Welcome back to Today In Space! It’s the end of January, and we couldn’t start off the year without a recap of one of my favorite space theories—the Space Conundrum. As space progress accelerates, so does the chaos in society. But why does this happen? Why are they correlated? And more importantly, where is this all heading?”

We’re going to explain what the space conundrum is, how it led to a world changing event the first time and why these times, as crazy & wild as they are, are actually a cycle we’ve seen before. So in favor of mental health & focus, let’s search for answers in the chaos of space progress and humanity!

Sources:

Chasing the Moon: The People, the Politics, and the Promise That Launched America into the Space Age https://amzn.to/3PVy13M

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/chasing-moon/

Star Bound: A Beginner's Guide to the American Space Program, from Goddard's Rockets to Goldilocks Planets and Everything in Between (Outward Odyssey: A People's History of Spaceflight) https://amzn.to/3PUfRzH

Liftoff: Elon Musk and the Desperate Early Days that Launched SpaceX https://amzn.to/4hmK2eP

Reentry: SpaceX, Elon Musk, and the Reusable Rockets that Launched a Second Space Age by Eric Berger https://amzn.to/4jFLc6E

Escaping Gravity: My Quest to Transform NASA and Launch a New Space Age https://amzn.to/42G1Flv

SpaceX: Elon Musk and the Final Frontier https://amzn.to/40GDwZ8

https://www.britannica.com/event/American-civil-rights-movement/From-Black-power-to-the-assassination-of-Martin-Luther-King

https://www.britannica.com/topic/1960s-counterculture

https://www.britannica.com/event/Vietnam-War/The-U-S-role-grows

Keywords:

space conundrum, space progress, societal chaos, mental health, space race, moon landing, technological disruption, space investment, global instability, AI impact, space exploration, space dominance, mental wealth, creative energy, space history

Timestamps:

00:00 The Space Conundrum: Introduction and Personal Journey
05:54 Exploring the Space Conundrum Theory: What is it?
07:26 Hypothesis 1 & 2 for WHY the Space Conundrum Happens?
08:20 The Impact of Space Progress on Society
10:05 The Role of Space in Society's Future
18:44 Personal Reflections and Advice in the Chaos

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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

#spacecraft #technology #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #astronaut #spacewalk #crewdragon #falcon9 #elonmusk #starship #superheavybooster #blueorigin #newglenn #rocket #jaredisaacman #nasahistory #spaceshuttle

On this episode, in the wake of Blue Origin’s maiden launch of New Glenn and SpaceX’s fascinating Starship Flight 7 it’s time to take a step back and tell the tale of Two Heavy Lift Rockets. After a decade of space progress from both companies, they each took different engineering approaches to building a rocket. Depending on when you look at their progress, it might feel like one approach is better than the other.

But is there a real answer to the “right approach” to building a rocket? Or is success only measured by how well that rocket flies and sends payloads into orbit? The race between the Tortoise (Blue Origin) & the Hare (SpaceX) is in full swing now that New Glenn is orbital. Is there an end to the race? We hope not anytime soon - and that the American Space Program continues to grow thanks to these two innovative companies and the thousands of people that make it happen behind the scenes.

This was a hard episode to put together, especially given the timing. While I think it came out better than it would have been originally, we hope it shares a glimpse of the next 5-10 years, the challenges these companies will face, and how painful yet beautiful the quest of reaching the final frontier really is.

Alex G. Orphanos

Timestamps:

00:00 SpaceX vs. Blue Origin: A Tale of Two Heavy Lift Rockets
05:51 SpaceX's Evolution From Falcon 9 to Starship
09:11 Blue Origin's Strategic Approach with BE-4
11:59 Starship's Flight 7 Anomaly and Its Impact on SpaceX
16:35 The Future of Starship and New Glenn
19:06 Final Thoughts on a Tale of Two Heavy Lift Rockets

Keywords:

SpaceX vs Blue Origin, heavy lift rockets, Starship issues, New Glenn launch, engineering decisions, reusable rockets, American space program, human space progress, New Year resolutions, Magic Mind, rocket development, Falcon nine, BE-4 engine, orbital dominance, space industry

--------------------------

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

#spacecraft #technology #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #astronaut #spacewalk #crewdragon #falcon9 #elonmusk #starship #superheavybooster #blueorigin #newglenn #rocket #jaredisaacman #nasahistory #spaceshuttle

In 2025, we’re predicting a BIG year for human space progress! In this episode we’re breaking down what we’re looking forward to, and adding some of our own predictions as well.

It’s going to be a wild year with so much to follow, like SpaceX, Starship, NASA Artemis, the New pick for NASA Administrator, Crew Dragon, Boeing Starliner, Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, space stations and more! Not to mention our thoughts on other Global space programs, including Russia, India, and China.

This year will be one for the record books, we can feel it. Let’s enjoy history as it’s happening and dive into 2025 the year of human space progress! Happy New Year & May you find Mental and Physical Wealth this year

Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle with with my link:
https://www.magicmind.com/SPACEJAN
#magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

Alex G. Orphanos

Topics:

human space progress, SpaceX Starship, stainless steel, orbital refueling, mental wealth, NASA Artemis, Crew Dragon, Boeing Starliner, Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, SpaceX launches, NASA strategy, space stations, space exploration, space technology

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction
00:40 SpaceX's Starship and Its Impact on Human Space Progress
05:33 NASA's Role and the Commercial Crew Program
12:50 NASA Artemis and Future Space Missions
15:04 Global Space Programs and Predictions for 2025
19:41 AG3D Printing, The Part Detective, and Future Plans

--------------------------

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 #eva #science #3dprinting #nasa #vanallenbelts #spacetravel #spaceexploration #spacecraft #technology #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #polarisprogram #3dprinting #polarisdawn #astronaut #3dprinted #spacewalk #crewdragon #falcon9 #elonmusk #starship #superheavybooster #blueorigin #newglenn #rocket #jaredisaacman #nasaadministrator #nasahistory #spaceshuttle

On this Christmas Eve episode, we are honored to be joined by Emily Carney and Bruce McCandless III, authors of "Starbound: A Beginner's Guide to the American Space Program". Emily Carney is a space historian, podcaster with Space & Things, and the creator of the 'Space Hipsters' Facebook group. She shares her early fascination with space, sparked by the STS-2 launch in 1983. Bruce McCandless III, whose father was Astronaut Bruce McCandless II, shares his journey of becoming a writer and what it was like being the son of an Astronaut.

We discuss all things space, including a friendly debate on the evolving definition of "astronaut" in the context of commercial space travel. We also discuss the Space Shuttle's legacy, the importance of space exploration on culture, and the potential of SpaceX, Artemis, and the pick for NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. They also express optimism about the future of space exploration despite current political challenges and the "Space Conundrum" of progress in the space industry.

We hope you enjoy this lively discussion about all-things Space and we thank you our guests Emily & Bruce for sharing their time and thoughts with us!

Get the book HERE:

'Star Bound: A Beginner's Guide to the American Space Program' (Affiliate Link) https://amzn.to/408XLzS

Follow Emily & her work:

https://space.nss.org/category/this-space-available/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/spacehipsters
https://spaceandthingspodcast.com/

Follow Bruce & his work:

https://brucemccandless.com/
https://brucemccandless3.medium.com/

Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas!

Topics:

space history, space shuttle, space exploration, astronaut definition, space policy, space industry, space books, space travel, space technology, space missions, space future, space programs, space innovation, space challenges, space inspiration

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

02:08 Emily Carney's Origin Story

04:07 Bruce McCandless III's Background

08:46 Discussion on Space Books and Movies

09:58 Memorable Interviews and Space Industry Insights

14:27 The Evolution of the Term "Astronaut"

24:59 The Role of Commercial Space Travel

36:27 The Space Shuttle Program and Its Legacy

51:49 The Future of Space Exploration

56:24 Final Thoughts on the 'Space Conundrum'

--------------------------

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 #eva #science #3dprinting #nasa #vanallenbelts #spacetravel #spaceexploration #spacecraft #technology #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #polarisprogram #3dprinting #polarisdawn #astronaut #3dprinted #spacewalk #crewdragon #falcon9 #elonmusk #starship #superheavybooster #blueorigin #newglenn #rocket #jaredisaacman #nasaadministrator #nasahistory #spaceshuttle

This week we have a triple header of space topics! We start by highlighting a potential end of year maiden launch of Blue Origin's New Glenn heavy-lift rocket, and our thoughts on the selection of Jared Isaacman as the pick as the next NASA Administrator. We share some NASA history, discuss Jared's background in commercial spaceflight, and his potential influence on NASA's future direction. We also share an AG3Dprinting Lab update for our recently successful JWST Model - 3D printed in three colors, and is now available in our Etsy Shop at ag3dprinting.etsy.com!

What did you think? Email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com or DM us on social media!

Topics:

Blue Origin, New Glenn, maiden launch, NASA Administrator, Jared Isaacman, SpaceX comparison, reusable rockets, payload capacity, 3D printing, Part Detective, James Webb Telescope, multi-color printing, Space Force, commercial space, space policy

Sources:

Ars Technica Article on Jared Isaacman
https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/12/12/jared-isaacman-makes-first-public-remarks-since-nomination-for-nasa-administrator/

Ars Technica Article on Blue Origin's New Glenn
https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/12/intrigue-swirls-as-blue-origin-races-toward-year-end-deadline-for-new-glenn/

Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fanastic Future by Ashlee Vance
ORDER The Book Here https://amzn.to/3PgbMpf (affiliate link)

Escaping Gravity: My Quest to Transform NASA and Launch a New Space Age by Lori Garver
ORDER The Book Here https://amzn.to/41A1gk2 (affiliate link)

SpaceX: Elon Musk and the Final Frontier by Brad Bergan
ORDER The Book Here (Amazon Affiliate Link): https://a.co/d/4YBB5Bc

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro, End of the Year Gratitude, Episode Topics
03:17 Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket and Space Industry Updates
11:58 Blue Origin's Maiden Launch and Industry Challenges
12:51 AG3D Lab Update: 3D Printed JWST
22:44 NASA's New Administrator: Jared Isaacman
35:35 Thoughts: New Horizons, NASA Social 2015, Defending NASA Programs
43:16 The Future of NASA and Space Industry

--------------------------

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 #eva #science #3dprinting #nasa #vanallenbelts #spacetravel #spaceexploration #spacecraft #technology #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #polarisprogram #3dprinting #polarisdawn #astronaut #3dprinted #spacewalk #crewdragon #falcon9 #elonmusk #starship #superheavybooster #blueorigin #newglenn #rocket #jaredisaacman #nasaadministrator #nasahistory

Who is Elon Musk? What role does he play in the Space Industry of tomorrow and how has all of this Space Progress happened recently? Is SpaceX the true cause? Elon Musk alone? Well, if it were that easy to explain this podcast wouldn't be 365 episodes long and Brad Bergan would not have written two wonderfully detailed books about the Space Race 2.0 and the history and people behind it! We hope you enjoy this in depth and deep conversation with Brad Bergan, the author of "SpaceX: Elon Musk and the Final Frontier".

It's conversations like these, with people truly following along to the space progress over the past decade that remind me how special a time we are in. Brad Bergan was an incredible guest and we are grateful this Thanksgiving Week that he joined us to share about his new book, his space origin story, and more about a truly influential character in Elon Musk. This was recorded back in the middle of October, just after Starship Flight Test 4 and the US Elections.

LEARN MORE about Brad Bergan: https://www.bcbergan.com/

We'd love to hear about your reaction to Starship IFT6 - email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com or DM us on social media!

Otter.AI's Summary of the episode:

"Brad Bergan, author of "SpaceX, Elon Musk and the Final Frontier," discusses his journey from Iowa to New York, his career in writing, and his transition to covering space technology. He highlights the evolution of SpaceX, from the Falcon 1 to the Starship, and the impact of Elon Musk's vision on the space industry. Bergan emphasizes the generational divide in the space industry, noting that older generations are more resistant to change. He also discusses the significance of the Europa Clipper mission and the potential for life on Europa. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of space exploration and the role of SpaceX in shaping it."

Topics:

Elon Musk, SpaceX book, final frontier, aerospace engineer, solar-powered spacecraft, new space race, public-private aerospace, generational divide, Mars Direct, reusable rockets, Starship development, Europa Clipper, geothermal vents, multi-planetary species, space industry

Sources:

https://www.bcbergan.com/

ORDER The Book Here (Amazon Affiliate Link): https://a.co/d/4YBB5Bc

Timestamps:

COMING SOON

--------------------------

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 #eva #science #3dprinting #nasa #vanallenbelts #spacetravel #spaceexploration #spacecraft #technology #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #polarisprogram #3dprinting #polarisdawn #astronaut #3dprinted #spacewalk #crewdragon #falcon9 #elonmusk #starship #superheavybooster

Starship performs their 6th Test Flight a month after their 5th - and it was.....BANANAS! That's right we are breaking down IFT6, with our (almost) LIVE reaction to the launch! We started recording during Starship's Reentry, so you catch our reaction live to that. It was a great day for data! The Starship team's have pulled off the practically impossible and soft landed both the Super Heavy Booster & Starship. We're not quite sure what survived, but that's space development! The world's most powerful rocket took another big step forward - expect more of these launches soon!

We also share our thoughts on the Space Economy, Lowering the cost to Access Space, Space Progress, and Heat Tile Protection required for the insanity of atmospheric reentry for spacecraft with human crew. We'd love to hear about your reaction to Starship IFT6 - email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com or DM us on social media!

Otter.AI's Summary of the episode:

"The Starship IFT6 test flight successfully lifted off at 5 PM Central Time, with all 33 Raptor engines functioning. The booster performed a boost-back burn and landed offshore due to a tower issue. The starship, carrying a zero-G banana and a Starlink Pez dispenser, re-entered at 26,700 km/h, testing aggressive angles of attack. Despite some flap charring, the landing was soft. The flight marked SpaceX's second successful full lift-off and booster recovery. The test underscored the importance of rapid iteration and data gathering for future human spaceflight missions, including the Artemis III moon landing and potential Mars missions by 2026."

Topics:

Starship IFT6, test flight, Zero G banana, Artemis mission, space economy, reusability, Starlink satellites, hurricane relief, booster recovery, hot stage separation, aggressive reentry, heat distribution, plasma buildup, soft landing, SpaceX achievements

Sources:

Full Starship IFT6 launch https://x.com/SpaceX/status/1857841326542434339
Starship Reentry-Landing clip https://x.com/SpaceX/status/1859010302819684368

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction
00:35 Starship IFT6 Test Flight Overview
02:07 Space Economy and Reusability
04:23 Test Flight Breakdown and Success
06:10 Challenges and Future Plans
10:45 Re-Entry and Thermodynamics
14:33 Final Approach and Landing

--------------------------

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 #eva #science #3dprinting #nasa #vanallenbelts #spacetravel #spaceexploration #spacecraft #technology #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #polarisprogram #3dprinting #polarisdawn #astronaut #3dprinted #spacewalk #crewdragon #falcon9 #elonmusk #starship #super heavy booster