The Space Madness Podcast

In this episode, Nicholas Jedrich shares his 40-year journey through NASA, from his early days in space shuttle operations to his role as chief engineer of the Science Mission Directorate. Discover insights into space mission management, the importance of team dynamics, and lessons learned from iconic missions like Hubble and Challenger.

In this episode we talk with Tom Marotta, CEO of The Spaceport Company. His journey to founding the Spaceport Company is both fascinating and unconventional. With a background in business and urban planning, he initially worked as a commercial real estate agent before transitioning to city planning. He then worked for the United States foreign service. His diverse experiences laid a solid foundation for understanding the intricate interplay between infrastructure and space operations, leading to his founding and leadership of TSC.

Explore the fascinating intersection of topological physics, string theory, and the nature of reality with Jenny Nielsen Ph.d. candidate at the University of Kansas. Discover how advanced mathematical models and intuitive insights are shaping the future of physics research. In this episode, Jenny Lorraine Nielsen explores the fascinating intersections of physics, metaphysics, and advanced theories of space-time, including torsion, vacuum energy, and complex time. She discusses how these concepts could revolutionize our understanding of the universe and potential future technologies.  

I find myself drawn to space architecture as a podcast topic because 1. it takes as a given that humans will live and work in space, 2. requires challenging so many daily assumptions and 3. has so many interesting entrace pathways. Speaking to space architects feels like talking to a 3rd century fisherman about modern cruise ships, or to 12th century cathedral builder about skyscrapers. The field of space architecture is not just about creating structures; it's about reimagining how we live and work in an environment vastly different from our own. Jeffrey Montes’ insights remind us that as we venture into the cosmos, innovative design will be key to ensuring human survival and comfort in space. The journey is just beginning, and the possibilities are as limitless as the universe itself.

Discover Jim Erickson's 50-year journey at JPL from Voyager to Perseverence, and the lessons learned from a life spent pioneering space exploration. Jim's journey to JPL began in college when he was looking for a summer job to help pay for his education. A fortuitous connection through his father led him to apply for a position at JPL. After impressing the team with his resume and a bit of luck, Jim found himself working on the Voyager mission right out of college. This pivotal moment set the stage for a lifelong career in space exploration. It's a great joy for me to speak with him, as very little is more interesting professionally than the insights, secrets, and stories of those who spent their lives advancing the frontiers of space exploration. 

The idea of racing in space may seem like a sci-fi fantasy, but it’s rooted in humanity's longstanding love for competition. From racing cars to horses, we have always sought to push the limits of speed. However, while other forms of transportation have seen organized competitions shortly after their invention, space has lagged behind. The average time from technological invention to the first organized race for cars and planes is around 11 years, whereas space has remained dormant for over 60 years. In this post, we explore the innovative idea of satellite racing, its historical context, and the potential it holds for the future of sports.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of satellite technology, one question looms large: How can we optimize the vast resources of satellites to create more efficient networking solutions? In this episode, we explore insights from Rama Afullo, the founder and CEO of Satlyt, who is pioneering a unique approach to treating satellite networking as a shared resource. With a background in mechanical engineering and experience at industry giants like Tesla, Google, and SpaceX, Afullo shares his vision for a future where satellites operate as nodes in a virtual AI data center in space.

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, host Jeff Nosanov welcomes fine artist Samuel Stubblefield, the founder of Off Earth, to discuss a captivating topic: space art. In a world increasingly fascinated by the cosmos, this conversation delves into what space art means today, the historical context, and the exciting possibilities for the future.

In this in-depth interview, space physicist Kelvin Long shares his journey from childhood fascination with space to pioneering advanced propulsion technologies. Discover insights on fusion energy, interstellar travel, and the future of space exploration, including UK and US initiatives.

In our second interview recorded shortly after the Artemis II landing, Les Johnson, NASA's former Chief Technologist, shares insights into space hardware innovation, the role of technology push versus mission pull, and the future of human space exploration including Artemis II. We talk about the dynamics between NASA headquarters and center leadership, working with congress, and discuss how NASA navigates political, technological, and strategic challenges to push the boundaries of space science.  

In this episode, join me in exploring the Psyche mission to a metallic asteroid, its scientific significance, engineering challenges, and the inspiring journey of lead engineer David Oh. Discover how space exploration advances technology and our understanding of planetary formation. We talk about David's education, early exposure to Hall thrusters and other enabling technologies of the current age of space exploration, and he how has built a fascinating career ranging from Mars rovers to exploring mysterious space objects previously unknown to humanity.   

In this episode, Jim Muncy shares his extensive experience in space policy, the evolution of NASA's programs, and the future of space exploration, including lunar bases and Mars missions. We discusses historical lessons, current challenges, and innovative ideas for advancing space development especially what went wrong with the advocacy for the Mars Sample Return mission. We talk about the origins of the Space Frontier Foundation and its relationship with the space related politics of the 1980s.  

In this episode of the Space Madness Podcast, host Jeff Nosanov and economist Dr. Carla Mitchell discusses Africa to Moon, a pioneering project aiming to place radio antennas on the Moon, and explores Africa's broader space ambitions, collaboration challenges, and the role of China in African space efforts. Of particular note is the active engagement by China's space agency and the relative radio silence from the West.  

Today host Jeff Nosanov speaks with Les Johnson, a man of many hats in the space exploration world. During his career he led research on various advanced space propulsion technologies at the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. During his career at NASA, he served as the center's Chief Technology Officer, the Manager for the Space Science Programs and Projects Office, the In-Space Propulsion Technology Program, and the Interstellar Propulsion Research Project. He is also a prolific science fiction author and speaker, and a committed Christian. In this episode we discuss all of these items and especially Les' faith which supports and drives them all. 

In today's episode, host Jeff Nosanov explores a very interesting offering by Meritable Solutions: a space product accelerator. With an interesting background crossing aerospace engineering and product management, Merritt and his team guide companies through the process of payload and other space product design, development, test, up to the launch pad. Accelerators are common across the software, biotechnology and even robotic product categories, but novel in the space sector. Merritt has designed a curriculum and process that standardizes complex and specialty processes so customers can focus on their specialized knowledge or technology. 

In today's episode of the Space Madness Podcast, host Jeff Nosanov talks with Matt Petit, a former United States Diplomat with a focus on Africa, Iran, and Space. We discuss the recent trajectory of Chinese infrastructure development across Africa and implications on hard and soft power and global leadereship. Particular attention is paid to the benefits and costs to the African host nations and how the United States could compete. We also talk about resource value chains and how soft power could impact future capablities. 

Join host Jeff Nosanov and Will Pomerantz as they explore the interesting twists and turns of Will's career, which has given him an inside look at leading aerospace organizations such as the X-Prize Foundation, Virgin Galactic, and AeroVironment (which was instrumental in enabling the Mars Helicopter.) Discover how unconventional thinking, rapid prototyping, Will's own fellowship programs, and inspiring programs like X-Prize are transforming space exploration and making it more capable and accessible.

In this episode of the Space Madness Podcast, Ben Haldeman shares his inspiring journey from studying astronomy and engineering, to being an early employee at Planet Labs, to founding LifeShip, a community-driven space movement. Discover how his projects like the pyramid on the moon and DNA backups aim to preserve Earth's biodiversity and inspire humanity's expansion into space. We also discuss the influence of becoming a parent on our views about space exploration. You can read more about LifeShip here: https://lifeship.com/pages/about

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, host Jeff Nosanov interviews aerospace engineer Tim Deaver, who shares his extensive experience in the Air Force and the commercial aerospace sector. The conversation covers Tim's journey from military operations to business development, the intricacies of space policy, and the evolution of commercial Earth observation. They discuss the challenges of supply chain management in aerospace, the importance of STEM education, and the future of optical communication in space. Tim also highlights his nonprofit work and advocacy for engineering education, emphasizing the need for innovation while managing risks in the aerospace industry.  

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, host Jeff Nosanov speaks with Mike Grace, CEO of Longshot, about the innovative concept of kinetic launch systems for sending payloads into space using a giant gun. They discuss the engineering challenges, economic implications, and future applications of this technology, as well as Mike's personal journey from economics to aerospace engineering. The conversation also touches on the competitive landscape of space launch, the importance of hardware in deep tech ventures, and the historical context of aerospace technology development.

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, host Jeff Nosanov speaks with Oscar Garcia, principal of Interflight Global, about the evolving landscape of aviation and aerospace. They discuss the merging of airspace and space travel, the importance of capital in the industry, and the exciting new technologies in propulsion that could revolutionize air travel. Garcia shares his personal journey in aviation, the regulatory challenges ahead, and the potential for new economic centers as hypersonic passenger travel becomes a reality. The conversation emphasizes the need for innovation balanced with safety and the growing public demand for faster travel options.

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, host Jeff Nosanov interviews José Andrade, co-founder of Deleon, a startup focused on personal metabolomics. They discuss the journey from aerospace engineering to health technology, the rapid development of startups in the current environment, and the potential of personal metabolomics to revolutionize health and wellness. Andrade explains how their technology allows for real-time measurement of biochemical data, the importance of user feedback in product development, and the challenges of integrating this technology into clinical practice. The conversation highlights the exciting future of personalized medicine and the role of athletes in testing and utilizing this innovative approach. You can learn more about Deleon at https://deleon-omics.com/.

In this episode of the Space Madness Podcast, Jeff Nosanov and Telecom lawyer Will Lewis delve into SpaceX's recent application for spectrum for "a million satellites". They discuss the implications of this ambitious submission, whether it rises to the level of an actual plan, the regulatory processes involved with the FCC especially the extent to which the FCC is required to take things seriously, and the technical aspects of satellite communication, including spectrum requests and optical links. The conversation also touches on the potential market impacts and public perceptions surrounding such a large-scale project, as well as the future of space traffic management and orbital debris mitigation.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Telecom law is not something most people put much thought into, but after today's episode you will understand how it affects everyone's life, every day. I speak with Will Lewis, space and telecom lawyer, about how even the 1934 Telecommunications act still affects the technology we use today. We talk about space communications, cross-border radio signal lobes, and how ocean vessels have to manage their broadcasts near land. 

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, host Jeff Nosanov speaks with Michael Rudolph, a former systems engineer at JPL and current board member at the Quicycle Society. They discuss Michael's journey from architecture to aerospace, the importance of effective communication in science, and the challenges faced by large and legacy institutions in the space industry. The conversation delves into historical examples of historically productive innovators such as Bell Labs and Silicon Valley - exploring both unique and potentially repeatable sets of incentives - and explores the need for new institutions that can foster collaboration and creativity in the face of funding gaps and structural issues. Michael emphasizes the importance of risk-taking in government funding and the potential role of AI in improving technology transfer processes.

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, host Jeff Nosanov speaks with Dr. Joe Meany, president of the Interstellar Research Group. They discuss the group's mission to enable interstellar human travel, the evolution of the organization from a gathering of science fiction fans, and the importance of interdisciplinary contributions to space exploration. Joe shares his personal journey in science, the role of volunteers in the organization, and the significance of ethics and philosophy in the context of interstellar exploration. The conversation also touches on future goals, including expanding scholarship opportunities and hosting international symposia.

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, host Jeff interviews Matthias Girod, an independent science and diplomacy consultant based in France. The conversation explores the differences in educational experiences, the challenges faced by researchers in Europe, and the complexities of European science funding and collaboration. Matthias shares insights on the cultural differences between countries and the evolving landscape of scientific research in Europe, including the impact of Brexit and the role of Switzerland. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of the EU in global scientific collaboration.

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, host Jeff Nosanov speaks with Hugh Chen, a PhD student in aerospace engineering at Georgia Tech. Hugh shares his journey from Hong Kong to the US, his passion for space exploration, and his experiences in different educational systems. He discusses his research projects, including liquid mirror telescopes and CubeSat propulsion systems, and his aspirations to make a positive impact on the world through technology and conservation efforts.

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, Jeff Nosanov interviews architect Anthony Longman, who discusses his innovative ideas for expandable rotating habitats in space. Anthony shares his journey from the UK to the US, traditional architecture to space architecture, and the importance of ecological design and the influence of nature on his work. He explains the concept of tensegrity structures and their potential applications in space, as well as the challenges of developing sustainable and maintainable structures for long-term use in extraterrestrial environments. The conversation also touches on the role of NASA's NIAC program in fostering innovative concepts and the future of space architecture.

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, host Jeff Nosanov speaks with Matt Bille, a seasoned professional in the space industry. Matt shares his journey from witnessing the Apollo 11 launch as a child -from an airplane!- to his military career in the Air Force, and later his extensive work in the private sector, including collaborations with NASA. He discusses his passion for writing, particularly in science fiction and space-related topics, and reflects on the evolution of microsatellites and the importance of space archaeology. The conversation also touches on the formation of the Space Force, the Artemis program, and the future of space exploration.

Today we talk with Shelli Brunswick, who shares her unique journey through the space industry, from her early days in the Air Force to her current role as an entrepreneur and author. The conversation explores various themes including space acquisition, the importance of soft skills, the impact of space technology on everyday life, and the significance of mentorship and leadership in the industry. Shelli emphasizes the need for a growth mindset and the role of technology in fostering economic prosperity, while also discussing the geopolitical implications of space exploration.

In today's episode we talk with labor and employment attorney Jon Anderson from law firm Husch Blackwell to discuss the evolving landscape of labor law as it pertains to NASA and JPL. We explore the historical context of unions, the complexities of employment at JPL, and the implications of project-based funding on job security. The conversation delves into the challenges of unionization efforts, the importance of transparency in layoff decisions, and the unique nature of employment in the government-sponsored space industry. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of labor rights in this context. Here are the two JPL unionization websites referenced in the discussion: https://jplworkersunited.org/ https://jplbeinformed.com/

In this episode of the Space Madness Podcast we have Ken Ruffin, a long-time volunteer with the National Space Society. We discuss Ken's journey into space exploration, the history and mission of the National Space Society, and the impact of the Challenger disaster on Ken's career. The conversation also touches on the importance of public engagement in space exploration, the challenges of funding, and the role of optimism in advocating for a better future in space. Ken shares his experiences in outreach and education, emphasizing the need for public awareness and the potential for rapidly advancing technology to shape the future of space missions.

Today we continue the conversation with Dr. Jim Green, former Chief Scientist of NASA. We discuss Green's journey to becoming Chief Scientist, his experiences working with different NASA administrators, and the surprising discoveries he made while expanding his knowledge beyond planetary science. The conversation also delves into the role of medicine in space exploration, the potential of virtual reality for astronaut mental health, and the future of NASA's Chief Scientist position amidst changing political landscapes. Green shares insights from his ongoing research and educational initiatives in the metaverse, highlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing space science.

Today we have a real treat; the former Chief Scientist of NASA, Jim Green. We talk about his journey from the fields of Iowa to the top floor of NASA HQ. He shares series of fortunate events - gravity assists as he calls them - that introduced him to astronomy and space exploration, then unique educational opportunities, and a wonderful series of leadership opportunities first connecting NASA and then global institutions using the early internet. We also talk about Jim's other interests including history and civil war hot air ballooning. 

Today we talk with recent Georgia Tech Ph.D. graduate Chad Pozarycki. We discuss Chad's journey into the field, the intricacies of capillary electrophoresis, and its applications in detecting life on other planets. The conversation also covers the challenges of Mars sample return missions, the importance of risk management in instrument development, and Chad's innovative startup focused on health monitoring through chemical analysis.

Today we talk with Jason Derleth, a recently retired NASA technologist with a diverse career. We discuss Jason's journey from aspiring fantasy author to a key player in NASA's innovative projects, including the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts program and the Habitable Worlds Observatory. The conversation explores the importance and value of unusual career paths in space exploration, the philosophical implications of discovering life beyond Earth, and the impact of NASA's work on society and technology. Jason shares insights on leadership, creativity, and the challenges of project management in a complex environment.

Today we talk with Elsbeth Magilton, former Executive Director of my alma mater, the University of Nebraska, Lincoln Space and Cyber Law LL.M. program. We talk about growing up in Nebraska, finding a pathway to a legal education through community programs and web design, and joining the UNL Law Space Law program and ultimately the faculty. We also discuss the Artemis Accords and how international legal agreements affect space exploration. 

n our final episode with Lou we talk about different views on the future of space exploration in the USA, options for young people interested in the field, and thoughts about predicting the future. 

In part 2 of our discussion with Lou Friedman, co-founder of The Planetary Society, we discuss his decades of advocacy work. We talk about early Direct Mail efforts that enabled the Society's explosive growth, the conflict between planetary science and the Space Shuttle, his visits to Washington, D.C. to give testimony, and more. Lou also shares charming stories of Carl Sagan's wit.