies for the very random posting. Catching up on content after some work over at AG3D Labs (lots more to come). Lots of good stuff, just a lot of work getting done! Here's to building a fantastic future for all of us! Your Host, Alex G. Orphanos Timestamps: 00:00 Starship Flight 10 Recap and Introduction 02:59 Countdown and Initial Flight Details  05:18 Booster and Starship Separation 10:00 Landing and Payload Deployment 32:50Orbital Insertion and Reentry 44:00 Reentry and Heat Shield Testing59:00 Landing Burn and Splashdown Conclusion and Future Plans (1:04:24) We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D pr

I can't believe August is almost over! It's been a wild month, and I'm catching you up on all of it. From lay-offs, to new opportunities, and the lessons learned from the last "era" of my career, we're diving in! The Space Conundrum is in full effect - and like many I am feeling the times as I enter unemployment. I chat about my last 8 years in the 3D printing industry, some stories from the early days, and all of the lessons I am taking away from that awesome time with talented people. On the other side of things, I am very excited to be on my new adventure fusing 3D printing + AI. A new chapter, new challenges, and more opportunities than I can pay attention to! Excited to share more with you - go over to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & make sure you sign up for our newsletter! For the long time listeners - thanks so much for all your support, we're almost at 400 episodes! We're thinking something special for number 400...let us know if you have any ideas Here's to building a fantastic future for all

Alex shares his experience at the National Sports Card Convention in Chicago, highlighting the amazing VeeFriends community and the diverse collectibles he found, including a $12,000 signed Princess Leia card. He discusses his car troubles en route to Maine, and draws parallels to totalled spacecraft contingencies and what space AAA might look like. To close the episode, Alex promotes AG3D Labs, emphasizing 3D printing and AI tools, and discusses upcoming projects and shares his thoughts on NASA's workforce cuts, the progress of SpaceX's Starship Flight 10, and invites everyone to join in our live Stargazing and Vibes streams on social media. Keywords: space science, VeeFriends community, emotional intelligence, National Sports Card Convention, trading card tournament, 3D printing, AG3D labs, AI tools, telescope, stargazing, NASA cuts, SpaceX Starship, software updates, hardware and software. Timestamps: 00:00 Adventures in Space and Collectibles 02:45 Community Events and Car Troubles 05:49 3D Printing and A

In this episode, Alex discusses his transition from aerospace engineering to 3D printing with the next adventure being AI development. Also, we're getting Space Internet with Starlink! Lot's of updates from Behind The Scenes at Today In Space - between a deep dive of what Space Internet is like, to AI Tool development, and stories about new adventures in life and career. All while there is chaos about the funding at NASA and what the future holds in the second Space Conundrum. Not to mention, a new venture with Alex's friend & business partner Matt Guy of Niche3D (niche3d.io to learn more about Matt) on early August! Let's dive in! Thanks for joining us for our adventure here at Today In Space and AG3D Labs Here's to building a fantastic future, on Earth and off it - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)! Spread Love, Spread Science Alex G. Orphanos Timestamps: 00:00 Space Internet and Starlink 04:01 Skill Set LEVEL UP with AI  05:31 3D Printing and Podcasting Skill Adventures 07:33 Building Our

Josh Dorfman, CEO, Co-Founder and host of Super Cool, joins us this week to share his origin story and entrepreneurial journey in climate technology, influenced by his parents' business and his international experiences. From sustainable furniture to founding Planted (a company that produces carbon-negative building materials), to now Co-Founder, CEO and Host of Super Cool, Josh is passionately working to bring the climate innovations happening around the world to business and individuals for a better planet - today. We also discuss the need for storytelling in order to promote climate tech innovations and the benefits to everyone. Great conversation! Check out Super Cool! https://getsuper.cool/ Super Cool is a podcast, newsletter, and hosts curated events to spotlight climate innovators and initiatives and distill their playbooks for building the low-carbon future. Here's to building a fantastic future, on Earth and off it - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)! Spread Love, Spread Science Alex G.

On Independence Day 2025, Alex discusses the current state of the U.S. space program and the world, searching for ways to navigate the chaos. We make historical parallels with the 1970s, during the end of the first space race and the post-Apollo era tumble (i.e. the end of the 1st Space Conundrum). Alex emphasizes the importance of mental freedom and adaptability in navigating societal chaos, and how he is practicing gratitude and using it as a tool for maintaining focus on what matters. We close out with some gratitude on the return of the last 10 years of space progress, and the glimmer of hope Alex sees in humanity during these trying times. Wishing you a fulfilling and restful Independence Day - urging you to find your own mental freedom, and finding insights into today by learning more about the 1970s. Here's to building a fantastic future - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)!  Spread Love, Spread Science Alex G. Orphanos Timestamps: 00:00 Fourth of July Episode Introduction and Podcast Promo

Welcome to Today In Space podcast - and another People of Space segment! This week we get an aerospace engineer's perspective. We learn about what it takes to develop a Human Landing System for NASA, and go head to head with the like's of Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk in the Space Industry. But more importantly, we learn about values and how they can help us overcome burnout, reconnect with what matters, and live with purpose. I'm excited to introduce the author of the book "The Unconditionals" - Andy Crocker. Andy is an aerospace executive with three decades of experience across human and robotic exploration, hypersonics, and missile defense. He’s held senior roles at several companies, leading the development of innovative technologies and managing complex system programs for NASA, commercial, and Department of Defense customers. As a strategic leader, he’s built high-performance teams and contributed to some of the most ambitious projects in aerospace, including NASA’s Human Landing System. For the space fans,

On this episode, we discuss the second attempt by the Japanese company iSpace to land their Hakuto-R rover on the moon. The lander was lost on descent and no communication followed. What happened? What was the root cause of the failure? Why is the moon so hard to land on? This week we touch on the broader spectrum of space exploration, including the improbable but successful Apollo 11 mission and the challenges for the current push for lunar missions by various nations and private companies. We'd love to know YOUR thoughts - so make sure to reach out to us on social or email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com Here's to building a fantastic future - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)! Spread Love, Spread Science Alex G. Orphanos Timestamps: 00:00 Ispace Moon Landing Attempt and Initial Findings 02:02 Challenges, Technical Issues, and Range Finder Problems 13:35 Comparison with Apollo 11 and Current Lunar Missions 20:32 Ispace's Future Plans and the Importance of Learning 20:47 Best-of Live Broad

Welcome to Today In Space podcast - and another People of Space segment. This week we have an expert in space medicine & health. As we enter an age where more and more humans go into space, to the moon, mars, and beyond - and even just in zero g - a better understanding about the wide spectrum of humans in space environments is needed. And that's why I'm excited to introduce Dr Saralyn Mark expert in space medicine, women’s health, endocrinology, and geriatrics. As President and CEO of SolaMed Solutions, LLC and its space subsidiary, she advises organizations and agencies including NASA, HHS, and the White House on health and space-related policies and programs. Dr. Mark is also President of iGIANT®, the only nonprofit accelerating gendered innovation/precision design in the world. Join us as we dive into Space Health with Dr. Mark and talk about the past, present, and future of human health & spaceflight! Learn more about SolaMed Solutions, LLC here: solamedsolutions.com Timestamps: 01:00 Dr. Sarah L

This week, Alex shares his thoughts on practical uses of technology. As an engineer, it's hard not to focus on how technology could be useful. On today's episode, we're talking about AI and the good that can come from practical daily use of it. But, we're also talking about the bad and the ugly that comes with using it, and how most of Alex's perspective on the future of AI comes from playing 'Megaman: Battle Network' as a teenager. As AI Tools enter the market more and more (and are embedded into more products) it's important to discuss all aspect of it, the good the bad and the ugly. Alex even shares how AI introduced a new 'blind spot' where relying on these tools for speed and efficiency led to what we would call an "ugly" moment. Nothing but honesty and sharing learning experiences so we can all have the best chance of partnering with AI and not losing our humanity. We'd love to hear from you! Whether you are using AI on the regular, are curious but aprehensive, or all-in - reach out to us and share your

On this episode, we have Roman Chiporukha, the Co-Founder & CEO of SpaceVIP on the podcast to talk everything 'Space Tourism'. SpaceVIP was responsible for booking the Axiom-1 Spaceflight mission to the ISS! But that's not all that Roman & SpaceVIP are working on to play a part in building the space economy, creating cultural moments with tourist flights to the edge of space, and helping premium customers have one place to access every "Astronaut" experience possible. SpaceVIP is making it easier for individuals with means to access everything the space industry has to offer to this kind of experience in today's world. Just like early air travel, we discuss the reality of technology development for "access to space" like we have today with "access to air". But we also vent about the struggle the space industry has for itself, and after the Blue Origin NS-31 All-Female flight to the edge of space and back! Check out spacevip.com to learn more! We'd love to know what YOU think! Comment below, or message

6 Women took flight on Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket to the edge of space and a powder keg of hype and celebrity blew up the internet. Something about this all-female mission triggered people from all sides, with many jumping on the trend or not even realizing this billionare space race has been underway for a while (or even what the Karman line is). This episode lays out some basic facts about the mission and dedicates coverage of the two women with (IMO) the most powerful stories of the NS-31 crew, Aisha Bowe and Amanda Nguyen. These are chaotic times, with people chasing the algorithm - but that doesn't mean we can't share the powerful stories underneath the hype & celebrity of it all. The Space Conundrum is in full effect! So let's dig in to try and understand WHY and hear Aisha & Amanda's stories in their own voices. Thanks for joining us Timestamps: 00:00 Blue Origin NS-31 Backlash & Our Focus 02:17 Breakdown of Blue Origin NS-31 Mission 03:37 Hype & Celebrity with Space Tourism 05:44