Jan 22 2025 36 mins 4
In this episode of The Astro Ben Podcast, Ben speaks with astronaut and mission assurance expert Dr. John "Danny" Olivas from Intuitive Machines HQ. The conversation centers around the IM-2 Lunar Lander mission, set to land at the Moon’s south pole in early 2025. Danny shares exclusive insights into the technology on board, including NASA’s PRIME-1 drill, Nokia’s Lunar Surface Communications System, and Intuitive Machines’ Micro Nova Hopper.
The discussion also explores the critical role of engineering in lunar infrastructure, the challenges of operating in the Moon’s extreme environment, and Danny’s experiences as a NASA astronaut, including his iconic spacewalks and space shuttle repair missions.
This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi.
Check them out: https://skyfi.com/
OUTLINE:
Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.
00:00 Intro to Episode
00:22 This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi
00:42 Introducing Astronaut Dr. John "Danny" Olivas
01:28 Ben tries streaming for the first time (successfully)
02:04 Intuitive Machines IM-2
04:22 Challenges of landing on the lunar South Pole?
06:41 Micro Nova Hopper
09:19 First cellular network on the moon
11:50 IM-2 fitting in with Artemis
15:08 Engineering Innovations of IM-2
17:47 Spacewalks and lunar exploration
21:28 IM-2 to IM-4
24:05 Humanities relationship with the Moon
27:30 Space experience effecting everyday life
32:35 Words of wisdom
34:55 Wrap Up and Socials
Follow Dr John "Danny" Olivas:
Website: https://uniphigood.com/portfolio_page/john-danny-olivas/
IM-2 Mission Details: https://www.nasa.gov/event/intuitive-machines-clps-flight-im-2/
Intuitive Machines: https://www.intuitivemachines.com/
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