Behind the Wings

What does it take to fly into a hurricane, and why is it important?Welcome to Part 1 of our bonus podcast miniseries on The Making of Behind the Wings PBS Season 7. In this episode, Director Cray Novick and Host Tracy LaTourrette discuss stories they heard while filming The Hurricane Hunters. Join us as we explore the dare that started it all, the modified aircraft and its technology, and how the team saves millions of lives every year. This one is going to be cool!Check out the full-length episode on PBS or our YouTube channel on November 6. We can't wait to show you what we've been working on!Full Season Premiere Schedule:PBS:Episode 1 – The Hurricane Hunters: November 6, 2025, 7:00 p.m. MTEpisode 2 – Building the International Space Station: November 6, 2025, 7:30 p.m. MTEpisode 3 – 50 Years of the F-16: November 13, 2025, 7:00 p.m. MTEpisode 4 – Unlocking Asteroid Secrets: November 13, 2025, 7:30 p.m. MTWings’ YouTube Channel:Episode 1 – The Hurricane Hunters: November 6, 2025, 7:00 p.m. MTEpisode 2 – Building the International Space Station: November 13, 2025, 7:00 p.m. MTEpisode 3 – 50 Years of the F-16: November 20, 2025, 7:30 p.m. MTEpisode 4 – Unlocking Asteroid Secrets: November 27, 2025, 7:30 p.m. MTChapters:(00:00) - Intro (00:56) - Why Pick This Topic? (02:01) - The Hurricane Hunters' Origin Story (03:11) - A Personal Story (04:20) - The Flight Crew (06:27) - Why Fly Into a Hurricane? (07:57) - How the Information Is Used (08:53) - The Aircraft (09:54) - The Pilot's Perspective (10:25) - The Equipment (11:14) - The Flight Brief (12:25) - Why Propellers Are Better than Engines (13:20) - The Missions (14:16) - The Future (15:10) - Advice (16:16) - Outro

University of Arizona Professor and OSIRIS-REx Principal Investigator Dr. Dante Lauretta explains how asteroids could reveal the origins of life on Earth.In this episode, we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the asteroid sample collection on October 20 and explore the spacecraft’s design, the daring Touch-And-Go maneuver, challenges the team overcame, and what we’ve learned so far from the materials returned from Asteroid Bennu. Our knowledge of space is rapidly evolving, and we still have so much more to learn.This special release features the full-length conversation with Dante from our upcoming Season 7 of Behind the Wings on PBS. To dive deeper into the OSIRIS-REx mission, watch the video premiere on November 27 on our YouTube page. This one is going to be cool!The regular podcast will take a short mid-season break and return on November 24. In the meantime, check out our upcoming weekly mini-series: The Making of Behind the Wings PBS Season 7! Resources:Dante's Bio (University of Arizona) Asteroid Bennu (NASA) Asteroid Apophis (NASA) OSIRIS-REx Mission (NASA) OSIRIS-APEX (NASA)Chapters:(00:00) - Intro (02:43) - Aerospace Beginnings (06:07) - Antarctic Collection Mission (09:36) - Why Go to an Asteroid? (11:57) - Designing OSIRIS-REx (14:16) - Earning NASA Funding (17:33) - Michael Drake's Passing (21:53) - The Challenge of Microgravity (24:35) - Testing the Spacecraft (26:51) - Launch Day (30:26) - Why was Asteroid Bennu Chosen? (31:47) - First Images (33:33) - Unexpected Obstacles when Landing (36:35) - The Touch-And-Go System (45:51) - Returning O-REx to Earth (52:06) - Removing the Samples (53:46) - Space Rock Testing (55:17) - What Have We Learned so Far? (57:48) - Are We Alone in the Universe? (59:51) - Future Missions (01:01:48) - Dante's Advice (01:03:06) - Outro

We're excited to announce our special four-part podcast miniseries featuring stories from the making of our newest Behind the Wings PBS season! Director Cray Novick and Host Tracy "Jackie'O" LaTourrette discuss our upcoming episodes: "The Hurricane Hunters," "Building the International Space Station," "50 Years of the F-16," and "Unlocking Asteroid Secrets." Join us to hear inside tales you won't find anywhere else. This is going to be cool!Miniseries episodes come out every Thursday starting October 23. Also, check out the new season on PBS or at our YouTube channel beginning November 6. We can't wait to show you what we've been working on!Our regular podcast episodes will take a mid-season break after Episode 63 and return on November 24.Full Season Premiere Schedule:PBS:Episode 1 – The Hurricane Hunters: November 6, 2025, 7:00 p.m. MTEpisode 2 – Building the International Space Station: November 6, 2025, 7:30 p.m. MTEpisode 3 – 50 Years of the F-16: November 13, 2025, 7:00 p.m. MTEpisode 4 – Unlocking Asteroid Secrets: November 13, 2025, 7:30 p.m. MTWings’ YouTube Channel:Episode 1 – The Hurricane Hunters: November 6, 2025, 7:00 p.m. MTEpisode 2 – Building the International Space Station: November 13, 2025, 7:00 p.m. MTEpisode 3 – 50 Years of the F-16: November 20, 2025, 7:30 p.m. MTEpisode 4 – Unlocking Asteroid Secrets: November 27, 2025, 7:30 p.m. MT

Theoretical Physicist Andrew Strominger explains what exactly black holes are and how they could tell us about the beginning of the cosmos.In this episode, Andrew discusses the questions behind black holes, the strange physics at their event horizon, what they reveal about the nature of space and time, and how he, Stephen Hawking, and Malcolm Perry helped develop the theory that "soft hairs" may store information on black holes' surface. From leading minds like Einstein, Hawking, and Strominger, our understanding of these celestial bodies is constantly evolving, and we still have so much to learn. This one is going to be cool!Resources:Andrew's Bio (Harvard)The Event Horizon TelescopeHawking team updates soft hair theory to help solve black hole information paradox (Phys.org)What are black holes? (NASA)Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity (Space.com)Chapters:(00:00) - Intro (01:59) - Andrew's Favorite Theories (04:11) - Aerospace Beginnings (05:53) - From Commune to Harvard (08:24) - What Is a Black Hole? (12:29) - The Different Types (14:17) - How They Form (15:52) - How Far Are They from Earth? (16:06) - Why Should We Study Black Holes? (17:38) - Why Doubt Is a Valuable Tool (19:37) - The Information Paradox (22:22) - Working Alongside Stephen Hawking (24:12) - Soft Hairs (26:29) - The Holographic Principle (30:31) - Can Black Holes Be Used for Travel? (31:19) - "Interstellar" Time Dilation (34:14) - Why Isn't a Black Hole Considered a Vacuum? (35:02) - The Future of Physics (36:15) - Andrew's Advice (37:04) - Outro

Pilot Mike Silva recalls a high-speed chase that ended when his news helicopter stopped a fleeing criminal’s stolen car, allowing police to save a hostage's life.Welcome to Season 7 of the Behind the Wings podcast! In this episode, Mike discusses Huey missions in Vietnam, piloting Copter4 at Denver CBS, returning to combat as the oldest Black Hawk aviator in Iraq, and saving lives during intense missions. From the Fire Base Mary Ann battle to flying alongside dangerous tornadoes, he has done it all in a career spanning more than 50 years. This one is going to be cool!Resources:Wings Museum's Huey The UH-1 Huey (Wikipedia) The UH-60 Black Hawk (Lockheed Martin) The Battle of Fire Base Mary Ann (Wikipedia)1988 Denver Police Chase (YouTube) Chapters:(00:00) - Intro (01:36) - Which Aircraft Taught You the Most About Flying? (02:19) - Mike's Favorite Aircraft (03:17) - Aviation Beginnings (04:05) - Joining the Army (05:37) - Flight Training (07:24) - Going to Vietnam (08:03) - Lessons Learned From Vietnam (08:50) - Flying the UH-1 (09:43) - Huey Roles (10:26) - Fire Base Mary Ann Battle (14:39) - Returning Home (15:28) - Working for CBS (17:02) - Landing on a Bank Robber's Car (23:14) - Journey to Iraq (25:18) - Encountering Snipers (26:10) - Vietnam vs. Iraq (27:05) - Awards and Honors (27:54) - Mike's Advice (29:15) - Outro

The Behind the Wings podcast is back with Season 7 and 10 new episodes! From the mysteries of black holes to the hovering capabilities of the Harrier Jump Jet, and the final flight of the SR-71 Blackbird, we've got some incredible stories and guests lined up!New episodes come out every other Monday, starting next week with Pilot Mike Silva, famously known for landing his news helicopter on a fleeing bank robber's car. Subscribe wherever you listen, because this season is going to be cool.See you next week for Season 7 of Behind the Wings. In the meantime, check out our past episodes!

Retired Fighter Pilot Randy "Laz" Gordon explains how the F-22 changed the air battlefield and why it was built to win the first fight.In this episode, Randy discusses the 70-plus aircraft he has flown, his combat career, test-flying fighter jets, and how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of aviation. We’ll also explore some of the Raptor's surprising similarities to civilian Cessna aircraft, and why, in some ways, the Skyhawk is a harder airplane to manage. From flying a zeppelin to iconic planes like the F-15, "Laz" has done it all. This one is going to be cool!Episode 60 marks the end of Season 6. We will be taking a short break, but are excited to bring you more stories in Season 7, coming this fall. Resources:Special Lecture: F-22 Flight Controls (YouTube) Randy's Bio The F-22 Raptor (Lockheed Martin)Chapters:(00:00) - Intro (01:35) - Flying 70+ Aircraft (02:47) - Aviation Beginnings (06:10) - The USAFA (09:03) - What Makes a Good Pilot? (11:29) - Flight Training (13:18) - The F-15 vs. F-16 (15:59) - Flying the A-10 (17:44) - Combat in Iraq (21:08) - Flying the F-22 (26:08) - Cessna vs. F-22 (28:11) - Raptor Mindset (31:11) - Radar-absorbing Material (32:39) - Stealth Airframe (35:55) - Supercruise (39:41) - The Human and the Jet (42:18) - Test Flying Aircraft (44:43) - Why the F-15 was Hard to Master (45:24) - A Dangerous Moment (48:05) - How AI Will Impact Aviation (53:34) - F-22 Legacy (55:13) - Randy's Advice (57:40) - Outro

Astrophysicist Dr. Jonathan McDowell explains how the ever-growing problem of space junk is threatening satellites, science missions, and even spaceflight as we know it.In this episode, Jonathan discusses orbital debris, anti-satellite missiles, clean-up efforts, and how one incident could cause a communication blackout for decades. In the lawless realm of low Earth orbit, we could see a future where space exploration comes to a halt altogether. However, some companies are testing solutions that aim to alleviate the problem before it's too late. There is a lot to learn!Resources:Jonathan's BioJonathan's Space ReportSpace Debris (NASA)Wild Wild Space Trailer (HBO Max)Chapters:(00:00) - Intro (01:32) - Space Junk Overview (05:11) - Small Debris Damage (07:54) - Aerospace Beginnings (09:37) - Tracking Launches (11:39) - Dodging Debris (15:21) - Anti-Satellite Missiles (20:36) - Space Air Traffic Control (23:27) - Safer Altitudes (24:47) - The End of the ISS (29:17) - How Space Junk is Blocking Research (31:52) - Billboards in Space (33:47) - Satellite Designs (35:05) - Cleaning Up (36:07) - Jonathan's Advice (38:14) - Outro

Retired Pilot Maj. Gen. Garrett “Sack” Harencak and Weapons Systems Officer Lt. Col. Tony “Voodoo” Eret share what it was like to fly together in the Rockwell B-1 Lancer.In this episode, they take us inside the “Bone”, a supersonic, variable-sweep wing bomber originally designed for low-level nuclear strikes and later transformed into a precision conventional strike aircraft. They discuss nuclear alert procedures, low-level mountain missions using terrain-following radar, and a first-hand account of ejecting from the four-person flight deck. This one is going to be cool!Resources:Wings Museum's B-1A LancerThe B-1 Lancer (Behind the Wings Video)Chapters:(00:00) - Intro (01:35) - B-1 Overview (04:28) - Lancer Development (05:21) - The Bomb Bays (07:56) - Terrain-Following Radar (10:08) - The Structural Mode Control System (12:19) - Variable-Sweep Wings (13:36) - The Central Integrated Test System (16:19) - Crew Roles (19:22) - Nuclear Alert Training (21:30) - Ejecting from the B-1 (29:39) - Lancer Modifications (31:00) - The Engines (32:57) - Flying at High Altitude (34:17) - Maintenance (37:08) - The B-1 Legacy (37:31) - Guest Advice (39:23) - Outro

Retired F-111 Pilot Lt. Col. Kevin “Too Kool” Kuhlmann explains how the General Dynamics F-111 could perform almost any role in the air battlefield, as a fighter, bomber, and even low-level attack aircraft.In this episode, Kevin discusses maintaining weapon systems on the F-106 and F-4, flying the Aardvark, and the thrill of lighting the afterburner during fuel dumps. With groundbreaking technology for its time, like terrain-following radar, variable-sweep wings, and an ejection capsule, this supersonic jet was not only advanced but a whole lot of fun to fly. This one is going to be cool! Resources:Wings Museum's FB-111A Kevin's MSU Bio The F-111 Aardvark (Behind the Wings)Chapters:(00:00) - Intro (01:34) - The F-111 Overview (04:32) - Flying at Mach 1.5 (04:55) - Aviation Beginnings (06:06) - Joining the Air National Guard (07:01) - F-106 Maintenance (08:39) - Working on the F-4 (09:24) - Joining the Air Force (11:32) - Naming the Aardvark (12:01) - Flying the T-37 (12:29) - F-111 Training (15:57) - Transitioning from F to A Models (16:48) - The Variable-Sweep Wings (19:27) - Terrain-Following Radar (20:25) - The Weapons System Officer (22:41) - The Ejection Capsule (24:41) - Fuel Dumping with Afterburner (26:25) - Becoming an F-111 Instructor Pilot (29:57) - Aardvark Retirement (30:32) - The F-111 Influence on Aircraft Design (31:59) - Teaching at MSU (33:16) - Kevin's Advice (34:48) - Outro

Social Scientist Alires Almon explains why the human element is critical to mission success during long-duration spaceflights.In this episode, Alires discusses the impacts of sending people to the Moon and beyond, how to maintain their mental health, and the ethics of extended space missions. With challenges like extreme isolation, communication delays, and living within the confines of the spacecraft, taking care of an astronaut’s overall wellness will be no easy task. There is a lot to learn!Resources:Deep Space Predictive's WebsiteProject LodestarChapters:(00:00) - Intro (01:54) - Long Term Space Travel Overview (05:02) - New Capabilities (07:37) - Aerospace Beginnings (12:03) - Science Fiction (14:01) - The Human Factor in Space Planning (16:44) - Space Mental Health (19:31) - Stranded Astronauts (20:30) - Communication Challenges (23:28) - To Tell or Not to Tell (27:44) - AI Relationships (30:27) - Medical Skills (32:21) - In Case of Emergency (34:42) - Culture Shock (37:09) - Should We Go to Mars? (39:35) - Space Ethics (45:08) - Would You Go to Mars? (47:07) - Alires' Advice (48:44) - Outro

Retired Pilot Lt. Col. Josh Cadice shares his story of going to the edge of space in one of the most iconic spy planes ever built.In this episode, Josh discusses flying the KC-135, wearing the pressure suit, piloting the mysterious U-2 at 70,000 feet, and its aerial reconnaissance capabilities. From Cold War origins to modern missions, this aircraft’s legacy is as fascinating as it is classified. This one is going to be cool! Resources:U-2 Air Force Fact Sheet KC-135 Air Force Fact Sheet Chapters:(00:00) - Intro (01:14) - Flying the U-2 Overview (03:10) - Aviation Beginnings and the USAFA (04:18) - The Civil Air Patrol (04:39) - U-2 History (06:00) - Flying the KC-135 (07:19) - Stratotanker Upgrades (08:05) - Aerial Refueling (10:16) - Becoming a U-2 Pilot (11:42) - Dragon Lady Training (13:24) - First Solo (14:30) - Mission Training (15:00) - The Pressure Suit (19:18) - U-2 Takeoffs and Landings (20:35) - The Chase Car (22:03) - Landing Close Call (23:01) - Flying Missions at 70,000 Feet (26:07) - Operational Differences (27:49) - Aerial Reconnaissance (29:49) - What It Takes to be a U-2 Pilot (30:48) - Landing the Dragon Lady (33:24) - The Future of Spy Planes (34:51) - Flying for United (35:41) - Josh's Advice (36:56) - Outro

Retired Navy Commander Everett Alvarez Jr. shares his story of surviving the Hỏa Lò Prison as one of the longest-held prisoners of war in U.S. history.In this episode, Everett discusses flying the A-4 Skyhawk, being shot down in Vietnam, enduring harsh conditions and torture, and reacclimating to life back home after Operation Homecoming. Throughout his journey, Everett and fellow captives held onto the will to live when all else was stripped away. There is a lot to learn!Resources:"Code of Conduct" by Everett Alvarez Jr. "Chained Eagle" by Everett Alvarez Jr. The Hanoi Hilton Exhibit (American Heritage Museum) The Hanoi March and the Consolidation of POWs (PBS) Douglas A-4 Skyhawk (Wikipedia) Operation Pierce Arrow (Wikipedia) Chapters:(00:00) - Intro (01:02) - POW Overview (04:45) - Flying the A-4 Skyhawk (06:07) - Operation Pierce Arrow (09:04) - Ejecting from the A-4 (10:38) - The "Hanoi Hilton" (14:05) - The Tap Code (18:41) - Living in Harsh Conditions (19:32) - The Hanoi March (20:41) - Ignoring Geneva Conventions (21:13) - The Will to Live (25:03) - Operation Homecoming (30:17) - From Prisoner to Parades (33:11) - The Congressional Gold Medal Award (34:22) - Everett's Advice (35:29) - Outro

Air Boss Kellie Hudson tells us how she balances spectacle and safety while controlling intense air show skies.In this episode, Kellie discusses her path from air traffic controller to air boss, managing the airspace over AirVenture Oshkosh, and ramp bossing the Super Bowl. From coordinating warbirds and jet teams to managing emergencies on the flight line, she shares what it takes to keep the skies and ground running smoothly. This one is going to be cool! Resources:Kellie Hudson's Website EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Chapters:(00:00) - Intro (01:03) - What is an Air Boss? (02:14) - Balancing Safety and Spectacle (02:35) - Aviation Beginnings (03:51) - Controlling From the Tower (05:18) - ATC Misconceptions (05:56) - Military vs. Civilian ATC (07:00) - Controlling the Nellis Air Force Base Tower (08:46) - Red Flag Exercises (10:12) - Air Boss Origins (11:49) - Managing the Airspace (12:42) - Working at Air Shows (15:22) - Air Show Risks (17:08) - Air Bossing Oshkosh (19:58) - Ramp Bossing the Super Bowl (21:58) - Air Force One (22:18) - Ramp vs. Air Boss Roles (22:56) - Air Show Emergencies (25:16) - Training (26:26) - The Future of ATC and Air Boss Roles (27:06) - Staffing Shortages and Aviation Incidents (30:18) - Kellie's Advice (31:43) - Outro

Aerial Coordinator and Stunt Pilot Kevin “K2” LaRosa shares how he brought some of the most complex aviation movie scenes to life.In this episode, Kevin discusses designing and flying the modified L-39 CineJet, filming iconic movies like "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Devotion", and training A-list Hollywood actors. If you’ve seen aerial cinematography on the big screen lately, it’s likely Kevin had a hand in it. Be sure to tune in because there's an exclusive announcement this episode! This one is going to be cool!Want to hear more "Top Gun" stories? Check out Episode 40 with "Maverick" Stunt Pilot Scott "Intake" Kartvedt!Resources:Kevin LaRosa's Website Interview: Kevin LaRosa II, aerial coordinator and lead camera pilot for ‘Devotion,’ on those high-flying sequences (Awards Watch) The Aero L-39 Albatros (Wikipedia)Chapters:(00:00) - Intro (01:19) - The Unknowns of Aerial Cinematography (02:41) - Early Interest in Aviation (04:21) - Designing the L-39 CineJet (06:10) - A Special Announcement (07:13) - Filming with the CineJet (08:48) - Picking the Right Cinema Aircraft (10:13) - Filming with the UH-60 MovieHawk (12:03) - A Typical Day on Set (15:29) - Biggest Filmmaking Challenges (17:29) - Aerial Training and Rehearsals (19:35) - Aborting a Shot (20:16) - Filming "Top Gun: Maverick" (22:32) - Working With Tom Cruise (24:06) - Flying Alongside Fighter Pilots (26:38) - Mentally Preparing for High-Speed Stunts (28:12) - Training Hollywood Actors (29:27) - CGI vs. the Real Deal (30:55) - Kevin's Heroes (32:56) - Dream Movie to Work On (33:12) - The Future of Aerial Cinematography (34:07) - Kevin's Advice (35:24) - Lacking an Off Button (36:06) - Outro

Retired F-15 and F-16 fighter pilot Nicole Malachowski tells us about flying 18 inches off the wings of high-speed jets as a U.S. Air Force Thunderbird.Welcome to Season 6 of the Behind the Wings podcast! In this episode, Nicole takes us through her groundbreaking journey as the first woman to become a Thunderbird pilot. She discusses her combat missions, flying in airshows, her WASP connection, and how a tick-borne illness changed her life forever. There is a lot to learn!Resources:Nicole Malachowski's Website Nicole Malachowski's Bio (Wikipedia) The Thunderbirds' WebsiteThe Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) (Air Force History Fact Sheet)Chapters:(00:00) - Intro (01:23) - F-15 vs. F-16 (02:22) - Early Interest in Aviation (03:26) - USAFA (04:42) - The Ban on Women In Combat Jets (06:38) - Flying the F-15 and F-16 (09:06) - Combat Missions (13:50) - Thunderbirds Admission (17:58) - Thunderbirds Training (21:33) - Combat vs. Thunderbirds (24:02) - Audience Interaction (27:34) - Tick-Borne Illness (32:57) - The Wounded Warrior Program (34:12) - WASP Connection (36:55) - The Future of Veteran Medicine (39:21) - Nicole's Legacy (40:42) - Nicole's Advice (41:45) - Outro

The Behind the Wings podcast is back with Season 6 and 10 new episodes! Hear stories from one of the longest interned Vietnam POWs, Everett Alvarez Jr., controlling the chaotic skies above air shows with Air Boss Kellie Hudson, and the making of Top Gun: Maverick and Devotion with Aerial Cinematographer and Stunt Pilot Kevin "K2" LaRosa. We've got some incredible stories and guests coming up!New episodes come out every other Monday, starting next week with the first woman Thunderbird pilot, Nicole "FiFi" Malachowski. Subscribe wherever you listen, because this season is going to be cool! We will see you next week for Season 6 of Behind the Wings. In the meantime, check out our past episodes!  

Legendary aerospace engineer Burt Rutan shares untold stories behind some of the most unique air and spacecraft ever built.In this episode, Burt reflects on a lifetime of aerospace innovation — from working as a U.S. Air Force flight test engineer to breaking records with his homebuilt aircraft. He also discusses stall testing the F-4, Bede Aircraft, the world’s largest airplane, and the Voyager and GlobalFlyer around-the-world flights. This one is going to be cool!Episode 50 marks the end of Season 5 of the Behind the Wings podcast. We'll be taking a short break and will be back later this year with Season 6!Key Takeaways:Burt's love of aviation began when two B-36 bombers flew over his house. He was building airplanes out of balsa wood at the time.After college, Burt started his aerospace career at Edwards Air Force base as a civilian Flight Test Engineer. He worked on the F-4 to test and help with its stalling problems.Jim Bede of Bede Aircraft wanted Burt to help him test and perfect his BD-5. Burt would work with him for two years overseeing test pilots and designs.Burt's passion was to solve departure problems in aircraft. His home builds often had a canard design to help alleviate most spin issues. As of today, he has built 49 aircraft and created over 400 others.Stratolaunch Roc, the world's largest aircraft, was designed by Burt. This twin-fuselage plane is used to test hypersonic flight by launching a vehicle, the Talon-A, from the aircraft's center.Burt's aircraft have several world records including the round the world flights conducted by Dick Rutan in the Rutan Voyager and Steve Fosset in the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer. Steve Fosset flew around the world three times in the GlobalFlyer.Burt thinks the future of aviation is one without pilots. With the advancements of AI and autonomous vehicles, he thinks that future airplanes should be designed without aviator controls.Resources:Burt's Website The BD-5 Stratolaunch's Website Hypersonic Flight Testing (Behind the Wings on PBS)Chapters:(00:00) - Intro (01:11) - Early Interest in Aviation (03:03) - Spin Testing the F-4 (05:10) - Testing the XC-142A (06:54) - Working at Bede Aircraft (10:07) - Building the VariViggen (11:57) - The Long-EZ (13:07) - The World's Largest Airplane (15:07) - 400 Designs (16:01) - Flying Around the World in Voyager (18:59) - The GlobalFlyer's Record (25:16) - The Future of Aircraft (27:10) - Life Advice (28:15) - Outro

Retired NASA Astronaut Lieutenant General Susan Helms reflects on her 211 days in space and life onboard a young International Space Station.In this episode, Susan takes us through her groundbreaking journey as the first active-duty woman officer to become a NASA astronaut. She discusses attending the United States Air Force Academy, flight testing fighter jets, her five space missions, and a record-breaking spacewalk. This one is going to be cool!Key Takeaways:Susan's childhood dream was to attend the United States Air Force Academy. At the time, women were not permitted to learn at the USAFA, but in 1975 during her senior year of high school, President Ford signed a law allowing women to enroll. She applied and was accepted to the Academy, joining 157 other women in the first class of 1976.After graduating from the USAFA in 1980, Susan was assigned to Eglin Air Force Base as an F-16 Weapons Separation Engineer and then became the Lead Engineer for F-15 weapons separation. She then transferred to Edwards Air Force Base to be a Flight Test Engineer.While flight testing CF-18s in Canada, Susan was selected to become a NASA astronaut. She flew on STS-54, 64, 78, 101, and Expedition 2.Susan and crewmate Jim Voss trained and studied languages in Moscow with fellow Cosmonaut Yuri Usachov before their Expedition 2 flight.On a few of her missions, Susan operated the Remote Manipulator System on the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. This robot arm is used to deploy satellites, capture objects, and assist astronauts during spacewalks.In 2001, Susan Helms and Jim Voss set a world record after spacewalking for 8 hours and 56 minutes. This record was held for 23 years before Chinese astronauts Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong broke it in 2024 by 10 minutes.Susan encourages listeners to do what they love and not to follow careers that others are pushing them towards.Resources:Susan Helms' Website Susan Helms' NASA Bio Susan Helms' Air Force Bio One of first female Air Force Academy graduates, Susan Helms, becomes first female military astronaut in space (Denver 7) Expedition 2 (NASA)Chapters:(00:00) - Intro (01:00) - The First Space Tourist & Astronaut Roles (02:55) - Early Interest in Aviation (03:34) - USAFA Application (04:52) - The USAFA's First Class of Women (05:54) - Attending the USAFA (08:01) - F-15 & F-16 Weapons Testing (09:52) - The Flight Test Engineer Role (11:14) - Flight Testing in Canada (13:00) - Astronaut Selection & First Mission (14:45) - Flying at Mach 25 (15:32) - The Remote Manipulator System (RMS) (18:19) - Astronaut Training in Moscow (21:04) - A Record-Breaking Spacewalk (24:54) - Eating & Drinking During Spacewalks (26:17) - Living in Space (28:35) - Post Astronaut Career (30:22) - Space Exploration's Future (32:02) - Life Advice (32:45) - Outro

Astrophysicist and professor, Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell reflects on how she helped change astronomy forever.In this episode, learn more about how a peculiar signal from space led Jocelyn to a groundbreaking discovery. She discusses her aerospace journey, building a radio telescope, discovering pulsars, and the 1974 Nobel Prize controversy. This one is going to be cool!Key Takeaways:At the time, women were not often permitted to study science fields in school. Her parents protested this rule and Jocelyn became top of her class in Physics.While attending Cambridge, Jocelyn helped build their radio telescope alongside Astronomers Martin Ryle and Antony Hewish.Originally the telescope was built to study Quasars, which are distant galaxies whose incredibly bright cores are powered by supermassive black holes. While observing and researching the telescope, Jocelyn found a strange "pulse" that occurred at regular intervals. Labeled LGM-1 or Little Green Men 1, it was the first recording of a pulsar.Since pulsars were discovered, over 3,000 have been found today.In 1974, Martin Ryle and Antony Hewish were awarded the Nobel Prize for the discovery of pulsars. Because Martin and Antony were the telescopes' leaders, Jocelyn, a student at the time, was left out. She has since been awarded several prestigious accolades.Jocelyn encourages audiences to double-check anomalies as they never know which scientific discoveries could be found.Resources:Jocelyn's Bio (Wikipedia) What are pulsars? (Space.com) Journeys of Discovery (University of Cambridge)