How Microgravity on the ISS Is Advancing Stem Cell & Space Medicine Research
From pioneering stem cell therapies to inspiring young minds with space-borne spiders and butterflies, this episode uncovers the magic of life science in orbit. Learn how microgravity research on the ISS is advancing healthcare, improving cancer treatments, and shaping the future of human spaceflight. 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 is Ms. Stefanie Countryman, the director of BioServe Space Technologies and a research associate with the Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace
Inside Valparaiso’s Student Satellite Program | Dr. Dan White
Discover how Valparaiso University is launching the next generation of space engineers. Professor Dan White shares how students build real satellites, join a global open-source ground station network, and turn childhood dreams into hands-on space exploration. Susan Wise: Hi, and welcome to the 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. Joining us is Dan White, a professor at Valparaiso University in electrical and computer engineering. He’s the director of the Wireless Research and Electronic Discovery Lab, which supports student special projects.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Aerospace Innovators: Kevin Simmons and the Aerospace and Innovation Academy
The future of aerospace depends on motivated, curious, and hands-on learners. On the latest episode of Stars Launch Pod: Space, Technology, and Research Sciences, host Susan Wise spoke with Kevin Simmons, founder of the Aerospace and Innovation Academy and advocate for youth-driven aerospace projects. Simmons shared insights about his career, student achievements, and how to nurture the next generation of space innovators. From STEM Researcher to Aerospace Educator Kevin Simmons began his career as a biochemist, working in industry and research. Circumstances in his personal life and professional transitions led him into education, where he realized his experience in
From a new flagship space telescope to lunar exploration, global cooperation – and competition – will make 2026 an exciting year for space
In 2026, astronauts will travel around the moon for the first time since the Apollo era, powerful new space telescopes will prepare to survey billions of galaxies, and multiple nations will launch missions aimed at finding habitable worlds, water on the moon and clues to how our solar system formed. Together, these launches will mark a turning point in how humanity studies the universe – and how nations cooperate and compete beyond Earth. Coming from one of the world's largest astrophysical research institutes, I can tell you, the anticipation across the global space science community is electric. Read Article
How Lunar Resources Will Power Space Exploration | ISRU, Artemis & Moon Missions
Dive into our conversation with space architect Dallas Bienhoff as he reveals how lunar resources, reusable landers, and next-gen technologies are paving the way for sustainable life on the Moon—and our journey to Mars. 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 joining us is Dallas Bienhoff. He is currently the Space Systems Architect at OffWorld Incorporated, where he is responsible for ensuring their space concepts have commonality, are synergistic, and are modular—whether they are surface or
Dr. Gabrielle Caswell & Spaceport Australia: Bio-Regenerative Habitats and Human Survival in Space
Join Dr. Gabrielle Caswell, founder of Spaceport Australia, as she shares how humans can thrive beyond Earth. Discover bio-regenerative habitats, sustainable space systems, and the science of adapting our biology for life on Mars, the Moon, and beyond. 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 joining us today is Dr. Gabrielle Caswell, an Australian space advocate and founder of Spaceport Australia, an independent research hub focusing on space health, human factors, and biological and technological