Cool Space News with Rod Pyle

Interview with Jim Keravala of Offworld Inc Part IV Oct 02, 2020

Our wrap-up with Jim Keravala of Offworld Inc—what are some of the key opportunities for people living and working in space?

Interview with Jim Keravala of Offworld Inc Part III Oct 02, 2020

This week Rod brings you part three of our extended conversation with Jim Keravala of Offworld Inc, a space robotics company, about finding, claiming and owning resources in space, and how human culture will evolve!

Interview Jim Keravala, CEO of Offworld, Inc Part II Oct 02, 2020

A continuation of our 4-part interview with Jim Keravala, CEO of Offworld, Inc. This week we discuss how we will send settlers to space!

Interview with Frank White, author of "The Overview Effect," Part II Oct 02, 2020

This week part two of Rod's interview with Frank White, author of "The Overview Effect," about his engaging work with NASA astronauts and the future of spaceflight.

Interview with Frank White, author of "The Overview Effect," Part I Oct 02, 2020

This week Rod speaks with Frank White, author of "The Overview Effect," about how the view of Earth during spaceflight changes astronauts forever, and will eventually impact us all.

The Truth is Out There May 20, 2020

This week, UFOs and aliens! Rod takes a deep dive into the recently declassified UFO sightings by Air Force pilots, with some help from... Air Force pilots!

To the Moon and Beyond with Jim Keravela May 19, 2020

This week, Rod speaks to Jim Keravala, master of interplanetary robots and CEO of OffWorld Inc. about building new space companies and mining the moon!

The Wonderful World of Space Toys May 11, 2020

This week, Rod jumps into the Wayback machine to take you on a stroll down memory lane into the weird and wonderful world of space toys, from Buck Rogers to Star Wars and beyond.

Rod speaks with Mars 2020 engineer Ben Riggs, plus, some more Cool Space Headlines! Mar 25, 2020

This week on Cool Space News, Rod talks to Mars 2020 engineer Ben Riggs, and brings us more Cool Space Headlines.

Rod talks with Ken Farley, the chief scientist on the Mars 2020 rover Perseverence Mar 12, 2020

This week, Rod talks with Ken Farley, the chief scientist on the Mars 2020 rover Perseverence, talks about searching for life on Mars. That and the latest Cool Space Headlines, here on Cool SpaceNews!"

Mars 2020 mission with Matt Wallace, Deputy Project Manager Feb 25, 2020

This week, our first interview about the Mars 2020 mission with Matt Wallace, Deputy Project Manager for the new sample-seeking rover, along with the latest Cool Space Headlines!

Rod talks COSMOS Season III With Neil deGrasse Tyson and Executive Producer Jason Clark Feb 07, 2020

Rod joins a conversation with Neil deGrasse Tyson about season 3 of COSMOS, along with Executive Producer Jason Clark.

Rod interviews Ann Druyan and Brannon Braga about the third season of COSMOS: Possible Worlds! Feb 04, 2020

Join Rod as he interviews Ann Druyan and Brannon Braga about the upcoming third season of COSMOS: Possible Worlds, along with the usual Cool Space Headlines.

It's Musk vs Ma in a Debate Showdown! Jan 30, 2020

This week, it's Musk vs. Ma! Rod brings you a rundown of the Elon Musk smackdown with Jack Ma, owner of China's Alibaba, with expert commentary. Also, news updates on life near Saturn, IKEA on Mars, and Space Force's spiffy new uniforms.

A look back at Apollo 11, Part III, plus, SpaceX blows its top Dec 23, 2019

This week on Cool Space News, the conclusion of our look back at Apollo 11, plus SpaceX blows its top, going interstellar, and bugs on Mars!

How China is going to the Moon Oct 29, 2019

This week, Rod is in China! A special report on their latest efforts to conquer the moon and the new Chinese SuperCapsule, along with other Cool Space Headlines.

Visiting SpaceX's headquarters to learn what's next for the future of space travel! Oct 15, 2019

This week, Rod goes to SpaceX headquarters where NASA Chief Jim Bridenstine makes nice with Elon Musk, and the two discuss exploding spacecraft, how to make parachutes work, and the future of America in space.

Reflecting on Apollo 11 and Why the U.S. Must Up its Space Game! Sep 16, 2019

This week, remembering the harrowing landing of Apollo 11, and Cool Space News's first quasi op-ed on why the United States must up its space game.

Part II of Rod's look back at Apollo 11 Sep 09, 2019

This week, India's lunar landing attempt, a new moon lander for NASA, and nuking Mars... again. Also, part two of Rod's final look back at Apollo 11.

Part one of Rod's post-Apollo 11 wrap-up! Aug 19, 2019

It's part one of Rod's post-Apollo 11 wrap-up. Also: radioactive astronauts, saving the space station, and helicopters on Titan!

TIME Magazine's New Space Newsletter, Radioactive Astronauts, Space Spinoffs, and more! Jul 12, 2019

It's cool space news time with a man who is out of this world awesome, Rod Pyle!

Cool Space News Presents NASA Chief Bridenstine on the Artemis Moon Program; Spacewar, and more! Jun 28, 2019

This week: Spacewar, new Mars rover wheels to the rescue, and part two of Jim Bridenstine's comments about NASA's immediate future and the Moon. All here on Cool Space News!

It's Cool Space News' Third Moonth Installment With NASA Chief Jim Bridenstine! Jun 22, 2019

This week on Cool Space News: Cats in space, bad space jokes, and NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine weighs in on the new lunar initiative.

It's Cool Space News' Second Moonth Installment Jun 02, 2019

On our second Moonth installment, the second half of Rod's discussion about the moon by 2024 with Bruce Pittman of the NASA Ames Research Center, falling satellites, dripping planets and... wait for it... UFOs. Join us!

It's Cool Space News' first Moonth installment! May 24, 2019

It's Cool Space News' first Moonth installment! Until July 20, we'll be discussing NASA's new lunar adventure. This week, Bruce Pittman of NASA's Ames Research Center and SOO of the National Space Society joins Rod to discuss the Moon by 2024.

Life From Other Stars ... on Earth? May 09, 2019

This week: Life from other stars... on Earth (?), the mysterious mission of Luna 15, and Rob Manning on how to land on Mars.

Space Headlines, Billionaire Steve Jurvetson and a "Chat" with Star Trek's "Q"! Apr 17, 2019

This week, Rod talks about billionaire space investor Steve Jurvetson and space 2.0, speaks with Jay Gallentine about Russian lunar probes, answers a question from Arizona Representative Bob Thorpe, and has a conversation with that Comedian of the Continuum, Star Trek's very own "Q."

Talking SpaceX engines, space headlines, and an interview with... Darth Vader! Mar 23, 2019

This week, Rod discusses the new space age, talks to Jay Gallentine about SpaceX's chief rocket engine designer, Tom Mueller, and interviews the Dark Lord himself, Darth Vader.
This week on Cool Space News on KFIAM640.com!

SpaceX's groundbreaking Raptor engine test, plus a conversation with Captain Kirk (Kinda) Feb 25, 2019

This week, SpaceX's groundbreaking Raptor engine test, colonizing Mars via an app, and we talk to Captain Kirk... sorta.
This and all the top space news headlines on Cool Space News with Rod Pyle.

Jay Gallentine, Award-Winning Author of Awesome Spaceflight Histories - Part III Jan 31, 2019

This week, Rod recaps all the coolest space news and concludes his interview with Jaunty Jay Gallantine, celebrated space historian and author--including his amazing interview with James Van Allen!

Jay Gallentine award-winning author of Awesome Spaceflight Histories - Part II Jan 18, 2019

This week we discuss Ultima Thule, China's Chang-e 4 lunar probe, and part 2 of my interview with sensational space historian Jay Gallentine!

Rod Pyle's "Christmas special" - The First Chapter of Rod's new book, "Space 2.0" Dec 23, 2018

This week, a Holiday gift for Cool Space News listeners--a reading of the first chapter of Rod's new for 2019 book, "Space 2.0," about the rise of the rocket entrepreneurs, the new space age, and much, much more.

Jay Gallentine award-winning author of Awesome Spaceflight Histories - Part I Dec 19, 2018

Rod's guest this week is Jay Gallentine, award-winning author of Awesome Spaceflight Histories and intimidatingly handsome mega-athlete... but he's still a helluva nice guy. Part 1.

Part II of Rod's series on the InSight Lander! This week, Jim Green, NASA's Chief Scientist speaks on the mission Dec 06, 2018

More on Mars InSight with Jim Green, NASA's Chief Scientist. A wide-ranging discussion of the mission, its origins, and why Mars matters for Earth's future.

Yay Mars InSight! Rod Pyle Interviews InSight's Tom Hoffman to learn more about this daring mission. Dec 01, 2018

InSight Lander Makes it to Mars. Rod Pyle Interviews Tom Hoffman to learn more about this daring mission to Mars!

Part II of Rod's Interview with Cas Anvar, plus, an explanation of where Rod's been! Sep 05, 2018

This week, part 2 of my interview with Cas Anvar, star of the SyFy hit show "The Expanse." Plus, an explanation of where I've been!

This week, part 1 of Rod's interview with Cas Anvar, star of SyFy's "The Expanse May 10, 2018

This week, part 1 of my interview with Cas Anvar, star of the SyFy hit show "The Expanse." Can and I discussed his early interest in science and science fiction, his role as dapper pilot Alex Kamal on the show, and his outreach efforts to inspire young people to embark on careers in science and technology. Don't miss this one--he's the real deal.

This week, part 1 of Rod's interview with Cas Anvar, star of SyFy's "The Expanse May 10, 2018

This week, part 1 of my interview with Cas Anvar, star of the SyFy hit show "The Expanse." Can and I discussed his early interest in science and science fiction, his role as dapper pilot Alex Kamal on the show, and his outreach efforts to inspire young people to embark on careers in science and technology. Don't miss this one--he's the real deal.

This week, part 1 of Rod's interview with Cas Anvar, star of SyFy's "The Expanse" May 10, 2018

This week, part 1 of my interview with Cas Anvar, star of the SyFy hit show "The Expanse." Cas and I discussed his early interest in science and science fiction, his role as dapper pilot Alex Kamal on the show, and his outreach efforts to inspire young people to embark on careers in science and technology. Don't miss this one--he's the real deal.

What to do about orbital junk? Apr 19, 2018

This week we conclude our discussion on the dangers–and opportunities–presented by space junk (aka orbital debris) with Al Anzaldua, here on Cool Space News."

What to do about orbital junk? Apr 19, 2018

This week we conclude our discussion on the dangers–and opportunities–presented by space junk (aka orbital debris) with Al Anzaldua, here on Cool Space News."

What to do about orbital junk? Apr 19, 2018

This week we conclude our discussion on the dangers–and opportunities–presented by space junk (aka orbital debris) with Al Anzaldua, here on Cool Space News."

Chinese space station falls back to earth - What's next? Apr 05, 2018

Now that the Chinese space station has returned harmlessly to Earth, I caught up with career State Department diplomat and orbital debris specialist Al Anzaldua to talk about Tiangong's reentry and it's effects, and the greater dangers of uncontrolled orbital debris and how we might deal with it. This week: part one of our discussion."

Chinese space station falls back to earth - What's next? Apr 05, 2018

Now that the Chinese space station has returned harmlessly to Earth, I caught up with career State Department diplomat and orbital debris specialist Al Anzaldua to talk about Tiangong's reentry and it's effects, and the greater dangers of uncontrolled orbital debris and how we might deal with it. This week: part one of our discussion."

Chinese space station falls back to earth - What's next? Apr 05, 2018

Now that the Chinese space station has returned harmlessly to Earth, I caught up with career State Department diplomat and orbital debris specialist Al Anzaldua to talk about Tiangong's reentry and it's effects, and the greater dangers of uncontrolled orbital debris and how we might deal with it. This week: part one of our discussion."

Learn more about what we might see when the Chinese Tiangong space station crashes! Mar 31, 2018

The Chinese Tiangong space station will crash to Earth sometime on or about tomorrow. To learn more about when, where and what we might see--or even find afterward--I speak to Geoff Notkin, author, meteorite expert and TV host, including the Science Channel's long-running series "Meteorite Men." Join us!

Learn more about what we might see when the Chinese Tiangong space station crashes! Mar 31, 2018

The Chinese Tiangong space station will crash to Earth sometime on or about tomorrow. To learn more about when, where and what we might see--or even find afterward--I speak to Geoff Notkin, author, meteorite expert and TV host, including the Science Channel's long-running series "Meteorite Men." Join us!

Learn more about what happens when something like the Chinese Tiangong space station returns to Earth. Mar 31, 2018

The Chinese Tiangong space station reentered over the South Pacific on Sunday evening. To better understand large reentering objects and their risks, I spoke to Geoff Notkin, author, meteorite expert and TV host, including the Science Channel's long-running series "Meteorite Men." Join us!

Rod interviews Author Tony Paustian Mar 19, 2018

What does the space race have to do with your daily life, your career and your future? This week Rod speaks with author and educator Tony Paustian, author of "A Quarter Million Steps," about the space race, the Apollo program and what we an learn from it today.

Rod interviews Author Tony Paustian Mar 19, 2018

What does the space race have to do with your daily life, your career and your future? This week Rod speaks with author and educator Tony Paustian, author of "A Quarter Million Steps," about the space race, the Apollo program and what we an learn from it today.

Rod interviews Author Tony Paustian Mar 19, 2018

What does the space race have to do with your daily life, your career and your future? This week Rod speaks with author and educator Tony Paustian, author of "A Quarter Million Steps," about the space race, the Apollo program and what we an learn from it today.

Cool Space News Mar 15, 2018

Rod Pyle joined Tim Conway Jr to talk about the death of physicist Stephen Hawking.

Cool Space News Mar 15, 2018

Rod Pyle joined Tim Conway Jr to talk about the death of physicist Stephen Hawking.

Cool Space News Mar 15, 2018

Rod Pyle joined Tim Conway Jr to talk about the death of physicist Stephen Hawking.

What's it like to watch the Falcon Heavy Launch? Bill Carton speaks with Rod about the experience Feb 16, 2018

Rod speaks with Bill Carton about his experience attending the Falcon Heavy launch--what did it sound like, what did it look like, and how many fillings did he lose? All this and more, this week on Cool Space News.

The Falcon Heavy has arrived! Rod speaks with Bruce Pittman of the National Space Society. Feb 10, 2018

The Falcon Heavy is here, and this changes everything! I speak to Bruce Pittman, space entrepreneur, old NASA hand and COO of the National Space Society, about what this means, how we got here, and where we might be going. A riveting half-hour with someone who knows the whole story inside and out.

Rod interviews Andy Weir, author of "The Martian" and "Artemis"! Jan 25, 2018

Rod interviews Andy Weir, author of the bestsellers "The Martian" and more recently "Artemis," a heist caper that takes place on a future lunar base. Topics in this very special episode include the inspiration for his new books, his exhaustive research process, and his views on our future in space and space settlement. It's an intelligent and witty look at issues near and dear to the heart of any fan of the development and exploration of space, as well as a look at how he writes and his future projects. Don't miss this.

Interview with Bill Carton, Admin of the SpaceX Facebook Group Jan 20, 2018

This week I speak with Bill Carton, admin of the SpaceX Facebook group, 30,000 strong, about the upcoming launch of the Falcon Heavy and all things SpaceX. This group is the best place to get the latest inside scoop on happenings at newspace's brightest star. Join us!

Rod Interviews Planetary Scientist Pascal Lee! Part II Jan 16, 2018

Part two of my interview with planetary scientist Pascal Lee. We discuss the human exploration of Mars, Wernher von Braun, Pascal's incredible Arctic Mars analog base, expeditions across the frozen sea passage, and much more. This is a long one, filled with juicy details and multiple places to go for more info on these exciting programs.

Cool Space News - Rod Interviews Planetary Scientist Pascal Lee! Part I Jan 05, 2018

This week, Rod interviews Pascal Lee--planetary scientist, Mars evangelist, polar adventurer, author, helicopter pilot, and all-around bon vivant. His life's work makes science look like a great adventure! Part 1 of 2.

Cool Space News - Interview with Vic Mignogna Part II Dec 29, 2017

This week, Rod continues his discussion with Vic Mignogna, executive producer, writer and star of "Star Trek Continues," and asks the perfect question for Captain Kirk: are we ready for first contact? Next week: Dr. Pascal Lee, Mars scientist, polar explorer and all around fascinating guy.

Cool Space News - Rod Pyle Interviews Vic Mignogna! Dec 22, 2017

This week Rod speaks with Vic Mignogna, the creator and lead actor of the remarkable fan-film production "Star Trek Continues." Vic talks about why he created this 11-episode tribute to the original Star Trek, the intersection of art and science, and how he hopes to encourage a new generation into STEM fields like science and engineering. Part 1 of 2.

Cool Space News - President Trump signs new directive to return astronauts to the moon! Dec 14, 2017

Flash! President Trump signs new directive instructing NASA to return astronauts to the moon! Rod speaks to Bruce Pittman--long-time NASA guy, systems engineer, space entrepreneur, senior vice president of the National Space Society, and steely-eyed missile man--about this pivot back to the moon. Topics include NASA's long-term goals, private enterprise in space, and the settlement of the cosmos. Don't miss this episode!

Cool Space News - Interview with Steve Fentress, Director of Strasenburgh Planetarium Part 2 Dec 11, 2017

This week Rod continues his interview with Steve Fentress of the Strasenburgh Planetarium in Buffalo, New York, and answers the eternal question of what the hell an orrery is... because you always wanted to know!

Cool Space News - Interview with Steve Fentress, Director of Strasenburgh Planetarium Dec 06, 2017

This week, Rod talks planetariums with Steve Fentress, Director of the Strasenburgh Planetarium in Rochester, New York, and Ken Kramer, formerly a planetarium lecturer at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. If you haven't visited a planetarium lately, this episode will rekindle your love of the night sky!

Cool Space News - Rod Pyle interviews Emily Carney of the Space Hipsters! Nov 27, 2017

This week, Rod interviews Emily Carney, creator of the uber-cool Facebook group Space Hipsters, where 13,000 people get together to talk, well, cool space news!

Cool Space News - A New Course for NASA? Oct 09, 2017

Trump's National Space Council het its first meeting this week, starting the process of charting a new course for NASA. Host Rod Pyle walks you through what's coming up for our favorite space agency.

Cool Space News - Asteroids are coming! Oct 04, 2017

Asteroids are coming in closer! Is this the end of the world as we know it??? Ha.

Cool Space News - Wrapping up the IAC Conference and the future of the Space Race Oct 03, 2017

What's next in the ever changing world of private space flight? Rod Pyle discusses Elon Musk's plans, and how a colony on Mars could be closer than you think.

Cool Space News - Cassini's Final Act, Exoplanets, and Space X Sep 14, 2017

Cool Space News - Cassini's Swan Song Sep 14, 2017

This week, Cassini's final hours at Saturn! As the end of the mission draws near, we look back at this 20-year exploration of Saturn and its moons, and some of the remarkable discoveries made throughout. The Cassini probe will end its flight early Friday morning, descending into the giant planet's atmosphere starting at about 3:30 am Pacific Time. It's been an incredible journey, with more to come.

Cool Space News - Tony Cook, Staff Astronomer at Griffith Observatory joins Rod Pyle! Aug 15, 2017

The Apocaclypse is here! Tony Cook, staff astronomer at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, joins us to discuss where to go to see the eclipse, how to view it safely, and what to expect. Tony has seen it all and done it all when it comes to astronomy, so this is a must-listen episode if you're planning to see the eclipse on August 21st.

Cool Space News w/Rod Pyle - Cool Eclipse Viewing Tips! Aug 07, 2017

Cool Space News eclipse viewing special! Tips on safe eclipse viewing for you and your family, including the proper sources for safe viewing glasses and devices. For more information go to http://www.pylebooks.com/ and click on "2017 SOLAR ECLIPSE SAFE VIEWING TIPS."

Cool Space News with Rod Pyle: Return to the Moon! Aug 07, 2017

It's been almost 50 years since Apollo 11 landed on the Moon. Why haven't we returned? This week, we look at rejuvenating NASA, partnering with the private sector to reach our goals in space, and why returning to the Moon might be worthwhile.

Cool Space News with Rod Pyle - Interview with Steve Fentress, Director of the Strasenburgh Planetarium Jul 28, 2017

In this episode of Cool Space News, Rod interviews Steve Fentress, Director of the Strasenburgh Planetarium at the Rochester Museum and Science Center, about his new book, Sky to Space. The book us is a delightful introduction to visual backyard astronomy, as well as an overview of basic astronomical principles, that anyone can understand. It is a lovingly crafted volume, written and illustrated in a folksy style that is a trademark of the author. An overview of the 2017 solar eclipse in August is included. This is also an ideal STEM intro to astronomy.

Cool Space News - Part 2 of Rod's interview with Rob Manning Jul 10, 2017

A continuation of my interview with JPL’s Rob Manning. Rob was the Chief Engineer for the Mars Pathfinder mission, the Mars Exploration Rovers, and the Curiosity Mars rover. We pick up our discussion talking about the airbag landing system that was used to land Pathfinder on Mars, a NASA first. Testing was critical, and had to proceed on a tight budget. Rob discusses these challenges, and looks ahead to the Mars 2020 rover and sample return missions.

Cool Space News - Interview with Rob Manning, Chief Engineer for the Engineering and Science Directorate Jul 06, 2017

Part one of Rod's interview with Rob Manning, the Chief Engineer for the Engineering and Science Directorate at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Rob was also the Chief Engineer for the Mars Exploration Rover and Mars Pathfinder missions. This week represents the 20th anniversary of the Pathfinder landing on July 4, 1997.
Rob joins us in a two-part discussion about how the Pathfinder mission came to be, and discusses how some of the challenges were overcome in the unlikeliest--and cheapest--ways you might imagine. It was a mission on a budget that was achieved with ingenuity, passion, and by a few visits to the local Home Depot!

Cool Space News - The National Space Society and the Space Development Conference Jul 01, 2017

This is part two of Rod Pyle's conversation with Dave Dressler.

Cool Space News - Space for the Rest of Us! Jul 01, 2017

This week, Rod talks about the National Space Society and the National Space Development Conference. Part one includes a conversation with Dave Dressler, organizer of the speaker track for the conference.

Cool Space News - the end of the Cassini mission to Saturn! May 15, 2017

Host Rod Pyle keeps us up-to-date on all the coolest space news in his weekly podcast!

Cool Space News - Rod tours SpaceX! May 10, 2017

Science Fiction Author Rod Pyle brings us a weekly podcast about all things space-related! Check out his books at www.pylebooks.com!

Cool Space News - Rod Pyle and Mo'Kelly on Science Fiction in the Movies Apr 18, 2017

Rod Pyle and Mo'Kelly on Science Fiction in the Movies.

Cool Space News - SpaceX news! Apr 15, 2017

SpaceX

Cool Space News - Congress and NASA's Budget Mar 30, 2017

Cool Space News with Rod Pyle - Congress and NASA's Budget. What's staying, and what's going.

Cool Space News with Rod Pyle - Nazis in Space Mar 17, 2017

Nazis in Space

Cool Space news with Rod Pyle 2-24-17 Feb 24, 2017

Host Rod Pyle gives us an in-depth look into the workings of NASA, space and the Final Frontier.

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