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
Mapping the Planet from Space: Insights from Earth Scientist Compton Tucker
On the latest episode of Stars Launch Pod: Space, Technology, and Research Sciences, we had the pleasure of speaking with Compton Tucker, an Earth scientist and academic who uses satellite data to study our planet. Tucker’s groundbreaking work combines remote sensing, high-performance computing, and ecological research to better understand trees, glaciers, and global photosynthesis. Using Satellite Data to Study Earth Compton Tucker specializes in analyzing satellite data to monitor global land photosynthesis, track glacier extent, and predict agricultural productivity. He explains, “Some of the datasets we use can also track infectious diseases because of associations with weather and climate.”
Inside Mars Exploration: A Conversation with Sergii Iakymov, Director of Mars Desert Research Station
The dream of exploring Mars is closer than ever, and we had the incredible opportunity to speak with Sergii Iakymov, aerospace engineer and director of the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS), on Stars Launch Pod: Space, Technology, and Research Sciences. Here’s a glimpse into his work, the challenges of space analog research, and what it takes to prepare humans for life on Mars. What Is the Mars Desert Research Station? Located in the remote deserts of Utah, the MDRS is a research facility designed to simulate the conditions of Mars. Sergii explains, “We conduct human factor research, geology studies,
Exploring the Future of Space Travel at the Colorado Air and Spaceport
The Colorado Air and Spaceport is taking aviation and space exploration to the next level, and we had the pleasure of speaking with Jeff Kloska, the facility’s Director, on the Stars Launch Pod: Space, Technology, and Research Sciences. Here’s a closer look at how this unique spaceport is shaping the future of aerospace. A Spaceport That’s Also an Airport At first glance, the Colorado Air and Spaceport might look like any other airport. “We’re a licensed general aviation airport and a reliever airport for the Denver region,” says Jeff Kloska. With over 500 based aircraft and 120,000 operations a
Send Your Name Around the Moon with NASA’s Artemis II Mission
Have you ever dreamed of going to space? What if you could send your name on a real space mission — even if you never put on a spacesuit? NASA’s “Send Your Name with Artemis” campaign gives you that chance. Through this free, global initiative, anyone — students, families, educators, and space enthusiasts around the world — can submit their name to be carried around the Moon aboard the upcoming Artemis II mission. What Is the Artemis Program? The Artemis program is NASA’s ambitious effort to return humans to the Moon and establish a long-term presence there — as
The Geologist, the Rover, and the Existential Question: Searching for Life on the Ancient Red Planet
The Detective Work in the Ancient Rock Record Dr. Williams is a professor in the geology department at the University of Florida. She holds a PhD, clarifying that she is a "doctor of course... and not the MD doctor" because, thankfully, she prefers rocks to blood. Her research centers on applying her knowledge of rocks and life to study how life is preserved in the ancient rock record on Earth. This is the foundation for her work in geobiology and astrobiology. Her primary focus with NASA is working directly with the data coming back from the Mars Rovers Curiosity