Today In Space

The award-winning independent podcast about space, science, and the power of the scientific mindset! Hosted by Alex G. Orphanos, science communicator, maker, and engineer. Our mission: to spread love and spread science!

NASA Is Starting a U.S. Space Academy? Orbital Dogfighting and Starship Flight 14 09/15/2026

NASA Is Starting a U.S. Space Academy? Orbital Dogfighting and Starship Flight 14 This week, we're covering what's been trending in Space News for the last 5 days...and NASA HAS BEEN TASKED WITH BUILDING A U.S. SPACE ACADEMY! But how serious is this executive order and it's create a presidential commission? Could this be the start of our own Starfleet Academy or just the Presidents Legacy piece? We also get into the first U.S. military live-fly exercise in orbital dogfighting, and updates on where Starship Flight 14 stands. Gathered by our AI Assistant SKYE and reported by your human host Spaceman Alex! I'm Alex G. Orphanos, your space science podcast host and your favorite mad scientist. Tell me what you think of the SKYE Report, and which segments to dig deeper into. Drop it in the comments or email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com Be well, stay safe, and stay curious. SPREAD LOVE, SPREAD SCIENCE, AND STAY CURIOUS. THE BOOK The Book of Uncommon-Sense 3D Printing is out now in hardcover and on Kindle: https://ag3dlabs.com/book MORE TODAY IN SPACE https://todayinspace.net SKYE is free and it runs every 30 minutes: https://todayinspace.net CHAPTERS 00:00 What SKYE is, and this week's report 01:13 The rundown — Sep 7 to 11 02:14 The big story: NASA tasked with a U.S. Space Academy 04:12 My take — a legacy piece until the funding shows up 05:00 Why there's still no real school for space 06:44 So many astronauts, so few seats 07:15 Starfleet Academy in San Francisco? 07:28 Isaacman's case for the academy 09:06 A first: orbital dogfighting in a live-fly exercise 10:28 Why Starlink matters to the military 11:48 My take — war, space, and who drives the conversation 12:24 Starship Flight 14 — no confirmed date yet 13:00 What to watch this week 13:33 Close WATCH THIS WEEK (Eastern) Mon Sep 14, 9:21pm — Vega-C with Sentinel-3C and FLEX Tue Sep 15, 9:00pm — Falcon 9 with USSF-259 Wed Sep 16, 9:33am — Soyuz with Progress MS-35 to the station, docking Sat Sep 19 — live on NASA+: https://plus.nasa.gov/scheduled-video/progress-96-cargo-ship-docking/ Fri Sep 18, 8:15am — Starship Flight 14, the earliest date on the board, not yet confirmed CORRECTIONS I said Vega-C launches Tuesday and USSF-259 on Wednesday. Those are the UTC dates — in Eastern they fly Monday night and Tuesday night. And no source we could read calls Starship Flight 14 "the first orbital flight"; Launch Library 2 describes it as the first Starship flight to deploy satellites into stable low Earth orbit. Update: O3b mPower 11-13, underway as I recorded, launched successfully on Sunday. SOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE U.S. SPACE ACADEMY NASA — President Trump signs executive order to create U.S. Space Academy https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/president-trump-signs-executive-order-to-create-us-space-academy/ NASA — NASA answers President's call to establish United States Space Academy https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-answers-presidents-call-to-establish-united-states-space-academy/ Jared Isaacman on X — the post I read from on air https://x.com/NASAAdmin/status/2098842327947317525 ORBITAL DOGFIGHTING Space.com — US military practices orbital dogfighting in 1st-ever 'live fly' exercise in space https://www.space.com/space-exploration/satellites/us-military-practices-orbital-dogfighting-in-1st-ever-live-fly-exercise-in-space STARSHIP NASASpaceflight — Starship Flight 14 Nears — So Where Is The Rocket? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIrpJvrgEvs IMAGES: Alex G. Orphanos · NASA (U.S. Space Academy RFI cover) · U.S. Space Command / Christopher DeWitt Youtube ID: https://youtu.be/YVDyFDBgFuE #spaceacademy #nasa #spaceforce #starship #spacenews #isaacman #spacepodcast #todayinspace /episode/index/show/todayinspace/id/42905727

A German Commercial Rocket Reached Orbit From Norway | Swift's Rescue Failed, New Horizons Faces Cuts 09/07/2026

A German Commercial Rocket Reached Orbit From Norway | Swift's Rescue Failed, New Horizons Faces Cuts This week, we're covering what's been trending in Space News for the last 8 days...and EUROPE FINALLY HAS ITS OWN RIDE TO ORBIT! A German company launched a commercial rocket to orbit from Norway — and almost nobody covered it, including SKYE on its first pass. We also get into NASA's failed rescue of the Swift telescope, and a nuclear-powered spacecraft at the edge of the solar system that's on the chopping block. Space News gathered by our AI Assistant SKYE and reported by your human host Spaceman Alex! I'm Alex G. Orphanos, your space science podcast host and your favorite mad scientist. Tell me what you think of the SKYE Report, and which segments to dig deeper into. If the New Horizons segment lands with you, the ask at the end is real — it worked last year. SAVE NEW HORIZONS: WATCH our LIVE Launch Hangout for Roman Space Telescope: Be well, stay safe, and stay curious. SPREAD LOVE, SPREAD SCIENCE, AND STAY CURIOUS. THE BOOK The Book of Uncommon-Sense 3D Printing is out now in hardcover and on Kindle: MORE TODAY IN SPACE SKYE is free and it updates every 30 minutes: Youtube Video: CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome — what SKYE is and what this report does 00:35 The hook: Isar reaches orbit, and how it nearly got missed 01:10 The rundown — Aug 30 to Sep 6, six launches, six successes 01:31 SKYE's trends — lunar at 1.6x, down from last week's 11x 01:54 Roman Space Telescope launches, and our live hangout 02:23 Isar Aerospace — the launch from Andoya, and what ESA said 02:56 The Spectrum vehicle and its payload 03:07 My take — why Europe needs its own launch capability 04:12 How the story got buried, and the fix in SKYE 05:04 SKYE picks — Pallas-1's debut, and the Venus mission still grounded 05:48 What's next — Progress MS-35, MS-33, Long March, USSF-153 06:41 The Swift Observatory and the failed rescue 07:00 The Swift timeline, Aug 9 to Aug 31 07:28 Isaacman and Domagal-Goldman on taking smart risks 08:42 New Horizons — a nuclear spacecraft on the funding chopping block 09:20 What New Horizons is and where it is now 10:56 The ask — call your representatives 12:36 Close WATCH THIS WEEK Progress MS-35 docks with the station Friday the 11th at 18:37 UTC, and NASA is carrying it live. SOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE ISAR AEROSPACE ESA — Isar Aerospace achieves first launch to orbit from continental Europe Ars Technica — German company is first in Europe to launch a fully commercial orbital rocket Via Satellite — PLD Space, Isar and RFA land ESA Launcher Challenge contracts SWIFT Via Satellite — Katalyst LINK mission is unable to rescue NASA's Swift observatory Space.com — Swift restarts science work after the rescue mission fails NASA — Updates on next steps for the commercial Swift boost mission https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-updates-next-steps-for-commercial-swift-boost-mission/ NEW HORIZONS Science — New Horizons may shut down two instruments over lack of funding NASA — New Horizons mission page The Planetary Society — You just saved NASA's budget: the FY2026 outcome Full list with timestamps is pinned in the comments. IMAGES: ESA / Isar Aerospace (CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO) · NASA / JHUAPL / SwRI · NASA #isaraerospace #newhorizons #swift #spacenews #esa #nasa #spacex #spacepodcast #todayinspace /episode/index/show/todayinspace/id/42804815

A Falcon 9 Upper Stage Hit the Moon | The Crater, Artemis III, and NASA's Roman 08/29/2026

A Falcon 9 Upper Stage Hit the Moon | The Crater, Artemis III, and NASA's Roman This week, we're covering what's been trending in Space News for the last 10 days...and IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MOON! Starting up a new weekly segment where we gather the biggest stories and launches from the last week, gathered by our AI Assistant SKYE and reported by your human host Spaceman Alex! I'm Alex G. Orphanos, your space science podcast host and your favorite mad scientist. Tell me what you think of the SKYE Report, and which segments to dig deeper into. Don't forget to catch the NASA Roman Telescope mission - join us live Sunday August 30th! LIVE Launch Hangout link for Roman here: https://www.youtube.com/live/V3pipbUu3X0?si=TdaEN9pN-SCkFH-P Be well, stay safe, and stay curious. Youtube ID: IISCwaC_saI THE BOOK The Book of Uncommon-Sense 3D Printing is out now in hardcover and on Kindle: https://ag3dlabs.com/book MORE TODAY IN SPACE https://todayinspace.net - We just updated the site! Check it out SKYE is free and it runs every 30 minutes: https://todayinspace.net CHAPTERS 00:00 A new segment, and why I built SKYE 00:26 todayinspace.net: the mission clock and live space news 01:49 The brief — 514 items, 49 stories, 18 sources, 9/9 launches 02:58 The Moon is trending: 24% of the week, 11x its normal share 03:43 Twenty days from impact to peer-reviewed paper 03:57 Artemis II crew receive the Congressional Space Medal of Honor 05:00 Artemis III: shuttle-veteran RS-25 engines, and the crew 05:31 Zeno Power books a nuclear payload to the Moon 06:22 THE TAKE — the outrage, the fake news, and what we owe the science 09:38 What's next: the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope 10:00 What Roman will actually do 10:40 SpaceX's $100B Louisiana spaceport 11:09 SKYE is the machine. I'm the human. 12:09 Clear skies WATCH ROMAN LAUNCH LIVE Falcon Heavy from LC-39A, no earlier than 7:26am ET, Sunday August 30. NASA coverage opens 6:20am ET, post-launch conference 9:30am. We'll be live on Today In Space. LIVE Launch Hangout link for Roman here: https://www.youtube.com/live/V3pipbUu3X0?si=TdaEN9pN-SCkFH-P SOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE THE LUNAR IMPACT NASA — LRO images the Falcon 9 crater, learns new details https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/moon/nasas-lro-images-falcon-9-crater-on-moon-learns-new-details/ Space.com — A NASA spacecraft spotted the rocket's lunar grave https://www.space.com/astronomy/moon/a-spacex-rocket-slammed-into-the-moon-this-month-and-a-nasa-spacecraft-has-spotted-its-lunar-grave-photos arXiv — Energetics, crater scaling, and comparison with LRO observations https://arxiv.org/abs/2608.22325 ARTEMIS NASA — Artemis II crew to receive the Congressional Space Medal of Honor https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasas-artemis-ii-crew-set-to-receive-congressional-space-medal-of-honor/ NASA — The ceremony https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGjffGccQig NASA — Artemis III engine install begins; boosters and crew training advance https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/missions/2026/08/27/nasa-starts-artemis-iii-engine-install-boosters-crew-training-advance/ NASA — Turkiye and the Artemis Accords https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-invites-media-to-turkey-artemis-accords-signing-ceremony/ LUNAR SURFACE Payload — Zeno Power books its first nuclear mission to the Moon https://payloadspace.com/zeno-power-books-its-first-nuclear-mission-to-the-moon/ ROMAN NASA — Coverage set for the Roman Space Telescope launch https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-sets-coverage-for-roman-space-telescope-launch-from-florida/ NASASpaceflight — Launch preview: Falcon Heavy with Roman https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2026/08/launch-preview-082426/ SPACEX Ars Technica — SpaceX intends to invest up to $100B in a Louisiana spaceport https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/08/spacex-intends-to-invest-up-to-100-billion-in-massive-louisiana-spaceport/ IMAGES: NASA · NASA/GSFC/Arizona State (LRO) · KARI/KASA (Danuri) · Payload · SpaceX #falcon9 #moon #spacenews #artemis #romanspacetelescope #nasa #spacex #lro #spacepodcast #todayinspace Youtube ID: IISCwaC_saI /episode/index/show/todayinspace/id/42604125

There's Something Human About Stargazing | Bortle 1 Skies & Perspective | EP418 08/24/2026

There's Something Human About Stargazing | Bortle 1 Skies & Perspective | EP418 There's something human about stargazing. You don't even need to know what you're looking at. I just got back from Maine and about the most perfect dark skies you could ask for — a Bortle 1 or 2, against the Bortle 6 or 7 we get at Today In Space HQ outside Boston. Dark, clear skies like that makes you wonder what the night sky was to the early humans like the ancient Greeks & their Mythologies. These deep moments allow for some deep perspective. like what it's like a year since I was laid-off aka "terminated" and why the more AI work I do, the more I want to go do human things. Great summer nights with a dark sky and great company. Who could ask for a better end to the Summer? My advice? Grab 20 minutes and a patch of sky. Even the patch above you. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome — the close of summer, and Maine 00:44 There's something human about stargazing 01:19 The Bortle scale: Bortle 1 in Maine, Bortle 5 at HQ 01:37 Cherry Springs next, with the Space Talkers 01:53 The night sky as humanity's first story map 02:37 How many satellites you can actually see up there 03:01 Mosaic mode: filtering satellite and plane streaks out 03:43 One year since the layoff 05:03 chat3DP — where the build is right now 05:44 The more AI I do, the more human things I want 06:51 The Book of Uncommon-Sense 3D Printing 07:22 I still don't identify as an author 08:00 A dock in Maine, and skies astronomers chase 08:42 How did anyone sleep before cities? 09:10 Greek ancestry, the mythologies, the Odyssey 10:03 What stargazing does to a conversation 10:46 Find the 20 minutes. Look up. 11:03 Clear skies THE BOOK The Book of Uncommon-Sense 3D Printing is out now in hardcover and on Kindle: MORE TODAY IN SPACE We just updated the site! Check it out I'm Alex G. Orphanos, your favorite mad scientist, wishing you clear skies and great conversations with great people as we build a fantastic future for all of us. Be well, stay safe, and stay curious. SPREAD LOVE, SPREAD SCIENCE, AND STAY CURIOUS. What's the darkest sky you've ever stood under? Tell me in the comments. #stargazing #astrophotography #bortlescale #lightpollution #spacepodcast #vaonisvespera #darksky #milkyway #3dprinting #todayinspace Youtube ID vTAoT8x5mfo /episode/index/show/todayinspace/id/42542595

Artemis Origin, Moon Flashes, and Artemis III! Space Talkers Artemis 2 RECAP PT2 08/04/2026

Artemis, AI, and Stargazing | Space Talkers RETURN! Artemis 2 RECAP PT1 07/30/2026

I Wrote & Published a Book in 10 Months After Being Laid Off | The Return of Spaceman Alex 07/12/2026

NASA Moon Base Update & New Glenn Pad Anomaly for Blue Origin 05/30/2026

Starship Flight 12 Is Coming — And Falcon Heavy Just Reminded Us What SpaceX Can Do 05/08/2026

Starship Flight 12 Is Coming — And Falcon Heavy Just Reminded Us What SpaceX Can Do 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 along and learn more (sign up at ) Is YOUR Company Looking to Hire Talented People in the Aerospace/Robotics/Technology fields? Email us at for our in-podcast job listing ad rates and start finding talent within our community! Let’s build a fantastic future together! We'd like to thank our sponsors:AG3D Labs (go to ag3dlabs.com to learn more, get started 3D printing, and sign up for our newsletter and 3D Printing AI release!) Resources: Video from Space leading up to Flight 12: Starship Development Comic Infographic by Alex G Orphanos SPACEMAN COMICS: Digital ($2) Physical (starting at $23) Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at • Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) Timestamps: 00:00 Starship Flight 12 Incoming 00:58 Starship Development, Raptor V3, Pad 2, and more! 04:25 Moon Landers for NASA Artemis 3 & 4 - NO MORE NRHO? 04:45 What is NRHO? Generally, not technically 05:35 LEO For Artemis 3 06:41 About Writing My First Book & Making 1st AI 08:51 Your Space Company Looking to Hire? Advertise Jobs on the Podcast! 10:13 Falcon Heavy Replay for Viasat 3-F3 Launch Hangout Stream LIVE /episode/index/show/todayinspace/id/41218840

Artemis 2 Returns! Thoughts After Splashdown | One Week RECAP Since Crew Returned 04/18/2026

NASA Artemis 2 Mission RECAP | Days 2-7 | TLI Burn, Space Toilets, and the Humanity of Moon Science Missions! 04/08/2026

NASA Artemis 2 Mission RECAP | Days 2-7 | TLI Burn, Space Toilets, and the Humanity of Moon Science Missions! 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 mission - reentry and splashdown! Make sure to follow along for the exciting finish to this incredible Lunar Adventure - and the safe return of our four Hero Astronauts! Is YOUR Company Looking to Hire Talented People in the Aerospace/Robotics/Technology fields? Email us at for our in-podcast job listing ad rates and start finding talent within our community! Let’s build a fantastic future together! We'd like to thank our sponsors:AG3D Labs (go to ag3dlabs.com to learn more, get started 3D printing, and sign up for our newsletter and 3D Printing AI release!) Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at • Donate at • Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) Timestamps: 0:00 We’re Back to the Moon (Artemis II Week Recap) 0:40 Why Moon Missions Hit Different Than than Any Human Missions 1:35 TLI Burn - The Moment You Commit to the Moon 2:30 Space Plumbers will be VERY Real Jobs (Mini Toilet Crisis in Space) 4:00 The Reality of Living in Deep Space 4:58 Day 6: Lunar Flyby & Science Operations Begin 5:30 Scientists + Astronauts Doing Science = Peak Mission Energy 6:30 Why This Mission Matters (Personal + Generational Impact) 7:16 The Internet Problem: Trolls, AI, and Fake Space Content 8:15 AI Content Farm Accounts Are Faking Space Content 9:15 Why Real NASA Coverage is BACK 10:00 Artemis II Breaks Records (Farthest Humans Ever In Space) 10:45 The Most Dangerous Phase Is Next: Reentry 11:30 The Heat Shield Problem (Biggest Concern) 12:15 Can Extra Fuel Help the Crew during Reentry? 13:30 The “Space Conundrum” Returns 14:15 Why This Mission Feels Different (Human Connection) 15:30 Splashdown Details & When to Watch Live 16:00 Where to Follow Artemis II Coverage 16:30 AG3D Labs - Our 3D Printing & AI Tool Company 17:00 Final Thoughts: Spread Science & Stay Curious /episode/index/show/todayinspace/id/40774610

NASA Artemis 2 | Day 1 - Lift Off To The Moon! RECAP 04/03/2026

NASA Artemis 2 | Day 1 - Lift Off To The Moon! RECAP 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 for the podcast. Make sure to ask your curious questions in our form at the bottom of that page - and we’ll answer them on the podcast! Day 2 was packed with a GREAT TLI Burn! Go Artemis 2 Crew - We’re going to the Moon! Is YOUR Company Looking to Hire Talented People in the Aerospace/Robotics/Technology fields? Email us at for our in-podcast job listing ad rates and start finding talent within our community! Let’s build a fantastic future together! We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!) Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at • Donate at • Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) Timestamps: 00:00 Quick 2 min Recap of Day 1 of NASA Artemis 2 02:30 Stay Up To Date with Artemis 2 using our NEW Coverage Page todayinspace.net/artemis-2 04:32 Question from MP: W/ Artemis 2 Just Orbiting Moon, is Artemis 3 landing - or later mission? 11:26 T-10:00 Hold - Launch Readiness GO Poll (Chat GO For Launch Poll) 27:28 T-01:00 LIVE Artemis 2 Launch Community Hangout w/ Today In Space 37:12 First LIVE Views of Crew Inside Orion Capsule In Earth Orbit 42:12 Orion Seperation from ICPS - Prox Op Begins /episode/index/show/todayinspace/id/40719705

NASA's Ignition Plan PT3 | Roman Telescope, Mars SKYFALL, and SR-1 Freedom on the Eve of Artemis 2 04/01/2026

NASA's Ignition Plan PT3 | Roman Telescope, Mars SKYFALL, and SR-1 Freedom on the Eve of Artemis 2 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: https://www.youtube.com/live/uEUZJl-9SD0?si=fpaljV2ltf1_RAuC&t=4096 To listen to Steven Sinacore's Talk on Nuclear in Space (full) watch our coverage here: https://www.youtube.com/live/uEUZJl-9SD0?si=J_Jj7nPqJxIMLVmu&t=8636 To listen to NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's closing thoughts go to (34:32) in this episode We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!) Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net • 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 Timestamps: 00:00 Artemis 2 Launch and Community Engagement 04:16 Portion of Dr. Nikki Fox's Speech Science and Exploration 07:44 Alex's Reaction to Dr. Nikki Fox's talk 24:01 Portion of Steve Sinacore's Presentation on Nuclear Power in Space 33:23 NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's Recap (full talk) 55:34 Alex & Chat Breakdown NASA Ignition Closing Talks 01:00:00 Challenges and Opportunities in Space Exploration /episode/index/show/todayinspace/id/40691595

NASA's Ignition Plan PT2 | To Build, or Not To Build...A Space Station in LEO & Lunar Orbit? 03/29/2026

NASA's Ignition Plan PT2 | To Build, or Not To Build...A Space Station in LEO & Lunar Orbit? 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 private contractors that will build the next ISS. I thought the talk from Dana Weigel, program manager for the ISS Program was brutally and refreshingly honest. Even their module idea to build a NASA station that detaches when ISS is decommissioned seemed good to me, but according to Eric Berger's reporting (link below) it was not received well by the people who would use it. To listen to the whole talk from Dana Weigel, watch our coverage here: https://www.youtube.com/live/uEUZJl-9SD0?si=pFvQiyUMq178AMra&t=934 To read Eric Berger's reporting on the aftermath, click here: https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/03/what-happens-next-with-nasas-plan-to-replace-the-iss-source-it-could-get-ugly/ We'd love to know what you think! Let us know below. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction, Artemis 2 coverage, Controversy for Space Stations 01:47 Costs and Future of the International Space Station (ISS) 03:13 NASA Honesty & Leadership 11:28 Potential Replacements for the ISS 22:40 NASA's Moon Base and Gateway Project 26:27 Final Thoughts & Future Plans We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!) Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net • 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 /episode/index/show/todayinspace/id/40658520

NASA's Ignition Plan PT1 | My REACTIONS to the Update to Artemis & the Moon Base 03/27/2026

NASA's Ignition Plan PT1 | My REACTIONS to the Update to Artemis & the Moon Base 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 one of the most exciting and complete plans I’ve seen. This isn’t just about going back to the Moon—this is about staying there and building humanity’s first true deep space foothold. If this works, we’re looking at: 🌕 A real lunar base 🚀 A new era of space innovation 🛰️ Opportunities for engineers, creators, and companies 🌌 The foundation for missions to Mars and beyond This is a turning point. 👨‍🚀 Join the Conversation What do YOU think about NASA’s Moon Base plans? Is this the moment NASA takes the lead again? Drop your thoughts below 👇 We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!) Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net • 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 Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to NASA Ignition Program Release this Week 04:30 My LIVE Reaction to NASA Artemis Update by Dr. Lori Glaze 23:09 My LIVE Reaction to NASA Moon Base by Carlos Garcia-Galan aka 'Lunar Viceroy' 36:50 Time-Dilation and Relativistic Physics for Moon GPS w/ Atomic Clocks 44:45 Question: What's my opinion now that NASA has moved from Gateway to Moon Base? /episode/index/show/todayinspace/id/40639100

NASA's Future, Rethinking "Failure", and the 'Maker Mindset' from An Aerospace Engineer 03/19/2026

NASA Artemis Program REMIX | Did Jared Isaacman Make the RIGHT Decision? 03/06/2026

Space Talkers 02 | Stargazing, Total Lunar Eclipse, and Astrophotography w/ Andrew Abban & Thorne Ransom 03/03/2026

Space Talkers 02 | Stargazing, Total Lunar Eclipse, and Astrophotography w/ Andrew Abban & Thorne Ransom 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 under totality when day turns into night? What does it take to photograph deep space? And why is Artemis II such a critical mission for NASA and the future return to the Moon? Artemis II will send astronauts around the Moon for the first time since Apollo. If you love astronomy, NASA missions, astrophotography, or just talking space — this one’s for you. Thanks for joining us. Let’s dive in. Timestamps: 04:09 Introduction Andrew Abban & Thorne Ransom 07:15 IRL Stargazing, Total Solar Eclipse, Live Streaming my Telescope 10:10 The Chat joins the Podcast LIVE 11:12 Alex discusses his Vespera 1 Smart Telescope & custom setup 12:45 Childhood & Early Experiences with Space & Stargazing 15:30 Custom telescope rigs, clear weather(?), and manual astronomy 17:45 Stargazing & Mental Health 19:07 Andrew Abban's Custom Telescope Gear Setup 21:51 Thorne Ransom's Custom Telescope Gear Setup 24:27 Looking to advertise jobs on Today In Space? Email us 26:09 The intensity of capturing a Total Solar Eclipse with custom manual telescope 29:25 Shout out to @Bostronomy Matt Schricker & IRL Star-parties 33:09 AG3D Lab's 1st AI for 3D Printing coming out soon! Join our newsletter 37:16 How we plan to observe the night sky all night 44:53 How much harddrive space is on the Vespera 1 Smart Telescope? How big are the image files? 48:09 Sharing our latest Astrophotography in 2025/26 50:34 Post-Processing Astrophotos 52:34 3D Printing & Astrophotography 55:00 Cherry Springs Star Party - Will it Happen This Year? 57:30 Total Lunar Eclipse 2026 Viewing TIps 01:03:00 2015 Total Lunar Eclipse 01:04:51 We're going back to the Moon with Artemis 2! 01:07:28 Starship & What Needs to Happen for A Moon Landing to Succeed 01:08:13 The Power Spaceflight Resuability 01:09:19 What is the Artemis Program, really? 01:11:54 Moon To Mar? Moon? Mars? 01:14:06 Astronomy & Community 01:15:45 Private Companies & NASA Since the Beginnging, And Orion Type A Mishap 01:17:00 New NASA Leadership gives us hope... /episode/index/show/todayinspace/id/40292035

Why Artemis II Was Scrubbed Until March (Now April) | NASA’s Hydrogen Problem Explained 02/07/2026

Crew 11 is Home, A New Hope for NASA and the US Space Program 01/18/2026

NASA Sending Crew 11 Home Early Jan 14th | Astronaut Med Alert Conference from LIVE Hangout Jan 8th 01/10/2026

Who Keeps Astronauts Alive? w/ Chuck Doarn COO of SolaMed Solutions | NASA Space Medicine, Emergencies & The Ethics of Human Exploration 01/06/2026

Humans In Space, Culture, and Leadership w/ Dr. Michelle Hailey Director of Global Affairs at SolaMed Solutions 12/25/2025

SpaceX is Finally Going Public?!? The Space Conundrum STRIKES BACK! 12/17/2025

SpaceX is Finally Going Public?!? The Space Conundrum STRIKES BACK! In this episode, Alex uses a scientific approach to combat the emotional rollercoaster this past week has been since Mr. Musk has confirmed SpaceX is going Public! The Space Conundrum strikes again - and it's leaving many to wonder: Why Now? Listen to this episode if you'd like to learn more and explore: What is Elon Musk Thinking, taking SpaceX from an independent private company and trading it on the US stock exchange? What does an IPO mean for SpaceX? Does this mean "SpaceX's Mission to Mars" is over? What are the upsides to SpaceX going public? We’re going to give our answer to all of those questions and I’ll share my thoughts on this major piece of news. Just another day in the Space Conundrum - but it definitely wasn’t on my 2025 or 2026 space bingo card. By the end of the video - we want to hear from YOU! What do you think?? Are you excited? Scared?? Or Both??!! We'd love to hear what you think in the comments or by emailing us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com. Make sure to follow us on social media - you can find links to everything by going to . Links & Resources: Eric Berger Article on SpaceX IPO Announcement Harvard Linked Study on % of Success for Repeat Entrepreneurs Timestamps: 00:00 SpaceX Going Public: Initial Reactions and Concerns 03:40 Potential Impact on SpaceX's Mission and NASA’s History as A Lesson 06:31 Tesla's Success and SpaceX's Potential IPO 09:59 SpaceX’s Strengths and Advantages 13:10 The AI Race and SpaceX's Future 18:39 Let us know what YOU think! We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!) Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net /episode/index/show/todayinspace/id/39435720

The Road to NASA Administrator | Jared Isaacman Passes Senate Committee AGAIN 12/09/2025

The Road to NASA Administrator | Jared Isaacman Passes Senate Committee AGAIN Jared Isaacman, previously chosen as the President's pick for NASA Administrator in March 2025, faced the Senate committee hearing AGAIN to discuss his qualifications and potential conflicts of interest before leading the American Space Program. The past year of delay was due to political nonsense, leaving NASA without leadership that whole time. Mr. Isaacman is an entrepreneur, 2 mission astronaut commander, philanthropist, and father who has a unique leadership style. He returned to the Senate Committee sharper than ever! We listen in on the live Senate Committee meeting for some Q&A and talk about the state of NASA. Not to mention, how much NASA is in need of clear leadership and direction after almost a year of delay. Today In Space is PRO-Jared! Go get 'em Rook! As of December 9th, 2025 - Mr. Isaacman has passed the Senate Committee and is on to full Senate Vote! Enjoy this bit of LIVE hangout from the past week We'd love to hear what you think in the comments or by emailing us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com. Make sure to follow us on social media - you can find links to everything by going to stan.store/ag3dlabs. Timestamps: 00:00 Jared Isaacman's Nomination and Background 01:58 Senate Committee Hearing: Jared Isaacman's Testimony 03:36 Political Influence on Economic Data 06:38 Critical Mineral Supply Chain and Defense Industrial Base 11:12 Elon Musk and Financial Ties 18:01 NASA's Role in Supersonic Flight and Space Diplomacy 22:01 Support for Science and Earth Observation Data 26:18 Agriculture Data and Space Medicine 29:41 Access to NASA Data for Researchers w/ Private Partners? 32:53 Digital Trade and Cross-Border Data Flows We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!) 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 Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net /episode/index/show/todayinspace/id/39336660

NASA & Interstellar 3I-ATLAS | Recap w/ My Thoughts & Press Q&A 11/25/2025

NASA & Interstellar 3I-ATLAS | Recap w/ My Thoughts & Press Q&A We went live for the NASA broadcast of the release of images of the Interplanetary "comet" 3I-Atlas, which was delayed due to the government shutdown. As the cultural curiosity surrounding 3I-ATLAS went viral during the poorly timed government shutdown, it was a unique opportunity for NASA to do what it does best. Share data and spend a little more time with the actual experts to explore that curiosity and dig deeper into what we found. Unfortunately, it feels as though the government shutdown and funding cuts proposed by the current President's cabinet was more of an influence on this 3I-ATLAS review than curiosity was. If you wanted to know how I feel about this you can rewatch it live. Two major themes for me: - Don't be an intellectual bully. There are curious people out there who are not trolling you (NASA). Talk to those people without demeaning their curiosity - The definition of a "Comet" is vague and outdated. Just like Pluto needed to be reclassified as a dwarf planet, we need a better term for these icy objects. Would love to know what you think! Let us know in the comments below or email us at todayinspacepodcast @ gmail.com Timestamps: 00:00 Initial Thoughts before NASA's Image Reveal Event 04:31 Some Context and Observations of 3I Atlas 11:45 Q&A Session with Press and Scientific Insights 14:01 Alien Hypothesis and Scientific Evidence 36:07 Scientific Goals and Future Observations 36:20 Processing and Release of Images 39:06 Orbital Dynamics and Non-Gravitational Accelerations 39:24 Public Engagement and Citizen Science 40:00 Alex’s Final Thoughts on the definition of a “comet” and power of science communication We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!) 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 Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net /episode/index/show/todayinspace/id/39164770

BEST Moments from Blue Origin New Glenn Launch & Landing | NASA ESCAPADE Mission to Mars 11/20/2025

3D Printing & Making Parts for Space Applications! Xometry's Mike Cavalieri & Greg Paulsen 10/30/2025

3D Printing & Making Parts for Space Applications! Xometry's Mike Cavalieri & Greg Paulsen We are joined by experts from Xometry, a company that many engineer's have grabbed instant quotes & custom parts on demand with CNC machining, 3D printing, and more. This week, we are joined by Mike Cavalieri and Greg Paulsen - both leaders at Xometry. Our guests are experts in rapid prototyping to full production and have helped big Space Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, NASA, and more when they need a reliable machine shop to make parts for space applications. We discuss their origin stories, how 3D Printing can be helpful in Space applications, and what kinds of parts have been made for Aerospace. While they can't get too into the specifics, we get a great deep dive into how Xometry plays a big role in helping customers find unique advantages with 3D printing. We also discuss big topics like Manufacturing in America, and how platforms like Xometry can help skilled machine shops in the US find customers using their powerful tools and data. When AI is combined with their skilled experts in many manufacturing methods, you get a powerful web of part makers and consumers that can help fill the gap on the feast or famine that is manufacturing. Please check out https://www.xometry.com/ to learn more Thank you to both Mike & Greg for joining us and sharing so much with us about what it takes to make parts for Aerospace in 3D printing but also many other traditional techniques. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Origin Stories 03:58 Challenges in 3D Printing and Prototyping 09:17 Global Operations and Time Zone Management 11:31 Additive Manufacturing in Space Applications 16:15 Assisting US Machine Shops, Vetting Suppliers, and Quality Control 30:22 More Applications for 3D Printing In Space 47:53 Digital Manufacturing and Marketplace Dynamics 48:46 Education and Training in Manufacturing 50:41 Future of Additive Manufacturing and AI We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!) Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at • Donate at todayinspace.net /episode/index/show/todayinspace/id/38839335

SpaceX Starship Flight 11 Launch & Reentry | Launch Hangout - Best Moments 10/16/2025

Space Armor, Solar Wings, and Hypersonics with Composites | Atomic-6 Founder Trevor Smith 10/02/2025

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