The Space Madness Podcast

spacemadness

A series of personal conversations about how we explore the universe and our place in it.

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20 episodes
Updated Monday

Episodes20

Newest first

Monday · 38 min
Space Madness Podcast Episode 64: The Secure World Foundation
Victoria Samson, Chief Director of Space Security and Stability at the Secure World Foundation, shares insights on space sustainability, space security, and international cooperation. Discover how privately funded nonprofit organizations influence space policy and the future of space security.
July 20 · 38 min
Space Madness Podcast Episode 63: Boring Bots on Mars and Advanced Concept Entrepreneurship
In this episode, quest Quinn Morely and host Jeff Nosanov talk mostly about the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts program and how it led to both of our aerospace entrepreneurship. Quinn's Mars "Borebot" project led to terrestrial applications in mining and resource exploration. We talk about this curious dynamic, seen repeatedly in the history of space exploration, wherein ambitious far-reaching space ideas result in near-term applications all around us.
July 13 · 39 min
Space Madness Episode 62: The Chief Engineer of NASA Science
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.
July 6 · 50 min
Space Madness Podcast Episode 61: The Spaceport Company
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.
June 29 · 53 min
Space Madness Podcast Episode 60: Exploring the Frontiers of Physics
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.
June 22 · 42 min
Space Madness Podcast Episode 59: Space Architecture and the Technological Sublime
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.
June 15 · 45 min
Space Madness Podcast Episode 58: Fifty Years at JPL
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.
June 8 · 41 min
Space Madness Podcast Episode 57: Satellite Racing; the First Sport in Space!
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.
June 1 · 42 min
Space Madness Podcast Episode 56: Virtual AI Data Centers in Space
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.
May 25 · 44 min
Space Madness Podcast Episode 55: The Dawn of Space Art
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.
May 18 · 44 min
Space Madness Podcast Episode 54: Dr. Kelvin Long and Interstellar Travel
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.
May 11 · 36 min
Space Madness Podcast Episode 53: Science, Space Exploration and Faith with Les Johnson Part 2
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.
May 4 · 49 min
Space Madness Podcast Episode 52: David Oh and the NASA Psyche Mission
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.
April 27 · 39 min
Space Madness Podcast Episode 51: Jim Muncy and the Space Frontier Foundation
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.
April 20 · 36 min
Space Madness Podcast Episode 50: South African Space Efforts and China
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.
April 13 · 40 min
Space Madness Podcast Episode 49: Space Exploration, Science, and Faith Part 1
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.
April 6 · 41 min
Space Madness Podcast Episode 48: Merritt Opdycke's Space Product Accelerator
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.
March 30 · 36 min
Space Madness Podcast Episode 47: The Critical Importance of African Space Efforts
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.
March 23 · 51 min
Space Madness Podcast Episode 46: X-Prize, Virgin Galactic, and Mars Helicopters, Oh My!
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.
March 16 · 36 min
Space Madness Podcast Episode 45: Landing a Real Pyramid on the Moon
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

The Space Madness Podcast

Space Madness Podcast Episode 64: The Secure World Foundation

Space Madness Podcast Episode 63: Boring Bots on Mars and Advanced Concept Entrepreneurship

Space Madness Episode 62: The Chief Engineer of NASA Science

Space Madness Podcast Episode 61: The Spaceport Company

Space Madness Podcast Episode 60: Exploring the Frontiers of Physics

Space Madness Podcast Episode 59: Space Architecture and the Technological Sublime

Space Madness Podcast Episode 58: Fifty Years at JPL

Space Madness Podcast Episode 57: Satellite Racing; the First Sport in Space!

Space Madness Podcast Episode 56: Virtual AI Data Centers in Space

Space Madness Podcast Episode 55: The Dawn of Space Art

Space Madness Podcast Episode 54: Dr. Kelvin Long and Interstellar Travel

Space Madness Podcast Episode 53: Science, Space Exploration and Faith with Les Johnson Part 2

Space Madness Podcast Episode 52: David Oh and the NASA Psyche Mission

Space Madness Podcast Episode 51: Jim Muncy and the Space Frontier Foundation

Space Madness Podcast Episode 50: South African Space Efforts and China

Space Madness Podcast Episode 49: Space Exploration, Science, and Faith Part 1

Space Madness Podcast Episode 48: Merritt Opdycke's Space Product Accelerator

Space Madness Podcast Episode 47: The Critical Importance of African Space Efforts

Space Madness Podcast Episode 46: X-Prize, Virgin Galactic, and Mars Helicopters, Oh My!

Space Madness Podcast Episode 45: Landing a Real Pyramid on the Moon