Astro Ben Podcast

In episode 102, chats to Roman Chiporukha, founder of SpaceVIP and co-founder of the luxury lifestyle management firm Roman & Erica. They dive deep into the burgeoning world of private space exploration, discussing the fascinating journey of introducing the final passenger to Axiom's Ax-1 mission—a $50 million ticket to the first all-private space mission to the International Space Station.

Roman shares his insights on making space exploration more accessible to the private sector, the exciting future of Michelin-starred meals in space, and how celebrities and billionaires are shaping the next frontier.

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:14 Introduction to Episode

00:50 Origin story or not!

03:00 Axiom1 and selling a $50m ticket!

05:58 Space VIP https://www.spacevip.com/

07:24 Experience in luxury lifestyle management

09:05 Michelin-starred meals in Space

13:44 Space Perspective https://spaceperspective.com/

16:30 The Space Prize Foundation https://www.spaceprize.org/

21:10 SpaceVIP Products/Experiences in the pipeline

26:30 Risks with these experiences

32:40 Celebs in Space

40:00 Final thought - WHY SPACE

41:50 Wrap Up and socials

Connect with Roman Chiporukha

Website: https://www.spacevip.com/

X: https://twitter.com/getmaxspace

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spacevip/

Stay connected with us!

Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

In episode 101, Ben chats to Kirsten Whittingham, President of Max Space. Kirsten shares insights into her diverse and impressive career in the aerospace industry, from generating significant revenue at Axiom Space to overseeing the development of innovative expandable habitats at Max Space. The conversation delves into the unique technology behind Max Space's scalable habitats, the challenges and milestones ahead, and the future of space habitation. Kirsten also discusses her work with the Cosmic Girls Foundation, aiming to address gender inequality in the space industry and inspire more young girls to pursue STEM careers.

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:14 Intro to

00:48 Introduction to Kirsten Whittingham

01:28 What is Max Space?

04:57 Inflatable

06:21 Mission in 2026

09:00 What is a soft goods?

10:22 Psychology of inflatable structures

12:20 How big could they be?

13:50 Experience from Axiom

17:35 Raising money for space startups

20:50 Sustainability

23:08 Private/public partnerships

25:55 Uses of Max Space habitat from research, manufacturing, space debris and sport?!

27:50 Cosmic Girls Foundation https://www.cosmicgirls.org/donate

30:45 CGF Initiatives

32:02 Advice to young people

35:10 Vision for the future of the space industry

37:53 Wrap Up and socials

Connect with Max Space:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmaxspace

Website: https://getmaxspace.com/

X: https://twitter.com/getmaxspace

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getmaxspace/about/

Stay connected with us!

Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

In this milestone episode, we had the honour of speaking with Nicole Stott, a retired NASA astronaut, artist, and author. Nicole shared her inspiring journey, including her space missions on ISS Expedition 20 and 21, and STS-128 and STS-133. We explored her unique experiences, such as participating in the first live tweet-up from space and painting with watercolour in microgravity. Nicole also discussed her post-NASA work, including her book "Back To Earth" and her co-founding of the Space for Art Foundation. Her story is a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts.

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:14 Intro to Nicole Stott

01:00 Episode 100/how Ben and Nicole met

02:35 Impact of astronauts

05:27 Females in space

10:00 Favourite mission?

13:32 Painting in space

16:50 Role of art and creativity in space

19:40 Polaris Dawn & SpaceX/Public Private Partnerships

24:00 Artemis

27:20 Bringing benefits of space

28:05 "Back to Earth" https://www.npsdiscovery.com/book-back-to-earth

31:44 Seeing Earth from space

35:40 Sharing Experiences

37:10 Blue Origin's vision for the future

38:48 Cosmic perspective

41:37 Final thought from Nicole - "Stay curious!"

44:54 Wrap up and socials

Connect with Nicole Stott:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astro_nicole & https://www.instagram.com/spaceforartfoundation/

Website: https://www.npsdiscovery.com/

X: https://x.com/Astro_Nicole

Stay connected with us!

Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

X: https://x.com/Gambleonit

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

In episode 99, we had the privilege of hearing the remarkable journey of Dr. Eiman Jahangir, Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University and aspiring astronaut. From being a finalist for NASA's Astronaut Candidate program to winning a ticket to space through a raffle with MoonDAO, Dr. Jahangir's story is a testament to the power of persistence and the limitless possibilities of space exploration. Winning a ticket to space from over 2,200 participants, his journey serves as an inspiring reminder that dreams can indeed take flight. Tune in to hear more about his extraordinary adventures and the exciting future that lies ahead.

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Introduction to

00:49 Lucky Numbers!

01:40 MoonDao and how it will get Eiman to Space

06:50 How Eiman entered the raffle

08:40 Navigating Crypto

11:10 Applying for NASA

15:24 Space Tourism - health barriers

18:33 Phycological impact on Space Tourism

22:10 Analogue astronaut experiences

23:44 Blue Origin timeline and launch prep

25:50 Personal aspirations for the experience

29:52 Wrap Up and Socials

Connect with Dr Eiman Jahangir:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DrEJahangir

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drejahangir

X: https://twitter.com/DrEJahangir

Stay connected with us!

Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

X: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

In Episode 98, Ben speaks with Andrew Parris, a space industry veteran who worked at NASA for over a decade. Andrew shares captivating stories from his time with the Space Shuttle and International Space Station missions, including his travels to Moscow and the Baikonur Cosmodrome. He also discusses his transition into commercial spaceflight and space communication, highlighting his work with innovative space organizations like The Inspired 24, Uplift Aerospace's Space+, and Axiom Space. Join the conversation to explore Andrew's fascinating journey through space exploration, mentorship, and his ongoing commitment to democratizing space for everyone.

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:58 Intro to Andrew

01:30 Andrew's Space Origin Moment

03:08 Working for NASA

08:48 Inspiration 4 and Inspired 24

11:42 The work of Inspired 24

15:30 World View - Andrews Path to Space?

19:00 Importance of building a crew on Earth

20:01 The Overview Effect

23:45 Maximising Overview Effect through Photo's/video

26:14 Time Management

30:20 Predictions for Space Tourism Industry

32:30 Breaking News

32:35 Wrap Up and Socials

Connect with Andrew Parris:

Website: https://theinspired24.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_inspired_24/

X: https://twitter.com/aparrisx

Stay connected with us!

Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

X: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

In Episode 97, join us as we journey into the world of astrobiology and space exploration with Dr. Michaela Musilova. Michaela has been the Commander of over 30 simulated missions to the Moon and Mars, in collaboration with NASA and many international organizations. She is currently Global Faculty at the International Space University, Ambassador for Space ScAvengers and the Head of Research of NEEDRONIX. As an astrobiologist and analog astronaut from Slovakia, Dr. Musilova shares insights into her groundbreaking research and the importance of diversity within teams. Discover her visionary project, Astro Seven Summits, and how she's breaking barriers in space exploration right here on Earth!

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:52 Into to Michaela Musilova

01:10 The Eclipse

03:25 Astro Seven Summits Project

06:18 Hi Seas

13:44 How would we ACTUALLY live on Mars?

22:02 Selecting teams

26:42 Lessons learnt

34:35 Science communication

35:10 Michaela's story

40:30 Where are the Aliens?

43:46 Wrap Up & Socials

Connect with Dr. Michaela Musilová:

Website: https://michaelamusilova.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astro_michaela

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astroMichaela/

X: https://twitter.com/astro_Michaela

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-michaela-musilova/

Support Astro Seven Summits: https://chuffed.org/project/astrosevensummits

Stay connected with us!

Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

X: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

Kalpana Pot is an actor, writer, host, and science communicator. She's appeared in numerous national commercials and TV shows like Grey's Anatomy, Hot in Cleveland, and Days of Our Lives to name a few, runs popular space-based social media pages, and is a published author. Her latest book, Spaced Out: A Casual Approach to the Cosmos is a general overview of all things space-related mixed with a sense of humour. Her ultimate goal in Hollywood is to help mitigate the recent rise in anti-science by bridging her two loves of storytelling and science.

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:43 Into to Kalpana Pot

04:00 Things getting sweary and definitly not conspiratorial!

05:28 Debunking conspiracies

10:10 "Truth" on Social Media

11:33 Spaced Out: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spaced-Out-Casual-Approach-Cosmos/dp/B0CPCKJ4PX?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

14:20 Hollywood telling Space Stories on Forgotten Women in STEM

18:00 How accurate is film making in explaining relativity?

20:45 The James Web Space Telescope - Importance of Imagery

23:42 Taxpayer Value

24:24 Big Bang age

27:00 The Screenplay!

31:50 Wrap Up and Socials

Connect with Kalpana Pot on Socials Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalpanapot/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@toknerdytome?_t=8hTcFAH803W&_r=1

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5305151/

Stay connected with us!

Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

X: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

In this episode, we had the privilege of exploring the profound insights of Frank White regarding the overview effect—a cognitive shift experienced by astronauts when viewing Earth from space. Frank shared with us his journey into the realm of space exploration and his research into this remarkable phenomenon. We delved into the core characteristics of the overview effect, including the sense of awe, interconnectedness, and profound appreciation for our planet that astronauts report experiencing. Frank highlighted the transformative nature of this experience and its potential implications for humanity's future, from space exploration to environmental conservation efforts.

Throughout the conversation, we explored the cultural and individual variations in the experience of the overview effect, as well as its intersection with spirituality, and philosophy. We discussed the role of technology, such as virtual reality simulations, in simulating aspects of the overview effect for those of us bound to Earth. Frank also shared captivating anecdotes from his interviews with astronauts, providing fascinating insights into their perspectives and the enduring impact of the overview effect on their lives and actions upon returning to Earth. This episode served as a thought-provoking exploration of the overview effect, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for the fragility and interconnectedness of our planet and a renewed sense of wonder about the vastness of the cosmos.

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Introduction to Episode

00:40 What is the overview effect?

03:00 Astronauts Experiences

08:02 Different cultures/backgrounds effecting experience

13:23 The Outerview Effect: Dr Chris Boshuizen

17:26 Using Technology to bring the Overview Effect to the masses

19:55 Psychological Processes behind Overview Effect

24:00 Migration to where? The Future!

27:49 Frank's Overview Effect

33:23 Can anyone get cosmic perspective? Discussed:

The Overview Effect: https://www.amazon.com/Overview-Effect-Exploration-Evolution-Library/dp/162410262X

Down To Earth: https://plus.nasa.gov/series/down-to-earth/

The Human Space Program: https://www.humanspaceprogram.org/

37:48 Wrap Up and Socials

Connect with Frank White on Socials Media:

Website: https://frankwhiteauthor.com/

Franks Book: https://www.amazon.com/Overview-Effect-Exploration-Evolution-Library/dp/162410262X

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitelight2

X: https://twitter.com/fwhite66

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fwhite161/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqnb7Og7vYP9MHE2qAhHjQ

Stay connected with us!

Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

X: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

In this weeks episode, Ben chats to Meredith Garofalo, a regional Murrow award-winning Broadcast Meteorologist and space correspondent, whose journey into meteorology was ignited by her mother's survival of a tornado outbreak. In this episode, they delve into Meredith's dynamic career, from covering rocket launches to advocating for women in STEM. Join us as we explore her insights on the intersection of space and climate change, the weather on Mars and whether humans or AI will ever be able to control the weather!

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Intro to Meredith Garofalo

00:31 Is Merediths job like the movie "Twister"?

02:38 Space and Meteorology interest

06:16 Weather on Mars

09:30 AI impact on the weather

12:15 Controlling the weather

14:52 Sci Fi becomes reality

15:04 Climate Change

20:00 Satellite Conference

23:03 Global Collaboration

25:12 Space Weather Careers

28:39 The Open Note Book

31:00 Wrap Up and Socials

Connect with Meredith Garofalo:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GarofaloWX/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garofalowx/

X: https://twitter.com/garofalowx

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithgarofalo/

Event Meredith is MC'ing:

https://dallasinnovates.com/nasa-is-inviting-you-to-watch-the-april-8-total-solar-eclipse-at-the-cotton-bowl-in-dallas/

Stay connected with us!

Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

X: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast

In this episode, we had the privilege of diving into the world of analog space missions with Emily Apollonio, CEO and founder of Interstellar Performance Labs. Emily shared insights into her dynamic leadership journey, her commitment to optimising safety and performance in critical missions, and her dedication to empowering aspiring astronauts. We explored the innovative programs offered by Interstellar Performance Labs, such as the Stellar Training for Astronaut Readiness (STAR) program, which prepares individuals and crews for future missions through a comprehensive curriculum covering physical and mental performance, team dynamics, and human factors. Emily's passion for space exploration and her unwavering dedication to breaking barriers left us inspired and eager to embrace the future of space exploration.

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:44 Intro to Episode

01:14 Interstellar Performance Labs

02:30 Emily's Origin Story

05:20 What is an Analogue Mission

07:08 Key Challenges of Missions

11:35 Could you live without a smart phone?

12:27 Space Tourism Preparation

18:30 Stellar Training for Astronaut Readiness (STAR) program

22:30 Corporate Analogue Missions

25:24 Picking a team

28:51 Challenges in building a business

32:58 Worlds Largest Analogues Mission

35:35 Should anyone do a mission?

37:22 Wrap Up and Socials

Connect with IPLabs:

Website: https://www.iplabs.space/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iplabs.space/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083847033624

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/interstellar-performance-labs/

Stay connected with us!

Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/

X: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/