Episodes
Monday Apr 12, 2021
Episode 1302: Turn it Up to SN-11
Monday Apr 12, 2021
Monday Apr 12, 2021
This episode is full of plenty of rockets and missions going up....and one that went down explosively.
On this episode, we begin with two crew launches. First the Soyuz MS-18 mission and why an American astronaut was added only a few months before launch. Plus a quick look ahead to Crew-2 aboard a Crew Dragon, and a possible new tradition started by the crew.
Next it's on to Mars, where the Ingenuity helicopter is set to take off. This isn't just significant for future Mars exploration. We go into the potential historical impact of a mini helicopter flying on another world.
Then it's onto the nominee for NASA's next administrator, former Senator Bill Nelson (D) Florida. Former administrator Jim Bridenstine thinks it's a good pick, but what does the panel think?
Then it's onto SpaceX. First, the farewell to Ms. Tree and Ms. Chief, the fairing recovery ships. What does this mean for reusability.
Last but no least, it's all about SN-11, the Starship test flight from Boca Chica (or Starbase depending on your preference) Texas. The mission went up under heavy fog before exploding before landing. What does this mean for the program? Can you still get enough data from just telemetry as opposed to visuals? What led to the decision to fly on that day and how is the FAA somehow involved? Also, is SpaceX learning from these test flights or is it just for show? We look at all these questions and more.
Show recorded 4-7-2021
Host: Sawyer Rosenstein
Panelists: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman,
Tuesday Mar 23, 2021
Episode 1301: Three Cheers for Mars
Tuesday Mar 23, 2021
Tuesday Mar 23, 2021
One week, three crafts, one planet. On this first episode of Season 13 we're aiming for Mars.
We discuss three successful missions arriving at the red planet within one week of each other, the "Hope" mission from the United Arab Emirates, China's Tianwen-1 Mission, and the most discussed mission of the three, NASA's Perseverance Rover. We go into all of the amazing firsts so far, and what the mission should accomplish during its time on the red planet. Also, find out why Mark doesn't like calling the rover "Percy".
Next, we discuss the future for RocketLab, including their CEO literally eating their hat as they announce the design of a new rocket.
Finally we discuss the Inspiration 4 mission, which will send ordinary people to space along with helping a good cause...but is it really giving anybody a chance to go, or is it favoring certain people more than others?
Show recorded 3-1-2021
Host: Sawyer Rosenstein
Panelists: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman, Dr. Kat Robison
Tuesday Feb 23, 2021
Episode 1207: Farewell 2020
Tuesday Feb 23, 2021
Tuesday Feb 23, 2021
Better late than never, so here's an episode full of launch and landing audio!
We begin with the launches Talking Space was fortunate to be at, including the first launch of the upgraded SpaceX Cargo Dragon, the much delayed Delta IV Heavy carrying NROL-44, and a launch and Return to Launch Site (RTLS) landing of a Falcon 9 booster from NROL-108.
We also discuss the recent launch and landing attempt for SpaceX's Starhopper SN-8 mission, and why ending in an explosion isn't necessarily a bad thing. They're not the only ones doing tests. Virgin Galactic is as well, and we've got the latest on their tests to get back into flight.
Finally we take a look at the NASA Authorization Bill, which looks at where the money will go for NASA's budget...and it definitely leaves a little to be desired...or does it? Listen to find out all the details.
Show recorded 12-4-2020
Host: Sawyer Rosenstein
Panelists: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman
Saturday Dec 05, 2020
Episode 1206: All For One, Crew-1 For All
Saturday Dec 05, 2020
Saturday Dec 05, 2020
From the Earth to the Space Station to the Moon, Talking Space is proud to be a part of history!
On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the successful launch of the Crew-1 mission, sending four astronauts to the International Space Station.
We discuss all of the major historical achievements made during this mission. We also discuss what the atmosphere is like at the press site for a crew launch, in particular during a pandemic, and if the fan fare and unique feeling of a crew launch still exist.
We also end up discussion fashion and whether the public was really interested in this launch.
Next we discuss Rocket Lab's foray into reusability, and discuss the one thing we wish we knew to determine if reusability, especially from a company like SpaceX, is feasible.
We also discuss China's successful landing on the moon and the scientific and cultural significance of this mission.
Finally we say farewell to the Arecibo Radio Telescope, which has collapsed since this was recorded. We look into the main factors that led to the crash, since we believe it wasn't just storms or wear-and-tear behind the damage.
Show recorded 11-25-2020
Host: Sawyer Rosenstein
Panelists: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman, Kat Robison
Monday Nov 02, 2020
Episode 1205: "Scrubtember" Leads to "Grabtober"
Monday Nov 02, 2020
Monday Nov 02, 2020
On this episode of Talking Space, we go from the high-highs of space exploration to the low-lows of launch scrubs.
We begin with the announcement of water being found on the light side of the moon. We talk about the unique way it was actually discovered...and what we need to know before we can mine it and use it during future missions.
Then it's onto the continuing story of OSIRIS-REx, which successfully captured its sample from asteroid Bennu. We'll look at the unexpected issue it encountered and why every sample won't be studied when it returns to earth.
Then it's a review of "Scrubtember" and "Scrubtober" which saw an entire month without a U.S. launch, and Talking Space was there for many of them. Hear what it's like to scrub with an engine fire...then scrub again...then scrub another time as the press grows anxious and frustrated, and what it took to finally break the bad luck streak.
Next new crewmembers are now aboard the ISS, including the historic way they got to the station...and why the next crew will also make history.
After that, do you know how many different groups or organizations need to get clearance before a rocket can launch from the U.S.? Mark Ratterman takes us inside licensing for rocket launches and landings.
Finally, we go in-depth into the Artemis Accords, the follow-up to the Outer Space Treaty, and the one article in particular that could cause problems as private companies begin mining the moon, Mars, and asteroids.
Show recorded10-27-2020
Host: Sawyer Rosenstein
Panelists: Mark Ratterman, Kat Robison
Tuesday Aug 18, 2020
Episode 1204: From Liftoff to Splashdown
Tuesday Aug 18, 2020
Tuesday Aug 18, 2020
On this episode of Talking Space, we tackle two major stories, the launch of Mars 2020 and the landing of Crew Dragon Endeavour.
We start with the launch of the Perseverance rover and the Ingenuity helicopter. We look at some of the unique items onboard, as well as listen to the launch audio we recorded from a few miles away. In addition to the mission, we talk about what it's like to cover a launch during a pandemic (with special thanks to the 45th Space Wing) and how a Mars spacecraft sterilizer is helping in the fight against COVID-19.
Then it's onto SpaceX and the successful return of the Crew Dragon capsule from the ISS. We look at the successes and some of the items they found need to be improved, including stray boats and possibly toxic hypergolic fuels.
Finally, we debate a tweet by President Donald Trump about the state of NASA. Mark and Gene get into an interesting debate over the state of the space program and who we can thank for where we are today.
Show recorded 8-10-2020
Host: Sawyer Rosenstein
Panelists: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman
Tuesday Jul 28, 2020
Episode 1203: 3 Missions, 1 Planet
Tuesday Jul 28, 2020
Tuesday Jul 28, 2020
On this episode of Talking Space, the main focus is on Mars as three countries send missions to the red planet.
We discuss the United Arab Emirates first mission to the red planet and the implications it has for the country and that part of the world.
We then discuss China's mission which was also launched, their first solo mission to Mars, and discuss where their space program stands right now and if they could become a major player again in space.
Finally NASA is up with their Mars 2020 mission and the Perseverance rover.
We discuss some launch successes and one failure unfortunately for Rocket Labs of their Electron rocket and what it means for their future. We also discuss another delay of the James Webb Space Telescope and what you can do to see Comet NEOWISE before it disappears.
Kat Robison brings us a special piece on a space pioneer you may not have heard of, Ed Dwight. You can read the original article by clicking here.
Finally we remember U.S. Representative John Lewis and his surprising connection to the International Space Station.
Show recorded 7-19-2020
Host: Sawyer Rosenstein
Panelists: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman, Kat Robison
Thursday Dec 13, 2018
Episode 1010: Wisdom From A Legend in Heliophysics
Thursday Dec 13, 2018
Thursday Dec 13, 2018
Back in mid -August of 2018 as a phalanx of reporters and social media attendees awaited the launch of the Parker Solar Probe, we were all given a grand opportunity to listen to and glean a little wisdom from Dr. Eugene Parker, the spacecraft’s namesake. Dr. Parker’s contributions unveiled the supersonic nature of the Sun’s solar wind, an observation he was at first ridiculed for but eventually was proven correct by the Mariner 2 spacecraft.
This was an unprecedented opportunity and one that was not announced until those in attendance were told to stay for an incredible thirty minutes of wisdom from the 92-year-old astrophysicist.
This rare 30-minute event so far as we know, has never been broadcast in its entirety. NASA indicated they planned to use segments however no other media outlet has offered any of the contents of the event, until now.
Born on July 10, 1927, Dr. Parker Received his Bachelor’s Degree in Physics from Michigan State University in 1948, and his PhD. from the California Institute of Technology in 1951. He then spent 4 years at the University of Utah then the University of Chicago form 1955 until present day.
Dr. Parker developed a theory on the supersonic nature of the solar wind and predicted the spiral shape of the solar magnetic field in the outer solar system. His predictions were very controversial in fact two reviewer’s rejected Dr. Parker’s work outright. His theories were later published and in the 1960’s proven by the Mariner 2 Satellite. Dr. Parker’s work contributed greatly to the understanding of the nature of the solar wind, the solar corona and magnetic fields.
He is the S. Chandrasekhar Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the Enrico Fermi Institute, University of Chicago and recipient of the Medal for Exceptional Achievement in Research from the American Physical Society. NASA named the Parker Solar Probe to honor his body of work and is contribution to the field of heliophysics. Dr. Parker is the only living scientist to have a spacecraft named in his honor.
To learn more about Dr. Eugene Parker, click here.
To learn more about the Parker Solar Probe, click here
Show Host – Gene Mikulka, with Sawyer Rosenstein
Friday Sep 21, 2018
Episode 1008: Up-Close with the Sun: Part 2
Friday Sep 21, 2018
Friday Sep 21, 2018
It's not just about getting to the sun, it's about the people behind the mission making it all happen. That's what this episode of Talking Space is all about.
We speak with four integral members of the Parker Solar Probe team. The mission launched successfully in early August. To hear more about the mission along with the spectacular Delta IV Heavy launch audio, be sure to check out Part 1 in Episode 1007.
In this episode, we begin speaking with Dr. Adam Szabo, the mission scientist for Parker Solar Probe. From him we learn more about the mission objectives, how the gravity assist will be different from those in the past, and how PSP fits in with the host of solar observing missions already in orbit.
Next, we speak with David McComas of Princeton University who is in charge of the ISʘIS experiment. We discuss more about the role of the instrument, along with his excitement, plus a person "struggle" so-to-speak that's he's used to his advantage and hopes to share with others.
Then, we hear from two of the mission's leads immediately following the successful liftoff. That includes project scientist and soon to be head of Heliophysics at NASA Nikki Fox and Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen about the status of the mission and what's next for the spacecraft as it nears its first Venus encounter to help slow it down.
Stay tuned for Part 3, following our normal news episode, featuring a Q&A which you can only hear in high quality in its entirety here with Dr. Eugene Parker. The session was held for a very limited audience before launch and has never been aired in its entirety, so stay tuned!
Show recorded 8-19-2018
Host: Sawyer Rosenstein
Panelist: Gene Mikulka with special guest interviews recorded on location at the Kennedy Space Center.
Sunday Aug 26, 2018
Episode 1007: Up-Close with the Sun: Part 1
Sunday Aug 26, 2018
Sunday Aug 26, 2018
On part one of this extremely special three-part Talking Space, hear the sound of a Delta IV Heavy launching a mission to the sun and hear from the scientists behind it!
We begin with the successful launch of the Parker Solar Probe mission, which is set to "touch the sun". This mission will set many records, and you'll hear all about them. You'll hear about the delays and the successes, including the launch audio as the Delta IV Heavy roared into the early morning sky and continued to rumble for minutes after launch. Hear from some of the science heads on the mission, as well as the new NASA Chief Scientist Jim Green.
Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 coming out over the next three weeks where you'll hear more interviews from scientists, some exclusive behind-the-scenes access and a rare Q&A that you may never hear elsewhere in its entirety.
[A photo gallery was inserted here. To view it visit http://talkingspaceonline.com]
Show recorded 8-19-2018
Host: Sawyer Rosenstein
Panelist: Gene Mikulka with special guest interviews recorded on location at the Kennedy Space Center.