Today In Space Alex G. Orphanos

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 todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com!
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 todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com
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
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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

On this episode we speak 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 todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com
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 todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com 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 todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com
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

In this episode, we prepare for next week's human space launch of Boeing's Starliner, the first Crewed mission for Altas V & the CST-100 spacecraft! This is the culmination of the investment NASA & US taxpayers put into the Commercial Crew Program. Two human-rated spacecraft were given contracts to test & evenutally fly human beings to the ISS. SpaceX Crew Dragon already flies to the ISS regularly with Astronauts & supplies, and Boeing's Starliner is ready to have its first crewed mission!
It's been a long road, and much controversy over the years - even beginning at the start of Commercial Crew when only two companies were chosen there was a rift that unfolded in the space industry. I share my thoughts on the whole endeavor in the hopes that we can learn something and be better off for the future.
It's also a good time to contemplate how grateful we should be that the US is close to having full redundency for human launch capability to the ISS. In a world where not long ago we relied fully on Russia's Soyuz to send humans to the ISS, what would have happened if NASA and the US never invested in American Spacecraft that launch on American soil in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine? 5-10 years ago, this would have meant the end of the ISS.
Let us know what YOU think! We'd love to hear from you. Email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com
Topics from the episode:
spacecraft, boeing, space, astronauts, spacex, iss, commercial crew program, launch, humans, atlas, crew, 3d printing, orbit, soyuz, nasa
SOURCES:
https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/launches-and-events/events-calendar/2024/may/rocket-launch-ula-boeing-crewed-flight-test-cft
https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-cleared-launch-crew-flight-test
https://www.space.com/news/live/boeing-starliner-oft-2-live-updates
https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/boeings-starliner-makes-progress-ahead-of-flight-test-with-astronauts/
https://www.nasa.gov/missions/station/what-you-need-to-know-about-nasas-boeing-orbital-flight-test-2-2/
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 Boeing's upcoming crewed flight test of the CST-100 spacecraft. 
05:04 NASA's Boeing Starliner spacecraft challenging road to the ISS with Crew
 
11:51 NASA's new human-rated spacecraft, Boeing Starliner, and its significance for America's 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 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

On this episode we have some Astronomer friends on to discuss our thoughts from the Total Solar Eclipse! Matt Schricker (@Bostronomy), Andrew Abban (@aa.astro01), and Thorne Ransom (@ransomobservatory) join us to share their Astronomy Origin Stories and their experience during the Total Solar Eclipe. For some it was our first, and others were looking for redemption from 2017. But all of us were close to speechless when it happened, until we had this mega podcast for some Eclipse Talk.
Maine was one of the best places in the country to see the Total Solar Eclipse, given the cloud coverage on the day of the eclipse. Even us New Englanders were shocked that out of the 13 states in the US - Maine would be the place to be. But, as you'll hear and see from the images taken...we had the best seats in the solar system that day! Thank you to our guests and new friends for such a fun Eclipse Talk - make sure to follow them online for awesome astrophotography!
Let us know if you were able to watch the total solar eclipse and whether it was your first! We'd love to hear from you. Email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com
Topics from the episode:
eclipse, telescope, astronomy, friend, crazy, mind-blowing, pictures, Maine, years, night, shadow, sky, totality, mountain, total solar eclipse
SOURCES:
Maine's last total solar eclipse (1963)
https://downeast.com/history/july-1963-total-eclipse/
What is a Meridian Flip? https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/236513-meridian-flip/
What is a Meridian Flip when using a Telescope?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnktqwTwCMA
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 Eclipse Talk w/ 3 Astronomers
05:03 Astronomy Origin stories w/ Andrew & Thorne 
10:38 The Journey to Maine, and the challenge of chasing good Total Eclipse weather
15:02 REACTIONS to the Total Solar Eclipse 
23:01 Astronomy Trio’s experience during the Eclipse. 
28:04 Astrophotography techniques and tools used during the total solar eclipse. 
37:53 Road trips, traffic, and big dogs dangerously close to telescopes
42:12 The Purkinje effect with colors during the Total Solar Eclipse
47:03 The time and science of Solar Eclipse viewing
52:48 Astronomy and Starparties
59:11 The impact & human experience of the solar eclipse
01:14:16 Astrophotography, equipment, and friends
-----------------
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 #people #spacex #moon #science #3dprinting #nasa #tothemoon #spacetravel #spaceexploration #solarsystem #spacecraft #technology #vaonis #vespera #hestia #telescope #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #lunar #totalsolareclipse