How Students Are Shaping the Future of Space Exploration | NASA L’Space & The Lucy Mission
What do tiny tardigrades, NASA’s Lucy Mission, and student innovators have in common? They may hold the keys to how humanity thrives in space. Discover how a new generation of students, engineers, and explorers is shaping the future of space — from NASA missions to research that could change life 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. It’s an honor to have with us Peter Ulrich, a senior studying aerospace engineering
The New Space Economy: Why Commercial Space Matters — and How Everyone Can Be Part of It
A new era of space isn’t just about rockets — it’s about opportunity. Discover how the space economy is reshaping life on Earth, creating new careers, and opening the door for everyone to play a role in humanity’s next great frontier. 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 thrilled to have with us today Zaheer Ali from the University of Central Florida — yay! A respected expert on space technology and policy,
Morehead State University’s Space Trek Program is Empowering Young Women in STEM & Aerospace
Step inside Space Trek, a groundbreaking program where young women build satellites, analyze real data, and discover their place in the space industry. In this STARS Launch Pod feature, learn how hands-on learning and empowerment are shaping future aerospace leaders. This is where bold curiosity turns into limitless possibility. 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 with us today are Jen Carter, Director of the Center for STEM Excellence and the Space Trek program,
Next-Gen Hurricane Forecasting & How Satellite Tech Is Transforming Storm Prediction
What if we could predict hurricanes 12 hours earlier with twice the accuracy? Dan Harkins joins the STARS Launch Pod to share the groundbreaking satellite technology making that possible. Get ready for a fascinating look at the future of weather, space, and safety. 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 in the Launch Pod today is Dan Harkins. He builds spacecraft, and apparently he can control the weather. Is that right? Dan Harkins: Not
icMercury’s Mission to Make Space Accessible to Everyone and Why Space Matters More Than You Think
Space is no longer just for governments and billionaires — it’s becoming personal, creative, and accessible. In this inspiring conversation with icMercury’s captain Lijie Zhu, we explore how satellites impact everyday life in ways most people never realize. From launching small satellites to sending artwork to the Moon, icMercury is empowering dreamers, innovators, and artists to take part in the future of space. 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 it’s an honor
Women in Space: STEM Identity, Astronomy & Inclusion
Women in space face challenges that are often invisible but deeply impactful. In this episode of Star Launch Pod, Libby Fenstermacher shares insights from her NASA experience and sociology research on STEM identity, inclusion in astronomy, and inspiring the next generation of space professionals. Susan Wise: Hi, and welcome to Star 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 thrilled to have with us today Libby Fenstermacher. Welcome to the program. Libby Fenstermacher: Thank you so much for having me, Susan.