Today In Space

On this week's episode we are joined by John Conafay, the CEO & Co-Founder of Integrate to share his STEM Origin story and chat with us about the company. Integrate is touted as the only program management tool built specifically for multi-team hardware development. Another way of saying it could be that Integrate is bringing all of the various hardware teams involved in launching a rocket to space under one platform.

The overlapping timelines of each piece of hardware on that rocket is a daunting task, especially when more than one thing goes wrong. Going to space is not just technically hard, it's a web of decisions that all need to go right - and it's not being looked at as fully or strategically as even the most Space Hardcore might think!

John and his team at Integrate are working to solve this problem by bringing all of these hardware teams into one program management tool. One timeline, everyone's needs, one source of truth. Which, if done well, could help reduce many potential mistakes and stressful time management issues last second. Reducing these "easy human mistakes" with program management can make space travel more successful, cost less, and reduce a lot of baseline risk. At the end of the day, what's a rocket launch other than a string of risky decisions that need to go right in order to get to space?

We'd love to know what YOU think! Let us know in the comments below or by emailing us at [email protected].

Topics:

space, industry, company, building, hardware, work, launch, integrate, risk, mission, sales, spacex, satellites, small launch, punk, entrepreneur, business, hardware integration, mission planning

Sources:

https://integrate.co/

https://blog.integrate.co/why-the-price-discrepancy-between-integrate-and-jira-d793dafd5b6d

Timestamps:

00:00 John Conafay Introduction & Background & What Integrate is all about 02:14 What is Business Development and Sales....in Space? 12:28 Challenges in the Space Industry today 15:42 Integrate's Role in Space Industry Collaboration 19:10 You need someone else to go to space - it's inherently Teamwork driven 26:14 John's Space Industry Origin Story 33:06 John's creative/entreprenureal Origin Story 41:52 When did you recognize the problem that Integrate was made to solve? 48:42 What excites you about the future of Space Travel? 55:18 Closing Thoughts & Motivation

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Here's to building a fantastic future - and continued progress in Space and humanity!

Spread Love, Spread Science Alex G. Orphanos

We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing

Follow us: @todayinspacepod on Instagram & Twitter @todayinspace on TikTok /TodayInSpacePodcast on Facebook 

Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net

#space #rocket #podcast #people #spacex #moon #science #3dprinting #nasa #tothemoon #spacetravel #spaceexploration #spacecraft #technology #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #lunar #3dprinting #create #astronaut #spacestation #lunarbase #lunar #moonbase #moon #integrate #projectmanagement #johnconafay

On this episode, we're breaking down the Polaris Dawn Mission after the Crew of 4 has returned safely from their 5-Day mission & 1st Commercial Spacewalk! If you wanted a quick catch up of everything Polaris Dawn - we got you covered. We'll start with a mission overview, and discuss the Human Spaceflight records broken, the scientific research done, the details of the spacewalk, reentry & splashdown recovery, and what we think are the significance and impact of the mission!

A great episode to get caught up! Let us know what you think in the comments or email us at [email protected]

Topics:

spacex, space, crew, astronauts, polaris dawn, spacewalk, spacesuit, EVA, nasa, human spaceflight, earth, launch,, science, research, falcon 9, crew dragon

Sources:

https://polarisprogram.com/dawn/

https://x.com/PolarisProgram

Timestamps:

00:00 Polaris Dawn Mission Overview  02:34 Breaking Human Spaceflight Records  04:51 Scientific Research and Spacewalk Details  06:47 Re-Entry and Recovery Process  08:59 Public Engagement and Future Plans 11:33 Significance and Impact of the Mission  16:09 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

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Here's to building a fantastic future - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)!  Spread Love, Spread Science

Alex G. Orphanos

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing

Follow us: @todayinspacepod on Instagram/Twitter @todayinspace on TikTok /TodayInSpacePodcast on Facebook

Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net • Try Magic Mind for added productivity & more well-balance and long lasting caffeine intake https://www.magicmind.com/TODAY20

#space #rocket #podcast #people #spacex #eva #science #3dprinting #nasa #vanallenbelts #spacetravel #spaceexploration #spacecraft #technology #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #polarisprogram #3dprinting #polarisdawn #astronaut #3dprinted #spacewalk #crewdragon #falcon9 #elonmusk

On this week's episode Matthew Onassis and Luca De Caneva, co-founders of NAVXCOM, join us to discuss their company's mission to develop a Lunar Positioning System (LPS) for autonomous navigation and communication on the moon.

Matt & Luca share their STEM origin story which includes meeting at NASA identifying a gap in lunar infrastructure. NAVXCOM won a contract with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center to establish the first proof of concept by the end of the year.

The NAVXCOM team aims to support autonomous lunar operations, including rover deployment and habitat preparation. Leaning into AI & collaboration in the space industry, NAVXCOM has big plans for dual-use technologies for Earth and Space Applications!

We'd love to know what YOU think! Let us know in the comments below or by emailing us at [email protected].

Topics: ai, nasa, companies, space, system, rovers, idea, lunar, proposal, talk, started, today, industry, terms, develop, people, satellites, moon, working, operations, navxcom

Sources:

https://www.navxcom.com/

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Today In Space Podcast, we NEED Lunar Infrastruture! 03:15 Matthew Onassis & Luca De Caneva / NAVXCOM Co-Founders 04:41 What is NAVXCOM and Its Mission? 05:37 NASA Internship Experience 12:27 Transition from NASA to NAVXCOM 17:37 Challenges and Opportunities in the Space Industry 19:12 Lunar Positioning System (LPS), Autonomous Deployment and Scalability 45:24 AI and Cybersecurity in Space Technology 58:49 Future of NAVXCOM and Space Industry 01:11:03 Closing Remarks and Encouragement

--------------------------

Here's to building a fantastic future - and continued progress in Space and humanity!

Spread Love, Spread Science Alex G. Orphanos

We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing

Follow us: @todayinspacepod on Instagram & Twitter @todayinspace on TikTok /TodayInSpacePodcast on Facebook 

Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net

#space #rocket #podcast #people #spacex #moon #science #3dprinting #nasa #tothemoon #spacetravel #spaceexploration #spacecraft #technology #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #lunar #3dprinting #create #astronaut #spacestation #ai #gps #lunarbase #lunar #moonbase #moon

We're back for another Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test update! NASA has finally made the decision to return the Starliner uncrewed, leaving the Crew 9 mission with two empty seats so that SpaceX can bring Astronauts Suni Williams & Butch Wilmore back to Earth in February 2025. It's been a summer full of human spacflight and enough chaos to go with it! We share the top 3 press questions from the conference that truly encapsulates the whole situation.

But this was a truly special day in Human Spaceflight History that I think will be given more appreciation in the future when we look back at it. In the meantime, the press will have a field day with Boeing. And while NASA will have some flack, they truly represented the best of human spaceflight today with this decision and how they held themselves in leadership positions. We need more of that. I'm very excited and optimistic for the future of space and humanity after today!

We'd love to know what YOU think! Let us know in the comments below or by emailing us at [email protected]. 

Topics:

nasa, spacecraft, thruster, engineer, risk, data, boeing, testing, thrust, space, engineering, crew, astronauts, seal, problem, white sands, trust, decision, oxidizer, mission, vehicle, disagreement

Sources:

August 24. 2024 NASA Boeing CFT Update Press Conference: https://www.youtube.com/live/AGOswKRSsHc?si=mi4qg-iAILJRONFa

https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/08/yes-nasa-really-could-bring-starliners-astronauts-back-on-crew-dragon/

https://apnews.com/article/astronauts-landing-space-station-frank-rubio-7826312581aa71a969781fbbb2dd9435

https://starlinerupdates.com/

https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/07/nasa-nears-decision-on-what-to-do-with-boeings-troubled-starliner-spacecraft/

https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/01/russia-will-abandon-soyuz-on-orbit-fly-up-a-new-one-to-bring-crew-home/

https://www.space.com/spacex-dragon-changes-astronaut-seats-boeing-starliner

Timestamps:

00:00 NASA's Decision on Starliner and Crew-9 | Great Leadership from NASA! 04:00 Press Question #1 Rebuilding Trust with Boeing? 07:41 Press Question #2 Technical Disagreements and Data Analysis, when did the doubt begin for the thrusters? 11:41 Press Question #3 NASA's Decision-Making Process for choosing Crew Dragon? 14:41 Closing thoughts from Alex on the NASA decision

--------------------------

Here's to building a fantastic future - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)! Spread Love, Spread Science

Alex G. Orphanos

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing

Follow us: @todayinspacepod on Instagram/Twitter @todayinspace on TikTok /TodayInSpacePodcast on Facebook

Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net

#space #rocket #podcast #people #spacex #moon #science #3dprinting #nasa #tothemoon #spacetravel #spaceexploration #spacecraft #technology #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #lunar #3dprinting #create #astronaut #solarpanel #spacestation #boeingstarliner #boeing #starliner

On this episode we are breaking down the next exciting human spaceflight mission: Polaris Dawn! The mission will be the 1st Commercial Spacewalk at 700km/435 miles above the Earth. Aside from breaking human spaceflight records, there will be an incredible amount of research, science, and technology demonstrations as well! The new SpaceX EVA (Spacewalk) suit, Crew Dragon spacecraft, and Falcon 9 rocket are ready - and so is the crew! Preparations for launch NET April 27th 03:38AM ET are underway!

We dive into the original of the Polaris Program, Inspiration 4 - which was the 1st Commercial Orbital Mission before it. It's commander - Jared Isaacman, is leading the Polaris Dawn crew to the next adventure of attempting the highest ever Human-flown Earth orbit & EVA! Meet the crew and hear the story of what to expect for this 5-day mission and why it might be the most underrated human spaceflight mission of 2024!

A great episode to get caught up before the launch - and some thoughts on why its important, as well as what to look out for on this 5 day mission!

Topics:

spacex, space, crew, astronauts, polaris dawn, spacewalk, spacesuit, EVA, nasa, human spaceflight, earth, launch, inspiration, SANS, science, research, falcon 9, crew dragon

Sources:

https://polarisprogram.com/dawn/

https://inspiration4.com/

https://x.com/PolarisProgram

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41433-023-02522-y

Timestamps:

00:00 Polaris Dawn Mission Overview  02:55 3D Printed Star Man Helmet 04:02 Inspiration4 - A Recap of the mission before Polaris Dawn 06:37 Polaris Dawn Crew Introduction  15:54 Mission Objectives and Research 16:14 Spacesuit Technology and Mobility 20:07 Mission Timeline and Launch Details 22:35 Final Thoughts and Future Polaris Program Missions

--------------------------

Here's to building a fantastic future - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)! Spread Love, Spread Science

Alex G. Orphanos

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

Support the podcast: MAGIC MIND You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code TODAY20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/TODAY20

AG3D Printing

Follow us: @todayinspacepod on Instagram/Twitter @todayinspace on TikTok /TodayInSpacePodcast on Facebook

Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net • Try Magic Mind for added productivity & more well-balance and long lasting caffeine intake https://www.magicmind.com/TODAY20

#space #rocket #podcast #people #spacex #eva #science #3dprinting #nasa #vanallenbelts #spacetravel #spaceexploration #spacecraft #technology #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #polarisprogram #3dprinting #polarisdawn #astronaut #3dprinted #spacewalk #crewdragon #falcon9 #elonmusk

We're back for the next update of Boeing's Starliner's Crew Flight Test (CFT) and the subsequent delays in the flight readiness review meeting. Coupled with reported internal NASA concerns related to the Starliner's Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters - it's clear there isn't 100% confidence & more options needs to be considered. That means engineering is involved!

So let's dive into the world of an Engineer: Using a nuanced approach to understanding all of the physics involved that ultimately guides your decision-making for managing risk in bringing these adventurous human beings home. Human Spaceflight is as real as it gets! 

On this episode we put you in the Engineer's seat as we consider multiple viewpoints and the importance of gathering accurate data to inform your decision-making (aka being a good engineer). We also discuss the difference between a healthy & toxic STEM environment as well as how dissenting opinions can be voiced and addressed in combination with rigorous testing and data analysis.

Topics:

nasa, spacecraft, thruster, engineer, risk, data, boeing, testing, thrust, space, engineering, crew, astronauts, seal, problem

Sources:

https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/08/yes-nasa-really-could-bring-starliners-astronauts-back-on-crew-dragon/

https://apnews.com/article/astronauts-landing-space-station-frank-rubio-7826312581aa71a969781fbbb2dd9435

https://starlinerupdates.com/

https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/07/nasa-nears-decision-on-what-to-do-with-boeings-troubled-starliner-spacecraft/

https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/01/russia-will-abandon-soyuz-on-orbit-fly-up-a-new-one-to-bring-crew-home/

https://www.space.com/spacex-dragon-changes-astronaut-seats-boeing-starliner

Timestamps:

00:00 Boeing Starliner issues and NASA's response. 05:00 Eric Berger & ARS Technica's Breakdown of Starliner's return and Crew options 09:40 NASA's backup plan: Bring astronauts home in Crew Dragon spacecraft.  15:35 Spacecraft thruster performance and survivorship bias @TheJordanNoone 20:23 Engineering challenges and Space Mission development 24:47 Challenges of engineering, particularly in space industry. 25:42 NASA's Boeing Starliner testing and risk assessment.

--------------------------

Here's to building a fantastic future - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)! Spread Love, Spread Science

Alex G. Orphanos

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing

Follow us: @todayinspacepod on Instagram/Twitter @todayinspace on TikTok /TodayInSpacePodcast on Facebook

Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net

#space #rocket #podcast #people #spacex #moon #science #3dprinting #nasa #tothemoon #spacetravel #spaceexploration #spacecraft #technology #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #lunar #3dprinting #create #astronaut #solarpanel #spacestation #boeingstarliner #boeing #starliner

In this week's episode Alex breaks down his thoughts on the connections between Space & Sea Travel! It's amazing what being on an adventure in a beautiful place like Scotland can do for your imagination and deep thinking. All the island (isle) hopping we did, along with hiking the highlands and the lowlands, made me see just how similar sea travel is with space travel! The same small crews of professionals taking us to from island to isle in Scotland will be taking humans to low Earth Orbit, the Moon, and eventually Mars! 

The first days (years) of regular, continuous human spaceflight will be adventurous, and will require small, highly dedicated teams of trained Astronauts. Adventuring through Scotland brought that time to my imagination - so let's talk about how we get there! So buckle up, and get ready for a ride as we venture to the potentially near-future of human spaceflight.

We want to hear what YOU think about what's to come in our near future with human spaceflight! So make sure to COMMENT below, EMAIL us at [email protected], or DM US on social media.

Topics:  space, dock, travel, island, astronauts, moon, ship, scotland, life, mission, orbit, puffins, podcast, human, spacecraft, test pilots, crew, human beings, artemis

Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction to Episode 352 Space Vs Sea Travel 01:38 Comparing Space with Sea exploration after visit through Scottish Isles 06:32 "Isle Hopping" Space travel with Docking stations for long-term human presence in space. 14:20 Early Space Travel may look like Naval Crews island hopping tourists

--------------------------

Here's to building a fantastic future - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)! Spread Love, Spread Science

Alex G. Orphanos

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing

Follow us: @todayinspacepod on Instagram/Twitter @todayinspace on TikTok /TodayInSpacePodcast on Facebook

Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net

#space #rocket #podcast #people #spacex #moon #science #3dprinting #nasa #tothemoon #spacetravel #spaceexploration #spacecraft #technology #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #lunar #3dprinting #create #astronaut #solarpanel #spacestation #boeingstarliner #boeing #starliner

We got an update from the NASA & Boeing teams about Starliner CFT on July 10th, 2024. We wanted to share the TOP 4 Press & Media Questions and the NASA/Boeing team answers for us to all gain more INSIGHT into this Crew Test Flight for Boeing. I think we learned a lot about the problem and how the Boeing & NASA teams think about this.

As most revealing things, it brings up more questions. So buckle up - and let's dive into the top 4 questions & answers from the July 10th Update with a short breakdown from me with my thoughts (from an engineer) after each one!

We want to hear what YOU think too! So make sure to COMMENT below, EMAIL us at [email protected], or FOLLOW US on social media.

SOURCES:

Media Briefing: NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test (July 10, 2024): https://www.youtube.com/live/PAIZHhrGqBM?si=v9gCtlaLOJkYIN2s

Topics:  thruster, spacecraft, flight, deorbit burn, boeing, question, astronauts, white sands, test, return, pulses, space station, crew, mission, undocking, space, testing, undock, work 

Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction to Episode 351 NASA Boeing Update  02:30 Boeing Starliner issues and potential backup plan. 06:19 Spacecraft thruster issues and return plans for astronauts. 12:21 Spacecraft thruster systems and their importance for reentry. 17:22 Spacecraft testing and emergency procedures. 21:28 Spacecraft thruster issues and testing.

--------------------------

Here's to building a fantastic future - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)! Spread Love, Spread Science

Alex G. Orphanos

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing

Follow us: @todayinspacepod on Instagram/Twitter @todayinspace on TikTok /TodayInSpacePodcast on Facebook

Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net

#space #rocket #podcast #people #spacex #moon #science #3dprinting #nasa #tothemoon #spacetravel #spaceexploration #spacecraft #technology #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #lunar #3dprinting #create #astronaut #solarpanel #spacestation #boeingstarliner #boeing #starliner

There was A LOT of space news happening the last 2 weeks while we were adventuring in Scotland! (more on that soon) Our first episode back is dedicated to the Boeing Starliner news and reports of the astronauts being “stranded” on the ISS. We break down why that click-bait headline isn’t true but also how NASA is dealing a double standard with Boeing's test flight status. 

We review the latest from what’s been shared by NASA/Boeing leadership, the tests underway, and what to expect for a timeline for when Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore could return home on Starliner.

We also discuss the possibility of another spacecraft bringing the Astronauts home, as well as the “worst-case” scenario from all of this. 

But in the meantime - we want to know what YOU think! Email us at [email protected], or DM us on social media!

Topics from the episode:  astronauts, spacex, boeing, spacecraft, space, thrusters, nasa, teleconference, stranded, testing, helium leaks, space shuttle, iss

SOURCES:

International Space Station Operations (June 28, 2024)  https://www.youtube.com/live/u-BGAPuzxZU?si=GzPU3yBxKHwiE79E

The 'Topics from the episode' above and the timestamps below for the episode were generated using AI (otter.ai) by processing the audio file.

Timestamps: 00:00 What’s Boe-ing on with Starliner? And NASAs response. Alex’s REACTION 06:02 Why Starliner is NOT stranded, and where the 45 day limit comes from 12:29 The WORST case scenario for the Crew, Starliner, and the US Space Program 15:23 Helium Valve Leaks & Thruster Issues for Starliner - Why are they still a problem? 18:45 Final Thoughts on NASA, Boeing Starliner, and the US Human Space Program

--------------------------

Here's to building a fantastic future - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)! Spread Love, Spread Science

Alex G. Orphanos

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing

Follow us: @todayinspacepod on Instagram/Twitter @todayinspace on TikTok /TodayInSpacePodcast on Facebook

Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net

#space #rocket #podcast #people #spacex #moon #science #3dprinting #nasa #tothemoon #spacetravel #spaceexploration #spacecraft #technology #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #lunar #3dprinting #create #astronaut #solarpanel #spacestation #boeingstarliner #boeing #starliner

On this episode we dive into the Human Factor where we talk about what it means to be human, and how ALL of our traits & skills matter (good and bad). This week we're discussing what it means to be DEDICATED and why 'the Mission' is so important to a person like myself, especially after 10 years of podcasting about all-things space!

We want to thank ‪@veefriends‬ for making these AWESOME Character Caps, and while I wasn't 100% sure which Cap I was going to relate to at first the DEDICATED Dragonfly hit home. Great time to reflect on the hard-work, challenges, and sacrifices it takes to make it happen.

We'd love to know what YOU think in the comments!

Support the podcast: MAGIC MIND You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code TODAY20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/TODAY20