Today In Space
Today In Space
Alex G. Orphanos, Science Communicator
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!
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 work I do, the more I want to go do human things. Great summer nights with a dark sky and great company. Who could ask for a better end to the Summer? My advice? Grab 20 minutes and a patch of sky. Even the patch above you. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome — the close of summer, and Maine 00:44 There's something human about stargazing 01:19 The Bortle scale: Bortle 1 in Maine, Bortle 5 at HQ 01:37 Cherry Springs next, with the Space Talkers 01:53 The night sky as humanity's first story map 02:37 How many satellites you can actually see up there 03:01 Mosaic mode: filtering satellite and plane streaks out 03:43 One year since the layoff 05:03 chat3DP — where the build is right now 05:44 The more AI I do, the more human things I want 06:51 The Book of Uncommon-Sense 3D Printing 07:22 I still don't identify as an author 08:00 A dock in Maine, and skies astronomers chase 08:42 How did anyone sleep before cities? 09:10 Greek ancestry, the mythologies, the Odyssey 10:03 What stargazing does to a conversation 10:46 Find the 20 minutes. Look up. 11:03 Clear skies THE BOOK The Book of Uncommon-Sense 3D Printing is out now in hardcover and on Kindle:  https://ag3dlabs.com/book MORE TODAY IN SPACE  https://todayinspace.net We just updated the site! Check it out I'm Alex G. Orphanos, your favorite mad scientist, wishing you clear skies and great conversations with great people as we build a fantastic future for all of us. Be well, stay safe, and stay curious. SPREAD LOVE, SPREAD SCIENCE, AND STAY CURIOUS. What's the darkest sky you've ever stood under? Tell me in the comments. #stargazing #astrophotography #bortlescale #lightpollution #spacepodcast #vaonisvespera #darksky #milkyway #3dprinting #todayinspace   Youtube ID vTAoT8x5mfo
Aug 24
11 min
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, and Andrew for joining us live for this back in June. Whether you are a dedicated space enthusiast or just catching up on current events, this episode is a great one to jump in. Follow Today In Space for grounded space science, exploration updates, and honest conversations about the future of humanity beyond Earth. Stay curious. Spread love. Spread science. Want to buy a copy of my NEW Book? Find your favorite book buy here: https://ag3dlabs.com/book Support the podcast: Starship Development Comic Infographic by Alex G Orphanos SPACEMAN COMICS:  Digital ($2) https://stan.store/AG3Dlabs/p/space-comic-poster-01-by-spaceman-comics Physical (starting at $23) https://ag3dreplicator.com/products/starship-development-comic-poster-matte-vertical-spacex-inspired-infographic • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com • Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903 • SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640
Aug 4
1 hr 7 min
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 you to Matt, Caitlin, and Andrew for joining us live for this back in June. Whether you are a dedicated space enthusiast or just catching up on current events, this episode is a great one to jump in. Follow Today In Space for grounded space science, exploration updates, and honest conversations about the future of humanity beyond Earth. Stay curious. Spread love. Spread science. Want to buy a copy of my NEW Book? Find your favorite book buy here: https://ag3dlabs.com/book Support the podcast: Starship Development Comic Infographic by Alex G Orphanos SPACEMAN COMICS:  Digital ($2) https://stan.store/AG3Dlabs/p/space-comic-poster-01-by-spaceman-comics Physical (starting at $23) https://ag3dreplicator.com/products/starship-development-comic-poster-matte-vertical-spacex-inspired-infographic • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com • Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903 • SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640
Jul 30
1 hr
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 motivation. Writing a book taught me a lot about consistency and focus after a job loss. Publishing the book almost broke me. But I am excited to get back to the podcast! Lots of live podcast recaps this month including: Artemis 2 Space Talker 2 Parter, Starship Flight 12 Recap, Artemis 3 Crew Selection, and more! Follow Today In Space for grounded space science, exploration updates, and honest conversations about the future of humanity beyond Earth. Stay curious. Spread love. Spread science. Want to buy a copy of my NEW Book?  Find the link to your favorite option here: https://ag3dlabs.com/book Support the podcast: Starship Development Comic Infographic by Alex G Orphanos SPACEMAN COMICS: Digital ($2) https://stan.store/AG3Dlabs/p/space-comic-poster-01-by-spaceman-comics Physical (starting at $23) https://ag3dreplicator.com/products/starship-development-comic-poster-matte-vertical-spacex-inspired-infographic • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com  • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com • Today In Space Merch:  James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903 SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640  
Jul 12
22 min
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 the Moon. Thankfully, no one was harmed — and the payload was not onboard — but this is still a major engineering and programmatic setback. Space is demanding, and moments like this remind us just how much risk, testing, failure analysis, and teamwork go into building the future of exploration. We'll also look at the path forward: root cause analysis, potential pad repairs, whether other launch providers could step in, and how NASA's lunar campaign may adapt from here. In this episode: NASA Moon Base update Blue Origin New Glenn pad anomaly at LC-36 What this means for Artemis and lunar missions Blue Moon, lunar landers, rovers, and Moon Base infrastructure Astrolab, Lunar Outpost, Firefly, and Moonfall lunar drones Why engineering failures are part of building reliable space systems The future of commercial lunar exploration Watch the full NASA Moon Base update here: https://youtube.com/live/GrsWp798Fvg?feature=share Follow Today In Space for grounded space science, exploration updates, and honest conversations about the future of humanity beyond Earth. Stay curious. Spread love. Spread science. #NASA #Artemis #MoonBase #BlueOrigin #NewGlenn #SpaceNews #TodayInSpace #MoonMission #LunarExploration #SpacePodcast
May 30
40 min
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 Book and Making My First AI! Sign up for our newsletter to follow along and learn more (sign up at chat3dp.ai) Is YOUR Company Looking to Hire Talented People in the Aerospace/Robotics/Technology fields? Email us at  [email protected]  for our in-podcast job listing ad rates and start finding talent within our community! Let's build a fantastic future together! We'd like to thank our sponsors:AG3D Labs (go to ag3dlabs.com to learn more, get started 3D printing, and sign up for our newsletter and 3D Printing AI release!) Resources: Video from Space leading up to Flight 12: https://x.com/spacex/status/2047800137133756633?s=46 Starship Development Comic Infographic by Alex G Orphanos SPACEMAN COMICS:  Digital ($2)  https://stan.store/AG3Dlabs/p/space-comic-poster-01-by-spaceman-comics Physical (starting at $23) https://ag3dreplicator.com/products/starship-development-comic-poster-matte-vertical-spacex-inspired-infographic Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop -  http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com• Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at  http://ag3d-printing.com • Today In Space Merch:  James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted)  https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903 SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted)  https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640 Timestamps: 00:00 Starship Flight 12 Incoming 00:58 Starship Development, Raptor V3, Pad 2, and more! 04:25 Moon Landers for NASA Artemis 3 & 4 - NO MORE NRHO? 04:45 What is NRHO? Generally, not technically 05:35 LEO For Artemis 3 06:41 About Writing My First Book & Making 1st AI 08:51 Your Space Company Looking to Hire? Advertise Jobs on the Podcast! 10:13 Falcon Heavy Replay for Viasat 3-F3 Launch Hangout Stream LIVE
May 8
43 min
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 and humanity we were all looking for... Let us know what YOU took away from the mission in the comments or email us at [email protected] Is YOUR Company Looking to Hire Talented People in the Aerospace/Robotics/Technology fields? Email us at  [email protected]  for our in-podcast job listing ad rates and start finding talent within our community! Let's build a fantastic future together! We'd like to thank our sponsors:AG3D Labs (go to ag3dlabs.com to learn more, get started 3D printing, and sign up for our newsletter and 3D Printing AI release!) Resources: Artemis II Reentry & Splashdown Coverage LIVE w/ Guest Hosts Andrew, Caitlin, and Matt: https://youtube.com/live/LPU-LMoiXII?feature=share Artemis II Crew Breifing & Q&A after 6 days post-splashdown:  https://www.youtube.com/live/_43Ei9eQVww?si=bf2TmUUbgfVw-vVV&t=120 Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop -  http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com• Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at  http://ag3d-printing.com• Donate at  todayinspace.net • Today In Space Merch:  James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted)  https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903 SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted)  https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640 00:00 Artemis 2 Mission Recap and Reflections 01:30 Artemis 3 and Future Missions 04:31 Personal Reflections and Mission Impact 05:36 Press Conference and Crew Feedback 08:41 Humanity and Teamwork in Space 13:22 3D Printing Conference and AI Project (chat3DP) 17:03 Final Thoughts and Future Missions 21:30 My Favorite Artemis II Q&A Responses
Apr 18
22 min
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 team must make it through arguably the most risky part of this mission - reentry and splashdown!  Make sure to follow along for the exciting finish to this incredible Lunar Adventure - and the safe return of our four Hero Astronauts! Is YOUR Company Looking to Hire Talented People in the Aerospace/Robotics/Technology fields? Email us at [email protected] for our in-podcast job listing ad rates and start finding talent within our community! Let's build a fantastic future together!   We'd like to thank our sponsors:AG3D Labs (go to ag3dlabs.com to learn more, get started 3D printing, and sign up for our newsletter and 3D Printing AI release!) Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net • Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903 SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640 Timestamps: 0:00 We're Back to the Moon (Artemis II Week Recap) 0:40 Why Moon Missions Hit Different Than than Any Human Missions 1:35 TLI Burn - The Moment You Commit to the Moon 2:30 Space Plumbers will be VERY Real Jobs (Mini Toilet Crisis in Space) 4:00 The Reality of Living in Deep Space 4:58 Day 6: Lunar Flyby & Science Operations Begin 5:30 Scientists + Astronauts Doing Science = Peak Mission Energy 6:30 Why This Mission Matters (Personal + Generational Impact) 7:16 The Internet Problem: Trolls, AI, and Fake Space Content 8:15 AI Content Farm Accounts Are Faking Space Content 9:15 Why Real NASA Coverage is BACK 10:00 Artemis II Breaks Records (Farthest Humans Ever In Space) 10:45 The Most Dangerous Phase Is Next: Reentry 11:30 The Heat Shield Problem (Biggest Concern) 12:15 Can Extra Fuel Help the Crew during Reentry? 13:30 The "Space Conundrum" Returns 14:15 Why This Mission Feels Different (Human Connection) 15:30 Splashdown Details & When to Watch Live 16:00 Where to Follow Artemis II Coverage 16:30 AG3D Labs - Our 3D Printing & AI Tool Company 17:00 Final Thoughts: Spread Science & Stay Curious
Apr 8
15 min
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 for all the latest info, mission timer, and live links from NASA - including our coverage for the podcast. Make sure to ask your curious questions in our form at the bottom of that page - and we'll answer them on the podcast!   Day 2 was packed with a GREAT TLI Burn! Go Artemis 2 Crew - We're going to the Moon!   Is YOUR Company Looking to Hire Talented People in the Aerospace/Robotics/Technology fields?    Email us at [email protected] for our in-podcast job listing ad rates and start finding talent within our community! Let's build a fantastic future together!   We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!) Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net • Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903 SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640 Timestamps: 00:00 Quick 2 min Recap of Day 1 of NASA Artemis 2 02:30 Stay Up To Date with Artemis 2 using our NEW Coverage Page todayinspace.net/artemis-2 04:32 Question from MP: W/ Artemis 2 Just Orbiting Moon, is Artemis 3 landing - or later mission? 11:26 T-10:00 Hold - Launch Readiness GO Poll (Chat GO For Launch Poll) 27:28 T-01:00 LIVE Artemis 2 Launch Community Hangout w/ Today In Space 37:12 First LIVE Views of Crew Inside Orion Capsule In Earth Orbit 42:12 Orion Seperation from ICPS - Prox Op Begins  
Apr 3
54 min
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.youtube.com/live/uEUZJl-9SD0?si=fpaljV2ltf1_RAuC&t=4096 To listen to Steven Sinacore's Talk on Nuclear in Space (full) watch our coverage here: https://www.youtube.com/live/uEUZJl-9SD0?si=J_Jj7nPqJxIMLVmu&t=8636 To listen to NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's closing thoughts go to (34:32) in this episode We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!) Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net • Today In Space Merch:  James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903 SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640 Timestamps: 00:00 Artemis 2 Launch and Community Engagement 04:16 Portion of Dr. Nikki Fox's Speech Science and Exploration 07:44 Alex's Reaction to Dr. Nikki Fox's talk 24:01 Portion of Steve Sinacore's Presentation on Nuclear Power in Space  33:23 NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's Recap (full talk) 55:34 Alex & Chat Breakdown NASA Ignition Closing Talks 01:00:00 Challenges and Opportunities in Space Exploration
Apr 1
1 hr 15 min
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