In this episode, Alex uses a scientific approach to combat the emotional rollercoaster this past week has been since Mr. Musk has confirmed SpaceX is going Public! The Space Conundrum strikes again - and it's leaving many to wonder: Why Now? Listen to this episode if you'd like to learn more and explore:

• What is Elon Musk Thinking, taking SpaceX from an independent private company and trading it on the US stock exchange?
• What does an IPO mean for SpaceX?
• Does this mean "SpaceX's Mission to Mars" is over?
• What are the upsides to SpaceX going public?

We're going to give our answer to all of those questions and I'll share my thoughts on this major piece of news. Just another day in the Space Conundrum - but it definitely wasn't on my 2025 or 2026 space bingo card. By the end of the video - we want to hear from YOU! What do you think?? Are you excited? Scared?? Or Both??!!

We'd love to hear what you think in the comments or by emailing us at [email protected]. Make sure to follow us on social media - you can find links to everything by going to stan.store/ag3dlabs.

Links & Resources:

• Eric Berger Article on SpaceX IPO Announcement https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/12/after-years-of-resisting-it-spacex-now-plans-to-go-public-why/
• Harvard Linked Study on % of Success for Repeat Entrepreneurs https://www.newyorkfed.org/medialibrary/media/research/economists/kovner/performance_persistence.pdf

Timestamps:

00:00 SpaceX Going Public: Initial Reactions and Concerns

03:40 Potential Impact on SpaceX's Mission and NASA's History as A Lesson

06:31 Tesla's Success and SpaceX's Potential IPO

09:59 SpaceX's Strengths and Advantages

13:10 The AI Race and SpaceX's Future

18:39 Let us know what YOU think!

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Support the podcast:

• Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

• Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com

• Donate at todayinspace.net

Jared Isaacman, previously chosen as the President's pick for NASA Administrator in March 2025, faced the Senate committee hearing AGAIN to discuss his qualifications and potential conflicts of interest before leading the American Space Program. The past year of delay was due to political nonsense, leaving NASA without leadership that whole time.

Mr. Isaacman is an entrepreneur, 2 mission astronaut commander, philanthropist, and father who has a unique leadership style. He returned to the Senate Committee sharper than ever! We listen in on the live Senate Committee meeting for some Q&A and talk about the state of NASA. Not to mention, how much NASA is in need of clear leadership and direction after almost a year of delay.

Today In Space is PRO-Jared! Go get 'em Rook! As of December 9th, 2025 - Mr. Isaacman has passed the Senate Committee and is on to full Senate Vote! Enjoy this bit of LIVE hangout from the past week

We'd love to hear what you think in the comments or by emailing us at [email protected]. Make sure to follow us on social media - you can find links to everything by going to stan.store/ag3dlabs.

Timestamps: 00:00 Jared Isaacman's Nomination and Background 01:58 Senate Committee Hearing: Jared Isaacman's Testimony 03:36 Political Influence on Economic Data 06:38 Critical Mineral Supply Chain and Defense Industrial Base 11:12 Elon Musk and Financial Ties 18:01 NASA's Role in Supersonic Flight and Space Diplomacy 22:01 Support for Science and Earth Observation Data 26:18 Agriculture Data and Space Medicine 29:41 Access to NASA Data for Researchers w/ Private Partners? 32:53 Digital Trade and Cross-Border Data Flows

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Support the podcast:

• Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com

• Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com

• Donate at todayinspace.net

We went live for the NASA broadcast of the release of images of the Interplanetary "comet" 3I-Atlas, which was delayed due to the government shutdown. As the cultural curiosity surrounding 3I-ATLAS went viral during the poorly timed government shutdown, it was a unique opportunity for NASA to do what it does best. Share data and spend a little more time with the actual experts to explore that curiosity and dig deeper into what we found.

Unfortunately, it feels as though the government shutdown and funding cuts proposed by the current President's cabinet was more of an influence on this 3I-ATLAS review than curiosity was. If you wanted to know how I feel about this you can rewatch it live.

Two major themes for me: - Don't be an intellectual bully. There are curious people out there who are not trolling you (NASA). Talk to those people without demeaning their curiosity - The definition of a "Comet" is vague and outdated. Just like Pluto needed to be reclassified as a dwarf planet, we need a better term for these icy objects.

Would love to know what you think! Let us know in the comments below or email us at todayinspacepodcast @ gmail.com

Timestamps: 00:00 Initial Thoughts before NASA's Image Reveal Event 04:31 Some Context and Observations of 3I Atlas 11:45 Q&A Session with Press and Scientific Insights 14:01 Alien Hypothesis and Scientific Evidence 36:07 Scientific Goals and Future Observations 36:20 Processing and Release of Images 39:06 Orbital Dynamics and Non-Gravitational Accelerations 39:24 Public Engagement and Citizen Science 40:00 Alex's Final Thoughts on the definition of a "comet" and power of science communication

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Support the podcast:

• Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com

• Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com

• Donate at todayinspace.net

We were LIVE hanging out for the 2nd launch of Blue Origin's New Glenn - this episode is a compilation of the best moments from launch, including the audio and sounds of launch, landing, and pure success from Team Blue.

Make sure to follow us online and hang out in the chat in the future! Come hang, Ask questions, and let's all learn more and have a blast watching the Next Space Culture Moment LIVE

Are you a big New Glenn or Blue Origin Fan? Check out our Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

Timestamps:

00:00 New Glenn Launch and Blue Origin's Achievements

02:25 Live Stream and Launch Preparations

03:27 NASA's ESCAPADE Mission and Its Importance

08:55 Challenges and Significance of the Launch

10:51 Countdown and Launch Sequence

23:44 Post-Launch Updates and Analysis

24:58 Blue Origin's Future and Reusability

31:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Support the podcast:

• Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com

• Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com

• Donate at todayinspace.net

We are joined by experts from Xometry, a company that many engineer's have grabbed instant quotes & custom parts on demand with CNC machining, 3D printing, and more. This week, we are joined by Mike Cavalieri and Greg Paulsen - both leaders at Xometry. Our guests are experts in rapid prototyping to full production and have helped big Space Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, NASA, and more when they need a reliable machine shop to make parts for space applications.

We discuss their origin stories, how 3D Printing can be helpful in Space applications, and what kinds of parts have been made for Aerospace. While they can't get too into the specifics, we get a great deep dive into how Xometry plays a big role in helping customers find unique advantages with 3D printing.

We also discuss big topics like Manufacturing in America, and how platforms like Xometry can help skilled machine shops in the US find customers using their powerful tools and data. When AI is combined with their skilled experts in many manufacturing methods, you get a powerful web of part makers and consumers that can help fill the gap on the feast or famine that is manufacturing.

Please check out https://www.xometry.com/ to learn more

Thank you to both Mike & Greg for joining us and sharing so much with us about what it takes to make parts for Aerospace in 3D printing but also many other traditional techniques.

Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Origin Stories 03:58 Challenges in 3D Printing and Prototyping 09:17 Global Operations and Time Zone Management 11:31 Additive Manufacturing in Space Applications 16:15 Assisting US Machine Shops, Vetting Suppliers, and Quality Control 30:22 More Applications for 3D Printing In Space 47:53 Digital Manufacturing and Marketplace Dynamics 48:46 Education and Training in Manufacturing 50:41 Future of Additive Manufacturing and AI

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

Support the podcast:

• Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com

• Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com

• Donate at todayinspace.net

Catch the latest on SpaceX's Starship Development with Flight 11! This video is a compilation of the launch and reentry of both the Super Heavy Booster and Starship S38. If you are looking for a fun launch hangout for Starship Flight 11 - here's the best of from our live stream during the launch.

We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Today In Space Merch:

James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

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

Trevor Smith, Founder and CEO of Atomic-6, shares his origin story and journey from a commercial real estate broker to leading a company specializing in near-theoretical high-performance composites.

Some of Atomic-6's innovations include: - A composite debris shield for the International Space Station, which outperformed traditional aluminum shields in tests. - Development on a redeployable solar array system, Light Wing, which offers significantly improved space power efficiency. - Composite Radomes that provide a great balance of functionality and light-weighting - And so much more - with video examples!!

Trevor also shares on the importance of incentive alignment and 'delusional optimism' in order to succeed and lead in entrepreneurship.

Learn more about Atomic-6 in this episode and make sure to check out their website for more: https://www.atomic-6.com/

Timestamps: 00:00 Trevor Smith's Role as CEO and The Power of Incentive Alignment 02:22 Trevor's Origin Story and Early Career 06:32 Atomic-6's Early Days and Initial Challenges 17:57 Developing High-Performance Composites 21:16 Atomic Six's Defense and Space Applications 25:10 Space Armor and Its Applications 36:23 Light Wing: Redeployable Solar Arrays 44:20 Light Wing's Deployment and Benefits 44:20 Future of Space and Defense 56:61 Trevor's Advice for Entrepreneurs & "Delusional" Optimism

We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Today In Space Merch:

James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

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

On this episode of Today In Space, we are honored to have the creators of "The Complete Book of Spacecraft" 2nd Edition on the podcast to discuss deeply about space, storytelling, and humanity in the 3rd Age of Spaceflight!

We begin learning about each creator's origin story, Michael H. Gorn, Giuseppe De Chiara, Davide Sivolella - all who are active within the space industry in their own way. We then dive into storytelling, the 3 Ages of Space, Human Spaceflight, and their thoughts on the Space Conundrum. If you are massive space fan this book & the podcast episode are for YOU!

And like any space-nerd podcast, we also debate the current state of space exploration, the evolving definition of an Astronaut, the duality of Civilian/Private & Military Space Programs, including NASA's decline, China's progress, and SpaceX's dominance. Thankfully, we close with a little optimism for the future, the importance of teamwork in space (and on earth), and hope for humanity after we've had a hell of a year so far in 2025.

So buckle up - and let's dive in! Thanks for joining us

Here's to building a fantastic future for all of us,

Alex G. Orphanos

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction & Origin Stories (Giuseppe, Michael, and Davide) 09:36 Concept and Creation of "The Complete Book of Spacecraft" 16:06 The Evolution of Space Programs & Their History 20:45 Challenges and Opportunities in Modern Space Exploration 52:45 The Role of Teamwork in Space (and on Earth)

We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

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

#spacecraft #aerospace #engineering #spacehistory #spaceexploration #NASA #Space #militaryspace #civilianspace #spaceconundrum #spaceindustry #space #spacetechnology #spacepolicy #SpaceX #Artemis #Moon #Mars

SpaceX Starship Flight 10 was AMAZING to watch live, and challenging, since it took three attempts! But SpaceX delivered. Big Time, with Flight 10.

We went through, cleaned up the audio, and got the live launch hangout from liftoff to landings! Relive Flight 10 with us! And make sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next live launch hangout!

Apologies for the very random posting. Catching up on content after some work over at AG3D Labs (lots more to come). Lots of good stuff, just a lot of work getting done!

Here's to building a fantastic future for all of us!

Your Host, Alex G. Orphanos

Timestamps: 00:00 Starship Flight 10 Recap and Introduction 02:59 Countdown and Initial Flight Details 05:18 Booster and Starship Separation 10:00 Landing and Payload Deployment 32:50Orbital Insertion and Reentry 44:00 Reentry and Heat Shield Testing59:00 Landing Burn and Splashdown

Conclusion and Future Plans (1:04:24)

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!) ag3d-printing.com

Support us by getting some Today In Space Merch:

James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903 SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen(3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

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

I can't believe August is almost over! It's been a wild month, and I'm catching you up on all of it. From lay-offs, to new opportunities, and the lessons learned from the last "era" of my career, we're diving in! The Space Conundrum is in full effect - and like many I am feeling the times as I enter unemployment. I chat about my last 8 years in the 3D printing industry, some stories from the early days, and all of the lessons I am taking away from that awesome time with talented people.

On the other side of things, I am very excited to be on my new adventure fusing 3D printing + AI. A new chapter, new challenges, and more opportunities than I can pay attention to! Excited to share more with you - go over to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & make sure you sign up for our newsletter!

For the long time listeners - thanks so much for all your support, we're almost at 400 episodes! We're thinking something special for number 400...let us know if you have any ideas

Here's to building a fantastic future for all of us!

Your Host,

Alex G. Orphanos

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Support us by getting some Today In Space Merch:

James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

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