The Payload Blog

Go/No Go: Inside the Firing Room

Kennedy Space Center is known for being the heart of rocket launches, but the brains behind it all come from the firing room—where the best and brightest handle preparations for liftoff and all things in between. In episode 2.02, join your hosts as they give an inside look into launch control with retired NASA Test Director Debra Kral.

February 27, 2026

Back to the Moon and Beyond

After over 50 years, humans are returning to the Moon—and NASA is taking that next big leap. Following in the footsteps of the uncrewed Artemis I mission in 2022; Artemis II will not only demonstrate the capabilities of the rocket and spacecraft but develop our understanding of human sustainability within deep space environments.

January 29, 2026

New Year, New Moon Rocket with Robert Pearlman

In episode 1.08, join your hosts as they wrap up 2025 with festive fun and look forward to all things space in the new year.

December 17, 2025

A Freeze-Dried Turkey Feast and NASA Space Food Systems

In episode 1.07, join your hosts as they go from food lab-to-shuttle ‘dining table’ with a retired NASA food scientist and a former Discovery astronaut.

November 20, 2025

Mad Science Tricks and International Treats

In episode 1.06, join your hosts as they get a taste of what’s to come at the fourth-annual Taste of Space: Celebrity Chef Edition on November 15 with two of the highly regarded chefs, Jon Ashton and Jet Tila.

October 23, 2025

THE INSIDE ORBIT: Launch Countdown Clock

October 2, 2025