Episodes
Monday Apr 08, 2024
Episode 1605: Getting the NAC of Things
Monday Apr 08, 2024
Monday Apr 08, 2024
Is the NASA Advisory Council (NAC) system becoming unglued? During the NAC Science Committee meeting on March 21st, there were significant questions about the Primary NAC and its ability to deliver recommendations to NASA's leadership expeditiously so they can be acted upon by NASA Leadership. That wasn't the only thing on the minds of NASA's scientists and advisors. The Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-Ray Observatory are profoundly impacted by NASA's austere FY 24 and FY 25 budget constraints, and one of the two missions may face cancellation. Also, the significant demands placed on NASA's Deep Space Network were of major concern. We report on what was said and offer analysis.
The Intuitive Machines IM-1 mission was officially declared completed when, as predicted, the robotic Odysseus lunar lander did not respond to a "wake-up" call on March 23rd. Larry Herrin and Mark Ratterman talked with Chantelle Baier, CEO of 4Space, who facilitated one of the commercial payloads on the IM-1 mission, to wrap up her experiences on the flight and discuss future endeavors. See Jeff Koons Moon Phases web site to explore the details of his art, exploring themes of connectivity and acceptance.
NASA extended its call for new astronaut applications through April 16th and Mark Ratterman highlights what the US Army is doing to encourage applicants in its ranks.
After the joint Boeing Space/NASA press conferences last week highlighting the upcoming first crewed flight test of the CST 100 Starliner, some words were put out on social media by some prominent individuals in space advocacy berating Boeing Space. In a commentary, Gene Mikulka poses a question: Can't we wish Butch Wilmore and Sunni Williams well and forget about wearing our corporate t-shirts for a little while?
Finally, Space exploration lost two giants this past week, and we look back on the lives and contributions of former astronaut General Thomas P. Stafford and former Johnson Spaceflight Center Director George W.S. Abbey.
All this and more, on this episode of Talking Space!
Host: Larry Herrin
Panel Members: Gene Mikulka & Mark Ratterman - Dr. Kat Robison and Sawyer Rosenstein will return.
Saturday Mar 23, 2024
Episode 1604: Starship Flight 3 Recap; Safely Watch the April 8 Solar Eclipse
Saturday Mar 23, 2024
Saturday Mar 23, 2024
We’re giving up on new ways to describe how busy it is now in the world of space-related news. Nonetheless, we still have a Starship Flight 3 recap, a look at the next (and last) Delta IV Heavy launch, and we also focus on the upcoming total solar eclipse. But first, in the News Roundup, even more, including:
- Crew 7 returns from the ISS;
- RocketLab’s Electron booster launches the “Owl Night Long” mission for Japan-based Synspective;
- Japan-based Space One launch vehicle explodes during first launch;
- SpaceX’s controversial land-swap deal in Texas;
- The White House releases NASA 2025 budget on the heels of the final fiscal year 2024 spending bill for NASA, NOAA and FAA;
- NASA network of small moon rovers gets ready for work on IM-2 mission;
The Post-Delta-IV-Heavy Future of Launch Complex 37
Next, the team discusses some possible alternatives for the future of Space Launch Complex 37 on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. The USAF conducted a public hearing (both in-person and online, which Gene attended) to discuss the two options. One is for SpaceX to take over LC-37 and convert it for use by the Starship Super Heavy. The other is to establish a new LC-50, to be located between SpaceX’s LC-40 and ULA’s LC-41. Charles Boyer from “Talk of Titusville” outlines the entire plan here.
How to Safely Enjoy the Upcoming Solar Eclipse
Gene shares his previous solar eclipse viewing experiences and provides a few handy safety tips as well.
According to the site TimeandDate , the first sign of a partial eclipse in North America is to start at 15:42 UTC (that's 11:42 AM EDT) on April 8, 2024, and will end about 20:52 UTC or 4:52 PM EDT.
NASA has a good site as well if you are looking for when to look in your area, NASA’s Eclipse Explorer can give you information about your town to see if you are in the path of totality. So can a moving map animation at greatamericaneclipse.com.
And if you get rained out or clouded over? Never fear, NASA TV will be providing coverage.
Starship Flight 3 Recap
Finally, the team recaps their impressions of the third test flight of Starship Super Heavy. While both booster and ship were prematurely lost (which, by regulation, requires that SpaceX conduct another Mishap Investigation), there were a number of notable achievements to highlight on this test flight. There were a number of lowlights as well. We discuss it all.
Please be sure to let us know your thoughts on the topics we discuss. You can always reach us at mailbag@TalkingSpaceOnline.com. You now have a way to easily send us a voice recording that we may use on the show: just click on the blue microphone icon at the bottom right of any page at TalkingSpaceOnline.com.
Show recorded 03-17-2024.
Host: Larry Herrin
Panelist(s): Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman (Dr. Kat Robison and Sawyer Rosenstein will return)
Podcast Editor: Larry Herrin
TalkingSpaceOnline.com episode page photo credits:
CADRE Mars Yard Tests: NASA/JPL-CalTech
Friday Jul 14, 2023
Episode 1507: A Secret Mission and … OceanGate’s Titan?
Friday Jul 14, 2023
Friday Jul 14, 2023
You may ask, “Why are we talking about the OceanGate Expeditions’ Titan submersible tragedy in a podcast dedicated to space-related stuff?” The commonality with undersea exploration is the lack of Human Commercial Spaceflight Safety Regulations. Do we need more regulation? The team muses about this issue in this episode of Talking Space.
But first, the News Roundup:
- Mark manages to both provide us interesting info as well as to humanize the launch he witnessed of a classified military payload -- the mission designated NROL-68.
- A classified military orbital mission notwithstanding, there’s still lots of news we CAN provide details about in this episode, including the ribbon-cutting ceremony for NASA’s Earth Resource Information Center in Washington, D.C.
- The final flight of the Ariane V, VA261, was postponed during rollout. After an additional weather delay on July 4, the final launch of the Ariane 5 rocket took place on Wednesday, July 5.
- Ecuador and India become the 26th and 27th signatories of the Artemis Accords.
- The Mars Sample Return mission’s cost has skyrocketed, according to a report in Ars Technica. Will it affect the budgets or existence of other planetary research missions? Gene has some insights.
- The Deep Space Food Challenge, an international competition sponsored by NASA to innovate food production for deep space missions, is heading into its final phase. Mark has details.
Please be sure to let us know your thoughts on the topics we discuss. You can always reach us at mailbag@TalkingSpaceOnline.com .
Show recorded 06-25-2023.
Host: Sawyer Rosenstein
Panelist(s): Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman and Larry Herrin (Dr. Kat Robison will return)
Podcast Editor: Mark Ratterman
NROL-68 Mission Patch photo credit: NRO, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Delta IV Heavy launch photo credit: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., (June 22, 2023) A ULA Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the NROL-68 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office lifts off from Space Launch Complex-37 at 5:18 a.m. EDT on June 22. Photos by United Launch Alliance
Delta IV Heavy opening a portal to the heavens Photo Credit: Lavie Ohana @Lavie154 @WeAreSpaceScout
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
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
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.
Monday Mar 12, 2018
Episode 1003: Creepy Face in Space
Monday Mar 12, 2018
Monday Mar 12, 2018
50 Falcons, falling stations, private ISS, the dreaded NASA budget and a lot of hate mail...all in one episode!
On this episode of Talking Space, we begin with our launch round-up including GOES-S, the 50th Falcon 9 launch, and the return of three crewmembers from the ISS and the preparations for the next launch later this month. Then it's onto a creepy talking head that'll be soon heading to the ISS, as well as another space station, Tiangong-1, that could fall pretty much anywhere as professionals track it and amateurs buy umbrellas. Next it's the dreaded NASA budget review, including a meeting with NASA Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot and congressional budget officials. In this is the discussion of potentially privatizing the ISS, getting NASA out of low earth orbit, and dealing with NASA's "leaning tower of KSC".
We finish up with the Areceibo Radio Telescope getting new owners, a chance to get your name on the Parker Solar Probe, and a much-needed clarification segment. In this segment, we discuss and clarify all of our points regarding Falcon Heavy after some heated feedback on our last episode. Also be sure to stay past the outro music for a fun surprise.
To read Kat's published paper, click here.
To get your name on NASA's Parker Solar Probe, click here.
Show recorded 3-7-2018
Host: Sawyer Rosenstein
Panelists: Gene Mikulka and Kat Robison
Monday Feb 19, 2018
Episode 1002: Falcon Heavy Finally Flies
Monday Feb 19, 2018
Monday Feb 19, 2018
7 years...5 blocks...27 engines...2 booster landings...one spectacular Falcon Heavy launch. All that in this episode of Talking Space.
On this very special episode of Talking Space, we discuss the successful demonstration flight of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket. The launch took off February 6th, 2018 at 3:45pm ET followed by the two side boosters landing a short time after. The core stage attempted to land on a barge but failed, and we'll explain why.
Our own Sawyer Rosenstein was there, so be ready to immerse yourself in the sounds of 27 engines firing at once, and be prepared to get startled by six simultaneous sonic booms.
In addition to that, we discuss our thoughts on the payload, Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster car with a dummy named "Starman" inside aimed for a mars orbital insertion distance without the insertion. You'll get our honest opinions on why some of us like the payload and others don't. In addition, Sawyer goes into everything that happened from L-1 until after the liftoff. Hear what it's like to go inside the pad, see more media at the press site than in at least 3 years if not more. You'll also hear both the good and bad of how the media was handled.
Lastly, we break down the numbers compared to other launch vehicles and see how powerful Heavy really is, and how those numbers led to a war of words on Twitter amongsome major private space companies.
In the show we discuss the comparison between its announcement and its launch. To hear our initial reactions from 2011 right after it was announced, check out a special blog post with a segment from our very own show back in Season 3 by visiting the blog page on our website or clicking here.
To read the thread between Doug Ellison and Elon Musk on Twitter, click here
For the TechCrunch article on what it was like to be there, check out their site here.
[A photo gallery was inserted here. To view it visit http://talkingspaceonline.com]
Show recorded 2-12-2018
Host: Sawyer Rosenstein
Panelists: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman and Kat Robison with special guest Falcon Heavy