Small Steps, Giant Leaps

NASA’s technical workforce put boots on the Moon, tire tracks on Mars, and the first reusable spacecraft in orbit around the Earth. Learn what’s next as they build missions that redefine the future with amazing discoveries and remarkable innovations.

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 128: Engineering Inflatable Structures for Space

How inflatable habitats moved from concept papers to the International Space Station, and what NASA is doing to eventually put one on the Moon.

04-24
26:09

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 127: Chief Program Management Officer

Dave Mitchell brings extensive experience as an engineer and project manager to a new position leading a small team with the broad mandate of improving acquisitions and program and project management across NASA.

04-03
34:55

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 126: Gateway: The Logistics of an Outpost at the Moon

In this episode we’ll focus on Gateway, a small space station NASA is developing to place in orbit at the Moon. We’ll speak with Mark Wiese, who leads the team that will ensure Gateway will receive the cargo, equipment, and supplies it needs to support Artemis astronauts.

03-20
24:07

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 125: Capstone Project: Artemis I Lessons Learned

Janet Karika, who retired recently from NASA after 43 years in the aerospace industry, shares career highlights and her approach to leading the Artemis I Lessons Learned process.

03-06
27:14

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 124: The Game-Changing Potential of In-Space Manufacturing

Dive deep into the world of in-space manufacturing (ISM) with our guest, Zach Courtright, the In-Space Manufacturing Portfolio Manager at NASA. Zach shares his perspectives on cutting-edge advancements and collaborations in the field and the potential of the technology for game-changing impacts on space exploration and resource utilization.

02-21
24:47

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 123: Examining Earth’s Atmosphere with NASA’s PACE Mission

Today, we look at NASA’s PACE mission, which seeks to unravel some of the mysteries of Earth’s atmosphere and the vital role played by aerosols and clouds. Join us as we delve into this fascinating journey with atmospheric scientist Dr. Kirk Knobelspiesse.

02-07
24:43

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 122: Charting New Horizons: Inside NASA's Orion Mission

In this episode, we step behind the scenes of NASA's Orion project to explore the remarkable teamwork, leadership, and communication that drive this groundbreaking endeavor. Join us as we sit down with Stu McClung, the NASA Orion Test lead, to talk about the Orion mission and the human side of space exploration.

01-24
23:17

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 121: The Artemis and Ethics Report Explained

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Zach Pirtle, a policy analyst for NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy and Strategy about NASA’s Artemis and Ethics workshop, which explored the ethical, legal, and societal implications of its Artemis and Moon to Mars missions.

12-13
22:51

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 120: Fueling Innovation: How NASA Shares Knowledge for Progress

In this episode, we sit down with Jim Rostohar, Chief Knowledge Officer for NASA's Johnson Space Center, to explore the vital role of knowledge sharing within the organization.

11-30
23:00

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 119: Rocket Propulsion Test Program

Rocket Propulsion Test Program Manager Christine Powell discusses chemical propulsion testing at NASA’s world-class facilities.

10-18
23:42

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 118: Center Innovation Fund and Early Career Initiative

NASA SpaceTech's Michael LaPointe and John Nelson discuss the Center Innovation Fund and Early Career Initiative.

10-04
19:45

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 117: NASA Trade and Technical Professionals, Part 3

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Engineering Technicians John Hood, Amy Meekham, and Mark Sloan discuss details of their work on the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer.

09-20
34:42

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 116: NASA Trade and Technical Professionals, Part 2

NASA Technicians Scott Bartram, Eric Bentley, Maria Salinas, and Phil Steele discuss their hands-on work on a variety of projects and technologies.

09-06
59:19

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 115: NASA Trade and Technical Professionals, Part 1

NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center Engineering Technicians Jason Nelson, Kyle Whitfield, and Alex Zamora discuss their essential contributions to NASA missions.

08-23
32:37

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 114: Last Stop Before Retirement

NASA Langley Research Center Retired Chief Scientist Dennis Bushnell discusses highlights of his 60-year NASA career and the future of the agency.

08-09
28:52

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 113: OSIRIS-REx Sample Return Preparation

OSIRIS-REx Mission Systems Engineer Ron Mink discusses preparation for the return of the United States' first asteroid sample from space to Earth.

07-26
17:21

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 112: TechLeap Nighttime Precision Landing Challenge

NASA TechLeap Nighttime Precision Landing Challenge Manager Greg Peters discusses the lunar landing challenge.

07-12
16:35

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 111: Flight Opportunities

NASA Flight Opportunities Program Manager Danielle McCulloch discusses rapid demonstration of technologies and capabilities for NASA missions and commercial spaceflight.

06-28
21:38

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 110: APPEL Knowledge Services

NASA Chief Knowledge Officer and APPEL Knowledge Services Director Tiffany Smith discusses knowledge sharing and learning and development.

06-14
27:05

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 109: NASA Engineering and Safety Center

NASA Engineering and Safety Center Director Tim Wilson discusses the NESC's contributions to NASA mission success.

05-31
18:22

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