Casual Space

Dr. Karen Nyberg is an engineer, astronaut, and artist who, through nearly thirty years of experience in human spaceflight, has gained an appreciation for the value of working within and across diverse political ideologies, cultural values, and world views to advance critical missions. In this episode of Casual Space, Beth and Karen delve into Karen's journey from learning how to sew by her mother, to creating art inspired by her space missions. Karen discusses her love for quilting, which she began during graduate school, and how the breathtaking views from the space station influenced her artwork. She recounts her interactions with fellow astronaut-artist Alan Bean and the challenges of finding creative time in space and making a special dinosaur quilt for her son. Additionally, Karen shares her experiences with space food, her fabric design work, and her passion for trail running. The episode provides a glimpse into how Karen balanced her professional duties with her artistic pursuits and personal life, both on Earth and in orbit. Check out Karen's artwork and more: https://karennyberg.com/ About Karen: Karen was selected as a member of the NASA Astronaut Corps in 2000. She made her first trip to space aboard Space Shuttle Discovery in 2008, during the height of International Space Station (ISS) construction, delivering and installing the Japanese Laboratory. On her second spaceflight in 2013, Karen launched on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft and lived and worked at ISS for 166 days. Prior to astronaut selection, Karen worked as an Environmental Control Systems Engineer at the Johnson Space Center where she led several design and analysis initiatives in the areas of space vehicle and space suit thermal and environmental control. Recently retired from NASA, Karen is currently pursuing interests in the areas of conservation and sustainability, fully appreciating the responsibility for innovation and technology to strive to meet those needs. Karen received her undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota and graduate degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and has been honored with the highest alumni award from each alma mater. Karen lives in Park City, Utah with her husband, Astronaut Doug Hurley, their son, Jack, and two sweet dogs, Leo and Luke.

Our future in space is going to be radically different with the implementation of space solar power. According to John Mankins, space solar power is an energy application that's going to happen in the coming decade(s); the only question is, who will build it? John Mankins has made his case. It's a case for space solar power. John's more than qualified to make this case, too. He's a leading international expert in the field of space solar power, the author of the book, "The Case for Space Solar Power," and John worked at NASA for 25 years. While at NASA, he led NASA's studies of space solar power, and conducted advanced concepts studies, and managed R&D projects for exploration and development. On this episode of Casual Space, John explains how space solar power is not only doable, it's affordable, and it can be a part of our not-so-distant future. The Case for Space Solar Power book available here: https://www.amazon.com/John-Mankins-Space-Solar-Power/dp/B00N4IXV06/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= More about John Mankins John C. Mankins, President of Artemis Innovation Management Solutions LLC is an internationally recognized leader in space systems and technology innovation, and as a highly effective manager of large-scale technology R&D programs. Mr. Mankins' 25-year career at NASA and CalTech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) ranged from flight projects and space mission operations, to systems level innovation and advanced technology research & development management. He is also well known as an innovator in R&D management. For example, building on the original NASA 'technology readiness level' (TRL) scale for technology assessment (defined first with 6 or 7 levels in the 1970s), he extended the scale to flight systems and operations in the late 1980s (TRLs 8 and 9), published the first detailed definitions of the TRLs in 1995, and promoted the use of the scale by the US Department of Defense in the late 1990s. Before leaving NASA, Mr. Mankins was the manager of Exploration Systems Research and Technology within the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate with responsibility for an $800M annual budget, involving more than 100 individual projects and over 3,000 personnel. For 10 years, he was the manager of Advanced Concepts Studies at NASA, and the lead for critical studies of space solar power, highly reusable space transportation, affordable human exploration approaches, and other topics. He was the creator or co-creator of numerous novel concepts, including the 'MagLifter' electromagnetic launch assist system, the Internet-based NASA 'Virtual Research Center' the 'Solar Clipper' interplanetary transport vehicle, the 'SunTower' space solar power system, the 'Hybrid Propellant Module' for in-space refueling, the 'HabBot' mobile planetary outpost architecture, the Advanced Technology Life cycle Analysis System (ATLAS), and others. In recognition of his accomplishments, he has received numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious NASA Exceptional Technology Achievement Medal (of which he was the first recipient). He holds undergraduate (Harvey Mudd College) and graduate (UCLA) degrees in Physics and an MBA in Public Policy Analysis (The Drucker School at Claremont Graduate University). Mr. Mankins is a member of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and Chair of the Academy Commission III (Space Systems and Technology Development); and a member of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and the Sigma Xi Research Society. Mr. Mankins is an accomplished communicator, including political, programmatic, technical and lay audiences. He has authored or co-authored more than 80 published papers, reports and other technical documents, and has testified before Congress on several occasions, and has been consulted on R&D management and space issues with organizations in the U.S. and internationally.

We're talking tacos on the shuttle. Pizza on the ISS. And we're washing it down with a big glass (that's not made of glass, but rather, a well-engineered pouch) of Tang on this episode of Casual Space with NASA food scientist Vickie Kloeris! What I enjoyed most about talking with Vickie was her career journey that she's shared in her book, "Space Bites." What started as an "impulsive decision" her senior year of college (guest lectures on seafood microbiology!) turned into an incredible career adventure as the leader of NASA's food systems, where Vickie worked to feed the hungry astronaut corps. Discovering new food packaging and transportation systems was just a portion (pun intended) of Vickie's work, she and her team had to deliver food to space that was both nutritional AND tasted good! Along the way, there would be VIP visits, all kinds of challenges & changes and wildly successful inventive applications to help keep space explorers satiated! THIS IS A BOOK FOR ALL AGES. If you love food, and if you love space, I recommend getting your copy of Space Bites here: https://ballastbooks.com/purchase/space-bites/ And check out these fun facts about space food from NASA: https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/167750main_fs_spacefood508c.pdf

Jan Spacek is an explorer both on Earth and beyond. He has worked in the fields of astrobiology, electrochemistry, nanoscience, genomics, and proteomics searching for life within our solar system. Jan is an astrobiologist working with renowned scientist Steven Benner on expanding the genetic alphabet. In this episode of Casual Space, Jan discusses his transition to astrobiology, his work on projects related to the search for life on Mars and Venus, and the potential for private space missions. Jan explains the importance of planetary protection, the challenges of distinguishing between Earthly contamination and Martian life, and the implications of discovering life for future human missions. When he's not looking for life on Mars, or why Venus is yellow, Jan is busy freediving or bicycling across Australia. (!) Follow Jan's critical thinking about life in the universe at The Primordial Scoop https://primordialscoop.org/, a blog devoted to discussing questions related to synthetic biology and astrobiology and asking the big questions about where life began and how. Jan has worked in the field of electrochemistry of modified and natural DNA at the Czech Academy of Sciences and the Central European Institute of Technology. He has also visited the Ege University (Izmir), the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (Aarhus), the Department of NanoEngineering at UCSD, and the Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution (Alachua). He presently develops life detection devices, from coronavirus to Venusians and Martians, at the Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC. Outside of science, Jan bicycled around the Baltic Sea and across the Australian continent, 7500 kilometers in all. Jan earned a Master's degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics and a Ph.D. in Genomics and Proteomics (both at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic).

Astronomer and friend of the show John Read is back for our first episode of 2024! John may be working on a capstone course for his Master's Degree, but John joins us for what John does best- helping space explorers of ALL AGES learn and be easily inspired! Have you seen his latest YouTube Channel video, "How to use ANY telescope?" Discover John's new books, new videos and more at https://learntostargaze.com/ Today, John walks us through what to see in the night sky during these winter months, what happens when you get a UFO sighting call while working at the observatory, green lasers and more. OH, AND, John invites all of us to stargaze at a new special location in Nova Scotia…. It's just some of the fun we have together in this episode of Casual Space with John Read. Preorder link for "A Kid's Guide to the Night Sky": https://www.amazon.com/Kids-Guide-Night-Sky-Universe/dp/172829228X 110 Things to See with a Telescope. Available until July 1st: https://www.amazon.com/110-Things-See-Telescope-Stargazing/dp/1777451752

Whenever we talk about UFO's, there's a lot we can unpack. An entire UFO culture, really. And we've got just the expert journalist and author to help us better understand why we see saucers. Returning guest and friend of the show Sarah Scoles is back to discuss her new book, "They Are Already Here." Join us and let's unpack Sarah's trip out to Area 51, attending UFO conferences, alien pet parades and what surprises Sarah most when researching UFOs. Order your copy of They Are Already Here: https://www.amazon.com/They-Are-Already-Here-Culture/dp/1643133055 Find Sarah and her other books here: https://www.sarahscoles.com/ More about They Are Already Here: An anthropological look at the UFO community, told through first-person experiences with researchers in their element as they pursue what they see as a solvable mystery—both terrestrial and cosmic. In They Are Already Here we meet the bigwigs, the scrappy upstarts, the field investigators, the rational people, and the unhinged kooks of this sprawling community. How do they interact with each other? How do they interact with "anomalous phenomena"? And how do they (as any group must) reflect the politics and culture of the larger world around them? We will travel along the Extraterrestrial Highway (next to Area 51) and visit the UFO Watchtower, where seeking lights in the sky is more of a spiritual quest than a "gotcha" one. We meet someone who, for a while, believes they may have communicated with aliens. Where do these alleged encounters stem from? What are the emotional effects on the experiencers? Funny and colorful, and told in a way that doesn't require one to believe, Scoles brings humanity to an often derided and misunderstood community. After all, the truth is out there.

Ron Rosano recently flew into space with Virgin Galactic on the #Galactic04 mission! But commercial space flight with Virgin Galactic is just the beginning for Ron. He's got plans to fly with Blue Origin, Space Perspective, and World View in the near future, and believes OUR time in space is just around the corner… Listen as Ron describes his recent space flight experience and his family's reaction to getting the big news… In this episode, Ron takes Beth on a journey back to his childhood, sharing his profound fascination with space that started with simple stargazing. From those early moments of wonder to soaring among the stars – Ron Rosano recounts his lifelong love affair with space. He also shares how he prepared for his Virgin Galactic flight, and the profound impact of viewing Earth from space. What would YOUR reaction be if you got the call to embark on a space journey? Share with us using #CasualSpace. Ron is the organizer of Galactic Unite Spacechats (live Q&A video calls), connecting Virgin Galactic staff and astronauts with (as of Nov. 2022) over 15,000 students from over 200 schools and 14 different countries. Ron is also the creator and editor of the Suborbital Flight Journal, where he tracks all human suborbital flights, dating back to America's very first space flight in 1961, adding personal experiences and anecdotes from commercial astronauts. Learn more about Ron at his website: http://www.ronrosano.com/ Want to hear more about Ron's spaceflight? Check out our these conversations featuring Ron with our Casual Space friends and colleagues: Space Philosophy with our friend and former Casual Space guest Frank White featuring Ron Rosano https://www.google.com/search?q=ron+rosano+on+frank+white+podcast&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS1076US1076&oq=ron+rosano+on+frank+white+podcast&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigAdIBCDk1OTFqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:f44aea75,vid:8JvNeezhcLQ,st:0 Check out more details about Ron's flight with our friend, Gitika Gorthi, featuring Ron Rosano on her show, Ignited Thinkers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sqjg3lIsSyo

Isaac Arthur is the creator of the wildly successful "Science & Futurism with Isaac Arthur," an award-winning weekly science education and entertainment show with over 700,000 subscribers and over 400 episodes on YouTube. His show covers a wide range of futuristic concepts including space technology, development, and exploration, and focuses on how humanity or other hypothetical advanced civilizations may behave logistically, technologically, and socially, both in the near and distant future, under the understood laws of science. Isaac is also the current President of NSS (National Space Society), an independent nonprofit nonpartisan educational membership organization. https://nss.org/about-national-space-society On this episode, Isaac and Beth discuss: Exploring space using AI, the ideal propulsion systems, helping to make our world a better place and the best sci-fi and space exploration movies. Find Isaac at Science and Futurism with Isaac Arthur (SFIA), a science education YouTube channel focused on all aspects of futurism and space. https://isaacarthur.net/ Since its first episode in 2014, SFIA has considered topics ranging from the seemingly mundane to the extremely exotic, featuring episodes on megastructure engineering, interstellar travel, the Fermi paradox, and many other topics. But regardless of how strange a subject may seem today, we always try to ensure that the discussion is grounded in what we know of science today, limiting our speculation to what we believe to be in the realm of realistic possibility. About Isaac: Isaac Albert Arthur showed an early interest in physics, left public schooling in the 9th grade at age 12, and received his GED at age 16, then attended Kent State University, majoring in physics and graduating top of his class at age 20. Isaac Arthur was a research intern at the US Air Force Institute of Technology before beginning grad school, which he left to join the Army at age 23. He served in the United States Army for 7 years, deploying to Iraq, as well as being stationed to Germany for 13 years. In 2020, Isaac Arthur received the National Space Society's Pioneer Award, and in 2023 was elected its President. In 2014 he founded his channel, Science and Futurism with Isaac Arthur, which now has over 700,000 subscribers on Youtube and many other followers on other platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon, and Spotify. In 2020, Isaac Arthur married his long-time friend Sarah Fowler. They and their three recently adopted children live on their farm in Plymouth, Ohio.

NASA Astronaut Dr. Jan Davis flew on the Space Shuttle for the first time in 1992- ​ on the first joint Shuttle mission with the Japanese during an eight-day mission on Space Shuttle Endeavour. She would fly again in 1994 on the first joint Shuttle mission with the Russians on Space Shuttle Discovery. Today on the show, we discuss her space career as well as her new book, Air Born, Two Generations in Flight. Dr. Davis would fly once again in 1997 on a 12-day mission on Space Shuttle Discovery. Read more about Dr. Davis and her expansive career at https://astronautjandavis.com/ To order her book, Air Born here: https://ballastbooks.com/purchase/air-born/ About Dr. Jan Davis: Jan Davis was born at Patrick Air Force Base and raised in Huntsville, Alabama, Jan Davis has been surrounded by aviation and space her entire life. She followed up her biomedical engineering degree from Georgia Institute of Technology with a mechanical engineering degree from Auburn University and a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. During her career, she worked for Texaco and NASA before being selected as an astronaut in 1987. Davis flew on three Space Shuttle missions and continued her NASA career in the Senior Executive Service. After she retired from NASA, she went on to become an industry executive. Now a consultant and speaker, she also enjoys traveling, quilting, exploring the outdoors, and working with her non-profit organization, AstraFemina, to encourage girls to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math careers.

Laura is the CEO and Co-Founder of Epsilon3. Among the initial members of the operations team for SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, she helped put the US back in the human space flight business. Laura wants to continue to revolutionize the space industry, beginning with operational tools. She believes that no matter what your specialty, no matter where you attended school, and whatever your talents may be, there is a place for you in the space industry. Find Laura and her company, Epsilon3 at www.epsilon3.io Connect with Laura on LinkedIn at: Linkedin.com/lauracrabtree linkedin.com/epsilon3inc and on twitter: @epsilon3inc twitter: @llcrabbie More about Laura: Laura was one of the Crew Operations & Resource Engineers (CORE) who helped put the United States back in the human Space Flight business. Among the initial members of the operations team for SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, she was also on console for the first Dragon mission in 2010, the first mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2012, and part of the commercial crew contract over the next decade—including the mission that delivered astronauts to the ISS in 2020. During that mission, Laura was the lead trainer for the crew and one of the CORE operators who communicated to and advocated for the crew during free flight. Laura's proudest moment was receiving a call on her personal cell phone from Astronaut Doug Hurley when he was orbiting above the earth and operating both the first commercial cargo and crew vehicles in free flight. During her time at SpaceX, Laura was also a part of the early F9 Recovery, Dragon Recovery, and Dragon operations teams. She was responsible for crew and ground operator flight training, flight software test, CONOPs development and simulator design. Over the years, Laura authored, tested and executed hundreds of procedures for both the ground operations teams and the crew onboard Dragon. Laura began her career at Northrop Grumman working various programs for DARPA and other DoD customers. She has a Bachelor's in Astronautical Engineering and a Master's in Systems Architecture, both from the University of Southern California.