Today In Space

Alex G. Orphanos, Science Communicator
  • 5.0 (20)
  • ASTRONOMY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The award-winning space science podcast about all things space! Hosted by Alex G. Orphanos, science communicator, maker, and aerospace engineer. Our mission: to spread love and spread science!

  1. 1D AGO

    NASA's Ignition Plan PT2 | To Build, or Not To Build...A Space Station in LEO & Lunar Orbit?

    In this episode we recap PT2 of NASA's ambitious plan for the moon with live reactions from Alex during last Monday's epic reveal of the Ignition Plan. This part is dedicated to orbital space stations and NASA's controversial pausing of Gateway (the planned but underdeveloped Lunar Space Station) and their plans to replace the International Space Station in Low Earth Orbit.  While seemingly a difficult admission from NASA that space stations are very expensive and complicated to not only build but also maintain continuous human presence, it also was deemed controversial by the same private contractors that will build the next ISS.   I thought the talk from Dana Weigel, program manager for the ISS Program was brutally and refreshingly honest. Even their module idea to build a NASA station that detaches when ISS is decommissioned seemed good to me, but according to Eric Berger's reporting (link below) it was not received well by the people who would use it. To listen to the whole talk from Dana Weigel, watch our coverage here: https://www.youtube.com/live/uEUZJl-9SD0?si=pFvQiyUMq178AMra&t=934 To read Eric Berger's reporting on the aftermath, click here: https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/03/what-happens-next-with-nasas-plan-to-replace-the-iss-source-it-could-get-ugly/ We'd love to know what you think! Let us know below. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction, Artemis 2 coverage, Controversy for Space Stations 01:47 Costs and Future of the International Space Station (ISS) 03:13 NASA Honesty & Leadership 11:28 Potential Replacements for the ISS 22:40 NASA's Moon Base and Gateway Project  26:27 Final Thoughts & Future Plans 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 • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net • 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

    29 min
  2. You Might Also Like: The Climate Dispatch

    1D AGO ·  BONUS

    You Might Also Like: The Climate Dispatch

    Introducing Confronting John Muir's Great Outdoors from The Climate Dispatch. Follow the show: The Climate Dispatch While US National Parks are — for many — a symbol of people's connection to nature, many would be surprised to learn how the Parks' history and that of the wider conservation movement have often had their origins in racism, discrimination, and land grabbing from Indigenous groups. Today, the barriers to accessing public green spaces echo a history of exclusion for BIPOC communities. In this episode, we examine what it means to enjoy the outdoors, survey the historical legacy of our National Parks and explore how the Sierra Club is helping steer a path towards equity. Guests: Allison Chin, Sierra Club President and Chair of the Board Ariel Dela Cruz, Outdoors Educator and Sierra Club Angeles Chapter Board Member Michelle Nijhuis, science writer and author of Beloved Beasts Featuring music from Strange Pilgrim DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. 4D AGO

    NASA's NEW Ignition Plan PT1 | My REACTIONS to the Update to Artemis & the Moon Base

    NASA just dropped one of the biggest space updates in years—and it could completely change the future of humanity in space. In this episode of Today In Space, I break down my live reaction to NASA's IGNITION announcement, including: - The push toward a permanent Moon Base - Major changes to the Artemis Program (up to 5 and beyond!) - Why NASA is shifting strategy (and what it means) - The role of 3D printing, manufacturing, and infrastructure on the Moon - How this plan sets the stage for Mars and deep space exploration After following NASA and the space industry for over a decade, this is one of the most exciting and complete plans I've seen. This isn't just about going back to the Moon—this is about staying there and building humanity's first true deep space foothold. If this works, we're looking at: 🌕 A real lunar base 🚀 A new era of space innovation 🛰️ Opportunities for engineers, creators, and companies 🌌 The foundation for missions to Mars and beyond This is a turning point. 👨‍🚀 Join the Conversation What do YOU think about NASA's Moon Base plans? Is this the moment NASA takes the lead again? Drop your thoughts below 👇 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 • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net • 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 Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction to NASA Ignition Program Release this Week 04:30 My LIVE Reaction to NASA Artemis Update by Dr. Lori Glaze 23:09 My LIVE Reaction to NASA Moon Base by Carlos Garcia-Galan aka 'Lunar Viceroy' 36:50 Time-Dilation and Relativistic Physics for Moon GPS w/ Atomic Clocks 44:45 Question: What's my opinion now that NASA has moved from Gateway to Moon Base?

    53 min
  4. NASA's Future, Rethinking "Failure", and the 'Maker Mindset' from An Aerospace Engineer

    MAR 19

    NASA's Future, Rethinking "Failure", and the 'Maker Mindset' from An Aerospace Engineer

    In this episode, Alex catches up on some of the latest projects he's been working on between using Space Internet (Starlink) and the testing on the 3D Printed Starlink mount. The topic of "rethinking failure" has continued to stay in the zeitgiest after the new NASA Artemis plan. As a classically trained Aerospace Engineer, Alex thought it made sense to dive into this idea more. As a maker at heart, failure is thought of as a necessity in development so that you LEARN quickly. For the "classic" way of engineering that I was taught, failure was seen differently... Some 3D printing & Space News updates to start, a dive into what "Space Internet" has been like, and then a quick trip to rethinking "failure" as we look towards NASA's future and the eventual Artemis 2 launch in April (hopefully). Thanks for joining us 3D Printing Playlist for Starlink Deck Mount Testing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nao06nbw5U&list=PLu6GQO_0j48-zpTNyhsOzUJAR8vVo6_TJ&index=7 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

    19 min

  5. MAR 6

    NASA Artemis Program REMIX | Did Jared Isaacman Make the RIGHT Decision?

    On this episode of Today In Space, we discuss the recent changes to the #ArtemisProgram by the new NASA administrator, bringing a variety of reactions among space advocates and fans.  We dive into my perspective as an Aerospace Engineer, Maker, and someone who has been covering Artemis at its beginning! Why is it good that #ArtemisII mission is delayed for now and what the new Artemis III and IV mean for the old way of doing things for our #returnToTheMoon.  Even if you've only been following along recently - this episode should help transform your understanding on why an engineer/maker likes this REMIXED NASA Artemis mission plan - even though some engineers may not. Timestamps: 00:00 NASA's Artemis Mission Remix: Introduction and Personal Perspective  01:21 Impact of Mission Change on Aerospace Employees  02:48 Evolution of Space Missions and Industry Changes  04:41 Rapid Iteration and the Advantages of 3D Printing 07:18 Challenges and Opportunities in the New Artemis Plan 11:55 Support for NASA and the Future of Space Exploration NASA Announcement of Artemis Program Remix: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-adds-mission-to-artemis-lunar-program-updates-architecture/ Video of NASA Administrator Announcing New Artemis Program Infrastructure changes: https://x.com/NASAAdmin/status/2027460193919827997?s=20 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

    15 min

  6. MAR 3

    Space Talkers 02 | Stargazing, Total Lunar Eclipse, and Astrophotography w/ Andrew Abban & Thorne Ransom

    This week on Today In Space, we are joined by Astrophotographers Andrew Abban (@apa_astro) & Thorne Ransom (@ransomobservatory on Instagram) — for Space Talkers 02! We were live on social media and Andrew, Thorne, myself, and the chat discussed Stargazing and all-things space. Other moments from the podcast: • Experiencing the total solar eclipse in 2024 • Chasing the aurora borealis in 2025 • Capturing our latest astronomy photos • Capturing the Total Lunar Eclipse in 2026 • Breaking down what Artemis II means for the future of human spaceflight What does it feel like to stand under totality when day turns into night? What does it take to photograph deep space? And why is Artemis II such a critical mission for NASA and the future return to the Moon? Artemis II will send astronauts around the Moon for the first time since Apollo.  If you love astronomy, NASA missions, astrophotography, or just talking space — this one's for you. Thanks for joining us. Let's dive in. Timestamps: 04:09 Introduction Andrew Abban & Thorne Ransom 07:15 IRL Stargazing, Total Solar Eclipse, Live Streaming my Telescope 10:10 The Chat joins the Podcast LIVE 11:12 Alex discusses his Vespera 1 Smart Telescope & custom setup 12:45 Childhood & Early Experiences with Space & Stargazing 15:30 Custom telescope rigs, clear weather(?), and manual astronomy 17:45 Stargazing & Mental Health 19:07 Andrew Abban's Custom Telescope Gear Setup 21:51 Thorne Ransom's Custom Telescope Gear Setup 24:27 Looking to advertise jobs on Today In Space? Email us todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com 26:09 The intensity of capturing a Total Solar Eclipse with custom manual telescope 29:25 Shout out to @Bostronomy Matt Schricker & IRL Star-parties 33:09 AG3D Lab's 1st AI for 3D Printing coming out soon! Join our newsletter 37:16 How we plan to observe the night sky all night 44:53 How much harddrive space is on the Vespera 1 Smart Telescope? How big are the image files? 48:09 Sharing our latest Astrophotography in 2025/26 50:34 Post-Processing Astrophotos 52:34 3D Printing & Astrophotography 55:00 Cherry Springs Star Party - Will it Happen This Year? 57:30 Total Lunar Eclipse 2026 Viewing TIps 01:03:00 2015 Total Lunar Eclipse 01:04:51 We're going back to the Moon with Artemis 2! 01:07:28 Starship & What Needs to Happen for A Moon Landing to Succeed 01:08:13 The Power Spaceflight Resuability 01:09:19 What is the Artemis Program, really? 01:11:54 Moon To Mar? Moon? Mars? 01:14:06 Astronomy & Community 01:15:45 Private Companies & NASA Since the Beginnging, And Orion Type A Mishap 01:17:00 New NASA Leadership gives us hope...

    1h 22m
  7. Why Artemis II Was Scrubbed Until March (Now April) | NASA's Hydrogen Problem Explained

    FEB 7

    Why Artemis II Was Scrubbed Until March (Now April) | NASA's Hydrogen Problem Explained

    This week on Today In Space...space nerds leave Florida disappointed as Artemis II is scrubbed until March (Now no earlier than April) — and cryogenic hydrogen does what it does best: leak. In this episode, we break down: Why liquid cryogenic hydrogen is both an incredible and deeply frustrating rocket fuel How Artemis I scrubbed three times in 2022 due to hydrogen leaks The forgotten history of the "Summer of Hydrogen" (1990) during the Space Shuttle era Why SLS inherits many of the same strengths — and weaknesses — as the Space Shuttle What this means for Artemis II launch timing in 2026 Hydrogen rockets are powerful, elegant, and environmentally cleaner — but they are also notoriously fickle. If you want to understand why scrubs are normal, why patience is required, and why Artemis II will eventually fly, this episode is for you. #Artemis2 #NASAArtemis #SpaceLaunchSystem #ArtemisScrub #TodayInSpace 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

    10 min
  8. Crew 11 is Home, A New Hope for NASA and the US Space Program

    JAN 18

    Crew 11 is Home, A New Hope for NASA and the US Space Program

    In episode 402 of Today In Space, Alex G Orphanos discusses the rapid return of NASA's Crew 11 due to a medical emergency, highlighting NASA's swift response.  The crew, including astronauts from NASA, JAXA, and Roscosmos, safely undocked from the International Space Station, Reentry plash down off the coast of San Diego. Alex also announces the launch of our Substack newsletter, offering updates on space exploration, 3D printing, Al, and technology.   We close the episode with clips from our live coverage of the Crew 11 undocking. #SpaceMedicine #NASA #SpaceSafety #HumanSpaceflight #TodayInSpace 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

    44 min
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5
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About

The award-winning space science podcast about all things space! Hosted by Alex G. Orphanos, science communicator, maker, and aerospace engineer. Our mission: to spread love and spread science!

Information

  • Creator
    Alex G. Orphanos, Science Communicator
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    409
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Today In Space

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