Today In Space

In this episode we recap PT2 of NASA's ambitious plan for the moon with live reactions from Alex during last Monday's epic reveal of the Ignition Plan. This part is dedicated to orbital space stations and NASA's controversial pausing of Gateway (the planned but underdeveloped Lunar Space Station) and their plans to replace the International Space Station in Low Earth Orbit. 
While seemingly a difficult admission from NASA that space stations are very expensive and complicated to not only build but also maintain continuous human presence, it also was deemed controversial by the same private contractors that will build the next ISS.
 
I thought the talk from Dana Weigel, program manager for the ISS Program was brutally and refreshingly honest. Even their module idea to build a NASA station that detaches when ISS is decommissioned seemed good to me, but according to Eric Berger's reporting (link below) it was not received well by the people who would use it.
To listen to the whole talk from Dana Weigel, watch our coverage here: https://www.youtube.com/live/uEUZJl-9SD0?si=pFvQiyUMq178AMra&t=934
To read Eric Berger's reporting on the aftermath, click here: https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/03/what-happens-next-with-nasas-plan-to-replace-the-iss-source-it-could-get-ugly/
We'd love to know what you think! Let us know below.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction, Artemis 2 coverage, Controversy for Space Stations
01:47 Costs and Future of the International Space Station (ISS)
03:13 NASA Honesty & Leadership
11:28 Potential Replacements for the ISS
22:40 NASA's Moon Base and Gateway Project 
26:27 Final Thoughts & Future Plans
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Support the podcast:
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NASA just dropped one of the biggest space updates in years—and it could completely change the future of humanity in space.
In this episode of Today In Space, I break down my live reaction to NASA's IGNITION announcement, including:
- The push toward a permanent Moon Base
- Major changes to the Artemis Program (up to 5 and beyond!)
- Why NASA is shifting strategy (and what it means)
- The role of 3D printing, manufacturing, and infrastructure on the Moon
- How this plan sets the stage for Mars and deep space exploration
After following NASA and the space industry for over a decade, this is one of the most exciting and complete plans I've seen. This isn't just about going back to the Moon—this is about staying there and building humanity's first true deep space foothold.
If this works, we're looking at:
🌕 A real lunar base
🚀 A new era of space innovation
🛰️ Opportunities for engineers, creators, and companies
🌌 The foundation for missions to Mars and beyond
This is a turning point.
👨‍🚀 Join the Conversation
What do YOU think about NASA's Moon Base plans?
Is this the moment NASA takes the lead again?
Drop your thoughts below 👇
We'd like to thank our sponsors:
AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)
Support the podcast:
• Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com
• Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com
• Donate at todayinspace.net
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Timestamps: 
00:00 Introduction to NASA Ignition Program Release this Week
04:30 My LIVE Reaction to NASA Artemis Update by Dr. Lori Glaze
23:09 My LIVE Reaction to NASA Moon Base by Carlos Garcia-Galan aka 'Lunar Viceroy'
36:50 Time-Dilation and Relativistic Physics for Moon GPS w/ Atomic Clocks
44:45 Question: What's my opinion now that NASA has moved from Gateway to Moon Base?

In this episode, Alex catches up on some of the latest projects he's been working on between using Space Internet (Starlink) and the testing on the 3D Printed Starlink mount. The topic of "rethinking failure" has continued to stay in the zeitgiest after the new NASA Artemis plan. As a classically trained Aerospace Engineer, Alex thought it made sense to dive into this idea more. As a maker at heart, failure is thought of as a necessity in development so that you LEARN quickly. For the "classic" way of engineering that I was taught, failure was seen differently...
Some 3D printing & Space News updates to start, a dive into what "Space Internet" has been like, and then a quick trip to rethinking "failure" as we look towards NASA's future and the eventual Artemis 2 launch in April (hopefully). Thanks for joining us
3D Printing Playlist for Starlink Deck Mount Testing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nao06nbw5U&list=PLu6GQO_0j48-zpTNyhsOzUJAR8vVo6_TJ&index=7
We'd like to thank our sponsors:
AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)
Support the podcast:
• Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com
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 • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com
• Donate at todayinspace.net

On this episode of Today In Space, we discuss the recent changes to the #ArtemisProgram by the new NASA administrator, bringing a variety of reactions among space advocates and fans. 
We dive into my perspective as an Aerospace Engineer, Maker, and someone who has been covering Artemis at its beginning! Why is it good that #ArtemisII mission is delayed for now and what the new Artemis III and IV mean for the old way of doing things for our #returnToTheMoon. 
Even if you've only been following along recently - this episode should help transform your understanding on why an engineer/maker likes this REMIXED NASA Artemis mission plan - even though some engineers may not.
Timestamps:
00:00 NASA's Artemis Mission Remix: Introduction and Personal Perspective 
01:21 Impact of Mission Change on Aerospace Employees 
02:48 Evolution of Space Missions and Industry Changes 
04:41 Rapid Iteration and the Advantages of 3D Printing
07:18 Challenges and Opportunities in the New Artemis Plan
11:55 Support for NASA and the Future of Space Exploration
NASA Announcement of Artemis Program Remix: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-adds-mission-to-artemis-lunar-program-updates-architecture/
Video of NASA Administrator Announcing New Artemis Program Infrastructure changes: https://x.com/NASAAdmin/status/2027460193919827997?s=20
We'd like to thank our sponsors:
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Support the podcast:
• Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com
Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903
SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640
 • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com
• Donate at todayinspace.net

This week on Today In Space, we are joined by Astrophotographers Andrew Abban (@apa_astro) & Thorne Ransom (@ransomobservatory on Instagram) — for Space Talkers 02! We were live on social media and Andrew, Thorne, myself, and the chat discussed Stargazing and all-things space.
Other moments from the podcast:
• Experiencing the total solar eclipse in 2024 • Chasing the aurora borealis in 2025 • Capturing our latest astronomy photos • Capturing the Total Lunar Eclipse in 2026 • Breaking down what Artemis II means for the future of human spaceflight
What does it feel like to stand under totality when day turns into night? What does it take to photograph deep space? And why is Artemis II such a critical mission for NASA and the future return to the Moon?
Artemis II will send astronauts around the Moon for the first time since Apollo. 
If you love astronomy, NASA missions, astrophotography, or just talking space — this one's for you.
Thanks for joining us. Let's dive in.
Timestamps:

04:09 Introduction Andrew Abban & Thorne Ransom
07:15 IRL Stargazing, Total Solar Eclipse, Live Streaming my Telescope
10:10 The Chat joins the Podcast LIVE
11:12 Alex discusses his Vespera 1 Smart Telescope & custom setup
12:45 Childhood & Early Experiences with Space & Stargazing
15:30 Custom telescope rigs, clear weather(?), and manual astronomy
17:45 Stargazing & Mental Health
19:07 Andrew Abban's Custom Telescope Gear Setup
21:51 Thorne Ransom's Custom Telescope Gear Setup
24:27 Looking to advertise jobs on Today In Space? Email us [email protected]
26:09 The intensity of capturing a Total Solar Eclipse with custom manual telescope
29:25 Shout out to @Bostronomy Matt Schricker & IRL Star-parties
33:09 AG3D Lab's 1st AI for 3D Printing coming out soon! Join our newsletter
37:16 How we plan to observe the night sky all night
44:53 How much harddrive space is on the Vespera 1 Smart Telescope? How big are the image files?
48:09 Sharing our latest Astrophotography in 2025/26
50:34 Post-Processing Astrophotos
52:34 3D Printing & Astrophotography
55:00 Cherry Springs Star Party - Will it Happen This Year?
57:30 Total Lunar Eclipse 2026 Viewing TIps
01:03:00 2015 Total Lunar Eclipse
01:04:51 We're going back to the Moon with Artemis 2!
01:07:28 Starship & What Needs to Happen for A Moon Landing to Succeed
01:08:13 The Power Spaceflight Resuability
01:09:19 What is the Artemis Program, really?
01:11:54 Moon To Mar? Moon? Mars?
01:14:06 Astronomy & Community
01:15:45 Private Companies & NASA Since the Beginnging, And Orion Type A Mishap
01:17:00 New NASA Leadership gives us hope...