The Space Above Us
A podcast about the history of NASA human spaceflight. New episodes every other Thursday. (ish)
194 - STS-100 - Giving the ISS a Hand (ISS 6A: Canadarm2)
The ISS is growing so much that soon the shuttle arm won't be able to help attach new modules. So let's give the ISS an arm of its own! We'll also wonder just what happened to the Command and Control computers, and try to blink our way through our problems.
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep194_sts-100
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193 - STS-102 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Logistics Module (ISS 5A.1: Exp1/2 swap)
On STS-102 it looks like we're just doing a simple crew swap, but complexity abounds. Get ready for new hardware, two spacewalks, cargo swaps, the first ISS crew swap, and a surprise cameo by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep193_sts-102
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192 - Expedition 1 - ISS, Meet IT
The first long duration crew of the International Space Station is finally here! Let's learn about what life on the ISS was like, shake our fists at Microsoft, and wonder where to get bootleg movies on the streets of Moscow.
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep192_exp-1
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Supplemental 9 - Where Does the Time Go? (Schedule Update)
It's been a long time since the last episode of the podcast was posted. What's going on? Fear not, dear listener, it's all good news. Well, mostly good news. And really it's more good for me than for you but– you know what, just give the supplemental a listen.
Show notes:Â https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/s09_where_does_the_time_go
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191 - STS-98 - Destiny Manifest (ISS 5A: Destiny)
On STS-98 it's time for the ISS crew to meet its Destiny. Oh wait, does everyone make that joke? How about "Destiny is on the manifest"? No, I already used that in the title. OK, let's go with "humanity's Destiny is off the planet". Yeah, that works!
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep191_sts-98
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190 - STS-97 - Ratcheting Up the Tension (ISS 4A: P6)
On STS-97 the Space Shuttle is delivering its heaviest ISS payload yet: the P6 truss. We'll climb high above the payload bay, consider some strange analogies, and both slack off and tense up. Most of that will make sense once you listen.
Also, please note that this episode has a couple of small audio clicks that I wasn't able to remove. So it's not your equipment, it's my audio. Most of you won't notice but I still wanted to mention something for those who do!
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep190_sts-97
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189 - STS-92 - Over and Under (Z1 and PMA-3)
After a long wait for the crew (and audience!) STS-92 is finally here. We'll be delivering the heart of the ISS external structure, the Z1 truss, as well as a new docking port, PMA-3. Along the way we'll learn a bit about the folks on the ground who make this all possible, walk through four complicated EVAs, see something no one's seen since 1967, and put our plumber's hats on.
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep189_sts-92
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<...188 - STS-106 - 2A or not 2b (ISS Resupply 2A.2b)
On STS-106, we finally get to meet Zvezda, the Russian service module for the International Space Station. We also meet some new faces, decrypt some mission designations, move a bunch of equipment, and perform an EVA that may or may not be a milestone.
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep188_sts-106
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187 - Interview with former NASA flight surgeon Dr. Kim Broadwell
I think we can all agree that social media (and anything approaching it) was a mistake, but sometimes the internet decides to throw you a bone and you meet a NASA flight surgeon on Reddit. After some friendly chatting via email, Dr. Kim Broadwell was gracious enough to speak to me on the podcast. Let's hear what he has to say!
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep187_interview_dr_kim_broadwell
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186 - STS-101 - Screens and Stations (ISS Resupply 2A.2a)
On STS-101 we've got a slick new cockpit to show off, a pile of launch delays, a ton or two of new equipment and supplies and some floppy disks in the payload bay. Let's head back to the ISS!
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep186_sts-101
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185 - STS-99 - Here Comes The Boom (SRTM)
On STS-99 we'll be studying the Earth in a whole new dimension, using fancy radar tricks to scan nearly the entire planet in 3D! Close and lock your visors and put on your 3D glasses now!
Show notes: http://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep185_sts-99
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184 - STS-103 - Y2K And I Feel Fine (Hubble Servicing 3A)
The Hubble Space Telescope couldn't wait until the year 2000 for a visit, while the Space Shuttle's computers couldn't handle the year 2000 at all. With the clock ticking, will the crew of STS-103 be able to save the new year for scientists everywhere?
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep184_sts-103
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183 - STS-93 - Sometimes It's Better To Be Lucky Than Smart (Chandra Deploy)
On STS-93 we've got a ton of stuff to do in a mission lasting less than five days. We'll break another glass barrier, we'll put the redundancy of the Space Shuttle Main Engines to the test, and we'll explore the universe in a whole new part of the spectrum. Buckle up, it's a heck of a flight.
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep183_sts-93
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182 - STS-96 - Additional Supply Depots Required (ISS Resupply 2A.1)
On the first resupply mission to the ISS we've got tons of stuff to transfer, a disco ball to deploy, and a surprising number of quotations from Dan Barry!
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep182_sts-96
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181 - STS-88 - A United Dawn (Zarya and Unity)
The ISS era is upon us! Let's learn about Zarya, the first module of the International Space Station, and bring it a buddy: Unity! With a Russian and an American module flying, the ISS will be born. In this episode we'll wonder why it's too quiet, why the wires are on the outside, and which teams were playing down in South America!
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep181_sts-88
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180 - STS-95 - Zero-G And I Still Feel Fine (Glenn, SPARTAN, SPACEHAB)
On STS-95 we've got the return of SPARTAN, the return of SPACEHAB, and the return of.. John Glenn! Let's do some science and learn how the 77 year old former astronaut found himself once again whizzing around in orbit.
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep180_sts-95
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179 - Phase One Done (Shuttle-Mir Retrospective)
We take a look back at the Shuttle-Mir program, including a whirlwind tour of all seven long duration missions and a glimpse into Mir's ultimate fate.
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep179_shuttle-mir_retrospective
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178 - STS-91 - A Farewell to Mir (Bringing Thomas Home)
On STS-91 we'll try out a new external tank, learn a little physics, and find out what Mir upper management thinks about the state of the space station. Oh, we'll also bring Andy Thomas home and wave farewell to Mir forever.
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep178_sts-91
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Special Update - Don't Force It
We take a brief break from space to consider some valuable life lessons.
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/special_update_02
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177 - STS-90 - Of Mice and Medicine (Neurolab)
On STS-90 we've got a Spacelab full of nervous system experiments, we'll play a little catch, and we'll wonder where NASA got 2000 crickets.
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep177_sts-90
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176 - NASA-7 - The Last American (Thomas on Mir)
Andy Thomas is watching Space Shuttle Endeavour fade into the distance and is ready to get to work. His four month stay on Mir would close out the American presence on the Russian space station. We also wonder what that burning smell is, do a bunch of EVAs, and wave farewell to "Ol' Stinky"
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep176_nasa-7
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175 - STS-89 - The Last of the Mir 7 (Thomas to Mir)
Dave Wolf is ready to come home, which is good because Andy Thomas is ready to become the last NASA astronaut to live on Mir. So put on some nice headphones, pull up a chair next to the aquarium window, and relax with some spaceflight history as we kick off 1998!
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep175_sts-89
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174 - STS-87 - Stranded SPARTAN (USMP-4, SPARTAN mishap)
On STS-87 we've got a bunch of material science in the payload bay, a free-flying satellite, a camera that fell out of Star Wars, and 645,500 friends! We also get to the bottom of a significant mishap.
Here's the link to that AERCam video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtmQyAifHj0
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep174_sts-87
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173 - NASA-6 Part 2 - Stuck Between A Hatch And A Cold Place (Wolf on Mir)
Dave Wolf's stint on Mir is going pretty smoothly, but when he performs his first EVA we find cause to go on a mini deep dive into the history of the station's airlock. That's definitely not ominous, right?
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep173_nasa-6_pt2
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172 - NASA-6 Part 1 - Infinite Job List (Wolf on Mir)
After much back and forth on the ground, it has been decided that Dave Wolf will remain on Mir for his full mission. So what does he do while he's up there? And who's that in the window??
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep172_nasa-6_pt1
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171 - STS-86 - Does He Stay Or Does He Go Now? (Wolf to Mir)
Dave Wolf didn't think he was going to Mir for another six months, but when Russia decides Wendy Lawrence is too short, schedules change. Though if Congress has anything to say about it, Wolf might not be going anywhere after all.
Also, "MEEP!"
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep171_sts-86
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170 - STS-85 - The World's Biggest Birthday Candles (CRISTA-SPAS, MFD)
It's Kent Rominger's birthday, so what better way to celebrate than launching into space? Along the way we'll send CRISTA-SPAS out for one last adventure, try out a Japanese robot arm, take pictures of comets, and try to avoid Blue Screens of Death.
By the way, I did hit a BSOD while editing the episode, but luckily no data was lost!
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep170_sts-85
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169 - STS-94 - Deja Crew (MSL-1 Reflight)
The crew, payload, and orbiter of STS-94 all have unfinished business in low earth orbit thanks to a busted fuel cell on STS-83. Let's kick the tires, light the fires, and then light around 200 more fires, but carefully.
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep169_sts-94
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168 - NASA-5 Part 2 - The Specter of Progress (Foale on Mir)
Spektr has been sealed off from the rest of Mir and the station's attitude is back under control, but there's still a lot of work left to do. Can the crew regain access to Spektr's solar panels? What happens to laptops left in a vacuum? And who knew that you actually should bring a knife to a space fight!
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep168_nasa-5_pt2
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167 - NASA-5 Part 1 - A Crash Course in Long Duration Spaceflight (Foale on Mir)
Mike Foale is replacing Jerry Linenger on Mir for NASA's next long duration mission on the Russian space station. After the raging fire and near-collision by a Progress resupply ship on NASA-4, surely things will settle down for a while on NASA-5.. right?
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep167_nasa-5_pt1
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Supplemental 8 - My Second Rocket Launch (SpaceX C2+)
It turns out the NASA-5 episode was taking a little more time than I anticipated, can't imagine why. But since I'll be on vacation next week, I would have had to slip by TWO weeks. Rather than leave you all hanging, I have a story about my second rocket launch, along with a little review of early SpaceX history. Plus a trip to Waffle House!
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/s08_my_second_rocket_launch
The Space Above Us website: https://thespaceabove.us
Support the show: https://thespaceabove.us/donate
...
166 - STS-84 - Where Things Are Bright and Sunny (Linenger/Foale Mir Swap)
On STS-84 we'll deliver Mike Foale to Mir, bring Jerry Linenger back to Earth, wonder how much Elektron really weighs, enjoy the music in the base block, and contemplate the mystical powers of a shouting Marine.
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep166_sts-84
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165 - STS-83 - Substack Attack (MSL-1)
The crew of STS-83 is gearing up for a 16 day flight aboard Space Shuttle Columbia. With Spacelab packed full of materials science experiments, everything seemed ready to go.. so why did the flight end up only being four days long?
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep165_sts-83
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164 - STS-82 - No Trouble with Hubble (HST Servicing 2)
On STS-82 we've got another ground-up rendezvous on our hands. But instead of flying to Mir, we'll be visiting our old friend the Hubble Space Telescope. It's been a few years since STS-61 fixed its optical flaw, and it's due for an upgrade!
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep164_sts-82
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163 - NASA-4 Part 2 - Close Call, Ethylene Glycol, Secret Alcohol (Linenger on Mir)
We've still got half of Jerry Linenger's mission on Mir to cover, and while there aren't any fires, it's just as action packed! We've got near-misses, secret contraband, and a history-making EVA.
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep163_nasa-4_pt2
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162 - NASA-4 Part 1 - A Candle-Lit Dinner (Linenger on Mir)
Jerry Linenger's long duration mission on Mir was so jam-packed that I had to break it up into two parts! In Part 1, we'll heed some lessons from John Blaha, learn where to find extra photographic film, and light some candles during dinner.
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep162_nasa-4_pt1
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161 - STS-81 - Space Deli (Blaha/Linenger Mir Swap)
On STS-81 we'll deliver Jerry Linenger to his new home for the next few months, return John Blaha to Earth, and transfer a few tons of equipment while we're at it. Along the way we'll go for a run, admire a previous crew's DIY fix, and toss some meat and cheese around the Mir base block. Just don't get lost on the way from the orbiter!
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep161_sts-81
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Support the show: https://thespaceabove.us/donate
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160 - Tom Jones Interview
We've seen him fly on STS-59, STS-68, and STS-80.. and now we'll see him on The Space Above Us! Astronaut Tom Jones joins us and answers a bunch of questions ranging from stopwatches, travel strategies, and pranks on John Young.
Thanks again to Tom Jones for speaking with me. Go check out his website and buy his excellent books! www.astronauttomjones.com
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep160_tom-jones-interview
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159 - STS-80 - Space Jam (ORFEUS, WSF, EVA)
STS-80 is jam packed with everything the shuttle program has to offer, which makes sense since it's the longest flight of the entire program! We've got two free-flying payloads, a troublesome EVA, and a reentry to remember.
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep159_sts-80
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158 - NASA-3 - Blaha Blast (Blaha on Mir)
John Blaha is settling in for his four month stay on Mir. Science experiments, clattering fans, limited communications, 14 hour days, and the first ever NASA in-space handover await.
Show notes: https://thespaceabove.us/episodes/ep158_nasa-3
The Space Above Us website: https://thespaceabove.us
Support the show: https://thespaceabove.us/donate
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