Episode 405: They Became Astronauts, ASCAN You

On this episode of Talking Space, we begin round one with an overpressurization of a Soyuz capsule, delaying the next manned launch to the International Space Station and discuss the Soyuz "era of reliability". We then move on to a record number of candidates applying for NASA's next class of ASCANs, or astronaut candidaates. Round two begins with the continued adventures of Phobos-Grunt. We then move on to a petition for a stamp honoring the Pluto-mission, New Horizons. We then take a closer look at the Vega, and not the car model. On our third and final round, we discuss the progress of man-rating the Atlas V rocket. We then discuss a public service announcement made by comedian and pundit Stephen Colbert promoting ISS research. We finish off with a course correction and some fun facts about the Jupiter-bound spacecraft, Juno. To sign the petition for a New Horizons USPS stamp, visit http://chn.ge/w88LBn To see Stephen Colbert's public service announcement, visit http://youtu.be/HX_GZiNog_I Also, to see when the International Space Station will be visible, visithttp://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/ A BRIEF NOTE: This episode was recorded before the announcement of the passing of astronaut Janet Voss. Talking Space remembers her and has her family in our thoughts. Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman Show Recorded - 2/6/2012