Today In Space

Alex G. Orphanos, Science Communicator

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. 10H AGO

    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
  2. 4D AGO

    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
  3. 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
  4. NASA Sending Crew 11 Home Early Jan 14th | Astronaut Med Alert Conference from LIVE Hangout Jan 8th

    JAN 10

    NASA Sending Crew 11 Home Early Jan 14th | Astronaut Med Alert Conference from LIVE Hangout Jan 8th

    This week has been BUSY with activity in Low Earth Orbit on the Space Station! This episode is a recap from our LIVE Hangout broadcast on social media during NASA's International Space Station Update. We hear from the new NASA Administrator (Jared Isaacman), the Associate Administrator (Amit Kshatriya), and the Chief Space Medical Officer (Dr. James D. Polk) as they answer questions from NASA HQ in Washington, D.C. as the ISS operation teams at JSC in Houston were prepping Crew 11 to come home.  Hear my thoughts at the start and close - this conference was really good and a sign of the kind of leadership Jared Isaacman is bringing to NASA. One major takeaway, aside from wishing the now stable Astronaut gets home safetly, is that NASA really has a good head on it's shoulders. There is a lot of work to do - but in this I feel confident there are good winds of change under NASA's wings. Looking forward to the rest of 2026! #SpaceMedicine #NASA #SpaceSafety #HumanSpaceflight #TodayInSpace Timestamps: 00:00 ISS Update and Initial Reactions 02:04 Background and Initial Information 08:04 NASA's Response and Transparency 08:28 Details of the Medical Incident 09:56 Q&A Session with NASA Officials 13:23 Further Questions and Clarifications 19:20 Crew's Training and Medical Capabilities 32:10 Impact on ISS Operations and Future Missions 50:19 Final Thoughts and Next Steps 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

    53 min
  5. Who Keeps Astronauts Alive? w/ Chuck Doarn COO of SolaMed Solutions | NASA Space Medicine, Emergencies & The Ethics of Human Exploration

    JAN 6

    Who Keeps Astronauts Alive? w/ Chuck Doarn COO of SolaMed Solutions | NASA Space Medicine, Emergencies & The Ethics of Human Exploration

    🚀 In this full-length episode of Today In Space, Chuck Dorn — former NASA official and COO of SolaMed Solutions — takes us deep into the world of space medicine. We discuss: • What it takes to keep astronauts alive during long-duration missions • The challenges of medical care in microgravity • Ethical questions like "Who should fly to space?" • How telemedicine and remote care will shape commercial space travel • The role of standards and safety protocols for future space exploration If you're curious about the human side of spaceflight, this is a must-watch episode. 📌 Join the conversation and subscribe for more space insights! #SpaceMedicine #NASA #SpaceSafety #HumanSpaceflight #TodayInSpace Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Background of Chuck Dorn 05:04 Chuck's Journey to NASA and Early Career 07:06 Development of Telemedicine and Remote Healthcare 14:15 Challenges and Ethical Considerations in Space Exploration 17:04 Impact of Space Exploration on Public Health and Society 18:32 The Role of Private Companies in Space Exploration 20:26 Importance of Crew Protection in Space 01:15:25 Challenges of Medical Equipment in Space & Lessons from Past Missions 01:23:21 Impact of Federal Government Changes on Space Exploration 01:28:58 Personal Reflections and Future of Space Exploration 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

    1h 31m
  6. 12/25/2025

    Humans In Space, Culture, and Leadership w/ Dr. Michelle Hailey Director of Global Affairs at SolaMed Solutions

    This week, we talk with the Director of Global Affairs at SolaMed Solutions - Dr. Michelle Hailey. We learn about her origin story of entering the space industry, meeting Dr. Saralyn Mark, and diving into this space industry of ours on Earth. We learn about space culture, international partnership, and another non-traditional pathway to entering the Space Workforce. So buckle up - and get ready for another episode of Today In Space and a People of Space segment with Dr. Michelle Hailey.   Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas - let's dive in!   Timestamps:   00:00 My thoughts on America's upcoming 2026 Space Missions and Human Health 02:22 Interview with Dr. Michelle Hailey, Director of Global Affairs at SolaMed Solutions 06:14 Dr. Haley's Origin Story and Career Journey 10:06 The Importance of Relationships and Networking in the Space Industry  14:02 Leadership and Cultural Intelligence in Space Exploration  27:01 The Role of SolaMed Solutions in Global Space Collaboration  39:10 Gender and Space: Addressing Gender-Specific Challenges in Space Exploration  43:28 The Space Conundrum and the Role of NASA 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

    56 min
5
out of 5
20 Ratings

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!

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