PODCASTS

From radio waves to rocket launches—Chris Leslie’s journey is out of this world. Once a Houston radio guy, Chris became a NASA mission controller for the International Space Station, helped launch the Constellation Program, trained astronauts, worked with Axiom Space, and now shapes the future in NASA’s Moon to Mars Program Office. In this episode, Chris shares behind-the-scenes stories of mission control, lessons from high-stakes moments, and how a simple gold watch sparked a lifelong passion for time and exploration. Susan Wise: Hi, and welcome to Stars Launch Pod: Space Technology and Research Sciences, brought to you by

Discover how the Canaveral Council of Technical Societies (CCTS) is shaping the future of space innovation through collaboration, STEM outreach, and industry-leading events like Space Congress. A must-read for anyone looking to break into or level up in the space industry. Susan Wise: Welcome to Stars Launch Pod, Space Technology and Research Sciences, brought to you by StarsSciences.org, where we connect, collaborate, and accelerate. I’m your host, Susan Wise, and I’m honored to have with us today Nimisha Vyas, current chair of the Canaveral Council of Technical Societies. Nimisha, welcome to the show. Nimisha Vyas: Thank you for

Join host Susan Wise on Stars LaunchPod as she speaks with Dr. Marshall Porterfield, Purdue University professor and NASA researcher, about how his team is preparing to grow plants on the Moon through the groundbreaking LEAF experiment aboard Artemis III. Discover how space biology, biosensors, and mitochondrial research are shaping the future of sustainable space exploration, food production beyond Earth, and precision medicine inspired by NASA’s GeneLab and Twins Study. Welcome to LaunchPod, where we chat with innovators who are overcoming challenges, pushing boundaries, and collaborating to make space more accessible and sustainable for humanity—one launch at a

Discover how a passionate seventh grader is already presenting at national space conferences, building CubeSats, researching AI, and shaping the future of space exploration. Meet Lucas Lowery—the young innovator proving the next generation is ready for liftoff. Shorter- At just 12, Lucas Lowery is building satellites, speaking at space conferences, and preparing for Mars. This rising star is the future of aerospace. Susan Wise: Hi, and welcome to Stars Launch Pod, Space Technology and Research Sciences, brought to you by StarSciences.org, where we connect, collaborate, and accelerate. I'm your host, Susan Wise, and I'm honored to have with

Join host Susan Wise as she sits down with Ubaldo “The Space Ace” Ciminieri, Chief of Staff at CisLunar Industries, to explore how the future of space power, recycling, and innovation is turning science fiction into reality. From transforming space debris into usable materials to empowering new voices in the space industry, this episode is a reminder that space needs everyone’s talent and imagination. Susan Wise: Welcome to Stars Launch Pod: Space Technology and Research Sciences, brought to you by StarSciences.org — where we connect, collaborate, and accelerate. I’m your host, Susan Wise, and today we’re very excited

Join host Susan Wise on the Stars Launch Pod as she talks with Tyler Bender, Policy Analyst at the Beyond Earth Institute, about the future of human space settlement, space policy, and how everyday careers on Earth can shape life beyond our planet. Discover insights on space migration, innovation, and building sustainable communities beyond Earth. Susan Wise: Hi, and welcome to Stars Launch Pod, Space Technology and Research Sciences, brought to you by StarSciences.org, where we connect, collaborate, and accelerate. I’m your host, Susan Wise, and joining us today is Tyler Bender, Policy Analyst for the Beyond Earth