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Podcast Episode 148: Celebrating NASA’s Engineers

NASA engineers turn dreams into reality, solving complex challenges to push exploration forward. From landing rovers on Mars to advancing deep space missions, their ingenuity makes it all possible. This episode with Chief Engineer Joe Pellicciotti and Deputy Chief Engineer Katherine Van Hooser celebrates the innovation, dedication, and impact of NASA’s engineering community.

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The wall of this 3D printed aluminum rocket engine nozzle is actually hollow, filled with tiny channels that the cryogenic fuel flows through to cool the nozzle. Credit: NASA
February 2025 INSIGHT Now Available

Don’t miss the latest issue of INSIGHT, APPEL Knowledge Services’ online publication featuring our new podcast episodes, columns, articles, lessons learned and more. We invite you to read it today on our website.

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The sample return capsule from NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission shortly after touching down in the desert, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Utah. The sample sealed inside has surprised scientist who have only begun to analyze it. Credit: NASA/Keegan Barber
Historic OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Holds Surprises

The parent of Bennu was deep in the solar system, held many of the building blocks of life, and likely contained salty brines below the surface. 

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A 3D printer at a facility of NASA partner RPM Innovations additively manufactures a large-scale aerospike rocket engine nozzle using one of Elementum 3D’s specialized, 3D-printable aluminum alloys. Credit: RPM Innovations Inc.
NASA Technology Improves Life on Earth

Spinoff publication highlights innovations for space that improve everyday life for millions. 

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Podcast logo with a picture of the full moon. In front of the full moon is a silhouetted plane that had just taken off. Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
Podcast Episode 147: NASA Photography – Visual Storytelling

Ever wondered what it takes to capture NASA’s most breathtaking moments? From rocket launches to behind-the-scenes astronaut training, Bill Ingalls, senior contract photographer for NASA Headquarters has spent decades framing history through his lens. In this episode, we dive into his journey, how he and his team prepare for assignments, and the importance of visual storytelling.

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NASA Astronaut Bruce McCandless II reaches a maximum distance of about 100 yards from the Space Shuttle Challenger before reversing direction in his manned maneuvering unit (MMU) and returning to the spacecraft again and again during the nearly seven-hour untethered spacewalk. Credit: NASA
This Month in NASA History: Untethered Spacewalk Becomes a Reality

Long envisioned in science fiction, NASA’s Manned Maneuvering Unit was built to support critical tasks during the shuttle era.

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Podcast Episode 146: Space Medicine – Body and Mind

Research breakthroughs that keep astronauts healthy in space are also transforming medicine here at home. Dr. J.D. Polk, NASA’s chief health and medical officer, tells us what’s on the horizon in space medicine. 

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January 2025 INSIGHT Now Available

Don’t miss the latest issue of INSIGHT, APPEL Knowledge Services’ online publication featuring our new podcast episodes, columns, articles, lessons learned and more. We invite you to read it today on our website.

Read More
Artist concept of the Earth Return Orbiter (ERO)–one of the flight missions making up the Mars Sample Return campaign to bring martian rock and atmospheric samples back to Earth. This European Space Agency (ESA) orbiter would be the first interplanetary spacecraft to capture samples in orbit and make a return trip between Earth and Mars. Credits: NASA/ESA/JPL-Caltech/GSFC
NASA Exploring Mars Sample Return Architecture

Sky Crane landing, commercial options are being considered to return samples from Mars to Earth.

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