Talking Space

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 [email protected], tweet us @talkingspace, or post it on our wall at http://facebook.com/talkingspace

Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman

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 back and if it really is cost-effective or not.

Thanks again to Clark for sending in the letter. You can send in your thoughts on anything we discussed by email to [email protected], on Twitter @talkingspace or on Facebook atfacebook.com/talkingspace

For the article on Scott Carpenter, visit http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-110213a.html

As well, you can find the Astronaut Scholarhisp Foundation at http://astronautscholarship.org/

For the video on Christina Hammock in Alaska, visit http://youtu.be/ar1V0t2HF28

Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman

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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 provide you with more stories and more interviews with the people making the news and other amazing behind-the-scenes people. Please check them out at http://spaceflightinsider.com and like them on Facebook by clicking here!

For mroe info on Juno, visit http://missionjuno.swri.edu (Works even during the government shutdown)

Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman

Show Recorded 10/7/2013

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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

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