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Mark Ratterman

@markratterman.bsky.social
477 followers 192 following 123 posts

Talking Space Podcast since 2009 - Old school electronics tech since 1975 - Married since 1980 - Generally interested in Science, Spaceflight, Aviation, #spacetweep 🚀

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Reposted by Mark Ratterman
Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ @padresj.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Trump's trade rep Jameison Greer claims that US farmers are better-off because Trump has cut the agricultural trade deficit in half. Let's ignore the fact that "trade deficit" means nothing to a farmer who can't afford diesel or fertilizer & instead focus on the receipts.
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Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ @padresj.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
In 2024, US agricultural exports were $176 billion while US agricultural imports were $205 billion. www.statista.com/chart/35606/...
statista.com
Infographic: The Scale of U.S. Food Trade
This chart shows the main food products exported and imported by the United States in 2024 (in billion U.S. dollars).
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Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ @padresj.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
In 2026, US Agricultural exports are estimated at $173 billion, while imports are tracking at $220 billion. www.ers.usda.gov/data-product...
ers.usda.gov
U.S. Food Imports | Economic Research Service
This data set provides import values of edible products (food and beverages) entering U.S. ports and their origin of shipment. Data are from the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau. Food a...
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Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ @padresj.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
$3 billion less in exports. $15 billion more in imports. That's a $29b trade deficit in 2024 & a $47b trade deficit in 2026. Even by his own metrics, which again do NOTHING for farmers, Trump has NOT made life better for farmers by cutting the deficit in half. ... In fact, he grew it by 62%
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⭐ ᗰᗩᖇᛕ ᗩ. ǤᗩᖇᒪIᑕᛕ ⭐ @markgarlick.com · 01/10/2026
Artwork commissioned by Rod Pyle, Editor-in-Chief of Ad Astra, the magazine of the National Space Society. It shows a bunch of tourists on Mars. Thank you, Rod. @isaac-arthur.bsky.social #blender #sciart #scifi
Martian landscape with mesas in the distance. A train is on the left, alongside a rudimentary platform. Passengers are coming off the train. Others are on the Martian soil, looking around and taking photos. A truck waits to take them to a viewpoint overlooking Valles Marineris.
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Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Now it’s closing in on launch #2 for today. Crew 13 earlier and NROL-97 tonight T-0 at 11:53 pm. Thanks to USSF SLD45 for access to tonight’s SpaceX FH launch
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Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Good words from @howellspace relating @csa_asc astronaut @Astro_Kutryk launching to space with Crew13 to the ISS. This is required reading to encourage everyone about the good things possible with perseverance and international teamwork. spaceq.ca/josh-kutryk-...
spaceq.ca
Josh Kutryk reaches space for the first time aboard SpaceX Crew-13
Canadian astronaut Josh Kutryk has successfully launched to the ISS aboard SpaceX Crew-13, marking his first spaceflight and a historic moment for the CSA.
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Gene J. Mikulka @genejm1017.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
After saying their farewells, Crew-13 starts making their way out to LC-39A (Along with the roving Tesla commercial with a Cybertruck leading the convoy)
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Gene J. Mikulka @genejm1017.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
If you are looking for the launch of Crew 13 without commentary, here's the link from NASA: www.youtube.com/watch?v=al_G...
youtube.com
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Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
At KSC Press Site heading to O&C shortly for Crew 13 Walkout. Been to same for STS-134 TCDT Crew Walkout. Yeah it’s been a while since then.
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Mark Hamill @markhamillofficial.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Congratulations to Mellody & George on the opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art! 18 years in the making, it is 5-stories high, filled with some of the greatest artwork, props & memorabilia you'll ever see. An instant Los Angeles LANDMARK Thanks (again), George!!!
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Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
At about 27 minutes in we have the Falcon Heavy launch audio from the 8/30/2026 Launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. If you like loud rockets then turn it up 🚀
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Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Here's some additional content via one of our Talking Space listeners. I find the stories of how we started and progressed to be interesting. Thank you @infoshaman.bsky.social for sharing
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Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Talking Space Episode 1805 reviews ISS crew transitions, wildfire threats to NASA's Deep Space Network, growing criticisms of the Artemis program architecture, and a 1960s navigation satellite still transmitting signals today. www.talkingspaceonline.com/space-flight...
talkingspaceonline.com
Episode 1805: Space Flight is Not Simple
ISS crew transitions, wildfire threats to NASA’s Deep Space Network, growing criticisms of the Artemis program architecture, and a 1960s navigation satellite still …
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Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Gotta say the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launch was great. The excitement continues with the #NASAsocial crowd at the KSC Press Site enjoying another group photo and cheer
Group of people cheering and waving with sun rising in background
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Leah McElrath @leahmcelrath.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
This did not work out well.
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Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
#TalkingSpace - I’m at NASA KSC for the Roman Space Telescope launch on 30 Aug 2026 at 7:26 AM EDT. Today has been Science and relaunch press briefings and an interview in 5 minutes with the L3 Harris Program Manager of Exquisite Imaging Wendy Minotti.
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Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
It’s funny how when you’re 4 weeks from retirement you suddenly know the calendar for the time left at work without even looking. #GettingShort
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Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
I had not mentioned this to the Talking Space team but will be on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for tonight’s launch of the ULA AtlasV carrying the Amazon Leo 8 payload. If you would like to watch go to ULAlaunch.com Tonight has a 29 minute launch window opening at 12:24 AM EDT 04:24 UTC 🚀👍
launch.com
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Gene J. Mikulka @genejm1017.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
New Talking Space Episode! Episode 1804 "On a Quesst" with @markratterman.bsky.social, @theheathernaut.bsky.social, and "Yours truly." Topics: The ISS module atmosphere loss, the Artemis III crew selection, the X-59, the SpaceX IPO and a SpaceX "land grab" www.podbean.com/ep/pb-pjdd5-...
podbean.com
Episode 1804: On A Quesst
When the Russian crew on board the ISS decided to perform an unusual procedure on the station’s Zvezda module, it caused quite an agreeable break in the routine of the day on board the orbiting labora...
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Gene J. Mikulka @genejm1017.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Just completed a #TalkingSpace show with @markratterman.bsky.social and @theheathernaut.bsky.social. Topics covered: The impromptu ISS evac, Artemis III, Progress of the X59, and the SpaceX IPO. Should be out this week, stay tuned!
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Astronaut Terry Virts @astroterry.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
NASA named the crew for Artemis III today. Check out my Substack about this exciting mission: open.substack.com/pub/terryvir...
open.substack.com
Artemis III: What’s Next?
NASA announced its next Moon mission crew today- so what exactly will they be doing?
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NASAWATCH @nasawatch.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
A transcript from CSPAN of what was said is included below. NASA/Artemis comments by the President are highlighted in red. Jared Isaacman/NASA comments are highlighted in blue. There is not much in the way of red. Very little blue nasawatch.com/artemis/arte...
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RadioKate @radiokate.com · 28/04/2026
Good morning! How are you feeling? I’m waiting for a standard check-up with one of the many hospital teams I’m connected to. Tum tee tum. Then to read all I can about the history of military Land Rovers for a piece I’m writing. Know anyone who drove one? #StayBright
Mallard duck - male - swimming on a canal, the sun reflecting off the grey-green water.
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Robert Pearlman @collectspace.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
You can now buy your own "official" Artemis II moon mascot as sold by the NASA Exchange. The $25 plush, which reproduces the look of the zero-g indicator, includes many of the features of the flown-to-the-moon doll, including its Earth cap.
collectspace.com
Official Artemis II 'Rise' moon mascot goes on sale through NASA exchange
Rise has now risen... for sale. The fan-created, flown-to-the-moon plush toy, which served as the Artemis II crew's zero-g indicator and mascot, is now available as a NASA-approved collectible benefit...
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Lukas C. H. @gewoonlukas.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Encapsulated inside of the payload fairing is the ViaSat-3 F3 GEO communications satellite. Built by Boeing, the satellite weighs ~6,400kg, and has a massive unfurlable antenna. The satellite has a designed capacity of 1 Tbps, and will service the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
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Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Ready to reminisce and hear the Artemis II crew wakeup songs playlist - www.space.com/space-explor...
space.com
Moon music: Here's a Spotify playlist of the Artemis 2 crew's wakeup songs
Mission Control has beamed up Chappell Roan and a cover of Passion Pit, among other songs.
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NASA | ESA Space Updates @nasaupdates.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Welcome to the Artemis Generation 🚀🌕 Artemis I ✅ Artemis II ✅ Artemis III 🚀 Artemis IV 🚀
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Viasat @viasat.com · 26/04/2026
L-1! 🚀 #SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket has been rolled to pad at LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Vertical lift will begin later this evening along with final checks before the #ViaSat3 F3 launch. Watch it live tomorrow at 10:21 a.m. ET: vsat.co/41ZWKtZ
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Herrea @herrea.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
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Gene J. Mikulka @genejm1017.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
A Vision for America’s Next Era in Space Op/Ed by Brian Babin (R-Tx) Chairman of the US House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Via @issuesinst.bsky.social - issues.org/america-next...
issues.org
A Vision for America’s Next Era in Space
American leadership in space requires discipline, continuity, and a clear division of responsibilities between government and industry.
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NASA | ESA Space Updates @nasaupdates.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
NASA is moving forward with the ROSA project to support ESA’s Rosalind Franklin mission to Mars. This partnership will help deliver a rover to the Red Planet in 2028 to search for signs of past life. Teamwork makes the dream work! 🌌 #MarsExploration #NASA #ESA  1/4
Image Credit: NASA

Description: Digital Concept for the new Mars Rover as part of the NASA Rosalind Franklin Support and Augmentation (ROSA) project
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NASA | ESA Space Updates @nasaupdates.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
#Artemis II 🚀 Highlights from the crew welcome home press conference at Houston Space Centre
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Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
Just for fun here's my Artemis II Boarding Pass - which means my name, Mary's and Obi's went around the mood. The SD card with all 5,647,889 names entered is inside the zero G indicator "Rise"
Boarding Pass generated by submitting my name to the "Send Your Name With Artemis" NASA promotion
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Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
Thinking of Artemis II - I doubt I'll forget what it felt like to join the crew onboard #Integrity - I hope many will share their thoughts about the phenomenal #ArtemisII mission & crew. NASA/CSA/ESA really "Hit it out of the park" to use a baseball analogy. Thank you #Team - #NASA - #CSA - #ESA
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NASA | ESA Space Updates @nasaupdates.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
#ArtemisII 🚀 Commander Reid Wiseman took to Instagram less than half an hour ago to post a photo with his daughters, declaring his "mission complete." The crew is slated to spend time with their families before addressing the public for the first time.
Image Credit: Reid Wiseman

Image Description: Astronaut Reid Wiseman shares an image of himself being reunited with his two daughters
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NASA | ESA Space Updates @nasaupdates.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
#Artemis II 🚀 To huge cheers and applause, The crew of Orion and the Artemis II Mission return to NASA's Johnson Space Center
Image Credit: NASA

Image Description: The crew of Orion and the Artemis II Mission return to NASA's Johnson Space Center
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NASA | ESA Space Updates @nasaupdates.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
"This was no easy... when you're out there, you just want to get back to your families and friends," he explained. "It's a special thing to be human and a special thing to be on planet Earth." Following his emotional tribute, the four astronauts shared a group hug on stage. ❤️ 3/3
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NASA | ESA Space Updates @nasaupdates.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
Addressing the crew, Isaacman said, "Thank you for contributing to the greatest adventure in human history." Opening the remarks, Commander Reid Wiseman admitted to the crowd: "I have no idea what to say." Wiseman went on to tell his crewmates that they were "bonded" for a lifetime. 2/3
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NASA | ESA Space Updates @nasaupdates.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
She described how their perspective of "tiny Earth" encompassed not just the globe itself, but also "all the blackness around it." Comparing our world to a "lifeboat," she reached out to the audience with a final thought: "Planet Earth - you are a crew." 4/4
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NASA | ESA Space Updates @nasaupdates.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
"A lot has happened between those two moments but the start and the end were human events on Earth," she says. Crew is "a group that is in it, all the time, no matter what... that is willing to sacrifice silently for each other". she adds. "A crew is inescapably, beautifully, dutifully linked." 3/4
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NASA | ESA Space Updates @nasaupdates.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
As Christina Koch took the floor, the room erupted in another standing ovation & a round of embraces. "10 days ago, this journey started with our mission manager knocking on my door," she shared. "& it ended last night when my nurse on the ship put me to bed and said, 'Ma'am, can I get a hug?" 2/4
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NASA | ESA Space Updates @nasaupdates.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
#Artemis II 🚀 - Press Conference 11th April Pilot Victor Glover is now addressing the audience. "The gratitude of seeing what we saw, doing what we did and being who I was with, it's too big," he says. "I wanted to thank our families," he adds, echoing words by Wiseman. 1/4
Image Credit: NASA

Image Description: Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover address the crowd at Houston Space CentreImage Credit: NASA

Image Description: Artemis II Mission Specialist Christina Koch addresses the crowd at Houston Space Centre
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NASA | ESA Space Updates @nasaupdates.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
"There was a lot of joy up there," he continues, before joking that they were not always "on the joy train". He says he also wants to talk about "love". "When you look up here, you're not looking at us," he says. "We are a mirror reflecting you." 🚀🌕🌎
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Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
#ArtemisII keeps getting better. WOW!
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SpaceKate @spacekate.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
Wow. What an evening. That re-entry and splashdown was so perfect even though the 13 minutes from entry interface to splashdown felt like years and the hours since like seconds. How am I meant to sleep? I want to read all the socials and enjoy every second. But I’m back on Sky News at 0640 -somehow!
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Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
I guess everyone who listens to #TalkingSpace podcast suspects that we’ll be sharing our excitement about the #ArtemisII mission - You bet we will! Please be patient, we will have something special as soon as we can get our schedules coordinated
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Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
Seriously! They are totally incredible, and became real to all who watched coverage of their time in space. #NASA #ArtemisII
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Leigh / Spion 🏳️‍🌈🫀 @spionchen.anomaly.moe · 11/04/2026
Aww Christina’s smile, wave, and air fist bumps have made me start crying again. I adore this crew so much!! 🥹🫶🏻🚀 #ArtemisII #NASA
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Leigh / Spion 🏳️‍🌈🫀 @spionchen.anomaly.moe · 11/04/2026
Our crew is out of the Integrity capsule! Woo!! Welcome back to gravity and welcome home! #ArtemisII #NASA
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