Snowed In

It's that time of year! Where the snow is beautiful and covers the house and streets and the world outside in white fluff, forcing me to stay inside. It's not just the snow, but the bitter temperatures, too, that offers a bit more incentive to settle into some good shows, books, and "to-do piles" that got pushed aside during the holiday busy rush.

In the spirit of getting snowed in, I'm sharing some some space-related books, ideas & events that I've enjoyed over the long holiday weekend... in the hopes you may enjoy warming up with, too.

WHAT I'M CHEERING ON: SPACE EXPLORATION LAUNCHES and MISSIONS

• Recent ULA Astrobotic Peregrine Launch, 1st Commercial Lunar Lander

There's been a lot of news about this exciting mission and 1st Commercial lander on the moon- including it's controversial successes and challenges. The difficulties this mission has experienced is a reminder that space exploration is really, really hard- especially lunar landings. You can read more about the Peregrine Mission here:

• https://www.businessinsider.com/astrobotic-moon-lander-leaking-fuel-after-launch-threatening-mission-2024-1
• https://www.space.com/astrobotic-peregrine-moon-lander-headed-to-earth

I applaud United Launch Alliance (ULA) and Astrobotic for their successful launch and payload. The launch itself was beautiful, in fact, and I have a personal investment in the payload on board-

Back in 2020, my analog astronaut crew and I were on our mission at the HI-SEAS (Hawaii Space Exploration Analog & Simulation) . Part of our research was to take a DNA saliva sample (an easy cheek swab) with our kits from LifeShip , a mission-driven space and genomics company founded in San Francisco, California that uses a state-of-the-art lab to preserve DNA in synthetic amber, and then protect it in a genetic time capsule sent to space. While this mission DID reach lunar orbit, it won't be able to land on the moon. And that's okay- because just like the STORIES of Space , these are truly unique ways to have access to space.

Tomorrow, January 17, I'll be tuning in to watch the Axiom Space #Ax3 crew launch, the first all-European commercial astronaut mission to the International Space Station! This Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) "redefines the pathway to low-Earth orbit for nations around the globe and marks a new era of opportunity for countries to join the international space community and access low-Earth orbit to advance exploration and research in microgravity." I'm especially excited for former NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronaut now Ax-3 commander, Michael Lopez-Alegria to once again take flight and return to space! Learn more about the crew and check out their awesome mission patch artwork here: https://www.axiomspace.com

WHAT I’M WATCHING ABOUT SPACE:

• I.S.S. Movie. This Friday. It's rated R. The premise of this film goes against the very foundation of the International Space Station's mission...(international science cooperation with multiple countries, peacefully advancing science to benefit life on Earth... etc.). I'll be eager to see how accurate they portray life on board the ISS!

?"It turns out in space they CAN hear you scream...." from I.S.S. (the movie)

WHAT I’M WATCHING IN AVIATION THIS WEEK:

• Lockheed Martin Space and NASA’s Rollout of the X-59

On Friday, NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration unveiled the X-59 Quesst airplane that will fly faster than the speed of sound WITHOUT generating a loud sonic boom! Looking at it reminds me of the Concorde or a lawn dart (remember lawn darts?) https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/emerging-technologies/nasa-unveils-x-59-quiet-supersonic-aircraft-plans-summer-flight

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WHAT I’M READING:

• Little Book of Aliens by Adam Frank

I love this book so much! It's a FUN read I enjoyed while in between airports and late nights over the holidays. In traditional Adam Frank style, I'm cleverly learning as I'm reading from one of my favorite astrophysicists and Casual Space Podcast guests!

“With wit and brio, Frank separates current nonsense about aliens from the serious and fascinating search for extraterrestrial life.” —Carlo Rovelli, New York Times bestselling author of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics

• SPACE the entire Special Issue from October 2023 National Geographic- picked up during the break from my local library.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/issue/october-2023

WHO I’M INSPIRED BY:

• NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana

After 38 Years, NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Associate Administrator and former astronaut Robert Cabana retired at the end of the year in December. As associate administrator, Cabana has been the agency’s highest ranking civil servant, third highest ranking NASA official, and the senior advisor to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy.??

According to www.nasa.gov , "Among notable contributions to the nation during his NASA career that included being an astronaut, Cabana flew in space four times, including twice as commander. His final space shuttle flight was the first International Space Station assembly mission. Cabana also was the director of the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for more than a decade. There he led its transition from retirement of the space shuttle to a multi-user spaceport once again launching NASA astronauts to low Earth orbit, and for the first time, doing so with commercial partners."

I've been thinking about some of the incredible and wonderful people, leaders, and contributors to our nation's space agency. I've been thinking about how much they have seen get accomplished over the years- how many missions, people and projects we've put in space. (I say we like I still work at NASA)! I can't imagine the journey has been easy. At times, may have seen even impossible. In my humble opinion, there's something to be said about a person who served as the leader for NASA’s 10 center directors, mission directorate associate administrators, the agency’s chief operating officer for more than 18,000 employees and annual budget. Not to mention flying to space 4 times and being part of the very first to assemble the International Space Station.

Wow. Congratulations, Bob Cabana!

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LOOKING FORWARD TO:

• More lazy mornings and snow days with the kids, and at the same time, getting the kids BACK TO SCHOOL FOR GOODNESS SAKE! The looooong holiday weekend is OVER ALREADY

• All NEW episodes of my Casual Space Podcast releasing this week- with NEW guests and some returning FOTS (friends of the show)
• Re-starting my "Space-Books Only Book Club" and just a tiny bit of warmer weather. I don't mind the snow. I've got books to read! Stay warm, friends!