Humans in Space with Neil deGrasse Tyson & Lauren Lyons

What technology can we look forward to in commercial spaceflight? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice discover SpaceX, other space startups, and what is going on in the commercial space industry with engineer and executive Lauren Lyons.
Learn about commercial spaceflight launches and what it is like to work at SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Firefly. We break down different roles to get a payload safely to space, as well as Lauren’s work on Falcon-9. What happens during launch failures? How do you figure out what went wrong when everything gets blown up?
What is the difference between NASA and private enterprise? We break down the differences in risk tolerance for private industry and also the billionaires in space narrative. What are the current unsolved challenges in commercial space travel? Could we build a floating human colony in space? How could asteroid mining extend our reach into the solar system?
Learn about some exciting new startups, The XPRIZE, and technology to let humans live and work in space. We discuss the emerging commercial industry in Europe and how to organize companies to achieve their goals. All that, plus, what do we have to look forward to in the next generation of space?
Thanks to our Patrons Constance Kane, Amanda, Kareem Roberts, Emily Kaneko Reynolds, John DeLong, Eric Peters, and Jamie Irvin for supporting us this week.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free.
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About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!
#StarTalk #neildegrassetyson
00:00 - Introduction: Commercial Spaceflight
3:04 - Working on Falcon-9 & Launching TESS
12:44 - Learning From Launch Failures
17:22 - The Difference Between Commercial Space & NASA
18:49 - The Billionaire Space Race Narrative
22:05 - What Are Current Unsolved Challenges in Commercial Space Travel?
31:24 - Building Floating Colonies in Space & Commercial Space Stations
36:30 - New Space Tech: Reusable Rockets & Refueling Stations
43:23 - Getting Space Startups To the Next Level

[@StarTalk]

Would you go to space? If not, why?

[@TheStrykerProject]

Nope. I don't like barfing. But seriously, I don't really have a desire to go into space because of the physical discomfort. I'm not sure I could handle it, and there's no stopping THAT ride.

[@joshuachartrand268]

To save my life, yes. To do it as a day job, maybee. 😅

[@PaulADAigle]

Yes. If I died, it would be good that I did something more interesting than the rest of my life.

[@avinashgore6258]

Yes of course! Life is meant to explore unknown to make it known, improve it for many others like us and enjoy it in all its shade.

[@carlosvaladez2186]

Heck yeah

[@zeroalpha7755]

You need to have Lauren on more often, her voice is so calming I could listen to her for hours.

[@SuperPol1981]

I was thinking exactly the same!! What a smooth and controlled voice!

[@SilverSkywalker]

I came to comment that exact sentiment!! She has a voice for podcasting!

[@hassafella]

Agreed!

[@robertwcote]

Lauren's energy is fantastic and her enthusiasm for what she does is so obvious. What an awesome person. Thanks for sharing!

[@clintondouglas656]

In short, shes cool, kinda bad and she smart. 10/10 👍😃

[@danruggiero7986]

Lauren is great! Should have her on more often.

[@bharfbattlebrain7892]

Couldn't agree more. Such a great role model for young aspiring female engineer/entrepreneurs. One of which I hope is my 18 year daughter.

[@AndreAndre-lm4pj]

Her smartness is very attractive

[@WildlifeWarrior-cr1kk]

How original you're the only person to ever say stuff like that

[@WildlifeWarrior-cr1kk]

​@@AndreAndre-lm4pjI'd do her

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Lauren was as good at handling all the stuff Neil and Chuck can throw out there as it is humanly possible.

[@user-ln9bk7mo3l]

And beautiful while doing it!

[@scottstrang1583]

A hot rocket scientist.

[@bullbearjeff]

yes she rolled with them so well

[@bigcity2085]

She's lovely and so smart -sharp....Neil finds such amazing women....and I'm prolly coming off sexist for saying so.

[@divolifecoaching]

So true!!

[@RCHeli1]

Please more Lauren!!

[@CrunchyWacko]

Not even finished watching this episode and have to comment...this girl is SO FREAKING AWESOME !!! Love her passion.

[@Jay-yl9th]

That is proof she loves what she does. It's not a job to her

[@michaelccopelandsr7120]

Neil and Chuck for 2024! Lauren for Speaker!

[@bokchoiman]

Lauren's energy is contagious!

[@efosaomosogie746]

Wow!! Ms Lauren Lyons, beauty, brain and blissful, you make knowledge cool and fun, thank you.

[@mrivera3996]

Easily, one of my favorite episodes. It’s so great to have this kind of insight from within the growing space industry. Lauren is such a powerhouse, and I hope we can get updates from her sooner, rather than later.

[@markedly1013]

Agree! She is brilliant.

[@markybob_bassplaya1462]

With all of the nastiness going on, how great to have positive people talking about a positive future, improvement, etc. Lauren is going to be successful... smart, passionate, pretty, such a wonderful speaking voice. You do have to connect with people to get them to on board.

[@myrlyn1250]

Love her voice and her presentation! She needs her own podcast!

[@KellieEatsCrayons]

I would totally watch that!

[@avinashgore6258]

She is so wonderful! Talented, well educated engineer, demonstrated management skills, down to earth and a good sense of humor. Women like her need to lead our world. Not the old farts in congress. Blessings!

[@Dahnyule]

Definitely want to see more of Lauren on the show she brings so much to the table with respect the tangible, modern day popular interests of space travel and exploration. I love how we sweep aside the billionaires and focus on the real science in a really engaging way. She's an excellent communicator, clear, humorous but not excessively and damn gorgeous to boot! Love her!

[@trh227]

I really wish you would do more episodes like this; where everyone is in the same room together. Covid messed that up for a while but that's no excuse anymore! The flow and energy is so much better than skyping! Thanks for the episodes. Love startalk

[@sirmoonslosthismind]

strictly speaking, it *is* still an excuse. people are still getting, and dying from, covid. it's currently 1 out of every 25 deaths in the usa.

[@yochhcoy]

Lauren Lyons, you truly are an inspiration to all mankind (especially womankind 😉) Keep looking up 😊

[@JJs_playground]

Lauren was great. I always liked watching her, and Kate Tice, during the SpaceX launches.

[@vpool]

One of my favorite episodes yet! Great guest, go team space!

[@andydonnelly8677]

Was going to say exactly that.

[@Centfla60]

Me too!

[@ericchild8845]

Great to see the two of you in studio together again! Always enjoy your show and watch as often as I can. And, Chuck, I fully agree with your take on the super villain characters. 100% spot on, my friend.

[@EmpyreanLightASMR]

This is probably a re-up, which the channel keeps doing. Haven't watched the whole video yet but the moment Neil and Chuck are back in the studio, it's guaranteed they will bring it up

[@j72ashley]

I'm so with you Lauren. That scene in Interstellar was so moving.

[@fredricbethune7803]

Neil, let’s have Lauren back. She was great at explaining her expertise and was entertaining. She put up with You and Chucks antics and integrated with you guys very well. Beautiful smile and you can tell she’s very excited about her profession. 👍 on Lauren.

[@carnitagroves7758]

I just love the chemistry of these two!!

[@ogelsmogel]

All three of them has really great chemistry.

[@agi-news]

You can tell how smart she is from the way she talks and jokes.

[@TheGiggleMasterP]

Once upon a time cars were only for the rich. Planes were once only the rich, and right now spaceflight is only for the rich but one day it will be affordable for us common folk!

[@ogelsmogel]

Maybe for our children or grandchildren..

[@GizzyDillespee]

I can think of some people who I'd like to launch into space right now. You can test the system as you go.

[@STSWB5SG1FAN]

Care to name some names, ​@@GizzyDillespee?

[@diggernash1]

Only if we can develop a new way to accelerate ships to orbital velocity.

[@thefocks]

That is very untrue though. Cars were never as unavailable as spacecrafts. Planes were available to passengers very early into passenger plane invention. 😅

[@ThinWaistedPrimaDonna]

Lauren is an inspiration. ✨

[@darringreen8630]

The beautiful Lauren Lyons. I miss her on the SpaceX launchcasts.

[@bartolomeothesatyr]

Excellent interview with a fascinating guest! Ms. Lyons' enthusiasm for systems engineering is infectious!

[@TheRetroEngine]

Chuck: "I'm not aerospacey enough" - That had me cracking up in laughter.

[@rbee6507]

Talking about kilos was the only time I've seen Chuck get serious on this show! 💀 Salute sir...I didn't recognize your game. Glad you've done so well for yourself, and I appreciate all you do and you using your mind to build others up!

[@Sickclanftw]

Chuck the truth

[@KellieEatsCrayons]

Lauren Lyons is absolutely FABULOUS!! Y'all have to do another show with her!! 💚

[@erikhendrickson59]

StarTalk *_consistently_* has *_the best_*___ guests! Another great episode, as usual.

[@NickDoddTV]

Props to the DP on set for lining up the background behind Chuck and Neil.

[@seanmostert4213]

Loren I love how measured and respectful your comments were. You never took a biased view and always redirected back to what was important. You will shine bright in everything you do.

[@KellieEatsCrayons]

Agreed!

[@jasonnewby4908]

Please more Lauren. I love her everything. I'd love to probe her mind in the good way 😅

[@doug3691]

Loved the conversation! Thanks for having Lauren on. Hope to see her again.

[@user-ln9bk7mo3l]

Lauren is an AGILE or SCRUM specialist for aerospace.... Love it... ;)

[@dmytrospikin748]

Talks like this one don't come very often, but I'm so thrilled to hear those ones. ❤

[@RetroCrisis]

Lauren is great. Very captivating

[@ohheyitskevinc]

Next Startalk will be in Paris then? 😉 Lauren was great and there’s such great chemistry between all 3 of you. Excellent stuff!

[@tomking2613]

Thanks Lauren for being amazing!!! Keep it up and enjoy France!!

[@CaptainKwame1773]

This talk is so good and fluid. One of the best episodes this year!

[@humanform5354]

Have this lady back again, PLEASE!!...

[@eylesit9268]

This is definitely one of the best episodes. Lauren is a great guest. So easy to listen to. She is articulate, and also articulates/pronounces very clearly, and has a lovely gentle voice. Obviously very smart, but talks in a direct, matter-of-fact way. A straight shooter, but with a nice touch of wit and playfulness. Very endearing.

[@Pottery4Life]

Yay Lauren!! Great episode!!

[@jellybeanpowder]

I love how educational these are! Good stuff

[@R0bobb1e]

I don't want this episode to end!

[@RAKingsbaneYT]

Lauren has a piece from every pie, it's insane the projects she's been a part of!

[@topspacesource]

Lauren is intelligent and well spoken. Bring her back on the show. 😎👍🏿

[@R0bobb1e]

God I wish I could sit down with Lauren for an afternoon at least. Just to talk about how to get stuff done. Honestly, the rest of my life!

[@soupbonep]

She may be the prettiest engineer I've ever seen. I love her beautiful big eyes! Plus, she's smart and that is appealing to me. Anyway, great show and I like the new studio.

[@marktuffel4383]

One of your best episodes to date. Kept my attention all the way through

[@solidreactor]

I love the synergy between these 3, mazing guest! I really hope Lauren revisits one day.

[@SashimiSteak]

Lol they actually took the effort to line up the banner on the screen behind Chuck and Neil when they're clearly in a split screen shot. OCD approves.

[@mcmoose64]

Sadly, much like early aviation, it will take a world war or two (space war? )to drive the level of innovation needed to bring space travel to the masses. Please bring this woman back. She is amazing.

[@kariannecrysler640]

I really enjoyed this video. Had a rough day & this conversation just grounded me & allowed my mind to regroup. Thanks for the brain stimulation.😉

[@donaldsmith8648]

Great job!!! Love this channel

[@EffortForever]

Thank you so much❤

[@joekenorer]

Great guest, she has charisma and perspective.

[@Dinkleslurp]

I'm happy to see Neil and Chuck in the same room again

[@christopherweigand7518]

Wow we need more Lauren. So smart and talented and nice to know people like her manage these missions.

[@perholmkvist218]

This was one of the best startalks since I joined 5years ago!! Lauren is a Gem!!!!

[@user-he1yb7pl1w]

That was a very cool episode of StarTalk and Lauren is fantastic. The hour flew by so fast. Nothing wrong with bringing the industry to other countries. Elon can use some real competition. But seriously though, girl is super smart and doing the right thing by helping the industry commercialize. This will finally get us to space faster and make sure we actually make some real progress towards a real shot at colonizing Mar's some day. Love the space gas stations! Very cool ideas becoming reality.

[@akumabito2008]

Lauren is amazing! Please have her on the show more often! ❤

[@Pajeeezy]

Great episode guys! Loved to watch! Everyone was great and enjoyed seeing everyone in studio

[@ajayyagnamurthy5796]

I loved the way Neil picked on her statement of "Look to the left". That woke her up to be precise going forward. He's the master of observation and inference. He gets the best of any guest.

[@hanstubben]

Lauren is a pleasant surprise and should be more often on the show!

[@YoungChaz60]

The three of you together I could listen forever. Loved Lauren

[@meows_and_woof]

I’m so so impressed with this absolutely genius lady!

[@laurafortier9295]

One of the best episodes. Great guest. Great topic. Good show!!!!

[@richardd1218]

Amazing episode. Lauren Lyons is brilliant and such a great communicator. Thanks Dr Tyson and Dr Nice

[@cosmicking6209]

NICE!!!! Are we finally back to the in person cast!!!! NICE

[@kevinshields3190]

love that episode.

[@atgtaurus67]

What an impressive and intelligent guest ❤️💫

[@Johndoe-ob1]

Awsome to see them together 😊

[@KellieEatsCrayons]

It's official -- LAUREN is a CROWD FAVORITE!! Now you have to have her back on the show!! ;)

[@stephenhammond6962]

Great show with Lauren ❤

[@noahpicturesChannel]

Love ur videos

[@aliciacoleman7519]

That was AWESOME! I learned so much, I kind of want to work in these new industries lol. Please do have her back as a guest

[@robertwhitephotography]

this was awesome!

[@hieumai8310]

the vid is about space stuff but i would say it's about how you completely fall in love in 1 hour

[@israelguerrero8253]

WOW I ENJOYED A LOT THIS EPISODE OF "STAR TALK",AND LISTENING TO "LAUREN LYONS" WAS A NICE EXPERIENCE,LIKE A LOT THE SHE TALKS AND EXPLAIN THINGS,THANKS FOR THE PODCAST!!

[@eyeamvisions3990]

I love how much you showcase us African Americans in the field. Such a flex

[@jaredmgrant1003]

Such an amazing guest, loved it!!

[@gordkao]

Wow! She's so knowledgeable. Love her

[@JustinHall-go7nq]

Awesome episode of star talk space travel is insane

[@user-dh6bj2me5p]

"insane." Dweeb speak.

[@alpakman1082]

Thank you for the excellent video! The discussion on future space technologies was fascinating.

[@kp117]

Great episode

[@Jonb173]

Now these are the role models we should be looking up to

[@The-binge_710]

GREAT CONTENT

[@salidut]

Lauren is awesome!

[@salidut]

Can't bellieve she leads the Virginia Department of Transportation

[@oldman1111]

I love watching NGT geeking out about geeky things. That level of excitement gets people really interested in what he's talking about.

[@Teo117]

Lauren is awesome vibes. Definitely need more of her knowledge 🎙️!

[@randomkindness1470]

...overall excellent show👌👌.. topmarks to team startalk and amazing guest

[@scottyj326]

Can't get enough of star talk

[@orionstretch]

I absolutely enjoyed this convo. Lauren is awesome 😊. Neil and Chuck are fantastic as always

[@ezekielwilliams842]

This is an amazing conversation! 👏🏾 Thank you for your thoughts.

[@afiadawn]

I love everything about this conversation!

[@martinurbani]

What a great guest! Knowledgeable,very cool,very good at explaining things and absolutely charming.

[@jasondroninaround]

Always like the term "rapid unscheduled disassembly"