STARS Launch Pod

A new era of space isn’t just about rockets — it’s about opportunity. Discover how the space economy is reshaping life on Earth, creating new careers, and opening the door for everyone to play a role in humanity’s next great frontier.

Step inside Space Trek, a groundbreaking program where young women build satellites, analyze real data, and discover their place in the space industry. In this STARS Launch Pod feature, learn how hands-on learning and empowerment are shaping future aerospace leaders. This is where bold curiosity turns into limitless possibility.

What if we could predict hurricanes 12 hours earlier with twice the accuracy? Dan Harkins joins the STARS Launch Pod to share the groundbreaking satellite technology making that possible. Get ready for a fascinating look at the future of weather, space, and safety.

Space is no longer just for governments and billionaires — it’s becoming personal, creative, and accessible. In this inspiring conversation with icMercury’s captain Lijie Zhu, we explore how satellites impact everyday life in ways most people never realize. From launching small satellites to sending artwork to the Moon, icMercury is empowering dreamers, innovators, and artists to take part in the future of space.

Women in space face challenges that are often invisible but deeply impactful. In this episode of Star Launch Pod, Libby Fenstermacher shares insights from her NASA experience and sociology research on STEM identity, inclusion in astronomy, and inspiring the next generation of space professionals.

Discover how the Beyond Earth Institute is helping shape the future of human spaceflight through policy, innovation, and global collaboration. Learn why experts say people—not just technology—will be the driving force behind humanity’s expansion to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

From robotic “space octopuses” to modular satellite upgrades, KMI is rewriting the future of on-orbit operations. Dive into this conversation with CTO Austin Morris and explore the breakthroughs shaping the next era of space sustainability.

Discover how spaceports are becoming the next major global infrastructure—from commercial launches to future point-to-point space travel. Dr. George Nield reveals the technologies, opportunities, and careers shaping the new space economy.

Step into the world of two UCF aerospace innovators who are shaping the future of space exploration through mentorship, groundbreaking research, and bold vision. From guiding the next generation of engineers to exploring revolutionary propulsion concepts, their work reveals how curiosity and collaboration can propel humanity toward the stars.

From pioneering stem cell therapies to inspiring young minds with space-borne spiders and butterflies, this episode uncovers the magic of life science in orbit. Learn how microgravity research on the ISS is advancing healthcare, improving cancer treatments, and shaping the future of human spaceflight.

Discover how Valparaiso University is launching the next generation of space engineers. Professor Dan White shares how students build real satellites, join a global open-source ground station network, and turn childhood dreams into hands-on space exploration.

Dive into our conversation with space architect Dallas Bienhoff as he reveals how lunar resources, reusable landers, and next-gen technologies are paving the way for sustainable life on the Moon—and our journey to Mars.

Join Dr. Gabrielle Caswell, founder of Spaceport Australia, as she shares how humans can thrive beyond Earth. Discover bio-regenerative habitats, sustainable space systems, and the science of adapting our biology for life on Mars, the Moon, and beyond.

Explore the magic of STEM education with Janet Ivey, the powerhouse behind Janet’s Planet. Her stories, wisdom, and humor ignite a sense of possibility in learners of all ages. This episode is a joyful reminder that the universe is waiting for you to explore it.

Join host Susan Wise as she chats with Adam Kall, Chief Strategy Officer at Kall Morris Incorporated, about revolutionizing in-space logistics and tackling the growing challenge of orbital debris. Discover how his startup’s octopus-inspired spacecraft could change the future of satellite operations — and open the door to building the next generation of space infrastructure.

Discover how the Canaveral Council of Technical Societies (CCTS) is shaping the future of space innovation through collaboration, STEM outreach, and industry-leading events like Space Congress. A must-read for anyone looking to break into or level up in the space industry.

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.