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Episode 516: A Quick Debris Avoidance Maneuver

Mark Ratterman — Thu, 23 May 2013 04:24:39 +0000

On this episode of Talkling Space, the regular gang is dealing with illness and traveling on the road. However, Mark Ratterman comes to the rescue with a phenomenal interview about something this show has become known for: space debris. Mark interviews Alex von Eckartsberg, who recently returned from the Sixth European Conference on Space Debris in Darmstadt, Germany. Alex discusses some shocking numbers about how bad our debris problem is. Also discussed is the current means for trying to avoid debris, avoid collisions, what to do with defunct satellites, and what the plan is for the future. Is it too late to stop pollution near earth orbit?

For more information on Alex and space debris, visit her blog at http://www.skyhie.net/. You can also follow Alex on Twitter @StarlingLX

Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Mark Ratterman and special guest Alex von Eckartsberg

Show Recorded 05/16 and 5/21/2013

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Episode 515: Live Landings and Listener Letters

Mark Ratterman — Fri, 17 May 2013 03:14:05 +0000

On this episode of Talking Space, we discuss some ISS news, including the return of the Expedition 35 crew, which occurred during the recording of the episode. We then talk about the emergency repair that occurred onboard, as well as about Chris Hadfield and his as well as Canada's current and possible future contributions to the station. On our second trip around the table, we discuss an auction of some pretty important space memorabilia. We then talk about the rapidly-nearing conclusion of "Astronaut Abby's" campaign. Then, we discuss some health concerns about Mars and our future with the red planet. On our final trip around the table, we focus on listener-submitted content, including comments from last show's discussion of Mars vs. Asteroid, and a discussion about the anniversary of Skylab.

To check out the space memorabilia auction, visit http://www.rrauction.com/browse_gallery.cfm?Category=65

To contribute to Astronaut Abby, visit http://www.rockethub.com/projects/22119

Thanks again to Pieter and Evan for submitting their questions. Feel free to do the same with an email to mailbag@talkingspaceonline.com

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

Show Recorded 05/13/2013

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Episode 514: Lots of Commercial and a Lunar Infomercial

Mark Ratterman — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:31:17 +0000

On this episode of Talking Space, we return from a technology issue the previous week with a delay of the next Orbital launch and look into why. We then discuss some interesting comments made by NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, who announces his frustration with NASA's budget and where we're going next. We then discuss a video with a look at commercial spaceflight, if it can be called that. On our second trip around the table, we discuss the success of the X-51A, aka the Waverider. We then talk about some telescopes thrown into NASA's lap and what they should do with them. We finish off the round talking about the forgotten Ares 1-X, and what we got out of that flight. On our last trip, we talk about some fun videos to watch. We then talk about a man selling the moon, but can he legally do it? We finish off with a well-deserved award.

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

Show Recorded 05/6/2013

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