Talking Space

Episode 420: News and Inside Discovery Views-Part 1

On thiis episode, we take one trip around the table. First, we discuss the recent successful launch of the Shenzhou-9, China's manned mission containing the first female "taikonaut" and the implications this has around the world. We then talk about the return of the US Air Force's X-37B and talk about some of the secrecy surrounding the ship. Lastly, we have another installment of "Mark Discovers Discovery" from Marks trip to the Kennedy Space Center to cover the departure of Discovery to the Smithsonian. In part 1 of Mark's 2 part extravaganza loaded with clips, we hear from members who worked on the shuttle and/or its retirement: Bart Panullo, Dorothy Rasco, Kevin Templin, and Stephanie Stilson. We also hear from STS-133 astronaut Dr. Michael Barratt. Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman Show Recorded - 6/18/2012

Episode 419: Aerial Displays and Wing-Dings

On this episode of Talking Space, we spend our entire first round discussing the successful SpaceX COTS 2+ mission. We talk about the on-orbit operations that occured, the landing, and what role this will play in the future of commerical spaceflight. We also discuss a test performed by Sierra Nevada. On our second round, we talk about Houston's "Shuttlebration" as they received the mockup orbtier Explorer as well as quite the "oops" as the test orbiter Enterprise heads to New York City. We then discuss two satellites that the NRO has decided to give to NASA and why that's so important. We then hear another great clip from Mark in his "Mark Discovers Discovery" series talking with one of the shuttle technicians. On our final go-around, we briefly talk about the US Air Force's X-37B and when it could be landing. We then discuss ExoMars and whether it's dead or alive. Lastly, we discuss a little bit about TDRS. To view the video Mark referenced, visit http://youtu.be/Q3GpP_XU_ps and be sure to tell them you heard about it on Talking Space! Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman Show Recorded - 6/4/2012

Episode 418: An Opportunity for Curiosity

On this episode, we welcome back Scott Maxwell who works for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory driving Mars rovers. We first discuss the Mars Exploration Rovers, or MERs, Spirit and Opportunity. We talk about the end of Spirit, what was done, and what it was like saying goodbye. We then talk about the milestones and records that Opportunity is reaching having been on Mars for just under 100 months on it's planned 90 day mission. From there, we move on to Scott's next task, which will be driving the Mars Science Laboratory, or Curiosity, when it lands on Mars in early August of this year. We talk about the differences in the rovers, the training involved, and about what Curiosity's mission will be on Mars. For more on the MERS, Curiosity, and their activities on Mars, visit http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov For more on Scott Maxwell, check him out on Twitter: @marsroverdriver or on Google+ Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman, and special guest Mars rover driver Scott Maxwell Show Recorded - 5/20/2012

Episode 417: Release the Fire-Breathing 'Dragon'

On this special episode of Talking Space, Mark and Sawyer travel down to the Kennedy Space Center to cover the launch of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule. Discussed in this episode is the events leading up to the first launch attempt, the scrub itself at T-0.5 seconds on the first attempt, and the reactions to the scrub. You'll also hear stories of some of the launch attendees as well as hear directly from members of SpaceX and NASA talking about the launch, their companies, and more. Clips in this episode include NASA's Director of Commercial Spaceflight Development Phil McAlister, NASA Manager, Commercial Crew and Cargo Program Alan Lindenmoyer, SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell, and SpaceX Co-Founder and CEO Elon Musk. To view a photo fo the Falcon 9 on the launch pad taken by Talking Space's Sawyer Rosenstein, visit http://twitpic.com/9miche Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman Show Recorded - 5/21/2012

Episode 416: A Six Pack of Thrust

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the busy week of launches including the first launch of the week, a manned Soyuz launch to the ISS, as well as the last of the week being SpaceX. We then move on to a large dose of space shuttle retirement news including the final power down of Endeavour, the de-mating of Enterprise from the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, and the ways that the museums owning those two vehicles are raising money for their exhibitions. We then continue on to another of Mark's shuttle retirement interviews from the Kennedy Space Center, and in fact we get two of them this week. This week Mark gives us SCA Flight Engineer Larry LaRose and United Space Alliance Senior Aerospace Technician Richie Van Wart. Following that we answer a listener question regarding future engines. We conclude with another space junk story and how the "asteroid" Vesta may not in fact be an asteroid. A special thank you to Joe Haberthier for sending in his listener question. You can send yours in as a written question or a .mp3 to mailbag@talkingspaceonline.com or by visiting our Contact Us page on our website. Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman Show Recorded - 5/14/2012

Episode 415: What's 'Mine' is 'Ores' in Space

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the reasons for another delay of the SpaceX launch to the International Space Station, now scheduled for May 19th. We then discuss the upcoming Soyuz launch carrying 3 new crew members to the ISS. After discussing a recent Atlas V launch, we talk about Planetary Resources, a company with some big-name backers who are planning to mine Near Earth Asteroids, or NEAs. We talk about our thoughts on the success and benefits of the new program. Following that, we discuss a company's plan to create scotch in space. We then discuss a very unique blog post on the late astronaut Janet Voss. Finally, we continue our space shuttle retirement coverage with an interview with a member of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft crew. To read the blog post on Janet Voss, visithttp://wiki.nasa.gov/cm/blog/ISS%20Science%20Blog/posts/post_1328802418652.html Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Mark Ratterman and special guest Craft Lass. Show Recorded - 5/7/2012

Episode 414: Space Shuttle Shuffle Special

On this special episode of Talking Space, we take a look at the events surrounding the retirement of the Space Shuttle Discovery and the relocation of Enterprise. We begin with Mark's recounting of his week at the Kennedy Space Center and the events surrounding the preparation and departure of Discovery. We then get a brief look into Discovery's arrival at the Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles International Airport as well as the transfer ceremony of Enterprise from our correspondent Craft Lass. From there, we move to Enterprise's arrival in New York City where Craft Lass looks at the flyover of New York and Sawyer takes a look at the official ceremony at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Special thanks to the following people for their interviews: Stephanie Stilson, Discovery Flow Director; Sen. Charles Schumer (NY-D); Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy; Joe Engle, Enterprise Test Pilot; SCA Pilot Bill Rieke; Astronaut Mario Runco; and Susan Marenoff-Zausner, President-Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum. Click on the images below to see a full-sized version and to get the full effect. More images are available on our "Photo Album" page. [Two images were inserted here. To view them, please visit http://talkingspaceonline.com] Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Mark Ratterman and special guest Craft Lass. Show Recorded - 5/1/2012

Episode 413: Station Science Scoop

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the results of North Korea's attempt at launching a rocket into space and the repercussions of the results. We then talk about the opportunity for any member of the scientific community to submit a proposal for a Mars mission. On our second go-around, we talk about SpaceX's upcoming launch and a readiness review recently conducted, as well as touching upon some NASA budgetary information. We then finish off our story format with doubts about science being performed onboard the International Space Station. To alleviate those doubts, our very own Mark Ratterman sat down with Associate Program Scientist for the International Space Station Tara Ruttley to get an update on some of the science currently onboard and soon to be onboard the ISS. PROGRAM NOTE: There will be no episode next week, April 23, due to activities surrounding the retirement of the space shuttles. We will return with a special space shuttle show on May 2nd. Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka with Mark Ratterman and his guest Dr. Tara Ruttley Show Recorded - 4/16/2012

Episode 412: The Power of Pluto

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the mystery and concern surrounding the upcoming North Korean rocket launch. We then discuss the current situation of Plutonium-238 and if it's as bad as was reported or not. We then discuss some former NASA members becoming entrepreneurs.On our second go-around, we discuss a record that we almost tied for, but lost because of Pluto. We then talk about an all too popular topic on this show, space junk. Then, Mark talks about the history of the T-38 and if it's still important with the shuttle program over. On our final go around, we make a VERY special announcement regarding our shows. SPOILER: Talking Space will be covering the final retirements of the space shuttles throughout the month of April. Mark will be covering Discovery's departure from KSC, Gene will be covering Discovery's arrival in Washinton DC and Enterprise's departure, and Sawyer will be covering Enterprise's landing in New York City. Listen to the episode to hear exactly what we'll each be doing. Due to this schedule, we will have a show next week, April 18th, however, there will be no show on April 25th. We will return with a space shuttle special on May 2nd. Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman Show Recorded - 4/9/2012

Episode 411: The '411' on Space News

On this episode of Talking Space, we take a look at another CBS "60 Minutes" piece, except this time on the current condition of Florida's "Space Coast" after the end of the shuttle program. We then discuss some congressional hearings involving some commercial spaceflight. Following that we talk about sustaining a space to ground network. On our second go-around, we discuss the Express AM-4 satellite and the questionable call to deorbit it. We then discuss an update on SpaceX as well as the questionable future of ESA's ATV. We then discuss another use for Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. On our final go-around, we discuss a milestone for the Space Launch System. We talk about plans to recover engines from Apollo 11 off the ocean floor. Lastly, we discuss an interesting slide show released by the Goddard Space Flight Center. To view the 60 minutes piece, or to read the transcript if outside of the USA, visit http://cbsn.ws/HmUTRq Also, to view the Goddard video discussed by Mark, check out http://geeked.gsfc.nasa.gov Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman Show Recorded - 4/2/2012