https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-stories--7290100
Each episode reconstructs one true mission in full, cinematic detail: the astronauts strapped above millions of pounds of fuel, the engineers guessing in the dark, the countdown that could not be stopped, the decision made with seconds to spare. There is no host chatting between clips and no panel debating theories. Just one complete story, narrated start to finish, built from mission transcripts, flight logs, and the testimony of the people who were there when the space stories turned real.

You will ride through launches that nearly ended in disaster and spacewalks where a jammed lever stood between a crew and survival. You will hear space stories about capsules leaking air in orbit, robotic arms gripping dying stations, and landings that came down to brakes, luck, and nerve. Some episodes follow a single astronaut through the worst hour of their life; others trace an entire program to the edge of collapse. All of them treat space exploration as what it really is: human beings improvising at the edge of the possible.

If you are drawn to space stories that read like slow-burning thrillers, this is built for you. New episodes drop regularly, each one a self-contained descent into a mission, a malfunction, or a rescue worth remembering. Subscribe now so the next of these space stories lands the moment it goes live, and start with the one already waiting for you.]]>enScience FictionCopyright OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENThttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6a2a3db447635e94aae70c85e2d9b18b.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-stories--7290100Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:46:15 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTOBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTcreators@obomedia.comSpace stories rarely begin with the launch. They begin hours earlier, in a quiet control room where a needle twitches the wrong way, in a bolt that refuses to turn during a spacewalk, in a fuel reading nobody wants to say out loud. This show lives in...
Each episode reconstructs one true mission in full, cinematic detail: the astronauts strapped above millions of pounds of fuel, the engineers guessing in the dark, the countdown that could not be stopped, the decision made with seconds to spare. There is no host chatting between clips and no panel debating theories. Just one complete story, narrated start to finish, built from mission transcripts, flight logs, and the testimony of the people who were there when the space stories turned real.

You will ride through launches that nearly ended in disaster and spacewalks where a jammed lever stood between a crew and survival. You will hear space stories about capsules leaking air in orbit, robotic arms gripping dying stations, and landings that came down to brakes, luck, and nerve. Some episodes follow a single astronaut through the worst hour of their life; others trace an entire program to the edge of collapse. All of them treat space exploration as what it really is: human beings improvising at the edge of the possible.

If you are drawn to space stories that read like slow-burning thrillers, this is built for you. New episodes drop regularly, each one a self-contained descent into a mission, a malfunction, or a rescue worth remembering. Subscribe now so the next of these space stories lands the moment it goes live, and start with the one already waiting for you.]]>false9296bf80-d38d-5a29-9781-e5413c428cc4episodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-failed-mdm-stopped-responding-and-forced-a-suitless-clock-outside--74842453
The failed MDM stopped responding and forced a suitless clock outside

This episode details the silent failure of a multiplexer-demultiplexer (MDM) aboard the International Space Station and the subsequent spacewalk required to replace it. It explores the career of astronaut Richard Alan Mastracchio, whose extensive experience prepared him for such a critical moment.

Date: April 11, 2014
Location: International Space Station
Person: Richard Alan Mastracchio
Device: Multiplexer-demultiplexer (MDM)

- A backup multiplexer-demultiplexer (MDM) on the International Space Station failed silently, prompting engineers on the ground to recognize the problem through routine testing.
- The MDM is crucial for routing commands between computers and mechanical systems, including life support and power distribution.
- Astronaut Richard Alan Mastracchio, with 174 days on the station, was one of two astronauts tasked with replacing the failed component.
- Mastracchio spent 32 years building, testing, and writing contingency plans for system failures before his first spacewalk.
- His career included working on inertial measurement units, flight control computers, shuttle flight software, and abort procedures, specializing in ascent and entry phases of spaceflight.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842453Mon, 07 Sep 2026 11:00:02 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA critical backup system on the International Space Station fails, leaving only the primary. Two astronauts must perform a spacewalk to replace it. The failed MDM stopped responding and forced a suitless clock outside This episode details the...
The failed MDM stopped responding and forced a suitless clock outside

This episode details the silent failure of a multiplexer-demultiplexer (MDM) aboard the International Space Station and the subsequent spacewalk required to replace it. It explores the career of astronaut Richard Alan Mastracchio, whose extensive experience prepared him for such a critical moment.

Date: April 11, 2014
Location: International Space Station
Person: Richard Alan Mastracchio
Device: Multiplexer-demultiplexer (MDM)

- A backup multiplexer-demultiplexer (MDM) on the International Space Station failed silently, prompting engineers on the ground to recognize the problem through routine testing.
- The MDM is crucial for routing commands between computers and mechanical systems, including life support and power distribution.
- Astronaut Richard Alan Mastracchio, with 174 days on the station, was one of two astronauts tasked with replacing the failed component.
- Mastracchio spent 32 years building, testing, and writing contingency plans for system failures before his first spacewalk.
- His career included working on inertial measurement units, flight control computers, shuttle flight software, and abort procedures, specializing in ascent and entry phases of spaceflight.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1198falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-foam-chunk-that-pierced-columbia-s-wing-drained-their-forty-three-minutes--74842449
The foam chunk that pierced Columbia's wing drained their forty‑three minutes

In this episode, we follow the moments and decisions leading up to a reentry that was supposed to be routine. The episode traces the role Charles Hobaugh played at Mission Control and the long, specific path that put him at the console when silence answered his radio - could the earlier choices have changed what came next?

Person: Charles Hobaugh
Date: February 1, 2003
Event: UHF comm check at 08:59 during STS-107 reentry
Issue: Foam strike to Columbia's left wing during launch
Duration: Shuttle in orbit for sixteen days, landing scheduled in forty‑three minutes

- Hobaugh served as CAPCOM, the single human voice designated to speak to the crew during critical phases.
- During liftoff a piece of external tank foam struck Columbia’s left wing; the impact was captured on camera and noted internally.
- The foam strike raised a reentry risk question inside NASA that, per investigation records, was not resolved with urgent action.
- The crew continued their 16‑day science mission unaware of damage to the thermal protection system on the left wing.
- Hobaugh had a decades‑long career-Naval Academy, Marine aviator, test pilot, astronaut-building the training and composure that placed him at that console that morning.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842449Sun, 06 Sep 2026 11:00:02 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA CAPCOM in Houston calls for a UHF comm check as Columbia reenters - did he get an answer in time? The foam chunk that pierced Columbia's wing drained their forty‑three minutes In this episode, we follow the moments and decisions leading up to...
The foam chunk that pierced Columbia's wing drained their forty‑three minutes

In this episode, we follow the moments and decisions leading up to a reentry that was supposed to be routine. The episode traces the role Charles Hobaugh played at Mission Control and the long, specific path that put him at the console when silence answered his radio - could the earlier choices have changed what came next?

Person: Charles Hobaugh
Date: February 1, 2003
Event: UHF comm check at 08:59 during STS-107 reentry
Issue: Foam strike to Columbia's left wing during launch
Duration: Shuttle in orbit for sixteen days, landing scheduled in forty‑three minutes

- Hobaugh served as CAPCOM, the single human voice designated to speak to the crew during critical phases.
- During liftoff a piece of external tank foam struck Columbia’s left wing; the impact was captured on camera and noted internally.
- The foam strike raised a reentry risk question inside NASA that, per investigation records, was not resolved with urgent action.
- The crew continued their 16‑day science mission unaware of damage to the thermal protection system on the left wing.
- Hobaugh had a decades‑long career-Naval Academy, Marine aviator, test pilot, astronaut-building the training and composure that placed him at that console that morning.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1200falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-hatch-that-sealed-discovery-s-last-flight-started-a-two-minute-countdown--74842445
The hatch that sealed Discovery's last flight started a two‑minute countdown

In this episode, we follow the moments that link Alvin Drew's childhood dream to a spacewalk aboard Discovery, and the unseen arithmetic that made his mission uniquely timed. The narrative traces his training, the shuttle's final launch, and the ticking clock that begins when the hatch closes-what happens next demands the listener's attention.

Person: Alvin Drew
Date: February 28, 2011
Event: Spacewalk marking the 200th human EVA
Location: Space Shuttle Discovery / International Space Station
Mission: STS-133

- Alvin Drew grew up watching Apollo 7 and pursued physics and astronautical engineering to become an astronaut.
- He logged time in combat search and rescue and flew thirty different types of aircraft before selection.
- Selected to NASA in 2000 (Group 18), he waited seven years through training cycles and served as CAPCOM.
- Discovery launched STS-133 on February 24, 2011; it was the orbiter’s thirty-eighth and final flight.
- On February 28, 2011, Drew and Steve Bowen exited the Quest airlock for a scheduled spacewalk as a two-minute countdown began.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842445Sat, 05 Sep 2026 11:00:02 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA Space Shuttle hatch seals on Discovery's final flight as astronaut Alvin Drew steps into history-will the two‑minute countdown end in time? The hatch that sealed Discovery's last flight started a two‑minute countdown In this episode, we follow...
The hatch that sealed Discovery's last flight started a two‑minute countdown

In this episode, we follow the moments that link Alvin Drew's childhood dream to a spacewalk aboard Discovery, and the unseen arithmetic that made his mission uniquely timed. The narrative traces his training, the shuttle's final launch, and the ticking clock that begins when the hatch closes-what happens next demands the listener's attention.

Person: Alvin Drew
Date: February 28, 2011
Event: Spacewalk marking the 200th human EVA
Location: Space Shuttle Discovery / International Space Station
Mission: STS-133

- Alvin Drew grew up watching Apollo 7 and pursued physics and astronautical engineering to become an astronaut.
- He logged time in combat search and rescue and flew thirty different types of aircraft before selection.
- Selected to NASA in 2000 (Group 18), he waited seven years through training cycles and served as CAPCOM.
- Discovery launched STS-133 on February 24, 2011; it was the orbiter’s thirty-eighth and final flight.
- On February 28, 2011, Drew and Steve Bowen exited the Quest airlock for a scheduled spacewalk as a two-minute countdown began.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1001falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-darkness-outside-the-windows-denied-their-horizon-did-they-make-it--74842442
The darkness outside the windows denied their horizon - did they make it?

This episode explores the first night launch of the Space Shuttle program, focusing on the journey of one astronaut and the unique challenges of a pre-dawn ascent into space. It delves into the preparation and circumstances that led to this historic moment.

Date: August 30, 1983
Vehicle: Space Shuttle Challenger
Mission: STS-8
Astronaut: Guion Stewart Bluford Jr.
Launch Condition: First night launch in Space Shuttle program history

- Guion Stewart Bluford Jr. was the first African American to reach space.
- The launch window was chosen for orbital mechanics, requiring a pre-dawn liftoff.
- Bluford had logged over 5,200 hours in jet aircraft, including combat sorties in Vietnam.
- He held a doctorate in aerospace engineering with a minor in laser physics.
- NASA's Group Eight astronaut class, which Bluford joined, was recruited with the help of Nichelle Nichols from Star Trek.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842442Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:00:03 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTAt two minutes past midnight, the Space Shuttle Challenger launches into the first night in program history, carrying a payload and a secret. The darkness outside the windows denied their horizon - did they make it? This episode explores the...
The darkness outside the windows denied their horizon - did they make it?

This episode explores the first night launch of the Space Shuttle program, focusing on the journey of one astronaut and the unique challenges of a pre-dawn ascent into space. It delves into the preparation and circumstances that led to this historic moment.

Date: August 30, 1983
Vehicle: Space Shuttle Challenger
Mission: STS-8
Astronaut: Guion Stewart Bluford Jr.
Launch Condition: First night launch in Space Shuttle program history

- Guion Stewart Bluford Jr. was the first African American to reach space.
- The launch window was chosen for orbital mechanics, requiring a pre-dawn liftoff.
- Bluford had logged over 5,200 hours in jet aircraft, including combat sorties in Vietnam.
- He held a doctorate in aerospace engineering with a minor in laser physics.
- NASA's Group Eight astronaut class, which Bluford joined, was recruited with the help of Nichelle Nichols from Star Trek.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1275falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-lost-fuel-that-drained-their-chances-of-getting-home--74842440
The Lost Fuel That Drained Their Chances of Getting Home

This episode explores the Gemini Ten mission, detailing the complex challenges and critical decisions made by the crew. It highlights the constraints they faced and the ingenuity required to navigate an unprecedented spaceflight.

Person: Michael Collins
Date: July 1966
Mission: Gemini Ten
Altitude: 412 nautical miles
Fuel Status: 60% maneuvering fuel depleted

- Michael Collins watched a $10,000 camera tumble away from his spacecraft, unable to retrieve it.
- The Gemini Ten mission aimed to achieve the first double orbital rendezvous and an independent spacewalk.
- Commander John Young and pilot Michael Collins were assigned to the mission, with Collins performing the spacewalk.
- The plan involved docking with two different Agena target vehicles, one of which was a silent, derelict spacecraft.
- Early engine burns consumed 60% of the capsule's maneuvering fuel, impacting all subsequent mission decisions.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842440Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:00:02 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA spaceflight crew attempts the first double rendezvous in orbit, but a critical fuel shortage and a silent target threaten their return to Earth. The Lost Fuel That Drained Their Chances of Getting Home This episode explores the Gemini Ten...
The Lost Fuel That Drained Their Chances of Getting Home

This episode explores the Gemini Ten mission, detailing the complex challenges and critical decisions made by the crew. It highlights the constraints they faced and the ingenuity required to navigate an unprecedented spaceflight.

Person: Michael Collins
Date: July 1966
Mission: Gemini Ten
Altitude: 412 nautical miles
Fuel Status: 60% maneuvering fuel depleted

- Michael Collins watched a $10,000 camera tumble away from his spacecraft, unable to retrieve it.
- The Gemini Ten mission aimed to achieve the first double orbital rendezvous and an independent spacewalk.
- Commander John Young and pilot Michael Collins were assigned to the mission, with Collins performing the spacewalk.
- The plan involved docking with two different Agena target vehicles, one of which was a silent, derelict spacecraft.
- Early engine burns consumed 60% of the capsule's maneuvering fuel, impacting all subsequent mission decisions.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1080falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-thermostat-switch-welded-shut-and-boiled-the-oxygen-would-they-make-it--74842438
The thermostat switch welded shut and boiled the oxygen-would they make it?

In this episode, we follow the hours after a bang echoed through the hull of the spacecraft Odyssey as it raced toward the Moon, threatening every drop of breathable oxygen aboard. The story traces the technical choices, damaged systems, and decisions that set the crew on a knife-edge: could they avert catastrophe before the air ran out?

Person: James Lovell
Event: Oxygen tank explosion on Apollo 13
Date: April 13, 1970, 9:55 p.m. Houston time
Location: 205,947 miles from Earth
Cause: Thermostat switch rated 28V welded under 65V heater purge

- Engineers chose to purge Tank Two with internal heaters rather than replace it, avoiding a ~one month launch delay.
- The thermostat switch in Tank Two was rated for 28 volts, but ground support purge ran at 65 volts and welded the switch shut.
- Overheating during an eight-hour heater purge boiled oxygen and burned Teflon insulation on copper wiring inside Tank Two.
- Two days after launch, a routine tank-stir maneuver sparked across damaged wiring, ignited oxygen, and ruptured Tank Two.
- With oxygen leaking and fuel cells losing power, the command module faced no power, no heat, and no navigation while the Moon loomed two days away.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842438Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:21:48 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENT205,000 miles from Earth, the Odyssey suffers an explosion that begins boiling its oxygen-will they make it in time to save the crew? The thermostat switch welded shut and boiled the oxygen-would they make it? In this episode, we follow the...
The thermostat switch welded shut and boiled the oxygen-would they make it?

In this episode, we follow the hours after a bang echoed through the hull of the spacecraft Odyssey as it raced toward the Moon, threatening every drop of breathable oxygen aboard. The story traces the technical choices, damaged systems, and decisions that set the crew on a knife-edge: could they avert catastrophe before the air ran out?

Person: James Lovell
Event: Oxygen tank explosion on Apollo 13
Date: April 13, 1970, 9:55 p.m. Houston time
Location: 205,947 miles from Earth
Cause: Thermostat switch rated 28V welded under 65V heater purge

- Engineers chose to purge Tank Two with internal heaters rather than replace it, avoiding a ~one month launch delay.
- The thermostat switch in Tank Two was rated for 28 volts, but ground support purge ran at 65 volts and welded the switch shut.
- Overheating during an eight-hour heater purge boiled oxygen and burned Teflon insulation on copper wiring inside Tank Two.
- Two days after launch, a routine tank-stir maneuver sparked across damaged wiring, ignited oxygen, and ruptured Tank Two.
- With oxygen leaking and fuel cells losing power, the command module faced no power, no heat, and no navigation while the Moon loomed two days away.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1124falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-budget-line-that-erased-his-launch-clock-did-he-make-it--74842436
The budget line that erased his launch clock - did he make it?

In this episode, we follow Richard F. Gordon Jr.'s path from naval aviator and test pilot to Gemini and Apollo astronaut, and trace the career arithmetic that led to a cancelled lunar command. What happens when mission rotation, merit and politics collide with a federal appropriation?

Person: Richard Francis Gordon Jr.
Date: Born October 5, 1929; NASA selected October 1963; Apollo Twelve November 1969; Apollo cancellations announced September 1970
Location: Poulsbo, Washington; lunar orbit aboard Apollo spacecraft
Event: Orbited the Moon 45 times; Apollo 18 cancellation due to budget cuts
Role: Command module pilot on Apollo Twelve; designated commander for Apollo 18

- Grew up in Poulsbo, worked through Boy Scouts to Star Scout and studied chemistry at the University of Washington
- Became a Navy test pilot, graduated Patuxent River Test Pilot School in 1957 and helped develop the F-4 Phantom II
- Set a transcontinental speed record flying the Phantom from Los Angeles to New York in 2 hours 47 minutes
- Joined NASA in 1963 as part of the third astronaut group, later flew Gemini XI and performed two EVAs as command pilot
- Flew Apollo Twelve as command module pilot, completing 45 lunar orbits while his crewmates walked on the surface, then lost a command slot when Apollo 18 was cut by budget decisions

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842436Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:21:44 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTRichard Gordon, orbiting the Moon, watched the surface below - a single budget line erased the launch clock for his mission: did he make it in time? The budget line that erased his launch clock - did he make it? In this episode, we follow...
The budget line that erased his launch clock - did he make it?

In this episode, we follow Richard F. Gordon Jr.'s path from naval aviator and test pilot to Gemini and Apollo astronaut, and trace the career arithmetic that led to a cancelled lunar command. What happens when mission rotation, merit and politics collide with a federal appropriation?

Person: Richard Francis Gordon Jr.
Date: Born October 5, 1929; NASA selected October 1963; Apollo Twelve November 1969; Apollo cancellations announced September 1970
Location: Poulsbo, Washington; lunar orbit aboard Apollo spacecraft
Event: Orbited the Moon 45 times; Apollo 18 cancellation due to budget cuts
Role: Command module pilot on Apollo Twelve; designated commander for Apollo 18

- Grew up in Poulsbo, worked through Boy Scouts to Star Scout and studied chemistry at the University of Washington
- Became a Navy test pilot, graduated Patuxent River Test Pilot School in 1957 and helped develop the F-4 Phantom II
- Set a transcontinental speed record flying the Phantom from Los Angeles to New York in 2 hours 47 minutes
- Joined NASA in 1963 as part of the third astronaut group, later flew Gemini XI and performed two EVAs as command pilot
- Flew Apollo Twelve as command module pilot, completing 45 lunar orbits while his crewmates walked on the surface, then lost a command slot when Apollo 18 was cut by budget decisions

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1016falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-inspection-sphere-floated-free-would-they-open-the-only-hatch-in-time--74842433
The inspection sphere floated free - would they open the only hatch in time

This episode explores the intricate preparations and unexpected challenges faced by Space Shuttle Columbia's STS-87 mission, highlighting the critical role of a free-flying satellite and the long-standing difficulty of spacewalks on this particular orbiter.

Spacecraft: Space Shuttle Columbia
Mission: STS-87
Date: November 1997
Crew Size: 7
Experiments: Spartan 201, AERCam Sprint, MEPHISTO, ELF

- Columbia launched on its 24th mission, STS-87, in November 1997, carrying a crew of seven.
- Mission specialists Takao Doi and Winston Scott were scheduled for a spacewalk, a feat never before accomplished on Columbia despite two prior attempts.
- The mission included the deployment of Spartan 201, a solar physics satellite, designed to operate independently and be retrieved on a precise orbit.
- The AERCam Sprint, a basketball-sized inspection sphere, was tested for remote operation in the cargo bay.
- Spartan 201 was released on orbit 18, but its systems failed to respond as planned, complicating its scheduled retrieval on orbit 52.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842433Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:21:41 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA white sphere drifts from Space Shuttle Columbia, part of a mission to test remote inspection. But then, an unexpected object floats free, threatening the entire space operation. The inspection sphere floated free - would they open the only hatch...
The inspection sphere floated free - would they open the only hatch in time

This episode explores the intricate preparations and unexpected challenges faced by Space Shuttle Columbia's STS-87 mission, highlighting the critical role of a free-flying satellite and the long-standing difficulty of spacewalks on this particular orbiter.

Spacecraft: Space Shuttle Columbia
Mission: STS-87
Date: November 1997
Crew Size: 7
Experiments: Spartan 201, AERCam Sprint, MEPHISTO, ELF

- Columbia launched on its 24th mission, STS-87, in November 1997, carrying a crew of seven.
- Mission specialists Takao Doi and Winston Scott were scheduled for a spacewalk, a feat never before accomplished on Columbia despite two prior attempts.
- The mission included the deployment of Spartan 201, a solar physics satellite, designed to operate independently and be retrieved on a precise orbit.
- The AERCam Sprint, a basketball-sized inspection sphere, was tested for remote operation in the cargo bay.
- Spartan 201 was released on orbit 18, but its systems failed to respond as planned, complicating its scheduled retrieval on orbit 52.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1416falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-controller-unit-failed-and-six-seconds-decided-if-galileo-hit-senegal--74842428
The controller unit failed - and six seconds decided if Galileo hit Senegal

In this episode, we lay out the tense sequence of delays and split‑second decisions around STS-34’s October 18, 1989 launch. You’ll hear how hardware faults, weather at abort runways, and a six‑second deployment window put a nuclear‑powered Jupiter probe and a crew on a knife edge.

Date: October 18, 1989
Mission: STS-34
Spacecraft: Galileo (carrying two RTGs with plutonium dioxide)
Crew: Donald Williams; Michael McCulley; Shannon Lucid; Franklin Chang-Díaz; Ellen Baker
Abort site at risk: Senegal (civilian airport; transatlantic abort consideration)

- A faulty main engine controller on October 12 forced a component swap and the first launch scrub.
- Rain over Transatlantic Abort Landing runways on October 17 caused the second scrub and a one-day slip.
- At T‑minus five on October 18, Ben Guerir in Morocco reported rain and the primary abort site went unavailable.
- Mission control substituted Zaragoza, Spain from the backup list in seconds to keep the countdown running.
- Galileo’s deployment depended on a six‑second release window from Atlantis’ cargo bay to avoid an off‑trajectory reentry over Senegal.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842428Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:21:36 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTSix seconds to release a nuclear probe from Atlantis' cargo bay - if they missed it, disaster in Senegal. Did they make it in time? The controller unit failed - and six seconds decided if Galileo hit Senegal In this episode, we lay out the tense...
The controller unit failed - and six seconds decided if Galileo hit Senegal

In this episode, we lay out the tense sequence of delays and split‑second decisions around STS-34’s October 18, 1989 launch. You’ll hear how hardware faults, weather at abort runways, and a six‑second deployment window put a nuclear‑powered Jupiter probe and a crew on a knife edge.

Date: October 18, 1989
Mission: STS-34
Spacecraft: Galileo (carrying two RTGs with plutonium dioxide)
Crew: Donald Williams; Michael McCulley; Shannon Lucid; Franklin Chang-Díaz; Ellen Baker
Abort site at risk: Senegal (civilian airport; transatlantic abort consideration)

- A faulty main engine controller on October 12 forced a component swap and the first launch scrub.
- Rain over Transatlantic Abort Landing runways on October 17 caused the second scrub and a one-day slip.
- At T‑minus five on October 18, Ben Guerir in Morocco reported rain and the primary abort site went unavailable.
- Mission control substituted Zaragoza, Spain from the backup list in seconds to keep the countdown running.
- Galileo’s deployment depended on a six‑second release window from Atlantis’ cargo bay to avoid an off‑trajectory reentry over Senegal.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1208falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-missing-comet-forced-them-to-redirect-and-race-a-fifteen-day-window--74842425
The missing comet forced them to redirect and race a fifteen‑day window

In this episode, we follow the EPOXI team's scramble after their original target vanished and the decision to redirect the Deep Impact spacecraft toward comet 103P/Hartley. The episode traces the timing, orbital choices, and the risky fifteen‑day alignment that would determine whether the flyby could capture the comet at peak activity.

Person: Don Yeomans
Date: November 4, 2010
Location: Deep Space / Comet 103P/Hartley (close approach)
Event: Deep Impact probe repurposed for EPOXI flyby
Topic: Fifteen‑day alignment of Earth approach, perihelion, and spacecraft arrival

- The original target, Comet Boethin, was observed in 1986 but could not be relocated when needed, forcing a new plan.
- Mission planners had roughly seven hundred days to find a reachable replacement or lose the extended mission.
- The team selected 103P/Hartley, a 2.25‑km, extremely dark, hyperactive Jupiter‑family comet discovered at Siding Spring in 1986.
- Three critical dates converged in a fifteen‑day span: closest Earth approach (Oct 20), perihelion (Oct 28), and the scheduled flyby (Nov 4).
- Ground radar hinted at an elongated nucleus and telescopes showed jets erupting from the dark side, creating urgent unknowns for the approaching spacecraft.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842425Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:21:32 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA spacecraft racing a repurposed probe toward a two-kilometer comet has a fifteen-day window to catch it at perihelion - did they make it in time? The missing comet forced them to redirect and race a fifteen‑day window In this episode, we follow...
The missing comet forced them to redirect and race a fifteen‑day window

In this episode, we follow the EPOXI team's scramble after their original target vanished and the decision to redirect the Deep Impact spacecraft toward comet 103P/Hartley. The episode traces the timing, orbital choices, and the risky fifteen‑day alignment that would determine whether the flyby could capture the comet at peak activity.

Person: Don Yeomans
Date: November 4, 2010
Location: Deep Space / Comet 103P/Hartley (close approach)
Event: Deep Impact probe repurposed for EPOXI flyby
Topic: Fifteen‑day alignment of Earth approach, perihelion, and spacecraft arrival

- The original target, Comet Boethin, was observed in 1986 but could not be relocated when needed, forcing a new plan.
- Mission planners had roughly seven hundred days to find a reachable replacement or lose the extended mission.
- The team selected 103P/Hartley, a 2.25‑km, extremely dark, hyperactive Jupiter‑family comet discovered at Siding Spring in 1986.
- Three critical dates converged in a fifteen‑day span: closest Earth approach (Oct 20), perihelion (Oct 28), and the scheduled flyby (Nov 4).
- Ground radar hinted at an elongated nucleus and telescopes showed jets erupting from the dark side, creating urgent unknowns for the approaching spacecraft.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1133falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-star-30-motor-ignited-during-blackout-did-they-make-it--74842421
The STAR-30 motor ignited during blackout - did they make it?

This episode explores the CONTOUR mission, a NASA Discovery-class spacecraft designed to image comet nuclei. It delves into the advanced engineering meant to protect it from the harsh environment of space, and the unexpected event that led to its disappearance.

Mission: CONTOUR (Comet Nucleus Tour)
Launch Date: July 3, 2002
Disappearance Date: August 15, 2002
Investigation Status: Inconclusive
Motor Type: STAR-30 solid rocket motor

- CONTOUR was built to fly within 100 kilometers of three comet nuclei, returning the sharpest images ever taken.
- The spacecraft carried a 25-centimeter thick Whipple shield, engineered with four layers of ceramic fabric and seven layers of Kevlar, to survive particle impacts.
- Engineers tested the shield using a two-stage light-gas gun, firing surrogate particles at hypervelocities.
- The STAR-30 solid rocket motor was embedded in CONTOUR's structure and designed to fire on August 15, 2002, to inject the spacecraft into a heliocentric trajectory.
- The critical engine burn was scheduled to occur on the far side of Earth, out of contact with ground tracking stations, as a planned communication blackout.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842421Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:21:28 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTForty-three days into a NASA Discovery mission, a spacecraft vanishes during a planned engine burn, leaving behind three debris objects. The investigation points to an internal failure. The STAR-30 motor ignited during blackout - did they make it?...
The STAR-30 motor ignited during blackout - did they make it?

This episode explores the CONTOUR mission, a NASA Discovery-class spacecraft designed to image comet nuclei. It delves into the advanced engineering meant to protect it from the harsh environment of space, and the unexpected event that led to its disappearance.

Mission: CONTOUR (Comet Nucleus Tour)
Launch Date: July 3, 2002
Disappearance Date: August 15, 2002
Investigation Status: Inconclusive
Motor Type: STAR-30 solid rocket motor

- CONTOUR was built to fly within 100 kilometers of three comet nuclei, returning the sharpest images ever taken.
- The spacecraft carried a 25-centimeter thick Whipple shield, engineered with four layers of ceramic fabric and seven layers of Kevlar, to survive particle impacts.
- Engineers tested the shield using a two-stage light-gas gun, firing surrogate particles at hypervelocities.
- The STAR-30 solid rocket motor was embedded in CONTOUR's structure and designed to fire on August 15, 2002, to inject the spacecraft into a heliocentric trajectory.
- The critical engine burn was scheduled to occur on the far side of Earth, out of contact with ground tracking stations, as a planned communication blackout.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1261falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-forty-second-burn-that-proved-nerva-and-missed-mars-window--74842418
The forty-second burn that proved NERVA-and missed Mars' window

This episode explores the story of Project Rover, the United States' effort to build a nuclear thermal rocket engine, and the complex factors that led to its cancellation despite its success. It examines the journey from theoretical study to certified engine, and the political decisions that ultimately prevented its use.

Event: NERVA engine test
Date: January 28, 1969
Location: Jackass Flats, Nevada
Program: Project Rover
Cost: $1.4 billion

- Project Rover began in 1955 to determine if a nuclear reactor could heat hydrogen propellant for rocket thrust.
- The NERVA engine was designed to achieve twice the thrust efficiency of the best chemical rocket engines of its era.
- A 1957 budget cut for Project Rover was reversed after the Soviet Union launched Sputnik.
- Engineers at Jackass Flats built a specialized railroad for precision transport of rocket engines and a 76-meter-tall concrete structure for testing.
- The Kiwi series of test reactors, named after the flightless bird, pushed the limits of reactor performance, including a structural failure in 1964 that provided crucial data.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842418Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:21:24 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA nuclear rocket engine is certified for a human mission to Mars, but a political decision threatens to ground the nuclear propulsion program. The forty-second burn that proved NERVA-and missed Mars' window This episode explores the story of...
The forty-second burn that proved NERVA-and missed Mars' window

This episode explores the story of Project Rover, the United States' effort to build a nuclear thermal rocket engine, and the complex factors that led to its cancellation despite its success. It examines the journey from theoretical study to certified engine, and the political decisions that ultimately prevented its use.

Event: NERVA engine test
Date: January 28, 1969
Location: Jackass Flats, Nevada
Program: Project Rover
Cost: $1.4 billion

- Project Rover began in 1955 to determine if a nuclear reactor could heat hydrogen propellant for rocket thrust.
- The NERVA engine was designed to achieve twice the thrust efficiency of the best chemical rocket engines of its era.
- A 1957 budget cut for Project Rover was reversed after the Soviet Union launched Sputnik.
- Engineers at Jackass Flats built a specialized railroad for precision transport of rocket engines and a 76-meter-tall concrete structure for testing.
- The Kiwi series of test reactors, named after the flightless bird, pushed the limits of reactor performance, including a structural failure in 1964 that provided crucial data.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1210falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-warning-cone-widened-and-erased-their-seconds-to-spare--74842416
The warning cone widened and erased their seconds to spare

In this episode, we lay out how two objects in low Earth orbit arrived at the same point above the Taymyr Peninsula and what decisions and systems led up to that instant. We focus on the alert mechanics, tracking data, and thresholds that framed the choices - and the question remains: who decided not to maneuver?

Date: February 10, 2009
Location: Taymyr Peninsula, Siberia (altitude ~789 km)
Person: John Campbell
Object: Iridium 33 and Kosmos 2251
Source: CelesTrak tracking data

- Iridium 33 was an operational 560 kg communications satellite launched September 14, 1997, actively relaying voice and data on February 10, 2009.
- Kosmos 2251 was a 950 kg Russian Strela military satellite launched June 16, 1993, out of service since 1995 and drifting without propulsion or guidance.
- The U.S. Space Surveillance Network tracked Kosmos 2251 and included it in conjunction reports despite its status as a dead object.
- Iridium received roughly 400 conjunction notifications per week for approaches within five kilometers, each assessed against a one-in-50-million collision probability.
- CelesTrak calculated a miss distance of 584 meters for this conjunction, a value centered in a probability cone whose uncertainty for the dead satellite was larger than the margin separating the two spacecraft.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842416Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:21:20 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA functioning Iridium satellite and a long-dead Russian Kosmos converge above Siberia with collision warnings ignored-did they make it in time? The warning cone widened and erased their seconds to spare In this episode, we lay out how two...
The warning cone widened and erased their seconds to spare

In this episode, we lay out how two objects in low Earth orbit arrived at the same point above the Taymyr Peninsula and what decisions and systems led up to that instant. We focus on the alert mechanics, tracking data, and thresholds that framed the choices - and the question remains: who decided not to maneuver?

Date: February 10, 2009
Location: Taymyr Peninsula, Siberia (altitude ~789 km)
Person: John Campbell
Object: Iridium 33 and Kosmos 2251
Source: CelesTrak tracking data

- Iridium 33 was an operational 560 kg communications satellite launched September 14, 1997, actively relaying voice and data on February 10, 2009.
- Kosmos 2251 was a 950 kg Russian Strela military satellite launched June 16, 1993, out of service since 1995 and drifting without propulsion or guidance.
- The U.S. Space Surveillance Network tracked Kosmos 2251 and included it in conjunction reports despite its status as a dead object.
- Iridium received roughly 400 conjunction notifications per week for approaches within five kilometers, each assessed against a one-in-50-million collision probability.
- CelesTrak calculated a miss distance of 584 meters for this conjunction, a value centered in a probability cone whose uncertainty for the dead satellite was larger than the margin separating the two spacecraft.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1348falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-gloved-hand-that-slowed-a-tumbling-satellite-did-they-make-it--74842415
The gloved hand that slowed a tumbling satellite - did they make it?

In this episode, we follow the mission that sent astronauts to catch and repair the Solar Maximum Mission satellite, focusing on the people, training, and improvised choices that shaped the attempt. What did James van Hoften’s unusual path from hydraulic engineering and combat aviation bring to a crisis two hundred miles above Earth?

Person: James Dougal Adrianus van Hoften
Event: STS-41-C / Solar Maximum Mission repair
Date: April 1984
Location: Low Earth orbit (~200 miles)
Topic: EVA repair of a tumbling satellite

- Van Hoften’s early research focused on the hidden behavior of fluids in engineering systems, including artificial hearts.
- He served as a naval aviator, flying sixty combat missions in an F-4 Phantom during the Vietnam War.
- NASA selected him as an astronaut candidate in 1978; colleagues called him “Ox” for his build and demeanor.
- The mission plan relied on the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System and a Trunnion Pin Attachment Device to capture Solar Maximum.
- George Nelson’s initial attempts with the capture device failed and increased the satellite’s rotation, forcing improvised EVA decisions.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842415Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:21:16 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA gloved hand reaches from the shuttle and grabs a tumbling, school-bus-sized satellite - can a repair EVA and James van Hoften stop the spin in time? The gloved hand that slowed a tumbling satellite - did they make it? In this episode, we...
The gloved hand that slowed a tumbling satellite - did they make it?

In this episode, we follow the mission that sent astronauts to catch and repair the Solar Maximum Mission satellite, focusing on the people, training, and improvised choices that shaped the attempt. What did James van Hoften’s unusual path from hydraulic engineering and combat aviation bring to a crisis two hundred miles above Earth?

Person: James Dougal Adrianus van Hoften
Event: STS-41-C / Solar Maximum Mission repair
Date: April 1984
Location: Low Earth orbit (~200 miles)
Topic: EVA repair of a tumbling satellite

- Van Hoften’s early research focused on the hidden behavior of fluids in engineering systems, including artificial hearts.
- He served as a naval aviator, flying sixty combat missions in an F-4 Phantom during the Vietnam War.
- NASA selected him as an astronaut candidate in 1978; colleagues called him “Ox” for his build and demeanor.
- The mission plan relied on the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System and a Trunnion Pin Attachment Device to capture Solar Maximum.
- George Nelson’s initial attempts with the capture device failed and increased the satellite’s rotation, forcing improvised EVA decisions.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1316falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-twenty-kilos-of-film-crushed-him-and-a-grounded-shuttle-stole-their-ride--74842410
The twenty kilos of film crushed him - and a grounded shuttle stole their ride

In this episode, we follow Donald Pettit’s unplanned transition from engineer to long-duration crewmember and the choices that followed when the shuttle fleet was grounded. The story traces his improvised experiments, the decision to carry a heavy package into reentry, and the unanswered question that hangs over his descent.

Person: Donald Pettit
Date: 4 May 2003; 24 Nov 2002; 1 Feb 2003
Location: International Space Station; Kazakh steppe; Silverton, Oregon
Event: Shuttle Columbia disaster; shuttle fleet grounding; return aboard Soyuz
Topic: Saturday Morning Science; barn door tracker; twenty kilograms of scientific film

- Grew up in Silverton, Oregon, earned an Eagle Scout, and trained as a chemical engineer (BS 1978, PhD 1983)
- Spent twelve years at Los Alamos before NASA selection in 1996 and waited six years for his first mission
- Moved from backup to primary roles after crew medical changes and absorbed EVA responsibilities not originally assigned to him
- Filmed fluids experiments on station ("Saturday Morning Science") and built a barn door tracker from spare parts to capture long-exposure Earth images
- After Columbia’s breakup the shuttle fleet was grounded, extending Pettit’s mission and forcing a return via Soyuz, where he carried twenty kilograms of film taped to his chest

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842410Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:21:12 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA man straps twenty kilos of scientific film to his chest for a Soyuz reentry after the shuttle program is grounded-did they make it in time? The twenty kilos of film crushed him - and a grounded shuttle stole their ride In this episode, we...
The twenty kilos of film crushed him - and a grounded shuttle stole their ride

In this episode, we follow Donald Pettit’s unplanned transition from engineer to long-duration crewmember and the choices that followed when the shuttle fleet was grounded. The story traces his improvised experiments, the decision to carry a heavy package into reentry, and the unanswered question that hangs over his descent.

Person: Donald Pettit
Date: 4 May 2003; 24 Nov 2002; 1 Feb 2003
Location: International Space Station; Kazakh steppe; Silverton, Oregon
Event: Shuttle Columbia disaster; shuttle fleet grounding; return aboard Soyuz
Topic: Saturday Morning Science; barn door tracker; twenty kilograms of scientific film

- Grew up in Silverton, Oregon, earned an Eagle Scout, and trained as a chemical engineer (BS 1978, PhD 1983)
- Spent twelve years at Los Alamos before NASA selection in 1996 and waited six years for his first mission
- Moved from backup to primary roles after crew medical changes and absorbed EVA responsibilities not originally assigned to him
- Filmed fluids experiments on station ("Saturday Morning Science") and built a barn door tracker from spare parts to capture long-exposure Earth images
- After Columbia’s breakup the shuttle fleet was grounded, extending Pettit’s mission and forcing a return via Soyuz, where he carried twenty kilograms of film taped to his chest

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1318falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-73-seconds-that-erased-a-commander-s-flight--74842407
The 73 Seconds That Erased a Commander's Flight

This episode explores the career of Jon McBride, a highly skilled pilot and astronaut, leading up to a pivotal moment in space exploration history. It delves into the events that shaped his path and the unforeseen circumstances that altered his future.

Person: Jon McBride
Date: October 5, 1984
Location: Kennedy Space Center
Event: STS-41-G mission

- Jon McBride, born in Charleston, West Virginia, graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1960.
- He earned a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering and completed graduate work in human resource management.
- McBride completed 64 combat missions over Vietnam, earning three Air Medals and a Navy Commendation Medal with a Combat V.
- He performed over 600 carrier landings, described as controlled collisions with a moving steel deck.
- In January 1978, NASA selected McBride as an astronaut candidate, and he became a full astronaut in August 1979.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842407Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:21:08 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA veteran pilot is slated to command his first space shuttle mission, but a deferred decision puts his crew in jeopardy. The 73 Seconds That Erased a Commander's Flight This episode explores the career of Jon McBride, a highly skilled pilot and...
The 73 Seconds That Erased a Commander's Flight

This episode explores the career of Jon McBride, a highly skilled pilot and astronaut, leading up to a pivotal moment in space exploration history. It delves into the events that shaped his path and the unforeseen circumstances that altered his future.

Person: Jon McBride
Date: October 5, 1984
Location: Kennedy Space Center
Event: STS-41-G mission

- Jon McBride, born in Charleston, West Virginia, graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1960.
- He earned a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering and completed graduate work in human resource management.
- McBride completed 64 combat missions over Vietnam, earning three Air Medals and a Navy Commendation Medal with a Combat V.
- He performed over 600 carrier landings, described as controlled collisions with a moving steel deck.
- In January 1978, NASA selected McBride as an astronaut candidate, and he became a full astronaut in August 1979.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1188falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-remote-manipulator-arm-released-hubble-would-they-make-it-back-in-time--74842404
The Remote Manipulator Arm released Hubble - would they make it back in time

In this episode, we follow Steven Hawley from Kansas to the flight deck of Discovery as he prepares to use the shuttle’s Remote Manipulator System to deploy the Hubble Space Telescope. We lay out the mission’s stakes, the technical challenges, and the moments before the arm swings Hubble into orbit - but what happens after the release remains to be heard.

Person: Steven Hawley
Date: April 24-25, 1990
Event: Hubble Space Telescope deployment (STS-31)
Location: Space Shuttle Discovery at 380 miles altitude
System: Remote Manipulator System (50-foot robotic arm)

- Hawley, an astronomer turned astronaut, trained to handle precise measurements both on Earth and in orbit.
- Discovery suffered an abort at T‑0 on April 24; the crew launched successfully three days later.
- The Hubble telescope measured 43 feet and weighed 24,000 pounds when stowed in the payload bay.
- The deployment altitude, 380 miles, was higher than any prior shuttle mission and offered no rescue options.
- Hawley’s role was to lift Hubble with the Remote Manipulator System and release it into its planned orbit.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842404Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:21:04 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTAn astronaut aboard Discovery must use the shuttle’s robotic arm to lift the Hubble Telescope into space. Did they make it in time? The Remote Manipulator Arm released Hubble - would they make it back in time In this episode, we follow Steven...
The Remote Manipulator Arm released Hubble - would they make it back in time

In this episode, we follow Steven Hawley from Kansas to the flight deck of Discovery as he prepares to use the shuttle’s Remote Manipulator System to deploy the Hubble Space Telescope. We lay out the mission’s stakes, the technical challenges, and the moments before the arm swings Hubble into orbit - but what happens after the release remains to be heard.

Person: Steven Hawley
Date: April 24-25, 1990
Event: Hubble Space Telescope deployment (STS-31)
Location: Space Shuttle Discovery at 380 miles altitude
System: Remote Manipulator System (50-foot robotic arm)

- Hawley, an astronomer turned astronaut, trained to handle precise measurements both on Earth and in orbit.
- Discovery suffered an abort at T‑0 on April 24; the crew launched successfully three days later.
- The Hubble telescope measured 43 feet and weighed 24,000 pounds when stowed in the payload bay.
- The deployment altitude, 380 miles, was higher than any prior shuttle mission and offered no rescue options.
- Hawley’s role was to lift Hubble with the Remote Manipulator System and release it into its planned orbit.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1447falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-runrig-cd-that-survived-re-entry-sixteen-minutes-to-land--74842402
The Runrig CD that survived re-entry - sixteen minutes to land

This episode explores the final sixteen minutes of the Space Shuttle Columbia mission, focusing on mission specialist Laurel Clark and the unexpected survival of a personal item. It delves into the events leading up to the disaster and the unique path Clark took to space.

Date: February 1, 2003
Location: Texas and Louisiana border
Vehicle: Space Shuttle Columbia
Person: Laurel Blair Salton Clark
Mission: STS-107

- A Runrig album compact disc fell from the sky and landed intact in a debris field stretching over two thousand square miles.
- The Space Shuttle Columbia stopped transmitting sixteen minutes before its scheduled landing at Kennedy Space Center.
- Laurel Clark, a 41-year-old mission specialist, was on her first spaceflight aboard Columbia.
- Clark sent an email to her family from orbit two days before re-entry, describing her experiences and observations.
- NASA selected Clark in the 1996 astronaut class after a diverse career including medicine, Navy diving, and flight qualifications on over thirty aircraft.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842402Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:21:00 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA compact disc falls from the sky over the Texas-Louisiana border, landing intact in a debris field. The space shuttle it came from is gone. The Runrig CD that survived re-entry - sixteen minutes to land This episode explores the final sixteen...
The Runrig CD that survived re-entry - sixteen minutes to land

This episode explores the final sixteen minutes of the Space Shuttle Columbia mission, focusing on mission specialist Laurel Clark and the unexpected survival of a personal item. It delves into the events leading up to the disaster and the unique path Clark took to space.

Date: February 1, 2003
Location: Texas and Louisiana border
Vehicle: Space Shuttle Columbia
Person: Laurel Blair Salton Clark
Mission: STS-107

- A Runrig album compact disc fell from the sky and landed intact in a debris field stretching over two thousand square miles.
- The Space Shuttle Columbia stopped transmitting sixteen minutes before its scheduled landing at Kennedy Space Center.
- Laurel Clark, a 41-year-old mission specialist, was on her first spaceflight aboard Columbia.
- Clark sent an email to her family from orbit two days before re-entry, describing her experiences and observations.
- NASA selected Clark in the 1996 astronaut class after a diverse career including medicine, Navy diving, and flight qualifications on over thirty aircraft.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1175falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-foam-tile-tore-a-hole-and-sixteen-days-later-the-plasma-found-it--74842398
A foam tile tore a hole, and sixteen days later the plasma found it

This episode explores the final mission of Space Shuttle Columbia, focusing on the critical, unseen damage that occurred shortly after launch and the subsequent events leading up to re-entry. It examines the human element within a complex system and the implications of an overlooked detail.

Person: Michael Phillip Anderson
Date: January 16, 2003
Vehicle: Space Shuttle Columbia
Event: Foam insulation strike

- Michael Anderson, payload commander, flew a child's T-shirt from an Arizona school into orbit.
- Anderson was a decorated Air Force veteran, flying the EC-135 "Looking Glass" during the Cold War.
- He was selected for NASA from nearly 3,000 applicants and had previously flown on Space Shuttle Endeavour.
- Eighty-one seconds after Columbia's launch, a piece of foam insulation struck the left wing, tearing a hole.
- The foam strike was observed and discussed by ground teams, but the damage was not deemed fatal, and the crew was not informed.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842398Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:20:56 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA foam tile strikes a space shuttle at launch, creating a hidden breach. Sixteen days later the crew readies for re-entry-will they survive? A foam tile tore a hole, and sixteen days later the plasma found it This episode explores the final...
A foam tile tore a hole, and sixteen days later the plasma found it

This episode explores the final mission of Space Shuttle Columbia, focusing on the critical, unseen damage that occurred shortly after launch and the subsequent events leading up to re-entry. It examines the human element within a complex system and the implications of an overlooked detail.

Person: Michael Phillip Anderson
Date: January 16, 2003
Vehicle: Space Shuttle Columbia
Event: Foam insulation strike

- Michael Anderson, payload commander, flew a child's T-shirt from an Arizona school into orbit.
- Anderson was a decorated Air Force veteran, flying the EC-135 "Looking Glass" during the Cold War.
- He was selected for NASA from nearly 3,000 applicants and had previously flown on Space Shuttle Endeavour.
- Eighty-one seconds after Columbia's launch, a piece of foam insulation struck the left wing, tearing a hole.
- The foam strike was observed and discussed by ground teams, but the damage was not deemed fatal, and the crew was not informed.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1348falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-glass-of-ice-water-that-froze-the-o-ring-and-doomed-challenger--74842396
The glass of ice water that froze the O‑ring and doomed Challenger

In this episode, we follow the lead-up to the Challenger launch and the decisions, data, and temperatures that shaped it. We map the engineers’ warnings, the management reversal, and the moment a simple demonstration made the stakes visible: did institutional optimism beat the physics?

Date: January 28, 1986
Person: Richard Feynman
Event: Senate hearing demonstration with glass of ice water and O‑ring
Temperature: 28 degrees Fahrenheit at Cape Canaveral on launch morning
Case: O‑ring erosion, Morton Thiokol engineers recommended not to launch below 53°F

- Engineers at Morton Thiokol had tracked O‑ring erosion since 1977 and linked colder temperatures to worse damage.
- The primary O‑ring was required to compress and seal milliseconds before ignition; cold made that action slower and riskier.
- On Jan 27, Thiokol engineers formally recommended against launching below 53°F; management later reversed that recommendation after a private caucus.
- NASA management publicly cited a one-in-100,000 chance of catastrophe while some engineers estimated between one-in-50 and one-in-200.
- Sixteen days after the disaster, Richard Feynman demonstrated an O‑ring’s loss of elasticity by dropping it in a glass of ice water during a Senate hearing.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842396Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:20:52 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA rubber O‑ring stiffens in ice water during a Senate hearing - did they stop the launch in time? The glass of ice water that froze the O‑ring and doomed Challenger In this episode, we follow the lead-up to the Challenger launch and the...
The glass of ice water that froze the O‑ring and doomed Challenger

In this episode, we follow the lead-up to the Challenger launch and the decisions, data, and temperatures that shaped it. We map the engineers’ warnings, the management reversal, and the moment a simple demonstration made the stakes visible: did institutional optimism beat the physics?

Date: January 28, 1986
Person: Richard Feynman
Event: Senate hearing demonstration with glass of ice water and O‑ring
Temperature: 28 degrees Fahrenheit at Cape Canaveral on launch morning
Case: O‑ring erosion, Morton Thiokol engineers recommended not to launch below 53°F

- Engineers at Morton Thiokol had tracked O‑ring erosion since 1977 and linked colder temperatures to worse damage.
- The primary O‑ring was required to compress and seal milliseconds before ignition; cold made that action slower and riskier.
- On Jan 27, Thiokol engineers formally recommended against launching below 53°F; management later reversed that recommendation after a private caucus.
- NASA management publicly cited a one-in-100,000 chance of catastrophe while some engineers estimated between one-in-50 and one-in-200.
- Sixteen days after the disaster, Richard Feynman demonstrated an O‑ring’s loss of elasticity by dropping it in a glass of ice water during a Senate hearing.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1330falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-260-hours-that-proved-apollo-and-saved-the-moon--74842394
The 260 Hours That Proved Apollo and Saved the Moon

This episode tells the story of Donn Eisele, an astronaut whose precise navigation during Apollo 7 helped secure the future of the space program. It explores the personal and professional challenges he faced, culminating in a unique lunar rock display.

Person: Donn Eisele
Mission: Apollo 7
Launch Date: October 11, 1968
Landing Precision: 0.3 miles

- Donn Eisele graduated from the US Naval Academy and earned a Master of Science in Astronautics.
- He was selected for Astronaut Group Three in October 1963, having logged over 4,200 flight hours.
- Eisele was initially assigned to Apollo 1 but was replaced due to a dislocated shoulder during training.
- Exactly one year after his shoulder surgery, the Apollo 1 crew died in a flash fire during a launch rehearsal.
- Eisele, along with Walter Schirra and Walter Cunningham, became the prime crew for Apollo 7, a mission critical for the space program's survival.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842394Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:20:48 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTAn astronaut logs 260 hours in space, but a shoulder injury and a tragic coincidence threaten his career and the moon landing-what will he do next? The 260 Hours That Proved Apollo and Saved the Moon This episode tells the story of Donn Eisele,...
The 260 Hours That Proved Apollo and Saved the Moon

This episode tells the story of Donn Eisele, an astronaut whose precise navigation during Apollo 7 helped secure the future of the space program. It explores the personal and professional challenges he faced, culminating in a unique lunar rock display.

Person: Donn Eisele
Mission: Apollo 7
Launch Date: October 11, 1968
Landing Precision: 0.3 miles

- Donn Eisele graduated from the US Naval Academy and earned a Master of Science in Astronautics.
- He was selected for Astronaut Group Three in October 1963, having logged over 4,200 flight hours.
- Eisele was initially assigned to Apollo 1 but was replaced due to a dislocated shoulder during training.
- Exactly one year after his shoulder surgery, the Apollo 1 crew died in a flash fire during a launch rehearsal.
- Eisele, along with Walter Schirra and Walter Cunningham, became the prime crew for Apollo 7, a mission critical for the space program's survival.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1259falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-thin-launch-window-forced-a-grieving-crew-to-fly--74842392
The thin launch window forced a grieving crew to fly

This episode explores the final flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour, STS-134, detailing the challenges faced by the crew and the mission's unique circumstances. It delves into the tension between loss and the drive to continue human endeavor in space.

Date: May 16, 2011
Spacecraft: Space Shuttle Endeavour
Mission: STS-134
Instrument: Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-2)
Person: Samuel Ting

- Space Shuttle Endeavour's final flight, STS-134, carried seven astronauts and a highly anticipated scientific instrument.
- Two months before launch, a United Space Alliance engineer died by suicide at the launchpad, halting work and bringing in grief counselors.
- The mission included the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-2), an instrument built by Nobel laureate Samuel Ting to study cosmic ray particles.
- During pre-flight testing, engineers discovered anomalous heating in the AMS-2's superconducting cryogenic magnet.
- Samuel Ting made the decision to replace the advanced cryogenic magnet with a simpler, more reliable permanent magnet for the mission.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842392Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:20:44 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA Space Shuttle crew prepares for a final mission, but a tragedy at the launchpad and a critical instrument malfunction threaten to ground the flight. The thin launch window forced a grieving crew to fly This episode explores the final flight of...
The thin launch window forced a grieving crew to fly

This episode explores the final flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour, STS-134, detailing the challenges faced by the crew and the mission's unique circumstances. It delves into the tension between loss and the drive to continue human endeavor in space.

Date: May 16, 2011
Spacecraft: Space Shuttle Endeavour
Mission: STS-134
Instrument: Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-2)
Person: Samuel Ting

- Space Shuttle Endeavour's final flight, STS-134, carried seven astronauts and a highly anticipated scientific instrument.
- Two months before launch, a United Space Alliance engineer died by suicide at the launchpad, halting work and bringing in grief counselors.
- The mission included the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-2), an instrument built by Nobel laureate Samuel Ting to study cosmic ray particles.
- During pre-flight testing, engineers discovered anomalous heating in the AMS-2's superconducting cryogenic magnet.
- Samuel Ting made the decision to replace the advanced cryogenic magnet with a simpler, more reliable permanent magnet for the mission.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1083falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-day-endeavour-cut-away-two-solar-wings-over-africa--74842388
The Day Endeavour Cut Away Two Solar Wings Over Africa

In this episode, we follow the STS-72 crew as they rendezvous with Japan’s unattended Space Flyer Unit and confront a failing latching sequence that risks the retrieval. What choices did the team make under a shrinking timeline, and how did training meet the unexpected?

Person: Brent Jett; Koichi Wakata; Leroy Chiao; Daniel Barry; Winston Scott
Event: STS-72 retrieval of the Space Flyer Unit (SFU)
Date: January 11, 1996; SFU launched March 18, 1995
Location: Low Earth orbit; solar arrays jettisoned over Africa
Status: Two solar arrays jettisoned twelve minutes apart; SFU captured and stowed

- Crew launched at 4:41 AM on January 11, 1996 to rendezvous with the SFU, a Japanese research satellite left alone for ten months.
- The SFU’s two large solar arrays failed to latch during the stow sequence monitored on orbit thirty, triggering a preplanned contingency.
- Procedures called for releasing the unlatched arrays; the crew executed two jettisons twelve minutes apart, sending the arrays tumbling over Africa.
- Koichi Wakata operated the shuttle’s robotic arm to capture the 7,900-pound SFU; capture occurred about 1.5 hours after the intended stow sequence.
- The mission included two EVAs and station-assembly practice: crew rehearsed cable trays, work platforms, and connector interfaces for the future International Space Station.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842388Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:20:40 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA drifting Japanese satellite looms over Africa; Endeavour’s crew must cut its solar wings to bring it home. Did they make it in time? The Day Endeavour Cut Away Two Solar Wings Over Africa In this episode, we follow the STS-72 crew as they...
The Day Endeavour Cut Away Two Solar Wings Over Africa

In this episode, we follow the STS-72 crew as they rendezvous with Japan’s unattended Space Flyer Unit and confront a failing latching sequence that risks the retrieval. What choices did the team make under a shrinking timeline, and how did training meet the unexpected?

Person: Brent Jett; Koichi Wakata; Leroy Chiao; Daniel Barry; Winston Scott
Event: STS-72 retrieval of the Space Flyer Unit (SFU)
Date: January 11, 1996; SFU launched March 18, 1995
Location: Low Earth orbit; solar arrays jettisoned over Africa
Status: Two solar arrays jettisoned twelve minutes apart; SFU captured and stowed

- Crew launched at 4:41 AM on January 11, 1996 to rendezvous with the SFU, a Japanese research satellite left alone for ten months.
- The SFU’s two large solar arrays failed to latch during the stow sequence monitored on orbit thirty, triggering a preplanned contingency.
- Procedures called for releasing the unlatched arrays; the crew executed two jettisons twelve minutes apart, sending the arrays tumbling over Africa.
- Koichi Wakata operated the shuttle’s robotic arm to capture the 7,900-pound SFU; capture occurred about 1.5 hours after the intended stow sequence.
- The mission included two EVAs and station-assembly practice: crew rehearsed cable trays, work platforms, and connector interfaces for the future International Space Station.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1147falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-defective-resin-lining-nearly-broke-challenger--74842386
The Defective Resin Lining Nearly Broke Challenger

This episode details the STS-8 mission aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger, focusing on an unforeseen defect in a solid rocket booster that nearly led to catastrophe. It explores the hidden risks within the space program's accelerating schedule and the critical role of material science.

Date: August 30, 1983
Mission: STS-8
Orbiter: Challenger
Location: Kennedy Space Center
Original Lining Thickness: 3 centimeters

- An engineer discovered a solid rocket booster nozzle lining had eroded to 0.5 centimeters, far below the designed minimum of 1.5 centimeters.
- The mission, STS-8, was Challenger's third flight and set a program record for launch readiness at 62 days.
- The left-hand booster for STS-8 contained a defective batch of phenolic resin, which was not detectable by pre-launch inspections.
- Hurricane Barry caused the shuttle stack to remain on the launchpad, preserving the defective booster in its assigned position.
- During launch, the defective resin lining gave way faster than predicted, bringing the crew within 14 seconds of a rupture.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842386Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:20:36 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA solid rocket booster's lining erodes faster than expected during a space shuttle launch, leaving the crew just seconds from disaster. The Defective Resin Lining Nearly Broke Challenger This episode details the STS-8 mission aboard the Space...
The Defective Resin Lining Nearly Broke Challenger

This episode details the STS-8 mission aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger, focusing on an unforeseen defect in a solid rocket booster that nearly led to catastrophe. It explores the hidden risks within the space program's accelerating schedule and the critical role of material science.

Date: August 30, 1983
Mission: STS-8
Orbiter: Challenger
Location: Kennedy Space Center
Original Lining Thickness: 3 centimeters

- An engineer discovered a solid rocket booster nozzle lining had eroded to 0.5 centimeters, far below the designed minimum of 1.5 centimeters.
- The mission, STS-8, was Challenger's third flight and set a program record for launch readiness at 62 days.
- The left-hand booster for STS-8 contained a defective batch of phenolic resin, which was not detectable by pre-launch inspections.
- Hurricane Barry caused the shuttle stack to remain on the launchpad, preserving the defective booster in its assigned position.
- During launch, the defective resin lining gave way faster than predicted, bringing the crew within 14 seconds of a rupture.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1246falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-two-commands-that-crossed-and-left-minerva-drifting-did-they-arrive-in-time--74842383
The two commands that crossed and left MINERVA drifting: did they arrive in time?

This episode explores the story of MINERVA, a small asteroid rover designed to explore asteroid Itokawa. It details the ambitious mission, the rover's unique design, and the critical error that sent it off course.

Person: MINERVA
Date: November 12, 2005
Location: Asteroid Itokawa
Event: Rover deployment failure

- The MINERVA rover was a twelve-centimeter machine, the size of a hockey puck, designed to hop across an asteroid surface.
- It was a secondary payload on the Hayabusa mission, which aimed to collect a sample from a near-Earth asteroid.
- MINERVA was equipped with solar cells, three cameras, six photodiodes, and a flat patch antenna for data transmission.
- Its mobility system used internal torque motors to generate reactive force for hopping in low gravity.
- During deployment, an altitude-raise command executed before the deployment command, causing the mothership to ascend at the moment of release.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842383Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:20:32 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTJapan's asteroid rover MINERVA drifts into an unexpected solar orbit after two commands arrive out of order. Can engineers recover the mission? The two commands that crossed and left MINERVA drifting: did they arrive in time? This episode...
The two commands that crossed and left MINERVA drifting: did they arrive in time?

This episode explores the story of MINERVA, a small asteroid rover designed to explore asteroid Itokawa. It details the ambitious mission, the rover's unique design, and the critical error that sent it off course.

Person: MINERVA
Date: November 12, 2005
Location: Asteroid Itokawa
Event: Rover deployment failure

- The MINERVA rover was a twelve-centimeter machine, the size of a hockey puck, designed to hop across an asteroid surface.
- It was a secondary payload on the Hayabusa mission, which aimed to collect a sample from a near-Earth asteroid.
- MINERVA was equipped with solar cells, three cameras, six photodiodes, and a flat patch antenna for data transmission.
- Its mobility system used internal torque motors to generate reactive force for hopping in low gravity.
- During deployment, an altitude-raise command executed before the deployment command, causing the mothership to ascend at the moment of release.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1101falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-six-by-nine-gold-plaque-kept-spinning-until-earth-lost-its-whisper--74842380
The six‑by‑nine gold plaque kept spinning until Earth lost its whisper

In this episode, we follow the thirty-one-year journey of Pioneer Ten from its 1972 launch through the asteroid belt and Jupiter encounter to the moment its signal stopped in 2003. We trace the mission’s engineering choices, the decisions that let a dining‑table‑sized probe survive far beyond its warranty, and the mystery of a fading transmission that left a tiny gold plaque alone in interstellar night; what does it mean to lose contact while a machine keeps going?

Person: Gary Flandro
Date: March 3, 1972 (launch)
Location: Cape Canaveral Launch Complex Thirty-Six Alpha
Event: Pioneer Ten crossed the asteroid belt and measured Jupiter's bow shock
Status: Signal ceased on January 23, 2003 at ~12 billion kilometers

- A graduate student’s 1965 planetary alignment calculation set the clock for missions to the outer planets.
- NASA approved Pioneer Ten in February 1969 to test whether the asteroid belt was passable for future probes.
- TRW built a 260 kg spacecraft with a 2.74 m dish, spinning at 4.8 rpm and powered by four SNAP-19 RTGs.
- Pioneer Ten crossed the asteroid belt with no particle over 1 mm detected, opening the path outward.
- Instruments recorded Jupiter’s bow shock in November 1973 as the solar wind suddenly slowed and a pressure wall formed.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842380Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:20:28 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA solitary Pioneer spacecraft drifts twelve billion kilometers away, its faint radio whisper cutting out as the six‑by‑nine gold plaque keeps spinning - did Earth lose touch in time? The six‑by‑nine gold plaque kept spinning until Earth lost its...
The six‑by‑nine gold plaque kept spinning until Earth lost its whisper

In this episode, we follow the thirty-one-year journey of Pioneer Ten from its 1972 launch through the asteroid belt and Jupiter encounter to the moment its signal stopped in 2003. We trace the mission’s engineering choices, the decisions that let a dining‑table‑sized probe survive far beyond its warranty, and the mystery of a fading transmission that left a tiny gold plaque alone in interstellar night; what does it mean to lose contact while a machine keeps going?

Person: Gary Flandro
Date: March 3, 1972 (launch)
Location: Cape Canaveral Launch Complex Thirty-Six Alpha
Event: Pioneer Ten crossed the asteroid belt and measured Jupiter's bow shock
Status: Signal ceased on January 23, 2003 at ~12 billion kilometers

- A graduate student’s 1965 planetary alignment calculation set the clock for missions to the outer planets.
- NASA approved Pioneer Ten in February 1969 to test whether the asteroid belt was passable for future probes.
- TRW built a 260 kg spacecraft with a 2.74 m dish, spinning at 4.8 rpm and powered by four SNAP-19 RTGs.
- Pioneer Ten crossed the asteroid belt with no particle over 1 mm detected, opening the path outward.
- Instruments recorded Jupiter’s bow shock in November 1973 as the solar wind suddenly slowed and a pressure wall formed.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1179falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-two-gram-thermometer-stayed-in-its-case-and-outlived-three-mars-launches--74842377
The two-gram thermometer stayed in its case and outlived three Mars launches

In this episode, we follow the decades-long effort to fly a tiny, two-gram thermometer and complementary atmospheric sensors to Mars. The story traces how engineers in Finland, Russia, and Spain built flight-qualified hardware only to see it repeatedly sidelined by launch failures, manifest cuts, and budget choices - could timing and politics keep it grounded?

Person: Finnish Meteorological Institute researchers
Event: MetNet penetrator development and cancellations
Date: First launch attempt in 1996; Phobos-Grunt failure on 16 January 2012
Location: Hardware remained on Earth; intended destination Mars/Phobos
Topic: Two-gram thermometer and MetBaro atmospheric sensors

- Engineers designed a two-gram thermometer that reads down to -110°C and a MetBaro pressure sensor for long-term Martian surface operation.
- The MetNet plan called for at least sixteen penetrators deploying inflatable brakes, embedding in regolith, and transmitting simultaneous meteorological data.
- A 1996 Russian launch failure destroyed early prototypes and taught the team how flight readiness can be nullified by rocket loss.
- Negotiations to hitch a ride on Phobos-Grunt succeeded then failed when mass limits removed the penetrators from the manifest.
- After Phobos-Grunt’s propulsion failure and reentry in 2012, the finalized, flight-qualified sensors remained intact in a laboratory on Earth.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842377Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:20:24 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA two-gram thermometer sits flight-ready on Earth while teams race to get it to Mars before another launch window closes. The two-gram thermometer stayed in its case and outlived three Mars launches In this episode, we follow the decades-long...
The two-gram thermometer stayed in its case and outlived three Mars launches

In this episode, we follow the decades-long effort to fly a tiny, two-gram thermometer and complementary atmospheric sensors to Mars. The story traces how engineers in Finland, Russia, and Spain built flight-qualified hardware only to see it repeatedly sidelined by launch failures, manifest cuts, and budget choices - could timing and politics keep it grounded?

Person: Finnish Meteorological Institute researchers
Event: MetNet penetrator development and cancellations
Date: First launch attempt in 1996; Phobos-Grunt failure on 16 January 2012
Location: Hardware remained on Earth; intended destination Mars/Phobos
Topic: Two-gram thermometer and MetBaro atmospheric sensors

- Engineers designed a two-gram thermometer that reads down to -110°C and a MetBaro pressure sensor for long-term Martian surface operation.
- The MetNet plan called for at least sixteen penetrators deploying inflatable brakes, embedding in regolith, and transmitting simultaneous meteorological data.
- A 1996 Russian launch failure destroyed early prototypes and taught the team how flight readiness can be nullified by rocket loss.
- Negotiations to hitch a ride on Phobos-Grunt succeeded then failed when mass limits removed the penetrators from the manifest.
- After Phobos-Grunt’s propulsion failure and reentry in 2012, the finalized, flight-qualified sensors remained intact in a laboratory on Earth.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1323falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-near-zero-g-sensor-blocked-separation-and-left-them-racing-the-clock--74842373
The near‑zero‑g sensor blocked separation and left them racing the clock

In this episode, we hear how a perfectly correct chain of automated events turned a test launch into a live hazard and forced mission control to choose inaction over risky fixes. The episode follows the team’s decisions, the failed separation, and the eighteen‑hour wait - what saved the vehicle and what nearly didn’t?

Person: Flight Director Chris Kraft
Event: Mercury‑Redstone One (MR‑1) launch attempt
Date: November 21, 1960
Location: Launch Complex Five, Cape Canaveral
Issue: Near‑zero g sensor inhibited capsule separation while on the pad

- The Redstone engine ignited at 09:00 and the vehicle rose four inches before the engine cut off and it settled back onto the pad.
- The capsule’s abort/escape rocket fired, climbed about 4,000 feet, and landed under parachute roughly 400 yards downrange as programmed.
- The capsule’s drogue, main, and reserve parachutes deployed on the booster, funneling fabric down its side and creating a tipping hazard.
- A near‑zero‑g sensor read one g on the ground and correctly prevented the separation system from releasing the capsule from the booster.
- Engineers debated active fixes (including shooting tanks) versus waiting for batteries to drain and propellant to boil off; they chose to wait and spent the next eighteen hours diagnosing the problem.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842373Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:20:20 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA Mercury capsule deployed its parachutes while still bolted to a fueled Redstone on the pad, leaving engineers racing-did they make it in time? The near‑zero‑g sensor blocked separation and left them racing the clock In this episode, we hear...
The near‑zero‑g sensor blocked separation and left them racing the clock

In this episode, we hear how a perfectly correct chain of automated events turned a test launch into a live hazard and forced mission control to choose inaction over risky fixes. The episode follows the team’s decisions, the failed separation, and the eighteen‑hour wait - what saved the vehicle and what nearly didn’t?

Person: Flight Director Chris Kraft
Event: Mercury‑Redstone One (MR‑1) launch attempt
Date: November 21, 1960
Location: Launch Complex Five, Cape Canaveral
Issue: Near‑zero g sensor inhibited capsule separation while on the pad

- The Redstone engine ignited at 09:00 and the vehicle rose four inches before the engine cut off and it settled back onto the pad.
- The capsule’s abort/escape rocket fired, climbed about 4,000 feet, and landed under parachute roughly 400 yards downrange as programmed.
- The capsule’s drogue, main, and reserve parachutes deployed on the booster, funneling fabric down its side and creating a tipping hazard.
- A near‑zero‑g sensor read one g on the ground and correctly prevented the separation system from releasing the capsule from the booster.
- Engineers debated active fixes (including shooting tanks) versus waiting for batteries to drain and propellant to boil off; they chose to wait and spent the next eighteen hours diagnosing the problem.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1237falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-launch-abort-system-burned-through-its-wires-and-stole-twelve-seconds--74842371
The launch abort system burned through its wires and stole twelve seconds

In this episode, we follow the moment a pad fire ignited ninety seconds before liftoff and the cascade of decisions that followed. We trace the crew’s training, the failed automatic abort, and the twelve seconds that rested on two engineers' hands - did they act in time?

Person: Vladimir Titov
Person: Gennady Strekalov
Date: September 27, 1983
Event: Pad fire and launch abort
Location: Launch pad

- Fire at the base of the pad began ninety seconds before scheduled liftoff, before the rocket left the ground.
- The automatic launch abort system burned through its own wiring and could not trigger as designed.
- Two engineers in a blockhouse had twelve seconds to send a manual abort command to the capsule.
- Inside the sealed capsule the two cosmonauts were connected only by radio and trained for manual procedures under stress.
- The capsule's recorded flight time was five minutes and thirty seconds after separation following the abort sequence.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842371Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:20:16 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA pad fire engulfs a Soyuz minutes before launch; two men have twelve seconds to send a manual escape - live or die? The launch abort system burned through its wires and stole twelve seconds In this episode, we follow the moment a pad fire...
The launch abort system burned through its wires and stole twelve seconds

In this episode, we follow the moment a pad fire ignited ninety seconds before liftoff and the cascade of decisions that followed. We trace the crew’s training, the failed automatic abort, and the twelve seconds that rested on two engineers' hands - did they act in time?

Person: Vladimir Titov
Person: Gennady Strekalov
Date: September 27, 1983
Event: Pad fire and launch abort
Location: Launch pad

- Fire at the base of the pad began ninety seconds before scheduled liftoff, before the rocket left the ground.
- The automatic launch abort system burned through its own wiring and could not trigger as designed.
- Two engineers in a blockhouse had twelve seconds to send a manual abort command to the capsule.
- Inside the sealed capsule the two cosmonauts were connected only by radio and trained for manual procedures under stress.
- The capsule's recorded flight time was five minutes and thirty seconds after separation following the abort sequence.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1527falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-o-ring-s-stiffness-froze-a-seal-and-cost-them-seventy-three-seconds--74842369
The O-ring's stiffness froze a seal and cost them seventy‑three seconds

This episode recounts the final moments of Space Shuttle Challenger, exploring the engineering failures and human decisions that led to its destruction, and the poignant details of what happened inside the crew cabin.

Date: January 28, 1986
Event: Space Shuttle Challenger disaster
Crew Member: Ellison Shoji Onizuka
Location: Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Duration: 73 seconds

- The Space Shuttle Challenger launched carrying seven crew members, including Ellison Shoji Onizuka, and a soccer ball.
- The launch was delayed multiple times, pushing it into colder weather conditions at Kennedy Space Center.
- Engineers at Morton Thiokol raised concerns about the O-rings' flexibility in freezing temperatures.
- Three emergency air packs were found activated in the crew cabin wreckage, suggesting some crew members were alive after the vehicle broke apart.
- One activated air pack belonged to pilot Michael Smith, whose switch was on the back of his seat and could not have been reached by him alone.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842369Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:20:12 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTOn January 28, 1986, Space Shuttle Challenger launched with seven astronauts and a soccer ball. Seventy-three seconds later, the vehicle was destroyed, but three emergency air packs were activated. The O-ring's stiffness froze a seal and cost them...
The O-ring's stiffness froze a seal and cost them seventy‑three seconds

This episode recounts the final moments of Space Shuttle Challenger, exploring the engineering failures and human decisions that led to its destruction, and the poignant details of what happened inside the crew cabin.

Date: January 28, 1986
Event: Space Shuttle Challenger disaster
Crew Member: Ellison Shoji Onizuka
Location: Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Duration: 73 seconds

- The Space Shuttle Challenger launched carrying seven crew members, including Ellison Shoji Onizuka, and a soccer ball.
- The launch was delayed multiple times, pushing it into colder weather conditions at Kennedy Space Center.
- Engineers at Morton Thiokol raised concerns about the O-rings' flexibility in freezing temperatures.
- Three emergency air packs were found activated in the crew cabin wreckage, suggesting some crew members were alive after the vehicle broke apart.
- One activated air pack belonged to pilot Michael Smith, whose switch was on the back of his seat and could not have been reached by him alone.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1176falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-match-that-ignited-an-oxygen-canister-and-started-the-14-second-fire--74842366
The Match That Ignited an Oxygen Canister and Started the 14‑Second Fire

In this episode, we follow the events aboard the aging Mir space station in February 1997, when routine procedures and failing systems collide. What decisions and improvised actions shaped those crucial minutes and the mission that followed?

Person: Jerry Linenger
Person: Alexander Lazutkin
Person: Person: Vasily Tsibliyev
Date: February 23, 1997
Location: Kvant module, Mir space station

- A carbon dioxide removal unit and an oxygen generator were both failing in close sequence aboard an eleven‑year‑old Mir.
- Alexander Lazutkin struck a match to activate an oxygen‑generating canister that instead ignited and burned.
- Smoke filled a sealed corridor two hundred miles above Earth with no quick exit or external rescue possible.
- The crew, including American physician Jerry Linenger, donned emergency oxygen masks and calculated air versus flame in the dark.
- Mir was simultaneously coping with rerouted cables, improvised repairs, and a manual docking test that brought a cargo ship dangerously close.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842366Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:20:09 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA match struck inside the Kvant module ignites an oxygen canister, filling Mir with molten fire and smoke-did the three crew members make it in time? The Match That Ignited an Oxygen Canister and Started the 14‑Second Fire In this episode, we...
The Match That Ignited an Oxygen Canister and Started the 14‑Second Fire

In this episode, we follow the events aboard the aging Mir space station in February 1997, when routine procedures and failing systems collide. What decisions and improvised actions shaped those crucial minutes and the mission that followed?

Person: Jerry Linenger
Person: Alexander Lazutkin
Person: Person: Vasily Tsibliyev
Date: February 23, 1997
Location: Kvant module, Mir space station

- A carbon dioxide removal unit and an oxygen generator were both failing in close sequence aboard an eleven‑year‑old Mir.
- Alexander Lazutkin struck a match to activate an oxygen‑generating canister that instead ignited and burned.
- Smoke filled a sealed corridor two hundred miles above Earth with no quick exit or external rescue possible.
- The crew, including American physician Jerry Linenger, donned emergency oxygen masks and calculated air versus flame in the dark.
- Mir was simultaneously coping with rerouted cables, improvised repairs, and a manual docking test that brought a cargo ship dangerously close.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1373falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-stubborn-bolt-that-nearly-killed-hubble-s-last-chance--74842363
The Stubborn Bolt That Nearly Killed Hubble's Last Chance

This episode explores the career of astronaut John Grunsfeld, known as NASA's go-to for fixing the Hubble Space Telescope. It delves into his background and the critical challenges faced during the final mission to service Hubble.

Person: John Mace Grunsfeld
Event: Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission
Date: January 2009
Location: Earth orbit

- John Grunsfeld made a radio call from orbit in 1997, discussing his car on NPR's Car Talk.
- His grandfather, Ernest Grunsfeld Jr., designed the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, the first modern planetarium in the Western Hemisphere.
- Grunsfeld earned degrees from MIT and the University of Chicago before being selected as an astronaut candidate in 1992.
- The Hubble Space Telescope launched in April 1990 with a flawed primary mirror, leading to blurred images and public criticism.
- During the final servicing mission in January 2009, Grunsfeld encountered a ten-millimeter bolt that refused to budge on Hubble's outer surface.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842363Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:20:04 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA NASA astronaut faces a stubborn bolt on the Hubble Space Telescope, 350 miles above Earth, on what will be its final servicing mission. The Stubborn Bolt That Nearly Killed Hubble's Last Chance This episode explores the career of astronaut...
The Stubborn Bolt That Nearly Killed Hubble's Last Chance

This episode explores the career of astronaut John Grunsfeld, known as NASA's go-to for fixing the Hubble Space Telescope. It delves into his background and the critical challenges faced during the final mission to service Hubble.

Person: John Mace Grunsfeld
Event: Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission
Date: January 2009
Location: Earth orbit

- John Grunsfeld made a radio call from orbit in 1997, discussing his car on NPR's Car Talk.
- His grandfather, Ernest Grunsfeld Jr., designed the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, the first modern planetarium in the Western Hemisphere.
- Grunsfeld earned degrees from MIT and the University of Chicago before being selected as an astronaut candidate in 1992.
- The Hubble Space Telescope launched in April 1990 with a flawed primary mirror, leading to blurred images and public criticism.
- During the final servicing mission in January 2009, Grunsfeld encountered a ten-millimeter bolt that refused to budge on Hubble's outer surface.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1328falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-spinning-satellite-they-had-to-catch-by-hand--74842361
The Spinning Satellite They Had to Catch By Hand

This episode traces the extraordinary career of Kevin Chilton, from his early life and education to his pivotal roles in space exploration and national security. It explores the unique path that led him to command the American nuclear triad.

Person: Kevin Chilton Chilton
Date of Birth: November 3, 1954
Location: Los Angeles, California
Military Branch: United States Air Force
First Space Mission: May 1992

- Kevin Chilton graduated number one from Air Force Squadron Officer School and then again from the United States Air Force Test Pilot School.
- He flew the RF-4C Phantom II and F-15 Eagle, conducting combat-ready and instructor missions across Korea, Japan, and the Philippines.
- NASA selected him in August 1987, and he achieved full astronaut qualification a year later.
- He served as CAPCOM for multiple Shuttle missions and as a T-38 safety officer before his first flight.
- During Space Shuttle Endeavour's maiden voyage, three astronauts had to manually stop a four-and-a-half-ton spinning satellite.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842361Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:20:00 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTAn astronaut floats in orbit, then commands the US nuclear triad. How does one man bridge the chasm between space and the end of civilization? The Spinning Satellite They Had to Catch By Hand This episode traces the extraordinary career of Kevin...
The Spinning Satellite They Had to Catch By Hand

This episode traces the extraordinary career of Kevin Chilton, from his early life and education to his pivotal roles in space exploration and national security. It explores the unique path that led him to command the American nuclear triad.

Person: Kevin Chilton Chilton
Date of Birth: November 3, 1954
Location: Los Angeles, California
Military Branch: United States Air Force
First Space Mission: May 1992

- Kevin Chilton graduated number one from Air Force Squadron Officer School and then again from the United States Air Force Test Pilot School.
- He flew the RF-4C Phantom II and F-15 Eagle, conducting combat-ready and instructor missions across Korea, Japan, and the Philippines.
- NASA selected him in August 1987, and he achieved full astronaut qualification a year later.
- He served as CAPCOM for multiple Shuttle missions and as a T-38 safety officer before his first flight.
- During Space Shuttle Endeavour's maiden voyage, three astronauts had to manually stop a four-and-a-half-ton spinning satellite.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1224falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-stuck-valve-that-delayed-america-s-first-space-flight--74842357
The stuck valve that delayed America's first space flight

This episode explores the story behind America's first human space flight, Project Mercury, and the critical events that led to its delayed launch. It delves into the challenges faced and the question of whether the United States could get a man into space at all.

Person: Alan Shepard
Date: May 5, 1961
Location: Cape Canaveral, Florida
Event: Project Mercury
Topic: Space Race

- Robert Gilruth led the Space Task Group, working since 1958 to determine if a human could survive space launch and return.
- The Mercury capsule, number seven, arrived at Cape Canaveral on December 9, 1960, designed for a flight under 20 minutes.
- A chimpanzee named Ham flew the MR-2 test mission on January 31, 1961, experiencing a stuck valve that caused the engine to burn hotter and longer.
- Ham's capsule overshot its landing zone by 130 miles, leading to seven mandatory modifications for the Redstone booster.
- On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin completed one full orbit of Earth while Shepard's mission was still awaiting booster certification.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842357Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:19:56 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA stuck fuel valve in a test rocket creates a cascade of delays, threatening America's first human space flight and its place in the space race. The stuck valve that delayed America's first space flight This episode explores the story behind...
The stuck valve that delayed America's first space flight

This episode explores the story behind America's first human space flight, Project Mercury, and the critical events that led to its delayed launch. It delves into the challenges faced and the question of whether the United States could get a man into space at all.

Person: Alan Shepard
Date: May 5, 1961
Location: Cape Canaveral, Florida
Event: Project Mercury
Topic: Space Race

- Robert Gilruth led the Space Task Group, working since 1958 to determine if a human could survive space launch and return.
- The Mercury capsule, number seven, arrived at Cape Canaveral on December 9, 1960, designed for a flight under 20 minutes.
- A chimpanzee named Ham flew the MR-2 test mission on January 31, 1961, experiencing a stuck valve that caused the engine to burn hotter and longer.
- Ham's capsule overshot its landing zone by 130 miles, leading to seven mandatory modifications for the Redstone booster.
- On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin completed one full orbit of Earth while Shepard's mission was still awaiting booster certification.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1402falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-late-application-slipped-into-the-stack-before-it-was-seen--74842356
A late application slipped into the stack before it was seen

This episode explores the early life and career of an iconic astronaut, detailing the critical moments and close calls that shaped his path to space. It raises the question of how pivotal small interventions can be in monumental journeys.

Person: Neil Armstrong
Date: July 20, 1969
Location: Moon
Event: First human footstep on another world

- Neil Armstrong carried fragments of the Wright Flyer's propeller and wing to the Moon.
- At age 20, Armstrong survived a booby-trap cable in Korea that tore six feet off his Panther jet's wing.
- He earned a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering from Purdue before joining the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.
- While flying the X-15, Armstrong overshot Edwards Air Force Base by 40 miles at Mach three and had to navigate back to an unseen runway.
- His application to NASA's astronaut program arrived late, but a flight simulator expert named Dick Day slipped it into the stack.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842356Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:19:52 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA late application to the astronaut program could have ended everything, but one man's quiet decision changed the course of space exploration. A late application slipped into the stack before it was seen This episode explores the early life and...
A late application slipped into the stack before it was seen

This episode explores the early life and career of an iconic astronaut, detailing the critical moments and close calls that shaped his path to space. It raises the question of how pivotal small interventions can be in monumental journeys.

Person: Neil Armstrong
Date: July 20, 1969
Location: Moon
Event: First human footstep on another world

- Neil Armstrong carried fragments of the Wright Flyer's propeller and wing to the Moon.
- At age 20, Armstrong survived a booby-trap cable in Korea that tore six feet off his Panther jet's wing.
- He earned a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering from Purdue before joining the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.
- While flying the X-15, Armstrong overshot Edwards Air Force Base by 40 miles at Mach three and had to navigate back to an unseen runway.
- His application to NASA's astronaut program arrived late, but a flight simulator expert named Dick Day slipped it into the stack.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1084falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-visor-fog-that-nearly-stopped-gemini-s-last-eva-did-they-make-it--74842352
The visor fog that nearly stopped Gemini's last EVA-did they make it?

This episode recounts the journey of Eugene Cernan, from his early life to becoming the last human to leave a mark on the Moon. It explores the challenges and pivotal moments that shaped his career and the legacy of his final footprint.

Person: Eugene Cernan
Date: December 14, 1972
Location: Moon
Mission: Apollo 17
Event: Last human footprint on the Moon

- Eugene Cernan, born in Chicago in 1934, studied electrical engineering at Purdue and became a naval aviator before joining NASA.
- He was selected for NASA's third astronaut group, "The Fourteen," in October 1963, despite lacking test pilot school experience.
- Cernan's first mission, Gemini 9A, came after the original prime crew, Elliot See and Charles Bassett, died in a T-38A trainer crash.
- During Gemini 9A, a target vehicle malfunctioned, and Cernan's EVA to test the Astronaut Maneuvering Unit was cut short due to his visor fogging.
- Three years later, Cernan descended to within 15.7 kilometers of the lunar surface during Apollo 10, executing all landing approach phases except the final one.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842352Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:19:48 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTAn astronaut's visor fogs during a critical spacewalk, threatening to cancel the mission's primary objective. The Gemini program's future hangs in the balance. The visor fog that nearly stopped Gemini's last EVA-did they make it? This episode...
The visor fog that nearly stopped Gemini's last EVA-did they make it?

This episode recounts the journey of Eugene Cernan, from his early life to becoming the last human to leave a mark on the Moon. It explores the challenges and pivotal moments that shaped his career and the legacy of his final footprint.

Person: Eugene Cernan
Date: December 14, 1972
Location: Moon
Mission: Apollo 17
Event: Last human footprint on the Moon

- Eugene Cernan, born in Chicago in 1934, studied electrical engineering at Purdue and became a naval aviator before joining NASA.
- He was selected for NASA's third astronaut group, "The Fourteen," in October 1963, despite lacking test pilot school experience.
- Cernan's first mission, Gemini 9A, came after the original prime crew, Elliot See and Charles Bassett, died in a T-38A trainer crash.
- During Gemini 9A, a target vehicle malfunctioned, and Cernan's EVA to test the Astronaut Maneuvering Unit was cut short due to his visor fogging.
- Three years later, Cernan descended to within 15.7 kilometers of the lunar surface during Apollo 10, executing all landing approach phases except the final one.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1296falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-hydrogen-valve-sensor-lied-and-it-bought-seven-astronauts-one-more-minute--74842347
The Hydrogen Valve Sensor Lied-and It Bought Seven Astronauts One More Minute

In this episode, we follow the countdown and the lead-up to Space Shuttle Discovery's August 2009 launch, tracking the technical hiccups, crew swaps, and cargo manifest that made this flight both routine and fragile. What happens when a single sensor can't be trusted and the decision to delay becomes the mission's pivot point?

Person: Seven astronauts
Date: August 28-29, 2009
Vehicle: Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-128)
Payload: Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, COLBERT treadmill, science racks
Event: Liquid hydrogen valve sensor anomaly and launch delay

- Launch scrubbed twice before the final attempt: first for weather, then for a hydrogen valve sensor anomaly.
- Engineers tested the valve after the sensor reported a fault; the hardware performed normally while the sensor continued to read ambiguously.
- The launch director chose to delay and let engineers troubleshoot rather than risk ambiguous telemetry at ignition.
- Discovery carried 27,510 pounds of pressurized cargo including crew quarters, freezers, and a treadmill replacement for the ISS.
- The mission involved a seat-liner swap: Mission Specialist Tim Kopra returned home while Nicole Stott stayed aboard the station.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842347Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:19:44 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA hydrogen valve sensor at the pad reads wrong, stalling the launch as Discovery climbs-what happens next? The Hydrogen Valve Sensor Lied-and It Bought Seven Astronauts One More Minute In this episode, we follow the countdown and the lead-up to...
The Hydrogen Valve Sensor Lied-and It Bought Seven Astronauts One More Minute

In this episode, we follow the countdown and the lead-up to Space Shuttle Discovery's August 2009 launch, tracking the technical hiccups, crew swaps, and cargo manifest that made this flight both routine and fragile. What happens when a single sensor can't be trusted and the decision to delay becomes the mission's pivot point?

Person: Seven astronauts
Date: August 28-29, 2009
Vehicle: Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-128)
Payload: Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, COLBERT treadmill, science racks
Event: Liquid hydrogen valve sensor anomaly and launch delay

- Launch scrubbed twice before the final attempt: first for weather, then for a hydrogen valve sensor anomaly.
- Engineers tested the valve after the sensor reported a fault; the hardware performed normally while the sensor continued to read ambiguously.
- The launch director chose to delay and let engineers troubleshoot rather than risk ambiguous telemetry at ignition.
- Discovery carried 27,510 pounds of pressurized cargo including crew quarters, freezers, and a treadmill replacement for the ISS.
- The mission involved a seat-liner swap: Mission Specialist Tim Kopra returned home while Nicole Stott stayed aboard the station.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1248falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-leaking-r1u-thruster-forced-a-live-safety-vote-with-minutes-to-spare--74842344
The leaking R1U thruster forced a live safety vote with minutes to spare

In this episode, we lay out the tense hours after Discovery launched and a primary maneuvering thruster began venting propellant. Hear how American and Russian teams ran contingency math, weighed risks to Mir, and negotiated a joint decision while the shuttle closed to within a bus-length - could they agree before the clock ran out?

Mission: STS-63
Date: February 3, 1995
Location: Low Earth orbit, near Mir
Person: Commander James Wetherbee; Pilot Eileen Collins; Mission Specialists Bernard Harris, Michael Foale, Vladimir Titov
Issue: Leak in R1U maneuvering thruster

- Discovery reached a rendezvous distance of eleven meters from Mir after a night launch and hours of orbital adjustments.
- Flight controllers in Houston modeled backup thruster configurations and mapped contingency margins with R1U isolated.
- Russian engineers calculated Mir’s limited ability to avoid an unpredictable shuttle attitude and insisted on acceptable margins for station safety.
- Commander Wetherbee held Discovery in a holding pattern while the agencies exchanged real-time risk assessments across languages and time zones.
- The decision hinged on joint protocols never tested under a live in-orbit safety call with crews already closing for a flyaround.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842344Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:19:40 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA leaking R1U thruster puts Space Shuttle Discovery meters from Mir as NASA and Russian engineers race a live safety vote - did they make it in time? The leaking R1U thruster forced a live safety vote with minutes to spare In this episode, we...
The leaking R1U thruster forced a live safety vote with minutes to spare

In this episode, we lay out the tense hours after Discovery launched and a primary maneuvering thruster began venting propellant. Hear how American and Russian teams ran contingency math, weighed risks to Mir, and negotiated a joint decision while the shuttle closed to within a bus-length - could they agree before the clock ran out?

Mission: STS-63
Date: February 3, 1995
Location: Low Earth orbit, near Mir
Person: Commander James Wetherbee; Pilot Eileen Collins; Mission Specialists Bernard Harris, Michael Foale, Vladimir Titov
Issue: Leak in R1U maneuvering thruster

- Discovery reached a rendezvous distance of eleven meters from Mir after a night launch and hours of orbital adjustments.
- Flight controllers in Houston modeled backup thruster configurations and mapped contingency margins with R1U isolated.
- Russian engineers calculated Mir’s limited ability to avoid an unpredictable shuttle attitude and insisted on acceptable margins for station safety.
- Commander Wetherbee held Discovery in a holding pattern while the agencies exchanged real-time risk assessments across languages and time zones.
- The decision hinged on joint protocols never tested under a live in-orbit safety call with crews already closing for a flyaround.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1190falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-retrorockets-kept-firing-and-burned-their-only-window-to-land-in-time--74842342
The retrorockets kept firing and burned their only window to land in time

In this episode, we follow the Soviet space dog program through a chain of missions that trained stray dogs for orbit, detailing the technical choices, failures, and moral trade-offs that shaped each flight. The narrative centers on December 1960 in Siberia and asks how pressure, design decisions, and timing converged in a single crisis.

Person: Laika, Dezik, Tsygan, Lisa, Belka, Strelka, Pchyolka, Mushka, Shutka, Kometa
Date: December 22, 1960; December 1, 1960; July 22, 1951; July 28, 1960; August 19, 1960; October 2002; 1998
Location: Siberian field; Moscow
Event: Soviet space dog recovery and reentry failures
Topic: retrorocket failure, self-destruct system, dog selection and training

- A converted V-2 rocket launched Dezik and Tsygan to 110 km on July 22, 1951; both returned alive.
- Female strays were selected, trained 15-20 days, and fed an orbital jelly of breadcrumbs, powdered meat, and beef fat.
- Parachute failures, pad explosions, and thermal-control breakdowns (Laika) taught the program harsh lessons about repeatability.
- Korabl-Sputnik flights alternated disaster and success: Chaika and Lisichka died on July 28, 1960; Belka and Strelka returned after August 19, 1960.
- On December 1, 1960 Pchyolka and Mushka entered orbit; by December 22, Shutka and Kometa landed in a field where a countdown to self-destruction was already running.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842342Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:19:36 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA capsule lies iced in a Siberian field with dogs inside, a ticking self-destruct, and hours slipping away - did they make it in time? The retrorockets kept firing and burned their only window to land in time In this episode, we follow the...
The retrorockets kept firing and burned their only window to land in time

In this episode, we follow the Soviet space dog program through a chain of missions that trained stray dogs for orbit, detailing the technical choices, failures, and moral trade-offs that shaped each flight. The narrative centers on December 1960 in Siberia and asks how pressure, design decisions, and timing converged in a single crisis.

Person: Laika, Dezik, Tsygan, Lisa, Belka, Strelka, Pchyolka, Mushka, Shutka, Kometa
Date: December 22, 1960; December 1, 1960; July 22, 1951; July 28, 1960; August 19, 1960; October 2002; 1998
Location: Siberian field; Moscow
Event: Soviet space dog recovery and reentry failures
Topic: retrorocket failure, self-destruct system, dog selection and training

- A converted V-2 rocket launched Dezik and Tsygan to 110 km on July 22, 1951; both returned alive.
- Female strays were selected, trained 15-20 days, and fed an orbital jelly of breadcrumbs, powdered meat, and beef fat.
- Parachute failures, pad explosions, and thermal-control breakdowns (Laika) taught the program harsh lessons about repeatability.
- Korabl-Sputnik flights alternated disaster and success: Chaika and Lisichka died on July 28, 1960; Belka and Strelka returned after August 19, 1960.
- On December 1, 1960 Pchyolka and Mushka entered orbit; by December 22, Shutka and Kometa landed in a field where a countdown to self-destruction was already running.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1069falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-staging-jolt-turned-on-the-cameras-two-minutes-too-soon--74842341
The staging jolt turned on the cameras two minutes too soon

In this episode, we follow the final hours and technical decisions behind Ranger six’s flight to the Moon, from program-wide failures to painstaking hardware rework, and the surprising anomaly that left its cameras silent. What exactly happened during that violent staging event, and how did telemetry hide the real damage?

Person: Albert J. Kelley
Date: February 2, 1964
Location: Sea of Tranquility; Cape Canaveral
Event: Ranger six camera failure after launch staging
Period: 1962-1964

- Eleven previous Ranger failures prompted a Kelley Board inquiry declaring design, workmanship, and redundancy problems across the program
- Remedies included abandoning heat sterilization, adding redundancy, subcontracting assembly, and shifting launch oversight to NASA and Lewis Research Center
- Ranger six carried six vidicon television cameras in two independent chains with dedicated silver-zinc batteries and individually hand-replaced diodes
- Launch on January 30, 1964 had excellent performance, but about two minutes into flight a controlled Atlas stage separation produced a violent jolt
- Telemetry showed camera activation roughly two minutes after liftoff while engineers still believed Ranger six was en route and functioning normally

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842341Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:19:32 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA spacecraft bound for the Moon lost its cameras two minutes after launch - did the staging jolt destroy NASA’s camera before the Sea of Tranquility? The staging jolt turned on the cameras two minutes too soon In this episode, we follow the...
The staging jolt turned on the cameras two minutes too soon

In this episode, we follow the final hours and technical decisions behind Ranger six’s flight to the Moon, from program-wide failures to painstaking hardware rework, and the surprising anomaly that left its cameras silent. What exactly happened during that violent staging event, and how did telemetry hide the real damage?

Person: Albert J. Kelley
Date: February 2, 1964
Location: Sea of Tranquility; Cape Canaveral
Event: Ranger six camera failure after launch staging
Period: 1962-1964

- Eleven previous Ranger failures prompted a Kelley Board inquiry declaring design, workmanship, and redundancy problems across the program
- Remedies included abandoning heat sterilization, adding redundancy, subcontracting assembly, and shifting launch oversight to NASA and Lewis Research Center
- Ranger six carried six vidicon television cameras in two independent chains with dedicated silver-zinc batteries and individually hand-replaced diodes
- Launch on January 30, 1964 had excellent performance, but about two minutes into flight a controlled Atlas stage separation produced a violent jolt
- Telemetry showed camera activation roughly two minutes after liftoff while engineers still believed Ranger six was en route and functioning normally

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1268falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-manual-override-switch-stopped-the-leak-did-they-flip-it-in-time--74842338
The manual override switch stopped the leak - did they flip it in time?

In this episode, we follow the morning at Cape Canaveral when an Atlas rocket began collapsing from internal pressure loss and two technicians made an unprotocolled move toward the vehicle. We trace how a single relay failure forced pad swaps, altered launch order for Mariner six and seven, and set a six-day margin that would later define the mission's fate.

Person: Jack McClure
Person: Bud Beverlin
Event: Relay malfunction causing helium pressurant leak
Date: February 14, 1969
Mission: Mariner 6 and Mariner 7

- A low metallic groan on the launchpad preceded the Atlas’s skin crumpling inward as internal helium pressure bled away.
- The electrical relay failed before fueling; the Atlas relied on internal pressurant gas for structural rigidity rather than thick steel walls.
- McClure and Beverlin, launch team technicians with no written order to do so, approached the collapsing rocket without protective suits.
- They located and activated a manual override switch that stopped the helium leak and stabilized the Atlas, but the vehicle was still damaged.
- Engineers reassigned Mariner six to the adjacent pad and swapped the launches because the 1969 Mars launch window allowed only days for such changes.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842338Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:19:28 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA failing relay at Cape Canaveral lets helium escape and an Atlas buckles; a technician races to flip the override-did they flip it in time? The manual override switch stopped the leak - did they flip it in time? In this episode, we follow the...
The manual override switch stopped the leak - did they flip it in time?

In this episode, we follow the morning at Cape Canaveral when an Atlas rocket began collapsing from internal pressure loss and two technicians made an unprotocolled move toward the vehicle. We trace how a single relay failure forced pad swaps, altered launch order for Mariner six and seven, and set a six-day margin that would later define the mission's fate.

Person: Jack McClure
Person: Bud Beverlin
Event: Relay malfunction causing helium pressurant leak
Date: February 14, 1969
Mission: Mariner 6 and Mariner 7

- A low metallic groan on the launchpad preceded the Atlas’s skin crumpling inward as internal helium pressure bled away.
- The electrical relay failed before fueling; the Atlas relied on internal pressurant gas for structural rigidity rather than thick steel walls.
- McClure and Beverlin, launch team technicians with no written order to do so, approached the collapsing rocket without protective suits.
- They located and activated a manual override switch that stopped the helium leak and stabilized the Atlas, but the vehicle was still damaged.
- Engineers reassigned Mariner six to the adjacent pad and swapped the launches because the 1969 Mars launch window allowed only days for such changes.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1209falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-dead-satellite-charged-its-batteries-until-rescue-was-impossible--74842337
The Dead Satellite Charged Its Batteries Until Rescue Was Impossible

In this episode, we follow the timeline of NOAA‑16 from launch to sudden fragmentation and the gaps left in the official record. What happened between the moment controllers lost contact and the day the satellite fell apart into hundreds of fragments?

Person: NOAA‑16
Date: 25 November 2015
Location: 843 km polar orbit
Event: Fragmentation into 275 pieces
Topic: SARSAT emergency-beacon relay and satellite decommissioning

- Launched 21 September 2000 into a polar orbit to provide global atmospheric data and twice-daily coverage.
- Carried SARSAT to detect 406 MHz distress beacons and relay positions for search-and-rescue coordinators.
- Automatic Picture Transmission failed less than two months after launch, but core instruments continued operating for years.
- Controllers lost contact on 6 June 2014; the satellite was declared non-operational with cause recorded as unknown.
- For 17 months the silent satellite remained in sunlight, charging batteries with no ground control until a clustered internal breakup produced the debris field.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74842337Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:19:24 +0000OBOMEDIA ENTERTAINMENTA dead NOAA satellite kept charging in polar orbit, then its hull exploded into debris-did anyone stop the cascade in time? The Dead Satellite Charged Its Batteries Until Rescue Was Impossible In this episode, we follow the timeline of NOAA‑16...
The Dead Satellite Charged Its Batteries Until Rescue Was Impossible

In this episode, we follow the timeline of NOAA‑16 from launch to sudden fragmentation and the gaps left in the official record. What happened between the moment controllers lost contact and the day the satellite fell apart into hundreds of fragments?

Person: NOAA‑16
Date: 25 November 2015
Location: 843 km polar orbit
Event: Fragmentation into 275 pieces
Topic: SARSAT emergency-beacon relay and satellite decommissioning

- Launched 21 September 2000 into a polar orbit to provide global atmospheric data and twice-daily coverage.
- Carried SARSAT to detect 406 MHz distress beacons and relay positions for search-and-rescue coordinators.
- Automatic Picture Transmission failed less than two months after launch, but core instruments continued operating for years.
- Controllers lost contact on 6 June 2014; the satellite was declared non-operational with cause recorded as unknown.
- For 17 months the silent satellite remained in sunlight, charging batteries with no ground control until a clustered internal breakup produced the debris field.

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© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1407falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-fuel-leak-that-grounded-a-rocket-but-not-its-crew--74842336
The Fuel Leak That Grounded a Rocket, But Not Its Crew

This episode recounts the harrowing experience of cosmonauts Gennady Strekalov and Vladimir Titov during a launchpad emergency in 1983. It explores the critical moments leading up to an unprecedented event in human spaceflight and the life of a man who helped build the first satellite.

Date: September 26, 1983
Location: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Site One
Crew: Gennady Strekalov, Vladimir Titov
Event: Soyuz 7K-ST number 16L launch abort
System: Launch Escape System (LES)

- Gennady Strekalov, born in 1940, worked on the assembly of Sputnik 1 as a coppersmith before becoming a cosmonaut.
- He graduated from the Bauman Moscow Higher Technical School in 1965 and began cosmonaut training in 1974.
- Strekalov's first flight in November 1980 on Soyuz T-3 earned him the title Hero of the Soviet Union.
- In April 1983, Strekalov and Titov's Soyuz T-8 mission to Salyut 7 failed to dock due to a damaged Igla radar antenna.
- Five months later, on September 26, 1983, a fuel leak was detected at the base of their Soyuz rocket while Strekalov and Titov were already onboard.

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The Fuel Leak That Grounded a Rocket, But Not Its Crew

This episode recounts the harrowing experience of cosmonauts Gennady Strekalov and Vladimir Titov during a launchpad emergency in 1983. It explores the critical moments leading up to an unprecedented event in human spaceflight and the life of a man who helped build the first satellite.

Date: September 26, 1983
Location: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Site One
Crew: Gennady Strekalov, Vladimir Titov
Event: Soyuz 7K-ST number 16L launch abort
System: Launch Escape System (LES)

- Gennady Strekalov, born in 1940, worked on the assembly of Sputnik 1 as a coppersmith before becoming a cosmonaut.
- He graduated from the Bauman Moscow Higher Technical School in 1965 and began cosmonaut training in 1974.
- Strekalov's first flight in November 1980 on Soyuz T-3 earned him the title Hero of the Soviet Union.
- In April 1983, Strekalov and Titov's Soyuz T-8 mission to Salyut 7 failed to dock due to a damaged Igla radar antenna.
- Five months later, on September 26, 1983, a fuel leak was detected at the base of their Soyuz rocket while Strekalov and Titov were already onboard.

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.]]>1235falsefull