From Earth orbit to the Moon and Mars, explore the world of human spaceflight with NASA each week on the official podcast of the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Listen to in-depth conversations with the astronauts, scientists and engineers who make it possible.
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Let’s talk SPACE, and let’s keep it casual. Nothing too technical. Stories that inspire. As a former NASA Public Affairs Officer, let be serve as your guide. I’ll provide conversations that are both interesting and fun. Each weekly episode brings a new, fresh discussion on a variety of space topics & stories. The universe is pretty big, so there’s always something new to discover! Join me and find YOUR inner space geek on Casual Space!
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In 1969, we reached the moon. With each step on its surface, every year an astronaut orbits our planet and with every dream of the possibilities beyond – a new generation falls in love with space exploration. Fifty years after Apollo 11, today's NASA astronauts, voices from the Apollo Era and students from the Mars generation are brought together to share their journeys and to remember an unforgettable moment.
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257: Alex Reynolds: Founder & CEO of ATTX
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54:44Alex Reynolds, Founder and CEO of ATTX, joins Casual Space to share his inspiring journey from a childhood fascination with flight to leading a company dedicated to democratizing access to space. Growing up in Missouri, Alex's creativity and curiosity were nurtured in a DIY workshop his mom set up in the family attic—an experience that ultimately i…
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Mission Control: The Communications Corridor
1:11:36
1:11:36
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1:11:36Four communications experts from NASA’s Mission Control Center discuss their roles in connecting astronauts in space to partners, control centers, and the general public. HWHAP 374By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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Intuitive Machines Returns to the Moon
1:01:35
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1:01:35NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services project scientist and Intuitive Machines President and CEO discuss upcoming IM-2 mission and what’s in store for this delivery to the lunar surface. HWHAP 373.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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NASA experts discuss launching and returning cargo to the International Space Station and the planning that goes into delivering several months worth of supplies and crucial science to astronauts in space. HWHAP 372.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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NASA's Recovery Director discusses the splashdown and recovery process and how she helps to ensure safety, not just for the space travelers, but for all recovery team members. HWHAP 371.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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NASA's Chief Health and Medical Officer discusses the impacts spaceflight has on the human body and how flight surgeons and other medical professionals on the ground help astronauts mitigate those impacts. HWHAP 370.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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Three flight controllers from NASA’s Mission Control Center discuss how their consoles, ADCO, TOPO, and SPARTAN, keep the space station flying from the ground. Listen and find out what each console does! HWHAP 369.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Aki Hoshide discusses how JAXA is contributing to NASA’s lunar space station, Gateway, and future Artemis missions. HWHAP 368.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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NASA and Firefly Aerospace experts discuss the upcoming launch of Blue Ghost Mission 1, its lunar lander, and the science and technology being delivered to the Moon’s surface. HWHAP 367.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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Herb Baker, NASA veteran and author of From Apollo to Artemis: Stories From My 50 Years With NASA, takes us back to a time where growing up near NASA meant working near the “Manned Spacecraft Center,” and running films to the TV station for Apollo missions. Herb took what started as a “fun job” into an unforgettable 42-year career working on the Sh…
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NASA’s expert in exploration architectures discusses how the agency stays on track to take humans farther into deep space through reviews such as the Architecture Concept review. HWHAP 366.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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On episode 365, Johnson Space Center’s Chief Technologist discusses how Johnson and White Sands Test Facility are opening their Front Doors to those interested in exploring opportunities, capabilities, technology and data available to different organizations.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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255: Hank Alewine: Crunching Numbers in the Cosmos
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50:10Hank Alewine is the accountant boldly going where no CPA has gone before! A professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Hank isn’t just teaching spreadsheets and balance sheets—he’s pioneering space accounting (yes, that’s a thing). In this episode, Hank chats about his career journey, from studying biology to becoming a CPA, and eventual…
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On episode 364, former NASA astronaut Fred Haise discusses his experiences from Apollo 13 and beyond.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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254: Ronak Dave, NASA Johnson Space Center Flight Director
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45:16Ronak Dave is a Flight Director at NASA’s Johnson Space Center who always knew he wanted to work in Human Spaceflight Operations. His journey from a curious engineer to one of NASA’s elite is inspiring. With a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University, his path to NASA was fueled by curiosity, determin…
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On episode 363, NASA experts discuss one of the most critical components of returning to Earth from space: the parachute system. Take a deep dive into how these parachutes were engineered and tested to bring NASA's Orion spacecraft and crewmembers back home safely.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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253: Dr. Eiman Jahangir’s Journey to Space with Blue Origin
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38:28Dr. Eiman Jahangir, a physician, analog astronaut, and lifelong space enthusiast, shares his remarkable journey to becoming an astronaut with Blue Origin’s New Shepard. With two previous NASA astronaut candidacies and years of dedication, Dr. Jahangir’s story is resilient. He is driven by a love for science and space and his unwavering commitment t…
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On episode 362, a NASA project manager and a design engineer discuss the Orion Crew Survival System Suit that future Artemis crews will wear on their journeys to and from the Moon.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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252: Anna (Hanna Sav) Harutyunyan: Armenia's First Analog Astronaut and Founder of Rocket Space Academy
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41:13
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41:13Anna (Hanna Sav) Harutyunyan, is an Armenian engineer and robotics student who recently made history as Armenia’s first analog astronaut! In this episode, she joins host Beth Mund on the Casual Space Podcast to share her experiences in analog space missions, her academic journey, and her upcoming projects. Anna’s on a mission to inspire people in A…
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On episode 361, former NASA flight director Gerry Griffin discusses his trailblazing career in the agency and his experience leading multiple Apollo missions, including the final lunar landing on Apollo 17.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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251: Samantha Christensen: Opening the Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory
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30:54Samantha Christensen, a long-time team member at Lowell Observatory, shares the exciting news about the grand opening of the Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center in Flagstaff, Arizona. As Northern Arizona’s first science center, the 40,000-square-foot facility offers a major upgrade with cutting-edge exhibits, interactive experiences, and a…
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On episode 360, NASA experts discuss how NASA astronauts have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote from aboard the International Space Station and the process to make it happen.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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250: Corbett Hoenninger, General Manager of Argotec Inc.
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58:10Corbett Hoenninger, General Manager of Argotec Inc., has quite the space career. From training astronauts at NASA to helping lead the Dream Chaser’s drop tests (including a memorable crash landing), Corbett shares what it’s really like behind the scenes of space exploration. Corbett talks about the recent NASA DART mission, (giving an asteroid a nu…
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On episode 359, a NASA astrobiology program scientist discusses looking for signs of life beyond us in the stars, and the study of the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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249: Chris Quigg: Exploring Grace in All Simplicity
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48:44Chris Quigg, the celebrated theoretical physicist and co-author of Grace in All Simplicity, whisks us away on a journey through the wonders of particle physics—served with a dash of poetry and a sprinkle of grace! With a talent for turning complex ideas into accessible stories, Chris shares insights from his new book and reveals the inspiration beh…
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On episode 358, the Deputy Chief Scientist for the International Space Station dives into the different ways the orbiting laboratory provides benefits to humanity.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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248: Scott Holcomb: From Space Camp to the Classroom
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1:15:11Beth welcomes movie star and educator, Scott Holcomb! Scott shares his remarkable story from his surprise audition to his role in the industry CLASSIC film, Space Camp, and how it led him to a meaningful career in education. Through humorous anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, Scott discusses the impact Space Camp (the movie AND the experience) ha…
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On episode 357, Deputy Center Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center Steve Koerner reflects on his 32-year-long career at NASA and discusses the values of leadership.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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247: Defending Space Through Storytelling with Stuart Hardwick
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1:06:50Award-winning science fiction author and friend of the show Stuart Hardwick returns to share the story behind his latest work, Tales of the United States Space Force and his passion for space defense and storytelling. Happy WORLD SPACE WEEK! https://www.worldspaceweek.org/ We’re celebrating World Space Week with our partners, Cosmic Girls and their…
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On episode 356, United Arab Emirates astronaut Hazzaa Ali Almansoori and NASA lunar architecture lead Shatel Bhakta discuss Gateway’s unique airlock, as well as how the lunar outpost will prepare us for a journey to Mars.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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246: From Space Camp to Space Force with Col. Heather Bogstie
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44:53Welcome our first ever US Space Force guest Col. Heather Bogstie! Col. Heather Bogstie shares her journey from attending Space Camp as a young girl to becoming a key leader in the newly established United States Space Force. Together, Beth and Heather walk through Heather’s inspiring career path, her experiences as a missile operator, and her trans…
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On episode 355, Gene Kranz, lead flight director for Apollo mission 13, discusses leading America to the first lunar landing, his leadership and legacy, and lessons that must be carried into NASA's future exploration goals.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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Marc Hartzman, friend of the show and author of We Are Not Alone: The Extraordinary History of UFOs, Aliens, and Our Hopes, Fears, and Fantasies, returns to the Casual Space Podcast to dive into the intriguing world of UFOs! Marc’s new book goes way beyond the familiar stories of iconic UFO sightings, (Roswell and the Phoenix Lights). Marc discusse…
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On episode 354, NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov of discuss their mission, personal life, and preparation ahead of their launch to the station.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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244: Unlocking the Secrets of Life in the Universe with Nathalie Cabrol
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51:11Nathalie Cabrol is an astrobiologist and author of, “The Secret Life of the Universe.” She’s also the Director of the Carl Sagan Center at the SETI Institute and holds the women’s WORLD record for free and scuba diving (at altitude)! Nathalie has spent decades studying the cosmos and searching for life in unexpected places—whether hidden in rocks h…
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On episode 353, the Artemis II crew’s chief training officer discusses her career at NASA, the complexity of astronaut training, and what it takes to prepare the quartet for their mission around the Moon.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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On episode 352, a Gateway manager and a CSA astronaut discuss how commercial cargo missions and robotic systems will be vital for sustaining the future lunar space station.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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243: Through These Doors - Abigail Harrison
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45:05Ever wonder how a passion for space exploration can ignite a global movement? In this episode of Through These Doors, Chris Key, Josh Whitfield, and Beth Mund sit down with Abigail Harrison, better known as Astronaut Abby, the inspiring force behind The Mars Generation. Abby’s journey is one of vision and connection. From her first awe-inspiring vi…
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Ever wondered what it takes to inspire the next generation of space enthusiasts? In this podcast episode of Through These Doors, Beth Mund and Chris Key sit down with Kelley Wolfe, an elementary science specialist at Randolph School in Huntsville, Alabama. Kelley has a deep passion for space and education, making her an ideal guest to share her uni…
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Ever wonder what it takes to inspire over 500 students to reach for the stars? In this episode of Through These Doors, Chris Key, Josh Whitfield, and Beth Mund sit down with Danny Jaques, a Space Camp Hall of Fame inductee and passionate educator dedicated to inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts. Danny’s journey is one of relentless d…
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240: Through These Doors - Jennifer Heldmann
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30:59
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30:59What drives someone to pursue a lifelong career exploring the cosmos? In this episode of Through These Doors, Chris Key, Josh Whitfield, and Beth Mund sit down with Dr. Jennifer Heldmann, a NASA planetary scientist whose passion for space began at Space Camp and led to a groundbreaking career at NASA. Jennifer’s journey is nothing short of inspirin…
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NASA nutrition scientists discuss how a daily B vitamin supplement might prevent vision changes in astronauts during long-duration space missions. HWHAP Episode 351.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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239: Through These Doors - Diallo Wallace
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45:33
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45:33Ever wonder what sparks a lifelong passion for space in someone? In this episode of the Casual Space Podcast, Beth Mund teams up with Chris Key and Josh Whitfield for an uplifting chat with Diallo Wallace—a naval aviator turned high school teacher who’s all about inspiring the next generation of space lovers. Diallo’s story starts with a bang—liter…
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238: Through These Doors - Melanie Sinohni
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37:41
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37:41Ever wonder what it’s like to push past your limits in an environment designed to challenge and inspire you? In this episode of Casual Space, Beth Mund, along with co-hosts Chris and Joshua, shares another powerful story from the "Through These Doors" series. This time, we hear from Melanie, a former camper who attended Space Camp for Interested Vi…
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NASA astronaut Don Pettit discusses his life and career ahead of his fourth flight to the International Space Station. HWHAP Episode 350.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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What if you could help a student experience the wonder of space, despite the odds? In this heartwarming episode of Casual Space, we sit down with Dan Oates, a true legend within the Space Camp community, who has dedicated his life to doing just that. From his impactful work with students with disabilities to his induction into the Space Camp Hall o…
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NASA astronaut Frank Rubio reflects on his record-breaking 371 days aboard the International Space Station. HWHAP Episode 349.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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236: Through These Doors - Ruth Marie Oliver
1:11:08
1:11:08
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1:11:08What happens when a childhood dream turns into a lifelong passion? In this heartwarming episode, Beth Mund sits down with Space Camp alumni Charity, Ruth Marie, Josh and Chris to reflect on the incredible journey from camp memories to real-world achievements. Discover how Space Camp planted the seeds for big dreams, teamwork, and a “never give up” …
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Have you ever wondered what it takes to guide astronauts through the challenges of space exploration, ensuring their safety and mission success? In this exciting episode, host Beth Mund, along with co-hosts Chris Key and Josh Whitfield, kicks off a brand-new series titled "Through These Doors," where they explore the incredible journeys of Space Ca…
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European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano discusses the international elements of the Gateway lunar space station. HWHAP Episode 348.By National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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