Roid Rage Where The Electrons Go
Jun 26, 2025
Discover the fascinating world of avionics, exploring how spacecraft systems are designed to thrive in the harshness of deep space. Delve into the unexpected twists of aerospace careers, from law to engineering, and enjoy lively debates about sci-fi classics like Star Trek. Hear about the unique weather challenges in Arkansas that shape the lifestyle of its residents. Learn about the complexities of asteroid landings and the innovative approaches in tackling deep space communication challenges. Laugh along with anecdotes about iconic folk festivals and personal career transitions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Lucky Start Into Space Avionics
- Chris stumbled into space engineering by luck after meeting someone at a Florida bar.
- This chance encounter led him to Honeywell's space division and kickstarted his career in space avionics.
Avionics Defined Broadly
- Avionics is everything we purposely flow electrons through on the spacecraft.
- It covers power, flight computers, sensors, and controls, essentially the brain of the spacecraft.
Scaling Up Power Challenges
- The new spacecraft will generate about 2,100 watts, over an order of magnitude more than previous designs.
- Increasing power means simply scaling up the system size and complexity is not trivial.