Episodes
Monday Aug 11, 2014
Episode 614: NASA's Flying Saucer
Monday Aug 11, 2014
Monday Aug 11, 2014
On this episode of Talking Space, we look at two interesting events you can see with the naked eye, the Supermoon and the Perseid meteor shower. We talk about whether the supermoon is really that noticeable, or if we just make it seem bigger since we know it's supposed to be bigger. We then talk about three launches within one week, all from the same launch site in Florida. We also look at a fourth launch which was ESA's final ATV, and what this last resupply vehicle from Europe means for the future of the ISS. We then look at a flying saucer type device which NASA is studying for future use on Mars. Then, special guest Jason Rhian joins us for a summary of the 17th Annual International Mars Society Convention. Lastly, we look at a solar powered fridge.
Below is a video of NASA's LDSD "Flying Saucer". Video courtesy NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
[To view this video, visit http://talkingspaceonline.com]
For more on LDSD inclduing additional pictures and videos, visit the NASA website: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/tdm/ldsd/
For more on the Mars Society conference, check out Jason's story: http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/space-flight-news/17th-annual-international-mars-society-conference-closes-calls/
Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Member: Mark Ratterman with special guest Jason Rhian
Show recorded 08/11/2014
Friday Jul 18, 2014
Episode 613: All the SpaceFest-ivities Part 2
Friday Jul 18, 2014
Friday Jul 18, 2014
On this episode of Talking Space, we continue our discussion of SpaceFest VI, which was held in May in Pasadena, California. We begin where we left off last episode, with a look at some of the talks and panels from this year's event. We look at ion engines, the Russian space program, comets and more, all of which were discussed at the event. We include a final recap of some more of our favorite moments, and discuss a trip to the Mount Wilson Observatory after the event. Finally, we wrap up with another space event that happened the week after SpaceFest, and that was the International Space Development Conference, or ISDC. Mark Ratterman joins us with a special interview with Azam Shaghaghi about the event.
For more on SpaceFest, visit http://spacefest.info
For more on ISDC and other items heard during the interview, visit the following links:
https://twitter.com/STS_Canada
https://twitter.com/ISDC
http://nss.org/
http://isdc.nss.org/2014/index.html
An image was inserted here. To view it, visit http://talkingspaceonline.com
Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Member: Gene Mikulka with Mark Ratterman and special guest Azam Shaghaghi
Show recorded 06/06/2014
Wednesday Dec 11, 2013
Episode 539: Moon, Mars and Maybe Beyond
Wednesday Dec 11, 2013
Wednesday Dec 11, 2013
On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the dire state of planetary science at NASA. We look at both an article and a video by Bill Nye of the Planetary Society which lay out what the future of planetary science is, or shall we say isn't. We then mention the winners of the Axe/Lynx Apollo contest who will be going to space, and some interesting demographics about the group. We then talk about one team making a name for themselves in the race for the Google Lunar X Prize called Moon Express. We then take a look at another space podcast which should be added to your regular listening in addition to Talking Space called Omega Tau. On our second trip around the table, we take a look into a private venture aiming for Mars. We then look at the new endeavor which astronaut Mark Kelly is involved in which would brings passengers to near-space in a balloon. We finish off talking about one six-year-old's petition which gives hope for the future of spaceflight and humanity.
To listen to Omega Tau, check out http://omegataupodcast.net/
To sign the petition to help a six-year-old get more money to NASA, visit http://1.usa.gov/1hFmpNA
Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Emily Carney, Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman
Show Recorded 12/9/2013
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Monday Nov 25, 2013
Episode 536: All You Need To Be a MAVEN
Monday Nov 25, 2013
Monday Nov 25, 2013
On this episode of Talking Space, we talk about the successful launch of MAVEN on its way to Mars, and look at some amazing facts behind the mission, including cost. We then discuss the successful launch of 29 satellites at once from the Wallops Flight Facility. We then discuss some little known info about theMorpheus Lander. On our second and final trip around the table, we listen to a question asked at the MAVEN press conference by a reporter from the Travel Channel and try and answer it about NASA. We then look at how robots are playing a role in this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. To finish off, we review the Science Channel special "The Challenger Disaster" looking at Richard Feynman's role in the Rogers Commission report.
For more on the Challenger docudrama, visit http://science.discovery.com/tv-shows/the-challenger-disaster
We want to hear your opinion on two different stories! You can email us at mailbag@talkingspaceonilne.com, tweet us @talkingspace, or post it on our wall at http://facebook.com/talkingspace
Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman
Show Recorded 11/18/2013
Friday Nov 15, 2013
Episode 535: Smile for the Cameras
Friday Nov 15, 2013
Friday Nov 15, 2013
On this episode of Talking Space, we talk about the recent launch and return of crew members from the ISS, as well as their special cargo, the Olympic torch. We discuss the torch and whether this is symbolic or just a big publicity stunt. The, we talk about India's Mars Orbiter Mission, how much it cost, and if the cheap price tag means less science. Then, we talk about some great articles to read and charities to donate to by looking at Scott Carpenter. On our second trip around the table, we tackle four stories, including some private space. We start with a TV deal between Virgin Galactic and NBCUniversal to cover the first SpaceShipTwo launch. We then go into our continual in-depth look at all things space junk and debris with the reentry of GOCE and how photos and social media helped find out where it actually crashed. We then look at the interesting background of one of the 2013 Astronaut Class members. To finish it off, we answer a listener letter about our discussion of the Falcon 9R a few episodes back and if it really is cost-effective or not.
Thanks again to Clark for sending in the letter. You can send in your thoughts on anything we discussed by email to mailbag@talkingspaceonline.com, on Twitter @talkingspace or on Facebook atfacebook.com/talkingspace
For the article on Scott Carpenter, visit http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-110213a.html
As well, you can find the Astronaut Scholarhisp Foundation at http://astronautscholarship.org/
For the video on Christina Hammock in Alaska, visit http://youtu.be/ar1V0t2HF28
Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman
Show Recorded 11/11/2013
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Thursday Oct 17, 2013
Episode 532: Heroes All
Thursday Oct 17, 2013
Thursday Oct 17, 2013
On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the earth flyby of JUNO. All's well that ends well but the spacecraft dropping into safe mode made for a tense departure from earth outbound for its rendezvous with Jupiter in 2015. Gene refers to an article (linked here) by Ken Kremer detailing JUNO's return to full operation. To see the fun series of video's by Bill Nye teaching all about JUNO Watch "Why With Nye" http://missionjuno.swri.edu/why
DARPA proposes an experimental spaceplane, the XS-1 and it sounds good to us. Space based reality shows? Really, seriously? Well the NBC network and Virgin Galactic are behind it so stay tuned.... Roscosmos has a changing of the guard, with problems the past couple of years it sounds necessary.
We comment on a listener letter and cover a lot of ground about STEM and our ideas of how it can positively change lives.
LADEE is in orbit with some interesting science ahead. We remember Dr Mike Wargo who championed the moon at NASA HQ
We touch on the greatness of Astronaut and American hero Scott Carpenter.
He passed away on 10 October 2013 in Boulder Colorado.The web site http://scottcarpenter.com/ will reintroduce you to to this "Steely-Eyed Rocket Man"
Godspeed, Scott Carpenter
Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman
Show Recorded 10/14/2013
Thursday Oct 10, 2013
Episode 531: The Gravitas of "Gravity"
Thursday Oct 10, 2013
Thursday Oct 10, 2013
On this episode of Talking Space, we take a deeper look into the effects of the government shutdown on NASA and the US space program as a whole. We then look deep into commercial space with Cygnus' recent docking and the launch of SpaceX's Falcon 9.1, which may or may not have had a malfunction depending on who you ask. We also look at a recently announced lawsuit between Orbital Sciences and the Virginia-based organization running the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport or MARS. We then look at Juno's near pass of Earth this week, even though you can't find out about it on NASA.gov. On our second trip around the table, we look at the newly renamed shuttle Independence, which was the model that was originally at the Kennedy Space Center and is now at Space Center Houston. Lastly, we dive into the new movie "Gravity" and take a spoiler-free look at the fuss surrounding the movie and give your our opinion on it.
Also, we are proud to announce our partnership with the Spaceflight Group! This means we'll be able to provide you with more stories and more interviews with the people making the news and other amazing behind-the-scenes people. Please check them out at http://spaceflightinsider.com and like them on Facebook by clicking here!
For mroe info on Juno, visit http://missionjuno.swri.edu (Works even during the government shutdown)
Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman
Show Recorded 10/7/2013
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Monday Sep 30, 2013
Episode 530: Lots of Launches
Monday Sep 30, 2013
Monday Sep 30, 2013
On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the launch of Orbital Science's Cygnus resupply vehicle on its demo flight to the ISS and a minor issue it hit. We then talk about the next crew going up to the ISS and look at the "resolution" for the minor failure aboard the previous Soyuz. On our second trip around the table, we look to see if Curiosity really did find methane on Mars or not. We then get right back into a hot topic on this show: Plutonium-238. On our final trip around the table, we look at some launches coming from Asia, including China and preparations by North Korea. Lastly, we discuss a follow-up to last episode's story about the use of LC-39A at the Kennedy Space Center.
Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman
Show Recorded 09/23/2013
Friday Sep 20, 2013
Episode 529: A Commercial Success
Friday Sep 20, 2013
Friday Sep 20, 2013
On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the return of the Soyuz TMA-08M. Although the crew returned safely, there was a major flaw with the craft. We then take a look at Orbital Science's first attempt to send its Cygnus resupply craft to the International Space Station aboard its Antares rocket. On our second trip around the table, we discuss Voyager reaching interstellar space, but is that actually leaving the solar system? We then go into the debate over who gets the famous pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center and where the battle is going now. On our final trip around the table, we discuss the new, affordable Epsilon rocket launched from Japan. Finally, we look at some harsh comments about the future of the ISS.
Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman
Show Recorded 09/16/2013
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Wednesday Sep 04, 2013
Episode 527: Relaunching Atlantis-Part 2
Wednesday Sep 04, 2013
Wednesday Sep 04, 2013
On this very special two-part episode celebrating four years of Talking Space, we continue our talk with PGAV Destinations, the company behind the design and building of the space shuttle Atlantis exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. We go into the story behind the shuttle reveal, and the simple theater tricks used to make a lasting impression. We also discuss the interactive exhibits and learning tools from simulators to tires to slides. Also mentioned is some of the last-minute additions to the exhibit, including the first model of the space shuttle designed by Max Faget. We also focus on the people of the shuttle program and how they were highlighted in the exhibit. Lastly, we look into all of the hooray moments and all of the "oops" moments of the build, plus much more!
For more info on PGAV Destinations, visit http://www.pgavdestinations.com/
For more info on the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and to buy tickets, visit http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/
Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman Special Guests FromPGAV Destinations: Vice President and Project Manager Emily Howard, Exhibit Designer Doug Nickrent, Graphic Designer Amanda Yates, Architect Dave Myers
Show Recorded 08/21/2013
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