We're back for another Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test update! NASA has finally made the decision to return the Starliner uncrewed, leaving the Crew 9 mission with two empty seats so that SpaceX can bring Astronauts Suni Williams & Butch Wilmore back to Earth in February 2025. It's been a summer full of human spacflight and enough chaos to go with it! We share the top 3 press questions from the conference that truly encapsulates the whole situation.

But this was a truly special day in Human Spaceflight History that I think will be given more appreciation in the future when we look back at it. In the meantime, the press will have a field day with Boeing. And while NASA will have some flack, they truly represented the best of human spaceflight today with this decision and how they held themselves in leadership positions. We need more of that. I'm very excited and optimistic for the future of space and humanity after today!

We'd love to know what YOU think! Let us know in the comments below or by emailing us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com.

Topics:

nasa, spacecraft, thruster, engineer, risk, data, boeing, testing, thrust, space, engineering, crew, astronauts, seal, problem, white sands, trust, decision, oxidizer, mission, vehicle, disagreement

Sources:

August 24. 2024 NASA Boeing CFT Update Press Conference: https://www.youtube.com/live/AGOswKRSsHc?si=mi4qg-iAILJRONFa

https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/08/yes-nasa-really-could-bring-starliners-astronauts-back-on-crew-dragon/

https://apnews.com/article/astronauts-landing-space-station-frank-rubio-7826312581aa71a969781fbbb2dd9435

https://starlinerupdates.com/

https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/07/nasa-nears-decision-on-what-to-do-with-boeings-troubled-starliner-spacecraft/

https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/01/russia-will-abandon-soyuz-on-orbit-fly-up-a-new-one-to-bring-crew-home/

https://www.space.com/spacex-dragon-changes-astronaut-seats-boeing-starliner

Timestamps:

00:00 NASA's Decision on Starliner and Crew-9 | Great Leadership from NASA!
04:00 Press Question #1 Rebuilding Trust with Boeing?
07:41 Press Question #2 Technical Disagreements and Data Analysis, when did the doubt begin for the thrusters?
11:41 Press Question #3 NASA's Decision-Making Process for choosing Crew Dragon?
14:41 Closing thoughts from Alex on the NASA decision

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

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:

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On this episode we are breaking down the next exciting human spaceflight mission: Polaris Dawn! The mission will be the 1st Commercial Spacewalk at 700km/435 miles above the Earth. Aside from breaking human spaceflight records, there will be an incredible amount of research, science, and technology demonstrations as well! The new SpaceX EVA (Spacewalk) suit, Crew Dragon spacecraft, and Falcon 9 rocket are ready - and so is the crew! Preparations for launch NET April 27th 03:38AM ET are underway!

We dive into the original of the Polaris Program, Inspiration 4 - which was the 1st Commercial Orbital Mission before it. It's commander - Jared Isaacman, is leading the Polaris Dawn crew to the next adventure of attempting the highest ever Human-flown Earth orbit & EVA! Meet the crew and hear the story of what to expect for this 5-day mission and why it might be the most underrated human spaceflight mission of 2024!

A great episode to get caught up before the launch - and some thoughts on why its important, as well as what to look out for on this 5 day mission!

Topics:

spacex, space, crew, astronauts, polaris dawn, spacewalk, spacesuit, EVA, nasa, human spaceflight, earth, launch, inspiration, SANS, science, research, falcon 9, crew dragon

Sources:

https://polarisprogram.com/dawn/

https://inspiration4.com/

https://x.com/PolarisProgram

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41433-023-02522-y

Timestamps:

00:00 Polaris Dawn Mission Overview
02:55 3D Printed Star Man Helmet
04:02 Inspiration4 - A Recap of the mission before Polaris Dawn
06:37 Polaris Dawn Crew Introduction
15:54 Mission Objectives and Research
16:14 Spacesuit Technology and Mobility
20:07 Mission Timeline and Launch Details
22:35 Final Thoughts and Future Polaris Program Missions

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

Here's to building a fantastic future - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)! Spread Love, Spread Science

Alex G. Orphanos

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AG3D Printing

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We're back for the next update of Boeing's Starliner's Crew Flight Test (CFT) and the subsequent delays in the flight readiness review meeting. Coupled with reported internal NASA concerns related to the Starliner's Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters - it's clear there isn't 100% confidence & more options needs to be considered. That means engineering is involved!

So let's dive into the world of an Engineer: Using a nuanced approach to understanding all of the physics involved that ultimately guides your decision-making for managing risk in bringing these adventurous human beings home. Human Spaceflight is as real as it gets!

On this episode we put you in the Engineer's seat as we consider multiple viewpoints and the importance of gathering accurate data to inform your decision-making (aka being a good engineer). We also discuss the difference between a healthy & toxic STEM environment as well as how dissenting opinions can be voiced and addressed in combination with rigorous testing and data analysis.

Topics:

nasa, spacecraft, thruster, engineer, risk, data, boeing, testing, thrust, space, engineering, crew, astronauts, seal, problem

Sources:

https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/08/yes-nasa-really-could-bring-starliners-astronauts-back-on-crew-dragon/

https://apnews.com/article/astronauts-landing-space-station-frank-rubio-7826312581aa71a969781fbbb2dd9435

https://starlinerupdates.com/

https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/07/nasa-nears-decision-on-what-to-do-with-boeings-troubled-starliner-spacecraft/

https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/01/russia-will-abandon-soyuz-on-orbit-fly-up-a-new-one-to-bring-crew-home/

https://www.space.com/spacex-dragon-changes-astronaut-seats-boeing-starliner

Timestamps:

00:00 Boeing Starliner issues and NASA's response.
05:00 Eric Berger & ARS Technica's Breakdown of Starliner's return and Crew options
09:40 NASA's backup plan: Bring astronauts home in Crew Dragon spacecraft.
15:35 Spacecraft thruster performance and survivorship bias @TheJordanNoone
20:23 Engineering challenges and Space Mission development
24:47 Challenges of engineering, particularly in space industry.
25:42 NASA's Boeing Starliner testing and risk assessment.

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

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 #moon #science #3dprinting #nasa #tothemoon #spacetravel #spaceexploration #spacecraft #technology #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #artemis #lunar #3dprinting #create #astronaut #solarpanel #spacestation #boeingstarliner #boeing #starliner