Houston We Have a Podcast

Science journalist and Apollo historian Andrew Chaikin discusses why the Moon is a desirable object for exploration and makes the case for ​applying the lessons of the Apollo lunar program to NASA's Artemis program. HWHAP Episode 113.

A discussion of historical space policy with Stephen Garber and Glen Asner, co-authors of "Origins of 21st Century Space Travel," which examines the formation of NASA's Decadal Planning Team, the tragic Columbia accident, and the direction of NASA after the accident, which they argue shapes how the agency is laid out today. HWHAP Episode 112.

Benji Reed, director of Crew Mission Management for SpaceX, talks about the SpaceX Crew Dragon, the testing and training thus far including an uncrewed mission to the station, and the exciting future for the commercial crew vehicle. HWHAP Episode 111.

NASA Astronaut Jessica Meir talks about her path to becoming an astronaut, her education in biology and space, her research studying marine mammals and birds in Antarctica, and her training to prepare for her first space mission. HWHAP Episode 110.

Women Excelling in Life & Leadership (WELL) and the Human Systems Integration ERG hosted a panel discussion highlighting the legacy of women in spaceflight with panelists who worked at NASA during Apollo and current employees who carry on that legacy today. HWHAP Episode 109.

Tony Castilleja and Celena Dopart, Boeing engineers, talk about the Boeing Starliner spacecraft and all the testing and training happening to get the vehicle and crew ready for the first missions. HWHAP Episode 108.

Space philosopher and author Frank White discusses the impact of looking down at the Earth from above, and how it can create a shift in the way astronauts view and think about our planet and life itself. HWHAP Episode 107.

Bob Zeek and Stacy Hale talk about how students can build and fly hardware to the International Space Station as part of a program called HUNCH. Students in over two hundred schools across the country are doing hardware manufacturing, soft goods training, software development, culinary science and creating videos for station. HWHAP Episode 106.

Laura Shaw, the International Space Station Program Lead for Exploration Life Support Systems, discusses the systems on the station that create a livable and comfortable space for astronauts and cosmonauts. Shaw describes how improving these systems will be critical for exploring the Moon and Mars. HWHAP Episode 105.

Jason Hutt, Orion Crew Systems Integrations Lead, explains how the crew is prepared to respond effectively in the unlikely event of an emergency on board the Orion spacecraft at any stage of flight. HWHAP Episode 104.