Today In Space

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.

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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 #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

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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 #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

The first week of June went HARD for Space - and for Human Spaceflight it was fully loaded! So many launches, including the success of Boeing's CFT Starliner that brought Astronauts Sunita Williams & Butch Wilmore! We break down what happened, why it was a success, and our thoughts on the Crew Test Flight. We really can't stress how important having TWO human-rated spacecraft for the US to launch from our own soil - and we do our best to tell that story with this episode. For those wondering - this is a good review of my thoughts on EVERYTHING Starliner CFT - so buckle up. Best of luck to Astronauts Suni & Butch on their return trip on 'Calipso' - their Starliner!

Let us know what YOU thought about Boeing's Starliner Crew Test Flight - email us at [email protected]!

Topics from the episode:

spacecraft, astronauts, space, boeing, spacex, space station, orbit, launch, nasa, program, humans, leaks, space shuttle, test, iss, experienced, decisions, united launch alliance, crew, team

We'd love to know your thoughts and questions!

Email us at [email protected]

SOURCES:

https://www.youtube.com/live/HneVxAmYcaA?si=htH7JFLrIH5s5gAJ

https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/05/the-surprise-is-not-that-boeing-lost-commercial-crew-but-that-it-finished-at-all/

https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-helium-leaks-assessment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY96v0OIcK4

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 Introduction 01:17 Boeing's Starliner launches Astronauts & docks with the ISS, despite challenges and delays. 05:55 NASA's Commercial Crew Program and its benefits for space exploration. 11:35 Boeing's Starliner spacecraft and its impact on space travel.

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

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

Last week was some of the most exciting and jam packed space events I've seen in a while. So many launches, including the success of SpaceX's Starship Test Flight 4! We break down what happened, why it was a success, and our thoughts on Flight Test 4, 5, and beyond. We really can't stress how much progress was made with IFT4 - and we do our best to tell that story with this episode. For those wondering - this is a good review of my thoughts on EVERYTHING test flight 4 - so buckle up.

Let us know what YOU thought about IFT4 and Starship - email us at [email protected]!

Topics from the episode:

starship, spacex, spacecraft, rocket, flaps, flight, booster, test, launch pad, humans, faa, launch, space, landing, orbit, land, reentry, artemis, experienced, starships

We'd love to know your thoughts and questions!

Email us at [email protected]

SOURCES:

https://x.com/SpaceX/status/1798689697184764071

https://x.com/SpaceX/status/1799458854067118450

https://x.com/SpaceX/status/1798792222743122164

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 Introduction 01:00 What is Starship and why is it important? 05:00 SpaceX's Starship reentry test - controlled reentry & spacecraft /booster survival 10:33 SpaceX's fourth flight test of Starship - Our Thoughts

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

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

On this episode we speak with NASA Astronaut Don Pettit about his Astronaut Origin Story and the 'maker mentality'. Don is preparing for Expedition 71/72 which will launch to the International Space Station aboard a Soyux (MS-26) from Baikonur Cosmodrome later this year. We were grateful for the NASA teams for helping us set up time with Don to chat all-things space. Welcome our first Astronaut to the podcast!

Don Pettit's origin story encapsulates that of a Maker - always wondering if things can be done better and making things to adjust a long the way. From his early days in junkyards, his time as a Rookie Astronaut, and helping create the first off-world patented item (the Zero-G cup), Don has had an amazing career. We discuss what's to come on Expedition 71/72, how "the crew" is the most important aspect of human space travel, and what the future could hold for us in space.

Thank you to Don, Garrett, and the NASA teams for helping us make this happen!

Topics from the episode:

space, astronaut, spacecraft, mission, air conditioning, nasa, fly, invention, love, space station, solar panels, crew, space station, engineering, human beings

We'd love to know your thoughts and questions!

Email us at [email protected]

SOURCES:

https://x.com/astro_Pettit https://www.nasa.gov/people/donald-r-pettit/ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/don-pettit-nasas-oldest-active-astronaut-is-going-back-to-space/ https://www.instagram.com/astro_pettit/

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 Astronaut origin stories and space exploration with Don Pettit. 04:42 Becoming an astronaut, emphasizing math, science, engineering skills. 09:25 Engineering, space travel, and the importance of teamwork. 13:49 Space station training, upgrades, and longevity. 21:03 Space training, effects of zero gravity, and return to Earth. 26:48 Adapting to extreme environments, invention of a cup for drinking in space 31:19 Teamwork and innovation in space exploration.

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

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

On this episode, we're recapping last weeks Aurora Extravoganza that the internet was a buzz about! We got pictures from folks like you that whole weekend, which was all we needed to survive a weekend of cloud-filled New England nights.

But one thing many curious folks were thinking - what are Auroras? How can we know when the next one is coming? Why do Auroras happen? What impacts do solar weather pose to planets, spacecraft, and humans in space? ALL of these answered on this week's episode.

Thank you to everyone who reached out with questions - and shoutout to Anne Bagg (@theannebagg on X/@annebagg on Instagram) for sending her question about predicting Auroras!

Let us know if you captured the Auroras - we'd love to share your astrophotography! Email us at [email protected] or DM us @todayinspacepod on Instagram & Today In Space podcast page on Facebook.

Topics from the episode:

space, sun, atmosphere, happening, aurora, earth, weather, solar, noaa, particles, mars, sunspot, solar storm, coronal holes, energetic particles, energy, magnetosphere

SOURCES:

• Question from #Veefam @theannebagg on X https://x.com/theannebagg/status/1790576203176591784?s=46&t=CTA3xJCHFoY9hV9qgrj4Jw
• https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-30-minute-forecast
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_objects_at_Lagrange_points
• https://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_(spacecraft)
• https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-jupiter-aurora-images
• https://science.nasa.gov/missions/hubble/saturns-auroras/
• https://www.astronomy.com/science/aurorae-throughout-our-solar-system-and-beyond/

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 Introduction

01:07 Auroras, solar flares, and space weather prediction.

04:52 Predicting solar storms and their impact on Earth's atmosphere

10:02 Space weather, Mars Atmosphere, and protecting astronauts from radiation.

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

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 #solarsystem #spacecraft #technology #vaonis #vespera #hestia #telescope #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #lunar #totalsolareclipse #aurora #auroraborealis #magnetosphere #spaceweather

On this episode, we dive into the Human Factor - which is all about learning about what it is to be a human and how that can help us grow and succeed in life. Because regardless of what we do, we are all human beings - even scientists and engineers. This week, I talk about one of my earliest passions - trading cards! Pokemon, YuGiOh, Dragon Ball, Magic the Gathering - all a MASSIVE part of my childhood and where I found the passion that is behind this podcast. It's an origin story of what made me who I am today...a big ole nerd!

While I was preparing for the Total Solar Eclipse, my trading card game days started to come back to me. I got myself into the VeeFriends Trading card world - an intellectual property created by Gary Vaynerchuck (aka Gary Vee). Right before my trip to Maine I got LAUNCHED into the VeeFriends TCG universe after winning two gift goats! These are some of the rarest cards in the series with only 555 in what I believe is 2.8 million cards in circulation. But the fun didn't stop there - less than two weeks later I was asking GaryVee a question on his 11 hour live stream! So this episode is an attempt to explain a little bit about who I am to anyone who's new, but also a moment for me to grow and learn (once again) that asking questions is important.

Thanks for joining us - let's dive in!

Let us know what YOU think! We'd love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected]

Topics from the episode:

trading cards, card, garyvee, love, podcast, stargazing, friends, space, veefriends, asking questions, learned, gift, gary vee, pack, online, money

SOURCES:

https://twitter.com/elgr3co/status/1776063412906151993?s=12&t=CTA3xJCHFoY9hV9qgrj4Jw

https://veefriends.com/

https://garyvaynerchuk.com/

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 The Human Factor - Self-doubt and Asking Questions

03:42 Podcasting, a Space Podcast, and learning from Gary Vee

08:03 NFTs, Trading Cards, and Patience - what it means to me

13:39 The impact of Trading Cards on my life, from Childhood to Adulthood

17:19 Space-themed Trading Card and meeting online friends

23:39 TodayinSpace pulling two Gift Goat cards on VeeFriends Cards Fanatics Live

27:53 My question to Gary Vee on his 11-hour live stream | How to start IRL space meetups to grow a community with real people.

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

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
• Magic Mind (magicmind.com use code TODAYINSPACE20 for 20% OFF or up to 56% off subscription)

Follow us:

@todayinspacepod on Instagram/Twitter @todayinspace on TikTok /TodayInSpacePodcast on Facebook

Support the podcast:

MAGIC MIND (magicmind.com/learn) AND use my code: TODAYINSPACE20

More ways to support us: • 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 #spacex #moon #science #3dprinting #nasa #boeing #spacetravel #spaceexploration #spacestation #spacecraft #technology #commercialcrew #boeingstarliner #starliner #iss #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis