image: New podcast from the ISS National Lab will focus on the excite building in R&D beyond Earth's horizons.
Credit: ISS National Lab
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER (FL), March 26, 2025 – The International Space Station (ISSInternational Space Station) National Laboratory is launching a bold new way to bring the excitement of space-based research down to Earth—introducing Between a Rocket & a Hard Space, the official ISS National Lab podcast. This podcast series dives deep into the discoveries, innovations, and people shaping the future of space, with the first episode now available.
The podcast’s name is a nod to the challenges and complexities of exploring the space environment, with recognition of the far-reaching benefits space-based R&D may bring. Going beyond the launch pad, Between a Rocket & a Hard Space offers exclusive insights from scientists, engineers, and visionaries leveraging the unique environment of low Earth orbit(Abbreviation: LEO) The orbit around the Earth that extends up to an altitude of 2,000 km (1,200 miles) from Earth’s surface. The International Space Station’s orbit is in LEO, at an altitude of approximately 250 miles. to push the boundaries of research and technology development. But that’s just the beginning. We’ll also hear from policymakers driving the industry forward, financial experts fueling the space economy, and communicators working to inspire the next generation of explorers.
Hosted by Patrick O’Neill, public affairs and outreach lead for the ISS National Lab, Between a Rocket & a Hard Space makes space science engaging and accessible for all audiences. Since 2012, O’Neill has led communications for every space station resupply mission featuring ISS National Lab-sponsored payloads, working alongside hundreds of researchers and innovators. Now, he brings that firsthand experience and insight to each episode.
In the first episode, O’Neill sits down with ISS National Lab Chief Scientific Officer Michael Roberts to explore the groundbreaking science happening on the orbiting outpost and its real-world impact on medicine, technology, and industry. Roberts will provide an insider perspective into how microgravityThe condition of perceived weightlessness created when an object is in free fall, for example when an object is in orbital motion. Microgravity alters many observable phenomena within the physical and life sciences, allowing scientists to study things in ways not possible on Earth. The International Space Station provides access to a persistent microgravity environment. is unlocking advancements in drug development, regenerative medicine, advanced materials, and in-space manufacturing.
Episodes of Between a Rocket & a Hard Space will be available through many major listening platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Castro, and Castbox. This initial episode and future series installments will explain how the science happening in space today is shaping a better tomorrow for all of us.
The ISS National Lab provides access and opportunity for researchers to leverage the unique space environment for the benefit of humanity and to enable commerce in space. To learn more about ISS National Lab-sponsored investigations flown on NASA-funded Commercial Resupply Services and Commercial Crew Program missions, visit our Missions and Launches webpage.
Download a high-resolution image for this release: Between a Rocket & a Hard Space