Naked Scientists Naked Astronomy

Space Toilets and the New Guys

Loading player...
It's the burning question that every space fan wants to know...what's the toilet like in SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft? ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer reveals to Sue Nelson and Richard Hollingham what a mission in the Dragon is like - from business class seats and spacious interior, to privacy curtain and dramatic return to Earth. He also talks about his Cosmic Kiss mission to the International Space Station and his work on preparing for future Moon missions. Plus, author Meredith Bagby joins the Space Boffins to discuss her new book about the 35 New Guys - the group of Space Shuttle astronauts... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
1 Mar 2023 English United Kingdom Science

Other recent episodes

Emergencies, Unlucky Space Shuttles and Space 2026

Sue Nelson and Richard Hollingham are joined by member of the first crew to fix a satellite in orbit, Terry Hart. He discusses this month's Challenger 40th anniversary, and the spy satellite NASA used to check for Shuttle damage. The team also talk space emergencies with the UK Space Agency's…
19 Jan 1 hr 10 min

Apollo 1, Frank De Winne, and Moon Museum

It's the bumper end of year edition featuring the first European Commander of the International Space Station (ISS), Frank De Winne. He joins Sue Nelson and Richard Hollingham to chat about his two missions, and the future of space exploration. We also meet Mark Craig, the director of the new…
2 Dec 2025 1 hr 09 min

How to build a Moon lander, Eileen Collins, and space quilts

Sue Nelson and Richard Hollingham get up-close with a Moon lander taking shape at Astrobotic in Pittsburgh. The first woman to pilot and command the Space Shuttle, Eileen Collins, discusses a new film about her life: Space Woman. Plus, two new space quilts, complete with UFOs, at the Royal Astronomical…
5 Nov 2025 1 hr 17 min

Life on White Mars, and a new space

One of the most isolated places on Earth is helping us understand how to live on a moon or another planet. Space Boffins Sue Nelson and Richard Hollingham spoke to Nina Purvis, at the Concordia Station in Antarctica, about life on 'White Mars'. Former ESA advisor Mark McCaughrean discusses his…
3 Oct 2025 1 hr 12 min

Jim Lovell, space selfies and UK launch

We celebrate Apollo legend Jim Lovell in this month's Space Boffins as we mine the archives to look back on his extraordinary space career. Sue Nelson and Richard Hollingham talk to Andy Saunders, NASA photography expert and author of Gemini and Mercury Remastered. We also hear from rival UK rocket…
4 Sep 2025 1 hr 07 min
All episodes