Talking Space

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://

On this episode we discuss the multiple launch attempts by SpaceX of the SES-8 satellite. Frustration at lack of information provided by SpaceX to the press gets considerable attention from the Talking Space panel. Will it change when crew launches begin? We sure hope so. Did you know Kimbal Musk, brother of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk started a blog in November of 2005? It is named “Kwajalein Atoll and Rockets” http://kwajrockets.blogspot.com/2005/11/kwajalein-and-rockets.html - Kimbal Musk also has a twitter account @kimbal though most of his recent tweets are not SpaceX related. Comet ISON got our attention, now we say goodbye as its first trip around the sun did not end as so many hoped. Sorry but no incredible December holiday views of ISON are expected. Here is a link to the SDO Mission Blog and the post from November 29, 2013 describing the challenge that observing sun grazing comets presents. http://sdoisgo.blogspot.com/2013/11/where-was-comet-ison.html On December 1, 2013 at 1730 UTC China National Space Ad

On this episode of Talking Space we discuss the SpaceX launch attempt of 25 November 2013 which ended with a hold then a scrub with plans their next try for 28 November. The ExoMars mission entry descent and landing module has been named after Italian Astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli. We talk about the discoveries Schiaparelli made in 1877 of "canali" or channels on Mars. ExoMars first launch is scheduled for 2016.Then some news about cancellation of the new ASRG equipment ptogram using PU-238 Radioisotope and an upcoming launch of CNSA Chang'e 3 to the moon.The Chang'e 3 will have a lander delivering China's first rover to the moon. Gene brings up some real concerns about anticipated effects of the Chinese lander's exhaust plume on the US LADEE satellite which just started measurements to establish baseline readings of the lunar exosphere. Could the Chinese Chang'e 3 interfere with LADEE? It sort of depends on how you look at the LADEE mission objectives.Space Tourist Dennis Tito appeared before the US House

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://faceboo

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 bac

On this episode of Talking Space we discuss ATV4 (named Albert Einstein) which departed the ISS on 28 October. Burning up on re-entry is only part of the final objectives to be met by this cargo carrier launched by ESA on 5 June 2013. Sawyer has a Washington Post story about research and papers published by the Principal Investigators indicating the real prominence of the research done at our International Space Station.ISS Science - Could You Choose Just One? Countdown on ISS Science Blog A Lab Aloft http://blogs.nasa.gov/ISS_Science_Blog/2013/10/18/could-you-choose-just-one-top-international-space-station-research-results-countdown/Sierra Nevada Corporation Dream Chaser ETA (Engineering Test Article) flips while landing during its maiden free flight drop test. Gene talks about this the rest of the otherwise successful test flight. The NASA Orion capsule has been powered on for the first time continuing to prepare for Exploration Flight Test-1 mission targeted to launch in 1 year. http://www.nasa.gov/content

On this episode of Talking Space we discuss release of the Cygnus capsule from the ISS and an upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9.1 Dragon launch. Also the most recent test flight of the SpaceX Grasshopper and the reusability it may provide. Sierra Nevada readies for a drop test of their Dreamchaser test vehicle. Did you hear about the concern raised on twitter that the Near Earth Object discovered Oct 8th could hit earth on a future pass in 2032. Odds are 1 in 63,000  of a hit from this 1300 ft long object. Gene says don't worry, rest easy and check the facts from sources like NASA or the B612 Foundation. Want to be part of the Mars Artic 365 Mission? Crew of 6 volunteers will spend 365 days at Flashline Mars Artic Research Station at Devon Island near Resolute in Nunavut, Canada. See http://ma365.marssociety.org/ for all the details. There has been a launch delay of a Minotaur 1 from Pad 0B at Wallops Flight Facility due to the US Government shutdown. Original launch date was Nov 4 and is now scheduled for Nov 19. Al

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

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 p

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

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 Listen now:

On this episode Sawyer and Gene discuss the LADEE launch via the Orbital Minotaur V rocket and the upcoming Orbital Cygnus cargo test flight to the ISS via the Antares rocket. Also discussion of the $44 billion budget estimate by DOD, NASA and GAO for the cost to launch government satellites through 2018. Gene talks about the interview of former NASA manned spaceflight director Chris Kraft by Eric Berger of the Houston Chronical. A Cosmonaut gets out of the program, anyone else want out of the space program? Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka (Mark Ratterman deleted due to time constraints) Show Recorded 09/09/2013

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/ A set of tires from STS-135 a

On this very special two-part episode celebrating four years of Talking Space, we talk with PGAVDestinations, the company behind the space shuttle Atlantis exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. In this first part, we discuss how they got the space shuttle and their reactions to finding out what they'd be building. We then go in depth into the behind-the-scenes of the building surrounding the shuttle. This includes discussions on the design of the outside of the building, the large model solid rocket boosters and external tank, the structure of the building, and how you get a shuttle in the building, safely, on an angle, suspended above the ground. Also, we find out how you maintain the shuttle now that it's on display and "keep the good dirt and get rid of the bad dirt", plus much more! Stay tuned for Part 2 next week where we go inside the actual exhibit and look at the reveal, the exhibit itself, and everyone's favorite parts. For more info on PGAV Destinations, visit http://www.pgavdestinati

On this episode of Talking Space, we start by tie everything in to the ISS. We begin with a discussion on whether or not the ISS will make it past its current planned deorbit date, and not because of age, but because of budget and politics. We then discuss how the world isn't going to end as the sun's poles flip. We then discuss an upcoming conference which we've talked a lot about in the past, the 100 Year Star Ship Symposium, and look at some of this year's topics. On our second trip around the table, we discuss a system that tracks space debris and how the sequester is set to shut it down eminently. Mark then takes us on a quick trip with three stories in three minutes. On our final trip around the table, we discuss some new updates with Reaction Engines and single stage to orbit systems. We then look at Elon Musk's new "Hyperloop" system which could revolutionize high speed rail systems. We finish off with how lasers and communications are making their way to the ISS. Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Pa

On this episode of Talking Space, we begin with the news of Deputy Administrator Lori Garver's departure from NASA and discuss who may be next to fill the position. We then discuss the successful launch of the HTV-4 to the space station as it "screamed" into the sky. We also go into detail about some of the unique items it's bringing to the ISS. We then talk about the development of the X-56A and NASA's role in it. On our second trip around the table, we discuss an image released by the Ames Research Center which caused some controversy as the funding of the project was investigated. We then talk about a new control center which opened at the Marshall Space Flight Center, which at one point was threatened to be shut down. On our final trip, we talk about the Orion capsule passing its PDR, but an article in the Houston Chronicle says that it may be grossly over budget, and we're not talking a few million dollars more, here. Finally, we discuss a space shuttle replica available on eBay for the bargain price of

On this episode of Talking Space, we return from our two-week summer hiatus to bring you the news of our absence. We start with a discussion of the rapid, four-orbit approach the next ISS resupply vehicle took, Progress 52. In the conversation, we discuss the recent spacesuit failure which resulted in astronaut Luca Parmitano's spacesuit filling with water. Sticking with Russia, we discuss the latest findings of the Proton rocket failure back on July 1st, and talk about the future of Russian rockets and their current reliability. We then discuss some vibration tests that will shake things up in the science world, which came as a result of Ares 1-X. On our second trip around the table, we discuss Lori Garver's comments at the NewSpace convention about going to an asteroid as well as bringing up some budget woes. We then move on to looking at the first trailer for the reboot of the "Cosmos" series. This version with Neil DeGrasse Tyson will air on Fox, but do we think it'll stand up to the original, or can it e

On this special episode of Talking Space, Mark Ratterman interviews Andy Scheer, a spacetweep from Merrit Island, FL also known as @apacheman Andy is husband to Jen Scheer @flyingjenny and father to their new baby, Fara. Starting in July 2000 Andy worked at Kennedy Space Center Pads 39B and 39A. He was part of the PRSD Power Reactant Storage and Distribution Shop team working on Orbiter Fuel Cell Systems and ground support equipment at the launch pad. We talk about the shuttle days plus his earlier work with the US Army, Cessna Aircraft Company and current employment with SpaceX at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Also Andy tells us his thoughts and some tips about the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex “Atlantis Exhibit”.  Since no meetup would be complete without fun with fellow spacetweeps we talk about the Endless BBQ. Host this week: Mark Ratterman with a segment by Sawyer Rosenstein. Special Guest: Andy Scheer Show Recorded 07/6/2013

On this special, patriotic episode of Talking Space, Sawyer and Mark head to Florida for the grand opening of the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Complex. On top of walking you through the exhibit, we talk with the people who worked on the exhibit, designed it, organized it, and astronauts who flew on the shuttle. You'll hear what the grand opening sounded like and what the exhibit sounds like, including the grand Atlantis reveal. Interviews include KSCVC COO Bill Moore, KSCVC's Andrea Farmer, astronauts Bill Readdy, Ken Ham, and Jim Halsell, and more! To view the image taken by Michelle Ham during the STS-124 launch, visit https://twitter.com/spacechelle/status/343521922002333696/photo/1 [TWO IMAGES WERE INSERTED HERE. TO VIEW THEM, PLEASE VISIT HTTP://TALKINGSPACEONLINE.COM] Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Member: Mark Ratterman Show Recorded 07/2/2013

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 we