The Orbital Mechanics Podcast
Every week we cover the latest spaceflight news, discuss past, current and future exploration efforts, and take a look at upcoming events. Tune in to hear about how humans get to space, how they stay in space and how unmanned craft reach farther and farther into the universe around us.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 55 minutes
- Episodes
- 302
- Years Active
- 2019 - 2025
Episode 493: Two Satellites Enter! Five Satellites Leave!
NASA has taken the first steps to making MSR on a limited budget a reality. Also, China's OSS, X-37B's birthday, and a Pale Blue dot!
00:39:36 |
Wed 15 Jan 2025
Episode 492: Lotta Scoopin'
A Starship TF-7 preview, reuse included! Also, India's docking demo and an RF spectrum allocation.
00:55:09 |
Wed 08 Jan 2025
Episode 491: Everest Space
K2 Space is awarded a DOD contract. Also, NSN contracts, a record-breaking EVA, and a delayed Dragon.
00:42:41 |
Wed 01 Jan 2025
Episode 490: PhageX
NASA figured out what caused Orion's heat shield to crumble to bits! Also, Russia steps toward ISS replacement, and a preview crash investigation
00:38:19 |
Wed 18 Dec 2024
Episode 489: Swirl Domination
Altair gets a contract from AFWERX to design a new type of engine combustion chamber, Orbex says goodbye to Sutherland Spaceport, and another Artemis delay
00:42:00 |
Wed 11 Dec 2024
Episode 488: Chonky Copter
Epsilon exploded, and Dragonfly got a ride! Also, an old spaceport with a newish rocket, and a new spaceport with a newer rocket.
00:44:07 |
Wed 04 Dec 2024
Episode 487: What's that smell?
Russia and Europe plan reusable launcher demo hoppers. Also, Oman's new spaceport, China's inflatable module, and Superheavy's aborted landing.
00:40:57 |
Wed 27 Nov 2024
Episode 486: 300mm of Mercury
The leak in Zvezda isn't new, and neither is a NASA/Roscosmos disagreement. Also, NGR in one place and ABL quits launch services.
00:54:21 |
Wed 20 Nov 2024
Episode 485: Shuttle Sandwich
CRS-2 gets extended without competition. Also, ups and downs down under, a wooden satellite, and a Starship lookalike.
00:45:57 |
Wed 13 Nov 2024
Episode 484: Runaway Ramp
A pile of space news out of China. Also, Orion's heat shield (no news), liquid water on Mars, and an air-breathing ion engine.
00:37:00 |
Wed 06 Nov 2024
Episode 483: 100 Abort Criteria
We chew over new details about the Starship Flight 5 landing. Also, launch from Ireland, a crooked solar sail, and MSR revisions.
00:45:17 |
Wed 30 Oct 2024
Episode 482: Geostationary Explosive Orbit
We just lost a satellite up in GEO! Also, Sirius Space takes another step and Firefly picks up another contract.
00:54:30 |
Wed 23 Oct 2024
Episode 481: Deorbit Strategies
NASA published a study on ISS deorbit concerns and options. Also, X-37B's planned aerobrake, Rocket Lab's MSR contract, and a private space station.
00:30:01 |
Wed 16 Oct 2024
Episode 480: Phenolic Burnthrough
Vulcan's second flight had a bit of an issue. Also, Voyager 2 conserves power, China's new sats are bright, and ISS is leaking less.
00:55:07 |
Wed 09 Oct 2024
Episode 479: VIPER Sting
Everyone's still sore about VIPER getting cut. Also, a Chinese lunar spacesuit, another F9 grounding, and a small launcher in French Guiana.
00:43:05 |
Tue 01 Oct 2024
Episode 478: ISRO Audit
ISRO approved a handful of new products, let's take a look! Also, an Iranian satellite, a fix for Ariane 6, and Yutu-2's half-birthday update!
00:35:37 |
Wed 25 Sep 2024
Episode 477: Land Ahoy
Landspace successfully landed a 10km hopper demo! Also, New Glenn landing attempt, and Chang'e-6's extended mission.
00:29:54 |
Wed 18 Sep 2024
Episode 476: Qrbital MeQaniQs
BepiColombo overcomes engine underperformance! Also, EscaPADE's new ride, Starliner's return, and Vega's final launch.
00:46:12 |
Tue 10 Sep 2024
Episode 475: Falcon Crunch
The F9 life-leader is scrap. Also, IM will fly to the Moon again, Stoke Space flying DOD hardware, and Starliner's strange sound.
00:31:41 |
Wed 04 Sep 2024
Episode 474: Another Six Months
Starliner will come home without crew; Suni and Butch are headed home on a Dragon. Also, EscaPADE arrives, Block 1B begins, and RFA has a BBQ.
00:52:38 |
Wed 28 Aug 2024
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