Casual Space – Details, episodes & analysis

Ever wonder what it takes to inspire over 500 students to reach for the stars?

In this episode of Through These Doors, Chris Key, Josh Whitfield, and Beth Mund sit down with Danny Jaques, a Space Camp Hall of Fame inductee and passionate educator dedicated to inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts.

Danny’s journey is one of relentless determination. From bringing hundreds of students from Ignacio, Colorado, to Space Camp, to launching his own space-themed salsa company, Danny’s story is filled with creativity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his mission: getting humanity to Mars.

During the conversation, Danny shares the challenges of raising funds to send students from a small rural community to Space Camp and the joy of watching them light up as they experience the wonders of space exploration. He also dives into his personal passion for Mars, discussing the importance of dreaming big and how Space Camp plays a crucial role in nurturing those dreams.

Whether you’re a space enthusiast, an educator, or someone who loves a good story of perseverance and innovation, this episode inspires you to think outside the box and reach for your own stars.

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About:

Danny Jaques

Danny Jaques grew up on a ranch near Ignacio, Colorado, where his fascination with space began as he watched the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions. Though raised in a farming family, Danny's passion for space led him to a career in science education.

After an inspiring visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, Danny made it his mission to share the wonders of space with his students. Over the years, he has chaperoned more than 500 students to Space Camp and was honore

What drives someone to pursue a lifelong career exploring the cosmos?

In this episode of Through These Doors, Chris Key, Josh Whitfield, and Beth Mund sit down with Dr. Jennifer Heldmann, a NASA planetary scientist whose passion for space began at Space Camp and led to a groundbreaking career at NASA.

Jennifer’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Jennifer's story is a testament to the power of following one's dreams, from her first plane ride to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, to earning a PhD in planetary science. In this episode, she recounts her experiences at Space Camp, where she first realized that a career in space wasn’t just a dream but a tangible goal. Jennifer takes us through her exciting work at NASA, including her contributions to Mars exploration and the search for life beyond Earth.

Throughout the conversation, Jennifer reflects on the impact Space Camp had on her life and career, offering valuable advice to young and mid-career professionals on pursuing their passions in the space industry. She also shares her thoughts on the potential discovery of life on Mars and how it could fundamentally change our understanding of the universe.

Whether you're an aspiring astronaut, a space enthusiast, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode will motivate you to reach for the stars.

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About:

Dr. Jennifer Heldmann

Dr. Jennifer Heldmann is a Planetary Scientist in the Division of Space Sciences & Astrobiology, Planetary Systems Branch at NASA Ames Research Center. Heldmann studies the Moon with a focus on improving our understanding of lunar volatile deposits as well as focusing on lunar geology. She works on spacecraft missions to study ice on the Moon (e.g., NASA’s LCROSS & VIPER missions) and leads teams analyzing data, creating numerical models, conducting field campaigns, and developing cutting-edge hardware and software tools for future planetary mission applications. Heldmann also supports NASA’s Artemis program by providing scientific input and astronaut training to optimize scientific exploration of the Moon on crewed missions.

Have you attended Space Camp or been inspired by similar stories? We’d love to hear about it!

Share your story with us on social media using:
#CasualSpace and #ThroughTheseDoors.

Interested in Space Camp?
Visit:
https://www.rocketcenter.com/SpaceCamp

Ahh, the precious memories made from summer camp!  The adventures, the friendships, the HEAT... they're all fun parts of the camp experience and stories that say with us through the years.

In this episode, we dive into the stories of Space Camp Alumni whose impressive careers within the space industry and as lifelong learners all began when they walked "through these doors" at the historic US. Space and Rocket Center.  Whether you're an aspiring astronaut or just a space enthusiast, you'll be inspired by the incredible tales of dreams turned into reality.

Are you a Space Camp alumni? Reconnect with millions of campers who like you, share that space camp experience: https://rocketcenterfoundation.org/about-alumni/ 

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN TO SHARE YOUR STORY.  

Send your story ABOUT space INTO to space for free at www.storiesofspace.com.

Tune in and let your imagination soar!

Christina Korp has traveled the world as a singer, producer, tour manager and as an Astronaut Wrangler. She’s produced groundbreaking, mass participation experiential artworks and event that focus on inspiring people and giving back to the planet. Today on the podcast, Christina shares with Beth her latest #AimHigher project success that recently completed on Monday, October 11, where Christina organized an incredible event in Woodruff Park in Atlanta, Georgia where a giant 6,300 square foot Earthwork portrait of NASA Astronaut Stephanie Wilson created by crop artist Stan Herd was unveiled. The frame and wording of #AimHigher was made from 1500 tiles of space art created by kids from 14 Atlanta Schools and 3 children's hospitals. Astronauts Nicole Stott, Susan Kilrain and Dr. Sian Proctor (who only just returned to Earth from the Inspiration4 Mission where she became the first black woman to pilot a spacecraft) participated in this historic event. Each astronaut spoke about the importance of representation to inspire the next generation to aim higher for their dreams. Stephanie Wilson was the second Black woman to go into space. She's flown in three missions — her first in 2006 — and she's also one of 18 astronauts on the NASA Artemis team, which is set to go to the moon in 2024. 

About Christina Korp: https://christinakorp.com/ 

Christina Korp is an astronaut manager, space advisor and the president of Purpose Entertainment. For ten years she managed Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin and launched his education foundations – ShareSpace and the Aldrin Family Foundation. She produced the last five galas at Kennedy Space Center celebrating Apollo 11 and the Webby winning and Emmy nominated, “Cycling Pathways to Mars” VR experience. She is passionate about promoting ways space benefits the planet and people every day and promoting women’s issues. She spearheaded projects in 2020 to celebrate the Women’s Vote Centennial in the USA. She leads SPACE For a Better World producing events and experiences that raise money for partner charities. She currently works with Apollo 16 moon walker Charlie Duke and NASA astronaut and aquanaut Nicole Stott.

About #AimHigher

The Apollo missions, the first Moon landing that inspired a generation. It spurred on innovation and ignited a spark in kids to aim high for their dreams. Those kids of yesterday turned into adults who are changing the world today. We want to light the spark in today’s generation to empower them to be the ones to change the world tomorrow. We’ll encourage them to aim higher for their dreams than ever before.

Through this giant inspirational and representative Artemis themed Earthwork created by artist Stan Herd, we will honor and recognize African American astronaut Stephanie Wilson who is not only a pioneer but also in the current NASA Artemis group. 

She could be the first woman to set foot on the Moon. 

Article from Mission: AstroAccess from Space.com: https://www.space.com/astroaccess-disability-ambassadors-zero-g-flight

Does filming in space change the way in which we view space? How will filming in space change our perspective? When actors, directors, and artists go to space, can they help us see ourselves, and our planet Earth in a different way? 

Last week, a Soyuz spacecraft carrying a Russian film crew docked at the International Space Station to begin a movie shoot in orbit. The Soyuz ferried a Russian actress and a film director to the station alongside a veteran cosmonaut, who commanded the capsule. Their goal? To spend 12 days shooting scenes for a space film called "The Challenge" on the station.

This week, William Shatner, also known as Captain Kirk, will travel to space on the Blue Origin New Shepard capsule. Actors are traveling to space, and movies are being made in space, so Beth, Chad and new friend of the show, Chris Byars are ready to celebrate how exciting these events are and what it means for humanity’s future! 

Join in on this episode as Beth, Chad and Chris attempt to answer questions about movies in space, including: 

How many movies have been filmed in space?

How many actors have flown to space? (This answer has since changed from today’s historic Blue Origin flight, by the way)

What movie SHOULD have been made in space? 

Tune in for a very casual conversation with lots of laughs and a couple of great ideas in this week’s Casual Space Podcast! 

More miscellaneous stuff discussed: 

The “female friendly” space toilet on the ISS: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/10/space-toilet-nasa-women/616686/

Tom Cruise will be making movies on the ISS: https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-52556699 

Beth references this article from the Chicago Tribune of the top 50 movies about space- here is the list: https://www.chicagotribune.com/featured/sns-stacker-best-space-movies-all-time-20210331-ls6z5ha6ubekdgyov76fxs7tam-photogallery.html 

A film made in space, Apogee of Fear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKOK0VzTix4 

Wally Funk’s previous Blue Origin flight: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/wally-funk-blue-origin-space-travel-oldest-astronaut/ 

Want to know more about job opportunities in the space industry? Don’t miss this free webinar, hosted by Space Nation on October 22, Beth mentioned during the show break. You can check it out and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/space-jobs-and-astropreneurship-opportunities-are-launching-now-tickets-191110435457?aff=bm.

“How can you change the world if no one knows you exist?” – Izzy House 

When it comes to marketing, Izzy knows a thing or two. And when it comes to marketing for space, Izzy House wrote the book on it- literally! Her new book, Space Marketing aims to empower companies within the space industry promote space, generate excitement, and implement marketing strategies and tactics to help companies thrive. The space business model is changing, and the companies that are successful right now do ONE THING CONSISTENTLY. On this week’s episode, Izzy shares with Beth one of the simplest marketing strategies that works, yet so many companies just don’t do… 

Here’s more about the book Space Marketing:  https://izzy.house/space-marketing-book/

From Izzy’s website: Since the 2015 SPACE Act opened the doors for commercial companies, the space sector has exploded with activity. There are thousands of new players. As of 2018 data, over 72 countries have launched new governmental space agencies. As a result, unprecedented competition levels grow as countries ramp up their programs and the cost for entry into the industry reduces. Subsequently, Many of the space industry professionals have not had to maneuver in these waters before now.

NASA’s not the only game in town anymore. ESA, India, Israel, China, United Arab Emirates, and many other countries are going into space. Therefore, it is going to get even more competitive as these counties pour funds into their space programs and their country’s businesses as they reach for a piece of this powerful industry. Marketing will become a necessity if you want to run in the space race.

About Izzy: Izzy House utilizes creativity and her extensive marketing experience to help her business partners grow. The marketing strategies that she creates are attractive, produce results, and create income streams that have benefited 600+companies for over 20 years. From websites to print to video, her award-winning campaigns connect companies to their audience.

With an extensive marketing background, she turns the lens of marketing onto the space industry. Armed with experience in public affairs, outreach, and marketing, she aims to empower space companies and further their dreams of space exploration. 

https://www.ilsehouse.com/

You could say Tim Bailey is a space celebration connoisseur. As the Executive Director for Yuri’s Night- THE biggest space party in the world…Tim is qualified to rate and review the Inspiration4 “splashdown” party held just a week ago when the crew returned safely to Earth. (Acrobats? Star Wars bands? Flying astronauts? COLLECTIVE SOUL?!) 

Today on the show, Beth and Tim say they’re “still buzzing” from the EPIC SpaceX celebration, then discuss how space travel is basically available to everyone, right now. 

About Tim Bailey: Tim Bailey is space enthusiast, an Eagle Scout, a former counselor for Space Camp Florida, and a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Tim never thought he'd be a Flight Attendant on his way to becoming an Astronaut, yet he’s celebrated 18 years on the job and is still loving it! In addition to his part-time work with Zero Gravity Corporation, Tim is the Executive Director for Yuri's Night, a nonprofit best known for the self-named annual world space parties in April. I've done an assortment of other project management jobs for organizations including NSS, Space Generation Advisory Council to the UN, Kennedy Space Center, the Department of Energy, the US Marine Corps, and DARPA. Want to learn more about Tim and his work? Check out his website at www.NovaBailey.com 

About Zero G Gravity Corporation:   Zero Gravity Corporation is a privately held space entertainment and tourism company whose mission is to make the excitement and adventure of space accessible to the public. The experience offered by Zero-G is the only commercial opportunity on Earth for individuals to experience true “weightlessness” without going to space.
Zero-G’s attention to detail, excellent service and quality of experience combine with its exciting history has set the foundation for exhilarating adventure-based tourism. https://www.gozerog.com/about-us/ 

About Yuri’s Night: Launching parties around the world every year on or around April 12th, in commemoration of Yuri Gagarin becoming the first human venture into space on April 12, 1961, and the inaugural launch of the first Space Shuttle on April 12, 1981. We use space to bring the world together, to empower the greatest parts of who we are, and give vision to where we are going. https://yurisnight.net/ 

On Sept 15, 2021, our friend and colleague Dr. Sian Proctor achieved her life-long dream of launching into space and becoming an astronaut on the Crew Dragon as part of the SpaceX Inspiration4 mission! My fellow analog astronauts Dr. Brandy Nunez and Makiah Eustice share our impressions and insights of this historic flight in an intimate conversation together- 24 hours after witnessing the launch live from the Kennedy Space Center at historic Launch complex 39-A. 

Together, we discuss what this means for a new generation of space explorers, what this flight means for women, and what Dr. Sian Proctor brings to every interaction she has.  Buckle in, because THIS episode allows us to showcase, from our own perspectives, the journey our friend has been on, and why we’re oh-so-proud and can’t contain our excitement for Sian’s successful mission, and her many future endeavors!!!  

About Dr. Sian Proctor: Sian is an American geology professor, science communicator, and commercial astronaut. She was launched into Earth orbit, on September 15, 2021, as the pilot of the Crew Dragon space capsule. This mission is the Inspiration4 private orbital spaceflight. She served as the pilot on the Inspiration4 mission, the first Black woman to serve as the pilot of a spacecraft.

Share your Support for Dr. Proctor and her Artwork Here: https://myspace2inspire.com/

About Inspiration4 

Inspiration4 is the world’s first all-civilian mission to orbit. The mission will be commanded by Jared Isaacman, the 38-year-old founder and Chief Executive Officer of Shift4 Payments and an accomplished pilot and adventurer. Inspiration4 will leave Earth from Kennedy Space Center’s historic Launch Complex 39A, the embarkation point for Apollo and Space Shuttle missions, and travel across a low earth orbit on a multi-day journey that will continually eclipse more than 90% of the earth’s population. Named in recognition of the four-person crew that will raise awareness and funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, this milestone represents a new era for human spaceflight and exploration. https://inspiration4.com/ 

About Dr. Brandy Nunez: Dr. Brandy Nunez is a practicing small animal  veterinarian, a modular synth musician and an aspiring astronaut.  She is also Director of outreach for the Sensoria Program (www.Sensoria.space), dedicated to making space accessible to all.  She applied to NASA in 2020 for the Astronaut candidate program and has completed two analog simulation missions at the HI-SEAS habitat on Mauna Loa. She hopes to continue her research on future missions and eventually in low earth orbit.  Her love and appreciation of the cosmos infiltrates her work in both the scientific and creative realms.

About Makiah Eustice: Makiah is an aerospace engineer, songwriter, and Officer in the US Air Force. She's been on 3 analog missions, the latest with Sian as part of the first all-women Sensoria crew at HI-SEAS. You can find her on twitter and instagram at @Astro_Eustice

About Beth Mund:  Beth Mund is an Analog Astronaut, Podcast Host, and Space Communications Evangelist. 

Beth has 20+ years of speech writing and executive coaching for Fortune 50 companies including Motorola, Allstate and United Airlines.  

Beth began her NASA career as a Public Affairs Officer for the Johnson Space Center, and later served as a Communications Officer for the International Space Station program.  She received her Master’s Degree in Journalism at Marquette University, and served an adjunct professor at Elgin Community College. She is the CEO of Stellar Communications, providing speech writing, narrative discovery & design, voice overs, communication workshops & training, and keynote speaking. 

Beth served as the host and emcee of the 2020 Space Com Expo global space commerce event. She currently serves on the Space Camp Alumni Board, and is a founding member of the Loras College Women’s Leadership Board, and the Space Drinks Association Board. Beth’s analog adventures include a MARS simulation mission at the HI-SEAS research facility on the Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii, and most recently a LUNAR simulation and space isolation study at the LunAres Space Research Facility in Pila, Poland.  Her latest projects, analog missions and podcast episodes can be found at www.BethMund.com 

How to continue the mission and donate to St. Jude: https://www.stjude.org/get-involved/other-ways/inspiration4.html

Jesse Forte was NOT originally scheduled to be on the M4 Lunares X team. A crew member that could not attend the mission left an opening for a new, “first-time” analog astronaut to come and participate in our lunar simulation this July. Enter Jesse Forte, who said YES to this opportunity, and joined the crew with all the positive energy one could ever ask for- as he often does. On today’s episode, Jesse invites you to do the same- to say YES to the interesting events that come across your path. He’ll tell us how (an incredible vision board) and what’s next for this inventor, author, musician, creator, entrepreneur, and now- analog astronaut, Jesse Forte. 

Where to find Jesse and all his work- 

https://www.youngrevminds.com/flawless-forte

Listen to the M4 Music Album Here: https://linktr.ee/JFORTE

My conversation with author and philosopher of the Overview Effect Frank White continues - including the announcement of the Overview Effect Film Festival- on this episode of Casual Space. 

What is the Overview Effect?  

From Frank’s book, The Overview Effect, page 2, edition 3 (I’ve ordered my NEW addition, and so should you): 

The Overview Effect is a cognitive shift in awareness reported by some astronauts and cosmonauts during spaceflight, often while viewing the Earth from orbit, in transit between the Earth and the moon, or from the lunar surface. It refers to the experience of seeing firsthand the reality that Earth is in space, a tine, fragile ball of life, “hanging in the void,” shielded and nourished by a paper-thin atmosphere.  The experience often transforms astronaut’s perspective on the planet and humanity’s place in the universe.  Some common aspects of it are a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility of taking care of the environment. 

About Frank White 

Frank has authored or coauthored numerous books on topics ranging from space exploration to climate change to artificial intelligence. His best-known work, The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution, is considered by many to be a seminal work in the field of space exploration. A film called "Overview," based largely on his work, has had nearly 8 million plays on Vimeo.

Since the first edition of his book on the subject was published in 1987, "the Overview Effect" has become a standard term for describing the spaceflight experience. The fourth edition of The Overview Effect, including original interviews with 31 astronauts, is scheduled for publication in 2019.

White considers himself to be a "space philosopher," and has long advocated developing a new philosophy of space exploration. His book on this topic, The Cosma Hypothesis: Implications of the Overview Effect, has just been published. In it, he asks the fundamental question, "What is the purpose of human space exploration? Why has the evolutionary process brought humanity to the brink of becoming a spacefaring species?"

In the book, he shares the idea of "the Human Space Program" as a "central project" that will engage all of us in the process of becoming "Citizens of the Universe."

To Learn More about Frank and his work: 

frankwhiteauthor.com

ORDER YOUR COPY OF THE Overview Effect HERE: https://frankwhiteauthor.com/books

And check out the Overview Effect Film Festival… premiering in November 2021~ https://filmfreeway.com/OverviewEffectFilmFestival