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.
Beyond Earth Institute: How Space Policy Is Shaping the Future of Human Spaceflight
Discover how the Beyond Earth Institute is helping shape the future of human spaceflight through policy, innovation, and global collaboration. Learn why experts say people—not just technology—will be the driving force behind humanity’s expansion to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. 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 to have with us today Steve Wolfe, president and co-founder of Beyond Earth. Steve, welcome to the show. Steve Wolfe: Glad to be here.
KMI CTO Austin Morris on REACH, Asteria & the Future of In-Orbit Servicing
From robotic “space octopuses” to modular satellite upgrades, KMI is rewriting the future of on-orbit operations. Dive into this conversation with CTO Austin Morris and explore the breakthroughs shaping the next era of space sustainability. 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 this time is Austin Morris, co-founder and CTO at Kall Morris Incorporated, or KMI. Austin, welcome to the program. Austin Morris: Thanks for having me. Delighted to be here. Susan Wise:
The Future of Spaceports: Dr. George Nield on Commercial Spaceflight
Discover how spaceports are becoming the next major global infrastructure—from commercial launches to future point-to-point space travel. Dr. George Nield reveals the technologies, opportunities, and careers shaping the new space economy. 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 I’m thrilled to have with us today Dr. George Nield, Chairman of the Global Spaceport Alliance—the voice of the growing global spaceport community. He has over 35 years of aerospace experience in the Air Force, at NASA, and in
Inside the Future of Space Technology: UCF Engineers Leading Innovation in Propulsion & Aerospace
Step into the world of two UCF aerospace innovators who are shaping the future of space exploration through mentorship, groundbreaking research, and bold vision. From guiding the next generation of engineers to exploring revolutionary propulsion concepts, their work reveals how curiosity and collaboration can propel humanity toward the stars. 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 very excited to have two wonderful gentlemen joining me today: Walter Hammond and Rhett Jeffries, professors at