STARS Launch Pod

Discover how SCIVIS at Space Camp is transforming the lives of blind and visually impaired students through hands-on STEM experiences, global connections, and confidence-building opportunities. This inspiring program proves that space exploration is truly for everyone.

Explore the cutting edge of space science as planetary scientist Thomas O’Sullivan reveals how icy moons like Europa and Enceladus could harbor life beneath their frozen surfaces. From NASA’s groundbreaking discoveries to the future of AI-driven space missions, this conversation dives into humanity’s quest to answer one of the biggest questions of all: are we alone in the universe?

Discover how the rapidly growing space economy is creating global opportunities beyond engineering—from business and entrepreneurship to innovation and leadership. Insights from Space Economy Institute founder Antonio Ragusa.

We’re on the brink of a new space age. Discover what’s next for the Moon, Mars, and beyond—plus the surprising fusion of science and rock music—with astronomy legend Dave Eicher.

Discover how space architecture is transforming the future of space travel. In this episode, Adam Oswald shares how human-centered design is shifting missions from survival to thriving—on Earth and beyond.

Dr. Dan Britt, a veteran of four NASA missions, reveals the harsh realities of lunar exploration, the hidden challenges of landing on the Moon, and why asteroid mining may be closer than we think. Discover what it really takes to succeed in space—and why thinking like we do on Earth could be our biggest mistake.

Discover how the new space economy is transforming our future. In this episode, CisLunar Industries CTO Joe Pawelski explains how space manufacturing, plasma propulsion, and high-power satellite systems could enable industries on the Moon and beyond.

Space Camp is more than rockets and simulations—it’s where curiosity turns into confidence. Join us as Robin Soprano shares how immersive experiences are launching future explorers toward the stars.

The rocket gets the headlines — but the payload is the mission. Learn how Ecoatoms is building intelligent space systems that will help humans thrive beyond Earth. From drawing space shuttles as a child in Argentina to leading a NASA-partnered space company, Dr. Solange Massa shares how small “micro-aha” moments can build a future on Mars.

What if the key to protecting astronauts from deadly space radiation isn’t metal — but mushrooms? Astronautical architect Esther Gulacsi is pioneering an unexpected solution: using fungi and mycelium as lightweight, self-growing radiation shields for future space missions. From DIY lab experiments to testing at NASA’s Space Radiation Laboratory, her groundbreaking work could help make long-duration travel to the Moon, Mars, and beyond safer than ever before.

What do tiny tardigrades, NASA’s Lucy Mission, and student innovators have in common? They may hold the keys to how humanity thrives in space. Discover how a new generation of students, engineers, and explorers is shaping the future of space — from NASA missions to research that could change life beyond Earth.

A new era of space isn’t just about rockets — it’s about opportunity. Discover how the space economy is reshaping life on Earth, creating new careers, and opening the door for everyone to play a role in humanity’s next great frontier.

Step inside Space Trek, a groundbreaking program where young women build satellites, analyze real data, and discover their place in the space industry. In this STARS Launch Pod feature, learn how hands-on learning and empowerment are shaping future aerospace leaders. This is where bold curiosity turns into limitless possibility.

What if we could predict hurricanes 12 hours earlier with twice the accuracy? Dan Harkins joins the STARS Launch Pod to share the groundbreaking satellite technology making that possible. Get ready for a fascinating look at the future of weather, space, and safety.

Space is no longer just for governments and billionaires — it’s becoming personal, creative, and accessible. In this inspiring conversation with icMercury’s captain Lijie Zhu, we explore how satellites impact everyday life in ways most people never realize. From launching small satellites to sending artwork to the Moon, icMercury is empowering dreamers, innovators, and artists to take part in the future of space.

Women in space face challenges that are often invisible but deeply impactful. In this episode of Star Launch Pod, Libby Fenstermacher shares insights from her NASA experience and sociology research on STEM identity, inclusion in astronomy, and inspiring the next generation of space professionals.

Discover how the Beyond Earth Institute is helping shape the future of human spaceflight through policy, innovation, and global collaboration. Learn why experts say people—not just technology—will be the driving force behind humanity’s expansion to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

From robotic “space octopuses” to modular satellite upgrades, KMI is rewriting the future of on-orbit operations. Dive into this conversation with CTO Austin Morris and explore the breakthroughs shaping the next era of space sustainability.

Discover how spaceports are becoming the next major global infrastructure—from commercial launches to future point-to-point space travel. Dr. George Nield reveals the technologies, opportunities, and careers shaping the new space economy.

Step into the world of two UCF aerospace innovators who are shaping the future of space exploration through mentorship, groundbreaking research, and bold vision. From guiding the next generation of engineers to exploring revolutionary propulsion concepts, their work reveals how curiosity and collaboration can propel humanity toward the stars.

From pioneering stem cell therapies to inspiring young minds with space-borne spiders and butterflies, this episode uncovers the magic of life science in orbit. Learn how microgravity research on the ISS is advancing healthcare, improving cancer treatments, and shaping the future of human spaceflight.

Discover how Valparaiso University is launching the next generation of space engineers. Professor Dan White shares how students build real satellites, join a global open-source ground station network, and turn childhood dreams into hands-on space exploration.

Dive into our conversation with space architect Dallas Bienhoff as he reveals how lunar resources, reusable landers, and next-gen technologies are paving the way for sustainable life on the Moon—and our journey to Mars.

Join Dr. Gabrielle Caswell, founder of Spaceport Australia, as she shares how humans can thrive beyond Earth. Discover bio-regenerative habitats, sustainable space systems, and the science of adapting our biology for life on Mars, the Moon, and beyond.

Explore the magic of STEM education with Janet Ivey, the powerhouse behind Janet’s Planet. Her stories, wisdom, and humor ignite a sense of possibility in learners of all ages. This episode is a joyful reminder that the universe is waiting for you to explore it.

Join host Susan Wise as she chats with Adam Kall, Chief Strategy Officer at Kall Morris Incorporated, about revolutionizing in-space logistics and tackling the growing challenge of orbital debris. Discover how his startup’s octopus-inspired spacecraft could change the future of satellite operations — and open the door to building the next generation of space infrastructure.

From radio waves to rocket launches—Chris Leslie’s journey is out of this world. Once a Houston radio guy, Chris became a NASA mission controller for the International Space Station, helped launch the Constellation Program,trained astronauts, worked with Axiom Space, and now shapes the future in NASA’s Moon to Mars Program Office. In  this episode, Chris shares behind-the-scenes stories of mission control, lessons from high-stakes moments, and how a simple gold watch sparked a lifelong passion for time and exploration.

Discover how the Canaveral Council of Technical Societies (CCTS) is shaping the future of space innovation through collaboration, STEM outreach, and industry-leading events like Space Congress. A must-read for anyone looking to break into or level up in the space industry.

Join host Susan Wise on Stars LaunchPod as she speaks with Dr. Marshall Porterfield, Purdue University professor and NASA researcher, about how his team is preparing to grow plants on the Moon through the groundbreaking LEAF experiment aboard Artemis III. Discover how space biology, biosensors, and mitochondrial research are shaping the future of sustainable space exploration, food production beyond Earth, and precision medicine inspired by NASA’s GeneLab and Twins Study.

Discover how a passionate seventh grader is already presenting at national space conferences, building CubeSats, researching AI, and shaping the future of space exploration. Meet Lucas Lowery—the young innovator proving the next generation is ready for liftoff. Shorter- At just 12, Lucas Lowery is building satellites, speaking at space conferences, and preparing for Mars. This rising star is the future of aerospace.

Join host Susan Wise as she sits down with Ubaldo “The Space Ace” Ciminieri, Chief of Staff at CisLunar Industries, to explore how the future of space power, recycling, and innovation is turning science fiction into reality. From transforming space debris into usable materials to empowering new voices in the space industry, this episode is a reminder that space needs everyone’s talent and imagination.

Join host Susan Wise on the Stars Launch Pod as she talks with Tyler Bender, Policy Analyst at the Beyond Earth Institute, about the future of human space settlement, space policy, and how everyday careers on Earth can shape life beyond our planet. Discover insights on space migration, innovation, and building sustainable communities beyond Earth.

Can we grow fresh food in space? Astrobotanist Jess Bunchek takes us inside her work at DLR, from Antarctica to advanced aeroponics, revealing how space farming could transform life both off-world and here on Earth.

Join us as we talk with Alyssa Carson, astrobiologist and aspiring astronaut, about her journey from a curious child fascinated by space to a pioneering researcher exploring the possibility of life on Mars. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and inspiring advice from someone chasing her dreams beyond Earth—and learn how she’s empowering the next generation to do the same.

Bill West, Executive Director of the Space Workforce Institute, about the future of the space economy and the people powering it. Discover how new workforce standards, credentials, and training programs are opening doors for professionals from all backgrounds to launch their careers in space. From welders to cybersecurity experts — find out how you can be part of the next giant leap in the space industry.

Geophysicist Douglas Jerolmack explores how legged robots are transforming planetary exploration. From NASA’s LASSIE and TRUSSES projects to surprising discoveries about lunar soil, crack patterns on Mars, and even the secret mud behind Major League Baseball, this episode reveals how persistence, creativity, and collaboration are driving the future of science—on Earth and beyond.

Discover the fascinating story behind the Fisher Space Pen—the pen that writes upside down, underwater, and even in zero gravity. Eric Bond, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, shares the innovation that made it possible, its legacy in every NASA mission since 1968, and how this iconic tool continues to inspire the future of space exploration.

Join host Susan Wise as she talks with Dr. Paul Westerhoff, Regents Professor at Arizona State University, about his groundbreaking work using UV light to control biofilms on the International Space Station. Discover how this innovative, chemical-free technology could revolutionize water systems both in space and here on Earth—from keeping astronauts safe to transforming how we manage clean water and prevent contamination.

Discover how cutting-edge space research—from cancer treatments and artificial retinas to fiber-optic breakthroughs—is transforming life here on Earth. Ryan Reeves, Technical Director of Research & Innovation at the International Space Station National Laboratory shares behind-the-scenes stories, surprising discoveries, and a look at what’s next after the ISS.

In this episode of Stars Launch Pod, host Susan Wise sits down with Troy Morris, co founder and CEO of KMI, to explore how his team is building the “tow truck for space.” From tackling orbital debris to demonstrating groundbreaking capture technology aboard the International Space Station, Troy shares the journey, challenges, and aha moments behind developing a sustainable future in orbit. Tune in for innovation, inspiration, and a glimpse at what’s next for space mobility.

Dr. Danny Hawkins, founder of Danny’s Rocket Ranch and Space Camp Hall of Fame inductee, shares how his love for teaching, salsa, and space exploration sparked a mission to inspire the next generation. From classroom lessons to launching a salsa brand that funds scholarships, his journey proves that creativity and persistence can fuel both dreams and discovery.

Join host Susan Wise as she sits down with Dr. Thomas F. Lang, Professor Emeritus at UCSF, whose groundbreaking research with NASA has transformed our understanding of how space travel affects bone health. From the first studies aboard the International Space Station to cutting-edge AI imaging today, Dr. Lang shares fascinating insights on osteoporosis, astronaut fitness, and the “aha” moments that changed space medicine. Discover how his work in orbit is reshaping health here on Earth—and why preventing bone loss may be the ultimate key to human space exploration.

Join host Susan Wise as she talks with Dr. Gordon Roesler, former DARPA leader and president of Robots in Space, about the groundbreaking technology that allows satellites to repair, refuel, and even upgrade themselves in orbit. Discover how robotic servicing is transforming the future of space and why persistence is key to innovation among the stars.

Join host Susan Wise on Stars Launch Pod as she sits down with NASA’s Brian Campbell, Senior Earth Science Specialist, to explore groundbreaking satellite missions, student-driven discoveries, and what it takes to turn failure into success. From tracking melting ice sheets to mapping billions of trees, discover how NASA data—and curious young minds—are shaping our understanding of Earth.

Join host Susan Wise and Lori McAlister, Director of Membership at Star Sciences, as they dive into the exciting new tools, resources, and innovations helping researchers across the globe connect and accelerate their work. From AI research navigation to the Collaborate Café and inspiring stories from the SmallSat Education Conference at Kennedy Space Center, this episode celebrates innovation, STEM, and the bright future of space exploration. Discover how StarSciences.org is becoming the ultimate hub for collaboration in space technology and research!

Join host Susan Wise as she talks with Dr. Gary Stutte—‘space farmer,’ scientist, and CEO of SyNRGE—about growing food beyond Earth, recycling human waste into life support, and how space farming innovations are transforming agriculture here on Earth.

Join Nobel Prize–winning astrophysicist John Mather as he shares the groundbreaking science behind the James Webb Space Telescope, the mysteries of cosmic origins, and bold new ideas for discovering Earth-like planets beyond our solar system.

“Bringing Space Science Back to Earth” Join host Susan Wise as she talks with Dr. David Pollock, founder of Star Sciences, about how innovations from space research are transforming life on Earth. From zero-gravity stem cell breakthroughs to the future of skincare and collaboration in space technology, this inspiring conversation explores how we can connect, collaborate, and accelerate the next frontier—both in orbit and at home.

From middle school CubeSats to international conferences, Kevin Simmons is empowering the next generation of aerospace innovators. Hear how students as young as 11 are designing satellites, presenting papers worldwide, and proving that passion beats age every time.

NASA Earth scientist Compton Tucker to shares how cutting-edge satellite technology is transforming our understanding of forests, climate, and the future of our planet. From mapping 10 billion trees to uncovering the secrets of photosynthesis from space, this conversation will inspire you to look at Earth—and trees—in a whole new way.