Talking Space

Episode 236: Talking Space Tries

On this very special episode, we invite on special guest Mike Mullane: Air Force Colonel, veteran of 3 space shuttle flights, and author of Do Your Ears Pop in Space and 500 Other Surprising Questions about Space Travel as well as his astronaut memoir, Riding Rockets: The Outrageous Tales of a Space Shuttle Astronaut. We discuss the details his memoir as well as his personal experiences in space flight. We also discuss the fact in which Col. Mullane few aboard STS-41 D, the maiden voyage of the space shuttle Discovery as we approach STS-133-her final fight. This is an episode not to be missed! To purchase Mike Mullane's books on Amazon, Do Your Ears Pop in Space and 500 Other Surprising Questions about Space Travel and Riding Rockets: The Outrageous Tales of a Space Shuttle Astronaut, click on the title of the book and it will redirect you in a new window. [Note, links are attached here. To view them, please visit http://talkingspaceonline.com] For more information on Mike Mullane, visit his website: http://mikemullane.com Host this week: Gene Mikulka. Panel Members: Gina Herlihy, Mark Ratterman, Sawyer Rosenstein, and special guest Col. Mike Mullane Show Recorded - 10/14/2010

Episode 235: Stop, Drop, and Suborbital Flight

On this episode, the team discusses the successful launch and docking of the new digital Soyuz TMA-01M carrying the Expedition 25 crew to the International Space Station for a 5-1/2 month stay aboard the orbiting complex. We then discuss the successful drop test of the VSS Enterprise, or Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo and its implications for the future of commercial flight. We then indulge on a lengthy discussion regarding the belief that NASA should design its own spacecraft, not congress, as well as going into a brief history of the shuttle as we get into budgetary discussions. Lastly, after talking about the new Obama-approved future of NASA, we finally go out of left field and discuss the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) grants being issued for research into private space flight and space ports. Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gina Herlihy, Gene Mikulka, and Mark Ratterman Show Recorded - 10/10/2010

Episode 234: And We're ARF

On this episode, the whole team of four is back in action. First, we discuss Mark's visit to the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility (ARF) for the final mating of the External Tank and Solid Rocket Boosters for STS-134 scheduled for launch in February 2011. Many former members as well as astronauts were there for the occasion and we have audio clips from them, as well as the team's reaction. We also discuss the passing of NASA's budget. However, it's not appropriated yet, so it is still unofficial. We discuss our reactions to what is actually in the budget. We then move on to the finding of a "Goldilocks Zone" planet possibly able to harbor life. As well, we wish NASA a happy 52nd birthday and congratulate our good friend Miles O'Brien on his new job as the science correspondent for the PBS News Hour. Please note: The outro music is copyright Thin Lizzy and Vertigo Records. Talking Space is in no way associated with Vertigo Records and the audio clip is used under Fair Use. Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gina Herlihy, Gene Mikulka, and Mark Ratterman Show Recorded - 10/3/2010

Episode 233: Go With the Flow

Mark Ratterman attended the final roll out of Orbiter Vehicle 103, known as the Space Shuttle Discovery and describes his experiences while at the Kennedy Space Center. He also had the opportunity to speak with Stephanie Stilson, NASA Flow Director overseeing Discovery's processing operations, a duty she has had since December 2000. Mark also attended the arrival of Space Shuttle External Tank Number 122 and helps to tell it's interesting story. Other items discussed include the change of command on board the International Space Sation, The return home of Expedition 24, JAXA having issues selling space on the it's KIBO module on board the ISS, ESA and SpaceX announcing delays, The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter taking a nap, and the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity turning into a Meteorite Hunter! Two pictures were inserted here. To view them, please visit http://talkingspaceonline.com Host this week: Gene Mikulka Panel Member: Mark Ratterman.