Interplanetary Podcast

Matt welcomes Roman Chiporukha, co-founder and CEO of SpaceVIP, the concierge service that books everything from zero-g airplane jaunts to orbital stays aboard the ISS. Episode 317 invites you to imagine your next vacation above the Kármán line—and weigh whether the price tag is worth the view. Strap in for a conversation that spans luxury, logistics, and the future of off-world adventure

Episode 316 of the Interplanetary Podcast kicks off with Matt tackling the unsettling news of NASA’s potential science funding cuts—raising concerns about the future of groundbreaking space research—and pondering whether SpaceX’s mighty Starship could become an over-budget behemoth or the key to humankind’s next giant leap. Then, Matt welcomes Steve Matier, CEO of Maritime Launch Services, who sheds light on Canada’s ambitious foray into commercial spaceflight. From building Spaceport Nova Scotia to launching the next wave of satellites, Steve shares how MLS is staking out its place in the rapidly growing space economy. It’s a thought-provoking deep dive into the business, engineering, and dream-chasing behind the new frontier of Canadian aerospace.

After a rant about civil discourse and the need for truth in the space commnuity, Matt Chats with Alan Smale who writes alternate and twisted history, and hard SF. Hot Moon, his alternate-Apollo “technothriller with heart”, was launched back in July 2022, followed by sequel Radiant Sky, in November 2024. The Apollo Rising series will conclude with Burning Night, in late 2025.

Matt chats with Stephen Thrum, a teacher at Windaroo Valley State High School in Logan QLD (Australia), whose career spans from professional model making to interning at NASA. and is a Space Settlement Design Coach—a role in which he has led teams of Australian school students to National and International victories over the past 16 years www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 -

Matt chats with Tarek Waked, Founding Partner of Type One Ventures. Type One is an investment firm committed to developing a future civilization that is self-sufficient and interplanetary. The firm invests in space centric innovations. Matt Also www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7

Matt chats with Yanni Barghouty, CEO and co-founder of Cosmic Shielding Corporation (CSC). Yanni is creating radiation shielding technology to ensure that hardware can operate in space without degrading. www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Twitter @interplanetypod

Matt catches up with the crew from MSI-DFAT a company with over 60 years of combined engineering experience in spacecraft acoustic testing.

Matt catches up with Ethan Siegel again to chat about the James Webb Space Telescope and his new book Infinite Cosmos on National Geographic.

Matt is joined by Michelle Snyder and Jay Snyder to talk about their work with FREA the Foundation for Research of the Enzmann Archive. https://enzmannarchive.org/

Matt is joined by Pu Jian of Cailabs to talk about Space Laser Communications.

Matt is joined by the esteemed Dr. Gerard Van Belle of the Lowell Observatory to discuss the imminent nova of T Coronae Borealis. Dive into the fascinating details of this stellar event and what it means for our understanding of cosmic phenomena. Don’t miss this stellar conversation as we explore the universe’s explosive wonders!

Matt chats with Dr. Eiman Jahangir who was recently selected by Web 3 group MoonDAO as there 2nd astronaut to fly on a future Blue Origin New Shepard flight. A crazy story of trying and trying to then win a lottery. www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Twitter @interplanetypod

Matt sits down with acclaimed author and journalist Adam Higginbotham to discuss his latest book, "Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space." This definitive account of the tragic space shuttle Challenger disaster takes us on a journey from the Apollo program through the investigation that followed the catastrophe. Adam shares the meticulous research to reveal the untold story of what really happened and why. We delve into the internal discussions between NASA and Morton Thiokol executives, the heroic efforts of whistleblowers, and the profound impact this disaster had on space exploration and public perception. Adam's masterful storytelling brings to life the human drama, fascinating science, and shocking political infighting that defined this pivotal moment in history. Whether you're a space enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the Challenger disaster, this episode promises to be both enlightening and unforgettable. www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Matt Russ

Matt speaks with The CEO and co-founder of Arkisys, David Barnhart. Arkisys is a company developing future space expansion by engineering 'The Port', a primary center for technology hosting, satellite integration, assembly, and resupply.

Episode 303: Space Oddities with Dr. Harry Cliff - Anomalies and New Frontiers in Physics Matt delves into the mysteries of the cosmos with Dr. Harry Cliff, particle physicist, science communicator, and author of the new book, "Space Oddities." We explore the fascinating anomalies challenging the very foundations of physics, Dr. Cliff shares insights from his work at CERN's Large Hadron Collider and his deep dive into the latest scientific enigmas. #SpaceOddities #ParticlePhysics #Cosmology #ScienceAnomalies #InterplanetaryPodcast

Matt is Joined by Chris Lintott to talk about Our Accidental Universe his new book out this month and some of the ideas contained within. Chris Lintott is a Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Oxford, where his research ranges from understanding how galaxies form and evolve, to predicting the properties of visiting interstellar asteroids. He is Principal Investigator of the Zooniverse citizen science platform. Lintott is best known as presenter of the BBC ‘Sky at Night’ program. In 2023, he was appointed the 39th Gresham Professor of Astronomy

Matt is Joined by cultural astronomer and Paleolithic researcher Bernie Taylor In this unusual and captivating episode, join us on a remarkable journey as we delve into the intricacies of ancient timekeeping and its deep connection to the natural world. Taylor takes us back to early 2001, recounting his research with Oregon Fish and Wildlife on salmon migration patterns. He unravels a fascinating story linking lunar cycles to salmon behavior, a knowledge long held by Native Americans but overlooked by modern science. This episode is not just about the biology of salmon; it's a profound exploration of how ancient peoples, from Native Americans to cave artists, synchronized their lives with the rhythms of the sun and moon. Discover the lost art of reading nature's clock and how our disconnection from the night sky since the Industrial Revolution has impacted our understanding of time. Bernie's insights offer a unique perspective on the intricate dance between celestial bodies and life on Earth, reminding us of

In this landmark 300th episode of the Interplanetary Podcast, Matt is thrilled to welcome renowned space journalist Eric Berger from Ars Technica. Join us for an enlightening journey through the major space exploration milestones of 2023, as we delve into the year's most groundbreaking events and achievements. Eric, with his in-depth expertise, shares insights on the pivotal developments from global space agencies and private companies alike. We cover the stunning progress of SpaceX, including their ambitious Starship tests, and discuss the latest missions that continue to push the boundaries of our cosmic understanding. Not to be missed are the international feats from ESA, JAXA, and other key players, marking 2023 as a year of unparalleled advancements.

Sustainable Horizons: SSC's Eco-Friendly Space Adventures Ever wondered about the environmental impact of shooting for the moon? This week's episode Matt is joined by Henrik Lampa, SSC's Head of Sustainability. Henrik's on a mission to turn space exploration green! We'll dive into how the Swedish Space Corporation is shaking things up in the cosmos by encouraging more eco-friendly rockets and sustainable space missions. Grab your space helmets and join us for our discussion about making the galaxy greener. This episode is for anyone who loves space, cares about the planet. Blast off with us into a more sustainable space future!

In this episode of the Interplanetary Podcast, we venture beyond the earthly realm with Andrew Cohen, one of the creative maestros behind the hit BBC series 'The Planets'. Our conversation orbits around the release of The Folio Society edition of the companion book to the series, delving into the awe-inspiring narratives and stunning visual storytelling that brings the celestial ballet to life. Cohen shares a glimpse into the collaborative odyssey of translating cosmic wonders to the screen, the intertwining dance of science and art, and the quest for unveiling the mysteries of our vast cosmic neighborhood. The Folio Society edition of The Planets by Professor Brian Cox and Andrew Cohen, introduced by David A. Rothery, is exclusively available from foliosociety.com.