Reposted by Mark RattermanFr. Robert Ballecer, SJ @padresj.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Trump'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. 3359
Reposted by Mark RattermanFr. Robert Ballecer, SJ @padresj.bsky.social · 02/10/2026In 2024, US agricultural exports were $176 billion while US agricultural imports were $205 billion. www.statista.com/chart/35606/...statista.comInfographic: The Scale of U.S. Food TradeThis chart shows the main food products exported and imported by the United States in 2024 (in billion U.S. dollars). 1123
Reposted by Mark RattermanFr. Robert Ballecer, SJ @padresj.bsky.social · 02/10/2026In 2026, US Agricultural exports are estimated at $173 billion, while imports are tracking at $220 billion. www.ers.usda.gov/data-product...ers.usda.govU.S. Food Imports | Economic Research ServiceThis 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... 1204
Reposted by Mark RattermanFr. 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% 1258
Reposted by Mark Ratterman⭐ ᗰᗩᖇᛕ ᗩ. ǤᗩᖇᒪIᑕᛕ ⭐ @markgarlick.com · 01/10/2026Artwork 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 34312
Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Now 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 000
Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Good 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.caJosh Kutryk reaches space for the first time aboard SpaceX Crew-13Canadian astronaut Josh Kutryk has successfully launched to the ISS aboard SpaceX Crew-13, marking his first spaceflight and a historic moment for the CSA. 000
Reposted by Mark RattermanGene J. Mikulka @genejm1017.bsky.social · 01/10/2026After 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) 022
Reposted by Mark RattermanGene J. Mikulka @genejm1017.bsky.social · 01/10/2026If 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 033
Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 01/10/2026At 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. 010
Reposted by Mark RattermanMark Hamill @markhamillofficial.bsky.social · 20/09/2026Congratulations 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!!! 428197192850
Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 14/09/2026At 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 🚀 042
Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 06/09/2026Here'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 010
Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 06/09/2026Talking 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.comEpisode 1805: Space Flight is Not SimpleISS crew transitions, wildfire threats to NASA’s Deep Space Network, growing criticisms of the Artemis program architecture, and a 1960s navigation satellite still … 121
Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 30/08/2026Gotta 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 1102
Reposted by Mark RattermanLeah McElrath @leahmcelrath.bsky.social · 29/08/2026This did not work out well. 121425411
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. 010
Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 05/07/2026It’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 010
Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 02/07/2026I 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 010
Reposted by Mark RattermanGene J. Mikulka @genejm1017.bsky.social · 19/06/2026New 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.comEpisode 1804: On A QuesstWhen 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... 193
Reposted by Mark RattermanGene J. Mikulka @genejm1017.bsky.social · 15/06/2026Just 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! 071
Reposted by Mark RattermanAstronaut Terry Virts @astroterry.bsky.social · 09/06/2026NASA named the crew for Artemis III today. Check out my Substack about this exciting mission: open.substack.com/pub/terryvir...open.substack.comArtemis III: What’s Next?NASA announced its next Moon mission crew today- so what exactly will they be doing? 2127764
Reposted by Mark RattermanNASAWATCH @nasawatch.bsky.social · 30/04/2026A 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... 195
Reposted by Mark RattermanRadioKate @radiokate.com · 28/04/2026Good 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 191
Reposted by Mark RattermanRobert Pearlman @collectspace.bsky.social · 28/04/2026You 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.comOfficial Artemis II 'Rise' moon mascot goes on sale through NASA exchangeRise 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... 12810
Reposted by Mark RattermanLukas C. H. @gewoonlukas.bsky.social · 27/04/2026Encapsulated 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. 031
Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 27/04/2026Ready to reminisce and hear the Artemis II crew wakeup songs playlist - www.space.com/space-explor...space.comMoon music: Here's a Spotify playlist of the Artemis 2 crew's wakeup songsMission Control has beamed up Chappell Roan and a cover of Passion Pit, among other songs. 010
Reposted by Mark RattermanNASA | ESA Space Updates @nasaupdates.bsky.social · 13/04/2026Welcome to the Artemis Generation 🚀🌕 Artemis I ✅ Artemis II ✅ Artemis III 🚀 Artemis IV 🚀 1649
Reposted by Mark RattermanViasat @viasat.com · 26/04/2026L-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 086
Reposted by Mark RattermanGene J. Mikulka @genejm1017.bsky.social · 17/04/2026A 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.orgA Vision for America’s Next Era in SpaceAmerican leadership in space requires discipline, continuity, and a clear division of responsibilities between government and industry. 4125
Reposted by Mark RattermanNASA | ESA Space Updates @nasaupdates.bsky.social · 17/04/2026NASA 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 1416
Reposted by Mark RattermanNASA | ESA Space Updates @nasaupdates.bsky.social · 12/04/2026#Artemis II 🚀 Highlights from the crew welcome home press conference at Houston Space Centre 112431
Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 12/04/2026Just 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" 060
Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 11/04/2026Thinking 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 040
Reposted by Mark RattermanNASA | 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. 113717
Reposted by Mark RattermanNASA | 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 432665
Reposted by Mark RattermanNASA | 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 0405
Reposted by Mark RattermanNASA | ESA Space Updates @nasaupdates.bsky.social · 11/04/2026Addressing 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 1313
Reposted by Mark RattermanNASA | ESA Space Updates @nasaupdates.bsky.social · 11/04/2026She 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 17319
Reposted by Mark RattermanNASA | 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 14710
Reposted by Mark RattermanNASA | ESA Space Updates @nasaupdates.bsky.social · 11/04/2026As 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 2519
Reposted by Mark RattermanNASA | 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 17611
Reposted by Mark RattermanNASA | 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." 🚀🌕🌎 05711
Reposted by Mark RattermanSpaceKate @spacekate.bsky.social · 11/04/2026Wow. 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! 0202
Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 11/04/2026I 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 020
Mark Ratterman @markratterman.bsky.social · 11/04/2026Seriously! They are totally incredible, and became real to all who watched coverage of their time in space. #NASA #ArtemisII 040
Reposted by Mark RattermanLeigh / Spion 🏳️🌈🫀 @spionchen.anomaly.moe · 11/04/2026Aww Christina’s smile, wave, and air fist bumps have made me start crying again. I adore this crew so much!! 🥹🫶🏻🚀 #ArtemisII #NASA 0395
Reposted by Mark RattermanLeigh / Spion 🏳️🌈🫀 @spionchen.anomaly.moe · 11/04/2026Our crew is out of the Integrity capsule! Woo!! Welcome back to gravity and welcome home! #ArtemisII #NASA 031