283: How Will Project Hail Mary Make the Leap from Book to Silver Screen?

What does it take to go from studying the universe… to flying through it? On this episode of Casual Space, Beth welcomes Dr. Steven A. Hawley—NASA astronaut, space shuttle veteran, and author of his new book, Eyes to the Stars, A Memoir for the Space Shuttle Generation. Listen to enjoy the remarkable journey of a young astronomer from Kansas who never expected to become an astronaut—and what happened when he said "yes" anyway. Steve shares the quiet but powerful decisions that shaped his career: staying open to opportunity, embracing uncertainty, and trusting preparation when timing finally aligned. From his early fascination with astronomy to deploying the Hubble Space Telescope, this conversation reveals what spaceflight is really like—both technically and personally. You'll hear behind-the-scenes insights from the Space Shuttle era, including the realities of astronaut selection, the discipline of mission training, and the teamwork required to operate in one of the most high-risk environments humans have ever entered. Resources & Links Eyes to the Stars by Steve Hawley on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Eyes-Stars-Memoir-Shuttle-Generation/dp/1960259571  Hubble Space Telescope https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/   Artemis Program https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis/  Whether you're an aspiring astronaut, a space enthusiast, or someone navigating your own uncertain path—this episode is a reminder that the journey to the stars often begins with simply staying open to possibility.  

An earlier version of this episode got corrupted on export, so the audio cut out part of the way into the episode. That has been fixed in this version. Apologies for the inconvenience! - Dr. Danny Jaques, a 36-year veteran science educator, Space Camp Hall of Famer, and founder of Danny's Rocket Ranch, joins Beth for a review of the Project Hail Mary film adaptation. A lifelong educator who has taken nearly 600 students to Space Camp and spent decades bringing science to life in the classroom, Danny brings a perspective to this conversation that you simply cannot get anywhere else. Beth and Danny dig into what works, what got left on the cutting room floor, and what the film means for the next generation of students, astrobiologists, and space dreamers who will walk out of the theater wanting to know more. If you haven't read the book yet, consider this your sign. Then come back and listen to this. Dr. Danny Jaques & Danny's Rocket Ranch Website: https://www.dannysrocketranch.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/DannysRocketRanch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannysrocketranchspacesalsa X: https://x.com/drr_spacesalsa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannysrocketranch Project Hail Mary Movie Website: https://www.mgm.com/movies/project-hail-mary Book by Andy Weir: https://www.amazon.com/Project-Hail-Mary-Andy-Weir/dp/0593135202 Audiobook narrated by Ray Porter: https://www.audible.com/pd/Project-Hail-Mary-Audiobook/B08G9PRS1K

Josh Hanes, whose work at Uplift Aerospace focuses on expanding access to space through student-centered education and immersive experiences, returns to the show with major updates on what's happened since STORIES of Space submitted its community database at the end of 2025. https://www.upliftaerospace.com Beth and Josh celebrate two landmark achievements: the successful laser engraving the story database from STORIES of Space into a 5D crystal along with over 3,000 messages from students, teachers, and community storytellers around the world, an extraordinary archival medium capable of preserving data for potentially millions of years, and the integration of that crystal onto Astrolab's FLIP rover on March 2nd, 2026. Josh explains how 5D crystal technology works, using femtosecond lasers to modify atomic structures within crystal, storing terabytes of data in a piece no larger than a quarter. He walks through the mission patch artwork created by Dr. Sian Proctor, who implemented a word cloud of student messages into a design now displayed prominently on the rover itself. The FLIP rover, a pathfinder mission for Astrolab's larger FLEX rover planned for the Artemis program, is targeting the lunar South Pole and is expected to launch in the middle to late part of 2026. When it arrives, it will carry the dreams, hopes, and words of STORIES of Space contributors as part of what Josh describes as a living archive of humanity at this pivotal moment in history. This episode is a must-listen for anyone following the STORIES of Space journey, or for anyone who wants to understand just how close we are to a genuine paradigm shift in humanity's relationship with space. The future is not a promise on the horizon anymore, it is already being built. Follow along at https://www.upliftaerospace.com and across their socials at @UpliftAerospace on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.  

Have you read "Project Hail Mary," by Andy Weir? No spoilers in this episode, as Beth reviews three of the main characters, and wonders how they will make the leap from page to the silver screen. Project Hail Mary on Amazon

The deadline for submitting stories to the Moon on MISSION 06 with STORIES of Space has been extended to December 28! In this episode, Beth selects & shares five recently submitted stories that will be sent to the Moon. Hundreds more will be sent to the moon along with these inspiring stories. Will yours be one of them?  You have until December 28 to submit your story at storiesofspace.com    About STORIES of Space  Stories of Space is a non-for-profit organization that collects personal narratives about space, and sends them into space. MISSION 06 will take stories to the lunar surface, creating a lasting legacy. Learn more at storiesofspace.com

This week on Casual Space, Beth is joined by two extraordinary guests: Josh Hanes, CEO of Uplift Aerospace and Dr. Sian Proctor, astronaut, artist, educator, and founder of Space2Inspire to share an announcement that's truly out of this world. Josh, whose background spans physics, advanced propulsion concepts, and aerospace leadership with a mission to expand access to space for all through innovative education and immersive experiences, explains how Uplift's journey has grown from astronaut training to student-centered lunar missions. https://www.upliftaerospace.com Dr. Proctor, best known as the first African-American woman to pilot a commercial spacecraft on the Inspiration4 mission and a celebrated science communicator and artist, shares how her experiences have shaped her work in space, art, and education. https://space2inspire.art Together with Beth, they unveil STORIES of Space MISSION 06, a groundbreaking initiative that is taking human-written stories and student messages to the Moon aboard Astrolab's FLEX rover. This mission blends creativity, STEM learning, and legacy, preserving voices and visions from classrooms and communities in laser-engraved crystal time capsules and symbolic artwork. You'll hear how this collaboration unites awe, imagination, and education, inspiring students to think bigger and dream longer, and how this mission invites listeners to send their story to be embedded onboard a rover that will help explore the lunar surface! This episode is a must-listen (and watch on YouTube) for anyone curious about how storytelling, art, and space exploration intersect—and how your own story might find its way to the lunar surface. Visit storiesofspace.com to submit your original work before the December 16 deadline and become part of this historic lunar journey.

This week on Casual Space, Beth welcomes back a very special guest: Stephen Matier, President & CEO of Maritime Launch Services, to celebrate Canada's history-making commercial suborbital launch completed at the end of November. Fresh from the launch pad in Canso, Nova Scotia, Beth and Steve sit down to reflect on the extraordinary milestone for Canada's growing space sector and share the personal, behind-the-scenes stories that made the mission unforgettable.   You can both listen AND watch this conversation on YouTube, where Beth shares exclusive launch-day footage, photos, and the emotional moment when the STORIES of Space payload took flight. https://www.youtube.com/@casualspacepodcast83  Let's Celebrate Canada's New Era of Space Access Listen as Steve shares the significance of this suborbital mission—how it strengthens Canada's sovereign launch capability, what makes Spaceport Nova Scotia so strategically powerful, and why this successful demonstration matters for future orbital flights. You'll enjoy hearing Steve reflect on the countless preparations, the coordination with national agencies, and the humbling reality of seeing years of work soar into the atmosphere. STORIES of Space: A Payload with Heart Beth shares the profound impact of having STORIES of Space selected as the featured payload on this mission—representing storytellers from across Canada and around the world.Together, they discuss why sending stories to space is more than symbolic—it's deeply human, deeply connective, and essential to inspiring the next generation of explorers. Steve and Beth recount the unscripted moments from the launch site • the anticipation• the countdown• the roar of the rocket• the incredible sense of community• and the moment the payload carrying hundreds of stories lifted off to complete the 5th mission in just two short years!!! These reflections shine a light on the teamwork, passion, and persistence behind a mission that will shape Canada's space future. This episode includes special launch images, videos, and behind-the-scenes moments you won't want to miss.  https://www.youtube.com/@casualspacepodcast83  Learn More about Maritime Launch Services and our STORIES of Space MISSION 03 success at https://www.maritimelaunch.com/news Posted Friday at 6:48pm – Edit or Delete

This week on the Casual Space Podcast, I'm joined by my friend, adventurer, and all-around visionary Jessica DeAngelo — founder of Hike to Become®, author of the international bestseller The Wild Advantage, and the leader behind a movement that encourages us to step outside (literally) to find the clarity, creativity, and calm we keep trying to chase indoors. Jessica works with leaders from companies like Amazon, Nike, and Uber to help them break out of the boardroom mindset and reconnect with the part of themselves that already knows the answer. Her 31-day outdoor awareness challenge and executive nature-based retreats have helped hundreds of professionals solve complex problems, unlock breakthrough ideas, and return to their work with purpose (and joy!). In our conversation, we talk about: Why your brain actually works better outdoors (and what the science says about it) How movement, nature, and curiosity come together to unlock new thinking The surprising truth behind burnout — and why "working harder" is the opposite of the solution What happens when you finally make space to hear your own ideas again The magic that comes from small steps (or walks) taken consistently This isn't just a conversation about hiking. It's about learning to reclaim the part of ourselves that thrives in wonder, exploration, and stillness — whether that's on a trail, in your neighborhood, or simply stepping away from the demands that never seem to end. As someone who has hiked with Jessica, learned from her, and taken the Hike to Become challenge myself, I can tell you this: The shift is real. And powerful. You don't have to summit a mountain to rediscover your clarity — you just need to be willing to step outside and listen.  Jessica DeAngelo Founder & Chief Hiking Officer of Hike to Become® TEDx Speaker Executive Retreat Leader & Strategy Facilitator Author of The Wild Advantage: Why Your Brain on Nature Is Your Boldest Business Move Lover of wide open skies, big ideas, and good snacks She lives in Boise with her husband and two spirited kiddos who remind her that adventure is always within reach — especially when you're holding a granola bar.   Where to find with Jessica  Website: www.jessicadeangelo.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-deangelo-mba/  Instagram: @hiketobecome   If today's conversation inspires you to get outside — even just for five minutes — then you're already on your way.   Let's go find what's waiting for you out there.

What does life after space look like for an astronaut? For Mike Foreman, it looks like community, connection, and continuing to serve — just a little closer to Earth. Mike is a retired NASA astronaut, a U.S. Navy veteran, and the current Mayor of Friendswood, Texas. Over the course of two Space Shuttle missions — STS-123 and STS-129 — Mike logged more than 637 hours in space and completed five spacewalks (that's over 32 hours working outside the spacecraft!) helping to deliver and assemble parts of the International Space Station (ISS). Today, he's using those same lessons from space and service to inspire students, encourage future explorers, and remind us that curiosity, teamwork, and resilience aren't just mission-critical in orbit — they matter right here at home, too. In this episode, Mike joins Beth for an open and inspiring conversation about: How seeing Earth from orbit forever changes your perspective, especially orbiting over Australia  The teamwork behind every NASA mission and why leadership is about trust How his journey led from Naval test pilot to astronaut to Mayor    Mike's story is one of lifelong curiosity and service — from flying jets and fixing the ISS to leading a city and mentoring the next generation. His message? Never stop learning, serving, or looking up. About Mike Foreman: NASA Astronaut (Ret.) – Selected in 1998 Two Space Shuttle Missions: STS-123 (2008) & STS-129 (2009) Five Spacewalks: 32 hours, 19 minutes total U.S. Navy Captain (Ret.) with more than 7,000 flight hours Current Role: Mayor of Friendswood, Texas Motivational Speaker on space, STEM, and leadership Why You'll Love This Episode: If you've ever wondered how astronauts translate their experiences beyond NASA — or how one person can move from exploring the cosmos to improving their own community — this conversation will leave you inspired. Mike reminds us that exploration doesn't end when you come home from space. It just changes direction.    WATCH this episode and more Casual Space Podcast conversations on You Tube! https://www.youtube.com/@casualspacepodcast83    Want to share your story with us, so we can send it to space? The deadline for submitting your original story to STORIES of Space MISSION 03 has been extended! Don't miss this last opportunity to launch your story to space in 2025! www.storiesofspace.com

In this exciting new episode of Casual Space, Beth is joined by Alex Martin to share all the details about STORIES of Space MISSION 03, launching soon from Canada's first commercial spaceport in beautiful Nova Scotia! Together, Beth and Alex talk about what it takes to prepare for this historic suborbital mission — from planning and partnerships to payloads and the people who make it all possible. Listeners will get an insider's look at how stories (your submitted stories) are being sent to space, connecting us all to exploration in a deeply personal and creative way. They'll also discuss how Maritime Launch Services and T-Minus Engineering are helping make this mission a reality, and how teachers, students, and storytellers can still submit their stories for inclusion on this incredible journey. In this episode, you'll discover: What makes MISSION 03 unique and why it's such a milestone for Canada How STORIES of Space is connecting humanity to space exploration through storytelling Behind-the-scenes insights from the team preparing for launch How you can send your own story to space before the October 31st deadline Learn more or submit your story: storiesofspace.com