Welcome to the Rocket Ranch

By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

What's Welcome to the Rocket Ranch about?

Welcome to the Rocket Ranch, the official podcast of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Take a listen for a behind-the-scenes sneak peek into the inner workings of the world’s premiere spaceport.

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Welcome to the Rocket Ranch episodes:

04.16.2021
Rocket Ranch -- Episode 30: Commercial Crew Reaches Milestone
The Rocket Ranch welcomes Dana Hutcherson, deputy manager for the Commercial Crew program. She'll talk about the mission ahead, reflect on the program's 10-year anniversary and share her personal journey with NASA.
04.16.2021
Episode 30: Commercial Crew Reaches Milestone
The Rocket Ranch welcomes Dana Hutcherson, deputy manager for the Commercial Crew program. She'll talk about the mission ahead, reflect on the program's 10-year anniversary and share her personal journey with NASA.
04.07.2021
Rocket Ranch - Episode 29: First Space Shuttle Flight
The spotlights came on in the predawn hours of April 12th 1981, illuminating a spacecraft like no other, the space shuttle. Just before liftoff, Columbia's crew climbed inside for the very first test flight into space.
04.07.2021
Episode 29: First Space Shuttle Flight: Astronaut Bob Crippen on the Legacy of STS-1 & Columbia
The spotlights came on in the predawn hours of April 12th 1981, illuminating a spacecraft like no other, the space shuttle. Just before liftoff, Columbia's crew climbed inside for the very first test flight into space.
03.18.2021
Rocket Ranch - Episode 28: Women in STEM
When instrumentation controller JoAnn Morgan was in Firing Room number One for the historic moonshot in 1969, she was the only woman. NASA has come a long way since. Today, the very same firing room is led by a woman,...
03.18.2021
Episode 28: Women in STEM - Stories of Challenge and Success
When instrumentation controller JoAnn Morgan was in Firing Room number One for the historic moonshot in 1969, she was the only woman. NASA has come a long way since. Today, the very same firing room is led by a woman,...
02.19.2021
Rocket Ranch - Episode 27: Being Black in the NASA Family
The Rocket Ranch welcomes Sheldon Lauderdale, Program Analyst for NASA's Commercial Crew Program, to share where he draws inspiration and talk about his role supporting NASA’s efforts to expand diversity and inclusion to empower the next generation of explorers.
02.19.2021
Episode 27: Being Black in the NASA Family, Finding Inspiration, and Becoming More Inclusive
The Rocket Ranch welcomes Sheldon Lauderdale, Program Analyst for NASA's Commercial Crew Program, to share where he draws inspiration and talk about his role supporting NASA’s efforts to expand diversity and inclusion to empower the next generation of explorers.
02.04.2021
Rocket Ranch - Episode 26: Perseverance Rover
After a 300 million mile journey through space, the Mars Perseverance Rover is ready to begin the most challenging part of the trip, landing on the red planet. If successful, it will embark on the most advanced mission ever sent...
02.04.2021
Episode 26: Perseverance Rover: Rapid Disassembly, Martian Mission, and Beyond
After a 300 million mile journey through space, the Mars Perseverance Rover is ready to begin the most challenging part of the trip, landing on the red planet. If successful, it will embark on the most advanced mission ever sent...
01.26.2021
Rocket Ranch - Episode 25: Lessons of Loss
On this episode of the Rocket Ranch Podcast, we remember Challenger, her crew and their survivors, and how we carry forward the lessons NASA learned with the director of the Apollo Challenger Columbia Lessons Learned Program.
01.26.2021
Episode 25: Lessons of Loss
On this episode of the Rocket Ranch Podcast, we remember Challenger, her crew and their survivors, and how we carry forward the lessons NASA learned with the director of the Apollo Challenger Columbia Lessons Learned Program.
10.05.2020
Rocket Ranch - Episode 24: Space Lullaby
Astronaut Chris Hadfield flew to space three times, and was the first Canadian to walk in space. His cover of David Bowie's Space Oddity that he recorded on the International Space Station has over 47 million views, and as you're...
10.05.2020
Episode 24: Space Lullaby
Astronaut Chris Hadfield flew to space three times, and was the first Canadian to walk in space. His cover of David Bowie's Space Oddity that he recorded on the International Space Station has over 47 million views, and as you're...
07.28.2020
Rocket Ranch - Episode 23: Mars 2020: In the Midst of a Pandemic
The NASA Kennedy Launch team has persevered through a global pandemic to get a Mars Rover named Perseverance to the launch pad on time. The cloud of doubt the virus cast over the Mars mission and how NASA overcame it,...
07.28.2020
Episode 23: Mars 2020: In the Midst of a Pandemic
The NASA Kennedy Launch team has persevered through a global pandemic to get a Mars Rover named Perseverance to the launch pad on time. The cloud of doubt the virus cast over the Mars mission and how NASA overcame it,...
05.15.2020
Episode 22: NASA Astronauts' Friendship Key to History Making Flight
Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley will make history when they break the bond from Earth in a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule that's never been flown by humans before. But find out how the strong bond of friendship they share gives...
05.15.2020
Episode 22: NASA Astronauts' Friendship Key to History Making SpaceX Flight
Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley will make history when they break the bond from Earth in a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule that's never been flown by humans before. But find out how the strong bond of friendship they share gives...
04.21.2020
Rocket Ranch - Episode 21: NFL Quarterback: Rocket Arm AND Mind
And with the number one overall pick in the Kennedy Space Center NFL Draft, NASA selects Jacksonville, Jaguar quarterback and aerospace engineer Josh Dobbs. Next on the Rocket Ranch.
04.21.2020
Episode 21: NFL Quarterback: Rocket Arm AND Mind
And with the number one overall pick in the Kennedy Space Center NFL Draft, NASA selects Jacksonville, Jaguar quarterback and aerospace engineer Josh Dobbs. Next on the Rocket Ranch.
02.27.2020
Rocket Ranch - Episode 20: Space Explorer
Pluto is not a planet...or is it? Next on the "Rocket Ranch.”
02.27.2020
Episode 20: Space Explorer
Pluto is not a planet...or is it? Next on the "Rocket Ranch.”
02.05.2020
Rocket Ranch - Episode 19: Launching Artemis
Sometimes history inspires us. Sometimes we find ourselves in the middle of history being made. Now we are in the middle of the most aggressive push for the Moon since we landed there the first time 50 years ago.
02.05.2020
Episode 19: Launching Artemis
Sometimes history inspires us. Sometimes we find ourselves in the middle of history being made. Now we are in the middle of the most aggressive push for the Moon since we landed there the first time 50 years ago.
12.16.2019
Rocket Ranch - Episode 18: To Launch a Starliner
Commercial and government partnerships and contracts might not sound that fascinating, but when we're talking about certifying Boeing Starliner to carry humans to space, the challenges and complexities become a whole lot more interesting.
12.16.2019
Episode 18: To Launch a Starliner
Commercial and government partnerships and contracts might not sound that fascinating, but when we're talking about certifying Boeing Starliner to carry humans to space, the challenges and complexities become a whole lot more interesting.
11.01.2019
Rocket Ranch - Episode 17: Abort!
Rockets are dangerous. And before we strap our star sailors in, we need to know there is a proven escape plan.
11.01.2019
Episode 17: Abort!
Rockets are dangerous. And before we strap our star sailors in, we need to know there is a proven escape plan.
10.16.2019
Rocket Ranch - Episode 16: An ICONic Launch
The air-launched Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL is the vehicle selected to launch NASA's Ionospheric Connection Explorer, or ICON.
10.16.2019
Episode 16: An ICONic Launch
The air-launched Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL is the vehicle selected to launch NASA's Ionospheric Connection Explorer, or ICON.
10.04.2019
Rocket Ranch - Episode 15: Jedi Masters of Launchery
For over 20 years, NASA's Launch Services Program (LSP) has been the workhorse of uncrewed spaceflight, enabling exploration of Pluto, the Sun, the Earth and other worlds. In this episode, we hear from Amanda Mitskevich and Chuck Dovale - two...
10.04.2019
Episode 15: Jedi Masters of Launchery
For over 20 years, NASA's Launch Services Program (LSP) has been the workhorse of uncrewed spaceflight, enabling exploration of Pluto, the Sun, the Earth and other worlds. In this episode, we hear from Amanda Mitskevich and Chuck Dovale - two...
09.11.2019
Rocket Ranch - Episode 14: The Kids of Summer
Every member of the NASA team is critical to our success, even if they're still finishing school. In this episode, we hear from two of our summer interns, Amber George and Peter Henson, during their first week here and their...
09.11.2019
Episode 14: The Kids of Summer
Every member of the NASA team is critical to our success, even if they're still finishing school. In this episode, we hear from two of our summer interns, Amber George and Peter Henson, during their first week here and their...
08.12.2019
Rocket Ranch - Episode 13: When Rockets Need Rescue
In this episode,we unpack the need and value of test flights with Jon Cowart, as well as dig into the recent, successful, second test of Orion’s Launch Abort System with Carlos Garcia.
08.12.2019
Episode 13: When Rockets Need Rescue
In this episode,we unpack the need and value of test flights with Jon Cowart, as well as dig into the recent, successful, second test of Orion’s Launch Abort System with Carlos Garcia.
07.08.2019
Rocket Ranch - Episode 12: From Apollo to Artemis
NASA looks back at the Apollo era and ahead at the Artemis missions to come.
07.08.2019
Episode 12: From Apollo to Artemis
NASA looks back at the Apollo era and ahead at the Artemis missions to come.
06.20.2019
Rocket Ranch - Episode 11: The Place that Sends Stuff to Space
We're looking back at the Space Station Processing Facility, or SSPF, as it turns 25 years old.
06.20.2019
Episode 11: The Place that Sends Stuff to Space
We're looking back at the Space Station Processing Facility, or SSPF, as it turns 25 years old.
05.16.2019
Rocket Ranch - Episode 10: Gateway
NASA’s latest exploration goals center on returning humans to the Moon – not just for a visit, but to stay. At the center of that plan is Gateway. It’s a small lunar outpost that will have living quarters, laboratories for...
05.16.2019
Episode 10: Gateway
NASA’s latest exploration goals center on returning humans to the Moon – not just for a visit, but to stay. At the center of that plan is Gateway. It’s a small lunar outpost that will have living quarters, laboratories for...
04.05.2019
Rocket Ranch - Episode 9: Developing Technology
NASA has a reputation for creating history changing technology, and much of that technology is available to you right now. One of our secrets to success is that we aren’t developing all of this by ourselves. We’re leveraging industry and...
04.05.2019
Episode 9: Developing Technology
NASA has a reputation for creating history changing technology, and much of that technology is available to you right now. One of our secrets to success is that we aren’t developing all of this by ourselves. We’re leveraging industry and...
03.08.2019
Rocket Ranch - Episode 8: Commercial Crew: Space Flight's Next Chapter
On this episode of Rocket Ranch we catch up with several members of Commercial Crew to talk about the past, present and future of the program.
03.08.2019
Episode 8: Commercial Crew - Space Flight's Next Chapter
On this episode of Rocket Ranch we catch up with several members of Commercial Crew to talk about the past, present and future of the program.
12.21.2018
Rocket Ranch - Episode 7: Turning Space Trash into Gas
As we plan to send humans farther into our solar system than ever before, we must overcome a myriad of challenges. And at the top of the heap… is trash. Just like here on Earth, humans in space create trash—but...
12.21.2018
Episode 7: Turning Space Trash into Gas
As we plan to send humans farther into our solar system than ever before, we must overcome a myriad of challenges. And at the top of the heap… is trash. Just like here on Earth, humans in space create trash—but...
11.20.2018
Rocket Ranch - Episode 6: Starting Up the Space Station
In this episode, we sit down with the Space Shuttle commander who officially began construction of the ISS in space. Former astronaut Bob Cabana recounts his experiences in being the first American on station and turning on the lights.
11.20.2018
Episode 6: Starting Up the Space Station
In this episode, we sit down with the Space Shuttle commander who officially began construction of the ISS in space. Former astronaut Bob Cabana recounts his experiences in being the first American on station and turning on the lights.

What's Welcome to the Rocket Ranch about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Welcome to the Rocket Ranch episodes:

Rocket Ranch -- Episode 30: Commercial Crew Reaches Milestone

Episode 30: Commercial Crew Reaches Milestone

Rocket Ranch - Episode 29: First Space Shuttle Flight

Episode 29: First Space Shuttle Flight: Astronaut Bob Crippen on the Legacy of STS-1 & Columbia

Rocket Ranch - Episode 28: Women in STEM

Episode 28: Women in STEM - Stories of Challenge and Success

Rocket Ranch - Episode 27: Being Black in the NASA Family

Episode 27: Being Black in the NASA Family, Finding Inspiration, and Becoming More Inclusive

Rocket Ranch - Episode 26: Perseverance Rover

Episode 26: Perseverance Rover: Rapid Disassembly, Martian Mission, and Beyond

Rocket Ranch - Episode 25: Lessons of Loss

Episode 25: Lessons of Loss

Rocket Ranch - Episode 24: Space Lullaby

Episode 24: Space Lullaby

Rocket Ranch - Episode 23: Mars 2020: In the Midst of a Pandemic

Episode 23: Mars 2020: In the Midst of a Pandemic

Episode 22: NASA Astronauts' Friendship Key to History Making Flight

Episode 22: NASA Astronauts' Friendship Key to History Making SpaceX Flight

Rocket Ranch - Episode 21: NFL Quarterback: Rocket Arm AND Mind

Episode 21: NFL Quarterback: Rocket Arm AND Mind

Rocket Ranch - Episode 20: Space Explorer

Episode 20: Space Explorer

Rocket Ranch - Episode 19: Launching Artemis

Episode 19: Launching Artemis

Rocket Ranch - Episode 18: To Launch a Starliner

Episode 18: To Launch a Starliner

Rocket Ranch - Episode 17: Abort!

Episode 17: Abort!

Rocket Ranch - Episode 16: An ICONic Launch

Episode 16: An ICONic Launch

Rocket Ranch - Episode 15: Jedi Masters of Launchery

Episode 15: Jedi Masters of Launchery

Rocket Ranch - Episode 14: The Kids of Summer

Episode 14: The Kids of Summer

Rocket Ranch - Episode 13: When Rockets Need Rescue

Episode 13: When Rockets Need Rescue

Rocket Ranch - Episode 12: From Apollo to Artemis

Episode 12: From Apollo to Artemis

Rocket Ranch - Episode 11: The Place that Sends Stuff to Space

Episode 11: The Place that Sends Stuff to Space

Rocket Ranch - Episode 10: Gateway

Episode 10: Gateway

Rocket Ranch - Episode 9: Developing Technology

Episode 9: Developing Technology

Rocket Ranch - Episode 8: Commercial Crew: Space Flight's Next Chapter

Episode 8: Commercial Crew - Space Flight's Next Chapter

Rocket Ranch - Episode 7: Turning Space Trash into Gas

Episode 7: Turning Space Trash into Gas

Rocket Ranch - Episode 6: Starting Up the Space Station

Episode 6: Starting Up the Space Station