As an enthusiast of space history and computing technology, you likely appreciate learning from the ultimate experts – the astronauts, engineers, and brilliant minds pushing outer space frontiers.
Fortunately, some superb podcasts deliver firsthand stories, technical details, and insider information straight from these space professionals right to your ears! This guide counts down the top 7 can‘t-miss podcast picks for devotees of the cosmos through the lens of human history and technological innovation.
From NASA trailblazers to SpaceX innovators, these podcast episodes illuminate everything from the Apollo computing systems to Mars rover designs through intimate host conversations. Let‘s launch into the impressions and analysis from your space-loving host on what makes each podcast outstanding.
7. Houston We Have a Podcast – Unparalleled NASA Insider Access
With 253 episodes and counting, Houston We Have a Podcast earns its rank as the official audio insider take for NASA spaceflight news. Go behind the stories of astronauts training for the International Space Station, the directors maneuvering multi-billion Mars missions, and the unsung engineers crafting launches safely to space.
Veteran host Gary Jordan‘s conversational style extracts vivid details from these NASA guests that fascinated this space reporter. For example, Astronaut Victor Glover describes the thunderous vibrations and gut-dropping vertical ascent inside SpaceX‘s Dragon capsule with visceral emotion.
"You feel the spacecraft coming alive underneath you…and you‘re on the ride of a lifetime." – Astronaut Victor Glover, Episode 248
As a government-produced show, production quality understandably prioritizes substance over flash. But set aside those expectations, and NASA‘s podcast grants unprecedented human access to epic feats like Apollo, the Space Shuttle Program, Hubble and far more.
6. Planetary Radio – Space News Authority from The Planetary Society
As the world‘s largest space interest group, The Planetary Society boasts experts that drive headline stories. Fortunately host Mat Kaplan brings these same big thinkers into the studio every week for in-depth conversations on Planetary Radio.
True to its name, the podcast delivers some of the timeliest analysis on Solar System missions across news-making organizations like SpaceX, RocketLab, Blue Origin and NASA itself. As a former journalist immersed in space communications, Kaplan‘s skillful questioning extracts the perfect balance of expert technical detail and accessible analogy for we common Earthlings.
Recent favorite episodes include Chief Scientist Bruce Betts hilariously pitching wacky space experiments, and Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye unleashing on lawmakers for stifled Mars exploration budgets. This quote encapsulates why the program has earned honors like Apple‘s Best of 2018 accolade:
"…a reminder that space exploration is for all of humankind, but we have to speak up to make it a priority." – Bill Nye, Episode 471
Beyond the headlines, Planetary Radio regularly features space authors, cutting-edge researchers, and even sci-fi actors like Gates McFadden of Star Trek. If staying current on space news is your priority, Mat Kaplan has commandeered the premier audio source since 2009.
5. Space4U Podcast – Unique Personal Stories about Space
The problem with many space podcasts today lies less in the content itself, but the angle taken on that content. Too often hosts barrage listeners with endless mission technicalities or news developments significant to the industry alone.
Where Space4U Podcast stands apart comes by covering space…from the most important personal perspective – ours! Host Alan Ladwig guides intimate conversations on why average people from across creative disciplines all share profound connections to space.
Hear from the artist who fulfilled her father‘s memory by launching his ashes into orbit. Or the former CBS reporter whose news Icon Walter Cronkite changed her life by assigning the Apollo 11 moon landing story. Much like epic movie soundtrack scores complement grand visuals, Alan evokes the resonant human emotions behind each guest.
If you ever ponder exactly why explosions of tin cans into the sky captivates millions worldwide, Space4U tells that story phenomenally well. Just one ordinary life impacted by space ultimately connects to the quest enriching our species as one.
4. Main Engine Cut Off – For Rocket Science Devotees
For devoted rocket scientists and wannabes, one podcast rules the launcher universe – Main Engine Cut Off (MECO). Aerospace analyst Anthony Colangelo disassembles the mechanical complexities behind iconic launch vehicles like NASA‘s Saturn V and the disruptive upstart SpaceX Starship.
Anthony‘s encyclopedic expertise stems from actual engineering consulting roles supporting new generation rocket startups. His passion for all operational technical systems and nitty-gritty specifications becomes self-evident in every explainer episode.
Yet MECO equally impresses by framing intricate concepts into digestible analogies that clicks understanding for us laypeople. It takes a special mastery of rocketry to compare Raptor engine turbopump seals to caulking bathroom tiles!
Insightful guest interviews further demystify the harsh environments and monumental innovations advancing modern space travel. If you desire CPU-level comprehension of exactly what fiery controlled explosions and computer calculations launch multi-ton structures to the heavens, MECO satisfies like no other.
3. NASA‘s Curious Universe – Gateway Podcast for Budding Space Explorers
What captivated us all about space from childhood remains that wide-eyed sense of wonder seeing the Moon‘s craters for the first time through a telescope.
For anyone wishing to rediscover that magical curiosity, NASA‘s Curious Universe makes the perfect gateway podcast. Hosted by actual NASA scientists and astronauts at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, it approaches enormous concepts like dark matter and solar eclipses through uncomplicated everyday analogies.
In under 30 minutes, relatable human narrators like Director Mike Watkins break down big bang theories, Mars mission tech, and even handy astronomy hacks using modest materials found on Earth. Call it Astrophysics 101 for the everyday adult keen to rekindle their inner space-loving kid.
Upbeat background music and lively Q&A sessions reinforce learnings too in bite-sized pieces. Consider NASA‘s pod an ideal entry point before diving deeper into more advanced space listens.
2. AirSpace from the National Air and Space Museum
What astounds about the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum goes well beyond housing spacecraft like Apollo 11‘s Columbia capsule or aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart‘s bright red Lockheed Vega. The untold stories of daring innovation and adventure behind these machines represent humanity‘s restless quest to defy limits.
Fortunately, Museum experts guide us through those stories with precision detail and curiosity that would make their resident rockets proud. AirSpace podcast hosts Nick, Emily, and Matt touch all things aeronautics from NASA‘s flying telescopes to debunked UFO sightings to today‘s high-altitude ballooning feats.
Recent favorite episodes include Chief Curator Peter Jakab‘s insights on Flying Tigers history and pioneering pilot Bessie Coleman. Play these episodes while viewing museum artifact photos online, and AirSpace truly transports you through the trails blazed across skies and space.
When it comes to humankind‘s awe-inspiring will to break boundaries, no more immersive audio experience exists than the AirSpace podcast straight from the Smithsonian stewards themselves.
1. Liftoff – The Most Enjoyable Space Podcast Blasts Off!
And the number one space podcast zooming upward on my personal leaderboard…Liftoff! If anyone can transform rocket science and astrophysics into accessible edutainment, it‘s hosts Stephen Hackett and Jason Snell.
Liftoff balances the perfect cocktail of headline space news, cosmic curiosities explained, zany trivia, engineer guest interviews, and contagious fun you rarely find in space content. Call it the quintessential gateway podcast for refreshing that wide-eyed wonder from our early space dreams.
Our knowledgeable hosts distill mind-boggling concepts like wormholes and quantum cosmology without numbing brains. Jason and Stephen‘s banter and comradery instead gives Liftoff that hangout session vibe minus the academic drudgery.
Flawless production value with splashy music and clips sets a playful atmosphere too. If visionaries like Einstein tried compacting cosmological breakthroughs into catchy songs, I believe it would sound much like Liftoff episodes!
So whether a devoted space historian or pop culture fan starting your space media journey, Liftoff most accurately channels why we collectively get giddy about astronauts and aliens anyway. Jason often asks special guests about their first spark falling love with space. Tuning into his and Stephen‘s infectious passion will undoubtedly rekindle your original liftoff moment too.
I hope these personalized reviews help uncover some captivating new space podcasts to fill your playlists shortly. Beyond the episodes mentioned here, scope out the table below detailing other recommendations curated for beginner, intermediate and advanced space audio fans.
Let the immersive stories, surprising insights and cutting-edge discussions from these shows launch fresh rocket fuel to power your space and technology interests. With sound hitting play, cue the throttling engines as you blastoff into exciting new cosmic podcast adventures!
| Podcast Listening Level | Podcast Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Beginner Space Enthusiast | NASA‘s Curious Universe, Space4U, Orbital Path Podcast |
| Intermediate Space Buff | Liftoff, Main Engine Cut Off, Spacerocket History |
| Advanced Space Expert | The Space Above Us, We Martians Podcast, The Space Show |
