The Orbital Mechanics Podcast

Back in the days before we could take digital photos and encrypt them, we had to figure out another way of transmitting home imagery that no one else could see. The Corona program did just that. Also, Commercial astronaut selection, New Horizons, a NASA budget proposal, STEMBox and an evacuation on Station.

Staying put in a particular orbit requires constant adjustments. Let’s talk about some of the basic things you can do to be where you want to be in space. Also an Falcon 9 explosion, the largest commercial launch in history, an impending SpaceX mars announcement, and New Horizons encounters a last-minute speedbump.

Firefly Space Systems wants to build an innovative launch vehicle and send small payloads to orbit for an incredibly low price. We talk to four of their engineers about everything from their aerospike engine to fuel tank construction. Also LDSD could use a third try, Philae needs a cup of coffee, New Horizons doesn’t need a blanket and SES goes to the thrift store.

There are plenty of liquid rocket fuels to choose from, all with pros and cons. We talk about which is best in what situation, and why that choice is more difficult than it might seem. Also, criminal charges, the return of RS-25, LightSail, SpaceX’s internet satellites, and the new Adeline reusabili

We sit down and talk with the other “silent” member of the show, research assistant Steve Pestana. Also, Proton failure, reboost failure, show host failures and ISS orbital parameters.

Arguably the most testing environment a spacecraft can experience is atmospheric reentry. Let’s take a look at historical solutions that allowed us to get humans in space safely back to the ground. Also Progress, New Shepard, SMART reuse, CE20 and the Dragon 2 pad abort

It's our first interview episode! Let's get to know one of our research assistants better. Also: Blue Origin, Vulcan, Barge landings, Rocketlab's Rutherford engine and the completed D2 in-flight abort assembly.

Single Stage to Orbit has long been a fantasy confined to tales of fiction. What would it take to actually build and operate such a machine? Also VASMIR flies, Canadian eyes, and MESSENGER dies.

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.