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/
Stay connected with us!
Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us!
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast
Website: www.astroben.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!