Today In Space

In this episode, we cover some Orbital News to cover what's new in the Space Industry. SpaceX just returned their Dragon Capsule from CRS-18 safely, the United Launch Alliance (ULA) had their last launch of the Delta IV Medium rocket and we discuss it's replacement, the Vulcan Centaur Booster. There's also some insight into a potential option for the Lunar Gateway thanks to a tweet from Eric Berger.

Then we go over my thoughts on aliens for the first time in a segment dedicated to the topic. I also share my thoughts on the microbiome and it's role in our lives, including the mystery of who came first - humans or the microbiome? Who was the first alien to the planet?

A fun episode to put together - hope you enjoy!

Hope you have a great week - don't forget to reach out if you have any questions or want a topic covered on the podcast!

https://www.space.com/spacex-dragon-crs-18-returns-to-earth.html

Last ULA Launch of Delta IV Medium Booster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AgiyxDoXtE

More info on Vulcan Centaur https://www.ulalaunch.com/rockets/vulcan-centaur

Voting for new ULA Rocket - https://www.universetoday.com/119555/you-can-vote-to-name-americas-new-rocket-from-ula/

Leonard Nimoys passing https://apple.news/AJkfcUe95SPSb7qDSmlgj4Q https://apple.news/A9mTE__tdNd2QhoE9JxtFmg

Eric Berger's tweet about Sierra Nevada' Corps Lunar Gateway prototype: More great info to talk about in the tweet chain https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1164184942978502656?s=21

audibletrial.com/todayinspace for a free audiobook. This week's recommendation: Chasing the Moon by Alan Andres and Robert Stone

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This week the timing of everything Starhopper worked out and I was able to sit in front of the microphone and watch the 150m test launch for SpaceX. While the first day was scrubbed, there was solid space-talk about Starhopper, how to make spaceships and rockets cheaper, the power of iterative design, 3D printing, and more. Just an Aerospace Engineer, a microphone, and a launch hangout as we talk everything SpaceX, Starhopper, Starship, and more!

https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1164184942978502656?s=21

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3772474

3D Printing Time-lapse and Assembly of the hand-held Starhopper from AG3Dprinting: https://www.instagram.com/tv/B1qvZbEBQII/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

EryDayAstronaut Live Broadcast of first launch attempt (lot's of good space talk here- Tim's great at what he does! Legend.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fblo3vzsOo4 SpaceX live launch attempt 1 (scrubbed) broadcast (in case you actually wanted to see this...)https://youtu.be/Jhjyz183poo EryDayAstronaut Live Broadcast of second launch attempt (LOUD audio) https://youtu.be/m0MTtqzzf-U SpaceX live launch attempt 2 (success) clip https://youtu.be/bYb3bfA6_sQ

Hope you have a great week - don't forget to reach out if you have any questions or want a topic covered on the podcast!

audibletrial.com/todayinspace for a free audiobook. This week's recommendation: Chasing the Moon by Alan Andres and Robert Stone

Follow us @todayinspacepod on Instagram and Twitter for more space and science

Follow us @ag3dprinting on Instagram and Twitter to learn about 3D printing!

Facebook Page /TodayInSpacePodcast

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On this week's episode, we have a few Orbital News segments to go through to catch you up on what's going on this week in space: Waiting on the FAA for Starhopper 200m Test https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1162096454367756288?lang=en

Chandrayaan-2 Enters Lunar Orbit https://www.space.com/india-chandrayaan-2-moon-mission-enters-lunar-orbit.html

RocketLab's #LookMaNoHands mission https://youtu.be/SNuauG1Gvr8

Starman and Elon Musk's Cherry Red Tesla Roadster complete 1st solar orbit https://www.space.com/spacex-starman-tesla-falcon-heavy-first-orbit-sun.html

RESEARCH PAPER (PDF): MECHANICAL, POWER, AND THERMAL SUBSYSTEM DESIGN FOR A CUBESAT MISSION

https://web.wpi.edu/Pubs/E-project/Available/E-project-031212-121649/unrestricted/Mechanical,_Power,_and_Thermal_Subsystem_Design_for_a_CubeSat.pdf

We close out this week's episode with my thoughts on why SpaceX has such loyal fans. It has something to do with my sneakers...more on that at the end of the episode.

Hope you have a great week - don't forget to reach out if you have any questions or want a topic covered on the podcast!

audibletrial.com/todayinspace for a free audiobook. This week's recommendation: Chasing the Moon by Alan Andres and Robert Stone

Follow us @todayinspacepod on Instagram and Twitter for more space and science

Follow us @ag3dprinting on Instagram and Twitter to learn about 3D printing!

Facebook Page /TodayInSpacePodcast

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This past week was really busy, and I wanted to refocus myself for the week ahead. So, here's another installment of the Balance in this week's Personal Log. We all have a balance for success, and we're all human and get off the wagon. I'm sharing my struggles and achievements of personal development in the hopes it starts a discussion about things like mental health, personal well being, and simply taking care of yourself.

At the very least, it's a place for me to talk about the human side of science. Plus, this is a space science show and last I checked we are all still in human form. If we can't handle ourselves on Earth, how are we expected to survive in the infinite vacuum of space without going mad or becoming unstable? Will we just continue the madness we see today but on other planets?? Never mind actually having a colony on another planet like Mars and not have it dissolve into complete anarchy.

So, let's start talking about the human side of science - I'll start.

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Hope you have a great week, stay safe, and spread love and science! Alex G. Orphanos

On this week's episode, we go deep and cover some major Orbital news from Earth's space industry - catching you up on what's new in Space.

Lightsail2 now using propulsion thanks to Solar Pressure

• http://www.planetary.org/blogs/jason-davis/ls2-deploys-sail.html
• http://www.planetary.org/blogs/jason-davis/lightsail-2-successful-flight-by-light.html
• Carl Sagan interview on Johnny Carson (Planetary Society) https://youtu.be/-cEXKu_Onlk

SpaceX had a successful CRS18 launch followed up by a docking of the Dragon spacecraft on ISS to resupply the 6 crew members onboard with supplies and experiments.

• NASA Broadcast of CRS-18 https://youtu.be/nPbA9-oLDI8
• SpaceX Broadcast of CRS-18 https://youtu.be/SlgrxVuP5jk
• BioPrinter that will start 3D printing human organs in space on the ISS https://youtu.be/YFg4Zi_AVCk
• NASA sends slime to the ISS to show effects of microgravity on fluids https://www.space.com/nickelodeon-slime-launching-to-space.html
• Astronaut Chris Hadfield shows what wringing a wet towel in microgravity does https://youtu.be/o8TssbmY-GM

SpaceX also had some Star Hopper success. 20m hop done - 200m hop soon. An update on Starship progress soon as well

• Elon Musk tweeted drone footage of 20m hop https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1154674872041103360?s=20
• https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1155415096387969024?s=20

India on it's way to the Moon! (more about the mission in episode)

• https://www.space.com/india-chandrayaan-2-moon-mission-in-photos.html
• https://www.space.com/india-chandrayaan-2-moon-mission-launch-weekend.html

Follow us @todayinspacepod on Instagram and Twitter for more space and science

Follow us @ag3dprinting on Instagram and Twitter to learn about 3D printing!

Facebook Page /TodayInSpacePodcast

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Hope you have a great week, stay safe, and spread love and science! Alex G. Orphanos

This past week I had the chance to visit Johnson Space Center while I was in Texas! I wanted to share my thoughts on my first time there, including some tips on what to see and where I stayed - I still want to go back and see more of it. It's a pretty interesting area, and I love Texas. It also made me think of my early influences for space and science - because I got to see a Space Shuttle up close and personal for the first time EVER! So much space nerding - and you can see my pictures and videos on our instagram page @todayinspacepod There weren't many guides I found on what to see at JSC - but I did find this great guide if you find yourself in Houston! https://spacetourismguide.com/visit-johnson-space-center/

We've got a lot of Orbital news to catch up on next week - a busy summer of space 2019!

Spread Love - Spread Science! Alex G. Orphanos

Happy 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing! In this special edition of the podcast, I will be sharing my thoughts on the Apollo60th, and hope to cover it from an angle you haven't heard before. To start, we have a launch hangout using the audio from the Saturn V launch on July 16th, 1969 and we finish off with my thoughts on the influence of the Apollo 11 moon landing 50 years later. I also share my logic against the age old argument that "We shouldn't put money and resources into a space program when there are so many things we could use that money for down on Earth". I hope you enjoy!

I'm off to the Houston Space Center next week! If you have any recommendations of what to see when I'm out there - please let me know!

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48857752 https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/apollo/apollo11_audio.html https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:266725

This last week was packed full of space! I got to attend a public conversation at the Boston Public Library where Robert Stone and Alan Andres spoke about 'Chasing the Moon' and everything Apollo as the 50th is coming up this week July 16-20th. Lots of NASA centers to celebrate at, see links below for more. In Orbital News, we go over SpaceX's Starhopper test on Tuesday, LightSail2, Hayabusa2, India's Moon mission launch (day episode was released), and we cover the change at NASA for leadership of the Human Exploration and Operations division. Something that will definitely have an effect on the success of the Artemis mission in 2024. Hopefully this former astronaut returning from the private sector will bring the government back what it needs to accomplish the goal in 5 years. Have a great week! Don't forget to catch the live broadcast of the Apollo 11 mission on July 20th thanks to NASA!

• https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1149550157068812290
• http://www.planetary.org/explore/projects/lightsail-solar-sailing/images/lightsail-1-in-space-vs-ground-test.html
• https://twitter.com/exploreplanets/status/1149789931453030400
• https://www.cnet.com/news/elon-musk-spacex-starship-aims-for-crucial-hover-test-july-16/
• https://www.boeing.com/space/starliner/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starship_(spacecraft)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oedz4MoMHaY
• https://twitter.com/haya2e_jaxa/status/1149225624105410561
• https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/fs-2014-08-004-jsc-orion_quickfacts-web.pdf
• https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-celebrates-50th-anniversary-of-historic-moon-landing-with-live-tv-broadcast/

This week I got carried away after SpaceX tweeted video from the Falcon Heavy STP-2 mission where the camera was attached to the fairing they recovered thanks to Ms. Tree. It's really amazing how much inspiration and learning you get for everyone when a company like SpaceX takes NASA's tact of sharing their development for everyone to see. The simple act of sharing a video of what it looks like to recover a fairing from a rocket literally gave me enough energy and excitement to write a 20 minute episode. Imagine what else and who else this act of free sharing is inspiring. Which leads me to the second point of this week's podcast - from my research into Space History, thanks to the book Chasing the Moon. Space Programs that do great things take a while to accomplish - 5-10 years. If we learn anything from the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, its that the trend shows interest in the program fades before the mission is finished and fully funded. How does NASA adjust in 2019 to make sure that support stays with the Artemis program so that we see the first woman and next man to walk on the moon in 2024?

I also finish with my sporadic impression of JFK as I go through Part 2 of the "We choose to go to the Moon" speech at Rice University in 1962. Getting excited for the Apollo 11 50th anniversary next week (July 16-20th). Reach out if you'd like us to cover anything space related! Email: [email protected] Twitter: @TodayInSpacepod / @ELGR3CO Instagram: @TodayInSpacepod Facebook: @TodayInSpacepodcast Spread love spread science! Have a great week! Alex G. Orphanos Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ms._Tree_(ship) https://er.jsc.nasa.gov/seh/ricetalk.htm

Chasing the Moon - by Robert Stone and Alan Andres

https://amzn.to/2XjOqGE. You can get the audiobook for free on audible with a free trial by going to audibletrial.com/todayinspace

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1146571114551709698

President JFK's "We Choose to Go to the Moon" speech at Rice University (Youtube)

https://youtu.be/ouRbkBAOGEw

As part of the lead up to the Apollo11 moon landing 50th anniversary, I want to start by sharing a part of one of JFK's most famous space speeches and moments. In Orbital News, we review the night launch of the third Falcon Heavy mission (STP-2) and give some reusability stats. We also discuss one of the payloads on board from the Planetary Society, as well as a follow-up of the MakeItRain mission from Rocket Lab.

I wish you a happy Independence Day! Enjoy the week. As this is one of my favorite holidays, I share my thoughts on what independence means to me this year. I can't believe I've done it for each year of the podcast. It's wild! (links are below)

Don't forget you can get a free audiobook and trial by going to audibletrial.com/todayinspace.

Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project with us at AG3D Printing, my idea workshop where we can bring your ideas into reality leveraging 3D printing and Design services. Check us out on instagram to see what cool stuff we are making right now @ag3dprinting.

Follow the podcast @todayinspacepod on twitter and instagram, @todayinspacepodcast on facebook and don't forget to subscribe to us if you haven't already on Apple podcasts, Youtube and now Spotify! FINALLY! And finally, make sure to contact us and let us know what you want us to cover on this podcast of all things space science. Reach out to us on social media, email [email protected], or in the comments below.

Until next week - be good, spread love, and spread science! Here's to a fantastic future!

Happy Independence Day!

https://www.rocketlabusa.com/missions/completed-missions/make-it-rain/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.teslarati.com/spacex-flight-proven-falcon-heavy-block-5-launch-photos/amp/

https://er.jsc.nasa.gov/seh/ricetalk.htm

Chasing the Moon - by Robert Stone and Alan Andres

https://amzn.to/2XjOqGE. You can get the audiobook for free on audible with a free trial by going to audibletrial.com/todayinspace

Apollo's Legacy - by Roger D. Launius

https://amzn.to/2LxmJ5U

President JFK's "We Choose to Go to the Moon" speech at Rice University (Youtube)

https://youtu.be/ouRbkBAOGEw

Today In Space episodes related to Light Sail http://www.todayinspace.net/search?q=lightsail

Today In Space episodes related to Independence

http://www.todayinspace.net/search?q=independence

Images from SpaceX STP-2 mission (SpaceX Official Flickr) https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=130608600%40N05&view_all=1&text=STP-2