Roid Rage

• JavaScript, Protobuf, and Pain

  Ground Software Engineer Bobby joins us to walk through how AstroForge’s ground software stack actually works. From commanding spacecraft via custom-built UIs to stitching together downlinked files over painfully slow RF, we cover the real-world challenges of building a reliable, flexible system that can interface with global ground stations and support operations in deep space. Bobby also reflects on key lessons from the Odin mission and how they’re shaping DeepSpace‑2’s ground infrastructure.

  --------  

  49:34

  --------

  49:34
• It’s Always A Spectrometer

  This week, we sit down with Payload Scientist Andy to explore how spacecraft instruments determine what an asteroid is really made of. From early reconnaissance canisters to modern spectrometers, we discuss payload heritage, sensing techniques, and how DeepSpace-2 will characterize a metallic target using modern, lightweight hardware.

  --------  

  44:23

  --------

  44:23
• Paint It White, But Make It Conductive

  This episode dives into how AstroForge designs electronics to survive deep space conditions: from solar flares and cosmic radiation to electrostatic discharge and internal arcing. Chris, our Head of Avionics, walks through shielding strategies, component selection, failure modes, and what differentiates spacecraft design from terrestrial electronics.

  --------  

  59:44

  --------

  59:44
• So You’re Telling Me There’s a Chance

  On this episode of Roid Rage, Principal Flight Science Engineer Loic joins the pod to break down how we use Monte Carlo simulations to navigate deep space - starting with how we avoid hitting the Moon. Loic walks us through how probabilistic modeling, error bounding, and trajectory optimization keep DeepSpace‑2 on target. This episode covers everything from solar pressure to thrust vector error, and why simulating failure is core to mission design.

  --------  

  53:05

  --------

  53:05
• You Want It to Burn This Way

  What does it take to point a spacecraft with only one thruster? In this episode, we dive into the engineering behind DeepSpace‑2’s gimbal system: a mechanical interface that enables directional control for our electric propulsion. GNC Engineer Emerson and Flight Software Engineer Kieran walk us through how they built the software, math, and lookup tables needed to command the gimbal, and why the complexity goes far deeper than just “move this motor.”

  --------  

  45:21

  --------

  45:21

Weitere Wissenschaft Podcasts

Trending Wissenschaft Podcasts

Über Roid Rage

Roid Rage: Zugehörige Podcasts