Best Payload Space Podcasts (2024)

1
Agent to Investor, with Mike Palank (MaC Venture Capital) 1:04:21

2d ago1:04:21

1:04:21

It’s not every day you get to hear space industry perspectives from a former Hollywood talent agent turned investor. Today we're joined by Mike Palank, General Partner at MaC Venture Capital, who shares his career path and insights into the world of VC. Mike, with a background in the entertainment industry, including working at WME as a talent agen…

1
Mars Audio Log #11 49:03

6d ago49:03

49:03

The CHAPEA crew checks in on their eleventh month in a Mars simulated habitat, and a NASA expert discusses the measures taken to ensure that the year long mission has been conducted safely and ethically. HWHAP Episode 342.By Abby Graf

1
The Quesst for Low Sonic Booms 47:32

13d ago47:32

47:32

Aerospace engineers discuss NASA’s Quesst mission and the X-59 aircraft designed to fly faster than the speed of sound and test the future of supersonic travel. HWHAP Episode 341.By Abby Graf

1
A View From Above, with Mason Angel (Industrious Ventures) 45:06

16d ago45:06

45:06

Ever wanted to hear the firsthand experience of a New Shepard astronaut? Well, today we're joined by Mason Angel, General Partner at Industrious Ventures, who was on Blue Origin’s most recent flight to space. Mason, with a background deeply rooted in industrial sectors like GE and Linde through his family, shares his unique journey and insights int…

1
NBL Environments 47:26

20d ago47:26

47:26

An engineer at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory discusses how environmental effects help make spacewalk training more realistic in the 40-foot-deep pool. HWHAP Episode 340.By Abby Graf

1
The Blue Ghost, with Ray Allensworth (Firefly) 47:50

23d ago47:50

47:50

This week on Pathfinder, we're joined by Ray Allensworth, Spacecraft Program Director at Firefly Aerospace. Ray, who has a previous background with major aerospace names like Raytheon and Northrop, helps lead Blue Ghost, Firefly’s lunar lander program designed to deliver scientific and commercial payloads to the surface of the Moon. The company is …

1
Robotic Surgery in Space 52:08

27d ago52:08

52:08

A payload developer and surgeon discuss testing a robotic surgery technology demonstration aboard the International Space Station. HWHAP Episode 339.By Abby Graf

1
Free-Flying Stations, with Jed McCaleb & Max Haot (Vast) 58:57

1M ago58:57

58:57

This week on Pathfinder, we're joined by Jed McCaleb, Founder, and Max Haot, CEO, the leaders behind Vast, a company pioneering the development of commercial space stations. Jed, a seasoned software entrepreneur, and Max, a veteran in space and internet ventures, bring their unique expertise to the ambitious goal of advancing human habitation in sp…

1
Certifying Artemis Rocket Engines 55:10

1M ago55:10

55:10

Experts from NASA’s Stennis Space Center discuss the facilities that support RS-25 engine testing for the Space Launch System and future Artemis missions. HWHAP Episode 338.By Abby Graf

1
Mars Audio Log #10 55:48

1M ago55:48

55:48

The CHAPEA crew checks in on their 10th month in a Mars simulated habitat, and a NASA scientist explains her role studying crew habitat design and how it supports behavioral health, team cohesion, and performance. HWHAP Episode 337.By Abby Graf

1
The State and Future of EO, with Sid Dixit (Space Exec, Former Maxar) 55:34

1M ago55:34

55:34

This week on Pathfinder, we're joined by Sid Dixit, former CTO of Maxar and a seasoned leader in the space industry. Sid's career spans pivotal roles at Planet, Amazon, and Maxar, where he has been at the forefront of satellite technology, artificial intelligence, and geospatial data platforms. Our discussion delves into the transformative impact o…

1
H-3PO 1:00:54

2M ago1:00:54

1:00:54

Three experts within the Human Physiology, Performance, Protection and Operations Laboratory (H-3PO) at NASA, explain the ins and outs of this integrated laboratory designed to support human spaceflight. HWHAP Episode 336.By Abby Graf

1
A Critical Lens, with Sinead O'Sullivan (European Space Policy Institute) 1:05:51

2M ago1:05:51

1:05:51

This week on Pathfinder, we’re joined by Sinead O’Sullivan, an economist and board member of the European Space Policy Institute. Sinead has had a unique career, from her early days in aerospace engineering in Northern Ireland to significant roles on Wall Street and at top academic institutions like Georgia Tech and Harvard. In her free time, she’s…

1
Small Payloads, Big Science 48:00

2M ago48:00

48:00

A nanosatellites expert explains the process of how CubeSats are selected, scheduled for launch, and eventually deployed from the International Space Station. HWHAP Episode 335.By Abby Graf

1
Global Connectivity, with Chris Taylor (Aalyria) 54:45

2M ago54:45

54:45

This week’s Pathfinder features Chris Taylor, CEO and founder of Aalyria, a Google spinout that specializes in advanced connectivity solutions. The company is developing what could be game changing free-space optics hardware and network orchestration software to meaningfully change communication speed and efficiency across air, space, land, and sea…

1
Atmospheric Waves 59:29

2M ago59:29

59:29

A principal investigator talks about an experiment on board the space station observing the forces that drive space weather. HWHAP 334.By Abby Graf

1
Single-Stage-to-Orbit, with Livingston Holder (Radian Aerospace) 59:57

2M ago59:57

59:57

The first single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) space plane? That's exactly what we're discussing on this week’s Pathfinder podcast. We interview Livingston Holder, cofounder and CTO of Radian Aerospace, which is developing a fully reusable space plane designed for horizontal launch and landing. SSTO? Essentially, SSTO vehicles are designed to reach orbit u…

1
Mars Audio Log #9 59:19

2M ago59:19

59:19

The CHAPEA crew checks in on their ninth month in a Mars simulated habitat and a Mars architecture expert explains CHAPEA’s role in NASA’s long-term plans to explore the Red Planet. HWHAP Episode 333.By Abby Graf

1
Drugs in Space, with Will Bruey & Delian Asparouhov (Varda Space) 59:38

2M ago59:38

59:38

Right on the heels of their $90M funding round, this week’s Pathfinder spotlights Varda and its cofounders, Will Bruey (CEO) and Delian Asparouhov (President). The LA-based startup harnesses microgravity for pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. In its latest mission, the company successfully processed ritonavir, a crucial antiviral drug ut…

1
Crew Flight Test: The Astronauts 36:12

3M ago36:12

36:12

NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test Commander Butch Wilmore and Pilot Suni Williams discuss their astronaut journeys and preparation to be the first humans to fly Starliner. HWHAP Episode 332.By Abby Graf

1
The New Edge, with Dan Wright (Armada) 52:06

3M ago52:06

52:06

Dan Wright is no typical founder. With a formidable background at software powerhouses like AppDynamics and DataRobot, Dan has shifted his focus towards bridging the technological gap in edge computing with his latest venture, Armada. As the world’s first full-stack edge computing platform, Armada integrates computing and AI capabilities directly w…

1
Crew Flight Test: The Mission 1:15:02

3M ago1:15:02

1:15:02

Flight directors discuss NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test and the operations behind this historic mission. HWHAP Episode 331.By Abby Graf

1
The State of EO + SatCom (Payload Editorial) 44:13

3M ago44:13

44:13

This week, we bring you our second installment of Pathfinder’s special podcast series on the State of the Space Industry. As a reminder, you’ll hear from two members of Payload’s editorial staff on key trends, exclusive interviews, and insights shaping the industry. Today’s episode explores EO & SatCom, featuring Payload’s Research Director, Jack K…

1
Eclipse Across North America 2024 27:17

3M ago27:17

27:17

On April 8, the total solar eclipse across the United States will be the last for 20 years. A NASA flight controller discusses all you need to know about the eclipse, how to best witness it, and the safety precautions that come with it. HWHAP Episode 330.By Abby Graf

1
The State of Launch & OSAM (Payload Editorial) 41:34

3M ago41:34

41:34

Pathfinder is shaking things up for the next two weeks with a special pod series on the State of the Space Industry. In each episode, you’ll hear from two members of Payload’s editorial staff on key trends, exclusive interviews, and insights shaping the industry. This week? Launch & OSAM, featuring Payload’s Managing Editor Jacqueline Feldscher and…

1
Mars Audio Log #8 1:00:40

3M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

The CHAPEA crew checks in on their eighth month in a Mars simulated habitat and a NASA biostatistician discusses the process of analysis, interpretation, and presentation of scientific data. HWHAP Episode 329.By Abby Graf

1
VIPER 47:51

3M ago47:51

47:51

NASA's Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, also known as VIPER, is the agency’s first robotic lunar rover. Learn more about VIPER and its journey to the lunar surface. HWHAP Episode 328.By Abby Graf

1
Live from Austin, with Dan Goldin (Former NASA Administrator) 44:08

4M ago44:08

44:08

This week, we're going live from Austin, TX, at Payload’s inaugural event, “The Ultimate High Ground: The Role of Space in National Security,” held during SXSW. Our episode features a fireside chat with Dan Goldin, the longest-serving NASA Administrator, from April 1992 to November 2001. Dan is known for leading NASA’s resurgence during one of its …

1
Electrician to Astronaut 38:31

4M ago38:31

38:31

NASA astronaut Tracy C. Dyson discusses her background and anticipation as she looks ahead to the beginning of her third spaceflight later this month. HWHAP Episode 327.By Abby Graf

1
Command and Control, with Nate Hamet (Quindar) 45:37

4M ago45:37

45:37

This week's Pathfinder podcast features Nate Hamet, cofounder and CEO of Quindar, a startup attempting to dramatically change satellite operations. Quindar's software suite simplifies satellite command and control, enhancing health, security, and connectivity management. With a rich background in satellite operations at notable companies like OneWe…

1
Podcast in a Vacuum Chamber 1:13:25

4M ago1:13:25

1:13:25

From inside of Chamber A at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, NASA experts discuss VIPER’s vacuum chamber testing in preparation for a south pole lunar landing. HWHAP Episode 326.By Abby Graf

1
So You Want to be an Astronaut? 11:04

4M ago11:04

11:04

NASA is looking to recruit the next class of astronauts, and applications are open! The manager of NASA astronaut selection discusses the selection process and how to apply to an out-of-this-world career. HWHAP Episode 325.5.By Abby Graf

1
Breakthrough Solar, with Stan Herasimenka (Solestial) 46:55

4M ago46:55

46:55

Did you ever think that solar power generation in space could be 10x cheaper, 20% more efficient, and extend operational life to over 50 years? Well, that’s what the Arizona-based startup Solestial believes it can achieve with its silicon cell technology. We bring in CEO and cofounder Stan Herasimenka for his first-ever podcast to discuss the uniqu…

1
Astronaut Graduation 2024 2:03:26

4M ago2:03:26

2:03:26

The 2021 class of astronaut candidates, known as “The Flies," is graduating after two years of rigorous training. Learn more about the class, their training, and what they are looking forward to as an astronaut in the Artemis generation. HWHAP Episode 325.By Abby Graf

1
The Architect of Change, with Lori Garver (NASA) 56:36

4M ago56:36

56:36

This week’s Pathfinder features Lori Garver, a pioneering force in the space industry known for her instrumental role in propelling NASA into the modern era of commercial spaceflight. The former Deputy Administrator of NASA joins us today to discuss how partnerships with private space firms helped to shift the landscape from government-dominated mi…

1
Mars Audio Log #7 1:12:39

4M ago1:12:39

1:12:39

The CHAPEA crew checks in on their seventh month in a Mars simulated habitat and NASA experts discuss the impacts that spaceflight has on astronauts’ health. This is the seventh audio log of a monthly series. HWHAP Episode 324.By Abby Graf

1
Crew-8 1:12:21

5M ago1:12:21

1:12:21

The Crew-8 cadre discusses their backgrounds ahead of their launch to the International Space Station. HWHAP Episode 323.By Abby Graf

1
Space and Defense Tech Roadmap, with Tess Hatch (BVP) 49:14

5M ago49:14

49:14

San Francisco-based venture capital firm, Bessemer Venture Partners, is diving into defense technology, with Payload securing the first interview to discuss the firm's new strategy with Partner Tess Hatch. Despite the firm's historical successes with space companies such as Terra Bella (formerly Skybox), Spire, and Rocket Lab, they are cautiously a…

1
IM-1 58:15

5M ago58:15

58:15

NASA and Intuitive Machines experts discuss the science and operations behind the IM-1 mission ahead of its journey to land on the Moon’s surface. HWHAP Episode 322.By Abby Graf

1
Starship is Misunderstood, with Casey Handmer (Terraform Industries) 1:00:12

5M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

Our guest this week not only has a PhD in theoretical astrophysics but is also a pilot, musician, entrepreneur, language enthusiast, and a thought leader on how humanity can create a better future for itself. No, we’re not constructing a dating profile, but describing Casey Handmer, the founder of Terraform Industries, a startup focused on scaling …

1
Where to Land on the Moon 50:37

5M ago50:37

50:37

NASA experts discuss the considerations when looking at landing locations for future human missions to the Moon’s surface. HWHAP Episode 321.By Abby Graf

1
Space Research 2.0, with Jack Kuhr (Payload) 47:18

5M ago47:18

47:18

Two weeks ago, we launched Payload Research, a new division within Payload dedicated to providing incisive, insight-driven analysis tailored for industry leaders and investors. Today, we welcome Jack Kuhr, the esteemed Research Director of Payload, to go under the hood of our new venture. We explore the motivations behind its inception and offer a …

1
Mars Audio Log #6 1:16:10

5M ago1:16:10

1:16:10

The CHAPEA crew gives an update as they hit their halfway mark of their yearlong mission, and human performance scientists discuss exercising in a simulated Mars habitat. This is the sixth audio log of a monthly series. HWHAP Episode 320.By Abby Graf

1
The Future of Engineering, with Malory McLemore (Stell) 39:59

5M ago39:59

39:59

Our guest this week is Malory McLemore, the co-founder and CEO of Stell, an LA-based startup that is building workflow software to serve as the future data layer for hardware and industrials. Their platform enables complex, multi-company hardware development efforts to track engineering and compliance documentation, replacing traditional methods li…

1
Return of OREx: Part III 1:08:39

6M ago1:08:39

1:08:39

Planetary scientists and OSIRIS-REx co-investigators at NASA's Johnson Space Center walk us through the processes and emotions of working in the lab with asteroid Bennu’s precious samples. HWHAP Episode 319.By Abby Graf

1
Creating Constellations, with Tim Kienberger (LeoStella) 45:12

6M ago45:12

45:12

Our guest this week, Tim Kienberger, has been at the forefront of the industry's evolution from large-scale satellite buses to the small satellite revolution. As the current CEO of LeoStella, a joint venture between Thales Alenia Space and BlackSky, he is helping the company redefine small satellite manufacturing. In today's episode, Tim reveals in…

1
Axiom Mission 3 1:06:53

6M ago1:06:53

1:06:53

Michael Lopez-Alegria, former NASA astronaut and current commander of Axiom Mission 3, discusses his career and the upcoming private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. HWHAP Episode 318.By Abby Graf

1
Refueling the Space Economy, with Daniel Faber (Orbit Fab) 48:59

6M ago48:59

48:59

In this episode, Daniel Faber, CEO of Orbit Fab, a US-based company that is pioneering in-space refueling infrastructure, shares his journey from Tasmania to becoming a leader in the space economy's refueling efforts. Additionally, we delve into: Orbit Fab’s mission and services The need for refueling capabilities The economics of fuel depots Viabi…

1
Peregrine Mission One 56:16

6M ago56:16

56:16

The CEO of Astrobotic and NASA Deputy Manager for Commercial Lunar Payload Services discuss Peregrine Mission One ahead of its launch and landing on the lunar surface. HWHAP Episode 317.By Abby Graf

1
2023 Year in Review, with Payload's Editorial Team 1:05:38

7M ago1:05:38

1:05:38

In the final Pathfinder episode of the year, Mo brings Payload’s editorial staff into the hot seat(s) to discuss the most significant stories of 2023 and share predictions for 2024! In addition to each team member’s trajectory to Payload, we discuss: The shortage in launch supply Starship and the mainstream media’s reaction The Chandrayaan-3 lunar …

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