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