On Air - Actually Rocket Science

Hosted by Student Council of Aerospace and Geodesy

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About the show

The Student Council for Aerospace and Geodesy invites one professor per month to have fascinating talks about their fields of research in Aerospace or Geodesy. ------------------- This podcast is produced by the FSLRG team for public relations on behalf of the student body. Both the Student Council and its guests act independently and are not to be seen as a representation of the Technical University of Munich. A big thank you to everybody who contributed to this project! <3

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18 recent

44 min

#16 - Go With the Flow: Fluid Mechanics - Prof. Nikolaus Adams

Today, we are joined by Professor Nikolaus Adams, head of the Chair of Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics. We dive into his research on numerical methods, the modelling and simulation of transitional and turbulent flows. Also learn about his experimental and numerical work in vehicle and aircraft aerodynamics and high speed aerodynamics.0:00 — Preview 0:46 — Intro 1:03 — This or That 3:07 — What is Fluid Mechanics 4:34 — How an Aircraft Flies 6:14 — Work and Research 11:10 — Advancements in FM 12:30 — Back to Past (PhD and Studies) 14:33 — Passion for FM 18:10 — Fluid Mechanics in Aerospace 20:50 — Time at TUM & Career 28:11 — Research 38:04 — Getting into Fluid Mechanics 39:45 — Development of Fluid Mechanics 41:43 — Career and Personal Life43:40 — Conclusion-----------------Check out our other channels:Instagram: fslrg_tumWebsite: https://fslrg.de-------------------Check out the chair's website:Aerodynamik und Strömungsmechanik

55 min

#15 - Breaking Barriers in Aerospace - Michaela Benthaus

What is it like to participate in a zero-gravity flight? What does living in an analog station entail?In this episode, join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Michaela Benthaus, a TUM Aerospace Master's Graduate who's in pole position for an exciting career in Aerospace. Michaela shares insights into her Master’s studies, her experience on a zero-gravity flight, and life-changing research at the LunAres Analog Research Station. From the thrill of space simulations to pioneering inclusivity in aerospace, Michaela’s story is one of passion and perseverance. Whether you're an aspiring aerospace engineer or just curious about life on the cutting edge of space science, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!--------------------0:00:00 Preview0:01:20 Intro0:02:45 Academic Career0:09:20 Recovery from Accident0:14:30 Accessibility at Uni0:16:30 Zero-G Flight0:27:32 LunAres Analog Astronaut Mission0:44:00 ESA YGT Programme0:49:40 Future Outlook0:52:40 Advice for Students--------------------Check out Michaela's Instagram Channel:https://www.instagram.com/michi_benthaus--------------------Check out our other channels:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fslrg_tum/- Website: https://fslrg.de

59 min

#14 - ALGAE in Space and Life Support Systems - Prof. Gisela Detrell

How do we build the future of life in space?Join us for a fascinating episode with Professor Gisela Detrell, Chair of Human Spaceflight Technology at Technical University of Munich (TUM). Her groundbreaking work is shaping the next era of human exploration. From her journey in aerospace to leading life support research with algae-based oxygen systems, Professor Detrell shares her passion for making the impossible possible. Discover how her team is creating technologies to sustain astronauts on Mars, the inspiring role of microalgae in space, and why this research matters not only for the stars but for life here on Earth.---------------------------------------------0:00:00 Preview0:00:50 Intro0:01:45 This or That0:02:36 Career0:05:00 Designing a Photobioreactor Experiment for ISS0:11:06 Life Support Systems0:20:45 Microalgae0:30:37 Design of Habitat for Mars0:34:28 Human Factors0:36:21 Relevance for Life on Earth0:40:00 Current Projects and Next Steps0:44:23 Future Outlook0:51:31 Aerospace Tier List0:52:36 Miscellaneous0:56:05 Advice for Young Students---------------------------------------------Check out the website of the chair for Human Spaceflight Technology:https://www.asg.ed.tum.de/en/hsp/home/

1 hr 9 min

#13 - Being a Fighter Jet Test Pilot - Stephan Leuthner

What is the job of a test pilot? What physical strain does a fighter pilot have to withstand?In this episode we welcome Stephan Leuthner, test pilot for fighter aircraft. As a project pilot for FCAS, he offers a unique insight into the latest developments in military aviation. It is his daily business to test upgraded systems and new updates for fighter aircraft. Learn about the process of integrating new systems, the constant need for aircraft upgrades, and the rigorous physical training pilots must undergo, including g-force and centrifuge training. We also talk about the moral and ethical considerations of flying combat aircraft and the future of autonomous flight systems.--------------------0:00:00 Preview0:01:15 Intro0:02:32 The Day-to-Day Work of a Test Pilot0:10:20 Working at Airbus Defence and Space0:12:40 Callsign "GRISU"0:15:40 Airforce Pilot Training0:23:21 g-force Training Physical Stress0:35:02 Flying Supersonic0:39:50 The Ejection Seat0:41:07 Risks and Dangers0:44:02 Morals and Ethics in Military Aviation0:46:55 University of the Bundeswehr0:50:22 Challenges of the Military Environment0:53:04 FCAS and Challenges of more Autonomy1:02:33 Future Projects1:05:44 Advise to Students1:08:20 Invitation to Manching1:09:25 Outro

1 hr 14 min

#12 - Shaping TOMORROW'S AVIATION today – Prof. Mirko Hornung

Why do we see the typical tube and wing configuration in today's aircraft and what could they look like in the future? Gain insights into the driving forces shaping the future of aviation as we explore multiple aircraft design concepts for the next generation of aircraft. Get to know some of the most promising concepts from Bauhaus Luftfahrt, a think tank in which Prof. Mirko Hornung is involved alongside his work at the Chair of Aircraft Design and the Department of Aerospace and Geodesy. Also tune in to find out about how developments in Urban Air Mobility and EVTOL transform today's aviation sector.--------------------0:00:00 Preview0:00:44 Intro0:01:30 This or That0:02:30 Career0:08:40 Aerospace at TUM0:10:10 Aviation Fascination0:18:50 Aircraft Design Basics0:28:15 Bauhaus Luftfahrt & Conceptual Aircraft Design0:56:55 Urban Air Mobility & EVTOL1:06:05 NASA X-59 QueSST – Revival of supersonic commercial flights?1:11:18 Miscellaneous--------------------Check out the website of the Chair:https://www.asg.ed.tum.de/en/lls/home/

1 hr 11 min

#11 - DREAMING BIG: Make your visions fly - Prof. Florian Holzapfel

What is flight control? Why do airplane crashes happen and who is responsible? What were the thoughts behind the B.Sc. Aerospace? What is the most important skill for your career and studies as an engineer?Professor Florian Holzapfel joined us for an anecdote filled hour, answering all our questions.--------------------0:00:00 Intro0:01:14 This or That0:02:09 Basics of Flight Control0:06:38 The Safety and Certification Mindset0:20:15 Are Pilots still important?0:32:35 International Cooperation0:37:40 Being a Professor at TUM0:45:32 Creating the B.Sc. Aerospace0:52:53 The most important Thing in your Career...1:05:45 Why Aerospace?--------------------Check out the website of the Chair:https://www.fsd.ed.tum.de/

37 min

Episode #10 - We produced a Student Podcast for a whole year !

As we celebrate the one year anniversary of "ON AIR - Actually Rocket Science", we look back at funny moments behind the scenes, see whether the students actually learned something in a quiz, have a battle of the Tentomaxes and give advice on how to find an internship.--------------------00:00 Intro01:29 Our highlights from "ON AIR"10:02 The new Consulate of Ottobrunn11:34 Who said ... the most?17:51 Announcement!19:32 Quiz25:43 How to get an internship32:19 Old vs new TENTOMAX36:21 Outro

1 hr 3 min

Episode #9: Back to the Moon and Beyond - Prof. Philipp Reiss on ISRU

In this episode, we explore the depths of lunar andplanetary exploration with Professor Philipp Reiss. What is the role of privateentities, such as SpaceX and Blue Origin, in this new race to the Moon? Whatexactly is In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)? Find out about its pivotal rolein space missions and planetary exploration. The lunar terrain's resourcesoffer a multitude of possibilities to allow humans to colonize the Moon. Thiswill not only help science to understand the Moon, but reveal secrets about thesolar system. We also address the regulatory landscape surrounding lunaractivities and the crucial measures for planetary protection during ISRUoperations. Find out how the Moon works!--------------------0:00:25 Introduction0:02:16 Career Path and Motivation fur Lunar and PlanetaryExploration0:09:05 Current Developments in Space Exploration0:20:55 ISRU0:32:30 Resources of Interest0:35:25 Commercial Interests in Resource Extraction0:37:45 Legal Framework on the Moon, Planetary Protection,Artemis Accords0:42:48 Goals of Lunar and Planetary Exploration0:49:05 Moon Base: Science or Commerce? Colonising Space0:54:15 Future Research and Collaboration Plans0:57:35 Upcoming Missions1:01:15 Advise to Students--------------------Check out the website of the Chair:https://www.asg.ed.tum.de/en/lpe/home/

1 hr 4 min

Episode #8: Prof. Alessandro Golkar - Exploring Pico and Nano Satellites

In this episode, Professor Alessandro Golkar shares his insights and experiences on teaching, research, and entrepreneurship in the field of satellites and space systems.--------------------0:00:00 Introduction and this or that0:01:16 Teaching and making connections in university0:07:21 Introduction to satellites0:12:30 The future of the satellite market0:19:18 Satellite constellations0:22:16 Concurrent engineering0:32:49 Systems engineering0:38:38 Sustainable space flight0:43:21 Science or fiction0:53:35 Startups in Aerospace0:57:12 Challenges and chances of a new university department0:58:48 What start up would Prof. Golkar try out1:01:45 Advice to freshmen--------------------Check out the website of the Chair:https://www.asg.ed.tum.de/en/pns/home/You can find Prof. Golkar on Youtube: @agolkar --------------------Check out our other channels:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fslrg_tum/- Website: fslrg.de--------------------We apologize for the poor audio quality of this recording. Due to an unexpected error of the audio recorder, some parts of the sound may be distorted or unclear.

56 min

Episode #7: Prof. Klaus Drechsler - How carbon composites revolutionized aerospace engineering

What makes carbon fiber composites so special? How can we store hydrogen more efficiently? Can carbon fiber composites be a sustainable material? Prof. Klaus Drechsler told us all about it!--------------------00:00 Introduction & this or that01:46 His fascination for carbon composites & carreer05:19 Deutsches Museum München06:50 Basics of carbon composites9:26 History or carbon composites11:44 Hydrogen storage16:55 Manufacturing carbon composites18:24 Carbon composites in aircraft22:05 How does TUM find new professors23:05 Certification & safety30:12 Applications in aero engines32:40 Recycling & sustainability43:05 Future processing carbon composites52:10 The next revolution in material science?!53:46 How to deal with stress & Outro--------------------Check out the website of the Chair:https://www.asg.ed.tum.de/en/lcc/home/--------------------Check out our other channels:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fslrg_tum/- Website: fslrg.de