This week has been BUSY with activity in Low Earth Orbit on the Space Station! This episode is a recap from our LIVE Hangout broadcast on social media during NASA's International Space Station Update. We hear from the new NASA Administrator (Jared Isaacman), the Associate Administrator (Amit Kshatriya), and the Chief Space Medical Officer (Dr. James D. Polk) as they answer questions from NASA HQ in Washington, D.C. as the ISS operation teams at JSC in Houston were prepping Crew 11 to come home.

Hear my thoughts at the start and close - this conference was really good and a sign of the kind of leadership Jared Isaacman is bringing to NASA. One major takeaway, aside from wishing the now stable Astronaut gets home safetly, is that NASA really has a good head on it's shoulders. There is a lot of work to do - but in this I feel confident there are good winds of change under NASA's wings. Looking forward to the rest of 2026!

#SpaceMedicine #NASA #SpaceSafety #HumanSpaceflight #TodayInSpace

Timestamps:

00:00 ISS Update and Initial Reactions

02:04 Background and Initial Information

08:04 NASA's Response and Transparency

08:28 Details of the Medical Incident

09:56 Q&A Session with NASA Officials

13:23 Further Questions and Clarifications

19:20 Crew's Training and Medical Capabilities

32:10 Impact on ISS Operations and Future Missions

50:19 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Support the podcast:

• Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

• Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com

• Donate at todayinspace.net

🚀 In this full-length episode of Today In Space, Chuck Dorn — former NASA official and COO of SolaMed Solutions — takes us deep into the world of space medicine. We discuss:

• What it takes to keep astronauts alive during long-duration missions
• The challenges of medical care in microgravity
• Ethical questions like "Who should fly to space?"
• How telemedicine and remote care will shape commercial space travel
• The role of standards and safety protocols for future space exploration

If you're curious about the human side of spaceflight, this is a must-watch episode.

📌 Join the conversation and subscribe for more space insights!

#SpaceMedicine #NASA #SpaceSafety #HumanSpaceflight #TodayInSpace

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Background of Chuck Dorn

05:04 Chuck's Journey to NASA and Early Career

07:06 Development of Telemedicine and Remote Healthcare

14:15 Challenges and Ethical Considerations in Space Exploration

17:04 Impact of Space Exploration on Public Health and Society

18:32 The Role of Private Companies in Space Exploration

20:26 Importance of Crew Protection in Space

01:15:25 Challenges of Medical Equipment in Space & Lessons from Past Missions

01:23:21 Impact of Federal Government Changes on Space Exploration

01:28:58 Personal Reflections and Future of Space Exploration

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Support the podcast:

• Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

• Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com

• Donate at todayinspace.net

This week, we talk with the Director of Global Affairs at SolaMed Solutions - Dr. Michelle Hailey. We learn about her origin story of entering the space industry, meeting Dr. Saralyn Mark, and diving into this space industry of ours on Earth. We learn about space culture, international partnership, and another non-traditional pathway to entering the Space Workforce. So buckle up - and get ready for another episode of Today In Space and a People of Space segment with Dr. Michelle Hailey.

Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas - let's dive in!

Timestamps:

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Support the podcast:

• Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

• Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com

• Donate at todayinspace.net

In this episode, Alex uses a scientific approach to combat the emotional rollercoaster this past week has been since Mr. Musk has confirmed SpaceX is going Public! The Space Conundrum strikes again - and it's leaving many to wonder: Why Now? Listen to this episode if you'd like to learn more and explore:

• What is Elon Musk Thinking, taking SpaceX from an independent private company and trading it on the US stock exchange?
• What does an IPO mean for SpaceX?
• Does this mean "SpaceX's Mission to Mars" is over?
• What are the upsides to SpaceX going public?

We're going to give our answer to all of those questions and I'll share my thoughts on this major piece of news. Just another day in the Space Conundrum - but it definitely wasn't on my 2025 or 2026 space bingo card. By the end of the video - we want to hear from YOU! What do you think?? Are you excited? Scared?? Or Both??!!

We'd love to hear what you think in the comments or by emailing us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com. Make sure to follow us on social media - you can find links to everything by going to stan.store/ag3dlabs.

Links & Resources:

• Eric Berger Article on SpaceX IPO Announcement https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/12/after-years-of-resisting-it-spacex-now-plans-to-go-public-why/
• Harvard Linked Study on % of Success for Repeat Entrepreneurs https://www.newyorkfed.org/medialibrary/media/research/economists/kovner/performance_persistence.pdf

Timestamps:

00:00 SpaceX Going Public: Initial Reactions and Concerns

03:40 Potential Impact on SpaceX's Mission and NASA's History as A Lesson

06:31 Tesla's Success and SpaceX's Potential IPO

09:59 SpaceX's Strengths and Advantages

13:10 The AI Race and SpaceX's Future

18:39 Let us know what YOU think!

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Support the podcast:

• Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

• Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com

• Donate at todayinspace.net

Jared Isaacman, previously chosen as the President's pick for NASA Administrator in March 2025, faced the Senate committee hearing AGAIN to discuss his qualifications and potential conflicts of interest before leading the American Space Program. The past year of delay was due to political nonsense, leaving NASA without leadership that whole time.

Mr. Isaacman is an entrepreneur, 2 mission astronaut commander, philanthropist, and father who has a unique leadership style. He returned to the Senate Committee sharper than ever! We listen in on the live Senate Committee meeting for some Q&A and talk about the state of NASA. Not to mention, how much NASA is in need of clear leadership and direction after almost a year of delay.

Today In Space is PRO-Jared! Go get 'em Rook! As of December 9th, 2025 - Mr. Isaacman has passed the Senate Committee and is on to full Senate Vote! Enjoy this bit of LIVE hangout from the past week

We'd love to hear what you think in the comments or by emailing us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com. Make sure to follow us on social media - you can find links to everything by going to stan.store/ag3dlabs.

Timestamps:
00:00 Jared Isaacman's Nomination and Background
01:58 Senate Committee Hearing: Jared Isaacman's Testimony
03:36 Political Influence on Economic Data
06:38 Critical Mineral Supply Chain and Defense Industrial Base
11:12 Elon Musk and Financial Ties
18:01 NASA's Role in Supersonic Flight and Space Diplomacy
22:01 Support for Science and Earth Observation Data
26:18 Agriculture Data and Space Medicine
29:41 Access to NASA Data for Researchers w/ Private Partners?
32:53 Digital Trade and Cross-Border Data Flows

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Support the podcast:

• Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com

• Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com

• Donate at todayinspace.net

We went live for the NASA broadcast of the release of images of the Interplanetary "comet" 3I-Atlas, which was delayed due to the government shutdown. As the cultural curiosity surrounding 3I-ATLAS went viral during the poorly timed government shutdown, it was a unique opportunity for NASA to do what it does best. Share data and spend a little more time with the actual experts to explore that curiosity and dig deeper into what we found.

Unfortunately, it feels as though the government shutdown and funding cuts proposed by the current President's cabinet was more of an influence on this 3I-ATLAS review than curiosity was. If you wanted to know how I feel about this you can rewatch it live.

Two major themes for me:
- Don't be an intellectual bully. There are curious people out there who are not trolling you (NASA). Talk to those people without demeaning their curiosity
- The definition of a "Comet" is vague and outdated. Just like Pluto needed to be reclassified as a dwarf planet, we need a better term for these icy objects.

Would love to know what you think! Let us know in the comments below or email us at todayinspacepodcast @ gmail.com

Timestamps:
00:00 Initial Thoughts before NASA's Image Reveal Event
04:31 Some Context and Observations of 3I Atlas
11:45 Q&A Session with Press and Scientific Insights
14:01 Alien Hypothesis and Scientific Evidence
36:07 Scientific Goals and Future Observations
36:20 Processing and Release of Images
39:06 Orbital Dynamics and Non-Gravitational Accelerations
39:24 Public Engagement and Citizen Science
40:00 Alex's Final Thoughts on the definition of a "comet" and power of science communication

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Support the podcast:

• Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com

• Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com

• Donate at todayinspace.net

We were LIVE hanging out for the 2nd launch of Blue Origin's New Glenn - this episode is a compilation of the best moments from launch, including the audio and sounds of launch, landing, and pure success from Team Blue.

Make sure to follow us online and hang out in the chat in the future! Come hang, Ask questions, and let's all learn more and have a blast watching the Next Space Culture Moment LIVE

Are you a big New Glenn or Blue Origin Fan? Check out our Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

Timestamps:

00:00 New Glenn Launch and Blue Origin's Achievements

02:25 Live Stream and Launch Preparations

03:27 NASA's ESCAPADE Mission and Its Importance

08:55 Challenges and Significance of the Launch

10:51 Countdown and Launch Sequence

23:44 Post-Launch Updates and Analysis

24:58 Blue Origin's Future and Reusability

31:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Support the podcast:

• Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com

• Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com

• Donate at todayinspace.net

We are joined by experts from Xometry, a company that many engineer's have grabbed instant quotes & custom parts on demand with CNC machining, 3D printing, and more. This week, we are joined by Mike Cavalieri and Greg Paulsen - both leaders at Xometry. Our guests are experts in rapid prototyping to full production and have helped big Space Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, NASA, and more when they need a reliable machine shop to make parts for space applications.

We discuss their origin stories, how 3D Printing can be helpful in Space applications, and what kinds of parts have been made for Aerospace. While they can't get too into the specifics, we get a great deep dive into how Xometry plays a big role in helping customers find unique advantages with 3D printing.

We also discuss big topics like Manufacturing in America, and how platforms like Xometry can help skilled machine shops in the US find customers using their powerful tools and data. When AI is combined with their skilled experts in many manufacturing methods, you get a powerful web of part makers and consumers that can help fill the gap on the feast or famine that is manufacturing.

Please check out https://www.xometry.com/ to learn more

Thank you to both Mike & Greg for joining us and sharing so much with us about what it takes to make parts for Aerospace in 3D printing but also many other traditional techniques.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Origin Stories
03:58 Challenges in 3D Printing and Prototyping
09:17 Global Operations and Time Zone Management
11:31 Additive Manufacturing in Space Applications
16:15 Assisting US Machine Shops, Vetting Suppliers, and Quality Control
30:22 More Applications for 3D Printing In Space
47:53 Digital Manufacturing and Marketplace Dynamics
48:46 Education and Training in Manufacturing
50:41 Future of Additive Manufacturing and AI

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

Support the podcast:

• Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com

• Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com

• Donate at todayinspace.net