Ep 11. Teaming up With NASA

Xploration Outer Space season 4 episode 11, titled "Teaming up With NASA," takes an in-depth look at the collaboration between NASA and private space companies. Host Emily Calandrelli explores how NASA is working with companies like SpaceX and Boeing to bring astronauts to the International Space Station and beyond.

The episode begins with a tour of the SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California. Emily talks with SpaceX COO Gwynne Shotwell about the company's collaboration with NASA, including the development of the Crew Dragon spacecraft. Shotwell explains the benefits of working with NASA, such as access to the agency's expertise and resources.

Next, the episode moves to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where Emily meets with astronaut Nick Hague. Hague talks about his experience flying on the Russian Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station, as well as his upcoming mission on the Crew Dragon. He explains the importance of having multiple ways to get to space, and how working with private companies like SpaceX and Boeing is helping to make that a reality.

Back at SpaceX, Emily takes a closer look at the Crew Dragon spacecraft. She talks with SpaceX engineer John Federspiel about the design of the spacecraft, including its advanced heat shield and autonomous docking capabilities. Emily also gets to see a Crew Dragon spacecraft that has been used on a previous mission, and learns about how it was refurbished for future flights.

The episode then moves to Boeing's Commercial Crew and Cargo Processing Facility in Florida. Emily talks with Boeing engineer Klaire Avery about the company's collaboration with NASA, and how they are using their expertise in aerospace to develop the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft. Avery explains how the Starliner will allow for more frequent and cost-effective access to space, and how it will help support NASA's goal of establishing a sustainable presence on the moon and beyond.

Back at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Emily meets with astronaut Anne McClain. McClain talks about her experience flying on the Russian Soyuz spacecraft, as well as her upcoming mission on the Boeing Starliner. She explains how the Starliner differs from other spacecraft she has flown on, and how it will help expand the capabilities of NASA's human spaceflight program.

The episode wraps up with Emily discussing the importance of collaboration between NASA and private space companies. She emphasizes how this partnership is driving innovation and making space more accessible than ever before. As NASA continues to work with SpaceX, Boeing, and other companies, Emily predicts that we will see even more exciting developments and achievements in space exploration in the years to come.

Overall, "Teaming up With NASA" offers a fascinating glimpse into the partnership between NASA and private space companies, and how they are working together to make space exploration more accessible and sustainable. With its mix of interviews, behind-the-scenes access, and expert insights, this episode is sure to appeal to anyone with an interest in spaceflight and the future of space exploration.