Inside the ISS: Breakthrough Science with Ryan Reeves
Discover how cutting-edge space research—from cancer treatments and artificial retinas to fiber-optic breakthroughs—is transforming life here on Earth. Ryan Reeves, Technical Director of Research & Innovation at the International Space Station National Laboratory shares behind-the-scenes stories, surprising discoveries, and a look at what’s next after the ISS. 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 excited to welcome today’s guest, Ryan Reeves, Technical Director of Research and Innovation at the International Space Station National
Blue Origin announces New Glenn upgrade plans
MUNICH — A week after successfully launching and landing the current version of New Glenn, Blue Origin announced a series of upgrades to the vehicle. The company said Nov. 20 it plans to increase the thrust of the engines used on New Glenn and make other improvements. The upgrades include increasing the thrust of the seven BE-4 engines on the rocket’s first stage from a combined 3.9 million pounds-force to 4.5 million pounds-force. The two BE-3U engines on the upper stage will increase their total thrust from 320,000 to 400,000 pounds-force. “These enhancements will immediately benefit customers already manifested
Solving the Unsolvable: A Payload Lead on Real-Time Crisis, Confidence, and Thriving in NASA’s Chaos
For Stephanie Anderson, the work happens in the urgent, high-stakes environment of Mission Control. As the Payload Operations Lead, Anderson has spent over 10 years on the International Space Station (ISS) program, commanding the team responsible for ensuring the successful execution of science experiments and research facilities orbiting 250 miles above Earth. Her job is centered on supporting NASA-sponsored payload facilities on board the space station, meaning she and her team must guarantee these facilities function properly. When malfunctions or unexpected issues arise, they are the rapid-response team, helping diagnose the problem and get it fixed quickly so that
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