STARS Launch Pod

Discover how a passionate seventh grader is already presenting at national space conferences, building CubeSats, researching AI, and shaping the future of space exploration. Meet Lucas Lowery—the young innovator proving the next generation is ready for liftoff.

Shorter- At just 12, Lucas Lowery is building satellites, speaking at space conferences, and preparing for Mars. This rising star is the future of aerospace.

Join host Susan Wise as she sits down with Ubaldo “The Space Ace” Ciminieri, Chief of Staff at CisLunar Industries, to explore how the future of space power, recycling, and innovation is turning science fiction into reality. From transforming space debris into usable materials to empowering new voices in the space industry, this episode is a reminder that space needs everyone’s talent and imagination.

Join host Susan Wise on the Stars Launch Pod as she talks with Tyler Bender, Policy Analyst at the Beyond Earth Institute, about the future of human space settlement, space policy, and how everyday careers on Earth can shape life beyond our planet. Discover insights on space migration, innovation, and building sustainable communities beyond Earth.

Can we grow fresh food in space? Astrobotanist Jess Bunchek takes us inside her work at DLR, from Antarctica to advanced aeroponics, revealing how space farming could transform life both off-world and here on Earth.

Join us as we talk with Alyssa Carson, astrobiologist and aspiring astronaut, about her journey from a curious child fascinated by space to a pioneering researcher exploring the possibility of life on Mars. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and inspiring advice from someone chasing her dreams beyond Earth—and learn how she’s empowering the next generation to do the same.

Bill West, Executive Director of the Space Workforce Institute, about the future of the space economy and the people powering it. Discover how new workforce standards, credentials, and training programs are opening doors for professionals from all backgrounds to launch their careers in space. From welders to cybersecurity experts — find out how you can be part of the next giant leap in the space industry.

Geophysicist Douglas Jerolmack explores how legged robots are transforming planetary exploration. From NASA’s LASSIE and TRUSSES projects to surprising discoveries about lunar soil, crack patterns on Mars, and even the secret mud behind Major League Baseball, this episode reveals how persistence, creativity, and collaboration are driving the future of science—on Earth and beyond.

Discover the fascinating story behind the Fisher Space Pen—the pen that writes upside down, underwater, and even in zero gravity. Eric Bond, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, shares the innovation that made it possible, its legacy in every NASA mission since 1968, and how this iconic tool continues to inspire the future of space exploration.

Join host Susan Wise as she talks with Dr. Paul Westerhoff, Regents Professor at Arizona State University, about his groundbreaking work using UV light to control biofilms on the International Space Station. Discover how this innovative, chemical-free technology could revolutionize water systems both in space and here on Earth—from keeping astronauts safe to transforming how we manage clean water and prevent contamination.

Discover how cutting-edge space research—from cancer treatments and artificial retinas to fiber-optic breakthroughs—is transforming life here on Earth. Ryan Reeves, Technical Director of Research & Innovation at the International Space Station National Laboratory shares behind-the-scenes stories, surprising discoveries, and a look at what’s next after the ISS.

Dr. Danny Hawkins, founder of Danny’s Rocket Ranch and Space Camp Hall of Fame inductee, shares how his love for teaching, salsa, and space exploration sparked a mission to inspire the next generation. From classroom lessons to launching a salsa brand that funds scholarships, his journey proves that creativity and persistence can fuel both dreams and discovery.

Join host Susan Wise as she talks with Dr. Gordon Roesler, former DARPA leader and president of Robots in Space, about the groundbreaking technology that allows satellites to repair, refuel, and even upgrade themselves in orbit. Discover how robotic servicing is transforming the future of space and why persistence is key to innovation among the stars.

Join host Susan Wise on Stars Launch Pod as she sits down with NASA’s Brian Campbell, Senior Earth Science Specialist, to explore groundbreaking satellite missions, student-driven discoveries, and what it takes to turn failure into success. From tracking melting ice sheets to mapping billions of trees, discover how NASA data—and curious young minds—are shaping our understanding of Earth.

Join host Susan Wise as she talks with Dr. Gary Stutte—‘space farmer,’ scientist, and CEO of SyNRGE—about growing food beyond Earth, recycling human waste into life support, and how space farming innovations are transforming agriculture here on Earth.

Join Nobel Prize–winning astrophysicist John Mather as he shares the groundbreaking science behind the James Webb Space Telescope, the mysteries of cosmic origins, and bold new ideas for discovering Earth-like planets beyond our solar system.

“Bringing Space Science Back to Earth”

Join host Susan Wise as she talks with Dr. David Pollock, founder of Star Sciences, about how innovations from space research are transforming life on Earth. From zero-gravity stem cell breakthroughs to the future of skincare and collaboration in space technology, this inspiring conversation explores how we can connect, collaborate, and accelerate the next frontier—both in orbit and at home.