The Space Madness Podcast

Space Madness Podcast Episode 39: A Major General's Journey

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, host Jeff Nosanov engages in a captivating conversation with retired Air Force Major General Jim Armor. The discussion begins with Jim sharing insights into his role as a Major General, particularly his responsibilities at the National Reconnaissance Office and the National Security Space Office. He explains how his work involved overseeing various military and intelligence operations, ensuring they had the necessary resources and support to succeed. Jeff and Jim discuss Jim's experience undergoing full astronaut training before his mission was cancelled after the Challenge tragey. They delve into the transition from military to commercial space endeavors, highlighting Jim's advocacy for small satellites and his involvement in on-orbit satellite servicing, which has become a significant aspect of modern space operations.
As the conversation progresses, Jim reflects on the historical context of military and civil space programs, particularly the consolidation of defense contractors post-Cold War and the implications of the Challenger disaster on military space operations. He shares his experiences with the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the challenges of integrating military and civilian space efforts. The episode concludes with a discussion on the necessity of a dedicated Space Force, emphasizing the importance of having specialized leadership in the space domain to ensure national security and operational efficiency.
 

Space Madness Podcast Episode 38: Geology - Beyond Rocks

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, host Jeff Nosanov interviews Craig Peterson, a retired systems engineer from JPL and current employee at TransAstra. They discuss Craig's journey into the space field, his experiences at JPL, and the exciting work being done in asteroid mining. Craig shares insights on the evolution of software in space engineering, the importance of systems engineering, and the lessons learned throughout his career. The conversation also touches on early planetary missions and the future of space exploration, including the role of AI in engineering.

Space Madness Podcast Episode 37: Systems Engineering and Space Exploration

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, host Jeff Nosanov interviews Craig Peterson, a retired systems engineer from JPL and current employee at TransAstra. They discuss Craig's journey into the space field, his experiences at JPL, and the exciting work being done in asteroid mining. Craig shares insights on the evolution of software in space engineering, the importance of systems engineering, and the lessons learned throughout his career. The conversation also touches on early planetary missions and the future of space exploration, including the role of AI in engineering.

Space Madness Podcast Episode 36: Space Architecture

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, host Jeff Nosanov interviews Brent Sherwood, a retired space architect, who shares his journey into the field of space architecture. They discuss the role of architects in designing human environments for space, the evolution of space exploration, and the challenges faced in the industry. Brent emphasizes the importance of architectural design as more civilians venture into space and outlines his vision for the future of space exploration, including the concept of the 'four futures' that could shape humanity's path in the cosmos.

Space Madness Episode 35: Rich DalBello, Former director of the Office of Space Commerce

In this episode of the Space Madness Podcast, host Jeff Nosanov interviews Rich DalBello, a prominent figure in the aerospace industry. They discuss Rich's unexpected journey into aerospace, the evolution of the commercial space industry, and the regulatory landscape surrounding it. Rich shares insights from his time in government, including his role at the Office of Space Commerce and the challenges of integrating commercial capabilities into government procurement processes. The conversation also touches on the excitement of working at Virgin Galactic, the future of space exploration, and the importance of leadership and international collaboration in shaping the future of space governance.

Space Madness Episode 34: Africa's Space Potential

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, Jeff and Joshua Faleti discuss the evolving landscape of space activities in Africa, focusing on the African Space Agency, Nigeria's role in the space industry, and the cultural perspectives surrounding space exploration. Joshua shares his journey into space law and journalism, highlighting the potential for socio-economic development through space initiatives. The conversation also touches on international collaborations, particularly with China and the US, and concludes with Joshua's aspirations in space data analysis.
 

Space Madness Podcast Episode 33: Taekwondo and Space Leadership

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, Jeff Nosanov interviews Rhonda Stevenson, an aerospace executive with a shared background in Taekwondo. They discuss Rhonda's journey into the space industry, the influence of martial arts on leadership and resilience, and the importance of community in achieving ambitious goals like interstellar travel. Rhonda shares her experiences overcoming challenges, transitioning from martial arts to business, and her vision for the future of space exploration. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration and a shared commitment to advancing humanity's presence in space.

Space Madness Episode 32: From Homeless at JPL to the Highest Peaks on Earth

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, Dr. Michaela Musilova shares her inspiring journey as an astrobiologist and analog astronaut. From her early fascination with space to overcoming challenges in her education and career, Michaela discusses her research on extremophiles and their potential for Mars colonization. She reflects on her experiences at Caltech, leading analog missions, and the evolution of science communication in the digital age. Currently, she is working on the Astro 7 Summits project, which combines astrobiology research with climate change awareness, as she climbs the tallest mountains on each continent.

Space Madness Episode 31: The Great Observatories Past, Present, and Future

Today I talk with Program Scientist Dominic Benford from NASA HQ. We discuss the history of the great observatories program dating back to the immediate post-Apollo era, and go into some depth about the sensor and cooling technologies necessary for extremely distant observations. We also talk about how there are thousands of ways to tie a necktie. We explore Dominic's journey from undergraduate researcher to NASA HQ technology development leader, and his wish to pass that mantle on to the next generation. 

Space Madness Podcast Episode 30: Space Medicine

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, host Jeff Nosanov speaks with Dr. Octav Cristea, an Emory University transplant surgeon and urologist with a research focus on space medicine. They discuss the complexities of human health in space, particularly focusing on kidney stones and urinary issues that arise in microgravity. Dr. Cristea shares insights from his journey into space medicine, the physiological challenges astronauts face, and the future of medical practices in space exploration.