Astro Ben Podcast

In this episode of 'The Astro Ben Podcast,' we embark on a fascinating journey with Chris Sembroski, a civilian astronaut who challenges the notion that space is reserved for the elite. From being a 'normal' individual to training for space like one would train for a 5K, Chris shares his extraordinary experiences, both with SpaceX's Inspiration4 and his recent transition to Blue Origin as an avionics engineer.

Join us as we explore the intersection of everyday life and space exploration, delving into the importance of embracing one's love for space without reservations. Chris's story is a testament to the idea that anyone, with passion and determination, can find themselves among the stars. So, prepare for an inspiring and down-to-earth conversation that reminds us all that the journey to space starts with the courage to dream. Tune in now and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

01:10How on Earth Chris got to space!

05:50 How many entries?

06:35 Learn about yourself

09:20 Being uncomfortable

10:36 Inspiration4 Crew

11:46 Polaris Dawn

12:47 Relatable

15:43 What the daughters thought

18:00 Turning point

21:00 Overview Effect

23:50 Why billionaires should go to space

25:12 Going to Blue Origin

29:00 Mixing day job with space experience

31:05 Advice for "normal people" looking for a path to space

33:35 Wrap Up & Socials

Follow Chris Sembroski

X: https://twitter.com/ChrisSembroski

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

Website: https://chrissembroski.com/

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - 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/

In this captivating episode, Sharon Hagle, the CEO and Founder of SpaceKids Global, takes us on a journey beyond our atmosphere. We delve into Sharon's recent spaceflight experience on Blue Origin's NS-20, where she and her husband, Marc Hagle, made history as the first married couple to venture into space together on a commercial vehicle.

The conversation explores the profound impact of the overview effect, providing a visceral sense of the change in the air upon returning to Earth. Sharon shares the unique perspective and inspiration gained from witnessing our planet from space, emphasising the transformative power of the experience.

Highlighting their addiction to spaceflight, Sharon and Marc express their enthusiasm for returning to space with Blue Origin on a future flight. What sets this upcoming journey apart is their commitment to bringing the magic of space to the next generation. The couple plans to take a group of eight kids along for the launch, embodying the mantra "if you can see it, you can be it." This mission aligns with SpaceKids Global's core mission of inspiring students in STEAM+ Environment education and ensuring equal representation for girls in the space industry.

Towards the end of the episode, Marc makes a special appearance, adding his perspective and enthusiasm for the upcoming space adventure. The episode paints a vivid picture of Sharon and Marc's dedication to space exploration, education, and the belief that exposing children to such experiences can ignite a passion for STEM fields and the boundless possibilities of the universe.

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:08 Intro to Episode

00:25 Sharon Hagle

01:16 Models and love of space

02:05 Blue Origin - when it actually happened!

03:22 Unexpected (and comfy) delays

05:21 First married couple on commercial vehicle!

06:33 The ascent

08:11 The overview effect

10:32 Space Kids Global

13:34 Keeping Kids interested in STEM

16:22 Girl Scouts USA

17:30 New initiatives

19:10 Artemis Generation

20:18 Origin Story

23:04 Virgin Galactic

24:15 Capturing Imaginations

25:58 Advice to young people

27:00 Highlight of Space Kids Global

28:26 Welcoming Mark!

29:20 Mark's Experience

30:55 Space Travel

31:50 SpaceX and the impact of private space companies

36:10 How has been married effected their marriage?

38:20 8 Kids plus parents can see a Blue launch!

39:41 Wrap Ups and Socials

Follow Space Kids Global

X: https://twitter.com/spacekidsglobal

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

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBbnk-mxgfULHMYkuVhCmKQ

Website: https://www.spacekids.global/

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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

In this episode, we explore the transformative vision of Pablo, co-founder of MoonDAO, as he shares how decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) can reshape space exploration, fostering accessibility and collective governance. From his departure from BigTech to pioneering decentralised solutions, Pablo envisions a future where space is truly for everyone.

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Intro to Episode - Pablo Moncada-Larrotiz

01:13 What is a Dao?

02:48 Similar to Bitcoin

03:47 Why the Moon?

07:07 How does it work and who does it serve?

10:00 Sending people to actual space!

10:52 How people can be in with a shot!

11.15 Internet instituions

15:27 Fixed supply of Moon Dao?

17:41 How do decisions get made?

19:25 Quadratic voting

20:37 Using Dao system in space?

22:30 Pablo's background

25:18 Founder conflicts

28:10 The challenges in educating people on crypto

32:44 The Moon Dao fitting into the wider space industry

34:35 Wrap Up & Socials

Follow Pablo & Moon DAO

Website: https://www.moondao.com/

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/XFCD6WmQmk

X: https://twitter.com/OfficialMoonDAO

Moon DAO app: https://app.moondao.com/

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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

In today's episode, Erin takes us on a journey from her childhood in Florida, where shuttle launches ignited her passion for space. From sewing Halloween costumes to studying mechanical engineering, Erin's diverse path led her to NASA and MIT. She shares the thrill of contributing to the Benefits for Humanity initiative, bridging the gap between science and the public. And, amidst her love for sewing, Erin weaves stories that bring scientists and their breakthroughs to life. Join us as we explore the cosmic tapestry of Erin's fascinating career and the unique threads that connect her love for space and storytelling.

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Intro to Episode - Erin Winick Anthony

00:58 Where Erin got her passion for space from

01:32 Shuttles going up, when you're growing up!

02:39 Effects of seeing a launch

03:07 Journey to space

04:04 Working at NASA

05:50 Science Communication Officer for the ISS

07:20 Benefits of the ISS for humanity

12:01 Sewing

14:30 STEAM Power Media

15:30 Upcoming mission (breaking news!)

19:00 Going alone - challenges/most enjoyed moments!

21:00 Yep… she's a Pinball Wizard

23:20 Other spacey idea's

24:30 Attention to Artermis Program

27:10 Quick Fire Questions

31:15 Wrap Up & Socials

Follow Erin Anthony

X: https://twitter.com/erinwinick

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@erinwinick

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

Medium: https://medium.com/@erinwinick

Website: https://www.steampowermedia.com/

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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

In semi-retirement, Ladwig is the chief of To Orbit Productions, an independent company that provides consulting services and lectures on space issues, as well the creation of folk art based on space themes. He also serves on the Board of Directors of STAR HARBOR, a R&D, spaceflight training, and education startup company.

In 2019 Ladwig published See You in Orbit? Our Dream of Spaceflight, a comprehensive history and glimpse of the future of space tourism. The book covers what has been promised for the past 80 years about the general public's ability to fly in space.

He served three terms at NASA Headquarters. As a political appointee of the Obama Administration, he was the head of Public Outreach. During the Clinton Administration Ladwig was associate administrator of the Office of Policy and Plans. As a civil servant from 1981 to 1989, he held positions in the Office of Education, the Office of Space Flight, and the Office of Exploration. He managed the Shuttle Student Involvement Program and the Spaceflight Participant Program, which included the Teacher in Space and Journalist in Space competitions.

He was chief operating officer during the startup phase of the Zero Gravity Corporation. As vice president of Washington Operations, he established and managed Space.com's Washington Bureau where he authored stories for its website and an opinion column, "Are We There Yet?" for Space Illustrated magazine.

In this episode, Ben and Alan discuss predictions on Space tourism, the overview effect community and the importance of storytelling beyond the "Space choir"!

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Intro to episode - Alan Ladwig

00:54 Alan's career

06:05 See You in Orbit ( https://www.amazon.com/s?k=See+You+in+Orbit+Our+Dream+of+Spaceflight&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 )

10:25 Space Tourism predictions (SpaceX, Blue Origin, Axiom, Virgin Galactic)

17:20 The Overview Effect community

24:01 Dear Moon

25:50 Future predictions of Space tourism

31:00 Advice to young people - See you in orbit!

33:00 Wrap up and socials

Follow Alan Ludwig:

X: https://twitter.com/SpaceArtAl

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

Buy Alan's Book: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=See+You+in+Orbit+Our+Dream+of+Spaceflight&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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

Dr Becky Smethurst is an astrophysics researcher who is trying to understand the connection between galaxies and their central supermassive black holes in the local Universe. In particular Dr Becky focus's on the non-merger driven growth of supermassive black holes and the resultant feedback effects on their host galaxies!

In this episode, Ben and Dr Becky discuss the misconceptions about black holes, spaghettification and will humanity ever traverse a black hole?!

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Intro to Dr Becky Smethurst

01:12 Post Conference vibes

02:08 Dr Becky's passion for space

05:01 Ability to communicate the science

06:40 Science communication

09:07 A brief history of black holes (out now on paperback https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brief-History-Black-Holes-everything/dp/1529086744/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=)

11:37 Spaghettification

15:15 Being "Beyond the event horizon"

18:01 The ultimate mystery!

19:02 The James Webb Space Telescope - recent revelations

22:55 Does/could AI effect Dr Becky's research?

26:22 Could humanity survive a black hole?

28:30 Dr Becky's hobbies

29:24 Wrap Up and Socials

Follow Dr Becky Smethurst

X: @drbecky_

Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbecky_s

Website: https://rebeccasmethurst.co.uk

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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

Dr Jason Forshaw is the Head of Future Business at Astroscale UK/Europe all aspects of future business including BD, bid and support to sales and strategy.

In this episode, Ben and Jason discuss how much of the publics 'day to day life' goes through satellites and how disastrous it would be if the Space Junk issue is not taken seriously.

Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor:

Dockside Vaults: www.docksidevaults.com We are proud to have Dockside Vaults as a sponsor for our podcast. Their support will enable us to continue bringing you insightful conversations with leading experts in the space industry. We share their commitment to promoting the space industry, and we look forward to collaborating with them on future events. If you're looking for a stunning venue for your next event, be sure to check out Dockside Vaults. Thank you, Dockside Vaults, for your support!

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:44 Introducing Dr Jason Forshaw - Astroscale's mission

03:58 How has space sustainability changed in last 10 years

07:06 Problem of Space Junk (and size matters)

09:32 Do new satellites have an "end of life" plan? (Introduce the Docking Plate!)

13:08 Uses of Docking Plate

15:45 International effort - Japan/UK/US/Israel - why those local

18:34 What is plan for Astroscale in Europe?

21:48 Space Debris Leadership

23:58 Is there a planetary defence strategy for space junk?

27:45 Personal vision for the future

29:39 Final thought about sustainability in space

31:45 Wrap up and socials

Follow ASTROSCALE:

X: https://twitter.com/astroscale_HQ

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

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

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Astroscale

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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

Frances "Poppy" Northcutt is an American engineer and attorney who began her career as a "computer", and was later a member of the technical staff of NASA's Apollo program during the Space Race. During the Apollo 8 mission, she became the first female engineer to work in NASA's Mission Control.

In this episode, Ben and Poppy discuss the Apollo Era, where there were more "whooping cranes" than female engineers in the 1960's and reveals her famous life coach.

Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor:

Dockside Vaults: www.docksidevaults.com We are proud to have Dockside Vaults as a sponsor for our podcast. Their support will enable us to continue bringing you insightful conversations with leading experts in the space industry. We share their commitment to promoting the space industry, and we look forward to collaborating with them on future events. If you're looking for a stunning venue for your next event, be sure to check out Dockside Vaults. Thank you, Dockside Vaults, for your support!

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Intro

00:54 Being a trailblazer in the space industry

04:15 Apollo 8 - Poppy's responsibility

08:08 Importance/difficulty of Apollo 8 and Apollo 13

10:40 Importance of teamwork and big challenges

12:35 Something unknown about the Apollo Program

(Please excuse Poppy's alarms going off)

14:35 Private/Public company

17:40 Inclusivity for women

21:18 Would Poppy go to space

23:27 Who has impacted Poppy over the years

25:24 Initial plans on how to get to Mars

28:22 The global effect of getting to Mars

29:58 The Artemis Program

34:24 Advice to women in the space industry

35:57 Wrap Up and socials

Follow Poppy Northcutt:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/poppy_northcutt

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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

Julia Brodsky is a STEM education researcher at the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, a former NASA astronaut instructor, independent school teacher, math education book author, educational consultant for gifted students, and homeschooling mom of three, including a special needs child. Julia's academic training is in astrophysics and science education. As the founder of the Art of Inquiry, an interactive online science program for curious pre-teens, Julia introduces students to space exploration, astrobiology, and AI to develop their scientific reasoning, systems thinking, and questioning skills. Julia is also a co-founder of Earthlings Hub, a non-profit educational initiative helping refugee children in Ukraine.

In this episode, Ben and Julia discuss Julia's journey through space, from love of sci fi as a child, to studying astrophysics around the time of the discovery of the first exoplanet, to becoming an astronaut instructor and in more recent times helping children in the Ukraine.

Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor:

Dockside Vaults: www.docksidevaults.com We are proud to have Dockside Vaults as a sponsor for our podcast. Their support will enable us to continue bringing you insightful conversations with leading experts in the space industry. We share their commitment to promoting the space industry, and we look forward to collaborating with them on future events. If you're looking for a stunning venue for your next event, be sure to check out Dockside Vaults. Thank you, Dockside Vaults, for your support!

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:00 Introduction to Julia Brodsky

01:16 Julia's background in the space industry

06:15 Becoming an astronaut instructor

08:00 What is involve in guidance navigation and control systems?

10:48 Hardest part of astronaut training

13:13 The ISS - importance of international cooperation

14:33 What Julia did next

17:25 Mathematical Circles

19:24 The Art of Enquiry

23:16 Butterfly/rocket/airplane/sailboat - what's the odd one out?

26:40 The Earthlings Hub

40:21 Ben's final thought

41:18 Julia's final thought

43:33 Wrap Up & Socials

Follow Julia Brodsky

Founder, Earthlings Hub, an educational non-profit for refugee kids

Founder, Art of Inquiry, STEM classes and outreach

Research Scientist, Blue Marble Institute of Science

Contributing Writer, Forbes and Medium

Astrobiology: https://juliabrodsky.medium.com/educating-the-citizens-of-the-universe-a8130a61c359

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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

Anna Menon is an American engineer scheduled to fly on Polaris Dawn, Anna worked for NASA for seven years before joining SpaceX, where she works as a lead engineer of space operations. In this episode, Ben and Anna discuss the significance of Polaris Dawn, preparing mentally for a mission and SpaceX's vision for humanity in Space. This completes a fantastic set of interviews with each crew member of Polaris Dawn!

Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor:

Dockside Vaults: www.docksidevaults.com We are proud to have Dockside Vaults as a sponsor for our podcast. Their support will enable us to continue bringing you insightful conversations with leading experts in the space industry. We share their commitment to promoting the space industry, and we look forward to collaborating with them on future events. If you're looking for a stunning venue for your next event, be sure to check out Dockside Vaults. Thank you, Dockside Vaults, for your support!

OUTLINE:

Here's approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:40 Introduction to Anna Menon 01:14 Intensity of training 02:27 Finding out about selection - a memorable day! 04:24 Becoming an astronaut - surprises? 05:43 Interest in Space origin 08:53 Medical Officer 11:00 The worlds first commercial EVA 12:35 The team behind the mission 13:44 Kids 15:27 What to bring to space (and when) 16:46 Significance of Polaris Dawn 18:42 Preparing mentally for the mission 21:00 Typical day on Polaris Dawn 23:53 SpaceX's vision 25:43 Advice to young people 28:02 What has Anna learnt about herself 29:50 Extra Curricula 32:44 Wrap up and socials

Follow Anna Menon

Twitter: https://twitter.com/annawmenon

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

Website: https://polarisprogram.com/dawn/

Stay connected with us!

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

(NEW - YOUTUBE): www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast

Website: www.astroben.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gambleonit

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