Troy M. Morris on KMI’s Space Tow Truck & Orbital Debris Solutions
In this episode of Stars Launch Pod, host Susan Wise sits down with Troy Morris, co-founder and CEO of KMI, to explore how his team is building the “tow truck for space.” From tackling orbital debris to demonstrating groundbreaking capture technology aboard the International Space Station, Troy shares the journey, challenges, and aha moments behind developing a sustainable future in orbit. Tune in for innovation, inspiration, and a glimpse at what’s next for space mobility. Susan Wise: Welcome to Stars Launch Pod: Space Technology and Research Sciences, brought to you by StarSciences.org, where we connect, collaborate, and accelerate.
From Salsa to Space: Dr. Danny Jacques’ Mission with Danny’s Rocket Ranch & Space Camp Scholarships
Dr. Danny Hawkins, founder of Danny’s Rocket Ranch and Space Camp Hall of Fame inductee, shares how his love for teaching, salsa, and space exploration sparked a mission to inspire the next generation. From classroom lessons to launching a salsa brand that funds scholarships, his journey proves that creativity and persistence can fuel both dreams and discovery. Welcome to Stars Launch Pod: Space, Technology, and Research Sciences. Brought to you by StarSciences.org, where we connect and collaborate. I’m your host, Susan Wise, and I’m thrilled to have with us today Dr. Danny Hawkins—teacher, founder of Danny’s Rocket Ranch,
The Lunar Marathon: How NASA Engineers Are Stress-Testing the Human Body for the Moon
For Eryn Andrews, a Human Performance Engineer at NASA, the return to the Moon is not just about rockets and spacecraft—it’s about the limits of the human body. With the Artemis program aiming to land astronauts on the lunar surface for the first time in decades, Andrews and her team are tasked with answering a fundamental, high-stakes question: How much can we push our explorers? Andrews, who has accumulated 17 years of total experience at NASA, currently serves on a research-based team focused specifically on spacewalking (Extravehicular Activity, or EVA) on the moon. Her goal is to determine how
Returning to the Moon: NASA Veteran Charles Armstrong on the Future of Space Exploration
By Susan Wise | Launch Pod: Space, Science, and Innovation What does it take to walk on the Moon again—this time, to stay? On this episode of Launch Pod: Space, Science, and Innovation, retired NASA veteran Charles “Charlie” Armstrong joins host Susan Wise to talk about the Artemis Program, new spacesuit technology, lunar rovers, and how innovations from space are changing life on Earth. With over 45 years at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Armstrong’s career spans roles as a flight controller, astronaut trainer, and project manager. He now serves on NASA’s EVA and Human Surface Mobility Standing Review Board,
Space, Bones & Breakthroughs: Dr. Thomas Lang on NASA Research & AI Imaging | Stars Launch Pod
Join host Susan Wise as she sits down with Dr. Thomas F. Lang, Professor Emeritus at UCSF, whose groundbreaking research with NASA has transformed our understanding of how space travel affects bone health. From the first studies aboard the International Space Station to cutting-edge AI imaging today, Dr. Lang shares fascinating insights on osteoporosis, astronaut fitness, and the “aha” moments that changed space medicine. Discover how his work in orbit is reshaping health here on Earth—and why preventing bone loss may be the ultimate key to human space exploration. Susan Wise: Welcome to Stars Launch Pod, Space Technology
Space forecasters say severe solar storms could hit Earth and trigger auroras
NEW YORK — Space weather forecasters issued an alert on Tuesday for incoming severe solar storms that could produce colorful northern lights and temporarily disrupt communications. In the past few days, the sun has burped out several bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections that could reach Earth Tuesday night and early Wednesday. The potential severe geomagnetic storms could disrupt radio and GPS communications, according to forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. How bright the auroras are and how far south they are visible will depend on when the solar bursts get here and how they interact