The Launch Pad Space Podcast

Episode 024 – Son of Apollo – Christopher Roosa Episode Summary Christopher Roosa is a retired colonel from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and a combat veteran. He is also the son of Apollo 14 Command Module pilot Stuart Roosa. In his book “Son of Apollo: The Adventures of a Boy Whose Father Went to the Moon,” He tells the story of his father’s humble beginnings growing up in Oklahoma. From there the elder Roosa became a smoke jumper, fighter pilot and test pilot before being chosen to become an astronaut in 1966.  In this episode of The Launch Pad Space Podcast, host Paul Ring talks to Christopher Roosa about his father, and growing up as a Son of Apollo. Show Notes Christopher A. Roosa Stuart Roosa “Son of Apollo” Joint Base Langley-Eustis Edwards Air Force Base Apollo Program Saturn V Apollo 1 Apollo 11 Apollo 13 Apollo 14 The White House Richard Nixon Tricia Nixon Cox Camp David Ed White Elvis Presley Apollo 16 Apollo 17 Alan Shepard Ed Mitchell John Young Space Shuttle Welcome Patrons Become a Patron No new patrons this time around, but please consider helping us out. And thank you to the generous patrons who have been supporting the podcast! o   Kristina Fontes o   Jimzilla1701 Follow Us: Our website: www.launchpadshow.com Twitter: @launchpadspace1 Instagram @launchpadspace1 Facebook @Launch Pad Space Podcast YouTube @LaunchPadSpacePodcast Email launchpadspacepodcast@email.com Links You can listen to this, or any episode of the podcast by using these links, or searching wherever you get your podcasts. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-launch-pad-space-podcast/id1521502726 Android: https://podcasts.google.com/search/launch%20pad%20space%20podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1XddmhYfLuXFwMGkpxK33v YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@launchpadspacepodcast5558

Episode 023 – First Mom – Anna Fisher Episode Summary  Anna Fisher is one of the first women chosen by NASA to become astronauts. She flew on STS-51A, one of the most technically demanding missions in the Space Shuttle program. She also helped develop the International Space Station and the Orion spacecraft that will return astronauts to the Moon. In this episode of The Launch Pad Space Podcast, host Paul Ring talks to Anna Fisher about her career and her contributions over 40 years to NASA’s human space exploration program. Show Notes Anna Fisher 1978 Astronaut Class Harbor UCLA Medical Center Space Shuttle Christopher C. Kraft Jr. Challenger Disaster STS-51A Rick Hauck Lloyd’s of London International Space Station (ISS) Columbia Disaster Orion The New Guys Meredith Bagby Welcome Patrons Become a Patron No new patrons this time around, but please consider helping us out. And thank you to the generous patrons who have been supporting the podcast! o   Kristina Fontes o   Jimzilla1701 Follow Us: Our website: www.launchpadshow.com Twitter: @launchpadspace1 Instagram @launchpadspace1 Facebook @Launch Pad Space Podcast YouTube @LaunchPadSpacePodcast Email launchpadspacepodcast@email.com Links You can listen to this, or any episode of the podcast by using these links, or searching wherever you get your podcasts. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-launch-pad-space-podcast/id1521502726 Android: https://podcasts.google.com/search/launch%20pad%20space%20podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1XddmhYfLuXFwMGkpxK33v YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@launchpadspacepodcast5558    

Episode 022 – The New Guys – Meredith Bagby Episode Summary Meredith Bagby is the author of an incredible new book, “The New Guys: The Historic Class of Astronauts That Broke Barriers and Changed the Face of Space Travel.” This new release has been the talk of space aficionados, as Bagby tells the story of the first group of Space Shuttle astronauts. She focuses on the first 10 minority astronauts, while telling the story of all 35 “new guys.” In this episode of The Launch Pad Space Podcast, host Paul Ring talks to the author about her investigation into this lightly studied era of spaceflight, and the group of men and women who helped usher the Shuttle program into reality. Show Notes Meredith Bagby The New Guys 1978 Astronaut Class Challenger Disaster Teacher in Space Program Christa McAuliffe Sally Ride George Abbey Anna Fisher STS-51A International Space Station (ISS) The Astronaut’s Wife Columbia Disaster Ron McNair Rhea Seddon Commercial Crew Program Artemis Program Guy Bluford Challenger Salvage Ellison Onizuka Judy Resnick Shannon Lucid Kathy Sullivan Rick Hauck Steve Hawley Robert “Hoot” Gibson Judy Resnick – Tom Brokaw Interview Welcome Patrons Become a Patron No new patrons this time around, but please consider helping us out. And thank you to the generous patrons who have been supporting the podcast! o   Kristina Fontes o   Jimzilla1701 Follow Us: Our website: www.launchpadshow.com Twitter: @launchpadspace1 Instagram @launchpadspace1 Facebook @Launch Pad Space Podcast YouTube @LaunchPadSpacePodcast Email launchpadspacepodcast@email.com Links You can listen to this, or any episode of the podcast by using these links, or searching wherever you get your podcasts. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-launch-pad-space-podcast/id1521502726 Android: https://podcasts.google.com/search/launch%20pad%20space%20podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1XddmhYfLuXFwMGkpxK33v YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@launchpadspacepodcast5558    

 Episode 21 – The Astronaut’s Wife – Stacey Morgan Episode Summary  Stacey Morgan may never go into space, but she’s an important as any engineer when it comes to ensuring her husband, NASA Astronaut Drew Morgan, is successful as an astronaut. For the first time, Stacey Morgan, the wife of an active astronaut, has written about her experiences, both good and bad. Recently, I had the pleasure of talking with her about her book “The Astronaut’s Wife: How Launching My Husband into Outer Space Changed the Way I Live on Earth.” Show Notes Stacey Morgan’s Website Drew Morgan at NASA.gov Drew Morgan at Wikipedia The Astronaut’s Wife at Amazon.com The Astronaut Wives Club at Amazon.com The Astronaut Wives Club TV Show at Amazon Prime Among the Stars at Disney+ West Point Website Kwajalein Atoll  Welcome Patrons Become a Patron No new patrons this time around, but please consider helping us out. And thank you to the generous patrons who have been supporting the podcast! o   Kristina Fontes o   Jimzilla1701 Follow Us: Our website: www.launchpadshow.com Twitter: @launchpadspace1 Instagram @launchpadspace1 Facebook @Launch Pad Space Podcast YouTube @LaunchPadSpacePodcast Email launchpadspacepodcast@email.com Links You can listen to this, or any episode of the podcast by using these links, or searching wherever you get your podcasts. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-launch-pad-space-podcast/id1521502726 Android: https://podcasts.google.com/search/launch%20pad%20space%20podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1XddmhYfLuXFwMGkpxK33v

Episode SP01 – Space Adventure Boston Episode Summary Recently, I got a sneak preview of the new Space Adventure Boston exhibit in Chelsea. It will be in town through February 2023 and will move on to either Chicago or Atlanta once it's done. I spoke with one of the producers, David Rosenfield, as we walked through the exhibit. In this video we talk about some of the amazing artifacts on display. The immersive video portions of the event you’ll have to experience for yourself. I highly recommend visiting if you're in the Boston area. For more tickets and scheduling information, go to www.spaceadventure.us. Show Notes Space Adventure Website The Kansas Cosmosphere Website Welcome Patrons Become a Patron No new patrons this time around, but please consider helping us out. And thank you to the generous patrons who have been supporting the podcast! Kristina Fontes Jimzilla1701 Follow Us: Our website: www.launchpadshow.com Twitter: @launchpadspace1 Instagram @launchpadspace1 Facebook @Launch Pad Space Podcast YouTube @LaunchPadSpacePodcast Email launchpadspacepodcast@email.com Links You can listen to this, or any episode of the podcast by using these links, or searching wherever you get your podcasts. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-launch-pad-space-podcast/id1521502726 Android: https://podcasts.google.com/search/launch%20pad%20space%20podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1XddmhYfLuXFwMGkpxK33v

Episode 20 – Space Craze – Margaret A. Weitekamp Episode Summary Margaret A. Weitekamp is the Smithsonian’s Space History Department chair and curator of the museum’s Cultural History of Spaceflight Collection. In this episode of the Launch Pad Space Podcast, I talk with her about the intersection of fictional space flight and the real-life adventures of explorers during the space race. Her new book “Space Craze: America’s Enduring Fascination with Real and Imagined Spaceflight,” offers a deep dive into a history that aspires to the better angels of our society, while still reflecting the problematic issues including sexism and racism. Show Notes Margaret A. Weitekamp Bio at Smithsonian Institution Website “Space Craze” at Amazon.com “Right Stuff, Wrong Sex” at Amazon.com Buck Rogers at Wikipedia Flash Gordon at Wikipedia Space Shuttle at Wikipedia Apollo Program at Wikipedia Lost in Space (TV Show) at Wikipedia I Dream of Jeannie (TV Show) at Wikipedia Han Solo at Wikipedia Firefly (TV Series) at Wikipedia Joss Whedon at Wikipedia Space Patrol (TV Series) at Wikipedia Star Trek: The Original Series (TV Series) at Wikipedia Spock at Wikipedia Hikaru Sulu at Wikipedia Nichelle Nichols at Wikipedia Nyota Uhura at Wikipedia Civil Rights Movement at Wikipedia Womens Movement at Wikipedia Gene Roddenberry at Wikipedia Reruns at Wikipedia Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (TV Series) at Wikipedia Babylon 5 (TV Series) at Wikipedia VHS Recording at Wikipedia Star Trek: Voyager at Wikipedia DVR Recording at Wikipedia Michael Straczynski at Wikipedia G’Kar at Wikipedia Londo Mollari at Wikipedia John Sheridan at Wikipedia Jadzia Dax at Wikipedia Delenn at Wikipedia Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series) at Wikipedia The Outcast (TNG Episode) at Wikipedia Rayguns at Wikipedia Toys at Wikipedia Cabbage Patch Kids at Wikipedia Young Astronauts Program Website 501st Legion Website Rhode Island Comic Con Website Doctor Who (TV Series) at Wikipedia The Fourth Doctor at Wikipedia Tom Baker at Wikipedia Emergency! (TV Series) at Wikipedia Space Shuttle Operator’s Manual (Book) at Amazon.com Space Shuttle Discovery at Wikipedia Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster at Wikipedia Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster at Wikipedia Apollo 1 Fire at Wikipedia Welcome Patrons No new patrons again this time around, but please consider helping us out. And thank you again to those who have offered your support! Become a Patron Follow Us: Our website: www.launchpadshow.com Twitter: @launchpadspace1 Instagram @launchpadspace1 Facebook @Launch Pad Space Podcast Links You can listen to this episode of the podcast here, and anywhere you get your podcasts. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-launch-pad-space-podcast/id1521502726 Android: https://podcasts.google.com/search/launch%20pad%20space%20podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1XddmhYfLuXFwMGkpxK33v

Episode 019 – Toilet Training and More – Mary Roach Episode Summary This episode features my conversation with one of my favorite authors, science writer Mary Roach, author of six New York Times bestsellers, including her 2010 book “Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the void.” She always finds the fascinating and offbeat details of her subjects and passes them on with a wonderful sense of fun. Her latest project is a new version of her popular space book, called “Packing for Mars for Kids.” We talk about what brought her to write about space exploration, and the complexities of translating her book for a new audience, children. Show Notes Mary Roach’s website ”Packing for Mars” at Amazon.com ”Packing for Mars” for Kids at Amazon.com ”Stiff” at Amazon.com Space Shuttle Toilet Cam video Astronaut William Thornton at Wikipedia Apollo 11 Mission Overview at NASA.gov Challenger – STS-51L at Wikipedia Columbia – STS-107 at Wikipedia Monkeys and Apes in Space at Wikipedia Fecal Collection Bag story on Jalopnik Gemini VII on Wikipedia Ham the Chimpanzee at Wikipedia Enos the Chimpanzee at Wikipedia Mary Roach on Audible The Vomit Commit at Space.com Jeff Bezos at Wikipedia For All Mankind at AppleTV+ Dr. Jonathan Clark at NASA.gov Astronaut Laurel Clark at Wikipedia “Loss of Signal” at The Aerospace Medical Association website Welcome Patrons No new patrons again this time around, but please consider helping us out. And thank you again to those who have offered your support! Become a Patron Follow Us: Our website: www.launchpadshow.com Twitter: @launchpadspace1 Instagram @launchpadspace1 Facebook @Launch Pad Space Podcast  

Episode 018 – Space for Change – Lori Garver Episode Summary In this episode, Launch Pad host Paul Ring talks to controversial former NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver about her new book “Escaping Gravity: My Quest to Transform NASA and Launch a New Space Age.” She gives a look at the inner workings of NASA, talking about the battles she won – like continuing funding to the Commercial Crew Program – and those she lost – spending multi-billions of dollars on the Space Launch System. Further Reading: LoriGarver.com Lori Garver Wikipedia page Escaping Gravity Escaping Gravity at Amazon.com CNASA Commercial Cargo Program (COTS) Wikipedia page NASA Commercial Crew Program Wikipedia page NASA Commercial Crew Program page Elon Musk Bill Nelson NASA page Bill Nelson Wikipedia page Space Launch System (SLS) Rocket For All Mankind Apple TV+ Show Sally Ride Wikipedia page Jodi Balfour Wikipedia page SpaceX Blue Origin Jim Bridenstine Wikipedia page Sean O’Keefe Wikipedia page Charlie Bolden Wikipedia page Jeff Bezos Wikipedia page Pam Melroy NASA page Pam Melroy Wikipedia page Bryan O’Connor Wikipedia page Mike Coates Wikipedia page Barack Obama James Webb Space Telescope Nichelle Nichols Wikipedia page Gene Roddenberry Wikipedia page Star Trek Wikipedia page Martin Luther King Jr International Space Station (ISS) NASA page Fiscal 2023 NASA Budget Estimates Hydrosat Sierra Space Dream Chaser Brooke Owens Fellowship Patti Grace Smith Fellowship Matt Isakiowitz Fellowship Program Homer Hickam Bill Clinton Donald Trump Wikipedia page Bill Anders Wikipedia page Apollo 8 Earthrise photo Welcome Patrons No new patrons again this time around, but please consider helping us out. And thank you again to those who have offered your support! Become a Patron Follow Us: Our website: www.launchpadshow.com Twitter: @launchpadspace1 Instagram @launchpadspace1 Facebook @Launch Pad Space Podcast

Episode 017 – Frank and Susan – Liisa Jorgensen Show Notes In this episode, author Liisa Jorgensen stops by to talk about her book “Far Side of the Moon: Apollo 8 Commander Frank Borman and the Woman Who Gave Him Wings.” She and host Paul Ring discuss the strength of astronaut wives during the 1960s, and the toll it took on their lives and their marriages through the lens of Frank Borman and his wife Susan. Their marriage lasted 71 years, but their love story is timeless. Further Reading: Far Side of the Moon website Far Side of the Moon Spotify playlist Buy Far Side of the Moon at Amazon Frank Borman Wikipedia page Susan Borman obituary Countdown by Frank Borman The Astronaut Wives Club Wikipedia page From the Earth to the Moon Wikipedia page Gemini VII Wikipedia page Apollo 8 Wikipedia page Apollo 1 Wikipedia page Ed White Wikipedia page Pat White obituary Jim Lovell Wikipedia page Russia to drop out of International Space Station after 2024 (AP Story) Chasing the Moon Eastern Air Lines Wikipedia page Crash of Eastern Flight 401 Wikipedia page Alcohol Addiction Resources (NIAAA) Myth Merchant Films Welcome Patrons No new patrons again this time around, but please consider helping us out. And thank you again to those who have offered your support! Become a Patron Follow Us: Our website: www.launchpadshow.com Twitter: @launchpadspace1 Instagram @launchpadspace1 Facebook @Launch Pad Space Podcast  

Episode 016 – The Sky’s No Limit – Eileen Collins and Jonathan Ward Episode Summary In this episode, Launch Pad host Paul Ring talks to retired astronaut Eileen Collins and writer Jonathan Ward, authors of “Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars: The Story of the First American Woman to Command a Space Mission.” They discuss Collins’ career a U.S. Air Force pilot and Space Shuttle commander that is documented in her autobiography. Show Notes In this episode, Launch Pad host Paul Ring talks to retired astronaut Eileen Collins and writer Jonathan Ward, authors of “Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars: The Story of the First American Woman to Command a Space Mission.” They discuss Collins’ career a U.S. Air Force pilot and Space Shuttle commander that is documented in her autobiography. Further Reading: “Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars” Eileen Collins Eileen Collins’ Official Website Jonathan Ward’s Amazon Author Page Jonathan Ward’s Official Website T-38 Talon A-7 Corsair II TR-1 (U-2 Variant) Avro Vulcan B-70 Valkyrie B-58 Hustler 1983 Beirut Barracks Bombing United States Invasion of Granada Hubble Space Telescope NASA Astronaut Group 13 Longitudinal Stability Neil Armstrong Buzz Aldrin Michael Collins Apollo 15 Dick Covey Carrying the Fire STS-63 STS-84 STS-93 Chandra X-Ray Observatory James Webb Space Telescope Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster STS-114 Sally Ride Sally Ride Science Rick Hauck Elon Musk Core Rope Memory Apollo Guidance Computer   Welcome Patrons No new patrons again this time around, but please consider helping us out. And thank you again to those who have offered your support! Become a Patron Follow Us: Our website: www.launchpadshow.com Twitter: @launchpadspace1 Instagram @launchpadspace1 Facebook @Launch Pad Space Podcast

Episode 015 – In Good Hands – Jennifer Levasseur Episode Summary In this episode, Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with Jennifer Levasseur a Smithsonian curator with the enviable job of caring for and interpreting the Space Shuttle Discovery. She and Paul talk about the different aspects of her job, how she got there, and their common affection for the grande dame of the orbiter fleet. Show Notes In this episode, Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with Jennifer Levasseur a Smithsonian curator with the enviable job of caring for and interpreting the Space Shuttle Discovery. She and Paul talk about the different aspects of her job, how she got there, and their common affection for the grande dame of the orbiter fleet. Further Reading: Jennifer Levasseur’s Staff Page on the Smithsonian website Being Discovery’s Curator, by Jennifer Levasseur Smithsonian Space Shuttle Discovery Page Discovery Orbiter Wikipedia Page Through Astronaut Eyes: Photographing Early Human Spaceflight STS-131 Wikipedia Page STS-131 Launch Video (Taken by Paul Ring) Welcome Patrons No new patrons again this time around, but please consider helping us out. And thank you again to those who have offered your support! Become a Patron Follow Us: Our website: www.launchpadshow.com Twitter: @launchpadspace1 Instagram @launchpadspace1 Facebook @Launch Pad Space Podcast

Episode 014 – Never Panic Early – Bill Moore Episode Summary Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with Bill Moore, co-author of “Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey,” the autobiography of Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise. They discuss how that mantra, “Never panic early, “ played a key role in Haise’s  life from his time growing up in Biloxi, Mississippi, to the critical design work he did on the Space Shuttle and the Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests.. Show Notes Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with Bill Moore, co-author of “Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey,” the autobiography of Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise. They discuss how that mantra, “Never panic early, “ played a key role in Haise’s  life from his time growing up in Biloxi, Mississippi, to the critical design work he did on the Space Shuttle and the Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests.. Further Reading: Fred Haise’s Wikipedia page “Never Panic Early” on Amazon “Never Panic Early” at Smithsonian Books University of Oklahoma Website Infinity Science Center Website Northrup Grumman Website Kansas Cosmosphere (home of the Apollo 13 CM) Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (home of the Space Shuttle Enterprise) Apollo 13 Film’s Wikipedia Page Welcome Patrons No new patrons again this time around, but please consider helping us out. And thank you again to those who have offered your support! Become a Patron Follow Us: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Episode 013 – Impact – Greg Brennecka Episode Summary Launch Pad host Paul Ring goes a little further afield as he discusses comets and meteorites and the universe with Greg Brenneck, a meteoriticist who is a staff scientist and cosmochemist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He is the author of “Impact: How Rocks from Space Let to Life, Culture and Donkey Kong.” Show Notes Launch Pad host Paul Ring goes a little further afield as he discusses comets and meteorites and the universe with Greg Brenneck, a meteoriticist who is a staff scientist and cosmochemist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He is the author of “Impact: How Rocks from Space Let to Life, Culture and Donkey Kong.” Further Reading: Greg Brennecka Impact: How Rocks from Space Led to Life, Culture, and Donkey Kong Meteoritics Cosmochemistry Theia Impact Dinosaur Extinction Impact Don’t Look Up Search for Dangerous Asteroids Palladium Donkey Kong 1996 Mars “Fossil” Venus Star of Bethlehem St. Paul Aristotle Galileo Galilei Ernst Chladni Jean-Baptiste Biot James Webb Space Telescope Hubble Space Telescope Pillars of Creation Amino Acids Exoplanets Tunguska Chelyabinsk Allende Welcome Patrons No new patrons again this time around, but please consider helping us out. And thank you to those who have offered your support! Become a Patron Follow Us: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Episode 012 – One Giant Leap – Charles Fishman Episode Summary Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author Charles Fishman, author of “One Giant Leap: The Impossible Mission that Flew Us to the Moon.” In this special, Christmas-sized episode, they will talk the unsung heroes and little-known facts about the Space Race. Show Notes Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author Charles Fishman, author of “One Giant Leap: The Impossible Mission that Flew Us to the Moon.” In this special, Christmas-sized episode, they will talk the unsung heroes and little-known facts about the Space Race. Further Reading: “One Giant Leap” on Amazon.com “When MetroWest went to the Moon” by Paul Ring Margaret Hamilton Bill Tindall President Kennedy Proposes Moon Goal Bay of Pigs Invasion Yuri Gagarin Welcome Patrons No new patrons this time around, but please consider helping us out. And thank you for those who have offered your support! Become a Patron Follow Us: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Episode 11 – Crewmates – Nicole Stott Episode Summary Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with Aquanaut, Astronaut, Artist and Author Nicole Stott to talk about her new book, “Back to Earth: What Life in Space Taught Me About Our Home Planet – And Our Mission to Protect It.” They talk about how her space missions led to her to discovering a new mission here on Earth. Show Notes Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with Aquanaut, Astronaut, Artist and Author Nicole Stott to talk about her new book, “Back to Earth: What Life in Space Taught Me About Our Home Planet – And Our Mission to Protect It.” They talk about how her space missions led to her to discovering a new mission here on Earth. Further Reading: Nicole Stott’s Homepage Nicole Stott’s NASA Biography @Astro_Nicole on Twitter @astro_nicole on Instagram “Back to Earth” on Amazon.com “Back to Earth” Website Space for Art Foundation Website Welcome Patrons No new patrons this time around, but please consider helping us out. And thank you for those who have offered your support! Become a Patron Follow Us: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook  

Episode 10 – Moon Wheels – Earl Swift Episode Summary Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with New York Times Bestselling author Earl Swift, whose latest book, "Across the Airless Wilds: The Lunar Rover and the Triumph of the Final Moon Landings,” is a fascinating deep dive into the design, creation and deployment of the first manned vehicle on another world. Show Notes Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with New York Times Bestselling author Earl Swift, whose latest book, "Across the Airless Wilds: The Lunar Rover and the Triumph of the Final Moon Landings,” is a fascinating deep dive into the design, creation and deployment of the first manned vehicle on another world. Further Reading: Earl Swift’s Website “Across the Airless Wilds” at Amazon.com Lunar Roving Vehicle page on Wikipedia Lunar Roving Vehicle Documentation page at The Apollo Lunar Surface Journal Space Center Houston 50th anniversary page for The Lunar Roving Vehicle Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum page on The Lunar Roving Vehicle Welcome Patrons No new patrons this time around, but please consider helping us out. Thank you for your support! Become a Patron Follow Us: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook  

Episode 9 – Untethered  – Bruce McCandless III Episode Summary The son of Space Shuttle astronaut Bruce McCandless II sits down with Paul Ring to discuss his new book “Wonders All Around: The Incredible True Story of Astronaut Bruce McCandless II and the First Untethered Flight in Space.” Show Notes The son of Space Shuttle astronaut Bruce McCandless II sits down with Paul Ring to discuss his new book “Wonders All Around: The Incredible True Story of Astronaut Bruce McCandless II and the First Untethered Flight in Space.” Further Reading: Wonders All Around: The Incredible True Story of Astronaut Bruce McCandless II and the first Untethered Flight in Space Bruce McCandless III Amazon author page STS-41-B Manned Maneuvering Unit STS-31 Hubble Space Telescope NASA Tribute to Bruce McCandless II Welcome Patrons No new patrons this time around, but please consider helping us out. Thank you for your support! Become a Patron Follow Us: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Episode 8 – Space by the Book – Andrew Chaikin Episode Summary Award-winning space journalist Andrew Chaikin sits down with host Paul Ring to discuss his love of space exploration, his book “A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts,” and his work on the Viking Mars missions. Show Notes Award-winning space journalist Andrew Chaikin sits down with host Paul Ring to discuss his love of space exploration, his book “A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts,” and his work on the Viking Mars missions. Further Reading: A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts Bronson Pinchot Apollo 12 K. Mattingly Buzz Aldrin Ed Mitchell Apollo 15 From the Earth to the Moon To a Rocky Moon The Geology of Mars Faruk El-Baz Lee Silver Air and Space: The National Air and Space Museum Story of Flight Apollo : An Eyewitness Account By Astronaut/Explorer Artist/Moonwalker Alan Bean A Passion for Mars: Intrepid Explorers of the Red Planet Voices from the Moon: Apollo Astronauts Describe Their Lunar Experiences Mission Control, This Is Apollo: The Story of the First Voyages to the Moon The Folio Society The Viking Program Planetary Photojournal Stellarium Solar Walk – iOS, Android Star Walk – iOS, Android Welcome Patrons No new patrons this time around, but please consider helping us out. Thank you for your support! Become a Patron Follow Us: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Episode 7 – Son of a Spaceman – Pete Conrad III Episode Summary Pete Conrad III, son of Apollo 12 commander Pete Conrad, is our guest for this episode. He talks with host Paul Ring about the close-up view he had of his father’s aerospace career from Pawtuxet River, Maryland, to the Ocean of Storms and beyond. Show Notes Pete Conrad III, son of Apollo 12 commander Pete Conrad, is our guest for this episode. He talks with host Paul Ring about the close-up view he had of his father’s aerospace career from Pawtuxet River, Maryland, to the Ocean of Storms and beyond. Further Reading: Pete Conrad, Jr. Wikipedia entry Rocketman: Astronaut Pete Conrad's Incredible Ride to the Moon and Beyond Welcome Patrons No new patrons this time around, but please consider helping us out. Thank you for your support! Become a Patron Follow Us: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Episode 6 – Suited for Space - Bill Ayrey Episode Summary Bill Ayrey, former ILC Dover space suit test engineer and company historian, talks to host Paul Ring about the creation of the space suits that allowed Apollo astronauts to walk and work on the Moon and his new book, “Lunar Outfitters Making the Apollo Space Suit. Show Notes Bill Ayrey, former ILC Dover space suit test engineer and company historian, talks to host Paul Ring about the creation of the space suits that allowed Apollo astronauts to walk and work on the Moon and his new book, “Lunar Outfitters Making the Apollo Space Suit. Further Reading: Bill Ayrey page at the Apollo Lunar Surface Journal ILC Dover’s Spacesuit Page Lunar Outfitters: The Making of the Apollo Space Suit Welcome Patrons No new patrons this time around, but please consider helping us out. Thank you for your support! Become a Patron Follow Us: Our Website Twitter Instagram Facebook