The Orbital Mechanics Podcast

The big barrier to people in space is radiation. There are different sources, different types and a couple of good ways to protect ourselves. Also: Opportunity in peril, SpaceX fairings, public domain space photos, Gwynne Shotwell testifies, He bottles, Dreamchaser again, and Mangalyaan.

Everyone knows you have to take your own air to space, assuming you'd like to continue breathing. Let's take some time to talk about common atmosphere choices in space. Also Curiosity's short, Orbital ATK's giant solid rocket, Jupiter (not the planet), Tory Bruno and radioactive material!

The difficulty of survival in the near vacuum of low Earth orbit is a fear deep in our society’s psyche. However, it’s a working environment for many brave men and women, and isn’t as bad as many people think. This week, we talk about the smallest human spaceships ever invented: space suits.

Every other week we cover the latest spaceflight news, discuss past, current and future exploration efforts, and take a look at upcoming events. Tune in to hear about how humans get to space, how they stay in space and how unmanned craft reach farther and farther into the universe around us.

How do you talk to a satellite whizzing by at eight or nine km/s?

What does the biggest orbital communications network look like? Also, AMA highlights, CRS-5, James Webb and a possible NH3 leak on ISS.

How do rocket engines (aka explosions) not explode? Also, Messenger, Dawn, Curiosity and periareion.

How do we maneuver in space? Also Morpheus, Opportunity, Antares, and Hyabusa II (again).

Connecting two living spaces is a very challenging task. It’s easy enough to grab onto something in space with a clasping hand or twisted tethers around a knobbed pin, but how the heck do you secure two hollow structures? Any docking or berthing mechanism must have plenty of room right in the middle for crew and cargo. That’s a tall order. Also, Hayabusa II, EFT-1, Ariane 6, Venus Express and New Horizons!