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 453: Bleached?
An update on the plans for Orbital Reef, and Artemis 3 science payloads. Also, a flying RDRE, and light at the end of Voyager 1's tunnel.
Wed 03 Apr 2024
Episode 452: Sticky PEZ
Starship went up for its third test flight. Also, Euclid's icy lenses, Ariane 6's progress, and Soyuz' abort.
00:40:39 |
Wed 27 Mar 2024
Episode 451: DOWNLINK--Prof. Dante Lauretta
Professor Dante Lauretta is a cosmochemist who lead the OSIRIS-REx mission. Learn with us about the origins of the planets and how we plan to sneeze on a second asteroid.
00:47:06 |
Wed 20 Mar 2024
Episode 450: Propane Rocket Accessories
Stoke Space adopts LNG for the first stage of their newly revealed Nova rocket. Also, a Chinese spacewalk, a Talon flight, and Starship prep.
00:50:33 |
Wed 13 Mar 2024
Episode 449: All Jacked Up
A few photos of IM-1's broken leg answer questions about the latest moon landing. Also, Orion's hatch and ISRO's Mars helicopter.
00:34:45 |
Wed 06 Mar 2024
Episode 448: Remove Before Flight
Intuitive Machines issues an early update on IM-1's status. Also, ISRO's human rated engine, Firefly's software error, and Varda's return.
01:01:57 |
Wed 28 Feb 2024
Episode 447: Meta Moon
Intuitive Machines is headed off for their first moon landing attempt! Also, H3's successful launch and Voyager 1's comms troubles
00:51:18 |
Wed 21 Feb 2024
Episode 446: No Dana Only Zoozve
A Dream Chaser summary as it prepares for launch. Also, Viasat-3 soldiers on, Artemis 1 lessons, and X-37B's orbit.
00:54:54 |
Wed 14 Feb 2024
Episode 445: E-CLPS
Intuitive Machines readies for their moonshot, and Collins tests their moon space suit. Also, a metal 3D printer on ISS, and the Chinese spaceplane.
00:41:34 |
Wed 07 Feb 2024
Episode 444: The Little Helo That Could
Ingenuity lands for the last time, and SLIM's nose is in the dirt. Also, Redwire/Blue Ring, reusable booster tests, and Rollin' Justin.
Wed 31 Jan 2024
Episode 443: SLIM Chances
SLIM made it to the moon! How long will it survive? Also, EUS qualification and an Ingenuity hiccup.
00:42:12 |
Wed 24 Jan 2024
Episode 442: Lunar Otamatone
Peregrine launched successfully, but quickly encountered problems on orbit. Also, layoffs at JPL, and insight into Starship's orbital failure.
00:44:25 |
Wed 17 Jan 2024
Episode 441: Future Tech Christmas
Airplanes on other planets, bacteria for detox, radioactive sails... NIAC awards are here! Also, ISRO's X-ray telescope & space station stories.
01:33:40 |
Wed 10 Jan 2024
Episode 440: 99 Landings and a Tough Ride
SpaceX did a heck of a lot of flying this year, including one notable bang. Also, China's first commercial spaceport.
00:46:54 |
Wed 03 Jan 2024
Episode 439: A Period of Time
China's undisclosed reusable spacecraft has lifted off to spend "a period of time" on orbit. Also, Starship refurbishment, iSpace hop, & Voyager bug.
00:39:58 |
Wed 20 Dec 2023
Episode 438: Serbatoi Mancanti
Vega’s fourth stage AVUM loses its fuel tanks, only to find them in a landfill. Also Transporter-9 experiences several satellite deployment failures.
00:50:16 |
Wed 13 Dec 2023
Episode 437: Shtuff
A few Starship teases, but not many satisfying answers. Also, JAXA hacked, Artemis III dates, and a Hubble glitch.
00:42:45 |
Wed 06 Dec 2023
Episode 436: Boldly Going Nowhere
Starliner's schedule seems to be holding for a spring launch. Also, the end of ISS, the start of Artemis, and an Ariane 6 hot fire.
00:58:02 |
Wed 29 Nov 2023
Episode 435: Purple Flame
Starship's second test flight achieved goals despite scattering steel across the gulf of Mexico. Also, SaxaVord bills, Sierra layoffs, and Ingenuity.
00:52:09 |
Wed 22 Nov 2023
Episode 434: DOWNLINK--Benchmark
Benchmark Space Systems are building small bipropellant thrusters and GNC software. Check back in with their CEO and meet their resident pyromaniac.
01:36:29 |
Wed 15 Nov 2023
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