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:

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

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

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

Support the podcast: MAGIC MIND You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code TODAY20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/TODAY20

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
• Try Magic Mind for added productivity & more well-balance and long lasting caffeine intake https://www.magicmind.com/TODAY20

#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

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

In this week's episode Alex breaks down his thoughts on the connections between Space & Sea Travel! It's amazing what being on an adventure in a beautiful place like Scotland can do for your imagination and deep thinking. All the island (isle) hopping we did, along with hiking the highlands and the lowlands, made me see just how similar sea travel is with space travel! The same small crews of professionals taking us to from island to isle in Scotland will be taking humans to low Earth Orbit, the Moon, and eventually Mars!

The first days (years) of regular, continuous human spaceflight will be adventurous, and will require small, highly dedicated teams of trained Astronauts. Adventuring through Scotland brought that time to my imagination - so let's talk about how we get there! So buckle up, and get ready for a ride as we venture to the potentially near-future of human spaceflight.

We want to hear what YOU think about what's to come in our near future with human spaceflight! So make sure to COMMENT below, EMAIL us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com, or DM US on social media.

Topics:
space, dock, travel, island, astronauts, moon, ship, scotland, life, mission, orbit, puffins, podcast, human, spacecraft, test pilots, crew, human beings, artemis

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Episode 352 Space Vs Sea Travel
01:38 Comparing Space with Sea exploration after visit through Scottish Isles
06:32 "Isle Hopping" Space travel with Docking stations for long-term human presence in space.
14:20 Early Space Travel may look like Naval Crews island hopping tourists

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

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

We got an update from the NASA & Boeing teams about Starliner CFT on July 10th, 2024. We wanted to share the TOP 4 Press & Media Questions and the NASA/Boeing team answers for us to all gain more INSIGHT into this Crew Test Flight for Boeing. I think we learned a lot about the problem and how the Boeing & NASA teams think about this.

As most revealing things, it brings up more questions. So buckle up - and let's dive into the top 4 questions & answers from the July 10th Update with a short breakdown from me with my thoughts (from an engineer) after each one!

We want to hear what YOU think too! So make sure to COMMENT below, EMAIL us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com, or FOLLOW US on social media.

SOURCES:

Media Briefing: NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test (July 10, 2024):
https://www.youtube.com/live/PAIZHhrGqBM?si=v9gCtlaLOJkYIN2s

Topics:
thruster, spacecraft, flight, deorbit burn, boeing, question, astronauts, white sands, test, return, pulses, space station, crew, mission, undocking, space, testing, undock, work

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Episode 351 NASA Boeing Update
02:30 Boeing Starliner issues and potential backup plan.
06:19 Spacecraft thruster issues and return plans for astronauts.
12:21 Spacecraft thruster systems and their importance for reentry.
17:22 Spacecraft testing and emergency procedures.
21:28 Spacecraft thruster issues and testing.

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

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

There was A LOT of space news happening the last 2 weeks while we were adventuring in Scotland! (more on that soon) Our first episode back is dedicated to the Boeing Starliner news and reports of the astronauts being “stranded” on the ISS. We break down why that click-bait headline isn’t true but also how NASA is dealing a double standard with Boeing's test flight status.

We review the latest from what’s been shared by NASA/Boeing leadership, the tests underway, and what to expect for a timeline for when Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore could return home on Starliner.

We also discuss the possibility of another spacecraft bringing the Astronauts home, as well as the “worst-case” scenario from all of this.

But in the meantime - we want to know what YOU think! Email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com, or DM us on social media!

Topics from the episode:
astronauts, spacex, boeing, spacecraft, space, thrusters, nasa, teleconference, stranded, testing, helium leaks, space shuttle, iss

SOURCES:

International Space Station Operations (June 28, 2024)
https://www.youtube.com/live/u-BGAPuzxZU?si=GzPU3yBxKHwiE79E

The 'Topics from the episode' above and the timestamps below for the episode were generated using AI (otter.ai) by processing the audio file.

Timestamps:
00:00 What’s Boe-ing on with Starliner? And NASAs response. Alex’s REACTION
06:02 Why Starliner is NOT stranded, and where the 45 day limit comes from
12:29 The WORST case scenario for the Crew, Starliner, and the US Space Program
15:23 Helium Valve Leaks & Thruster Issues for Starliner - Why are they still a problem?
18:45 Final Thoughts on NASA, Boeing Starliner, and the US Human Space Program

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

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

On this episode we dive into the Human Factor where we talk about what it means to be human, and how ALL of our traits & skills matter (good and bad). This week we're discussing what it means to be DEDICATED and why 'the Mission' is so important to a person like myself, especially after 10 years of podcasting about all-things space!

We want to thank ‪@veefriends‬ for making these AWESOME Character Caps, and while I wasn't 100% sure which Cap I was going to relate to at first the DEDICATED Dragonfly hit home. Great time to reflect on the hard-work, challenges, and sacrifices it takes to make it happen.

We'd love to know what YOU think in the comments!

Support the podcast: MAGIC MIND You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code TODAY20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/TODAY20

The first week of June went HARD for Space - and for Human Spaceflight it was fully loaded! So many launches, including the success of Boeing's CFT Starliner that brought Astronauts Sunita Williams & Butch Wilmore! We break down what happened, why it was a success, and our thoughts on the Crew Test Flight. We really can't stress how important having TWO human-rated spacecraft for the US to launch from our own soil - and we do our best to tell that story with this episode. For those wondering - this is a good review of my thoughts on EVERYTHING Starliner CFT - so buckle up. Best of luck to Astronauts Suni & Butch on their return trip on 'Calipso' - their Starliner!

Let us know what YOU thought about Boeing's Starliner Crew Test Flight - email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com!

Topics from the episode:

spacecraft, astronauts, space, boeing, spacex, space station, orbit, launch, nasa, program, humans, leaks, space shuttle, test, iss, experienced, decisions, united launch alliance, crew, team

We'd love to know your thoughts and questions!

Email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com

SOURCES:

https://www.youtube.com/live/HneVxAmYcaA?si=htH7JFLrIH5s5gAJ

https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/05/the-surprise-is-not-that-boeing-lost-commercial-crew-but-that-it-finished-at-all/

https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-helium-leaks-assessment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY96v0OIcK4

The 'Topics from the episode' above and the timestamps below for the episode were generated using AI (otter.ai) by processing the audio file.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:17 Boeing's Starliner launches Astronauts & docks with the ISS, despite challenges and delays.
05:55 NASA's Commercial Crew Program and its benefits for space exploration.
11:35 Boeing's Starliner spacecraft and its impact on space travel.

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

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