From Here to the Stars

Michael Birchfield

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Discussing the future of interstellar travel with the great minds of our age.

6d ago

From Here to the Stars Episode 36: David Giere

From Here to the Stars | David Giere on Satellite Innovation, Propulsion Engineering, and Career Reflections in AerospaceIn this episode of From Here to the Stars, host Stephen Euin Cobb interviews David Giere, who holds a master's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan. David shares his extensive experience in propulsion engineering and leadership roles at Lockheed Martin, providing insights into satellite technology, rocket launches, and aerospace engineering careers.Key Topics Explored in This Episode:1. Multi-Satellite Launch Concepts - Early advocacy for launching multiple small satellites on a single Titan II rocket. - Challenges faced in finding initial market acceptance for multi-satellite missions. - Technological evolution and current industry practices for deploying satellite constellations.2. Functional Directorship and Engineering Leadership - Managing a large team (700 engineers) within a matrix organization at Lockheed Martin. - Balancing day-to-day project demands and long-term career development for engineers. - Effective hiring practices and the importance of attitude and work ethic over GPA or school prestige.3. Rocket Launch Experiences - Personal experiences attending launches at Vandenberg Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral. - Insights into launch successes and failures, telemetry analysis, and investigation processes after failures. - Emotional impact and professional responsibility during critical launches.4. Historical and Career Highlights - Participation in reviewing launch processes for significant missions (Viking Landers, Voyager spacecraft). - Key roles in refurbishing decommissioned Titan II missiles for satellite launches. - Personal reflections on notable career mentors and industry legends.5. Propulsion Systems and Rocket Technologies - Comparison of solid versus liquid rocket propulsion, including their respective advantages and applications. - Technical discussions on engine cooling, gimbaling for guidance, and historical methods of rocket stabilization. - Innovations and continuous improvements in rocket engine designs and materials.6. Reflections on Industry Advancements - Recognition of #ElonMusk's contributions to space exploration and record-breaking achievements. - Discussion on the evolution and advancement of rocket propulsion and guidance systems.7. Educational and Personal Insights - Importance of practical skills, real-world applications of probability and statistics, and continuous learning in aerospace engineering. - Reflections on career growth, significant projects, and witnessing historical space events.About David Giere: - Master's in Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan - Former Functional Director at Lockheed Martin - Extensive experience in propulsion engineering, satellite technology, and rocket launch systems.Presented by the Interstellar Research Group (IRG):The IRG is dedicated to advancing the science and engineering required for interstellar exploration. Learn more about their upcoming symposium at https://irg.space.Search Tags:#DavidGiri #SatelliteInnovation #RocketLaunches #PropulsionEngineering #AerospaceCareers #LockheedMartin #SpaceExploration #MultiSatelliteMissions #EngineeringLeadership #InterstellarResearchGroup #IRG @LockheedMartin

30 min
May 15

From Here to the Stars Episode 35: Dr. Pete Worden

From Here to the Stars | Dr. Pete Worden on Breakthrough Starshot, Asteroid Mining, and the Future of Space ExplorationIn this episode of From Here to the Stars, host Stephen Euin Cobb interviews Dr. Pete Worden, Chairman of the Breakthrough Prize Foundation, Executive Director of the Breakthrough Initiatives, and former Director of NASA Ames Research Center. Dr. Worden shares his insights into cutting-edge space exploration technologies and the future of interstellar travel.Key Topics Explored in This Episode:1. Breakthrough Starshot Initiative - Sending thousands of tiny "nanocraft" propelled by laser-driven sails to Alpha Centauri. - Challenges in laser propulsion, sail materials, and interstellar communications. - Progress on feasibility studies and technological advancements.2. Breakthrough Listen and SETI - Searching for extraterrestrial intelligence through large-scale radio telescope initiatives. - Notable projects like the MeerKAT array, Chinese FAST telescope, and Green Bank Observatory. - The significance of potential alien signals and recent detections.3. Asteroids: Resources and Threats - The scientific and industrial importance of asteroids as the solar system's building blocks. - Asteroids as critical resources for space exploration, providing water, hydrocarbons, and metals. - Defense strategies against asteroid impacts to protect Earth.4. Small Satellite Innovations - Importance and benefits of small satellites (CubeSats and ChipSats) in space exploration. - NASA Ames' role in pioneering affordable and rapid satellite prototyping. - The future of networked satellites and their expanding roles in space missions.5. Clementine Mission and Lunar Exploration - Achievements of the Clementine Mission, particularly the discovery of water ice at the lunar poles. - Significance for long-term human habitation and exploration of the Moon.6. Breakthrough Prize and Inspiring the Next Generation - The world's largest science prize aimed at elevating public awareness of groundbreaking scientific achievements. - Breakthrough Junior Challenge: Empowering young people globally in science through scholarships and educational support.7. Vision for Interstellar Travel - Exploring solar neighborhoods and exoplanetary systems within this century. - Ethical considerations and the future challenges of interstellar communication. About Dr. Pete Worden: - Former Director, NASA Ames Research Center - Chairman, Breakthrough Prize Foundation - Executive Director, Breakthrough Initiatives - Recognized expert in space science, innovative spacecraft technology, and international collaboration.Presented by the Interstellar Research Group (IRG):The IRG is dedicated to advancing the science and engineering required for interstellar exploration. Learn more about their upcoming symposium at https://irg.space.Search Tags:#PeteWorden #BreakthroughStarshot #InterstellarTravel #AsteroidMining #SETI #CubeSats #SpaceExploration #IRG #BreakthroughInitiatives #SpaceInnovation #LunarExploration#galaxy #missions #systems #acceleration #universe #travel #interstellartravel #sciencecast #scast

1h 7m
May 8

From Here to the Stars Episode 34: AJ Link

From Here to the Stars | AJ Link on Space Law, Disability Inclusion, and the Future of Global Space PolicyIn this powerful episode of From Here to the Stars, host Stephen Euin Cobb interviews AJ Link, a legal scholar, disability rights advocate, and Adjunct Professor of Space Law at Howard University. As the inaugural director of the Center for Air and Space Law Task Force on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in Aerospace, AJ Link brings unique insight into how we govern, explore, and ethically expand into outer space.Topics Covered in This Episode:1. The Foundations of Space Law and Policy - What space law is and how it shapes international and national space activities - The role of space policy in regulating commercial spaceflight, private enterprise, and scientific missions - Why space policy decisions must align with international legal frameworks2. The Ethics of Space Exploration - Should we go to space at all? And if so, why? - What purpose should drive interstellar missions? - Philosophical and cultural considerations around space expansion, including Indigenous perspectives3. Designing Inclusive Interstellar Crews - The need to consider neurodiversity and disability in astronaut selection - Rethinking traditional astronaut “types” for long-duration missions - Interpersonal dynamics, isolation tolerance, and mental health in spaceflight4. Space Tourism and Traffic Management - The growing challenge of managing commercial space travel - Potential need for global aerospace traffic control systems - Lessons from international airspace regulation5. Rethinking Space Governance - Why current treaties like the Outer Space Treaty may not be sufficient for long-term space habitation - The case for updating or completely rebuilding space law frameworks - Concepts of regional space governance and future interplanetary legal structures6. Intergenerational Equity and Environmental Stewardship - The need for long-term, inclusive, and environmentally mindful space policy - Ethical questions surrounding resource extraction on the Moon and asteroids - Respecting celestial bodies as cultural and spiritual symbolsAbout AJ Link: - Adjunct Professor of Space Law, Howard University School of Law - JD, George Washington University | LLM in Space Law, University of Mississippi - Director, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in Aerospace Task Force (Center for Air & Space Law) - Advocate for neurodivergent and disabled individuals in STEM and law - Scheduled panelist at the Interstellar Research Group’s 2023 Sagan Meeting on interstellar crew selectionPresented by the Interstellar Research Group (IRG)IRG is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing the science and technology necessary for interstellar travel. Learn more about upcoming symposia and research at https://irg.spaceSearch Tags:#AJLink #SpaceLaw #SpacePolicy #InterstellarTravel #DisabilityInclusion #NeurodiversityInSTEM #FromHereToTheStars #IRGspace #SpaceGovernance #SpaceExplorationEthics #CrudeMissions #Astropolitics #SpaceAccessibility

33 min
May 1

From Here to the Stars Episode 33: Dr. Evie Kendal

From Here to the Stars | Dr. Evie Kendal on Space Ethics, Reproduction in Space, and Artificial WombsIn this thought-provoking episode of From Here to the Stars, host Stephen Euin Cobb sits down with Dr. Evie Kendal, a bioethicist, public health scientist, and space ethics researcher at Swinburne University of Technology. With expertise in artificial womb technology, aerospace medicine, planetary defense, and the ethics of human space settlement, Dr. Kendal explores what it means to live, work, and reproduce beyond Earth.Key Topics Discussed in This Interview: - Selecting Crews for Interstellar Missions:Why diversity, reproductive liberty, and ethical guidelines must shape off-world population planning. - Planetary Defense Ethics:What’s the most ethical way to redirect an asteroid? Why nuclear responses, kinetic impactors, gravity tractors, and even moon-based lasers all raise global concerns. - Labor Rights & Workplace Ethics on the Moon:How tyranny-prone environments in off-world mining could threaten freedom and human rights—and why return trip guarantees are essential. - Space Law & Ethical Gaps:How space law is evolving, and why ethical frameworks should lead legislation—not lag behind it. - Aerospace Medicine & Reproductive Ethics:What happens when commercial space tourists don’t meet astronaut fitness standards? What are the implications of pregnancy in space, and how do we protect bodily autonomy? - Artificial Womb Technology (Ectogenesis):From premature infant care to full-term fetal development outside the body—how artificial wombs may revolutionize reproduction on Earth and in space. - Equal Opportunity & Reproductive Justice:Why ectogenesis may offer more reproductive freedom for LGBTQ+ individuals, women unable to carry pregnancies, and anyone seeking a safer, more equitable path to parenthood.About Dr. Evie Kendal: - Lecturer in Health Promotion, Swinburne University of Technology - Leader of the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Emerging Technologies research group (Iverson Health Innovation Institute) - Author of Equal Opportunity and the Case for State-Sponsored Ectogenesis - Contributor to academic works on planetary defense and lunar settlement ethics - Speaker at the 2023 Interstellar Research Group SymposiumPresented by the Interstellar Research Group (IRG)IRG is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the science and engineering needed to make interstellar travel a reality. Learn more about our work and upcoming events at https://irg.spaceSearch Tags:#EvieKendal #SpaceEthics #ArtificialWombs #Ectogenesis #AerospaceMedicine #PlanetaryDefense #LunarSettlement #SpaceLaw #ReproductiveEthics #SpaceReproduction #Bioethics #FromHereToTheStars #InterstellarTravel #IRGspace

35 min
Apr 25

From Here to the Stars Episode 32: Dr. Erika Nesvold

From Here to the Stars | Dr. Erika Nesvold on Space Ethics, Settlement, and Social Justice in the Final FrontierIn this episode of From Here to the Stars, host Stephen Euin Cobb speaks with Dr. Erika Nesvold, an astrophysicist, author, and co-founder of the Just Space Alliance. With a PhD in physics and a background in computational astrophysics, Dr. Nesvold is pioneering conversations around the ethics of space exploration and settlement—asking not just how we go to space, but why, and who gets to go.Topics in This Interview: - Universe Sandbox: How Dr. Nesvold brings physics to life through an interactive simulation platform and how it bridges science, art, and education. - Making New Worlds: Her podcast-turned-book Off-Earth (MIT Press), which explores urgent questions around space justice, governance, environmental protection, and more.Space Ethics 101:– Should we settle space?– Why are we going?– Who gets to go?– How do we protect the Moon, asteroids, and orbits?– Who owns space, and who makes the rules? - Space as a Mirror for Earth: Why confronting questions of governance, crime, and sustainability in space might help us improve life on Earth. - The Moon and Beyond: From debates over legal personhood for celestial bodies to the ethics of mining lunar ice or visible alterations of the Moon’s face.About Dr. Erika Nesvold: - Astrophysicist with research in planetary disk dynamics and orbital modeling. - Science Communicator and developer for Universe Sandbox. - Author of “Off-Earth: Ethical Questions and Quandaries for Living in Outer Space” (MIT Press). - Editor of “Reclaiming Space” (Oxford University Press). - Co-founder of the Just Space Alliance, advocating for equity and ethics in the space domain.Presented by the Interstellar Research Group (IRG)The IRG is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the science and engineering needed for interstellar travel. Learn more or attend our next symposium at https://irg.spaceSearch Tags:#ErikaNesvold #SpaceEthics #SpaceSettlement #SpaceJustice #Astrophysics #JustSpaceAlliance #OffEarth #MakingNewWorlds #UniverseSandbox #MoonMining #SpaceGovernance #FromHereToTheStars #SpaceLaw #LowEarthOrbit #EnvironmentalEthics #AsteroidMining #WhoOwnsSpace #OuterSpaceTreaty #IRGspacehttps://www.amazon.com/Off-Earth-Ethical-Questions-Quandaries-Living/dp/0262047543

29 min
Mar 16

From Here to the Stars Episode 31: Dr. Mason Peck

From Here to the Stars | Dr. Mason Peck on Planetary Defense, ChipSats, and the Future of Space ExplorationIn this episode of From Here to the Stars, host Stephen Euin Cobb interviews Dr. Mason Peck, aerospace engineer at Cornell University and former Chief Technologist at NASA (2011–2013). Dr. Peck shares insights into his work on space systems, orbital dynamics, planetary defense, and ultra-miniaturized spacecraft called ChipSats—tiny vehicles that could revolutionize interplanetary and interstellar exploration.Highlights from the Interview: - Asteroid Grand Challenge: How NASA’s initiative aimed to crowdsource solutions to planetary defense—and whether we're now "smarter than the dinosaurs." - Planetary Defense Progress: Why over 90% of extinction-level asteroids have now been cataloged, and how missions like DART are direct outcomes of early efforts. - ChipSats & Interstellar Travel: Learn how spacecraft the size of a postage stamp could explore deep space, survive atmospheric re-entry, and even travel to Proxima Centauri. - Interplanetary Transport Network: A low-energy, gravity-assisted pathway through the solar system—ideal for smart swarms of ChipSats. - Atmospheric Science & the Mesosphere: Why this “ignorosphere” remains one of the least studied parts of Earth’s atmosphere—and how ChipSats could fill in the data gaps. - The Space Systems Design Studio: How Dr. Peck mentors students at Cornell to take wild space ideas from theory to orbit.Why It Matters:Dr. Peck makes a compelling case for shifting space exploration from one-off billion-dollar missions to large-scale, statistical swarms of micro-probes—enabling distributed, cost-effective science across the solar system and beyond.Presented by the Interstellar Research Group (IRG)The IRG is a nonprofit dedicated to exploring the science and engineering of interstellar travel. Learn more about the next IRG Symposium and contribute your work at: https://irg.spaceSearch Tags:#MasonPeck #ChipSats #InterstellarTravel #PlanetaryDefense #NASA #DARTMission #AsteroidGrandChallenge #FromHereToTheStars #SpaceEngineering #Aerospace #BreakthroughStarshot #SpaceDebris #MicroSatellites #CubeSats #ITN #SpaceSystemsDesignStudio #MesosphereScience #LowMassReentry #CornellUniversity #IRGspace

31 min
Mar 3

From Here to the Stars Episode 30: Dr. Andrew Higgins

From Here to the Stars | Dr. Andrew Higgins on the Future of Interstellar Travel and Engineering ChallengesIn this in-depth episode of From Here to the Stars, host Stephen Euin Cobb speaks with Dr. Andrew Higgins, Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at McGill University and General Chair of the 8th Interstellar Research Group Symposium.Dr. Higgins shares his insights into the engineering challenges of interstellar flight, the technical direction of the field, and how passionate research communities like the IRG are helping shape humanity’s journey beyond the solar system.He also discusses his work on hypervelocity launchers, shock waves, ram accelerators, and how his research group is contributing to the practical, physics-grounded pursuit of reaching the stars.Key Topics Covered: - What is the IRG Interstellar Symposium and who should attend? - Why Montreal was selected as the 2023 host city and what to expect from the venue - How informal conversations and collaboration spark breakthroughs in spaceflight research - The science behind interstellar propulsion, including beamed energy and detonation engines - Dust grain impact risks at relativistic speeds and strategies to test for mitigation - Reflections on the legacy of Robert L. Forward and inspiration from Carl Sagan's Cosmos - A candid look at why chemical propulsion, fission, and fusion may not be fast enoughFeatured Speakers at the 2023 IRG Symposium: - Dr. Catherine Denning (York University) on the anthropology of interstellar exploration - Dr. Becky McCauley-Rench (NASA) on NASA's astrobiology research and Mars missions - Dr. Stephen Webb (Portsmouth University) on the Fermi Paradox and possible solutionsDr. Higgins also explains how aspiring researchers and students can submit papers, posters, or art to the symposium, and how in-person events drive scientific progress through shared discovery and serendipitous conversations.Presented by the Interstellar Research Group (IRG)Explore more or join the mailing list at: https://irg.spaceSearch Tags:#AndrewHiggins #FromHereToTheStars #InterstellarTravel #SpaceExploration #IRGspace #BreakthroughStarshot #RamAccelerator #Hypervelocity #Astrophysics #SpaceEngineering #FermiParadox #StephenWebb #SETI #NASA #Exoplanets #ShockWaves #ObliqueDetonation #AerospacePropulsion #CarlSagan #RobertForward #Starflight #InterstellarSymposium #McGillUniversity #MontrealSymposium

29 min
Feb 18

From Here to the Stars Episode 29: Dr. Stephen Webb

From Here to the Stars | Dr. Stephen Webb on the Fermi Paradox, SETI, and the Possibility That We're AloneIn this thought-provoking episode of From Here to the Stars, host Stephen Euin Cobb interviews Dr. Stephen Webb, theoretical physicist at the University of Portsmouth and author of Where Is Everybody?, a best-selling book exploring the Fermi Paradox. Dr. Webb is also known for his viral TED Talk, “Where Are All the Aliens?” with over 6 million views.As a keynote speaker for the 2023 Interstellar Research Group Symposium, Dr. Webb discusses whether intelligent extraterrestrial life exists—or if humanity might be completely alone in the universe.Key Topics Covered: - What is the Fermi Paradox, and why is it more relevant now than ever? - Three classes of solutions to the paradox—and why Dr. Webb leans toward the "we're alone" answer - Why detecting SETI signals without signs of interstellar travel could be bad news - The critical evolutionary steps required for intelligent, technological civilizations - How Isaac Asimov influenced Dr. Webb’s scientific thinking (and book collecting!) - The future of habitable planet discovery, exoplanet atmospheres, and what it could tell us - Why life might be common, but intelligent, spacefaring civilizations might be incredibly rareOther Fascinating Insights: - The Drake Equation as a framework for understanding cosmic possibilities - Could small red dwarf stars (like K- and M-class) really support life? - What might life on planets like Venus, Mars, or Titan teach us about evolution elsewhere? - The potential consequences—philosophical and practical—of a quiet universeDr. Webb brings both scientific rigor and a deep sense of curiosity to the question, "Where is everybody?" His conclusions are bold, his logic compelling—and whether you agree or not, this is a conversation that will stick with you.Presented by the Interstellar Research Group (IRG)Learn more at https://irg.spaceSearch Tags:#FermiParadox #StephenWebb #FromHereToTheStars #SETI #AreWeAlone #Astrobiology #InterstellarTravel #Exoplanets #DrakeEquation #TEDTalk #WhereIsEverybody #LifeInTheUniverse #AlienCivilizations #IsaacAsimov #UKSETI #IRGspace #FutureOfSpace #HabitablePlanets #GoldilocksZone #Technosignatures

30 min

Discussing the future of interstellar travel with the great minds of our age.

Creator

Michael Birchfield
Years Active

2021 - 2026
Episodes

40
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Michael Birchfield
Show Website

From Here to the Stars