Small Steps, Giant Leaps

Latest Episodes:

NASA's Air Traffic Management-eXploration Project May 28, 2025

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NASA’s Air Traffic Management-eXploration Project aims to accommodate the growing demand of traditional and emerging aircraft that share the friendly skies.

The Universe in Living Color with SPHEREx May 14, 2025

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NASA's SPHEREx mission will map 450 million galaxies like we’ve never seen before.

Episode 152: EZIE Does It Apr 30, 2025

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What can the auroras tell us about our planet’s relationship with the Sun? NASA’s EZIE mission looks into it.

Episode 151: Designing Missions Apr 16, 2025

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NASA’s design labs are where engineers develop concepts for missions and scientific instruments.

Episode 150: Urban Air Taxis Apr 04, 2025

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Flying taxis? NASA is working on it.

Episode 149: Spacecraft Thermal Blankets Mar 19, 2025

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Originally a fashion designer, Paula Cain is a NASA thermal blanket technician, working to protect spacecraft from the extremes of space.

Episode 148: Celebrating NASA's Engineers Mar 05, 2025

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NASA engineers turn dreams into reality, solving complex challenges to push exploration forward. From landing rovers on Mars to advancing deep space missions, their ingenuity makes it all possible. This episode with Chief Engineer Joe Pellicciotti and Deputy Chief Engineer Katherine Van Hooser celebrates the innovation, dedication, and impact of NASA’s engineering community.

Episode 147: NASA Photography - Visual Storytelling Feb 19, 2025

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Ever wondered what it takes to capture NASA’s most breathtaking moments? From rocket launches to behind-the-scenes astronaut training, Bill Ingalls, senior contract photographer for NASA Headquarters has spent decades framing history through his lens. In this episode, we dive into his journey, how he and his team prepare for assignments, and the importance of visual storytelling.

Episode 146: Space Medicine: Body and Mind Feb 05, 2025

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What if we could get rid of lengthy waitlists for organ transplants? Well, imagine 3-D printing a kidney from your own stem cells. That would reduce the chances your body rejects it. That’s the sort of groundbreaking medical research astronauts are conducting aboard the International Space Station. Other research includes understanding the stress spaceflight places on not just the body, but also the mind. There’s a plethora of human factors to consider as humanity prepares to embark on deep space missions. What we learn from spaceflight medicine could also transform lives here on Earth. Dr. J.D. Polk, NASA’s chief health and medical officer, tells us what’s on the horizon in space medicine.

Small Steps, Giant Leaps - Pam Melroy: Behind the Strategy Jan 18, 2025

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We’re kicking off 2025 with NASA’s deputy administrator Pam Melroy, who wraps up her tenure at NASA this month. As a former astronaut with three space shuttle flights under her belt – including one flight as commander – Pam has made lasting contributions to human spaceflight. She’s also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force as a retired colonel. In her most recent role, Pam helped shape the NASA’s focus on long-term strategies, including Moon to Mars exploration, space sustainability, and a long-term vision for NASA’s future as an organization. Now, as she prepares to pass the torch, Pam joins us to reflect on her NASA career and share insights from her time as a pilot, astronaut, and public servant.

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