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Episode 406-A: LCROSS the Universe

2012-02-22T21:12:33Z

On the first part of this episode of Talking Space, we conduct our first interview of 2012 with LCROSS's flight software lead, a software engineer for Northrop Grumman, musician, and public speaker Emory Stagmer. We discuss what his job entails as well as what he has done on past spacecrafts. We get into a unique story on how the LCROSS mission was almost lost. We also discuss the 50th anniversary of John Glenn's historic flight as the first American to orbit the earth. Lastly, we discuss a little bit about SpaceUp...but, there's more to the story.

The interview with Emory is being broken up into two parts. Part two will be released Wednesday, February 29th, 2012, with the continuation of SpaceUp and some more great stories including a tale of tribble tossing.

For more on Emory, follow him on Twitter as @VAXHeadroom and also be sure to check out his music website which includes some of his previous speaking engagements, UnTied Music.

Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman, and special guest Emory Stagmer

Show Recorded - 2/20/2012

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Episode 405: They Became Astronauts, ASCAN You

2012-02-09T14:00:32Z

On this episode of Talking Space, we begin round one with an overpressurization of a Soyuz capsule, delaying the next manned launch to the International Space Station and discuss the Soyuz "era of reliability". We then move on to a record number of candidates applying for NASA's next class of ASCANs, or astronaut candidaates. Round two begins with the continued adventures of Phobos-Grunt. We then move on to a petition for a stamp honoring the Pluto-mission, New Horizons. We then take a closer look at the Vega, and not the car model. On our third and final round, we discuss the progress of man-rating the Atlas V rocket. We then discuss a public service announcement made by comedian and pundit Stephen Colbert promoting ISS research. We finish off with a course correction and some fun facts about the Jupiter-bound spacecraft, Juno.

To sign the petition for a New Horizons USPS stamp, visit http://chn.ge/w88LBn

To see Stephen Colbert's public service announcement, visit http://youtu.be/HX_GZiNog_I

Also, to see when the International Space Station will be visible, visit http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/

A BRIEF NOTE: This episode was recorded before the announcement of the passing of astronaut Janet Voss. Talking Space remembers her and has her family in our thoughts.

Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman

Show Recorded - 2/6/2012

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Episode 404: Destinations, Debris, and Declassifications

2012-02-01T21:57:37Z

On this episode of Talking Space, we begin our first trip around the table with our insights into Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich's (R) plan to have a permanent lunar base by the end of his 2nd term. We continue on with the first female cosmonaut to fly since the Soviet Union collapsed. We then move on to a look at the Liberty rocket. Continuing onto our second round, we look at safety risks regarding the ISS and if the current plan for crew evacuation in an emergency is adequate. We then move onto a boat crash carrying sensitive rocket parts. On our final go-around, we discuss more space debris news including everybody's favorite defunct satellite, Phobos-Grunt. We then continue on with the declassification of military satellites and lastly a look at robotic refueling in space.

Talking Space also remembers the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger (STS-51L), and Columbia (STS-107) during NASA's day of remembrance. To read Wayne Hale's post regarding the crews and their legacy, visit http://waynehale.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/what-would-rick-and-gus-and-dick-want/

To check out Astronomy FM, visit http://astronomy.fm

To see the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) as discussed in the episode, click here.

Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman

Show Recorded - 1/30/2012

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