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 Bio
• Jonathan's Space Report
• Space 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 Lancer
• The 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