Roid Rage

In Episode 42, we officially introduce Jack Beyer, AstroForge’s new Head of Marketing and the new host of Roid Rage. Jack sits down with Matt to talk about why he left his dream job in space media to join the company, and what AstroForge is really building. The conversation ranges from Jared Isaacman’s potential NASA appointment, to Chinese space launch risk tolerance, to the real work behind DeepSpace-2’s upcoming launch and landing.

Dive into the complexities of ground software with insights from a seasoned engineer. Discover how AstroForge commands spacecraft through custom UIs while tackling the challenges of global station coordination. Learn about the lessons from the Odin mission, where mismatched databases caused operational hiccups. Hear how user-centric design can simplify complex interfaces. Explore the intricacies of file transfers over slow RF networks and the importance of observability in ensuring mission success. It's a fascinating look at the blend of technology and teamwork in space exploration!

This week, planetary scientist Andy Ryan joins the conversation. With a background in planetary geology and experience on OSIRIS-REx, he dives into how spacecraft instruments unveil the secrets of asteroids. Discover the intriguing world of thermal emission spectroscopy and how it determines mineral composition. Andy also discusses the challenges of matching scientific objectives with instrument capabilities and the evolution of payload development. Plus, he shares insights on upcoming missions like DeepSpace-2 and the future of asteroid exploration.

Explore the intricate world of designing space electronics to withstand harsh cosmic conditions. Discover the threats posed by solar flares and cosmic rays, and how different environments challenge spacecraft more than terrestrial tech. Learn about the innovative strategies for shielding and protecting components, like using conductive coatings and redundancy in design. The fascinating discussion covers everything from radiation testing methods to preventing disastrous electric discharges, making it a must-listen for anyone curious about space technology!

Dive into the fascinating world of deep space navigation with a principal flight science engineer. Discover how Monte Carlo simulations are vital in avoiding collisions, like with the Moon, and optimizing trajectories. Learn about the complexities of solar pressure, thrust vector errors, and the nuances of mission design. Loic shares insights on how continuous simulations post-launch can anticipate challenges. Plus, the conversation touches on asteroid data processing and the potential for public participation in future missions.

Explore the intricacies of spacecraft navigation with engineers discussing the innovative gimbal system behind DeepSpace-2. Discover how a single electric thruster transforms trajectory planning and momentum management, along with the challenges of using fewer thrusters. Learn about the sophisticated software and lookup tables built to control pointing directions, as well as the testing methodologies devised to ensure precision. Delve into the surprising complexities of engineering solutions that support electric propulsion in space!

Dive into the exciting legal landscape of asteroid mining with a space lawyer breaking down the 2015 U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act. Discover how the Outer Space Treaty influences resource use and safety expectations for competing missions. Explore the challenges of establishing exclusion zones and the implications of being a first mover in this uncharted territory. Tune in for speculation on potential lawsuits and the need for regulatory clarity as nations rush to assert their claims in space.

Dive into the fascinating world of deep space with insights on the DeepSpace-2 flight computer architecture! Discover the clever decision to split responsibilities between processors for better performance. Hear about using an NVIDIA Jetson for its thermal benefits and the challenges faced in periphery expansion. They delve into automation for testing and interface validation, along with strategies for protecting critical data. Plus, tune in for intriguing debates on competitive strategies in space mining and lighthearted listener Q&A!

Two planetary defense researchers join Robyn, President of AstroForge, to talk asteroid disruption, mission planning, and why Apophis 2029 is a close call - but not a crisis. Brent Barbee and Adrienne Rudolph walk us through how impact risk is assessed, what it takes to launch a mitigation mission, and why not all asteroids can be “Armageddoned.”

Discover how spacecraft navigate the vastness of space without GPS or landmarks, relying on innovative star trackers. The hosts delve into the intricacies of matching star patterns to determine precise orientation, crucial for asteroid missions. Learn about the challenges of detecting dim targets and the cutting-edge algorithms that help differentiate between fixed stars and moving asteroids. The discussion also covers practical testing methods and the balance of mission objectives, ensuring reliability in future space exploration.