Returning guest Danny Jaques has taken students to Space Camps for the past 32 years!

He’s been a certified space geek since he watched the last flight of Project Mercury with Gordon Cooper in Faith 7 on May 15, 1963, with his Dad.

Danny started his career in education teaching science and was invited to tour the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. He was so impressed with the programs, facilities, and people that he decided it would become his mission to share the opportunity with his students. Danny started organizing students in grades 4-12 to attend Space Camp, and since then, has chaperoned over 500 students, with plans to continue for many more years. Because of his work and dedication to so many students, Danny was inducted as a member of the Space Camp Hall of Fame in 2010. 

YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO CHASE YOUR DREAMS!

Learn more about Danny and his work on an earlier episode here: https://www.bethmund.com/casual-space-podcast/20230505/194-space-salsa

Order Danny’s coffee, Rocket Ranch Space Salsa, and more here: 

Website: https://www.dannysrocketranch.com. Email: [email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/DannysRocketRanch 

https://www.instagram.com/dannysrocketranchspacesalsa

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannysrocketranch/

https://twitter.com/DRR_SpaceSalsa

And don’t forget- Mission 03 is accepting your story about space RIGHT NOW at www.storiesofspace.com

Dr. Kirby Runyon is completely qualified to be your outer space lifestyle guide and science consultant.  What makes him qualified, you ask? He’s a Planetary Geologist at The Planetary Science Institute, a Creative Space Science Consultant, his research has flown on a recent Zero-G flight(s), he hosts tours of the Kennedy Space Center, offers astrogeology tours for educators, and, well, you can read all of his formal qualifications at https://planex.space. 

In the meantime, we’re talking all about his space-themed zero-gravity flights (flinging colored chalk in microgravity), astrogeology adventure hikes (witnessing the most amazing colors within a sunset), seeing lava on the moon (!), and why kids make better Zero-G passengers than adults. It’s all this and more fun with our friend and guide, Kirby Runyon! 

Follow Dr. Kirby Runyon on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirby-runyon-1752467/

Catch up on all the things Kirby is doing at planex.space

And don’t forget- Mission 03 is accepting your story about space RIGHT NOW at www.storiesofspace.com 

40 years ago, the six surviving Mercury 7 Astronauts (Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Walter Schirra, Alan Shepard, and Deke Slayton), Betty Grissom, William Douglas, M.D., and Henri Landwirth established the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF). Since its inception, the ASF had the mission of retaining the United States' world leadership in technology and innovation to support the best and brightest STEM scholars while commemorating the legacy of America’s pioneering astronauts. From the original 7 scholarships in 1984, $8.3 million Astronaut Scholarships have been awarded to 790+ Astronaut Scholars from 48 universities nationwide to date.

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that annually provides more than 60 scholarships to the brightest and most talented college students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Learn more at: https://astronautscholarship.org/ 

Today on the show, Karly and Lisa join Beth and share how the ASF has helped impact their lives, and invite your support. 

Karly Liebendorfer is a senior at Florida Institute of Technology, majoring in biomedical engineering with minors in nanotechnology and chemistry. She is a 2023 Astronaut Scholar. She is also the captain of Florida Tech's NCAA DII women's lacrosse team and is involved in multiple student organizations. She will pursue her Ph.D. and aspires to work in drug development for space applications.

Stephen Matier is the President and CEO of Maritime Launch Services. He is also the visionary behind Spaceport Nova Scotia, a world-class commercial space complex that will launch Canada into the global space industry. Steve and his team at Maritime Launch will carry the next set of stories about space INTO space later this summer (Mission 03, currently open for story submissions) through the STORIES of Space non-profit organization.  

Today on the podcast, Steve explains how space exploration was always in his background AND backyard! Steve started as a mechanical engineer (Bachelor of Science, University of New Mexico) and worked at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility.  At Maritime Launch, Matier leads coordination and approval among provincial, federal, and international governing bodies, securing private financing, leading satellite sales, coordinating launch vehicle integration and selecting best-in-class commercial firms to support launch operations.   

 Want to know more about Maritime Launch? https://www.maritimelaunch.com/ 

Want to send your own story ABOUT space INTO space this summer? Submit your story TODAY at  www.storiesofspace.com 

Want to know more about Steve Matier? https://www.maritimelaunch.com/team 

As part of Steve’s work with Maritime Launch, he is driving the collaboration and partnerships to support the development of a safe and environmentally sustainable commercial space launch market in Canada. With satellite and launch vehicle clients within Canada and around the globe interested in launching from Spaceport Nova Scotia, Maritime Launch is joining a global industry that will exceed one trillion dollars annually within the next 20 years.  

 While Steve’s day-to-day focus is squarely focused on developing Canada’s first commercial spaceport, Matier’s interest in space extends beyond the technology and the launch itself. Steve has a passion for teaching, which means he is never far from the classroom, whether guest lecturing at a local high school physics class in Canso or presenting to kids at summer programs in Antigonish. He has driven partnerships with St. Francis Xavier University and Cape Breton University and supports Dalhousie’s CubeSat program. His passion for working with schools began in his early career in the Space Shuttle program, with the recognition that kids can look up into space and see opportunities for themselves on the ground.   

Steve is a recipient of the prestigious Silver Snoopy Award, an honor for outstanding achievements related to human flight safety or mission success. 

Are you ready for the April 8 solar eclipse? Don’t worry, Tyler Nordgren is THE perfect guide, and he’s here to walk us through what to expect on the upcoming solar eclipse, along with other celestial events- Tyler is an artist, astronomer, and night sky ambassador. So tune in, and get ready for this incredible event with our friend and returning guest expert and guide, Tyler Nordgren! 

More about Dr. Tyler Nordgren, from his website: https://www.tylernordgren.com/ 

“When I’m not creating and commissioning vintage space art, I’m a professional astronomer and lecturer with a Ph.D. in Astronomy. 

For over a decade, I’ve worked with the National Park Service (NPS) to turn our nation’s beautiful national parks into the single largest source for public science and astronomy education in the world. I’ve photographed our national parks at night with exquisite night sky photography, gave countless astronomical tours to the public, and advocated for us all to learn more about the astronomical wonders in the sky.

It’s my personal goal to inform and educate the public through artwork. 

Through my vintage space art, I educate and inspire the public about the wonders of the universe. My most popular space art campaign has been "See the Milky Way" for the NPS with the popular slogan, Half the Park is After Dark(TM), and it has become the unofficial motto of the NPS night sky program.

My vintage art style is inspired by the educational 1930s posters created by the WPA and CCC. I use this medium to educate people about space, conservation & light pollution—and to strike an emotional chord precisely the same way it was used way back in the day.”

See Tyler’s amazing artwork at: https://www.tylernordgren.com/ and get a poster or two for your walls to remember the eclipse! Be safe! 

Don’t forget your protective glasses and enjoy! 

Maureen Gibbons, MD, (known on social media as Dr. Moe), is a practicing physician, sports nutritionist and life coach who also held athletic trainer and triathlon coach credentials for many years. Her board certification is in emergency medicine, obesity medicine and lifestyle medicine. Dr. Moe founded and runs a remote lifestyle medicine practice called Active Medical Solutions. 

As an author and speaker Maureen seeks to spread the word that we are all “Happy First” which is the title of her first book and relates that to finding gratitude in daily life. Her private consulting business integrates that knowledge with assisting healthcare providers in making successful career transitions. Maureen also enjoys triathlons, is a voracious reader and loves to spend time with her husband, son and pets. 

You can find more about Dr. Moe on TikTok as AMSDoctorMoe or at:

WatchAMS.com

AMSTelehealth.com

And catch her book at HappyFirstBook.com

Why is space agriculture important, possible, and necessary? Daniel Tompkins believes the present and future of agriculture can be reimagined. 

Daniel Tompkins is an expert in plant medicine and agriculture, with a unique doctorate from the University of Florida that combines practical problem-solving with a focus on agriculture- a perfect mixture to explore sustainable agricultural practices for future space habitats. 

Learn more about GrowMars: https://sites.google.com/view/growmars/home?authuser=0 

Contract information for GrowMars: 

Email- [email protected]

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielgrows/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/growmars2 

Can we settle space, should we settle space, and have we really thought this through?

Kelly and Zach Weinersmith make their triumphant return to Casual Space sharing their new book, “A City on Mars.”

Beth asks Kelly and Zach to spill the beans about everything they’ve learned and extensively researched regarding space settlements. In      doing their research Kelly attended numerous space conferences, while      Zach spent numerous hours reading memoirs.      Then they presented balanced serious content with humorous interjections, in perfect Weinersmith co-author style! 

This FUN conversation talks about the cultural differences in space history, with anecdotes about Soviet cosmonauts and the commercialization of space. Kelly and Zach discuss the psychological challenges of astronauts, the lack of trauma medicine in space, and the impact of microgravity on the human body. So, is space settlement a good idea? Did the authors discover excitement for the future of space exploration? One thing’s for certain-      Kelly and Zach have REALLY thought this through!

Get your copy of City on Mars here: https://www.amazon.com/City-Mars-settle-thought-through/dp/1984881728

Follow Kelly and Zach: smbc-comics.com

Weinersmith.com

https://twitter.com/FuSchmu

https://www.youtube.com/user/klsmithbio

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