Cool Space News with Rod Pyle

This week, Rod continues his discussion with Vic Mignogna, executive producer, writer and star of "Star Trek Continues," and asks the perfect question for Captain Kirk: are we ready for first contact? Next week: Dr. Pascal Lee, Mars scientist, polar explorer and all around fascinating guy.

This week Rod speaks with Vic Mignogna, the creator and lead actor of the remarkable fan-film production "Star Trek Continues." Vic talks about why he created this 11-episode tribute to the original Star Trek, the intersection of art and science, and how he hopes to encourage a new generation into STEM fields like science and engineering. Part 1 of 2.

Flash! President Trump signs new directive instructing NASA to return astronauts to the moon! Rod speaks to Bruce Pittman--long-time NASA guy, systems engineer, space entrepreneur, senior vice president of the National Space Society, and steely-eyed missile man--about this pivot back to the moon. Topics include NASA's long-term goals, private enterprise in space, and the settlement of the cosmos. Don't miss this episode!

This week Rod continues his interview with Steve Fentress of the Strasenburgh Planetarium in Buffalo, New York, and answers the eternal question of what the hell an orrery is... because you always wanted to know!

This week, Rod talks planetariums with Steve Fentress, Director of the Strasenburgh Planetarium in Rochester, New York, and Ken Kramer, formerly a planetarium lecturer at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. If you haven't visited a planetarium lately, this episode will rekindle your love of the night sky!

This week, Rod interviews Emily Carney, creator of the uber-cool Facebook group Space Hipsters, where 13,000 people get together to talk, well, cool space news!

Trump's National Space Council het its first meeting this week, starting the process of charting a new course for NASA. Host Rod Pyle walks you through what's coming up for our favorite space agency.

Asteroids are coming in closer! Is this the end of the world as we know it??? Ha.

What's next in the ever changing world of private space flight? Rod Pyle discusses Elon Musk's plans, and how a colony on Mars could be closer than you think.

This week, Cassini's final hours at Saturn! As the end of the mission draws near, we look back at this 20-year exploration of Saturn and its moons, and some of the remarkable discoveries made throughout. The Cassini probe will end its flight early Friday morning, descending into the giant planet's atmosphere starting at about 3:30 am Pacific Time. It's been an incredible journey, with more to come.

The Apocaclypse is here! Tony Cook, staff astronomer at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, joins us to discuss where to go to see the eclipse, how to view it safely, and what to expect. Tony has seen it all and done it all when it comes to astronomy, so this is a must-listen episode if you're planning to see the eclipse on August 21st.

Cool Space News eclipse viewing special! Tips on safe eclipse viewing for you and your family, including the proper sources for safe viewing glasses and devices. For more information go to http://www.pylebooks.com/ and click on "2017 SOLAR ECLIPSE SAFE VIEWING TIPS."

It's been almost 50 years since Apollo 11 landed on the Moon. Why haven't we returned? This week, we look at rejuvenating NASA, partnering with the private sector to reach our goals in space, and why returning to the Moon might be worthwhile.

In this episode of Cool Space News, Rod interviews Steve Fentress, Director of the Strasenburgh Planetarium at the Rochester Museum and Science Center, about his new book, Sky to Space. The book us is a delightful introduction to visual backyard astronomy, as well as an overview of basic astronomical principles, that anyone can understand. It is a lovingly crafted volume, written and illustrated in a folksy style that is a trademark of the author. An overview of the 2017 solar eclipse in August is included. This is also an ideal STEM intro to astronomy.

A continuation of my interview with JPL’s Rob Manning. Rob was the Chief Engineer for the Mars Pathfinder mission, the Mars Exploration Rovers, and the Curiosity Mars rover. We pick up our discussion talking about the airbag landing system that was used to land Pathfinder on Mars, a NASA first. Testing was critical, and had to proceed on a tight budget. Rob discusses these challenges, and looks ahead to the Mars 2020 rover and sample return missions.

Part one of Rod's interview with Rob Manning, the Chief Engineer for the Engineering and Science Directorate at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Rob was also the Chief Engineer for the Mars Exploration Rover and Mars Pathfinder missions. This week represents the 20th anniversary of the Pathfinder landing on July 4, 1997.

Rob joins us in a two-part discussion about how the Pathfinder mission came to be, and discusses how some of the challenges were overcome in the unlikeliest--and cheapest--ways you might imagine. It was a mission on a budget that was achieved with ingenuity, passion, and by a few visits to the local Home Depot!

This is part two of Rod Pyle's conversation with Dave Dressler.

This week, Rod talks about the National Space Society and the National Space Development Conference. Part one includes a conversation with Dave Dressler, organizer of the speaker track for the conference.

Host Rod Pyle keeps us up-to-date on all the coolest space news in his weekly podcast!