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 353: Golden Sample Retriever
Mars Sample Return hit a bump and split in half. Northrop considers an SLD bid. Also, no more Crew Dragons and a USSF contract for Slingshot.
01:05:06 |
Tue 05 Apr 2022
Episode 352: A Nullage
A second lunar lander is on its way! Also, an Apollo 17 sample, a launch customer reveal, an FAA delay, and Soyuz gap fillers.
00:53:23 |
Wed 30 Mar 2022
Episode 351: B-B-B-Borscht
Artemis-1 makes a dash for the launch pad! Also, two Falcon 9 firsts, a Soyuz first, and a Long March upper stage first!
00:28:09 |
Wed 23 Mar 2022
Episode 350: DOWNLINK--Zachary Tong
When we obsessed over JWST's hexapod actuators, one maker rose to the challenge. We chat with Zach Tong about 3D design, lasers, and microscopes.
01:24:43 |
Wed 16 Mar 2022
Episode 349: Shrapnarelli
Ukrainians keep resisting, and sanctions on Russia continue to sanction. Also, tainted rocket fuel, Iranian launch failure, and more Commercial Crew.
00:52:56 |
Wed 09 Mar 2022
Episode 348: #0057B7 / #FFD700
We stand with the heroes of Ukraine. Also, the space effects of US sanctions, Terra structural testing, and a new Dream Chaser landing site.
01:04:45 |
Wed 02 Mar 2022
Episode 347: Another JWST Episode
As JWST prepares to Do Science, it has to align its mirror, so let's dig into what that process looks like. Also, Chandra, China human flight plans.
01:12:58 |
Wed 23 Feb 2022
Episode 346: Not Fairing Well
Astra's latest launch went bad in an interesting way. Also, something headed towards the moon, something visible by JWST, something moving to Florida.
00:51:58 |
Wed 16 Feb 2022
Episode 345: DOWNLINK--Dr. Tupper Hyde
Learn with us from the Chief Engineer at Goddard about JWST's long path. How did expertise overcome and avoid difficulties? What makes JWST special?
01:28:51 |
Wed 09 Feb 2022
Episode 344: Dirty Deeds Done in Geo
BeiDou-2/Compass G2, a defunct satellite in GEO, has been moved to a graveyard orbit! Also, Lucy diagnosis, a JMS retirement, and an Astroscale pause.
01:04:42 |
Wed 02 Feb 2022
Episode 343: DOWNLINK--Alex Lao
Alex Lao is an FPGA digital designer for Kepler Communications. Come learn with us about FPGAs, circuit design, software defined radio, and cubesats!
01:19:03 |
Wed 26 Jan 2022
Episode 342: Mirror Mirror Mirror Mirror... Mirror
JWST is slowly but surely lifting each of its mirrors up 12.5mm. Also, rovers found water where we expected, and rocks where we didn't.
01:02:11 |
Wed 19 Jan 2022
Episode 341: Weaving a Webb
JWST completes its second week of deployment work! Also, a spacesuit factory purchase, KSLV-2 failure, and China's robotic arm!
01:15:42 |
Wed 12 Jan 2022
Episode 340: JWST Goes Teakettle
It finally happened! JWST is headed to L2 and is unfolding into its operation config. Also, Tianhe avoidance, a green bi-prop bump, and SLS delay.
01:17:44 |
Wed 05 Jan 2022
Episode 339: Season's Yeetings from JWST
A Superheavy/Starship/Raptor update, an Xmas eve launch for our favorite belated telescope, and Stoke Space's secret novel rocket.
00:53:13 |
Wed 22 Dec 2021
Episode 338: Junk in the Frunk
Astra gets a new home, Starship inches towards launch, Ingenuity data loss, and an astronaut swap.
00:46:14 |
Tue 14 Dec 2021
Episode 337: Oh, Craptor…
SpaceX faces a bottleneck that might be the end of the company as we know it. Also, Neutron (2050), space tourists, SLS contract, and ISS not-debris.
00:57:05 |
Wed 08 Dec 2021
Episode 336: Bad Vibrations
JWST has been delayed, hopefully for the last time. Also, JAXA recruiting, Hubble fixes, and Rocket Lab's new radio.
00:46:59 |
Wed 01 Dec 2021
Episode 335: DOWNLINK--Matthew Kuhns, Masten Space Systems
Can you really spray an aluminum landing pad on the moon while you're landing? Come learn with us about the FAST landing pad concept!
01:19:21 |
Wed 24 Nov 2021
Episode 334: Dizzy
SpinLaunch performed some eye-catching (and eye-watering) tests this week. Also, Virgin Orbit in Japan, and a South Korean reusable vehicle.
01:05:11 |
Wed 17 Nov 2021
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