Talking Space

Episode 519 - Different Wavelengths

With Sawyer Rosenstein under the weather, the Talking Space Team is joined by singer song writer and space advocate, CraftLass with Gene Mikulka in the left seat.  We examine NASA’s new Astronaut Class and discuss the media’s reaction. The Wave At Saturn project to coincide with a photo NASA/JPL plans to take of Saturn’s ring with a cameo appearance by our home, Earth in the photo. We then move on to NASA’s Asteroid Initiative Industry and Partner Day, where the space agency asked, Academia, Industry, and anyone to help get humans to an Asteroid by setting up a Request For Information. We discuss an article by Policto article indicating Congress is trying to do away with the Asteroid Mission altogether and put in place a Constellation-Like program, featuring a Lunar and Mars base (with no additional funds to pay for it). and a little bit of a Twitter firestorm that happened when Gene Mikulka posted the article on his Twitter feed. The Houston Chronicle's SciGuy, Eric Berger, posted the results. Host this week: Gene Mikulka. Panel Members: Mark Ratterman and special guest CraftLass Show Recorded 06/19/2013

Episode 518: Lots to See at SpaceFest V Part 2

On part two of our two-part special on SpaceFest V, we invite attendee Libby Norcross to join us as we discuss the rest of the Sunday panels, which included the Mars and asteroid panels. Discussed are the benefits of going to Mars, robots vs. humans, and what the experts such as Emily Lakdawalla and Peter Smith think about the idea of commercial companies such as Mars One and Inspiration Mars. We then hear from the asteroid panel, which includes discussions on commercial mining, how much science that actually gives, and if we're blurring the line of science fiction and science fact too soon. You'll hear from experts such as Deep Space Industries' Rick Tumlinson and Geoff Notkin, Planetary Resources' Chris Lewicki, and planetary scientist Dan Durder. For more on Libby, visit http://libbydoodle.com As well, our thoughts go out to Gene Mikulka and his family as they deal with a difficult time. Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Libby Norcross, Mark Ratterman Show Recorded 06/10/2013

Episode 517: Lots to See at SpaceFest V

On this special two-part episode of Talking Space, we begin by discussing last week's Soyuz launch before devling into the weekend-long event in Tucson, AZ. The event involved vendors and artists who specialize in space, as well as an impressive panel of astronauts which spanned every single American manned space flight program from Mercury to shuttle. On top of the astronauts were many panels and discussions. You'll hear bits from the talks by Dr. Carolyn Porco famous for working on Cassini and Prof. Brian Cox. We then jump to the Apollo astroanuts panel and hear their views on where we are and where we should be going in space. Tune in next week for two of the best panels of the show: the panel on Mars and on asteroids, which includes thoughts from members of the private sector. NOTE: This show was recorded on the week of May 27th, however due to technical difficulties, it was released this week, so some news is out of date. For the Apollo panel transcript, visit http://pad39a.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/spacefest-v-apollo-panel.html Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman Show Recorded 05/28/2013

Episode 516: A Quick Debris Avoidance Maneuver

On this episode of Talkling Space, the regular gang is dealing with illness and traveling on the road. However, Mark Ratterman comes to the rescue with a phenomenal interview about something this show has become known for: space debris. Mark interviews Alex von Eckartsberg, who recently returned from the Sixth European Conference on Space Debris in Darmstadt, Germany. Alex discusses some shocking numbers about how bad our debris problem is. Also discussed is the current means for trying to avoid debris, avoid collisions, what to do with defunct satellites, and what the plan is for the future. Is it too late to stop pollution near earth orbit? For more information on Alex and space debris, visit her blog at http://www.skyhie.net/. You can also follow Alex on Twitter @StarlingLX Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Mark Ratterman and special guest Alex von Eckartsberg Show Recorded 05/16 and 5/21/2013

Episode 515: Live Landings and Listener Letters

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss some ISS news, including the return of the Expedition 35 crew, which occurred during the recording of the episode. We then talk about the emergency repair that occurred onboard, as well as about Chris Hadfield and his as well as Canada's current and possible future contributions to the station. On our second trip around the table, we discuss an auction of some pretty important space memorabilia. We then talk about the rapidly-nearing conclusion of "Astronaut Abby's" campaign. Then, we discuss some health concerns about Mars and our future with the red planet. On our final trip around the table, we focus on listener-submitted content, including comments from last show's discussion of Mars vs. Asteroid, and a discussion about the anniversary of Skylab. To check out the space memorabilia auction, visit http://www.rrauction.com/browse_gallery.cfm?Category=65 To contribute to Astronaut Abby, visit http://www.rockethub.com/projects/22119 Thanks again to Pieter and Evan for submitting their questions. Feel free to do the same with an email tomailbag@talkingspaceonline.com Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman Show Recorded 05/13/2013

Episode 514: Lots of Commercial and a Lunar Infomercial

On this episode of Talking Space, we return from a technology issue the previous week with a delay of the next Orbital launch and look into why. We then discuss some interesting comments made by NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, who announces his frustration with NASA's budget and where we're going next. We then discuss a video with a look at commercial spaceflight, if it can be called that. On our second trip around the table, we discuss the success of the X-51A, aka the Waverider. We then talk about some telescopes thrown into NASA's lap and what they should do with them. We finish off the round talking about the forgotten Ares 1-X, and what we got out of that flight. On our last trip, we talk about some fun videos to watch. We then talk about a man selling the moon, but can he legally do it? We finish off with a well-deserved award. Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman Show Recorded 05/6/2013

Episode 513: The Awesome Antares

On this special episode of Talking Space, we discuss the maiden voyage of Orbital Science's Antares rocket. Our very own Gene was in Wallops Island, VA and recounts his experience. We discuss the pre-launch festivities, the launch scrubs prior to Sunday's successful launch at 5pm EDT, as well as the way Orbital handled their media relations. We also discuss the future of Orbital as well as their fellow COTS member, SpaceX. We also compare the two companies and rockets and look at their potential for the future. Lastly, we discuss SpaceX's grasshopper as well as a fun story of seeing the launch from New York State. Tune in to hear exclusive stories and press conferences as well as launch audio direct from the launch site on this exciting episode! [THREE IMAGES WERE INSERTED HERE. TO VIEW THEM, PLEASE VISIT HTTP://TALKINGSPACEONLINE.COM] Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman Show Recorded 04/22/2013 Listen now:

Episode 512: Can Antares Reach "Orbital" Velocity?

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the deorbit of the Russian Progress vehicle. We then go into an in-depth discussion into the reason why Gene was unable to join us tonight-the demo launch of Orbital Science's Antares rocket from Wallops Island. We discuss the flight, the COTS program, and our thoughts on it. We then discuss a cool little camera doing some big science. On our second trip around the table, we discuss the proposed 2014 NASA budget. We look at where it's going, a possible asteroid capture mission getting funding, how sequestration will affect the budget, Russia's increase in spending to its space program, and some other space-related programs worried about their budgets. On our final trip around the table, we discuss the progress of the new Atlantis exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex. Next, we talk about a supercomputer named Endeavour. Lastly, we discuss the space anniversaries: April 12th and April 13th. [TWO IMAGES WERE INSERTED HERE. TO VIEW THEM, PLEASE VISIT HTTP://TALKINGSPACEONLINE.COM] Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Member: Mark Ratterman Show Recorded 04/15/2013 Listen now:

Episode 511: Crew. Cargo and a Quiz

We're not foolin' on this April Fools Day episode, recorded April 1st. We discuss some ISS news, with the new members of the Expedition 35 crew arriving to the station in under six hours, and our thoughts on whether it's a good idea or not. We then discuss a cool experiment onboard the station called ISERV. On our second trip around the table, we discuss SpaceX's CRS-2 mission coming to an end and some interesting things Elon Musk said on a teleconference. Also, we check in on the other member of the COTS program, Orbital. We then talk about a special anniversary for SpaceX. On our final trip around the table, we discuss a NASA PSA that is being petitioned to be shown before the new Star Trek movie, and why some of us think that might actually be a bad idea. We then talk about an engine test by XCOR which could affect a couple of different other companies. Lastly, we can't pass up a good joke, and the Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) came through with Moon or Frying Pan. For more on SERVIR and ISERV, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/servir/iserv_130325.html. To view the SpaceX "First 11 Years" video, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujX6CuRELFE&feature=youtu.be Lastly, for a good laugh, can you differentiate between a moon or frying pan? Find out at http://asterisk.apod.com/viewtopic.php?t=30890 Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman Show Recorded 04/01/2013

Episode 510: NASA and ESA Walk the Planck

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss SpaceX's Dragon capsule and its return to Earth, as well as the scheduled departure of the next crew to the space station, and why their launch day will be different from the rest. We then discuss everyone's favorite term in the United States: sequester. We discuss the impacts it will have on NASA, and specifically public outreach. We then get an update on Astronaut Abby's campaign. On our second trip around the table, we discuss the amazing new information released by ESA's Planck spacecraft on some exciting info on cosmology and the early universe. We then discuss Voyager leaving the solar system...or did it? We then talk about the interesting case involving an arrest, IT information, and China. On our third round, we discuss Jeff Bezos' effort to recover Saturn V engines from the ocean floor. We then talk about the meteor seen streaking across the Eastern United States. Lastly, we discuss Angry Birds invading the Kennedy Space Center. Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman Show Recorded - 3/25/2013