Today In Space
The award-winning space science podcast about all things space! Hosted by Alex G. Orphanos, science communicator, maker, and aerospace engineer. Our mission: to spread love and spread science!
SpaceX Starship Flight 14 Live Launch Condensed Replay
Starship Flight 14 launched successfully! Watch the condensed replay of the liftoff and orbital insertion from our LIVE launch hangout. Subscribe and hit the bell to get notified the next time we go live and hangout with us in the chat.
This recap covers the latest Starship launch, showcasing the flight from initial liftoff through to the vehicle reaching orbit and deployed 26/26 Starlink Satellites that joined the Constellation.
For those following modern space exploration, this condensed sequence offers a clear look at the progress made by SpaceX. Seeing the vehicle reach its intended orbital flight goal...
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...
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 an...
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 Ha...
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...
Artemis Origin, Moon Flashes, and Artemis III! Space Talkers Artemis 2 RECAP PT2
The Space Talkers are back for part TWO, for a discussion about how Artemis was created, and some round-table talk about our favorite moments of Artemis II! We get into the space toilet that froze, the mental health protocols behind a crew locked in a capsule for days, the East Coast fireballs, why NASA canceled planned correction burns, and what all of it means for Artemis III. Along the way we talk telescopes, dark skies, Cherry Springs, and how this little community of space people found each other in the first place.
Thank you to Matt, Caitlin...
Artemis, AI, and Stargazing | Space Talkers RETURN! Artemis 2 RECAP PT1
The Space Talkers joined forces again to breakdown the Artemis II mission. Anything Artemis Program-related means lots of excitement, and so naturally AI, Technology, and Stargazing come up as we unwrap this mission and what it means as we move towards the next Artemis mission (III)
Today in Space brings the team together to recap Artemis II. This discussion is for anyone following NASA moon mission progress. We analyze the key milestones and what the upcoming flight path means for the future of lunar exploration, and what's happening here on Earth in the meantime.
Thank...
I Wrote & Published a Book in 10 Months After Being Laid Off | The Return of Spaceman Alex
I got LAID OFF from my Engineering/Tech Day Job. 10 Months later, I've written and published my first book on 3D Printing. It's time to share that story...
It's the Return of Spaceman Alex & Today in Space podcast! I share the process behind writing & publishing "The Book of Uncommon-Sense 3D Printing". If you are interested in how I managed to complete this project while navigating a major career change, this video is for you.
Whether you follow my 3D printing advice or are just curious about my author journey, I hope this video provides some...
NASA Moon Base Update & New Glenn Pad Anomaly for Blue Origin
NASA's Moon Base plans just got a major update — and then Blue Origin had a serious New Glenn pad anomaly at LC-36 that could shake up the timeline for upcoming lunar missions.
In this episode of Today In Space, we break down NASA's latest Moon Base update, including new awards for lunar landers, terrain vehicles, lunar drones, and the next phase of Artemis-related infrastructure. We also react to the New Glenn pad anomaly during static-fire preparations, what it could mean for Blue Origin, the Artemis architecture, and the broader push to build a permanent human presence on th...
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...
Artemis 2 Returns! Thoughts After Splashdown | One Week RECAP Since Crew Returned
It's been a week since the Artemis 2 Crew returned home from their Moon Mission! It feels like the world has changed since this heroic adventure around the Moon and back. We still have plenty of problems here on Earth, but hope and Moon Joy seem to be in the air. An entire generation is now growing up with an Artemis Campaign and the Moon Landings are in sight. Let's recap the incredible cultural moment where we found some humanity following these 3 heroes around the moon and back! In the age of AI and global wars, it was the hope...
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...
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 (niche3d.com) and Fitting in Adventure (@FittingInAdventure on youtube).
Want to stay caught up on the Artemis II mission?
Check out our new page at todayinspace.net/artemis-2...
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...
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 w...
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 sp...
NASA's Future, Rethinking "Failure", and the 'Maker Mindset' from An Aerospace Engineer
In this episode, Alex catches up on some of the latest projects he's been working on between using Space Internet (Starlink) and the testing on the 3D Printed Starlink mount. The topic of "rethinking failure" has continued to stay in the zeitgiest after the new NASA Artemis plan. As a classically trained Aerospace Engineer, Alex thought it made sense to dive into this idea more. As a maker at heart, failure is thought of as a necessity in development so that you LEARN quickly. For the "classic" way of engineering that I was taught, failure was seen differently...
<...NASA Artemis Program REMIX | Did Jared Isaacman Make the RIGHT Decision?
On this episode of Today In Space, we discuss the recent changes to the #ArtemisProgram by the new NASA administrator, bringing a variety of reactions among space advocates and fans.
We dive into my perspective as an Aerospace Engineer, Maker, and someone who has been covering Artemis at its beginning! Why is it good that #ArtemisII mission is delayed for now and what the new Artemis III and IV mean for the old way of doing things for our #returnToTheMoon.
Even if you've only been following along recently - this episode should help transform your un...
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 tur...
Why Artemis II Was Scrubbed Until March (Now April) | NASA's Hydrogen Problem Explained
This week on Today In Space...space nerds leave Florida disappointed as Artemis II is scrubbed until March (Now no earlier than April) — and cryogenic hydrogen does what it does best: leak.
In this episode, we break down:
Why liquid cryogenic hydrogen is both an incredible and deeply frustrating rocket fuel How Artemis I scrubbed three times in 2022 due to hydrogen leaks The forgotten history of the "Summer of Hydrogen" (1990) during the Space Shuttle era Why SLS inherits many of the same strengths — and weaknesses — as the Space Shuttle What this means for Artemis II launch timing...Crew 11 is Home, A New Hope for NASA and the US Space Program
In episode 402 of Today In Space, Alex G Orphanos discusses the rapid return of NASA's Crew 11 due to a medical emergency, highlighting NASA's swift response.
The crew, including astronauts from NASA, JAXA, and Roscosmos, safely undocked from the International Space Station, Reentry plash down off the coast of San Diego. Alex also announces the launch of our Substack newsletter, offering updates on space exploration, 3D printing, Al, and technology.
We close the episode with clips from our live coverage of the Crew 11 undocking.
#SpaceMedicine #NASA #SpaceSafety #HumanSpaceflight #TodayInSpace
We'd like to th...
NASA Sending Crew 11 Home Early Jan 14th | Astronaut Med Alert Conference from LIVE Hangout Jan 8th
This week has been BUSY with activity in Low Earth Orbit on the Space Station! This episode is a recap from our LIVE Hangout broadcast on social media during NASA's International Space Station Update. We hear from the new NASA Administrator (Jared Isaacman), the Associate Administrator (Amit Kshatriya), and the Chief Space Medical Officer (Dr. James D. Polk) as they answer questions from NASA HQ in Washington, D.C. as the ISS operation teams at JSC in Houston were prepping Crew 11 to come home.
Hear my thoughts at the start and close - this conference was really g...
Who Keeps Astronauts Alive? w/ Chuck Doarn COO of SolaMed Solutions | NASA Space Medicine, Emergencies & The Ethics of Human Exploration
🚀 In this full-length episode of Today In Space, Chuck Dorn — former NASA official and COO of SolaMed Solutions — takes us deep into the world of space medicine. We discuss:
• What it takes to keep astronauts alive during long-duration missions
• The challenges of medical care in microgravity
• Ethical questions like "Who should fly to space?"
• How telemedicine and remote care will shape commercial space travel
• The role of standards and safety protocols for future space exploration
If you're curious about the human side of spaceflight, this is a must-watch episode.
📌 Join the conversatio...
Humans In Space, Culture, and Leadership w/ Dr. Michelle Hailey Director of Global Affairs at SolaMed Solutions
This week, we talk with the Director of Global Affairs at SolaMed Solutions - Dr. Michelle Hailey. We learn about her origin story of entering the space industry, meeting Dr. Saralyn Mark, and diving into this space industry of ours on Earth. We learn about space culture, international partnership, and another non-traditional pathway to entering the Space Workforce. So buckle up - and get ready for another episode of Today In Space and a People of Space segment with Dr. Michelle Hailey.
Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas - let's dive in!
Timestamps:
...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?...
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...
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 o...
BEST Moments from Blue Origin New Glenn Launch & Landing | NASA ESCAPADE Mission to Mars
We were LIVE hanging out for the 2nd launch of Blue Origin's New Glenn - this episode is a compilation of the best moments from launch, including the audio and sounds of launch, landing, and pure success from Team Blue.
Make sure to follow us online and hang out in the chat in the future! Come hang, Ask questions, and let's all learn more and have a blast watching the Next Space Culture Moment LIVE
Are you a big New Glenn or Blue Origin Fan? Check out our Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) h...
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 p...
SpaceX Starship Flight 11 Launch & Reentry | Launch Hangout - Best Moments
Catch the latest on SpaceX's Starship Development with Flight 11! This video is a compilation of the launch and reentry of both the Super Heavy Booster and Starship S38. If you are looking for a fun launch hangout for Starship Flight 11 - here's the best of from our live stream during the launch.
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 R...
Space Armor, Solar Wings, and Hypersonics with Composites | Atomic-6 Founder Trevor Smith
Trevor Smith, Founder and CEO of Atomic-6, shares his origin story and journey from a commercial real estate broker to leading a company specializing in near-theoretical high-performance composites.
Some of Atomic-6's innovations include:
- A composite debris shield for the International Space Station, which outperformed traditional aluminum shields in tests.
- Development on a redeployable solar array system, Light Wing, which offers significantly improved space power efficiency.
- Composite Radomes that provide a great balance of functionality and light-weighting
- And so much more - with video examples!!
Trevor also s...
Talking Space, Storytelling, and Humanity | A Conversation w/ 'The Complete Book of Spacecraft' Creators
On this episode of Today In Space, we are honored to have the creators of "The Complete Book of Spacecraft" 2nd Edition on the podcast to discuss deeply about space, storytelling, and humanity in the 3rd Age of Spaceflight!
We begin learning about each creator's origin story, Michael H. Gorn, Giuseppe De Chiara, Davide Sivolella - all who are active within the space industry in their own way. We then dive into storytelling, the 3 Ages of Space, Human Spaceflight, and their thoughts on the Space Conundrum. If you are massive space fan this book & the podcast episode a...
Starship Flight 10 SUCCESS Recap from LIVE SpaceX Broadcast Hangout
SpaceX Starship Flight 10 was AMAZING to watch live, and challenging, since it took three attempts! But SpaceX delivered. Big Time, with Flight 10.
We went through, cleaned up the audio, and got the live launch hangout from liftoff to landings! Relive Flight 10 with us! And make sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next live launch hangout!
Apologies for the very random posting. Catching up on content after some work over at AG3D Labs (lots more to come). Lots of good stuff, just a lot of work getting done!
Here's to building...
The Start of a New Era: 3D Printing, AI, and Lessons Learned in the Space Conundrum
I can't believe August is almost over! It's been a wild month, and I'm catching you up on all of it. From lay-offs, to new opportunities, and the lessons learned from the last "era" of my career, we're diving in! The Space Conundrum is in full effect - and like many I am feeling the times as I enter unemployment. I chat about my last 8 years in the 3D printing industry, some stories from the early days, and all of the lessons I am taking away from that awesome time with talented people.
On the other side...
Spaceman Adventures, A Stranded Vehicle, and Dark Skies in Maine
Alex shares his experience at the National Sports Card Convention in Chicago, highlighting the amazing VeeFriends community and the diverse collectibles he found, including a $12,000 signed Princess Leia card.
He discusses his car troubles en route to Maine, and draws parallels to totalled spacecraft contingencies and what space AAA might look like.
To close the episode, Alex promotes AG3D Labs, emphasizing 3D printing and AI tools, and discusses upcoming projects and shares his thoughts on NASA's workforce cuts, the progress of SpaceX's Starship Flight 10, and invites everyone to join in our live Stargazing and...
Building My Own AI & Getting Space Internet | Investing in Myself
In this episode, Alex discusses his transition from aerospace engineering to 3D printing with the next adventure being AI development. Also, we're getting Space Internet with Starlink!
Lot's of updates from Behind The Scenes at Today In Space - between a deep dive of what Space Internet is like, to AI Tool development, and stories about new adventures in life and career.
All while there is chaos about the funding at NASA and what the future holds in the second Space Conundrum. Not to mention, a new venture with Alex's friend & business partner Matt Guy...
Climate, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship | Josh Dorfman Co-Founder, CEO, & Host of SuperCool | People of Earth
Josh Dorfman, CEO, Co-Founder and host of Super Cool, joins us this week to share his origin story and entrepreneurial journey in climate technology, influenced by his parents' business and his international experiences. From sustainable furniture to founding Planted (a company that produces carbon-negative building materials), to now Co-Founder, CEO and Host of Super Cool, Josh is passionately working to bring the climate innovations happening around the world to business and individuals for a better planet - today. We also discuss the need for storytelling in order to promote climate tech innovations and the benefits to everyone. Great conversation!<...
The Search for Mental Freedom in the Space Conundrum | Thoughts on the Space Industry & Humanity
On Independence Day 2025, Alex discusses the current state of the U.S. space program and the world, searching for ways to navigate the chaos. We make historical parallels with the 1970s, during the end of the first space race and the post-Apollo era tumble (i.e. the end of the 1st Space Conundrum).
Alex emphasizes the importance of mental freedom and adaptability in navigating societal chaos, and how he is practicing gratitude and using it as a tool for maintaining focus on what matters. We close out with some gratitude on the return of the last 10 years...
NASA's Human Landing System, Core Values, and 'The Unconditionals' | Andy Crocker | People of Space
Welcome to Today In Space podcast - and another People of Space segment! This week we get an aerospace engineer's perspective. We learn about what it takes to develop a Human Landing System for NASA, and go head to head with the like's of Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk in the Space Industry. But more importantly, we learn about values and how they can help us overcome burnout, reconnect with what matters, and live with purpose.
I'm excited to introduce the author of the book "The Unconditionals" - Andy Crocker. Andy is an aerospace executive with three...
iSpace M2 Landing | What Happened? Why is the Moon so difficult?
On this episode, we discuss the second attempt by the Japanese company iSpace to land their Hakuto-R rover on the moon. The lander was lost on descent and no communication followed. What happened? What was the root cause of the failure? Why is the moon so hard to land on?
This week we touch on the broader spectrum of space exploration, including the improbable but successful Apollo 11 mission and the challenges for the current push for lunar missions by various nations and private companies.
We'd love to know YOUR thoughts - so make sure to...
