Talking Space

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 about biology.

To purchase Jerry Ross' book, "Spacewalker: My Journey in Space and Faith as NASA's Record-Setting Frequent Flyer" on Amazon, visit http://amzn.to/11HgK2E

A book and an episode not to be missed!

Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Gina Herlihy and Mark Ratterman with special guest 7-time shuttle-flier and author Astronaut Jerry Ross.

Show Recorded - 2/11/2013

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 Mark Ratterman

Show Recorded - 2/4/2013

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 about RRM, visit http://youtu.be/WMV5j0w9VfA

To read the article on Intelsat 708, visit http://www.airspacemag.com/history-of-flight/Disaster-at-Xichang-187496561.html

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

Show Recorded - 1/28/2013

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 Observation videos that Mark discussed, visithttp://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/Videos/CrewEarthObservationsVideos/

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

Show Recorded - 1/14/2013

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 Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman

Show Recorded - 1/7/2013

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

Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Mark Ratterman and special guest Dr. Tara Ruttley

Show Recorded - 12/17/2012

"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 @markratterman

Send a written email or attach a short audio recording to an email sent to [email protected], and we may use it in a future show.

First up I'll be talking with Klaus and then Alex.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy this special show from the 3 of us to all of you. -Mark

Show Recorded - 11/13, 11/16, and 11/23/2012

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 2012 FAQ, visit http://www.nasa.gov/2012 and view the December 22nd video athttp://youtu.be/QY_Gc1bF8ds

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

Show Recorded - 12/17/2012

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/connect/ebooks/earth_art_detail.html

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

Show Recorded - 12/3/2012