loader from loading.io

The Start of a New Era: 3D Printing, AI, and Lessons Learned in the Space Conundrum

Today In Space

Release Date: 08/30/2025

Starship Flight 12 Is Coming — And Falcon Heavy Just Reminded Us What SpaceX Can Do show art Starship Flight 12 Is Coming — And Falcon Heavy Just Reminded Us What SpaceX Can Do

Today In Space

On this week’s episode, we break down what to expect for Starship Flight 12 coming up next week & we share the moments from our last live stream hanging out during another falcon heavy launch! There’s a lot going on in the world and the space industry and we want to get you amped up for the next big rocket launch Starship flight 12 success is success for future Artemis missions and NASA;s journey to the moon again. So wish the team’s luck and get caught up on everything since flight 11 in EP413! I'm Writing My First Book and Making My First AI! Sign up for our newsletter to follow...

info_outline
Artemis 2 Returns! Thoughts After Splashdown | One Week RECAP Since Crew Returned show art Artemis 2 Returns! Thoughts After Splashdown | One Week RECAP Since Crew Returned

Today In Space

It's been a week since the Artemis 2 Crew returned home from their Moon Mission! It feels like the world has changed since this heroic adventure around the Moon and back. We still have plenty of problems here on Earth, but hope and Moon Joy seem to be in the air. An entire generation is now growing up with an Artemis Campaign and the Moon Landings are in sight. Let's recap the incredible cultural moment where we found some humanity following these 3 heroes around the moon and back! In the age of AI and global wars, it was the hope and humanity we were all looking for... Let us know what YOU...

info_outline
NASA Artemis 2 Mission RECAP | Days 2-7 | TLI Burn, Space Toilets, and the Humanity of Moon Science Missions! show art NASA Artemis 2 Mission RECAP | Days 2-7 | TLI Burn, Space Toilets, and the Humanity of Moon Science Missions!

Today In Space

On this episode we recap Days 2-7 of the Artemis II Mission as the crew has broken records and learned more about the Moon than we ever knew before! This mission is more than just another spaceflight adventure, moon missions are SO SPECIAL! I recap the last week of the Moon Mission after launch, and share some of the best moments. But I also discuss what has made this first moon mission in half a century so special and unique....and why the next two missions are gearing up to be incredible! But first, the Artemis II crew and team must make it through arguably the most risky part of this...

info_outline
NASA Artemis 2 | Day 1 - Lift Off To The Moon! RECAP show art NASA Artemis 2 | Day 1 - Lift Off To The Moon! RECAP

Today In Space

In this episode, we’re covering DAY 1 of the Artemis 2 Mission in Earth orbit, before the TLI Burn to send the Orion Spacecraft and it’s crew of 4 to the Moon. So much has happened in only one day and there’s still so much of this mission to go! Big shoutout to everyone who joined us for the community live stream, including our co-hosts Matt Guy () and Fitting in Adventure (@FittingInAdventure on youtube).   Want to stay caught up on the Artemis II mission? Check out our new page at for all the latest info, mission timer, and live links from NASA - including our coverage...

info_outline
NASA's Ignition Plan PT3 | Roman Telescope, Mars SKYFALL, and SR-1 Freedom on the Eve of Artemis 2 show art NASA's Ignition Plan PT3 | Roman Telescope, Mars SKYFALL, and SR-1 Freedom on the Eve of Artemis 2

Today In Space

In this episode, we break down the final part of NASA's major Ignition Program Announcement on the Eve of Artemis 2. After the Artemis 2, we enter an exciting new era of NASA Future Tech that will expand science, exploration, and even the use of nuclear propulsion for space travel! From the Nancy Grace Roman Telescope, to SKYFALL drones on Mars, and SR-1 Freedom demonstrating nuclear electric propulsion for the first time - there is so much to discuss. Drop your thoughts in the comments! To listen to Dr. Nicki Fox's Talk (full) watch our coverage here:...

info_outline
NASA's Ignition Plan PT2 | To Build, or Not To Build...A Space Station in LEO & Lunar Orbit? show art NASA's Ignition Plan PT2 | To Build, or Not To Build...A Space Station in LEO & Lunar Orbit?

Today In Space

In this episode we recap PT2 of NASA's ambitious plan for the moon with live reactions from Alex during last Monday's epic reveal of the Ignition Plan. This part is dedicated to orbital space stations and NASA's controversial pausing of Gateway (the planned but underdeveloped Lunar Space Station) and their plans to replace the International Space Station in Low Earth Orbit.  While seemingly a difficult admission from NASA that space stations are very expensive and complicated to not only build but also maintain continuous human presence, it also was deemed controversial by the same...

info_outline
NASA's Ignition Plan PT1 | My REACTIONS to the Update to Artemis & the Moon Base show art NASA's Ignition Plan PT1 | My REACTIONS to the Update to Artemis & the Moon Base

Today In Space

NASA just dropped one of the biggest space updates in years—and it could completely change the future of humanity in space. In this episode of Today In Space, I break down my live reaction to NASA’s IGNITION announcement, including: - The push toward a permanent Moon Base - Major changes to the Artemis Program (up to 5 and beyond!) - Why NASA is shifting strategy (and what it means) - The role of 3D printing, manufacturing, and infrastructure on the Moon - How this plan sets the stage for Mars and deep space exploration After following NASA and the space industry for over a decade, this is...

info_outline
NASA's Future, Rethinking NASA's Future, Rethinking "Failure", and the 'Maker Mindset' from An Aerospace Engineer

Today In Space

In this episode, Alex catches up on some of the latest projects he's been working on between using Space Internet (Starlink) and the testing on the 3D Printed Starlink mount. The topic of "rethinking failure" has continued to stay in the zeitgiest after the new NASA Artemis plan. As a classically trained Aerospace Engineer, Alex thought it made sense to dive into this idea more. As a maker at heart, failure is thought of as a necessity in development so that you LEARN quickly. For the "classic" way of engineering that I was taught, failure was seen differently... Some 3D printing & Space...

info_outline
NASA Artemis Program REMIX | Did Jared Isaacman Make the RIGHT Decision? show art NASA Artemis Program REMIX | Did Jared Isaacman Make the RIGHT Decision?

Today In Space

On this episode of Today In Space, we discuss the recent changes to the #ArtemisProgram by the new NASA administrator, bringing a variety of reactions among space advocates and fans.  We dive into my perspective as an Aerospace Engineer, Maker, and someone who has been covering Artemis at its beginning! Why is it good that #ArtemisII mission is delayed for now and what the new Artemis III and IV mean for the old way of doing things for our #returnToTheMoon.  Even if you've only been following along recently - this episode should help transform your understanding on why an...

info_outline
Space Talkers 02 | Stargazing, Total Lunar Eclipse, and Astrophotography w/ Andrew Abban & Thorne Ransom show art Space Talkers 02 | Stargazing, Total Lunar Eclipse, and Astrophotography w/ Andrew Abban & Thorne Ransom

Today In Space

This week on Today In Space, we are joined by Astrophotographers Andrew Abban (@apa_astro) & Thorne Ransom (@ransomobservatory on Instagram) — for Space Talkers 02! We were live on social media and Andrew, Thorne, myself, and the chat discussed Stargazing and all-things space. Other moments from the podcast: • Experiencing the total solar eclipse in 2024 • Chasing the aurora borealis in 2025 • Capturing our latest astronomy photos • Capturing the Total Lunar Eclipse in 2026 • Breaking down what Artemis II means for the future of human spaceflight What does it feel like to stand...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

I can't believe August is almost over! It's been a wild month, and I'm catching you up on all of it. From lay-offs, to new opportunities, and the lessons learned from the last "era" of my career, we're diving in! The Space Conundrum is in full effect - and like many I am feeling the times as I enter unemployment. I chat about my last 8 years in the 3D printing industry, some stories from the early days, and all of the lessons I am taking away from that awesome time with talented people.

On the other side of things, I am very excited to be on my new adventure fusing 3D printing + AI. A new chapter, new challenges, and more opportunities than I can pay attention to! Excited to share more with you - go over to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & make sure you sign up for our newsletter!

For the long time listeners - thanks so much for all your support, we're almost at 400 episodes! We're thinking something special for number 400...let us know if you have any ideas

Here's to building a fantastic future for all of us!

Your Host,

Alex G. Orphanos

 

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Support us by getting some Today In Space Merch: 

James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

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