Roid Rage

AstroForge
  • 4.9 (16)
  • SCIENCE

A podcast by AstroForge on all things related to deep space mining - specifically, asteroid mining. We discuss, explore, and banter about the intricacies of space science and exploration. Hosted by Matt (CEO), Robyn (COO), and Chap (CoS). Buckle in, you're in for a ride.

  1. 12/24/2025

    Spacecraft or Bust

    AstroForge closes out 2025 with a retrospective on Odin, lessons learned, and what it means to design and build interplanetary spacecraft on tight timelines and tighter budgets. Jack, Matt, and Robin reflect on the high-stakes Odin launch, how those failures are shaping DeepSpace-2, and what’s next as the company pushes toward landing and eventually mining an asteroid. Also: viewer questions, Russian prison trivia, and a not-so-subtle dig at Elf on the Shelf.

    54 min

  2. 12/18/2025

    Mining With Gross Margins: A Concept

    In this episode, Jack, Matt, and Chap break down the supply chain reality of platinum group metals (PGMs); why mining asteroids isn’t just cool, but increasingly necessary. They talk about why it’s hard to mine PGMs on Earth, why South Africa’s supply is risky, and how AstroForge’s approach enables cost-efficient access to these critical metals. Also: we get closer to defining “vaporizing aliens” as a brand value.

    44 min

  3. 12/11/2025

    Let Him Cook

    In Episode 42, we officially introduce Jack Beyer, AstroForge’s new Head of Marketing and the new host of Roid Rage. Jack sits down with Matt to talk about why he left his dream job in space media to join the company, and what AstroForge is really building. The conversation ranges from Jared Isaacman’s potential NASA appointment, to Chinese space launch risk tolerance, to the real work behind DeepSpace-2’s upcoming launch and landing.

    48 min

  4. 12/04/2025

    JavaScript, Protobuf, and Pain

    Ground Software Engineer Bobby joins us to walk through how AstroForge’s ground software stack actually works. From commanding spacecraft via custom-built UIs to stitching together downlinked files over painfully slow RF, we cover the real-world challenges of building a reliable, flexible system that can interface with global ground stations and support operations in deep space. Bobby also reflects on key lessons from the Odin mission and how they’re shaping DeepSpace‑2’s ground infrastructure.

    50 min

  5. 11/27/2025

    It’s Always A Spectrometer

    This week, we sit down with Payload Scientist Andy to explore how spacecraft instruments determine what an asteroid is really made of. From early reconnaissance canisters to modern spectrometers, we discuss payload heritage, sensing techniques, and how DeepSpace-2 will characterize a metallic target using modern, lightweight hardware.

    44 min

  6. 11/20/2025

    Paint It White, But Make It Conductive

    This episode dives into how AstroForge designs electronics to survive deep space conditions: from solar flares and cosmic radiation to electrostatic discharge and internal arcing. Chris, our Head of Avionics, walks through shielding strategies, component selection, failure modes, and what differentiates spacecraft design from terrestrial electronics.

    1 hr

  7. 11/13/2025

    So You’re Telling Me There’s a Chance

    On this episode of Roid Rage, Principal Flight Science Engineer Loic joins the pod to break down how we use Monte Carlo simulations to navigate deep space - starting with how we avoid hitting the Moon. Loic walks us through how probabilistic modeling, error bounding, and trajectory optimization keep DeepSpace‑2 on target. This episode covers everything from solar pressure to thrust vector error, and why simulating failure is core to mission design.

    53 min

  8. 11/06/2025

    You Want It to Burn This Way

    What does it take to point a spacecraft with only one thruster? In this episode, we dive into the engineering behind DeepSpace‑2’s gimbal system: a mechanical interface that enables directional control for our electric propulsion. GNC Engineer Emerson and Flight Software Engineer Kieran walk us through how they built the software, math, and lookup tables needed to command the gimbal, and why the complexity goes far deeper than just “move this motor.”

    45 min
See All (44)

4.9
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

A podcast by AstroForge on all things related to deep space mining - specifically, asteroid mining. We discuss, explore, and banter about the intricacies of space science and exploration. Hosted by Matt (CEO), Robyn (COO), and Chap (CoS). Buckle in, you're in for a ride.

Information

  • Creator
    AstroForge
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Roid Rage
  • Show Website
    Roid Rage

You Might Also Like