Small Steps, Giant Leaps
Tap into the experiences of NASA’s technical workforce as they develop missions to explore distant worlds—from the Moon to Mars, from Titan to Psyche. Learn how they advance technology to make aviation on Earth faster, quieter and more fuel efficient. Each biweekly episode celebrates program and project managers, engineers, scientists and thought leaders working on multiple fronts to advance aeronautics and space exploration in a bold new era of discovery. New episodes are released bi-weekly on Wednesdays.
EPISODE 129: ACCELERATING DISCOVERIES WITH OPEN SCIENCE
In this episode, Dr. Chelle Gentemann, Open Science Program Scientist for the Office of the Chief Science Data Officer, explains NASA’s initiative to make science more collaborative, accessible, and inclusive. Known as Transform to Open Science, or TOPS, the program encourages increased access to research and data. Read More
EPISODE 128: ENGINEERING INFLATABLE STRUCTURES FOR SPACE
How inflatable habitats moved from concept papers to the International Space Station, and what NASA is doing to eventually put one on the Moon. Read More
EPISODE 127: CHIEF PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICER
Dave Mitchell brings extensive experience as an engineer and project manager to a new position leading a small team with the broad mandate of improving acquisitions and program and project management across NASA. Read More
EPISODE 126: GATEWAY: THE LOGISTICS OF AN OUTPOST AT THE MOON
In this episode we’ll focus on Gateway, a small space station NASA is developing to place in orbit at the Moon. We’ll speak with Mark Wiese, who leads the team that will ensure Gateway will receive the cargo, equipment, and supplies it needs to support Artemis astronauts. Read More
EPISODE 125: CAPSTONE PROJECT: ARTEMIS I LESSONS LEARNED
Janet Karika, who retired recently from NASA after 43 years in the aerospace industry, shares career highlights and her approach to leading the Artemis I Lessons Learned process. Read More
EPISODE 124: THE GAME-CHANGING POTENTIAL OF IN-SPACE MANUFACTURING
Dive deep into the world of in-space manufacturing (ISM) with our guest, Zach Courtright, the In-Space Manufacturing Portfolio Manager at NASA. Zach shares his perspectives on cutting-edge advancements and collaborations in the field and the potential of the technology for game-changing impacts on space exploration and resource utilization. Read More
EPISODE 123: EXAMINING EARTH’S ATMOSPHERE WITH NASA’S PACE MISSION
Today, we look at NASA’s PACE mission, which seeks to unravel some of the mysteries of Earth’s atmosphere and the vital role played by aerosols and clouds. Join us as we delve into this fascinating journey with atmospheric scientist Dr. Kirk Knobelspiesse. Read More
EPISODE 122: CHARTING NEW HORIZONS: INSIDE NASA’S ORION MISSION
In this episode, we step behind the scenes of NASA's Orion project to explore the remarkable teamwork, leadership, and communication that drive this groundbreaking endeavor. Join us as we sit down with Stu McClung, the NASA Orion Test lead, to talk about the Orion mission and the human side of space exploration. Read More
EPISODE 121: THE ARTEMIS AND ETHICS REPORT EXPLAINED
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Zach Pirtle, a policy analyst for NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy and Strategy about NASA’s Artemis and Ethics workshop, which explored the ethical, legal, and societal implications of its Artemis and Moon to Mars missions. Read More