Talking Space

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

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 Eva

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

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:

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 H

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, visi

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 Ros

On this special episode of Talking Space, we talk to Abigail Harrison, also known as Astronaut Abby on Twitter. Abby is a teenager with a passion for space, who is planning to be the first person on Mars by 2030. We discuss with Abby her special trip to Russia and then to Kazakhstan to see the launch of theSoyuz TMA-09M spacecraft carrying 3 crew members to the ISS, including her mentor ESA astronaut LucaParmitano. We discuss how she met Parmitano and how her whole adventure came about. We talk about what she'll be doing overseas, as well as what she'll be doing when she returns to the states. We talk about her plans to take her experiences and make it a learning experience by talking to teachers and classrooms about her experiences and promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. To support Abby's trip and outreach efforts, visit http://www.rockethub.com/projects/22119-share-the-adventure-astronaut-abby-soyuz-space-launch For more on Abby, visit her blog http://astronautabby.com a

On this episode of Talking Space, we return from our two week break refreshed and ready to cover the latest space news. We discuss SpaceX's CRS-2 launch, the minor issue that occurred, and how they handled the issue from a media relations point of view. We then discuss a bit of corrupted data on the main computer aboard the Mars rover Curiosity and what that means for MSL. On our second trip around the table, we discuss Dennis Tito's plan to send a couple on a journey of a lifetime-to orbit Mars by 2018. We then discuss some space debris news, and how a Challenger Center is getting involved. We then talk about the Google Science Fair, what it is, and how you can get your child involved. On our final trip around the table, we answer three listener questions. M. Scott Worthington asks us about Pluto, Evan Burton asks us about space shuttle facts, and Buck Field asks us about faster than light, or FTL, travel and its feasibility. Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman

On this episode we talk about asteroids. In particular the one affecting Russia and of course the flyby of 2012 DA14. Next up or down as the case may be, a Proton rocket launch failure and a Sea Launch Zenit rocket launch failure causing loss of their payloads. The 21st Century Ground Support Systems upgrade at Kennedy Space Center gets some time on this episode too. Will the work done and planned at KSC benefit government or commercial users or both? Watch the video titled "Dave Travels - Episode 11 NASA Space X" by NASASocial SpaceX CRS1 Launch attendee David Bankston @TravelsDave Also enjoy the great information from the (NHMFL) National High Magnetic Field Lab Check your community and others around you to see what riches are there to be discovered. Expand your knowledge like the NHMFL did for Mark. Show recorded - 2/18/2013

On our very special 150th episode of Talking Space, we welcome on 7-time shuttle flier and author of the new book "Spacewalker" Astronaut Jerry Ross. In our interview we discuss the reason behind the new book, discuss some of his funniest moments, and the effects of launch on him and his family. We then discuss if there was any animosity in the astronaut office for his record number of flights, and talk about how his work as a trainer in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab helped him walk better in space and train better. We ask about some spaceflight aspects, including what happens to the crew members when you perform an engine burn. We then discuss the difference between the orbiters, and the difference between Mir, the beginning of ISS, and where it is today. We then get into the serious matter of how Mr. Ross was affected by the Challenger disaster and what a large role he played in Columbia's final mission in 2003. We finish off talking about his views on the future of NASA and we ask a listener-submitted question

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the continued controversy around Iran's reported launch of a monkey into space. We also discuss the announcement about who they announced would be their first human candidate. On our second trip around the table, we do some quickie stories covering a Red Bull Stratos update, a look at the Axe/Lynx Apollo commercials, and a woman who wants to be the first adult film star in space. We then discuss some news involving the Dream Chaser and Lockheed Martin. Then we discuss the next NASA Social. On our final trip around the table, we talk about some videos from astronaut Chris Hadfield about life in space. We then discuss how the ISS crews are now "good to grow." Lastly, we discuss the batteries that were in the trouble-ridden Boeing 787 Dreamliner and how they relate to the ISS. Chris Hadfield's videos: Washing your hands: http://youtu.be/9Z2KNDGNnlc Clipping your nails: http://youtu.be/xICkLB3vAeU Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Ma

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss Iran's claims of having launched a monkey into space, and discuss whether we think it happened or not. We then discuss the new guy on the block of asteroid mining: Deep Space Industries, and discuss what they're doing and what it means. On our second trip around the table, we discuss the Intrepid Museum crowdsourcing photos of Enterprise for a temporary exhibit. We then discuss an editorial written about the SLS, and look at if it's still worth building and flying. Next, we discuss some updates on the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM). On our final trip around the table, we get somber and discuss the deadliest space accident that few have heard about: Intelsat 708. Lastly, we discuss NASA's Remembrance Week, honoring the crews of Apollo 1, STS-51L Challenger, and STS-107 Columbia. We discuss what they would think of where our space program is today. To submit your pictures of Enterprise, visit http://photos.intrepidmuseum.org/14493787 To view the Google+ Hangout ab

On this episode of Talking Space, we recap the CCiCap press event which took a look at the major players in manned commercial spaceflight and their current goals and objectives. We then discuss a promotion from Axe/Lynx which will allow 22 people the chance to fly on a suborbital flight. On our second trip around the table, we discuss Bigelow Aerospace's future inflatable room for the ISS. We then talk about some amazing videos released by NASA, including spacecraft burning up on reentry. On our final trip around the table, we discuss possible plans to replace the Soyuz and the effect on the lifespan of the ISS. We then talk about the White House's response to the petition to create a Death Star and how $850,000,000,000,000,000 has to do with it. Lastly, we hilight some Talking Space episodes you might've missed that are certainly worth a listen. To sign up for the Axe Apollo contest, visit http://axeapollo.com Reminder: we are in no way affiliated with or sponsored by Axe/Lynx. For the NASA Earth Observati

On this episode of Talking Space, we return with our 1st news show of 2013. We begin by discussing Chris Hadfield's twitter encounters, including with Captain Kirk. You can follow him on Twitter as @Cmdr_Hadfield. Then we discuss NASA's many plans to visit an asteroid, including having one orbit the moon. On our second trip around the table, we discuss Neil Armstrong's "one small step" quote based on new evidence from a BBC documentary. We then discuss the 112th Congress's last attempt at funding for NASA and how the dreaded fiscal cliff will affect the future. Following that, we look at some interesting videos released by NASA's Juno spacecraft team on YouTube. On our final trip around the table, we look at China's possible second attempt at satellite targeting a.k.a. creating thousands of pieces of debris. Lastly, we discuss more White House petitions related to space...somehow. To view the video on JunoCam and to see the rest of the playlist, visit http://youtu.be/5dQeMwRSKkk Host this week: Sawyer Rosen

On the first episode of 2013 and our 5th season of shows, we welcome back for the 5th time the Associate Program Scientist for the International Space Station and friend of the show Dr. Tara Ruttley. We discuss many experiments you might not have heard of currently going on aboard the International Space Station and some results of experiments we've discussed before. We talk about the connection between the Curiosity rover on Mars and ISS science. We discuss the science returned by Dragon and if the freezer failure affected the science. We also discuss the upcoming year long flight to the station and the scientific benefits. We discuss the fate of the spiders from the YouTube SpaceUp contest which we supported. We get a follow up on a fire experiment that was recently performed and get some teasers of results to come. Lastly, we hear about Dr. Ruttley's favorite experiements. For updates on the science going on aboard the station, visit http://www.nasa.gov/iss-science or follow them on Twitter: @ISS_Research

"Trefft unsere Freunde aus Deutschland" Translation - Meet our friends from Germany This speical episode covers some personal stories about NASA and the shuttle program. In particular, you get to meet my friends from Germany and listen as they tell some stories of travel and share their special memories about "our" shuttles. It is a pleasure to introduce Kalus Krueger from Hamburg, Germany and Alex von Eckartsberg from Frankfurt, Germany. We talk about launches and the transition/retirement of the orbiters. They made many trips for many years. Would you and I be as willing to commit that much time and money to see those inspiring spacecraft? I think you'll enjoy hearing them each talk about years of interest in the US Space Shuttle Program, not just at the end of the program, when much of the US started to pay attention again. Please share with us one of your special moments from the world of spaceflight and space exploration. Send a message via Twitter to @talkingspace Send a message to Mark via Twitter @mar

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the crashing conclusion of the GRAIL lunar gravity mapping mission and who they named the crash site after. Next we discuss a possible trip to Europa, but can we even think to afford it? Then we discuss a host of blogs worth checking out. On our second trip around the table, we dicuss North Korea's launch of a reported satellite. Then we discuss the 40th anniversary of Apollo 17 and an interesting article by Andrew Chaikin on the date. Then we discuss an e-book for kids. On our final trip around the table, we discuss the NASA Johnson Style parody and what it really means. Next we discuss the end of the world and why NASA is certain it won't happen. Finally, we discuss an interesting follow up to a spacesuit story and an update on a story from last week. To look at the blogs Mark mentioned, visit http://blogs.nasa.gov To view the e-book on nutrition and more, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/slsd/about/divisions/hacd/education/kids-zone.html For the NASA

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss the next Mars rover, set to launch in 2020. We then discuss the failure of a Russian booster...again. We then discuss light bulbs in space. On the second trip around the table, we discuss the Russian launch site in Kazakhstan, Baikonour, and how it may go back to Kazakh control. We then discuss the launch of the US Military's ecret X-37B space plane. We then discuss a special beacon. On our final trip around the table, we take a trip of a world of "fantasy". We discuss a petition to te US government to build a death star. We then discuss the "Golden Spike" project, which hopes to get humans to the moon by 2020. We finally discuss Mark Kelly's fabulous children's book, "Mousetronaut". To view the website for the beacon at Mount Diablo, visit http://savemoutdiablo.org To view the petition to increase NASA's budget, visit http://wh.gov/NITC Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman Show Recorded - 12/10/2012

On this epside of Talking Space, we talk about the "earth-shattering" discovery made by Curiosity that rumors had been circulating around before the announcement. We then talk about Voyager 1 reaching a new part of the solar system. We then discuss an update on Orion, including some cracks and how "made in America" it is. On our second trip around the table, we discuss an interesting discussion on NPR involving Chuck Yeager. We then discuss some big news about Reaction Engines. Then, we discuss a free e-book NASA has made available. On our final trip around the table, we discuss Atlantis being angled in preparation for its display and the crew that will be staying aboard the ISS for 1 full year. Lastly, we then discuss the discovery of water on Mercury and if it really is a big deal or not. To hear the NPR segment mentioned in the episode, visit http://sciencefriday.com/segment/11/30/2012/scifri-book-club-has-the-right-stuff.html To download "Earth as Art" the free NASA e-book, visit http://www.nasa.gov/con