http://omegataupodcast.net science and engineering in your headphones - the first 250 Episodes Mon, 03 Jul 2017 09:04:55 +0000 en-US monthly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.5 (c) 2008 - 2017 Markus Voelter info@omegataupodcast.net (info@omegataupodcast.net) info@omegataupodcast.net (info@omegataupodcast.net) science, technology, engineering, aviation, space, physics 43800 http://omegataupodcast.net/rssimages/rssimage.jpg http://omegataupodcast.net 144 144 Science and Engineering in your Headphones This is the English-only archive-feed of omega tau's first 250 episodes. technology, science, aviation, engineering, space, transportation, physics, medicine info@omegataupodcast.net info@omegataupodcast.net info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/359-modern-fission-reactors/ http://omegataupodcast.net/359-modern-fission-reactors/#comments Mon, 04 Jan 2021 19:43:42 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=5106 Jacopo Buongiorno of MIT. We discuss some of the high-level goals of these new reactors, such as increased safety and efficiency, and then look at a few of the interesting new designs and how they realize these goals. We also briefly cover some of the policy arguments around keeping fission in the mix for combatting climate change. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/359-modern-fission-reactors/feed/ 20 type="text/html" /> 1:54:33 In this episode we take a look at newer generations of fission reactors, those that are currently being developed or researched. Our guest is Jacopo Buongiorno of MIT. We discuss some of the high-level goals of these new reactors, such as increased [...] In this episode we take a look at newer generations of fission reactors, those that are currently being developed or researched. Our guest is Jacopo Buongiorno of MIT. We discuss some of the high-level goals of these new reactors, such as increased safety and efficiency, and then look at a few of the interesting new designs and how they realize these goals. We also briefly cover some of the policy arguments around keeping fission in the mix for combatting climate change. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/355-supercomputing-for-covid-19/ http://omegataupodcast.net/355-supercomputing-for-covid-19/#comments Thu, 29 Oct 2020 19:08:29 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=5083 Cineca's Andrew Emerson. As part of the EXSCALATE 4 COV EU-funded research project, he works of virtual screening of existing drugs regarding their potential efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. In part two we talk with Dan Jacobson of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He and his team used a big data analysis to understand how the virus "works", and they figured out very interesting mechanisms and pathways. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/355-supercomputing-for-covid-19/feed/ 2 type="text/html" /> 2:28:47 In this episode we look at how supercomputers are used to help with managing the pandemic. It's a double-header with two guests. We start with Cineca's Andrew Emerson. As part of the EXSCALATE 4 COV EU-funded research project, he works of virtual sc[...] In this episode we look at how supercomputers are used to help with managing the pandemic. It's a double-header with two guests. We start with Cineca's Andrew Emerson. As part of the EXSCALATE 4 COV EU-funded research project, he works of virtual screening of existing drugs regarding their potential efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. In part two we talk with Dan Jacobson of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He and his team used a big data analysis to understand how the virus "works", and they figured out very interesting mechanisms and pathways. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/350-existential-risk/ http://omegataupodcast.net/350-existential-risk/#comments Sat, 22 Aug 2020 07:32:24 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=5047 Toby Ord argues in his book The Precipice that those risks are much more likely than the natural ones. In this episode we explore this idea with him, and also discuss what we should do about this realization. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/350-existential-risk/feed/ 12 type="text/html" /> 2:40:06 Humanity has always been exposed to potentially catastrophic risks that might endanger the continued existence of humanity. Asteroid impacts or supervolcano eruptions come to mind. But since about the invention of the atomic bomb, humanity has been [...] Humanity has always been exposed to potentially catastrophic risks that might endanger the continued existence of humanity. Asteroid impacts or supervolcano eruptions come to mind. But since about the invention of the atomic bomb, humanity has been able to wipe itself out, adding self-made existential risks to the natural ones. Oxford philosopher Toby Ord argues in his book The Precipice that those risks are much more likely than the natural ones. In this episode we explore this idea with him, and also discuss what we should do about this realization. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/348-atlas-computing/ http://omegataupodcast.net/348-atlas-computing/#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2020 14:35:06 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4998 LHC Grid used distribute data and computation over the whole planet. Our guest is CERN'n Frank Berghaus. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/348-atlas-computing/feed/ 1 type="text/html" /> 2:46:06 To conclude our detailed look at the ATLAS experiment, this episode looks at the computing infrastructure. We start out with the trigger systems that decide, very quickly, whether the data from a particular collision is worth keeping. We then discus[...] To conclude our detailed look at the ATLAS experiment, this episode looks at the computing infrastructure. We start out with the trigger systems that decide, very quickly, whether the data from a particular collision is worth keeping. We then discuss the reconstruction of the event, the simulation needed to understand the background as well as the LHC Grid used distribute data and computation over the whole planet. Our guest is CERN'n Frank Berghaus. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/345-atlas-science/ http://omegataupodcast.net/345-atlas-science/#comments Tue, 16 Jun 2020 08:16:58 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4967 the book :-) ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/345-atlas-science/feed/ 5 type="text/html" /> 3:02:57 After understanding the history and development of ATLAS (and covering the LHC and particle physics in general) in previous episodes, we are now at the point where we can try to understand how a scientist uses the data produced by one of these large[...] After understanding the history and development of ATLAS (and covering the LHC and particle physics in general) in previous episodes, we are now at the point where we can try to understand how a scientist uses the data produced by one of these large detectors and make sense of it. This is what we'll do in this episode with physicist (and listener) Philipp Windischhofer. If you want to learn even more, you can check out these links provided by Philipp or read the last chapter of the book :-) podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/344-history-and-development-of-atlas/ http://omegataupodcast.net/344-history-and-development-of-atlas/#comments Tue, 02 Jun 2020 16:29:21 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4959 http://omegataupodcast.net/344-history-and-development-of-atlas/feed/ 2 type="text/html" /> 2:39:31 ATLAS is one of the two general-purpose experiments at the LHC. It has been conceived, designed, and built over decades by hundreds of scientists and engineers from dozens of countries and hundreds of organizations. My guest, Peter Jenni, has been t[...] ATLAS is one of the two general-purpose experiments at the LHC. It has been conceived, designed, and built over decades by hundreds of scientists and engineers from dozens of countries and hundreds of organizations. My guest, Peter Jenni, has been the head of the ATLAS collaboration for most of this time. In this episode we talk about science and engineering, but mostly about organizational aspects and the "community management" necessary to get such a magnificent machine off the ground. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/343-flying-and-testing-the-f-35/ http://omegataupodcast.net/343-flying-and-testing-the-f-35/#comments Wed, 20 May 2020 16:46:05 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4953 Lockheed F-35 Lightning II is going to be more or less what the F-16 and F-18 are today: the backbone of the US and NATO land and sea-based air forces. It is a multi-role fighter, and one of its versions has the capability to take off with a very short roll and land vertically. Tucker "Cinco" Hamilton is a test pilot who has flown all three versions of the jet. In this episode we talk about flying this fifth-gen fighter and about some aspects of the testing program. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/343-flying-and-testing-the-f-35/feed/ 3 type="text/html" /> 1:14:56 The Lockheed F-35 Lightning II is going to be more or less what the F-16 and F-18 are today: the backbone of the US and NATO land and sea-based air forces. It is a multi-role fighter, and one of its versions has the capability to take off with a ver[...] The Lockheed F-35 Lightning II is going to be more or less what the F-16 and F-18 are today: the backbone of the US and NATO land and sea-based air forces. It is a multi-role fighter, and one of its versions has the capability to take off with a very short roll and land vertically. Tucker "Cinco" Hamilton is a test pilot who has flown all three versions of the jet. In this episode we talk about flying this fifth-gen fighter and about some aspects of the testing program. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/341-emergency-and-intensive-care-ventilation/ http://omegataupodcast.net/341-emergency-and-intensive-care-ventilation/#comments Wed, 29 Apr 2020 14:12:59 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4939 http://omegataupodcast.net/341-emergency-and-intensive-care-ventilation/feed/ 3 type="text/html" /> 1:47:32 In light of the current situation, we have decided to record a couple of episodes that cover some of the relevant background in terms of biology, medicine and healthcare. In this first episode we discuss emergency care and intensive care with a spec[...] In light of the current situation, we have decided to record a couple of episodes that cover some of the relevant background in terms of biology, medicine and healthcare. In this first episode we discuss emergency care and intensive care with a special focus on ventilation. We discuss these topics in general, and also specifically to COVID-19. Our guest, Kimon and Junad, are both practicing doctors and have practical experience with these topics. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/340-plasma-wakefield-acceleration-with-awake/ http://omegataupodcast.net/340-plasma-wakefield-acceleration-with-awake/#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2020 09:45:34 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4935 LHC are the actual accelerators; the current approach relies on radio frequency cavities. However, their acceleration gradient, measured in Volts per meter, is limited. This means that future accelerators, especially linear ones, will become longer and longer to reach the desired energies. A new approach to particle acceleration relies on plasma wakefields, this technology can deliver orders of magnitude more acceleration per distance. AWAKE is a proof of concept experiment at CERN that uses proton beams to produce the wake field. In this episode we chat with Edda Gschwendtner, the leader of this project. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/340-plasma-wakefield-acceleration-with-awake/feed/ 1 type="text/html" /> 1:07:11 A major component of particle accelerators like the LHC are the actual accelerators; the current approach relies on radio frequency cavities. However, their acceleration gradient, measured in Volts per meter, is limited. This means that future accel[...] A major component of particle accelerators like the LHC are the actual accelerators; the current approach relies on radio frequency cavities. However, their acceleration gradient, measured in Volts per meter, is limited. This means that future accelerators, especially linear ones, will become longer and longer to reach the desired energies. A new approach to particle acceleration relies on plasma wakefields, this technology can deliver orders of magnitude more acceleration per distance. AWAKE is a proof of concept experiment at CERN that uses proton beams to produce the wake field. In this episode we chat with Edda Gschwendtner, the leader of this project. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/special-once-you-start-asking/ http://omegataupodcast.net/special-once-you-start-asking/#comments Sat, 11 Apr 2020 08:47:29 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4929 Once You Start Asking is now available as an ebook, with the softcover edition forthcoming. In this episode, Nora and Markus discuss the book and its history. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/special-once-you-start-asking/feed/ 3 type="text/html" /> 0:41:22 Over the last two years, Markus wrote a book about some of the repeated topic covered on omega tau: SOFIA, Enterprise, Aerospace, Gravitational Waves, Telescopes, Models and Particle Physics. The book, called Once You Start Asking is now available a[...] Over the last two years, Markus wrote a book about some of the repeated topic covered on omega tau: SOFIA, Enterprise, Aerospace, Gravitational Waves, Telescopes, Models and Particle Physics. The book, called Once You Start Asking is now available as an ebook, with the softcover edition forthcoming. In this episode, Nora and Markus discuss the book and its history. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/150-5-controlling-the-elt/ http://omegataupodcast.net/150-5-controlling-the-elt/#respond Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:14:02 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4885 episode 150, Jochen Liske of ESO told us about the Extremely Large Telescope that is currently being built in Chile. This episode is a continuation (which is why this is a kind of bonus episode labelled as 150.5) in which Thomas Pfrommer tells us about how to control the optical path of this monster telescope: the 39 meter, 798-segment main mirror, plus the four additional mirrors involved in bringing the light to a stable and sharp focus. I recorded this episode mainly to fill in some "gaps" I needed for the book chapter on telescopes. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/150-5-controlling-the-elt/feed/ 0 type="text/html" /> 1:07:12 Six years ago, in episode 150, Jochen Liske of ESO told us about the Extremely Large Telescope that is currently being built in Chile. This episode is a continuation (which is why this is a kind of bonus episode labelled as 150.5) in which Thomas Pf[...] Six years ago, in episode 150, Jochen Liske of ESO told us about the Extremely Large Telescope that is currently being built in Chile. This episode is a continuation (which is why this is a kind of bonus episode labelled as 150.5) in which Thomas Pfrommer tells us about how to control the optical path of this monster telescope: the 39 meter, 798-segment main mirror, plus the four additional mirrors involved in bringing the light to a stable and sharp focus. I recorded this episode mainly to fill in some "gaps" I needed for the book chapter on telescopes. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/333-flying-and-simulating-the-f-14-tomcat/ http://omegataupodcast.net/333-flying-and-simulating-the-f-14-tomcat/#comments Fri, 03 Jan 2020 10:35:01 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4857 F-14 Tomcat is one of the most iconic fighters, certainly among its generation. In this episode we talk with Nick Pirnia about the aircraft's development and history as well as about flying it with former pilot Okie Nance. The aircraft is also available in the DCS flight simulator and the third part of this episode is a conversation with the development team from Heatblur about how to implement the F-14 in DCS; if you haven't yet, check out some of their videos, this thing looks unbelievably realistic! ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/333-flying-and-simulating-the-f-14-tomcat/feed/ 15 type="text/html" /> 4:15:28 The F-14 Tomcat is one of the most iconic fighters, certainly among its generation. In this episode we talk with Nick Pirnia about the aircraft's development and history as well as about flying it with former pilot Okie Nance. The aircraft is also a[...] The F-14 Tomcat is one of the most iconic fighters, certainly among its generation. In this episode we talk with Nick Pirnia about the aircraft's development and history as well as about flying it with former pilot Okie Nance. The aircraft is also available in the DCS flight simulator and the third part of this episode is a conversation with the development team from Heatblur about how to implement the F-14 in DCS; if you haven't yet, check out some of their videos, this thing looks unbelievably realistic! podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/332-attribution-of-extreme-weather-events/ http://omegataupodcast.net/332-attribution-of-extreme-weather-events/#comments Sun, 22 Dec 2019 07:12:19 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4853 Oxford's Friederike Otto is a pioneer in the field. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/332-attribution-of-extreme-weather-events/feed/ 6 type="text/html" /> 1:22:48 An important consequence of the warming of the planet due to climate change is that the frequency and/or severity of extreme weather events will increase. But how can we tell whether a particular event can be attributed to the changing climate? Woul[...] An important consequence of the warming of the planet due to climate change is that the frequency and/or severity of extreme weather events will increase. But how can we tell whether a particular event can be attributed to the changing climate? Would it have happened in "normal" climate as well, and if so, how would the event have been different? This aspect of climate science is called attribution science, and the guest of this episode, podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/330-parabolic-flights-at-airzerog/ http://omegataupodcast.net/330-parabolic-flights-at-airzerog/#comments Fri, 29 Nov 2019 07:37:41 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4840 report about their science campaign in September, I also talked to the team from AirZeroG/Novespace about the technical and aviation aspects of parabolic flights. These interviews are in this episode. I chat with Jean-François Clervoy about the history of the company, with Eric Delesalle about piloting the parabolas, with Hervé Normand about the reasons for the potential sickness, and with Nicolas Barbotin about cabin safety. At the end of the episode I also provide some details about the technical problem that prevented parabolas during my own flight with the A-310 ZeroG. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/330-parabolic-flights-at-airzerog/feed/ 7 type="text/html" /> 1:33:38 When I was in Bordeaux with the DLR to report about their science campaign in September, I also talked to the team from AirZeroG/Novespace about the technical and aviation aspects of parabolic flights. These interviews are in this episode. I chat wi[...] When I was in Bordeaux with the DLR to report about their science campaign in September, I also talked to the team from AirZeroG/Novespace about the technical and aviation aspects of parabolic flights. These interviews are in this episode. I chat with Jean-François Clervoy about the history of the company, with Eric Delesalle about piloting the parabolas, with Hervé Normand about the reasons for the potential sickness, and with Nicolas Barbotin about cabin safety. At the end of the episode I also provide some details about the technical problem that prevented parabolas during my own flight with the A-310 ZeroG. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/328-flying-the-p-3-orion-and-some-other-aircraft/ http://omegataupodcast.net/328-flying-the-p-3-orion-and-some-other-aircraft/#comments Tue, 12 Nov 2019 19:45:49 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4826 Marija Jovanovich is a pilot for the Royal Australian Air Force where she has been flying the P-3 Orion. We discuss the aircraft, the missions, and some anecdotes. Marija then also attended the USAF Experimental Test Pilot School, and we talk a bit about the experience of flying a wide range of different aircraft. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/328-flying-the-p-3-orion-and-some-other-aircraft/feed/ 9 type="text/html" /> 2:15:18 Marija Jovanovich is a pilot for the Royal Australian Air Force where she has been flying the P-3 Orion. We discuss the aircraft, the missions, and some anecdotes. Marija then also attended the USAF Experimental Test Pilot School, and we talk a bit [...] Marija Jovanovich is a pilot for the Royal Australian Air Force where she has been flying the P-3 Orion. We discuss the aircraft, the missions, and some anecdotes. Marija then also attended the USAF Experimental Test Pilot School, and we talk a bit about the experience of flying a wide range of different aircraft. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/326-weather-forecasting-at-the-ecmwf/ http://omegataupodcast.net/326-weather-forecasting-at-the-ecmwf/#comments Sat, 19 Oct 2019 13:36:55 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4812 European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, a European organization that produces global weather forecasts and performs research on how to improve those. The episode has three parts. First, Hilda Carr gives us an overview of the organization, its purpose and its history. Then I talk with Peter Bauer about weather and climate modeling and about encoding these models efficiently in software programs that run on supercomputers. Part three is a conversation with Tony McNally about where the ECMWF gets its data and how it is continuously fed into the "running" model. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/326-weather-forecasting-at-the-ecmwf/feed/ 8 type="text/html" /> 3:05:25 Earlier this year I visited the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, a European organization that produces global weather forecasts and performs research on how to improve those. The episode has three parts. First, Hilda Carr gives us[...] Earlier this year I visited the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, a European organization that produces global weather forecasts and performs research on how to improve those. The episode has three parts. First, Hilda Carr gives us an overview of the organization, its purpose and its history. Then I talk with Peter Bauer about weather and climate modeling and about encoding these models efficiently in software programs that run on supercomputers. Part three is a conversation with Tony McNally about where the ECMWF gets its data and how it is continuously fed into the "running" model. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/324-air-traffic-control-at-heathrow-and-riat/ http://omegataupodcast.net/324-air-traffic-control-at-heathrow-and-riat/#comments Fri, 27 Sep 2019 10:38:52 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4729 NATS tower at Heathrow Airport to interview my guest Adam Spink. We chatted about some of the mechanics of air traffic control at Heathrow and the unique ways of optimizing throughput. A few days later we met again on the tower of Fairford during RIAT 2019 and chatted about the specifics of ATC'ing during an airshow. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/324-air-traffic-control-at-heathrow-and-riat/feed/ 3 type="text/html" /> 2:34:07 In July I visited the NATS tower at Heathrow Airport to interview my guest Adam Spink. We chatted about some of the mechanics of air traffic control at Heathrow and the unique ways of optimizing throughput. A few days later we met again on the tower[...] In July I visited the NATS tower at Heathrow Airport to interview my guest Adam Spink. We chatted about some of the mechanics of air traffic control at Heathrow and the unique ways of optimizing throughput. A few days later we met again on the tower of Fairford during RIAT 2019 and chatted about the specifics of ATC'ing during an airshow. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/321-societal-change-and-the-climate/ http://omegataupodcast.net/321-societal-change-and-the-climate/#comments Thu, 29 Aug 2019 11:30:55 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4714 Modeling Socio-Technical Systems, and we've looked at it historically in the episode on Societal Complexity and Collapse. In this episode we look at the topic more from the perspective of civil society and politics. Our guest ist Maja Göpel; she heads the German government's Advisory Council on Global Change and has also written a book called The Great Mindshift on the topic. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/321-societal-change-and-the-climate/feed/ 7 type="text/html" /> 0:58:41 I am interested in societal change: how can a complex society with lots of emergent (perhaps unintended) behaviors make a conscious change, such as transitioning to a more sustainable economy? We discussed this from an engineering perspective in the[...] I am interested in societal change: how can a complex society with lots of emergent (perhaps unintended) behaviors make a conscious change, such as transitioning to a more sustainable economy? We discussed this from an engineering perspective in the episode on Modeling Socio-Technical Systems, and we've looked at it historically in the episode on Societal Complexity and Collapse. In this episode we look at the topic more from the perspective of civil society and politics. Our guest ist Maja Göpel; she heads the German government's Advisory Council on Global Change and has also written a book called The Great Mindshift on the topic. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/320-the-event-horizon-telescope/ http://omegataupodcast.net/320-the-event-horizon-telescope/#comments Fri, 16 Aug 2019 17:35:57 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4709 Event Horizon Telescope presented the first direct image of a black hole; or more specifically, of the radiation created by accelerated particles at its event horizon. The EHT is a Very Large Baseline Interferometer, in which radio telescopes all over the world are computationally connected to obtain resolutions that are not possible with one telescope. In the episode I chat with Heino Falcke, the chair of the EHT science committee, about the science, the telescope, what it took to get it going, and image reconstruction. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/320-the-event-horizon-telescope/feed/ 1 type="text/html" /> 1:30:14 A few months ago, a collaboration called the Event Horizon Telescope presented the first direct image of a black hole; or more specifically, of the radiation created by accelerated particles at its event horizon. The EHT is a Very Large Baseline Int[...] A few months ago, a collaboration called the Event Horizon Telescope presented the first direct image of a black hole; or more specifically, of the radiation created by accelerated particles at its event horizon. The EHT is a Very Large Baseline Interferometer, in which radio telescopes all over the world are computationally connected to obtain resolutions that are not possible with one telescope. In the episode I chat with Heino Falcke, the chair of the EHT science committee, about the science, the telescope, what it took to get it going, and image reconstruction. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/318-my-flight-with-the-usaf-thunderbirds/ http://omegataupodcast.net/318-my-flight-with-the-usaf-thunderbirds/#comments Fri, 19 Jul 2019 16:13:57 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4651 http://omegataupodcast.net/318-my-flight-with-the-usaf-thunderbirds/feed/ 19 type="text/html" /> 3:33:39 In June 2019 I had the pleasure and honor to fly in an F-16D with the USAF Thunderbirds. The episode covers the medical briefing about how to prevent motion sickness and how to deal with Gs, suiting up with flight suit, g-suit, harness, helmet and m[...] In June 2019 I had the pleasure and honor to fly in an F-16D with the USAF Thunderbirds. The episode covers the medical briefing about how to prevent motion sickness and how to deal with Gs, suiting up with flight suit, g-suit, harness, helmet and mask, the briefing with my pilot Maj. Jason Markzon, the flight itself with commentary, an interview about the Thunderbirds with Jason, as well as a reflection on what the flight meant to me, recorded together with Nora. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/317-the-alice-detector/ http://omegataupodcast.net/317-the-alice-detector/#comments Tue, 09 Jul 2019 10:30:00 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4624 ALICE, one of the four large experiments at the LHC and talked with Despina Hatzifotiadou. We briefly discussed the science that ALICE is interested in, and then spent the majority of the time dissecting the detector to understand its components and how they detect the various products of particle collisions. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/317-the-alice-detector/feed/ 9 type="text/html" /> 2:02:26 In May I visited ALICE, one of the four large experiments at the LHC and talked with Despina Hatzifotiadou. We briefly discussed the science that ALICE is interested in, and then spent the majority of the time dissecting the detector to understand i[...] In May I visited ALICE, one of the four large experiments at the LHC and talked with Despina Hatzifotiadou. We briefly discussed the science that ALICE is interested in, and then spent the majority of the time dissecting the detector to understand its components and how they detect the various products of particle collisions. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/315-modeling-socio-technical-systems/ http://omegataupodcast.net/315-modeling-socio-technical-systems/#comments Fri, 14 Jun 2019 10:02:48 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4606 Socio-technical systems are systems where (groups of) humans interact with (non-trivial) technical systems; an example is the power grid. The people, the technical system and the combination might easily lead to complex behavior that is hard to predict and control over the long term. However, as illustrated by, for example, the need to transition our energy infrastructure to a more sustainable structure, it is necessary for society to "control" such systems. Igor Nikolic is a professor at the TU Delft where he uses agent-based modeling approach to try to understand, and thus help control and evolve such systems. We discuss the systems, the challenges as well as the modeling approaches. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/315-modeling-socio-technical-systems/feed/ 14 type="text/html" /> 2:42:51 Socio-technical systems are systems where (groups of) humans interact with (non-trivial) technical systems; an example is the power grid. The people, the technical system and the combination might easily lead to complex behavior that is hard to pred[...] Socio-technical systems are systems where (groups of) humans interact with (non-trivial) technical systems; an example is the power grid. The people, the technical system and the combination might easily lead to complex behavior that is hard to predict and control over the long term. However, as illustrated by, for example, the need to transition our energy infrastructure to a more sustainable structure, it is necessary for society to "control" such systems. Igor Nikolic is a professor at the TU Delft where he uses agent-based modeling approach to try to understand, and thus help control and evolve such systems. We discuss the systems, the challenges as well as the modeling approaches. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/314-london-air-ambulance/ http://omegataupodcast.net/314-london-air-ambulance/#comments Sat, 01 Jun 2019 07:32:26 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4589 London Air Ambulance, a charity organization that flies two MD-902 helicopters over the UK's capital. I chatted with their chief pilot Neil Jeffers about the flying and some of the medical aspects. My recorder then joined Neil on a short flight to their hangar at RAF Northolt. There, we met Adam Spink, a NATS air traffic controller at Heathrow, and the three of us chatted about the ATC perspective of flying helicopters (sometimes) in Heathrows's approach. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/314-london-air-ambulance/feed/ 8 type="text/html" /> 2:13:57 Earlier this year I visited the London Air Ambulance, a charity organization that flies two MD-902 helicopters over the UK's capital. I chatted with their chief pilot Neil Jeffers about the flying and some of the medical aspects. My recorder then jo[...] Earlier this year I visited the London Air Ambulance, a charity organization that flies two MD-902 helicopters over the UK's capital. I chatted with their chief pilot Neil Jeffers about the flying and some of the medical aspects. My recorder then joined Neil on a short flight to their hangar at RAF Northolt. There, we met Adam Spink, a NATS air traffic controller at Heathrow, and the three of us chatted about the ATC perspective of flying helicopters (sometimes) in Heathrows's approach. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/312-the-wendelstein-7-x-fusion-experiment/ http://omegataupodcast.net/312-the-wendelstein-7-x-fusion-experiment/#comments Sat, 11 May 2019 09:29:26 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4577 Wendelstein 7-X fusion experiment in Greifswald run by the Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik. We started out with a visit to the experiment hall, while experimentalist Matthias Hirsch gave us an overview over the machine. Next we discussed theory and modeling with Ralf Kleiber. Finally, I returned to Matthias Hirsch, and we chatted about more experimental aspects of Wendelstein. It is probably best to listen to our previous fusion episodes (22, 157 and 304) before listening to this one. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/312-the-wendelstein-7-x-fusion-experiment/feed/ 10 type="text/html" /> 3:27:50 In our never-ending quest to understand fusion and its potential use in energy production, I visited the Wendelstein 7-X fusion experiment in Greifswald run by the Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik. We started out with a visit to the experiment h[...] In our never-ending quest to understand fusion and its potential use in energy production, I visited the Wendelstein 7-X fusion experiment in Greifswald run by the Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik. We started out with a visit to the experiment hall, while experimentalist Matthias Hirsch gave us an overview over the machine. Next we discussed theory and modeling with Ralf Kleiber. Finally, I returned to Matthias Hirsch, and we chatted about more experimental aspects of Wendelstein. It is probably best to listen to our previous fusion episodes (22, 157 and 304) before listening to this one. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/309-forensic-engineering/ http://omegataupodcast.net/309-forensic-engineering/#comments Tue, 09 Apr 2019 19:55:59 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4554 Sean Brady about structural failures in civil engineering. We first discuss the technical and organzational causes for such failures. We then look at Sean's specialty, forensic engineering, which is about analyzing failures to determine the root cause. Sean also has his own podcast in which he delves into much more detail about engineering failures, not just in construction. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/309-forensic-engineering/feed/ 2 type="text/html" /> 2:04:59 In this episode I chat with Sean Brady about structural failures in civil engineering. We first discuss the technical and organzational causes for such failures. We then look at Sean's specialty, forensic engineering, which is about analyzing failur[...] In this episode I chat with Sean Brady about structural failures in civil engineering. We first discuss the technical and organzational causes for such failures. We then look at Sean's specialty, forensic engineering, which is about analyzing failures to determine the root cause. Sean also has his own podcast in which he delves into much more detail about engineering failures, not just in construction. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/306-flying-the-kc-135s-cobra-ball/ http://omegataupodcast.net/306-flying-the-kc-135s-cobra-ball/#comments Sat, 09 Mar 2019 09:45:06 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4534 Robert Hopkins has been flying the aircraft in the late 1980s. In this episode he tells us about the mission and the flying -- Shemya could be quite challenging. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/306-flying-the-kc-135s-cobra-ball/feed/ 4 type="text/html" /> 1:33:30 Throughout the cold war, and til today, the Cobra-codenamed ground, sea and air assets have been used by the US to monitor Soviet/Russian ICBM missile launches and warhead reentries. The air component consists of the RC-135 Cobra Ball/Eye aircraft. [...] Throughout the cold war, and til today, the Cobra-codenamed ground, sea and air assets have been used by the US to monitor Soviet/Russian ICBM missile launches and warhead reentries. The air component consists of the RC-135 Cobra Ball/Eye aircraft. Flying from Shemya in the Aleutians they used cameras and other sensors. Our guest, Robert Hopkins has been flying the aircraft in the late 1980s. In this episode he tells us about the mission and the flying -- Shemya could be quite challenging. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/304-the-past-present-and-future-of-fusion/ http://omegataupodcast.net/304-the-past-present-and-future-of-fusion/#comments Sat, 09 Feb 2019 17:13:02 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4492 The Future of Fusion Energy, and this episode is based on this book. We start out by revisiting the breakthroughs that drove progress in fusion over the decades, including understanding stars, the tokamak, superconducting magnets, supercomputers and a number of specific aspects of plasma physics. We then look at the current state of fusion research as well as where it might go. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/304-the-past-present-and-future-of-fusion/feed/ 5 type="text/html" /> 2:15:36 Justin and Jason wrote a nice book on fusion called The Future of Fusion Energy, and this episode is based on this book. We start out by revisiting the breakthroughs that drove progress in fusion over the decades, including understanding stars, the [...] Justin and Jason wrote a nice book on fusion called The Future of Fusion Energy, and this episode is based on this book. We start out by revisiting the breakthroughs that drove progress in fusion over the decades, including understanding stars, the tokamak, superconducting magnets, supercomputers and a number of specific aspects of plasma physics. We then look at the current state of fusion research as well as where it might go. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/300-how-processors-got-so-fast/ http://omegataupodcast.net/300-how-processors-got-so-fast/#comments Mon, 17 Dec 2018 13:49:21 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4453 Lex Augusteijn about superscalar processors, pipelining, speculative execution, register renaming and the like. We also discuss concerns other than speed, in particular, energy efficiency. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/300-how-processors-got-so-fast/feed/ 15 type="text/html" /> 2:25:01 Have you ever wondered how the processor in your phone or computer got so much more faster than what the increase in megahertz suggests? In this episode we talk with Lex Augusteijn about superscalar processors, pipelining, speculative execution, reg[...] Have you ever wondered how the processor in your phone or computer got so much more faster than what the increase in megahertz suggests? In this episode we talk with Lex Augusteijn about superscalar processors, pipelining, speculative execution, register renaming and the like. We also discuss concerns other than speed, in particular, energy efficiency. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/299-gravity-storage/ http://omegataupodcast.net/299-gravity-storage/#comments Sun, 02 Dec 2018 09:02:16 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4438 Eduard Heindl's gravity storage is an approach to storing electrical energy as potential energy by lifting huge masses cut out of the ground. While this sounds crazy, there are lots of reasons why this makes sense. In the episode we discuss then need, the general approach, the construction process and some of the engineering challenges. We also look at the innovation process, the path from the idea to something that is ready to be built. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/299-gravity-storage/feed/ 23 type="text/html" /> 1:40:17 With power generation in the grid becoming more diverse and decentralized, energy storage is becoming more and more important. Eduard Heindl's gravity storage is an approach to storing electrical energy as potential energy by lifting huge masses cut[...] With power generation in the grid becoming more diverse and decentralized, energy storage is becoming more and more important. Eduard Heindl's gravity storage is an approach to storing electrical energy as potential energy by lifting huge masses cut out of the ground. While this sounds crazy, there are lots of reasons why this makes sense. In the episode we discuss then need, the general approach, the construction process and some of the engineering challenges. We also look at the innovation process, the path from the idea to something that is ready to be built. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/297-flying-the-ah-64-apache/ http://omegataupodcast.net/297-flying-the-ah-64-apache/#comments Sun, 18 Nov 2018 07:12:43 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4420 AH-64 Apache helicopter there. We talked about the helicopter's systems, the cockpit, aspects of flying it as well as some of the missions. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/297-flying-the-ah-64-apache/feed/ 9 type="text/html" /> 2:28:50 In mid-September I drove to Illesheim Army Airfield to meet with Caleb Marheine who flies the AH-64 Apache helicopter there. We talked about the helicopter's systems, the cockpit, aspects of flying it as well as some of the missions. In mid-September I drove to Illesheim Army Airfield to meet with Caleb Marheine who flies the AH-64 Apache helicopter there. We talked about the helicopter's systems, the cockpit, aspects of flying it as well as some of the missions. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/295-bepicolombo/ http://omegataupodcast.net/295-bepicolombo/#comments Fri, 26 Oct 2018 18:19:59 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4376 BepiColombo started its flight to Mercury on an Ariane 5 from Kourou. I was at the launch press event at ESOC in Darmstadt to follow the launch and to record a couple of interviews. The episode consists of three major parts. The first part is an interview with Pablo Munoz about mission analysis and flight dynamics. The second part looks at the science with Joe Zender, Roberto Peron, Ajako Matsuoka and Joana Oliveira. And part three are multiple short takes with Paolo Ferri, Andreas Rudolph and Fabian Luedicke recorded in the middle of the night at ESOC. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/295-bepicolombo/feed/ 5 type="text/html" /> 2:12:19 On October 20, the BepiColombo started its flight to Mercury on an Ariane 5 from Kourou. I was at the launch press event at ESOC in Darmstadt to follow the launch and to record a couple of interviews. The episode consists of three major parts. The f[...] On October 20, the BepiColombo started its flight to Mercury on an Ariane 5 from Kourou. I was at the launch press event at ESOC in Darmstadt to follow the launch and to record a couple of interviews. The episode consists of three major parts. The first part is an interview with Pablo Munoz about mission analysis and flight dynamics. The second part looks at the science with Joe Zender, Roberto Peron, Ajako Matsuoka and Joana Oliveira. And part three are multiple short takes with Paolo Ferri, Andreas Rudolph and Fabian Luedicke recorded in the middle of the night at ESOC. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/292-gene-editing-with-crispr-cas/ http://omegataupodcast.net/292-gene-editing-with-crispr-cas/#comments Fri, 14 Sep 2018 17:59:39 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4285 Sam Sternberg about the naturally occuring CRISPR systems, how they work, and how CRISPR together with its associated enzymes can be used to cut, and subsequently, edit, DNA. We conclude the episode with an outlook on the potential use in medicine. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/292-gene-editing-with-crispr-cas/feed/ 3 type="text/html" /> 1:31:35 CRISPR is a family of DNA sequences in bacteria and archaea that are a part of these organisms' cellular defense system. A recent discovery showed how this mechanism can be used to edit genes much more easily than legacy methods. In this episode I c[...] CRISPR is a family of DNA sequences in bacteria and archaea that are a part of these organisms' cellular defense system. A recent discovery showed how this mechanism can be used to edit genes much more easily than legacy methods. In this episode I chat with Sam Sternberg about the naturally occuring CRISPR systems, how they work, and how CRISPR together with its associated enzymes can be used to cut, and subsequently, edit, DNA. We conclude the episode with an outlook on the potential use in medicine. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/291-flying-in-the-papuan-bush/ http://omegataupodcast.net/291-flying-in-the-papuan-bush/#comments Fri, 31 Aug 2018 18:37:06 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4263 http://omegataupodcast.net/291-flying-in-the-papuan-bush/feed/ 9 type="text/html" /> 1:44:05 I chat with Daniel Geaslen about bush flying. His (at this time, former) job is to fly Kodiak turbo props for Mission Aviation Fellowship in Papua Indonesia, supplying remote villages. We cover the airplane, the missions, as well as the flying itsel[...] I chat with Daniel Geaslen about bush flying. His (at this time, former) job is to fly Kodiak turbo props for Mission Aviation Fellowship in Papua Indonesia, supplying remote villages. We cover the airplane, the missions, as well as the flying itself, with a particular focus on weather and challenging airfields. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/289-music-production-at-sandlane-studios/ http://omegataupodcast.net/289-music-production-at-sandlane-studios/#comments Wed, 01 Aug 2018 10:50:58 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4242 I interviewed Arjen Lucassen about his wonderful music and how he makes it; obviously, I am a big fan! Recently, his Ayreon universe was performed live on stage and I was blown away. I decided I had to talk the the guy behind the live shows, Joost van den Broek. Luckily he agreed. So I visited him in his studios and we talked about music production and arrangement in general, and specifically for the Ayreon live shows. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/289-music-production-at-sandlane-studios/feed/ 5 type="text/html" /> 2:06:54 A few years ago, I interviewed Arjen Lucassen about his wonderful music and how he makes it; obviously, I am a big fan! Recently, his Ayreon universe was performed live on stage and I was blown away. I decided I had to talk the the guy behind the li[...] A few years ago, I interviewed Arjen Lucassen about his wonderful music and how he makes it; obviously, I am a big fan! Recently, his Ayreon universe was performed live on stage and I was blown away. I decided I had to talk the the guy behind the live shows, Joost van den Broek. Luckily he agreed. So I visited him in his studios and we talked about music production and arrangement in general, and specifically for the Ayreon live shows. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/288-flight-research-at-nasa-armstrong-part-3-historic/ http://omegataupodcast.net/288-flight-research-at-nasa-armstrong-part-3-historic/#comments Tue, 17 Jul 2018 15:59:05 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4224 Al Bowers about the research projects he has been involved in during his long career at NASA. We cover deep stall research with a Schweizer sailplane, high-alpha flight and thrust vectoring with the X-29, X-31 and F-18 HARV, aero-tow of fast jets with the F-106, supercritical wings with the F-8, as well as space related projects using the SR-71 and the X-30. This is one of my favourite episodes of all time, since it is a bit of trip down memory lane for me personally, and Al perfectly hits the sweet spot between recounting facts and telling anecdotes. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/288-flight-research-at-nasa-armstrong-part-3-historic/feed/ 8 type="text/html" /> 3:00:27 In this episode I talk with NASA Armstrong's chief scientist Al Bowers about the research projects he has been involved in during his long career at NASA. We cover deep stall research with a Schweizer sailplane, high-alpha flight and thrust vectorin[...] In this episode I talk with NASA Armstrong's chief scientist Al Bowers about the research projects he has been involved in during his long career at NASA. We cover deep stall research with a Schweizer sailplane, high-alpha flight and thrust vectoring with the X-29, X-31 and F-18 HARV, aero-tow of fast jets with the F-106, supercritical wings with the F-8, as well as space related projects using the SR-71 and the X-30. This is one of my favourite episodes of all time, since it is a bit of trip down memory lane for me personally, and Al perfectly hits the sweet spot between recounting facts and telling anecdotes. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/286-software-analog-effects/ http://omegataupodcast.net/286-software-analog-effects/#comments Thu, 21 Jun 2018 18:21:01 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4092 Native Instruments is a manufacturer of such software analog effects packages. In this episode I chat with one of their engineers, Julian Parker, about how this software simulation of the electronic hardware is done. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/286-software-analog-effects/feed/ 1 type="text/html" /> 2:04:24 Effects devices are essential for electric guitars and keyboards because they shape sound and make it interesting; many classic devices exist. However, those are rare and/or expensive, plus, even if they are not, carrying them around on a tour costs[...] Effects devices are essential for electric guitars and keyboards because they shape sound and make it interesting; many classic devices exist. However, those are rare and/or expensive, plus, even if they are not, carrying them around on a tour costs money. This is why these hardware devices are simulated in software, and distributed as plugins for audio software. Native Instruments is a manufacturer of such software analog effects packages. In this episode I chat with one of their engineers, Julian Parker, about how this software simulation of the electronic hardware is done. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/285-superconductivity/ http://omegataupodcast.net/285-superconductivity/#comments Fri, 08 Jun 2018 16:31:43 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4062 Superconductivity, the ability of a material to carry electrical current with zero resistance, is a surprising property of nature, which man has been able to exploit in many ways, in particular, for high-performance magnets. Those are used in magnetic resonance imagers, but also in colliders and fusion reactors. In this episode we discuss the basics of superconductivity and its uses with Pierre Bauer, a superconductor engineer at ITER. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/285-superconductivity/feed/ 18 type="text/html" /> 2:50:50 Superconductivity, the ability of a material to carry electrical current with zero resistance, is a surprising property of nature, which man has been able to exploit in many ways, in particular, for high-performance magnets. Those are used in magnet[...] Superconductivity, the ability of a material to carry electrical current with zero resistance, is a surprising property of nature, which man has been able to exploit in many ways, in particular, for high-performance magnets. Those are used in magnetic resonance imagers, but also in colliders and fusion reactors. In this episode we discuss the basics of superconductivity and its uses with Pierre Bauer, a superconductor engineer at ITER. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/283-the-perlan-project/ http://omegataupodcast.net/283-the-perlan-project/#comments Thu, 10 May 2018 10:07:41 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=4035 Perlan Project aims to fly gliders into the stratosphere by exploiting mountain waves in order to better understand those waves and to explore the edge of what gliders can do. In fact, last September, they broke the world altitude record for gliders. In this episode we chat about the project, the airplane and the flying with engineer Lars Bensch and pilot Jim Payne. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/283-the-perlan-project/feed/ 2 type="text/html" /> 1:51:20 The Perlan Project aims to fly gliders into the stratosphere by exploiting mountain waves in order to better understand those waves and to explore the edge of what gliders can do. In fact, last September, they broke the world altitude record for gli[...] The Perlan Project aims to fly gliders into the stratosphere by exploiting mountain waves in order to better understand those waves and to explore the edge of what gliders can do. In fact, last September, they broke the world altitude record for gliders. In this episode we chat about the project, the airplane and the flying with engineer Lars Bensch and pilot Jim Payne. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/279-microgravity-research-at-zarm-drop-tower/ http://omegataupodcast.net/279-microgravity-research-at-zarm-drop-tower/#comments Sat, 10 Mar 2018 15:31:01 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3920 NorthWest 2017 I visited the drop tower at Uni Bremen's ZARM and talked with Martin Castillo, the head of material science at the facility. We discussed the basics of microgravity research, the technical aspects of the tower, how to set up experiments, and also about his particular work in material science. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/279-microgravity-research-at-zarm-drop-tower/feed/ 7 type="text/html" /> 1:46:56 During our tour NorthWest 2017 I visited the drop tower at Uni Bremen's ZARM and talked with Martin Castillo, the head of material science at the facility. We discussed the basics of microgravity research, the technical aspects of the tower, how to [...] During our tour NorthWest 2017 I visited the drop tower at Uni Bremen's ZARM and talked with Martin Castillo, the head of material science at the facility. We discussed the basics of microgravity research, the technical aspects of the tower, how to set up experiments, and also about his particular work in material science. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/277-life-and-work-on-hms-enterprise/ http://omegataupodcast.net/277-life-and-work-on-hms-enterprise/#comments Wed, 07 Feb 2018 13:09:23 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3845 HMS Enterprise on her trip from Limassol, Cyprus to Valetta, Malta. HMS Enterprise is a survey ship, her primary task is to map the sea floor using sonar and feed the data into civilian and military maps. In this detailed episode, we chat about the ship, its mission, the survey equipment, the technical aspects of the propulsion and systems, plus about life on board a ship and nautical issues in general. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/277-life-and-work-on-hms-enterprise/feed/ 26 type="text/html" /> 8:03:42 In December 2017 I had the opportunity to spend a few days on board the Royal Navy's HMS Enterprise on her trip from Limassol, Cyprus to Valetta, Malta. HMS Enterprise is a survey ship, her primary task is to map the sea floor using sonar and feed t[...] In December 2017 I had the opportunity to spend a few days on board the Royal Navy's HMS Enterprise on her trip from Limassol, Cyprus to Valetta, Malta. HMS Enterprise is a survey ship, her primary task is to map the sea floor using sonar and feed the data into civilian and military maps. In this detailed episode, we chat about the ship, its mission, the survey equipment, the technical aspects of the propulsion and systems, plus about life on board a ship and nautical issues in general. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/276-linguistics-conlangers-and-game-of-thrones-dothraki/ http://omegataupodcast.net/276-linguistics-conlangers-and-game-of-thrones-dothraki/#comments Wed, 17 Jan 2018 17:25:36 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3833 David Peterson, has designed several languages, including the the Dothraki language featured prominently in Game Of Thrones. In this episode we use Dothraki (and English, and a bit of German) to introduce the basics of linguistics, i.e., the science behind natural (and in this case, designed) languages. We also discuss a few specific of Dothraki, and how it gets used in Game Of Thrones. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/276-linguistics-conlangers-and-game-of-thrones-dothraki/feed/ 17 type="text/html" /> 2:11:48 Conlangers are people who design human languages, either just for fun or for use in works of fiction, often TV series or movies. My guest, David Peterson, has designed several languages, including the the Dothraki language featured prominently in Ga[...] Conlangers are people who design human languages, either just for fun or for use in works of fiction, often TV series or movies. My guest, David Peterson, has designed several languages, including the the Dothraki language featured prominently in Game Of Thrones. In this episode we use Dothraki (and English, and a bit of German) to introduce the basics of linguistics, i.e., the science behind natural (and in this case, designed) languages. We also discuss a few specific of Dothraki, and how it gets used in Game Of Thrones. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/274-the-shuttles-achievements-for-space-exploration/ http://omegataupodcast.net/274-the-shuttles-achievements-for-space-exploration/#comments Mon, 25 Dec 2017 09:03:01 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3783 132, 133) with Davide on the Space Shuttle. Based on his new, second book we talk about the contributions the Space Shuttle made to space exploration in general. These include advances in space suits, the construction of the ISS, satellite servicing, its use as a science platform as well as military operations. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/274-the-shuttles-achievements-for-space-exploration/feed/ 5 type="text/html" /> 2:19:46 This episode is a continuation of the two previous episodes (132, 133) with Davide on the Space Shuttle. Based on his new, second book we talk about the contributions the Space Shuttle made to space exploration in general. These include advances in [...] This episode is a continuation of the two previous episodes (132, 133) with Davide on the Space Shuttle. Based on his new, second book we talk about the contributions the Space Shuttle made to space exploration in general. These include advances in space suits, the construction of the ISS, satellite servicing, its use as a science platform as well as military operations. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/270-nuclear-weapons/ http://omegataupodcast.net/270-nuclear-weapons/#comments Sun, 26 Nov 2017 18:34:44 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3731 Alex Wellerstein of the Stevens Institute of Technology. We talk about atomic bombs as well as hydrogen bombs, how to refine the necessary fuels as well as a little bit of history. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/270-nuclear-weapons/feed/ 19 type="text/html" /> 2:31:06 In this episode we chat about the science and engineering involved in nuclear weapons. Our guest is Alex Wellerstein of the Stevens Institute of Technology. We talk about atomic bombs as well as hydrogen bombs, how to refine the necessary fuels as w[...] In this episode we chat about the science and engineering involved in nuclear weapons. Our guest is Alex Wellerstein of the Stevens Institute of Technology. We talk about atomic bombs as well as hydrogen bombs, how to refine the necessary fuels as well as a little bit of history. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/267-the-quantum-tron-uav/ http://omegataupodcast.net/267-the-quantum-tron-uav/#comments Sun, 22 Oct 2017 17:42:26 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3696 Quantum Systems designs, builds and sells unmanned air vehicles for professional use. Their particular specialty is VTOL designs, i.e., UAVs that take off and land vertically, but then switch to airplane mode for airplane-like speed and range. In this episode we chat with Quantum's CEO Florian Seibel about their primary drone, the Tron. We focus on the motivation for developing the aircraft, the use cases, as well as design decisions and technical aspects. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/267-the-quantum-tron-uav/feed/ 2 type="text/html" /> 1:50:33 Quantum Systems designs, builds and sells unmanned air vehicles for professional use. Their particular specialty is VTOL designs, i.e., UAVs that take off and land vertically, but then switch to airplane mode for airplane-like speed and range. In th[...] Quantum Systems designs, builds and sells unmanned air vehicles for professional use. Their particular specialty is VTOL designs, i.e., UAVs that take off and land vertically, but then switch to airplane mode for airplane-like speed and range. In this episode we chat with Quantum's CEO Florian Seibel about their primary drone, the Tron. We focus on the motivation for developing the aircraft, the use cases, as well as design decisions and technical aspects. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/266-secondary-surveillance-radar/ http://omegataupodcast.net/266-secondary-surveillance-radar/#comments Fri, 13 Oct 2017 05:56:59 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3677 Mike Sharples who has been part of the development of the technology and is intimately familiar with the details. We discuss the importance of SSR today, the details of the protocol, the difference between and evolution from Mode A/C to S as well as the relationship to ADS-B. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/266-secondary-surveillance-radar/feed/ 5 type="text/html" /> 2:14:47 Secondary surveillance radar (SSR) is the radar technology used in aviation to query transponders; it forms the backbone of today's air traffic control infrastructure. Our guest in this episode is Mike Sharples who has been part of the development o[...] Secondary surveillance radar (SSR) is the radar technology used in aviation to query transponders; it forms the backbone of today's air traffic control infrastructure. Our guest in this episode is Mike Sharples who has been part of the development of the technology and is intimately familiar with the details. We discuss the importance of SSR today, the details of the protocol, the difference between and evolution from Mode A/C to S as well as the relationship to ADS-B. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/258-the-history-and-technology-of-spy-satellites/ http://omegataupodcast.net/258-the-history-and-technology-of-spy-satellites/#comments Fri, 28 Jul 2017 17:25:51 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3540 book about spy satellites. We cover the political and military context that drove their development, their (known and suspected) capabilities, methods of recovering the images, as well as typical orbits and the sartellites' ability to change that orbit for quick repositioning. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/258-the-history-and-technology-of-spy-satellites/feed/ 8 type="text/html" /> 2:05:54 In this episode we speak with David Baker, who wrote a fascinating book about spy satellites. We cover the political and military context that drove their development, their (known and suspected) capabilities, methods of recovering the images, as we[...] In this episode we speak with David Baker, who wrote a fascinating book about spy satellites. We cover the political and military context that drove their development, their (known and suspected) capabilities, methods of recovering the images, as well as typical orbits and the sartellites' ability to change that orbit for quick repositioning. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/257-flight-research-at-nasa-armstrong-part-2-fullscale/ http://omegataupodcast.net/257-flight-research-at-nasa-armstrong-part-2-fullscale/#comments Fri, 21 Jul 2017 15:59:05 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3531 trip to the US earlier this year I visited NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base. I conducted six interviews over two days, those concerning full scale ("real") aircraft are in this episode. We start out with Kevin Weinert, with whom we talk about the Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge project, essentially a flap made of flexible materials to save fuel and reduce noise. Next up is Jim Less, one of NASA's F-15 and F-18 pilots; we chat about his flying and various research projects where the jets are utilized (you can see this part as a continuation of Episode 73, where we chatted with Dick Ewers). Finally, we talk about flying the MQ-9 and RQ-4 unmanned aerial vehicles with the pilots Scott Howe and Hernan Posada. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/257-flight-research-at-nasa-armstrong-part-2-fullscale/feed/ 2 type="text/html" /> 2:56:48 As part of my trip to the US earlier this year I visited NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base. I conducted six interviews over two days, those concerning full scale ("real") aircraft are in this episode. We start out wit[...] As part of my trip to the US earlier this year I visited NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base. I conducted six interviews over two days, those concerning full scale ("real") aircraft are in this episode. We start out with Kevin Weinert, with whom we talk about the Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge project, essentially a flap made of flexible materials to save fuel and reduce noise. Next up is Jim Less, one of NASA's F-15 and F-18 pilots; we chat about his flying and various research projects where the jets are utilized (you can see this part as a continuation of Episode 73, where we chatted with Dick Ewers). Finally, we talk about flying the MQ-9 and RQ-4 unmanned aerial vehicles with the pilots Scott Howe and Hernan Posada. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/256-flight-research-at-nasa-armstrong-part-1-subscale/ http://omegataupodcast.net/256-flight-research-at-nasa-armstrong-part-1-subscale/#comments Sun, 16 Jul 2017 18:49:38 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3527 trip to the US earlier this year I visited NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base. I conducted six interviews over two days, the ones concerning subscale research (i.e., on model airplanes) are in this episode. We start with a conversation about flying wings in general and Prandtl-D in particular with Armstrong's Chief Scientist Al Bowers. Next, we chat about flutter research and the X-56 with project lead Cheng Moua. Finally, we talk to Matt Moholt about his project, the Spanwise Adaptive Wing project. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/256-flight-research-at-nasa-armstrong-part-1-subscale/feed/ 3 type="text/html" /> 1:59:50 As part of my trip to the US earlier this year I visited NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base. I conducted six interviews over two days, the ones concerning subscale research (i.e., on model airplanes) are in this episod[...] As part of my trip to the US earlier this year I visited NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base. I conducted six interviews over two days, the ones concerning subscale research (i.e., on model airplanes) are in this episode. We start with a conversation about flying wings in general and Prandtl-D in particular with Armstrong's Chief Scientist Al Bowers. Next, we chat about flutter research and the X-56 with project lead Cheng Moua. Finally, we talk to Matt Moholt about his project, the Spanwise Adaptive Wing project. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/255-aerial-refueling-with-the-kdc-10/ http://omegataupodcast.net/255-aerial-refueling-with-the-kdc-10/#comments Sat, 08 Jul 2017 16:54:05 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3505 European Air Transport Command headquartered in Eindhoven. While the planned flight on the Dutch KDC-10 did not work our for technical reasons, I recorded a follow-up interview with tanker captain Martin and boom operator Louis. We discussed a number of details around air-to-air refuelling in general and the KDC-10 in particular. The episode begins with an overview of aerial refuelling that I recorded myself. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/255-aerial-refueling-with-the-kdc-10/feed/ 6 type="text/html" /> 1:09:23 In late March 2017 I was participating in the media day of the European Air Refuelling Training Exercise, organized by the European Air Transport Command headquartered in Eindhoven. While the planned flight on the Dutch KDC-10 did not work our for t[...] In late March 2017 I was participating in the media day of the European Air Refuelling Training Exercise, organized by the European Air Transport Command headquartered in Eindhoven. While the planned flight on the Dutch KDC-10 did not work our for technical reasons, I recorded a follow-up interview with tanker captain Martin and boom operator Louis. We discussed a number of details around air-to-air refuelling in general and the KDC-10 in particular. The episode begins with an overview of aerial refuelling that I recorded myself. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/252-red-flag/ http://omegataupodcast.net/252-red-flag/#comments Sat, 17 Jun 2017 14:17:26 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3484 visit to Nellis AFB we covered the Red Flag, an advanced aerial combat training exercise hosted at multiple times per year at Nellis. We started out with a general overview with Jan Stahl; we also covered the role of the aggressors. I then talked with John Traylor who works as a ground intercept controller for the aggressors. Next is a conversation with Graham Johnson about Red Flag from the perspective of a blue force participant; he flies an F-15C out of Lakenheath. We conclude the episode with a look at the historical context that lead to Red Flag, again with Jan. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/252-red-flag/feed/ 10 type="text/html" /> 3:09:49 On the second day of my visit to Nellis AFB we covered the Red Flag, an advanced aerial combat training exercise hosted at multiple times per year at Nellis. We started out with a general overview with Jan Stahl; we also covered the role of the aggr[...] On the second day of my visit to Nellis AFB we covered the Red Flag, an advanced aerial combat training exercise hosted at multiple times per year at Nellis. We started out with a general overview with Jan Stahl; we also covered the role of the aggressors. I then talked with John Traylor who works as a ground intercept controller for the aggressors. Next is a conversation with Graham Johnson about Red Flag from the perspective of a blue force participant; he flies an F-15C out of Lakenheath. We conclude the episode with a look at the historical context that lead to Red Flag, again with Jan. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/251-flying-the-f-16-viper/ http://omegataupodcast.net/251-flying-the-f-16-viper/#comments Fri, 09 Jun 2017 18:15:55 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3295 US trip 2017 I visited Nellis AFB, where LtCol Jan Stahl flies the F-16 for the 64th Aggressor Squadron. We spent a day around, in and under the F-16. The episode contains five parts. A brief introduction to the F-16 and its development, a discussion about flying it, a walkaround, a look at all the knobs, switches and displays in the cockpit as well as a detailed discussion on the HOTAS system that forms the backbone of the pilot's interaction with the avionics. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/251-flying-the-f-16-viper/feed/ 31 type="text/html" /> 3:31:50 As part of my US trip 2017 I visited Nellis AFB, where LtCol Jan Stahl flies the F-16 for the 64th Aggressor Squadron. We spent a day around, in and under the F-16. The episode contains five parts. A brief introduction to the F-16 and its developmen[...] As part of my US trip 2017 I visited Nellis AFB, where LtCol Jan Stahl flies the F-16 for the 64th Aggressor Squadron. We spent a day around, in and under the F-16. The episode contains five parts. A brief introduction to the F-16 and its development, a discussion about flying it, a walkaround, a look at all the knobs, switches and displays in the cockpit as well as a detailed discussion on the HOTAS system that forms the backbone of the pilot's interaction with the avionics. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/249-plasma-physics/ http://omegataupodcast.net/249-plasma-physics/#comments Sat, 20 May 2017 19:29:40 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3277 trip to the US I also visited the Basic Plasma Science Facility at the UCLA in Los Angeles. I talked with the two professors who run the facility, Walter Gekelman and Troy Carter. We discuss the basics of plasma, the research questions of plasma physics and some of the experimental challenges. I also get (and report on) a tour through the facility, which was very impressive, mainly because the whole system was built by the team around Walter and Troy! ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/249-plasma-physics/feed/ 2 2:27:55 During my trip to the US I also visited the Basic Plasma Science Facility at the UCLA in Los Angeles. I talked with the two professors who run the facility, Walter Gekelman and Troy Carter. We discuss the basics of plasma, the research questions of [...] During my trip to the US I also visited the Basic Plasma Science Facility at the UCLA in Los Angeles. I talked with the two professors who run the facility, Walter Gekelman and Troy Carter. We discuss the basics of plasma, the research questions of plasma physics and some of the experimental challenges. I also get (and report on) a tour through the facility, which was very impressive, mainly because the whole system was built by the team around Walter and Troy! podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/248-dew-sage-and-the-f-106-delta-dart/ http://omegataupodcast.net/248-dew-sage-and-the-f-106-delta-dart/#comments Sat, 13 May 2017 16:11:54 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3233 North American Air Defense system in the cold war. In particular, we look at the distant early warning line(s), the F-106 interceptor and the SAGE computer system. For DEW, we talk with Mike Milinkovich and Brian Jeffrey who have both worked on the DEW line; Brian also maintains a great website on DEW. For the F-106, we talk with Richard Embry who has flown the interceptor. And for SAGE, we speak with Bernd Ulmann, who has written a very detailed book on SAGE's underlying AN/FSQ-7 computer system. Bernd has also been a previous guest on Episode 159 on analog computers. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/248-dew-sage-and-the-f-106-delta-dart/feed/ 9 3:52:57 In this episode we look back at (aspects of) the North American Air Defense system in the cold war. In particular, we look at the distant early warning line(s), the F-106 interceptor and the SAGE computer system. For DEW, we talk with Mike Milinkov[...] In this episode we look back at (aspects of) the North American Air Defense system in the cold war. In particular, we look at the distant early warning line(s), the F-106 interceptor and the SAGE computer system. For DEW, we talk with Mike Milinkovich and Brian Jeffrey who have both worked on the DEW line; Brian also maintains a great website on DEW. For the F-106, we talk with Richard Embry who has flown the interceptor. And for SAGE, we speak with Bernd Ulmann, who has written a very detailed book on SAGE's underlying AN/FSQ-7 computer system. Bernd has also been a previous guest on Episode 159 on analog computers. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/247-bulk-metallic-glass/ http://omegataupodcast.net/247-bulk-metallic-glass/#comments Sun, 07 May 2017 07:44:05 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3220 Dr. Douglas Hofmann works as a scientist in the Metallurgy Lab at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. I visited Doug during my US trip earlier this year, and we chatted about metallic glass. In particular, we discussed its properties, how to create it in bulk, how to test its properties, as well as how and why it is interesting for use in space. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/247-bulk-metallic-glass/feed/ 6 1:46:29 Dr. Douglas Hofmann works as a scientist in the Metallurgy Lab at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. I visited Doug during my US trip earlier this year, and we chatted about metallic glass. In particular, we discussed its properties, how to create it[...] Dr. Douglas Hofmann works as a scientist in the Metallurgy Lab at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. I visited Doug during my US trip earlier this year, and we chatted about metallic glass. In particular, we discussed its properties, how to create it in bulk, how to test its properties, as well as how and why it is interesting for use in space. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/245-glaciology-research-at-the-darwin-glacier/ http://omegataupodcast.net/245-glaciology-research-at-the-darwin-glacier/#respond Sat, 22 Apr 2017 08:37:12 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3138 Earth Observation Center earlier this year I also talked to Dana Floricioiu about her work in glaciology. We discuss a couple of her recent publications, and then focus on her trip to the Darwin Glacier in Antarctica. Together with a team of fellow scientists, she camped on the glacier for three weeks to conduct various in-situ experiments. We discussed the work, but also life on the glacier. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/245-glaciology-research-at-the-darwin-glacier/feed/ 0 1:21:56 During my visit to DLR's Earth Observation Center earlier this year I also talked to Dana Floricioiu about her work in glaciology. We discuss a couple of her recent publications, and then focus on her trip to the Darwin Glacier in Antarctica. Togeth[...] During my visit to DLR's Earth Observation Center earlier this year I also talked to Dana Floricioiu about her work in glaciology. We discuss a couple of her recent publications, and then focus on her trip to the Darwin Glacier in Antarctica. Together with a team of fellow scientists, she camped on the glacier for three weeks to conduct various in-situ experiments. We discussed the work, but also life on the glacier. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/243-formal-specification-and-proof/ http://omegataupodcast.net/243-formal-specification-and-proof/#comments Mon, 10 Apr 2017 05:17:37 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3100 Benjamin Pierce, professor of computer science at UPenn. We discuss the nature of (good) specifications, how verification and proof is different from testing, and where and how these techniques are successfully used today. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/243-formal-specification-and-proof/feed/ 1 2:02:51 The increasing complexity of software requires increasingly sophisticated means of ensuring its correctness -- "just" testing is not necessarily good enough, depending on the domain in which the software is used. Formal specification, verification a[...] The increasing complexity of software requires increasingly sophisticated means of ensuring its correctness -- "just" testing is not necessarily good enough, depending on the domain in which the software is used. Formal specification, verification and proof is a field with a long tradition in computer science that is gaining more (practical) relevance these days; and in this episode, we cover the basics. Our guest is Benjamin Pierce, professor of computer science at UPenn. We discuss the nature of (good) specifications, how verification and proof is different from testing, and where and how these techniques are successfully used today. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/242-satellite-testing-at-estec/ http://omegataupodcast.net/242-satellite-testing-at-estec/#comments Fri, 31 Mar 2017 18:46:25 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3088 ESA's ESTEC last fall. I get a tour of the Test Centre with the head of the section, Mark Wagner. We discuss the various test stands and facilities, including the thermal vacuum facility, the large space simulator, the thermal vacuum chamber, the vibration facilities, electromagnetic testing and acoustic testing. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/242-satellite-testing-at-estec/feed/ 7 1:24:13 This is the last episode recorded during my visit to ESA's ESTEC last fall. I get a tour of the Test Centre with the head of the section, Mark Wagner. We discuss the various test stands and facilities, including the thermal vacuum facility, the larg[...] This is the last episode recorded during my visit to ESA's ESTEC last fall. I get a tour of the Test Centre with the head of the section, Mark Wagner. We discuss the various test stands and facilities, including the thermal vacuum facility, the large space simulator, the thermal vacuum chamber, the vibration facilities, electromagnetic testing and acoustic testing. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/241-electric-propulsion-of-spacecraft/ http://omegataupodcast.net/241-electric-propulsion-of-spacecraft/#comments Sat, 25 Mar 2017 08:03:46 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3079 ESA's ESTEC last fall, I talked to Jose Gonzalez del Amo, who is the head of the Electric Propulsion Lab. We discussed the basics of electric propulsion, the pros and cons compared to chemical engines, different engine styles and their use cases, as well as the work ESA performs in the lab. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/241-electric-propulsion-of-spacecraft/feed/ 3 1:38:42 During my visit to ESA's ESTEC last fall, I talked to Jose Gonzalez del Amo, who is the head of the Electric Propulsion Lab. We discussed the basics of electric propulsion, the pros and cons compared to chemical engines, different engine styles and [...] During my visit to ESA's ESTEC last fall, I talked to Jose Gonzalez del Amo, who is the head of the Electric Propulsion Lab. We discussed the basics of electric propulsion, the pros and cons compared to chemical engines, different engine styles and their use cases, as well as the work ESA performs in the lab. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/239-the-saturn-v-launch-vehicle/ http://omegataupodcast.net/239-the-saturn-v-launch-vehicle/#comments Sat, 11 Mar 2017 23:24:24 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3059 David Woods has a new book out, so of course he has to talk about it on omega tau :-) His recent book is about the Saturn V launch vehicle, i.e., this time it is about the rocket, not about the spaceship. In this episode we dive into lots of details that we did not cover in the two Apollo episodes (episodes 83 and 97) -- make sure you have listened to those before you listen to this one. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/239-the-saturn-v-launch-vehicle/feed/ 19 2:27:52 David Woods has a new book out, so of course he has to talk about it on omega tau :-) His recent book is about the Saturn V launch vehicle, i.e., this time it is about the rocket, not about the spaceship. In this episode we dive into lots of details[...] David Woods has a new book out, so of course he has to talk about it on omega tau :-) His recent book is about the Saturn V launch vehicle, i.e., this time it is about the rocket, not about the spaceship. In this episode we dive into lots of details that we did not cover in the two Apollo episodes (episodes 83 and 97) -- make sure you have listened to those before you listen to this one. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/238-societal-complexity-part-ii-todays-perspective/ http://omegataupodcast.net/238-societal-complexity-part-ii-todays-perspective/#comments Sun, 05 Mar 2017 10:25:12 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3053 Joseph Tainter was my guest in omega tau 184 to discuss his concept of increasing complexity and eventual collapse of societies. In this episode, our guest Paul Arbair discusses these concepts in the light of today's rising populism in several countries. The episode is based on two articles Paul wrote on his blog: one on Brexit and one on Trump. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/238-societal-complexity-part-ii-todays-perspective/feed/ 20 1:11:37 In October 2015, Joseph Tainter was my guest in omega tau 184 to discuss his concept of increasing complexity and eventual collapse of societies. In this episode, our guest Paul Arbair discusses these concepts in the light of today's rising populism[...] In October 2015, Joseph Tainter was my guest in omega tau 184 to discuss his concept of increasing complexity and eventual collapse of societies. In this episode, our guest Paul Arbair discusses these concepts in the light of today's rising populism in several countries. The episode is based on two articles Paul wrote on his blog: one on Brexit and one on Trump. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/237-synthesizers/ http://omegataupodcast.net/237-synthesizers/#comments Sat, 25 Feb 2017 08:10:44 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3048 Rutger Vlek of River Creative Technology in his home studio to record an episode about synthesizers. We talked about the basics of sound generation, various enveloping and filtering techniques, sound design, the different fundamental approaches of sound synthesis, as well as a couple of classic synths. Rutger illustrated lots of approaches with samples from some of his many synthesizers. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/237-synthesizers/feed/ 21 3:28:41 Late 2016, during a trip to the Netherlands, I visted Rutger Vlek of River Creative Technology in his home studio to record an episode about synthesizers. We talked about the basics of sound generation, various enveloping and filtering techniques, s[...] Late 2016, during a trip to the Netherlands, I visted Rutger Vlek of River Creative Technology in his home studio to record an episode about synthesizers. We talked about the basics of sound generation, various enveloping and filtering techniques, sound design, the different fundamental approaches of sound synthesis, as well as a couple of classic synths. Rutger illustrated lots of approaches with samples from some of his many synthesizers. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/236-space-flight-software/ http://omegataupodcast.net/236-space-flight-software/#comments Sat, 18 Feb 2017 08:28:44 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3032 ESTEC, ESA's space research and technology center. In this first of three episodes, I talk with Maria Hernek, who heads the Flight Software Systems section. We talk about the challenges of space flight software, the development processes used by ESA and its vendors, as well as means of ensuring the required quality attributes. This episode can be seen as a continuation of the conversation with Andreas Wortmann in the OHB episode. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/236-space-flight-software/feed/ 9 1:47:34 Last fall I visited ESTEC, ESA's space research and technology center. In this first of three episodes, I talk with Maria Hernek, who heads the Flight Software Systems section. We talk about the challenges of space flight software, the development p[...] Last fall I visited ESTEC, ESA's space research and technology center. In this first of three episodes, I talk with Maria Hernek, who heads the Flight Software Systems section. We talk about the challenges of space flight software, the development processes used by ESA and its vendors, as well as means of ensuring the required quality attributes. This episode can be seen as a continuation of the conversation with Andreas Wortmann in the OHB episode. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/235-a-walk-in-the-woods-with-miami-rick-and-the-big-boeings/ http://omegataupodcast.net/235-a-walk-in-the-woods-with-miami-rick-and-the-big-boeings/#comments Sat, 11 Feb 2017 09:41:30 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3027 Atlas Air where he flies various versions of the Boeing 747 freighter. Previously he flew the 767 and the 777 for LAN Chile, primarily cargo as well. Rick is also a crew member of the Airline Pilot Guy podcast, where he is known as Miami Rick. In this episode, we stroll through the woods around Landstuhl, Germany, where I visited Rick while he was on a layover. We geek out about flying the Big Boeings. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/235-a-walk-in-the-woods-with-miami-rick-and-the-big-boeings/feed/ 2 1:53:49 Rick Ruiz is a pilot for Atlas Air where he flies various versions of the Boeing 747 freighter. Previously he flew the 767 and the 777 for LAN Chile, primarily cargo as well. Rick is also a crew member of the Airline Pilot Guy podcast, where he is k[...] Rick Ruiz is a pilot for Atlas Air where he flies various versions of the Boeing 747 freighter. Previously he flew the 767 and the 777 for LAN Chile, primarily cargo as well. Rick is also a crew member of the Airline Pilot Guy podcast, where he is known as Miami Rick. In this episode, we stroll through the woods around Landstuhl, Germany, where I visited Rick while he was on a layover. We geek out about flying the Big Boeings. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/233-bio-inspired-systems-at-epfl/ http://omegataupodcast.net/233-bio-inspired-systems-at-epfl/#respond Sat, 28 Jan 2017 07:24:20 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=3009 EPFL for a programming languages workshop when I saw a poster on bio inspired systems. Darja's name was on the poster because she coordinates the programme; I sent her an email and asked if she wanted to talk a bit with me about this field while I am at EPFL. Her calendar had some free time, and so we met. In the episode we discuss why it makes sense for system designers to look at biology and nature as an inspiration and then explore lots of examples that are currently being researched at EPFL. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/233-bio-inspired-systems-at-epfl/feed/ 0 1:19:41 Last fall I visited EPFL for a programming languages workshop when I saw a poster on bio inspired systems. Darja's name was on the poster because she coordinates the programme; I sent her an email and asked if she wanted to talk a bit with me about [...] Last fall I visited EPFL for a programming languages workshop when I saw a poster on bio inspired systems. Darja's name was on the poster because she coordinates the programme; I sent her an email and asked if she wanted to talk a bit with me about this field while I am at EPFL. Her calendar had some free time, and so we met. In the episode we discuss why it makes sense for system designers to look at biology and nature as an inspiration and then explore lots of examples that are currently being researched at EPFL. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/231-the-future-circular-colliders/ http://omegataupodcast.net/231-the-future-circular-colliders/#comments Sun, 15 Jan 2017 08:04:33 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2987 LHC. The world's physics community is continuously running studies to explore science questions and evaluate the required accelerators; one of those the studies is the Future Circular Collider study led by CERN. In this episode we discuss the science questions as well as the core engineering challenges with the two leaders of the FCC study, Michael Benedikt and Frank Zimmermann. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/231-the-future-circular-colliders/feed/ 2 1:42:32 Particle accelerators are the backbone of today's particle physics research and help us understand the smallest building blocks our world is made of. To understand this deeper, more powerful accelerators are needed, beyond what is possible with toda[...] Particle accelerators are the backbone of today's particle physics research and help us understand the smallest building blocks our world is made of. To understand this deeper, more powerful accelerators are needed, beyond what is possible with today's LHC. The world's physics community is continuously running studies to explore science questions and evaluate the required accelerators; one of those the studies is the Future Circular Collider study led by CERN. In this episode we discuss the science questions as well as the core engineering challenges with the two leaders of the FCC study, Michael Benedikt and Frank Zimmermann. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/229-ant-arctic-sea-ice/ http://omegataupodcast.net/229-ant-arctic-sea-ice/#comments Sun, 01 Jan 2017 09:38:10 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2972 reported to have reached a new low. Our guest, NASA's Walt Meier explains why this is the case and which processes govern the increase or decrease of the ice. We then discuss how the ice mass is measured based on satellite and how its thickness is estimated based mostly on in-situ measurements. We cover climate modeling and its connection to sea ice and conclude with an outlook on future research. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/229-ant-arctic-sea-ice/feed/ 3 2:12:17 The sea ice in the arctic and antarctic regions of the earth is an especially sensitive indicator of the earth's climate, and in particular, the current overall atmospheric temperature of the planet. It was recently reported to have reached a new lo[...] The sea ice in the arctic and antarctic regions of the earth is an especially sensitive indicator of the earth's climate, and in particular, the current overall atmospheric temperature of the planet. It was recently reported to have reached a new low. Our guest, NASA's Walt Meier explains why this is the case and which processes govern the increase or decrease of the ice. We then discuss how the ice mass is measured based on satellite and how its thickness is estimated based mostly on in-situ measurements. We cover climate modeling and its connection to sea ice and conclude with an outlook on future research. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/226-tidal-power/ http://omegataupodcast.net/226-tidal-power/#comments Sun, 11 Dec 2016 08:43:16 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2955 Various techniques exist. Tocardo is a provider of axial turbines, and our guest, Pieter de Haas, is their CTO. In this episode we talk about tidal power in general, siting, the design and engineering of Tocardo's turbines as well as the overall economic and technical trade-offs in making the turbines work over the long run. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/226-tidal-power/feed/ 5 1:35:39 Tidal power refers to extracting electrical energies out of the tide streams in oceans. Various techniques exist. Tocardo is a provider of axial turbines, and our guest, Pieter de Haas, is their CTO. In this episode we talk about tidal power in gene[...] Tidal power refers to extracting electrical energies out of the tide streams in oceans. Various techniques exist. Tocardo is a provider of axial turbines, and our guest, Pieter de Haas, is their CTO. In this episode we talk about tidal power in general, siting, the design and engineering of Tocardo's turbines as well as the overall economic and technical trade-offs in making the turbines work over the long run. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/224-flying-the-f-15-eagle/ http://omegataupodcast.net/224-flying-the-f-15-eagle/#comments Sun, 27 Nov 2016 08:06:38 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2799 F-15, F-16 and F-18. I want to thoroughly cover those airplanes on omega tau, and this episode on the F-15 is a great start. I talk with Jeff Fellmeth, a former F-15A/C/E pilot about the airplane, avionics, trainings, missions and the units he has been a part of. We also talk a little bit about related topics, such as the Bronco and gliders. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/224-flying-the-f-15-eagle/feed/ 14 2:20:23 When I was young, in the 80s, I was extremely interested in military airplanes, I more or less grew up with three iconic fighters: the F-15, F-16 and F-18. I want to thoroughly cover those airplanes on omega tau, and this episode on the F-15 is a gr[...] When I was young, in the 80s, I was extremely interested in military airplanes, I more or less grew up with three iconic fighters: the F-15, F-16 and F-18. I want to thoroughly cover those airplanes on omega tau, and this episode on the F-15 is a great start. I talk with Jeff Fellmeth, a former F-15A/C/E pilot about the airplane, avionics, trainings, missions and the units he has been a part of. We also talk a little bit about related topics, such as the Bronco and gliders. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/219-flying-the-v-22-osprey/ http://omegataupodcast.net/219-flying-the-v-22-osprey/#comments Mon, 17 Oct 2016 14:50:14 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2741 V-22 Osprey is the first operational tilt rotor aircraft. After not always problem-free development and test period, it is now used successfully with the USAF and the USMC. In this episode we talk to a V-22 pilot, Maj. Seth Cannon of the 7th SOS in RAF Mildenhall about the aircraft, some of its systems, and, primarily, about how it is flown. I met Seth Cannon in Bayreuth, where one of the 7th SOS had to land because of problems with a gearbox. Read the story here. This is also where I took the pictures below. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/219-flying-the-v-22-osprey/feed/ 12 1:05:54 The V-22 Osprey is the first operational tilt rotor aircraft. After not always problem-free development and test period, it is now used successfully with the USAF and the USMC. In this episode we talk to a V-22 pilot, Maj. Seth Cannon of the 7th SOS[...] The V-22 Osprey is the first operational tilt rotor aircraft. After not always problem-free development and test period, it is now used successfully with the USAF and the USMC. In this episode we talk to a V-22 pilot, Maj. Seth Cannon of the 7th SOS in RAF Mildenhall about the aircraft, some of its systems, and, primarily, about how it is flown. I met Seth Cannon in Bayreuth, where one of the 7th SOS had to land because of problems with a gearbox. Read the story here. This is also where I took the pictures below. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/218-a-life-in-apollo/ http://omegataupodcast.net/218-a-life-in-apollo/#comments Fri, 07 Oct 2016 18:33:42 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2738 http://omegataupodcast.net/218-a-life-in-apollo/feed/ 18 1:17:40 George Knudsen started working in 1958 on the Redstone missile, and moved on to working on the Atlas ICBM. Later he worked on the Saturn 5 launch vehicle, where he was responsible for the fuel tanks. He was on the launch team at Cape Canaveral for v[...] George Knudsen started working in 1958 on the Redstone missile, and moved on to working on the Atlas ICBM. Later he worked on the Saturn 5 launch vehicle, where he was responsible for the fuel tanks. He was on the launch team at Cape Canaveral for various Apollo missions. In this episode with talk with George about his work in this fascinating period of science and engineering history. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/216-airbus-history/ http://omegataupodcast.net/216-airbus-history/#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2016 18:43:40 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2727 trip to Airbus in Toulouse and we take a trip down memory lane, covering some of Airbus' history. The first part of the episode is a recorded presentation (with some Q&A) with Alan Pardo, head of Marketing Communication at Airbus Toulouse. We cover the development of Airbus in general, and the Toulouse factory in particular. The second part is a walk through the Aeroscopia museum in Toulouse with David Bauser. Before his retirement he has worked for Airbus on the A-300 and the Concorde. We discuss those two airplanes, plus some general anecdotes from his time at Airbus. [The following string is used for claiming the feed at fyyd.de. Please ignore. mnX2r7grqd5bz8u9ntcrmb4a2ucy5bqlecrOxcsc] ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/216-airbus-history/feed/ 2 1:40:10 This is the second episode recorded at my trip to Airbus in Toulouse and we take a trip down memory lane, covering some of Airbus' history. The first part of the episode is a recorded presentation (with some Q and A) with Alan Pardo, head of Market[...] This is the second episode recorded at my trip to Airbus in Toulouse and we take a trip down memory lane, covering some of Airbus' history. The first part of the episode is a recorded presentation (with some Q and A) with Alan Pardo, head of Marketing Communication at Airbus Toulouse. We cover the development of Airbus in general, and the Toulouse factory in particular. The second part is a walk through the Aeroscopia museum in Toulouse with David Bauser. Before his retirement he has worked for Airbus on the A-300 and the Concorde. We discuss those two airplanes, plus some general anecdotes from his time at Airbus. [The following string is used for claiming the feed at fyyd.de. Please ignore. mnX2r7grqd5bz8u9ntcrmb4a2ucy5bqlecrOxcsc] podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/212-the-tornado-adv/ http://omegataupodcast.net/212-the-tornado-adv/#comments Mon, 01 Aug 2016 18:32:44 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2689 wrote a book about this airplane, and its (not always problem-free) introduction into service with the RAF. In this episode we talk about the airplane, about his flying, about some of the challenges during its development and introduction into service, and how they were overcome to make the F.3 a capable interceptor after all. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/212-the-tornado-adv/feed/ 6 1:50:16 During his career in the Royal Air Force, Dave Gledhill has been flying as a navigator in the Tornado ADV. After his career he wrote a book about this airplane, and its (not always problem-free) introduction into service with the RAF. In this episod[...] During his career in the Royal Air Force, Dave Gledhill has been flying as a navigator in the Tornado ADV. After his career he wrote a book about this airplane, and its (not always problem-free) introduction into service with the RAF. In this episode we talk about the airplane, about his flying, about some of the challenges during its development and introduction into service, and how they were overcome to make the F.3 a capable interceptor after all. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/211-farnborough-2016/ http://omegataupodcast.net/211-farnborough-2016/#comments Wed, 20 Jul 2016 19:31:20 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2682 Farnborough International Airshow 2016. The episode contains 13 short interviews, as listed below. I had an absolute blast in Farnborough, especially because I met the APG crew and participated in the epic live recording of APG 229. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/211-farnborough-2016/feed/ 10 2:52:36 This is my report from Farnborough International Airshow 2016. The episode contains 13 short interviews, as listed below. I had an absolute blast in Farnborough, especially because I met the APG crew and participated in the epic live recording of AP[...] This is my report from Farnborough International Airshow 2016. The episode contains 13 short interviews, as listed below. I had an absolute blast in Farnborough, especially because I met the APG crew and participated in the epic live recording of APG 229. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/210-a350-flight-testing/ http://omegataupodcast.net/210-a350-flight-testing/#comments Wed, 13 Jul 2016 15:34:05 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2670 trip to Airbus Toulouse: we cover flight testing of the A350. We have two guests. First, we speak with Peter Chandler, a test pilot at Airbus, about envelope expansion, the relationship between simulation and the real airplane, and test flying in general. Our second guest is Pascal Verneau, a test flight engineer. We discuss his role in flight testing, as well as some special equipment installed in (some of) the testing aircraft. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/210-a350-flight-testing/feed/ 4 2:04:47 This is the first of several episodes from my trip to Airbus Toulouse: we cover flight testing of the A350. We have two guests. First, we speak with Peter Chandler, a test pilot at Airbus, about envelope expansion, the relationship between simulatio[...] This is the first of several episodes from my trip to Airbus Toulouse: we cover flight testing of the A350. We have two guests. First, we speak with Peter Chandler, a test pilot at Airbus, about envelope expansion, the relationship between simulation and the real airplane, and test flying in general. Our second guest is Pascal Verneau, a test flight engineer. We discuss his role in flight testing, as well as some special equipment installed in (some of) the testing aircraft. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/209-satellite-development-at-ohb/ http://omegataupodcast.net/209-satellite-development-at-ohb/#comments Mon, 04 Jul 2016 06:06:43 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2661 OHB System AG in Bremen develops satellites -- mostly based on the Galileo navigation satellites. We speak with Christian Pauly about systems engineering, with Mathias Tausche about manufacturing and integration, with Andreas Wortmann about the software on the satellites, and with Ingo Engeln about the company as a whole. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/209-satellite-development-at-ohb/feed/ 9 2:42:31 In this episode we get a peek into how OHB System AG in Bremen develops satellites -- mostly based on the Galileo navigation satellites. We speak with Christian Pauly about systems engineering, with Mathias Tausche about manufacturing and integratio[...] In this episode we get a peek into how OHB System AG in Bremen develops satellites -- mostly based on the Galileo navigation satellites. We speak with Christian Pauly about systems engineering, with Mathias Tausche about manufacturing and integration, with Andreas Wortmann about the software on the satellites, and with Ingo Engeln about the company as a whole. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/204-earth-observation-at-planet-labs/ http://omegataupodcast.net/204-earth-observation-at-planet-labs/#respond Mon, 09 May 2016 18:41:14 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2553 Planet Labs is building small, inexpensive satellites, mostly from consumer-style components, for large-scale, continuous earth observation purposes. As a silicon valley startup, they pride themselves in doing things differently than then "big aerospace companies". In this episode, I am talking with Ignacio Zuleta and Creon Levit about small satellites, satellite constellations, phones, optics and earth observation. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/204-earth-observation-at-planet-labs/feed/ 0 1:22:41 Planet Labs is building small, inexpensive satellites, mostly from consumer-style components, for large-scale, continuous earth observation purposes. As a silicon valley startup, they pride themselves in doing things differently than then "big aeros[...] Planet Labs is building small, inexpensive satellites, mostly from consumer-style components, for large-scale, continuous earth observation purposes. As a silicon valley startup, they pride themselves in doing things differently than then "big aerospace companies". In this episode, I am talking with Ignacio Zuleta and Creon Levit about small satellites, satellite constellations, phones, optics and earth observation. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/202-aviation-incident-reporting-at-chirp/ http://omegataupodcast.net/202-aviation-incident-reporting-at-chirp/#comments Fri, 22 Apr 2016 17:15:06 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2535 CHIRP is the organisation that handles this task in the UK. In this episode we talk to Ian Dugmore, the Chief Executive of CHIRP about the general idea, and about a few (typical) incidents reported to CHIRP. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/202-aviation-incident-reporting-at-chirp/feed/ 2 1:48:30 As we have mentioned before on omega tau, aviation prides itself on a pervasive safety-culture that leads to a low accident rate. An important building block of this culture are incident reporting systems, where members of the community can confiden[...] As we have mentioned before on omega tau, aviation prides itself on a pervasive safety-culture that leads to a low accident rate. An important building block of this culture are incident reporting systems, where members of the community can confidentially report issues, risks or incidents, which are then followed up on, with the goal to resolve them. CHIRP is the organisation that handles this task in the UK. In this episode we talk to Ian Dugmore, the Chief Executive of CHIRP about the general idea, and about a few (typical) incidents reported to CHIRP. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/200-port-towage-and-tugs/ http://omegataupodcast.net/200-port-towage-and-tugs/#comments Thu, 31 Mar 2016 10:24:51 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2516 Lex van der Schaaf, the COO of Port Towage Amsterdam, who gives us a general introduction to port towage. Markus then joins Arno, Jan and Andrey on their tug Thetis for a day of towing in the port of Amsterdam. In the last conversation, Markus speaks with Baldo Dielen about the design of modern tugs, using the EDDY tug as a representative example. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/200-port-towage-and-tugs/feed/ 14 2:27:38 In this 200th episode of omega tau we cover a topic that has been on our list for a long time: harbour tugs. We start out with a conversation with Lex van der Schaaf, the COO of Port Towage Amsterdam, who gives us a general introduction to port towa[...] In this 200th episode of omega tau we cover a topic that has been on our list for a long time: harbour tugs. We start out with a conversation with Lex van der Schaaf, the COO of Port Towage Amsterdam, who gives us a general introduction to port towage. Markus then joins Arno, Jan and Andrey on their tug Thetis for a day of towing in the port of Amsterdam. In the last conversation, Markus speaks with Baldo Dielen about the design of modern tugs, using the EDDY tug as a representative example. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/199-mass-spectrometers/ http://omegataupodcast.net/199-mass-spectrometers/#comments Sun, 20 Mar 2016 08:52:45 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2513 Alexander Makarov works as a Director Global Research for Thermo Fisher's Life Sciences Division and has invented the Orbitrap principle used widely in modern mass spectrometers. We talk about mass spectrometry in general, the different measurement principles, engineering challenges, the invention of the Orbitrap, use cases for mass spectrometers and the different machines sold by Thermo Fisher. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/199-mass-spectrometers/feed/ 3 2:21:55 Mass spectrometers are devices for measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of molecules and ions. They use many different measurement principles and are used in various areas of science. Our guest Alexander Makarov works as a Director Global Research for[...] Mass spectrometers are devices for measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of molecules and ions. They use many different measurement principles and are used in various areas of science. Our guest Alexander Makarov works as a Director Global Research for Thermo Fisher's Life Sciences Division and has invented the Orbitrap principle used widely in modern mass spectrometers. We talk about mass spectrometry in general, the different measurement principles, engineering challenges, the invention of the Orbitrap, use cases for mass spectrometers and the different machines sold by Thermo Fisher. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/198-ship-salvage/ http://omegataupodcast.net/198-ship-salvage/#comments Wed, 09 Mar 2016 19:34:27 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2480 Ardent, focus on salvaging ships or removing wrecks. These tasks are sometimes challenging from an engineering perspective, and always interesting from the business side. In this episode we talk with Ardent's Bram Sperling, a senior salvage master, about both these aspects of salvage and wreck removal operations. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/198-ship-salvage/feed/ 9 1:30:55 When ships have an engine casualty, run aground or have a fire on board they need to be salvaged or their wreck removed. Specialised companies, like Ardent, focus on salvaging ships or removing wrecks. These tasks are sometimes challenging from an e[...] When ships have an engine casualty, run aground or have a fire on board they need to be salvaged or their wreck removed. Specialised companies, like Ardent, focus on salvaging ships or removing wrecks. These tasks are sometimes challenging from an engineering perspective, and always interesting from the business side. In this episode we talk with Ardent's Bram Sperling, a senior salvage master, about both these aspects of salvage and wreck removal operations. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/197-the-european-xfel/ http://omegataupodcast.net/197-the-european-xfel/#comments Thu, 25 Feb 2016 20:21:37 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2475 European XFEL is an x-ray free electron laser currently being built in Hamburg. In this episode we talk with Joachim Schulz about the project itself, the design and construction of the laser and the experiment hall, as well as about some of the science that is expected to be done with XFEL once it is finished. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/197-the-european-xfel/feed/ 1 1:57:24 The European XFEL is an x-ray free electron laser currently being built in Hamburg. In this episode we talk with Joachim Schulz about the project itself, the design and construction of the laser and the experiment hall, as well as about some of the [...] The European XFEL is an x-ray free electron laser currently being built in Hamburg. In this episode we talk with Joachim Schulz about the project itself, the design and construction of the laser and the experiment hall, as well as about some of the science that is expected to be done with XFEL once it is finished. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/196-lasers/ http://omegataupodcast.net/196-lasers/#comments Sat, 13 Feb 2016 10:45:45 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2459 Center for Free Electron Lasers at DESY in Hamburg. We cover various ways of how laser beams are produced and what distinguishes lasers from other light sources. We also cover a few application areas of lasers as well as techniques for pulsing lasers. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/196-lasers/feed/ 10 1:15:45 In this episode we cover the fundamentals of lasers with our guest, Fabian Reichert, who works at the Center for Free Electron Lasers at DESY in Hamburg. We cover various ways of how laser beams are produced and what distinguishes lasers from other [...] In this episode we cover the fundamentals of lasers with our guest, Fabian Reichert, who works at the Center for Free Electron Lasers at DESY in Hamburg. We cover various ways of how laser beams are produced and what distinguishes lasers from other light sources. We also cover a few application areas of lasers as well as techniques for pulsing lasers. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/195-flying-the-shuttle-carrier-aircraft/ http://omegataupodcast.net/195-flying-the-shuttle-carrier-aircraft/#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2016 18:19:36 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2377 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, converted Boeing 747s that carried the shuttle between the landing sites and the launch complex at Kennedy Space Center. Our guest in this episode is Ace Beall who flew the SCAs for several years. We talk about operations, modifications on the airplane, the flight characteristics with and without the shuttle as well as some anecdotes from Ace's time on the SCA. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/195-flying-the-shuttle-carrier-aircraft/feed/ 16 1:29:42 The tail numbers NASA 911 and NASA 905 were used for the two Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, converted Boeing 747s that carried the shuttle between the landing sites and the launch complex at Kennedy Space Center. Our guest in this episode is Ace Beall wh[...] The tail numbers NASA 911 and NASA 905 were used for the two Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, converted Boeing 747s that carried the shuttle between the landing sites and the launch complex at Kennedy Space Center. Our guest in this episode is Ace Beall who flew the SCAs for several years. We talk about operations, modifications on the airplane, the flight characteristics with and without the shuttle as well as some anecdotes from Ace's time on the SCA. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/das-jahr-the-year-2015/ http://omegataupodcast.net/das-jahr-the-year-2015/#comments Tue, 29 Dec 2015 13:11:01 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2347 This episode is German and English. Forward to the second chapter (or to 59:50) to get to the English part. Dies ist kein Interview, sondern ein Rückblick auf 2015. Nora und Markus besprechen was gut lief und was nicht so gut lief, bedanken und bei ein paar Leuten, besprechen einige Ergebnisse der Hörerumfrage und blicken kurz auf das kommende Jahr. This is not a regular interview show. Instead, it is a review of 2015. Nora and Markus look at what went well and what did not, thank a few people, discuss some results of the recent listener survey and briefly talk about the coming year. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/das-jahr-the-year-2015/feed/ 14 1:43:11 This episode is German and English. Forward to the second chapter (or to 59:50) to get to the English part. Dies ist kein Interview, sondern ein Rückblick auf 2015. Nora und Markus besprechen was gut lief und was nicht so gut lief, bedanken und b[...] This episode is German and English. Forward to the second chapter (or to 59:50) to get to the English part. Dies ist kein Interview, sondern ein Rückblick auf 2015. Nora und Markus besprechen was gut lief und was nicht so gut lief, bedanken und bei ein paar Leuten, besprechen einige Ergebnisse der Hörerumfrage und blicken kurz auf das kommende Jahr. This is not a regular interview show. Instead, it is a review of 2015. Nora and Markus look at what went well and what did not, thank a few people, discuss some results of the recent listener survey and briefly talk about the coming year. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/191-string-theory/ http://omegataupodcast.net/191-string-theory/#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2015 09:53:29 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2339 Alexander Westphal of Germany's particle physics lab DESY. He does a wonderful job of introducing the very abstract topic in a way that could be understood by non-physicists, at least to some degree. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/191-string-theory/feed/ 36 2:43:07 String Theory is currently one of the most important theories in fundamental physics, with applications to a variety of subfields including black holes and cosmology, nuclear physics others. This episode is an introduction to the core ideas of the f[...] String Theory is currently one of the most important theories in fundamental physics, with applications to a variety of subfields including black holes and cosmology, nuclear physics others. This episode is an introduction to the core ideas of the field, as well as to some of its applications. Our guest is Alexander Westphal of Germany's particle physics lab DESY. He does a wonderful job of introducing the very abstract topic in a way that could be understood by non-physicists, at least to some degree. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/190-sofia-part-2-the-flights/ http://omegataupodcast.net/190-sofia-part-2-the-flights/#comments Tue, 08 Dec 2015 18:20:35 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2320 SOFIA is an airborne observatory, a Boeing 747SP modified to carry a 2.7m infrared telescope in the back of the fuselage. In late October 2015, I had the opportunity to fly on SOFIA during science missions 248 and 249. This episode captures these two flights. The episode is a mix between interviews with scientists and aircrew, recordings from the intercom system and some narration by me. The list of guests can be seen on the episode page - it is too long for the abstract. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/190-sofia-part-2-the-flights/feed/ 27 6:55:48 SOFIA is an airborne observatory, a Boeing 747SP modified to carry a 2.7m infrared telescope in the back of the fuselage. In late October 2015, I had the opportunity to fly on SOFIA during science missions 248 and 249. This episode captures these tw[...] SOFIA is an airborne observatory, a Boeing 747SP modified to carry a 2.7m infrared telescope in the back of the fuselage. In late October 2015, I had the opportunity to fly on SOFIA during science missions 248 and 249. This episode captures these two flights. The episode is a mix between interviews with scientists and aircrew, recordings from the intercom system and some narration by me. The list of guests can be seen on the episode page - it is too long for the abstract. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/189-sofia-part-1-basics/ http://omegataupodcast.net/189-sofia-part-1-basics/#comments Mon, 30 Nov 2015 14:27:22 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2310 SOFIA is an airborne observatory, a Boeing 747SP modified to carry a 2.7m infrared telescope in the back of the fuselage. In the context of the preparation for my SOFIA flights, I visited the DSI in Stuttgart several times during this summer to record interviews with various DSI people about SOFIA. This episode covers these interviews, plus a recording of the visit of the instrument labs in Palmdale. The guests and topics are Alfred Krabbe, Head of the DSI, on the history and some of the science; Thomas Keilig, CEO of DSI, on the airplane and the modifications; Christian Fischer, Project Engineer of FIFI-LS, on the instrument and some of the science; Dörte Mehlert, Education and Public Outreach, on education and the flying teachers programme; and Zaheer Ali, head of the science and mission operations laboratory, on that lab. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/189-sofia-part-1-basics/feed/ 7 2:48:50 SOFIA is an airborne observatory, a Boeing 747SP modified to carry a 2.7m infrared telescope in the back of the fuselage. In the context of the preparation for my SOFIA flights, I visited the DSI in Stuttgart several times during this summer to reco[...] SOFIA is an airborne observatory, a Boeing 747SP modified to carry a 2.7m infrared telescope in the back of the fuselage. In the context of the preparation for my SOFIA flights, I visited the DSI in Stuttgart several times during this summer to record interviews with various DSI people about SOFIA. This episode covers these interviews, plus a recording of the visit of the instrument labs in Palmdale. The guests and topics are Alfred Krabbe, Head of the DSI, on the history and some of the science; Thomas Keilig, CEO of DSI, on the airplane and the modifications; Christian Fischer, Project Engineer of FIFI-LS, on the instrument and some of the science; Dörte Mehlert, Education and Public Outreach, on education and the flying teachers programme; and Zaheer Ali, head of the science and mission operations laboratory, on that lab. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/185-nuclear-test-monitoring-and-the-ctbt/ http://omegataupodcast.net/185-nuclear-test-monitoring-and-the-ctbt/#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2015 14:21:42 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2271 Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is an international treaty, still being ratified, that bans all nuclear tests. An important ingredient to the test is monitoring, whether nuclear tests will be performed nonetheless. To this end, the CTBT Preparatory Commission has established a world-spanning monitoring system that relies on seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound and radionuclide monitoring. In this episode, our guest is Randy Bell who runs the international data center and is thus responsible for running the monitoring network and evaluating the collected data. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/185-nuclear-test-monitoring-and-the-ctbt/feed/ 5 1:53:59 The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is an international treaty, still being ratified, that bans all nuclear tests. An important ingredient to the test is monitoring, whether nuclear tests will be performed nonetheless. To this end, the [...] The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is an international treaty, still being ratified, that bans all nuclear tests. An important ingredient to the test is monitoring, whether nuclear tests will be performed nonetheless. To this end, the CTBT Preparatory Commission has established a world-spanning monitoring system that relies on seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound and radionuclide monitoring. In this episode, our guest is Randy Bell who runs the international data center and is thus responsible for running the monitoring network and evaluating the collected data. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/184-societal-complexity-and-collapse/ http://omegataupodcast.net/184-societal-complexity-and-collapse/#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2015 18:28:49 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2267 Joseph Tainter, our guest in this episode, is an anthropologist and historian. In 1988 he wrote a book called The Collapse of Complex Societies in which he argues that societies inevitably increase their inherent complexity, and, if and when the complexity becomes too "expensive" (diminishing returns), a society will collapse. In this episode, Joe explains his rationale and provides historic examples for collapse. We then discuss his theory relative today's world, concluding with a not alltogether positive outlook. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/184-societal-complexity-and-collapse/feed/ 30 1:14:13 Joseph Tainter, our guest in this episode, is an anthropologist and historian. In 1988 he wrote a book called The Collapse of Complex Societies in which he argues that societies inevitably increase their inherent complexity, and, if and when the com[...] Joseph Tainter, our guest in this episode, is an anthropologist and historian. In 1988 he wrote a book called The Collapse of Complex Societies in which he argues that societies inevitably increase their inherent complexity, and, if and when the complexity becomes too "expensive" (diminishing returns), a society will collapse. In this episode, Joe explains his rationale and provides historic examples for collapse. We then discuss his theory relative today's world, concluding with a not alltogether positive outlook. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/183-aerobatics-and-red-bull-air-racing/ http://omegataupodcast.net/183-aerobatics-and-red-bull-air-racing/#comments Mon, 05 Oct 2015 06:51:45 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2259 Matt Hall is a pilot at the Red Bull Air Race and a professional aerobatics/air show pilot, and in this episode we talk about both. We start out with how Matt got into flying through gliders and ultralights. We then discuss competition aerobatics and air show flying, and the difference between the two. We continue with air racing and take a look at his MXS-R airplane, which, at the time of recording, was at the DG factory in Bruchsal, where we met for the recording. We conclude the episode with a brief discussion of his military flying, which included the F-18 for the RAAF and the F-15E on exchange with the USAF. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/183-aerobatics-and-red-bull-air-racing/feed/ 17 1:48:59 Matt Hall is a pilot at the Red Bull Air Race and a professional aerobatics/air show pilot, and in this episode we talk about both. We start out with how Matt got into flying through gliders and ultralights. We then discuss competition aerobatics an[...] Matt Hall is a pilot at the Red Bull Air Race and a professional aerobatics/air show pilot, and in this episode we talk about both. We start out with how Matt got into flying through gliders and ultralights. We then discuss competition aerobatics and air show flying, and the difference between the two. We continue with air racing and take a look at his MXS-R airplane, which, at the time of recording, was at the DG factory in Bruchsal, where we met for the recording. We conclude the episode with a brief discussion of his military flying, which included the F-18 for the RAAF and the F-15E on exchange with the USAF. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/181-why-megaprojects-fail-and-what-to-do-about-it/ http://omegataupodcast.net/181-why-megaprojects-fail-and-what-to-do-about-it/#comments Thu, 17 Sep 2015 05:40:31 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2250 Bent Flyvbjerg of the Said Business School at Oxford University has spent his career finding out. Together with his teams he has collected lots of data about successful and unsuccessful megaprojects, and has also developed tools to help such projects increase the likelihood of success. In this episode, Bent gives us an insight into his important research. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/181-why-megaprojects-fail-and-what-to-do-about-it/feed/ 10 1:07:15 Megaprojects can be identified by their size -- in the Billions -- and also by the fact that most of them are considered a failure in terms of cost overrun, delay or the benefit delivered. Why do over 90% of such projects fail? Professor Bent Flyvbj[...] Megaprojects can be identified by their size -- in the Billions -- and also by the fact that most of them are considered a failure in terms of cost overrun, delay or the benefit delivered. Why do over 90% of such projects fail? Professor Bent Flyvbjerg of the Said Business School at Oxford University has spent his career finding out. Together with his teams he has collected lots of data about successful and unsuccessful megaprojects, and has also developed tools to help such projects increase the likelihood of success. In this episode, Bent gives us an insight into his important research. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/176-the-gemini-programme/ http://omegataupodcast.net/176-the-gemini-programme/#comments Sat, 18 Jul 2015 15:53:00 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2188 David Woods (who has been on the show talking about Apollo) and David Harland. Together they wrote a book on Gemini that serves as the rough outline of this conversation. We talk about the Gemini spacecraft itself, the launch vehicles, some of the achievements and learnings of the programme as well as some of the specifics of some of the missions. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/176-the-gemini-programme/feed/ 17 2:34:50 The Gemini programme of the mid-sixties is relatively unknown, even though it was an important stepping stone in the Apollo moon programme: Gemini is where NASA learned to fly in space. In this episode we cover Gemini with our two guests David Woods[...] The Gemini programme of the mid-sixties is relatively unknown, even though it was an important stepping stone in the Apollo moon programme: Gemini is where NASA learned to fly in space. In this episode we cover Gemini with our two guests David Woods (who has been on the show talking about Apollo) and David Harland. Together they wrote a book on Gemini that serves as the rough outline of this conversation. We talk about the Gemini spacecraft itself, the launch vehicles, some of the achievements and learnings of the programme as well as some of the specifics of some of the missions. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/175-disordered-systems/ http://omegataupodcast.net/175-disordered-systems/#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2015 18:57:40 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2182 Peter Sollich of King's College, London about disordered systems, statistical mechanics and complexity. In particular, we discuss the difference between quenched and annealing disorder, the relation to entropy, complexity and chaos, the formalisms used to tackle such systems as well as a whole lot of examples from physics and other sciences. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/175-disordered-systems/feed/ 8 1:48:37 In this episode we talk with Peter Sollich of King's College, London about disordered systems, statistical mechanics and complexity. In particular, we discuss the difference between quenched and annealing disorder, the relation to entropy, complexit[...] In this episode we talk with Peter Sollich of King's College, London about disordered systems, statistical mechanics and complexity. In particular, we discuss the difference between quenched and annealing disorder, the relation to entropy, complexity and chaos, the formalisms used to tackle such systems as well as a whole lot of examples from physics and other sciences. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/174-stem-cells/ http://omegataupodcast.net/174-stem-cells/#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2015 10:58:44 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2160 Derrick Rossi of Harvard and the Boston Children's Hospital. In the episode we introduce the different kinds of stem cells and their role in the body and in medical treatments. We then discuss some clinical use cases as well as current research (in general and in Derrick's group). ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/174-stem-cells/feed/ 3 2:05:38 Stem cells are an important part of today's medical practice, and their importance will grow in the future based on research conducted today. One of the researchers in Derrick Rossi of Harvard and the Boston Children's Hospital. In the episode we in[...] Stem cells are an important part of today's medical practice, and their importance will grow in the future based on research conducted today. One of the researchers in Derrick Rossi of Harvard and the Boston Children's Hospital. In the episode we introduce the different kinds of stem cells and their role in the body and in medical treatments. We then discuss some clinical use cases as well as current research (in general and in Derrick's group). podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/172-chasing-bears-with-the-phantom/ http://omegataupodcast.net/172-chasing-bears-with-the-phantom/#comments Sun, 17 May 2015 13:53:16 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2108 http://omegataupodcast.net/172-chasing-bears-with-the-phantom/feed/ 24 2:20:23 In this episode we talk to former RAF pilot Nick Anderson about his time flying the F-4 Phantom II in the cold war. We start out by describing the Phantom itself, the specific of the British Phantoms, and how it flew from a pilot's perspective. We t[...] In this episode we talk to former RAF pilot Nick Anderson about his time flying the F-4 Phantom II in the cold war. We start out by describing the Phantom itself, the specific of the British Phantoms, and how it flew from a pilot's perspective. We then discuss flying in the cold war and walk through a typical intercept mission. We close with a Nick's personal perspective on the time and his flying, as well as with a quick view on the recent intercepts of Russian bombers in Europe. Nick has also kindly provided us with captioned images, which you can if you click through to the episode page. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/170-race-car-design/ http://omegataupodcast.net/170-race-car-design/#comments Sun, 19 Apr 2015 10:31:32 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2067 Toyota Motorsport earlier this year and talked with Alastair Moffitt and a few of his colleagues. We start out with an introduction to TMG (Alastair Moffitt), then talk about component and full-car testing (Marco Gehlen), and then discuss wind tunnels and aerodynamics (Antonio Pavesi and Rene Hilhorst). We also cover design trade-offs, team/driver integration, the role of the driver during development, the cockpit, the elements on the steering wheel as well as testing. We close with a look at additive manufacturing (3D Printing) in TMG's work. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/170-race-car-design/feed/ 12 3:00:52 In this episode we talk about the design, engineering and testing of race cars. I have visited Toyota Motorsport earlier this year and talked with Alastair Moffitt and a few of his colleagues. We start out with an introduction to TMG (Alastair Moffi[...] In this episode we talk about the design, engineering and testing of race cars. I have visited Toyota Motorsport earlier this year and talked with Alastair Moffitt and a few of his colleagues. We start out with an introduction to TMG (Alastair Moffitt), then talk about component and full-car testing (Marco Gehlen), and then discuss wind tunnels and aerodynamics (Antonio Pavesi and Rene Hilhorst). We also cover design trade-offs, team/driver integration, the role of the driver during development, the cockpit, the elements on the steering wheel as well as testing. We close with a look at additive manufacturing (3D Printing) in TMG's work. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/167-the-apollo-guidance-computer/ http://omegataupodcast.net/167-the-apollo-guidance-computer/#comments Wed, 04 Mar 2015 20:45:37 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2048 Frank O'Brien, who wrote an incredibly detailed book about this machine. In the episode we cover the hardware architecture, the instruction set, the various layers (native, executive and interpreter) as well as some mission programs. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/167-the-apollo-guidance-computer/feed/ 14 2:24:02 This episode is a mix between computer architecture, programming and (historic) space flight. We cover the ins and outs of the Apollo Guidance Computer. Our guest ist Frank O'Brien, who wrote an incredibly detailed book about this machine. In the ep[...] This episode is a mix between computer architecture, programming and (historic) space flight. We cover the ins and outs of the Apollo Guidance Computer. Our guest ist Frank O'Brien, who wrote an incredibly detailed book about this machine. In the episode we cover the hardware architecture, the instruction set, the various layers (native, executive and interpreter) as well as some mission programs. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/166-flying-the-concorde/ http://omegataupodcast.net/166-flying-the-concorde/#comments Wed, 18 Feb 2015 18:28:25 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2043 http://omegataupodcast.net/166-flying-the-concorde/feed/ 49 2:06:15 Here is another episode in our ongoing (and hopefully never ending :-)) series on flying iconic airplanes. This time we talk with former Concorde pilot John Hutchinson about flying this Mach 2 airliner. We discuss the cornerstones of the design and [...] Here is another episode in our ongoing (and hopefully never ending :-)) series on flying iconic airplanes. This time we talk with former Concorde pilot John Hutchinson about flying this Mach 2 airliner. We discuss the cornerstones of the design and construction of the aircraft, its operation (mostly with British Airways), flying characteristics as well as the infamous accident in Paris in 2000 (on which John has some very specific opinions). podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/164-satellite-based-earth-observation/ http://omegataupodcast.net/164-satellite-based-earth-observation/#comments Sat, 17 Jan 2015 13:29:36 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2020 Netherlands Institute for Space Research about satellite-based Earth observation, and primarily about measuring the concentration of gases such as CO2 or Ozone from space. We talk about the effects of these gases on the atmosphere, how the sensors work in principle, and about the history and evolution of the sensors over the various missions. We conclude with a look on detecting and measuring aerosols and at the future challenges and current research for satellite-based earth observation. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/164-satellite-based-earth-observation/feed/ 6 2:09:17 This episode is a conversation with Ruud Hoogeveen from the Netherlands Institute for Space Research about satellite-based Earth observation, and primarily about measuring the concentration of gases such as CO2 or Ozone from space. We talk about th[...] This episode is a conversation with Ruud Hoogeveen from the Netherlands Institute for Space Research about satellite-based Earth observation, and primarily about measuring the concentration of gases such as CO2 or Ozone from space. We talk about the effects of these gases on the atmosphere, how the sensors work in principle, and about the history and evolution of the sensors over the various missions. We conclude with a look on detecting and measuring aerosols and at the future challenges and current research for satellite-based earth observation. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/162-shuttle-mission-control/ http://omegataupodcast.net/162-shuttle-mission-control/#comments Thu, 18 Dec 2014 17:34:54 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=2005 Dan Adamo, a former flight dynamics officer (FDO) in the Mission Control Center. We cover the organization of mission control, the various roles, qualification and training, the specific tasks of the FDO as well as a little bit of history. Dan also relates many interesting episodes from his time "in the trench". This is the last episode in 2014. Nora and Markus wish you Merry Christmas, a few quiet days between the years and a good start into 2015. Stay tuned, there's a lot of good stuff coming on this station :-) ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/162-shuttle-mission-control/feed/ 13 2:41:38 In this episode we talk about mission control for the Space Shuttle. Our guest is Dan Adamo, a former flight dynamics officer (FDO) in the Mission Control Center. We cover the organization of mission control, the various roles, qualification and tra[...] In this episode we talk about mission control for the Space Shuttle. Our guest is Dan Adamo, a former flight dynamics officer (FDO) in the Mission Control Center. We cover the organization of mission control, the various roles, qualification and training, the specific tasks of the FDO as well as a little bit of history. Dan also relates many interesting episodes from his time "in the trench". This is the last episode in 2014. Nora and Markus wish you Merry Christmas, a few quiet days between the years and a good start into 2015. Stay tuned, there's a lot of good stuff coming on this station :-) podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/159-analog-computers/ http://omegataupodcast.net/159-analog-computers/#comments Sat, 15 Nov 2014 11:20:24 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1983 Bernd Ulmann who runs the Analog Computer Museum near Wiesbaden, Germany. In the episode we talk about what analog computers are (mechanical, electronic, digital), how they are programmed, what they are used for and why they should (and will?) be used in modern computing as well. We close the episode with a short discussion of the VAX and the AN/FSQ-7, both computer systems near and dear to Bernd. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/159-analog-computers/feed/ 19 1:51:13 This episode is about analog computers, which are computers that compute using a physical model of a real system, often using analog electronic devices. Our guest is Bernd Ulmann who runs the Analog Computer Museum near Wiesbaden, Germany. In the ep[...] This episode is about analog computers, which are computers that compute using a physical model of a real system, often using analog electronic devices. Our guest is Bernd Ulmann who runs the Analog Computer Museum near Wiesbaden, Germany. In the episode we talk about what analog computers are (mechanical, electronic, digital), how they are programmed, what they are used for and why they should (and will?) be used in modern computing as well. We close the episode with a short discussion of the VAX and the AN/FSQ-7, both computer systems near and dear to Bernd. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/157-fusion-at-iter/ http://omegataupodcast.net/157-fusion-at-iter/#comments Wed, 15 Oct 2014 06:04:27 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1943 ITER, the international project to build an experimental fusion plant in southern France. While on vacation in that area, I had the opportunity to visit the site and talk to Richard Pitts about many aspects of the project. We focus mostly on the physics and the engineering challenges, but also address some of the organizational aspects of this huge scientific project. Note that this episode is essentially a continuation of omega tau 022 - Nuclear Fusion at MPI für Plasmaphysik; I recommend to listen to this episode first, if you haven't done so yet. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/157-fusion-at-iter/feed/ 24 3:27:13 This episode is about ITER, the international project to build an experimental fusion plant in southern France. While on vacation in that area, I had the opportunity to visit the site and talk to Richard Pitts about many aspects of the project. We f[...] This episode is about ITER, the international project to build an experimental fusion plant in southern France. While on vacation in that area, I had the opportunity to visit the site and talk to Richard Pitts about many aspects of the project. We focus mostly on the physics and the engineering challenges, but also address some of the organizational aspects of this huge scientific project. Note that this episode is essentially a continuation of omega tau 022 - Nuclear Fusion at MPI für Plasmaphysik; I recommend to listen to this episode first, if you haven't done so yet. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/153-high-performance-computing/ http://omegataupodcast.net/153-high-performance-computing/#comments Sat, 09 Aug 2014 16:57:53 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1899 Iain Bethune from the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Center about high-performance computing: the topic has played an implicit role in many previous omega tau episodes, and this episode treats it explicitly. We discuss different architectures (supercomputers, commodity clusters, grid computing), programming languages and software design as well as application areas. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/153-high-performance-computing/feed/ 7 2:29:53 This episode is a conversation with Iain Bethune from the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Center about high-performance computing: the topic has played an implicit role in many previous omega tau episodes, and this episode treats it explicitly. We disc[...] This episode is a conversation with Iain Bethune from the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Center about high-performance computing: the topic has played an implicit role in many previous omega tau episodes, and this episode treats it explicitly. We discuss different architectures (supercomputers, commodity clusters, grid computing), programming languages and software design as well as application areas. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/150-the-european-extremely-large-telescope/ http://omegataupodcast.net/150-the-european-extremely-large-telescope/#comments Fri, 20 Jun 2014 06:31:45 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1887 Jochen Liske from the European Southern Observatory about the E-ELT Telescope for which construction is about to start. We discuss the engineering challenges of building a 40m mirror and the associated telescope, as well as the science that is planned to be addressed with the E-ELT once it is finished. We also discuss a number of issues around optical astronomy in general that were not covered in our episode about the LBT. Joe Liske is also the host of both the HUBBLEcast and the ESOCast, two video podcasts about astronomy you may want to check out. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/150-the-european-extremely-large-telescope/feed/ 23 2:01:17 In this episode we talk with Jochen Liske from the European Southern Observatory about the E-ELT Telescope for which construction is about to start. We discuss the engineering challenges of building a 40m mirror and the associated telescope, as well[...] In this episode we talk with Jochen Liske from the European Southern Observatory about the E-ELT Telescope for which construction is about to start. We discuss the engineering challenges of building a 40m mirror and the associated telescope, as well as the science that is planned to be addressed with the E-ELT once it is finished. We also discuss a number of issues around optical astronomy in general that were not covered in our episode about the LBT. Joe Liske is also the host of both the HUBBLEcast and the ESOCast, two video podcasts about astronomy you may want to check out. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/148-flying-the-harrier/ http://omegataupodcast.net/148-flying-the-harrier/#comments Sat, 24 May 2014 19:07:11 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1877 Harrier, the iconic VTOL fighter. Our guests are Joe Anderson and Art Nalls, who both fly Art's civilian Harrier in airshows. We discussed the history of the Harrier and its predecessors, talked about its use in the military and the advantages of STOVL and then discussed in some details the intricacies of flying a Harrier (compared to other aircraft). We concluded by talking about Art and Joe's airshow activities. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/148-flying-the-harrier/feed/ 27 2:09:44 In our little series on interesting aircraft, this episode covers the Harrier, the iconic VTOL fighter. Our guests are Joe Anderson and Art Nalls, who both fly Art's civilian Harrier in airshows. We discussed the history of the Harrier and its prede[...] In our little series on interesting aircraft, this episode covers the Harrier, the iconic VTOL fighter. Our guests are Joe Anderson and Art Nalls, who both fly Art's civilian Harrier in airshows. We discussed the history of the Harrier and its predecessors, talked about its use in the military and the advantages of STOVL and then discussed in some details the intricacies of flying a Harrier (compared to other aircraft). We concluded by talking about Art and Joe's airshow activities. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/146-container-shipping/ http://omegataupodcast.net/146-container-shipping/#comments Sun, 27 Apr 2014 07:42:12 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1854 http://omegataupodcast.net/146-container-shipping/feed/ 34 2:35:02 This episode is a conversation about the world-wide container shipping infrastructure with Martin Clausen, the former general counsel of Maersk and Nicolas Guilbert from Ange Optimization. We discuss the history of containers, routing, some details [...] This episode is a conversation about the world-wide container shipping infrastructure with Martin Clausen, the former general counsel of Maersk and Nicolas Guilbert from Ange Optimization. We discuss the history of containers, routing, some details about the ships and container terminals as well as a brief outlook on the future of the container shipping industry. In part two we take a deeper look at optimisation of container stowage on ships and network planning. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/144-flying-from-aircraft-carriers/ http://omegataupodcast.net/144-flying-from-aircraft-carriers/#comments Sun, 30 Mar 2014 07:37:04 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1841 http://omegataupodcast.net/144-flying-from-aircraft-carriers/feed/ 12 2:09:44 This is the long-awaited episode on flying from aircraft carriers. Our guest is Scotty Bates who flew from US carriers in the 70s. We discuss all aspects of carrier aviation including training, cat shots, arrested landing, pattern work and how all o[...] This is the long-awaited episode on flying from aircraft carriers. Our guest is Scotty Bates who flew from US carriers in the 70s. We discuss all aspects of carrier aviation including training, cat shots, arrested landing, pattern work and how all of it changes at night or in bad weather. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/143-collision-avoidance-with-flarm/ http://omegataupodcast.net/143-collision-avoidance-with-flarm/#comments Sun, 16 Mar 2014 06:53:19 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1837 Flarm Technology GmbH about FLARM, a collision avoidance system for gliders and general aviation. We talk about the history of the FLARM system as well as about newer developments such as the PowerFlarm. Mostly, however, we talk about how FLARM works and how PowerFlarm integrates with Transponders and ADS-B systems. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/143-collision-avoidance-with-flarm/feed/ 13 1:11:26 In this episode we talk with Gerhard Wesp, Development Manager Avionics at Flarm Technology GmbH about FLARM, a collision avoidance system for gliders and general aviation. We talk about the history of the FLARM system as well as about newer develop[...] In this episode we talk with Gerhard Wesp, Development Manager Avionics at Flarm Technology GmbH about FLARM, a collision avoidance system for gliders and general aviation. We talk about the history of the FLARM system as well as about newer developments such as the PowerFlarm. Mostly, however, we talk about how FLARM works and how PowerFlarm integrates with Transponders and ADS-B systems. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/142-making-ayreons-music/ http://omegataupodcast.net/142-making-ayreons-music/#comments Fri, 28 Feb 2014 19:49:26 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1833 Arjen Anthony Lucassen, the man behind Ayreon about his music. We discuss about composition, instruments, recording, editing, mastering, as well as about some other random relating to his music and the music business. The episode also contains some of his songs to give non-Ayreon fans the necessary background. We also included parts of those songs Arjen cited as influences or used as examples for classical sounds. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/142-making-ayreons-music/feed/ 29 2:38:56 In this episode we talk with Arjen Anthony Lucassen, the man behind Ayreon about his music. We discuss about composition, instruments, recording, editing, mastering, as well as about some other random relating to his music and the music business. Th[...] In this episode we talk with Arjen Anthony Lucassen, the man behind Ayreon about his music. We discuss about composition, instruments, recording, editing, mastering, as well as about some other random relating to his music and the music business. The episode also contains some of his songs to give non-Ayreon fans the necessary background. We also included parts of those songs Arjen cited as influences or used as examples for classical sounds. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/140-self-driving-cars/ http://omegataupodcast.net/140-self-driving-cars/#comments Sat, 01 Feb 2014 11:08:37 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1825 Jonathan Sprinkle, assistant professor at the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Arizona. We talk about the topic mainly from the perspective of (software and systems) engineering, but also address legal and societal questions. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/140-self-driving-cars/feed/ 17 1:59:18 This episode is about autonomous vehicles (aka self-driving cars). Our guest is Jonathan Sprinkle, assistant professor at the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Arizona. We talk about the topic mainly from the pe[...] This episode is about autonomous vehicles (aka self-driving cars). Our guest is Jonathan Sprinkle, assistant professor at the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Arizona. We talk about the topic mainly from the perspective of (software and systems) engineering, but also address legal and societal questions. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/134-high-energy-neutrinos-and-the-icecube-neutrino-observatory/ http://omegataupodcast.net/134-high-energy-neutrinos-and-the-icecube-neutrino-observatory/#comments Thu, 21 Nov 2013 18:46:39 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1795 DESY's Markus Ackermann about the the evidence for astrophysical neutrinos and why they are important. We also discuss how the the IceCube Neutrino Observatory works, which opened up this new field of astronomy. We conclude with a brief conversation about traveling to, and living at the south pole, where IceCube is located. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/134-high-energy-neutrinos-and-the-icecube-neutrino-observatory/feed/ 13 1:03:11 This episode covers the discovery (strictly speaking, "strong evidence") for high-energy (astrophysical) neutrinos. The discovery was announced on 22 November 2013. In this episode we talk with DESY's Markus Ackermann about the the evidence for astr[...] This episode covers the discovery (strictly speaking, "strong evidence") for high-energy (astrophysical) neutrinos. The discovery was announced on 22 November 2013. In this episode we talk with DESY's Markus Ackermann about the the evidence for astrophysical neutrinos and why they are important. We also discuss how the the IceCube Neutrino Observatory works, which opened up this new field of astronomy. We conclude with a brief conversation about traveling to, and living at the south pole, where IceCube is located. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/133-the-space-shuttle-part-2-operations/ http://omegataupodcast.net/133-the-space-shuttle-part-2-operations/#comments Sun, 27 Oct 2013 10:43:21 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1564 a quite technical book on the shuttle. In this episode we talk about some of the shuttle's operations, including launch, landing and proximity operations in space. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/133-the-space-shuttle-part-2-operations/feed/ 26 1:58:32 This is the second of two episodes on the the Space Shuttle's systems and operations. We talk to Davide Sivolella, an aerospace engineer who has written a quite technical book on the shuttle. In this episode we talk about some of the shuttle's opera[...] This is the second of two episodes on the the Space Shuttle's systems and operations. We talk to Davide Sivolella, an aerospace engineer who has written a quite technical book on the shuttle. In this episode we talk about some of the shuttle's operations, including launch, landing and proximity operations in space. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/132-the-space-shuttle-part-1-systems/ http://omegataupodcast.net/132-the-space-shuttle-part-1-systems/#comments Sat, 12 Oct 2013 15:23:45 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1554 a quite technical book on the shuttle. In this episode we talk about some of the shuttle's systems, including the structure, the engines, the boosters and the thermal protection system. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/132-the-space-shuttle-part-1-systems/feed/ 21 1:36:36 This is the first of two episodes on the the Space Shuttle's systems and operations. We talk to Davide Sivolella, an aerospace engineer who has written a quite technical book on the shuttle. In this episode we talk about some of the shuttle's system[...] This is the first of two episodes on the the Space Shuttle's systems and operations. We talk to Davide Sivolella, an aerospace engineer who has written a quite technical book on the shuttle. In this episode we talk about some of the shuttle's systems, including the structure, the engines, the boosters and the thermal protection system. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/130-violin-physics/ http://omegataupodcast.net/130-violin-physics/#comments Fri, 06 Sep 2013 19:02:33 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1535 Jim Woodhouse of Cambridge University. We discuss the way the bow interacts with the strings, the different vibration modes of the body and how they influence the sound and the playability of the violin as well as how scientific methods (can) help with understanding existing and creating new violins. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/130-violin-physics/feed/ 15 1:37:33 In this episode we investigate the physics of the violin in a conversation with Jim Woodhouse of Cambridge University. We discuss the way the bow interacts with the strings, the different vibration modes of the body and how they influence the sound [...] In this episode we investigate the physics of the violin in a conversation with Jim Woodhouse of Cambridge University. We discuss the way the bow interacts with the strings, the different vibration modes of the body and how they influence the sound and the playability of the violin as well as how scientific methods (can) help with understanding existing and creating new violins. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/127-wolfram-alpha/ http://omegataupodcast.net/127-wolfram-alpha/#comments Thu, 04 Jul 2013 12:28:31 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1439 Wolfram|Alpha, Wolfram's computational knowledge engine and the backend of Siri. Our guest is Michael Trott, the chief scientist of Wolfram|Alpha. In the episode we discuss how Wolfram|Alpha works, including aspects of language processing, ontologies and semantics as well as presentation of results to the user. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/127-wolfram-alpha/feed/ 5 1:09:39 This episode covers Wolfram|Alpha, Wolfram's computational knowledge engine and the backend of Siri. Our guest is Michael Trott, the chief scientist of Wolfram|Alpha. In the episode we discuss how Wolfram|Alpha works, including aspect[...] This episode covers Wolfram|Alpha, Wolfram's computational knowledge engine and the backend of Siri. Our guest is Michael Trott, the chief scientist of Wolfram|Alpha. In the episode we discuss how Wolfram|Alpha works, including aspects of language processing, ontologies and semantics as well as presentation of results to the user. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/126-mathematica/ http://omegataupodcast.net/126-mathematica/#comments Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:18:33 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1431 Mathematica, Wolfram Research's technical computing system. With our guest, kernel developer Daniel Lichtblau, we discuss Mathematica's capabilities for symbolic, numeric and other forms of computation, and we can do and how it works internally. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/126-mathematica/feed/ 13 2:04:11 In this episode we discuss Mathematica, Wolfram Research's technical computing system. With our guest, kernel developer Daniel Lichtblau, we discuss Mathematica's capabilities for symbolic, numeric and other forms of computation, and we can do and [...] In this episode we discuss Mathematica, Wolfram Research's technical computing system. With our guest, kernel developer Daniel Lichtblau, we discuss Mathematica's capabilities for symbolic, numeric and other forms of computation, and we can do and how it works internally. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/124-the-concordia-sailplane/ http://omegataupodcast.net/124-the-concordia-sailplane/#comments Mon, 06 May 2013 18:33:33 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1416 Concordia, currently the world's most advanced sailplane. In the episode we discuss the team behind Concordia, the design challenges, the unique aspects of construction as well as Dick's preliminary experience flying the airplane. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/124-the-concordia-sailplane/feed/ 18 1:29:39 This episode is a conversation with Dick Butler, pilot and head of design and construction for Concordia, currently the world's most advanced sailplane. In the episode we discuss the team behind Concordia, the design challenges, the unique aspects o[...] This episode is a conversation with Dick Butler, pilot and head of design and construction for Concordia, currently the world's most advanced sailplane. In the episode we discuss the team behind Concordia, the design challenges, the unique aspects of construction as well as Dick's preliminary experience flying the airplane. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/122-artificial-intelligence/ http://omegataupodcast.net/122-artificial-intelligence/#comments Sat, 06 Apr 2013 08:45:16 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1400 Ray Mooney about artificial intelligence. We start out by providing an overview over the field in general. We discuss some historical aspects as well as some of its subfields. We then spend some time looking at Ray Mooney's own specialties: machine learning and natural language processing. We conclude the episode with a brief conversation about IBM's Watson, the computer than won the jeopardy game. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/122-artificial-intelligence/feed/ 21 1:42:37 In this episode we talk to UT Austin's Ray Mooney about artificial intelligence. We start out by providing an overview over the field in general. We discuss some historical aspects as well as some of its subfields. We then spend some time looking at[...] In this episode we talk to UT Austin's Ray Mooney about artificial intelligence. We start out by providing an overview over the field in general. We discuss some historical aspects as well as some of its subfields. We then spend some time looking at Ray Mooney's own specialties: machine learning and natural language processing. We conclude the episode with a brief conversation about IBM's Watson, the computer than won the jeopardy game. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/121-perceptual-systems/ http://omegataupodcast.net/121-perceptual-systems/#comments Fri, 22 Mar 2013 17:49:11 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1395 Wilson S. Geisler, who is the director of the Center for Perceptual Systems at UT Austin. We discuss perception in general and about approaches used in perception research including neuroscience and computation and modeling. We discuss in some detail Bill's own field work work on vision and visual perception. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/121-perceptual-systems/feed/ 13 1:34:19 In this episode we discuss perception and perceptual systems with Wilson S. Geisler, who is the director of the Center for Perceptual Systems at UT Austin. We discuss perception in general and about approaches used in perception research including n[...] In this episode we discuss perception and perceptual systems with Wilson S. Geisler, who is the director of the Center for Perceptual Systems at UT Austin. We discuss perception in general and about approaches used in perception research including neuroscience and computation and modeling. We discuss in some detail Bill's own field work work on vision and visual perception. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/120-flying-caes-falcon-50-simulator/ http://omegataupodcast.net/120-flying-caes-falcon-50-simulator/#comments Mon, 11 Mar 2013 19:21:24 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1389 CAE's Dassault Falcon 50 simulator at CAE's Dallas/Ft. Worth Training Center. In the episode we first talk to the head of business aviation operations about CAE's flight training branch in general. The main part of the episode covers my three short flights in the Falcon 50 simulator with my flight instructor Paul Gilbert. In the third part, Paul and I talk about his job as a simulator flight instructor in general. And yes, I managed to land the plane several times :-) ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/120-flying-caes-falcon-50-simulator/feed/ 12 1:31:46 This episode covers my flights in CAE's Dassault Falcon 50 simulator at CAE's Dallas/Ft. Worth Training Center. In the episode we first talk to the head of business aviation operations about CAE's flight training branch in general. The main part of [...] This episode covers my flights in CAE's Dassault Falcon 50 simulator at CAE's Dallas/Ft. Worth Training Center. In the episode we first talk to the head of business aviation operations about CAE's flight training branch in general. The main part of the episode covers my three short flights in the Falcon 50 simulator with my flight instructor Paul Gilbert. In the third part, Paul and I talk about his job as a simulator flight instructor in general. And yes, I managed to land the plane several times :-) podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/119-chaos/ http://omegataupodcast.net/119-chaos/#comments Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:09:39 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1379 Harry Swinney and Michael Marder, both from UT Austin's Center for Nonlinear Dynamics. We discuss the basics of chaos, the kinds of systems that exhibit chaotic behavior, fractals, the phase space and the strange attractor. We also discussed practical applications of chaos theory and Harry's and Michael's current work. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/119-chaos/feed/ 7 1:38:06 This episode is about chaos, or more specifically non-linear dynamics and sensitive dependency on initial conditions. We talk to Harry Swinney and Michael Marder, both from UT Austin's Center for Nonlinear Dynamics. We discuss the basics of chaos, t[...] This episode is about chaos, or more specifically non-linear dynamics and sensitive dependency on initial conditions. We talk to Harry Swinney and Michael Marder, both from UT Austin's Center for Nonlinear Dynamics. We discuss the basics of chaos, the kinds of systems that exhibit chaotic behavior, fractals, the phase space and the strange attractor. We also discussed practical applications of chaos theory and Harry's and Michael's current work. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/117-genetics-computational-biology-and-social-behavior/ http://omegataupodcast.net/117-genetics-computational-biology-and-social-behavior/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 12:01:14 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1366 Hans Hofmann about a number of related topics in biology. We start with computational biology and bioinformatics (the original topic of the episode). From there we moved into genetics and DNA sequencing as an example for where comptutational biology is used. Finally, we talked about Hans' own research on biological foundations of social behavior. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/117-genetics-computational-biology-and-social-behavior/feed/ 1 1:14:53 This episode is a conversation with UT Austin's Hans Hofmann about a number of related topics in biology. We start with computational biology and bioinformatics (the original topic of the episode). From there we moved into genetics and DNA sequencin[...] This episode is a conversation with UT Austin's Hans Hofmann about a number of related topics in biology. We start with computational biology and bioinformatics (the original topic of the episode). From there we moved into genetics and DNA sequencing as an example for where comptutational biology is used. Finally, we talked about Hans' own research on biological foundations of social behavior. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/listener-survey-results/ http://omegataupodcast.net/listener-survey-results/#comments Sun, 10 Feb 2013 13:45:06 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1360 http://omegataupodcast.net/listener-survey-results/feed/ 17 0:41:53 In this episode we discuss the results of the recent listener survey. We discuss the overall structure of the audience and also look at some of the suggestions for improvement you gave us as part of the feedback. One result of the survey is that ver[...] In this episode we discuss the results of the recent listener survey. We discuss the overall structure of the audience and also look at some of the suggestions for improvement you gave us as part of the feedback. One result of the survey is that very few people listen only to the German episodes -- this is why we publish the survey results only in English :-) podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/116-walking-in-space/ http://omegataupodcast.net/116-walking-in-space/#comments Sat, 02 Feb 2013 14:34:54 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1352 Tom Jones. In the episode we cover the underwater training in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, we talk about the preparation of the space walk in the shuttle, and of course we discuss the spacewalking itself. In particular, we talk about Tom's participation in the STS-98 spacewalks that installed the Destiny lab onto the ISS. Note: I forgot in the episode to thank some listeners for the questions they contributed: Daniel Hölbling, Andrew Moylan, Henning Krause, Mathias Menzer, Ekki Beyer-Christoph, Jake Brownson, Clive van Hilten, and somebody called Tim. Sorry for that. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/116-walking-in-space/feed/ 9 1:03:05 In this episode we talk about extra-vehicular activities, also known as spacewalking, with former astronaut Tom Jones. In the episode we cover the underwater training in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, we talk about the preparation of the space walk in t[...] In this episode we talk about extra-vehicular activities, also known as spacewalking, with former astronaut Tom Jones. In the episode we cover the underwater training in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, we talk about the preparation of the space walk in the shuttle, and of course we discuss the spacewalking itself. In particular, we talk about Tom's participation in the STS-98 spacewalks that installed the Destiny lab onto the ISS. Note: I forgot in the episode to thank some listeners for the questions they contributed: Daniel Hölbling, Andrew Moylan, Henning Krause, Mathias Menzer, Ekki Beyer-Christoph, Jake Brownson, Clive van Hilten, and somebody called Tim. Sorry for that. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/115-biosphere-2/ http://omegataupodcast.net/115-biosphere-2/#comments Sun, 27 Jan 2013 09:09:14 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1345 Mitchell Pavao-Zuckerman about Biosphere 2. In the episode we discuss Biosphere 2 itself, its history and the missions that have been run there. We then discuss today's research at Biosphere 2: among others, this includes the Landscape Evolution Observatory and the Green Roofs project. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/115-biosphere-2/feed/ 4 0:51:22 This episode is a conversation with Mitchell Pavao-Zuckerman about Biosphere 2. In the episode we discuss Biosphere 2 itself, its history and the missions that have been run there. We then discuss today's research at Biosphere 2: among others, this [...] This episode is a conversation with Mitchell Pavao-Zuckerman about Biosphere 2. In the episode we discuss Biosphere 2 itself, its history and the missions that have been run there. We then discuss today's research at Biosphere 2: among others, this includes the Landscape Evolution Observatory and the Green Roofs project. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/113-the-creation-of-the-moon/ http://omegataupodcast.net/113-the-creation-of-the-moon/#comments Thu, 10 Jan 2013 08:30:29 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1311 Don Davis and Bill Hartmann In the episode we discuss in detail their theory that the moon has been created by an impact event into earth, as well as some of the history of this theory. We also discuss other space related topics such as water on the moon, human vs. robotic space flight, and flights to Mars. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/113-the-creation-of-the-moon/feed/ 10 1:30:02 This episode covers the moon, and in particular, its creation. We talk to the two scientists who came up with the theory of the moon's creation that is still prevalent today: Don Davis and Bill Hartmann In the episode we discuss in detail their theo[...] This episode covers the moon, and in particular, its creation. We talk to the two scientists who came up with the theory of the moon's creation that is still prevalent today: Don Davis and Bill Hartmann In the episode we discuss in detail their theory that the moon has been created by an impact event into earth, as well as some of the history of this theory. We also discuss other space related topics such as water on the moon, human vs. robotic space flight, and flights to Mars. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/112-planetary-science-and-comets/ http://omegataupodcast.net/112-planetary-science-and-comets/#comments Tue, 01 Jan 2013 11:31:06 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1222 Planetary Science Institute in Tucson, Arizona. This episode has two interviews. The first one, with Mark Sykes, the director of PSI, is about the PSI and planetary science in general. The second interview is with Beatrice Mueller about her research area, comets. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/112-planetary-science-and-comets/feed/ 4 1:27:59 This is the first of two episodes recorded at the Planetary Science Institute in Tucson, Arizona. This episode has two interviews. The first one, with Mark Sykes, the director of PSI, is about the PSI and planetary science in general. The second int[...] This is the first of two episodes recorded at the Planetary Science Institute in Tucson, Arizona. This episode has two interviews. The first one, with Mark Sykes, the director of PSI, is about the PSI and planetary science in general. The second interview is with Beatrice Mueller about her research area, comets. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/111-optical-astronomy-and-the-large-binocular-telescope/ http://omegataupodcast.net/111-optical-astronomy-and-the-large-binocular-telescope/#comments Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:05:24 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1254 Large Binocular Telescope near Tucson, Arizona. The episode is mostly a conversation with the telescope's director, Richard Green. We talk about optical astronomy in general and the LBT in particular. I also talk to a scientist who is currently observing at the telescope as well as a telescope operator. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/111-optical-astronomy-and-the-large-binocular-telescope/feed/ 19 3:01:07 This epsiode covers my visit at the Large Binocular Telescope near Tucson, Arizona. The episode is mostly a conversation with the telescope's director, Richard Green. We talk about optical astronomy in general and the LBT in particular. I also talk [...] This epsiode covers my visit at the Large Binocular Telescope near Tucson, Arizona. The episode is mostly a conversation with the telescope's director, Richard Green. We talk about optical astronomy in general and the LBT in particular. I also talk to a scientist who is currently observing at the telescope as well as a telescope operator. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/110-curiositys-landing-on-mars/ http://omegataupodcast.net/110-curiositys-landing-on-mars/#comments Wed, 12 Dec 2012 16:50:36 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1235 JPL's Anita Sengupta about Curiosity's landing on Mars. We first discuss the landing process itself and then focus on various aspects of the landing, in particular, the parachute. Next we discuss the development and test of that parachute. We conclude the episode with a general discussion about Mars Science Lab, Curiosity and space flight in general. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/110-curiositys-landing-on-mars/feed/ 7 1:03:01 This episode is a conversation with JPL's Anita Sengupta about Curiosity's landing on Mars. We first discuss the landing process itself and then focus on various aspects of the landing, in particular, the parachute. Next we discuss the development a[...] This episode is a conversation with JPL's Anita Sengupta about Curiosity's landing on Mars. We first discuss the landing process itself and then focus on various aspects of the landing, in particular, the parachute. Next we discuss the development and test of that parachute. We conclude the episode with a general discussion about Mars Science Lab, Curiosity and space flight in general. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/109-flying-the-u-2-dragon-lady/ http://omegataupodcast.net/109-flying-the-u-2-dragon-lady/#comments Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:26:36 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1227 Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance airplaine, the highest-flying jet-powered airplane currently in use. Our guest in the episode is Carl LaRue who has been flying the U-2C and the U-2R in the 60s and 70s. In the episode we discuss the airplane itself, the challenge of flying it, as well as a number of anecdotes surrounding the Dragon Lady. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/109-flying-the-u-2-dragon-lady/feed/ 7 2:06:22 This is the long-awaited episode about the Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance airplaine, the highest-flying jet-powered airplane currently in use. Our guest in the episode is Carl LaRue who has been flying the U-2C and the U-2R in the 60s and 7[...] This is the long-awaited episode about the Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance airplaine, the highest-flying jet-powered airplane currently in use. Our guest in the episode is Carl LaRue who has been flying the U-2C and the U-2R in the 60s and 70s. In the episode we discuss the airplane itself, the challenge of flying it, as well as a number of anecdotes surrounding the Dragon Lady. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/106-game-theory/ http://omegataupodcast.net/106-game-theory/#comments Sun, 28 Oct 2012 10:52:06 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1202 Ryan Murphy of ETH Zuerich about Game Theory. We introduce the topic in general, discuss a number of important games and also address their applicability for various other sciences, including biology, politics and economics. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/106-game-theory/feed/ 12 1:48:04 In this episode we talk to Ryan Murphy of ETH Zuerich about Game Theory. We introduce the topic in general, discuss a number of important games and also address their applicability for various other sciences, including biology, politics and economic[...] In this episode we talk to Ryan Murphy of ETH Zuerich about Game Theory. We introduce the topic in general, discuss a number of important games and also address their applicability for various other sciences, including biology, politics and economics. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/104-space-flight-dynamics/ http://omegataupodcast.net/104-space-flight-dynamics/#comments Fri, 05 Oct 2012 19:01:01 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1185 Rainer Kresken of ESA ESOC Darmstadt about orbital mechanics and space flight dynamics. We have obviously addressed this topic in earlier episodes, this episode really diggs down deeper, and helped me understand the concepts and the challenges much better. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/104-space-flight-dynamics/feed/ 9 1:30:27 In this episode we talk to Rainer Kresken of ESA ESOC Darmstadt about orbital mechanics and space flight dynamics. We have obviously addressed this topic in earlier episodes, this episode really diggs down deeper, and helped me understand the concep[...] In this episode we talk to Rainer Kresken of ESA ESOC Darmstadt about orbital mechanics and space flight dynamics. We have obviously addressed this topic in earlier episodes, this episode really diggs down deeper, and helped me understand the concepts and the challenges much better. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/102-discovering-the-higgs/ http://omegataupodcast.net/102-discovering-the-higgs/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2012 20:06:11 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1163 CMS group at DESY. We recap the role of the Higgs very briefly, look in some detail at the two detectors CMS and ATLAS, discuss the importance of the famous five sigma and look at the process by which such a discovery is confirmed and (re-)checked. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/102-discovering-the-higgs/feed/ 11 1:17:45 This episode wraps up our recent coverage on particle physics by discussing in some detail the recent discovery of a Higgs particle. Our guest in this episode is Kerstin Borras who heads up the CMS group at DESY. We recap the role of the Higgs very [...] This episode wraps up our recent coverage on particle physics by discussing in some detail the recent discovery of a Higgs particle. Our guest in this episode is Kerstin Borras who heads up the CMS group at DESY. We recap the role of the Higgs very briefly, look in some detail at the two detectors CMS and ATLAS, discuss the importance of the famous five sigma and look at the process by which such a discovery is confirmed and (re-)checked. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/100-system-health-mgt/ http://omegataupodcast.net/100-system-health-mgt/#comments Fri, 03 Aug 2012 05:59:39 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1131 Dr. Stephen B. Johnson about system health management, a set of techniques and processes used to improve system dependability. The episode is based on a book Stephen co-edited, and as a consequence of Stephen's background, we use aerospace examples in this episode. We discuss the fundamental concepts such as functions, states and the state vector, failures and faults. We then discuss the influence of complexity on failures, as well as human involvement. We discuss means to prevent failures such as fault isolation, redundancy and model adjustment. We conclude the three-hour conversation by looking at the future of systems engineering and system health management with a particular focus on formal methods. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/100-system-health-mgt/feed/ 12 3:15:25 In this 100th episode of omega tau we talk to Dr. Stephen B. Johnson about system health management, a set of techniques and processes used to improve system dependability. The episode is based on a book Stephen co-edited, and as a consequence of S[...] In this 100th episode of omega tau we talk to Dr. Stephen B. Johnson about system health management, a set of techniques and processes used to improve system dependability. The episode is based on a book Stephen co-edited, and as a consequence of Stephen's background, we use aerospace examples in this episode. We discuss the fundamental concepts such as functions, states and the state vector, failures and faults. We then discuss the influence of complexity on failures, as well as human involvement. We discuss means to prevent failures such as fault isolation, redundancy and model adjustment. We conclude the three-hour conversation by looking at the future of systems engineering and system health management with a particular focus on formal methods. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/98-kitepower-airborne-wind-energy/ http://omegataupodcast.net/98-kitepower-airborne-wind-energy/#comments Thu, 05 Jul 2012 18:37:25 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1090 Roland Schmehl who leads a team of researchers and engineers at TU Delft who develop the Kitepower system. In this system, kites are automatically flown in a pumping pattern to extract energy from wind as an alternative to classical ground-based wind turbines. In the conversation we cover the benefits of airborne wind energy in general and of kites in particular and we cover in some detail how the Delft system works technically. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/98-kitepower-airborne-wind-energy/feed/ 10 1:32:06 This episode is a conversation about airborne wind energy. In particular, we talk to Roland Schmehl who leads a team of researchers and engineers at TU Delft who develop the Kitepower system. In this system, kites are automatically flown in a pumpin[...] This episode is a conversation about airborne wind energy. In particular, we talk to Roland Schmehl who leads a team of researchers and engineers at TU Delft who develop the Kitepower system. In this system, kites are automatically flown in a pumping pattern to extract energy from wind as an alternative to classical ground-based wind turbines. In the conversation we cover the benefits of airborne wind energy in general and of kites in particular and we cover in some detail how the Delft system works technically. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/97-how-apollo-explored-the-moon/ http://omegataupodcast.net/97-how-apollo-explored-the-moon/#comments Mon, 18 Jun 2012 16:11:08 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1070 first Apollo episode, once again with W. David Woods, author of How Apollo Flew to the Moon. In this episode we cover that part that we omitted in the first episode: the time on the moon. We talk about life support, the various scientific instruments and experiments as well as the technology and use of the lunar rover (about which David is actually writing another book). ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/97-how-apollo-explored-the-moon/feed/ 21 2:00:50 This is the long-awaited follow-up to the first Apollo episode, once again with W. David Woods, author of How Apollo Flew to the Moon. In this episode we cover that part that we omitted in the first episode: the time on the moon. We talk about life[...] This is the long-awaited follow-up to the first Apollo episode, once again with W. David Woods, author of How Apollo Flew to the Moon. In this episode we cover that part that we omitted in the first episode: the time on the moon. We talk about life support, the various scientific instruments and experiments as well as the technology and use of the lunar rover (about which David is actually writing another book). podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/96-controlling-the-lhc-beam/ http://omegataupodcast.net/96-controlling-the-lhc-beam/#comments Sun, 03 Jun 2012 07:30:54 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1063 CERN we look at the LHC from the perspective of the beam producers, and more specifically, from the perspective of the control system for the LHC. To this end, we first talk to Vito Baggiolini, a software engineer in the controls group, and then we talk to Felix Ehm, a technical engineer for the beam control system. In the episode we recap what the LHC does and how it does it (you may want to re-listen to Episode 30 on the LHC), discuss the hardware elements used for beam control, some of the safety and security systems, as well as about the software aspects of the system. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/96-controlling-the-lhc-beam/feed/ 14 2:10:54 In this fourth (and for the time being, last) episode in the series on physics at CERN we look at the LHC from the perspective of the beam producers, and more specifically, from the perspective of the control system for the LHC. To this end, we firs[...] In this fourth (and for the time being, last) episode in the series on physics at CERN we look at the LHC from the perspective of the beam producers, and more specifically, from the perspective of the control system for the LHC. To this end, we first talk to Vito Baggiolini, a software engineer in the controls group, and then we talk to Felix Ehm, a technical engineer for the beam control system. In the episode we recap what the LHC does and how it does it (you may want to re-listen to Episode 30 on the LHC), discuss the hardware elements used for beam control, some of the safety and security systems, as well as about the software aspects of the system. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/95-antimatter/ http://omegataupodcast.net/95-antimatter/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 18:49:17 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=1018 Niels Madsen about Antimatter. We first discuss theoretical aspects about the topic, and then focus on the ALPHA Experiment. Since Niels is an experimentalist and has helped building essential parts of the experiment, we discuss the experiment in some detail. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/95-antimatter/feed/ 5 1:23:05 This episode is a conversation with CERN's Niels Madsen about Antimatter. We first discuss theoretical aspects about the topic, and then focus on the ALPHA Experiment. Since Niels is an experimentalist and has helped building essential parts of the [...] This episode is a conversation with CERN's Niels Madsen about Antimatter. We first discuss theoretical aspects about the topic, and then focus on the ALPHA Experiment. Since Niels is an experimentalist and has helped building essential parts of the experiment, we discuss the experiment in some detail. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/94-neutrinos/ http://omegataupodcast.net/94-neutrinos/#comments Sat, 05 May 2012 06:56:22 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=993 Gian Giudice about the theory of neutrinos; we also discuss what it would mean if they were actually faster than light. Part two is a conversation with Edda Gschwendtner about the CERN Neutrinos to Gran Sasso experiment and the OPERA detector. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/94-neutrinos/feed/ 6 1:47:09 In this episode we discuss neutrinos. In the first part we talk with CERN's Gian Giudice about the theory of neutrinos; we also discuss what it would mean if they were actually faster than light. Part two is a conversation with Edda Gschwendtner abo[...] In this episode we discuss neutrinos. In the first part we talk with CERN's Gian Giudice about the theory of neutrinos; we also discuss what it would mean if they were actually faster than light. Part two is a conversation with Edda Gschwendtner about the CERN Neutrinos to Gran Sasso experiment and the OPERA detector. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/93-the-standard-model-of-particle-physics/ http://omegataupodcast.net/93-the-standard-model-of-particle-physics/#comments Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:32:49 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=980 CERN. In this episode we are talking to John Ellis about the standard model of particle physics, which is the current "big picture" about how subatomic matter and fields work. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/93-the-standard-model-of-particle-physics/feed/ 20 1:23:31 This is the first episode in a series of episodes on particle physics and related research at CERN. In this episode we are talking to John Ellis about the standard model of particle physics, which is the current "big picture" about how subatomic ma[...] This is the first episode in a series of episodes on particle physics and related research at CERN. In this episode we are talking to John Ellis about the standard model of particle physics, which is the current "big picture" about how subatomic matter and fields work. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/92-building-and-living-on-the-iss/ http://omegataupodcast.net/92-building-and-living-on-the-iss/#comments Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:34:58 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=971 ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli about the construction of and life on the ISS. As part of the STS-120 shuttle mission, Paolo was involved in installing the Harmony Module onto ISS. Later he served as a flight engineer on board ISS, as part of Expeditions 26 and 27. In the episode we talk about his two missions and compare the experiences on the Shuttle, the ISS and the Soyuz. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/92-building-and-living-on-the-iss/feed/ 8 0:55:57 This episode is a conversation with ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli about the construction of and life on the ISS. As part of the STS-120 shuttle mission, Paolo was involved in installing the Harmony Module onto ISS. Later he served as a flight engineer[...] This episode is a conversation with ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli about the construction of and life on the ISS. As part of the STS-120 shuttle mission, Paolo was involved in installing the Harmony Module onto ISS. Later he served as a flight engineer on board ISS, as part of Expeditions 26 and 27. In the episode we talk about his two missions and compare the experiences on the Shuttle, the ISS and the Soyuz. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/91-flying-the-sr-71/ http://omegataupodcast.net/91-flying-the-sr-71/#comments Sat, 31 Mar 2012 17:27:50 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=962 Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. Our guest is Col. (Ret) Richard Graham, a former SR-71 pilot. Our conversation is loosely based on his book Flying the SR-71, and we discuss the challenge of flying the SR-71. As a consequence of its unique capabilities and its engine and inlet design, the aircraft posed a number of very specific challenges on the pilot. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/91-flying-the-sr-71/feed/ 32 1:17:17 In this episode we discuss the world's fastest and highest flying jet-powered aircraft ever built, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. Our guest is Col. (Ret) Richard Graham, a former SR-71 pilot. Our conversation is loosely based on his book Flying the S[...] In this episode we discuss the world's fastest and highest flying jet-powered aircraft ever built, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. Our guest is Col. (Ret) Richard Graham, a former SR-71 pilot. Our conversation is loosely based on his book Flying the SR-71, and we discuss the challenge of flying the SR-71. As a consequence of its unique capabilities and its engine and inlet design, the aircraft posed a number of very specific challenges on the pilot. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/86-roller-coaster-design/ http://omegataupodcast.net/86-roller-coaster-design/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:39:50 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=886 Coaster 101 we discuss some of the engineering aspects that go into coaster design. We cover accelerations, speed control, banking as well as various kinds of lifts and other launch systems. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/86-roller-coaster-design/feed/ 8 0:36:56 In this conversation with Nick Weisenberger of Coaster 101 we discuss some of the engineering aspects that go into coaster design. We cover accelerations, speed control, banking as well as various kinds of lifts and other launch systems. In this conversation with Nick Weisenberger of Coaster 101 we discuss some of the engineering aspects that go into coaster design. We cover accelerations, speed control, banking as well as various kinds of lifts and other launch systems. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/83-how-apollo-flew-to-the-moon/ http://omegataupodcast.net/83-how-apollo-flew-to-the-moon/#comments Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:43:47 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=844 W. David Woods about his wonderful book How Apollo Flew to the Moon where he describes in great length all the detail a geek wants to know about how the Apollo spacecraft and the flights to the Moon worked. In the episode, we basically go through an Apollo mission and discuss aspects such as the mission structure, the workshare between the crew and mission control, communication and telemetry, guidance and navigation, approach, landing and re-launch on the Moon as well as re-entry and landing on earth. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/83-how-apollo-flew-to-the-moon/feed/ 44 2:18:56 This episode is a conversation with W. David Woods about his wonderful book How Apollo Flew to the Moon where he describes in great length all the detail a geek wants to know about how the Apollo spacecraft and the flights to the Moon worked. In the[...] This episode is a conversation with W. David Woods about his wonderful book How Apollo Flew to the Moon where he describes in great length all the detail a geek wants to know about how the Apollo spacecraft and the flights to the Moon worked. In the episode, we basically go through an Apollo mission and discuss aspects such as the mission structure, the workshare between the crew and mission control, communication and telemetry, guidance and navigation, approach, landing and re-launch on the Moon as well as re-entry and landing on earth. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/81-geophysical-modeling-in-oil-exploration/ http://omegataupodcast.net/81-geophysical-modeling-in-oil-exploration/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:47:03 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=830 Michael Commer of the Berkeley Lab about geophyiscal modeling in oil exploration. We start with a brief discussion about how oil gets created and in which geological formations it can be found. We then proceed to talk about various means of finding oil using various means and techniques. The majority of the episode's conversation revolves around how numerical mathematics can help interpret, refine and work with exploration results. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/81-geophysical-modeling-in-oil-exploration/feed/ 5 1:03:11 This episode is a conversation with Michael Commer of the Berkeley Lab about geophyiscal modeling in oil exploration. We start with a brief discussion about how oil gets created and in which geological formations it can be found. We then proceed to [...] This episode is a conversation with Michael Commer of the Berkeley Lab about geophyiscal modeling in oil exploration. We start with a brief discussion about how oil gets created and in which geological formations it can be found. We then proceed to talk about various means of finding oil using various means and techniques. The majority of the episode's conversation revolves around how numerical mathematics can help interpret, refine and work with exploration results. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/76-the-european-transonic-windtunnel/ http://omegataupodcast.net/76-the-european-transonic-windtunnel/#comments Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:11:35 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=779 European Transonic Windtunnel. In late June of 2011 I had the chance to visit the facility. The episode starts out with a one hour conversation about aerodynamics and the concepts behind the ETW. The rest of the episode is essentially an audio report of the tour I took of the facility. To better grasp the magnitude of the facility, I recommend you take a look at the picture gallery. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/76-the-european-transonic-windtunnel/feed/ 8 2:43:22 This episode is a conversation with Dieter Schimanski, the Manager Test and Operations of the European Transonic Windtunnel. In late June of 2011 I had the chance to visit the facility. The episode starts out with a one hour conversation about ae[...] This episode is a conversation with Dieter Schimanski, the Manager Test and Operations of the European Transonic Windtunnel. In late June of 2011 I had the chance to visit the facility. The episode starts out with a one hour conversation about aerodynamics and the concepts behind the ETW. The rest of the episode is essentially an audio report of the tour I took of the facility. To better grasp the magnitude of the facility, I recommend you take a look at the picture gallery. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/73-flight-testing-at-nasa-dryden/ http://omegataupodcast.net/73-flight-testing-at-nasa-dryden/#comments Thu, 04 Aug 2011 17:59:36 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=757 Dick Ewers about his work now and in the past. We start by revisiting his test pilot training at the US Navy Test Pilot School, and proceed to talking about his involvement in early F-18 flight testing. We then compare this work to the F-18 work he does today, using the aeroelastic wing and autonomous air refuelling projects as examples. We conclude our conversation by discussing his pole overflights with the DC-8, as well as his hurricane penetration flights with that same aircraft. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/73-flight-testing-at-nasa-dryden/feed/ 12 1:12:56 In this episode I talk with NASA Dryden Test Pilot Dick Ewers about his work now and in the past. We start by revisiting his test pilot training at the US Navy Test Pilot School, and proceed to talking about his involvement in early F-18 flight test[...] In this episode I talk with NASA Dryden Test Pilot Dick Ewers about his work now and in the past. We start by revisiting his test pilot training at the US Navy Test Pilot School, and proceed to talking about his involvement in early F-18 flight testing. We then compare this work to the F-18 work he does today, using the aeroelastic wing and autonomous air refuelling projects as examples. We conclude our conversation by discussing his pole overflights with the DC-8, as well as his hurricane penetration flights with that same aircraft. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/71-oracle-racings-usa-17/ http://omegataupodcast.net/71-oracle-racings-usa-17/#comments Wed, 20 Jul 2011 06:33:35 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=743 OracleRacing. We talk about the USA 17 yacht which won the 33rd America's Cup. We talk about the characteristics of the boat, the design process and how the boat is driven during a race. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/71-oracle-racings-usa-17/feed/ 8 1:06:30 This episode is a conversation with Mike Drummond, the Executive Designer for OracleRacing. We talk about the USA 17 yacht which won the 33rd America's Cup. We talk about the characteristics of the boat, the design process and how the boat is driven[...] This episode is a conversation with Mike Drummond, the Executive Designer for OracleRacing. We talk about the USA 17 yacht which won the 33rd America's Cup. We talk about the characteristics of the boat, the design process and how the boat is driven during a race. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/70-viruses-bacteria-and-other-parasites/ http://omegataupodcast.net/70-viruses-bacteria-and-other-parasites/#comments Sat, 09 Jul 2011 17:33:23 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=737 fellow podcasters Vincent Racaniello and Dickson Despommier about viruses, bacteria and other parasites. Among other topics we discuss what each kind of parasite is made of an how they interact with the human organism (in good and bad ways). ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/70-viruses-bacteria-and-other-parasites/feed/ 15 0:54:54 In this episode we talk to fellow podcasters Vincent Racaniello and Dickson Despommier about viruses, bacteria and other parasites. Among other topics we discuss what each kind of parasite is made of an how they interact with the human organism (in [...] In this episode we talk to fellow podcasters Vincent Racaniello and Dickson Despommier about viruses, bacteria and other parasites. Among other topics we discuss what each kind of parasite is made of an how they interact with the human organism (in good and bad ways). podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/67-rendering-the-world-with-outerra/ http://omegataupodcast.net/67-rendering-the-world-with-outerra/#comments Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:16:12 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=711 Outerra project, a 3D planetary engine for seamless planet rendering from space down to the surface.. We discuss the history of the project, its most interesting features, some of the physics, as well as some details about the rendering in the system. I highly recommend taking a look at the Outerra Youtube Channel, specifically the Himalaya Trip and the Apache flight. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/67-rendering-the-world-with-outerra/feed/ 5 1:07:16 In this episode we talk with Brano Kemen about his Outerra project, a 3D planetary engine for seamless planet rendering from space down to the surface.. We discuss the history of the project, its most interesting features, some of the physics, as we[...] In this episode we talk with Brano Kemen about his Outerra project, a 3D planetary engine for seamless planet rendering from space down to the surface.. We discuss the history of the project, its most interesting features, some of the physics, as well as some details about the rendering in the system. I highly recommend taking a look at the Outerra Youtube Channel, specifically the Himalaya Trip and the Apache flight. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/63-the-cassini-mission-to-saturn/ http://omegataupodcast.net/63-the-cassini-mission-to-saturn/#comments Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:44:49 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=589 Cassini Mission to Saturn. We talk with Nora Kelly Alonge, a Project Science System Engineer and Science Planning Engineer at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. In the episode we cover the Cassini spacecraft's structure and sensors (and its lander, Huygens), some of the relevant science, as well as the challenge of coordinating science and engineering requirements on the mission. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/63-the-cassini-mission-to-saturn/feed/ 3 1:15:51 This episode is about the Cassini Mission to Saturn. We talk with Nora Kelly Alonge, a Project Science System Engineer and Science Planning Engineer at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. In the episode we cover the Cassini spacecraft's structure and se[...] This episode is about the Cassini Mission to Saturn. We talk with Nora Kelly Alonge, a Project Science System Engineer and Science Planning Engineer at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. In the episode we cover the Cassini spacecraft's structure and sensors (and its lander, Huygens), some of the relevant science, as well as the challenge of coordinating science and engineering requirements on the mission. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/59-bitcoin-a-digital-decentralized-currency/ http://omegataupodcast.net/59-bitcoin-a-digital-decentralized-currency/#comments Sat, 19 Mar 2011 07:34:49 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=557 Bitcoin, a digital, decentralized currency. In our conversation with Gavin Andresen, the technical lead of the project, we cover basic economics of money, the way users interact with Bitcoin, as well as the technical implementation of the system. Bitcoin uses a couple of clever ideas about implementing distributed clocks and global ordering, and is a very nice example of applied cryptography. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/59-bitcoin-a-digital-decentralized-currency/feed/ 41 1:28:59 This episode covers Bitcoin, a digital, decentralized currency. In our conversation with Gavin Andresen, the technical lead of the project, we cover basic economics of money, the way users interact with Bitcoin, as well as the technical implementati[...] This episode covers Bitcoin, a digital, decentralized currency. In our conversation with Gavin Andresen, the technical lead of the project, we cover basic economics of money, the way users interact with Bitcoin, as well as the technical implementation of the system. Bitcoin uses a couple of clever ideas about implementing distributed clocks and global ordering, and is a very nice example of applied cryptography. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/54-quantum-computing/ http://omegataupodcast.net/54-quantum-computing/#comments Fri, 21 Jan 2011 15:49:12 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=496 Martin Laforest from the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo, Canada. We start with some physics basics, and then cover topics ranging from how quantum computing works, which different models of quantum computing are explored, current and future uses of the approach as well as the current state of the art. This is one of the more propellerhead-oriented episodes, so make sure you listen carefully :-) ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/54-quantum-computing/feed/ 13 1:11:29 In this Episode, we talk about quantum computing. Our guest is Martin Laforest from the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo, Canada. We start with some physics basics, and then cover topics ranging from how quantum computin[...] In this Episode, we talk about quantum computing. Our guest is Martin Laforest from the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo, Canada. We start with some physics basics, and then cover topics ranging from how quantum computing works, which different models of quantum computing are explored, current and future uses of the approach as well as the current state of the art. This is one of the more propellerhead-oriented episodes, so make sure you listen carefully :-) podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/49-chip-production-and-waferscanners/ http://omegataupodcast.net/49-chip-production-and-waferscanners/#comments Tue, 30 Nov 2010 07:22:17 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=457 ASML, the leading waferscanner manufacturer in the world. In the episode, we talk about the overall chip production process (from silicon sand over wafer cutting to lithography and etching), and then we talk about the challenges of building high-precision, high-throughput waferscanners. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/49-chip-production-and-waferscanners/feed/ 5 0:59:31 In this episode we take a look at microchip production, with a special focus on waferscanners. To do this, we talked with Wilbert Albers of ASML, the leading waferscanner manufacturer in the world. In the episode, we talk about the overall chip prod[...] In this episode we take a look at microchip production, with a special focus on waferscanners. To do this, we talked with Wilbert Albers of ASML, the leading waferscanner manufacturer in the world. In the episode, we talk about the overall chip production process (from silicon sand over wafer cutting to lithography and etching), and then we talk about the challenges of building high-precision, high-throughput waferscanners. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/46-the-nasa-tc4-project/ http://omegataupodcast.net/46-the-nasa-tc4-project/#comments Sat, 23 Oct 2010 15:57:35 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=425 Brian Toon about the NASA TC4 project. TC4 stands for "Tropical Composition, Cloud and Climate Coupling" and deals with the chemical, dynamic, and physical processes occurring in the tropical upper troposphere and tropopause transitional layer. In our conversation we cover some of the scientific goals of the project, the tools and technologies used (aircraft and satellites) as well as the general project organization. A later episode will cover the project from the perspective of an ER-2 pilot. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/46-the-nasa-tc4-project/feed/ 5 1:08:22 This is a conversation with Brian Toon about the NASA TC4 project. TC4 stands for "Tropical Composition, Cloud and Climate Coupling" and deals with the chemical, dynamic, and physical processes occurring in the tropical upper troposphere and tropopa[...] This is a conversation with Brian Toon about the NASA TC4 project. TC4 stands for "Tropical Composition, Cloud and Climate Coupling" and deals with the chemical, dynamic, and physical processes occurring in the tropical upper troposphere and tropopause transitional layer. In our conversation we cover some of the scientific goals of the project, the tools and technologies used (aircraft and satellites) as well as the general project organization. A later episode will cover the project from the perspective of an ER-2 pilot. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/43-flying-the-space-shuttle/ http://omegataupodcast.net/43-flying-the-space-shuttle/#comments Fri, 10 Sep 2010 19:17:17 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=398 Duane "Digger" Carey about flying the US Space Shuttle. We cover all the major phases of a shuttle flight (countdown, launch, orbit insertion, on orbit, breaking, reentry and landing) and discuss the activities of the pilot and commander. We also cover briefly some of the Shuttle's systems. We conclude the episode with a brief look at Shuttle pilot and commander training. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/43-flying-the-space-shuttle/feed/ 8 1:10:00 In this episode we talk with Duane "Digger" Carey about flying the US Space Shuttle. We cover all the major phases of a shuttle flight (countdown, launch, orbit insertion, on orbit, breaking, reentry and landing) and discuss the activities of the pi[...] In this episode we talk with Duane "Digger" Carey about flying the US Space Shuttle. We cover all the major phases of a shuttle flight (countdown, launch, orbit insertion, on orbit, breaking, reentry and landing) and discuss the activities of the pilot and commander. We also cover briefly some of the Shuttle's systems. We conclude the episode with a brief look at Shuttle pilot and commander training. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/39-electron-microscopes/ http://omegataupodcast.net/39-electron-microscopes/#comments Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:11:20 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=343 electron microscopes with Bernard van Vlimmeren and Kees Kooijman of FEI Company. Among other things, we talk about the various kinds of electron microscopes, the components that go into electron microscopes, the important role of the sensors and a couple of example applications. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/39-electron-microscopes/feed/ 8 1:15:43 This is an episode about electron microscopes with Bernard van Vlimmeren and Kees Kooijman of FEI Company. Among other things, we talk about the various kinds of electron microscopes, the components that go into electron microscopes, the important r[...] This is an episode about electron microscopes with Bernard van Vlimmeren and Kees Kooijman of FEI Company. Among other things, we talk about the various kinds of electron microscopes, the components that go into electron microscopes, the important role of the sensors and a couple of example applications. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/36-the-360-world-record/ http://omegataupodcast.net/36-the-360-world-record/#comments Sat, 19 Jun 2010 08:00:48 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=307 Flavien Guderzo (First Officer) and Tom Zorman (Operations) about the 360 World Record, where a crew of three and a couple of journalists flew around the world in a North American Sabreliner, establishing a new world record. In the episode we talk about the preparations for the flight as well as the flight itself from the perspective of the flight crew, as well as from the perspective of the operations on the ground. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/36-the-360-world-record/feed/ 3 1:22:55 This episode is a conversation with Flavien Guderzo (First Officer) and Tom Zorman (Operations) about the 360 World Record, where a crew of three and a couple of journalists flew around the world in a North American Sabreliner, establishing a new wo[...] This episode is a conversation with Flavien Guderzo (First Officer) and Tom Zorman (Operations) about the 360 World Record, where a crew of three and a couple of journalists flew around the world in a North American Sabreliner, establishing a new world record. In the episode we talk about the preparations for the flight as well as the flight itself from the perspective of the flight crew, as well as from the perspective of the operations on the ground. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/34-space-medicine-and-telemedicine/ http://omegataupodcast.net/34-space-medicine-and-telemedicine/#comments Tue, 18 May 2010 19:43:59 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=289 Jim Logan about space medicine and telemedicine. We start by defining the two concepts and how they relate. We then delve deeper into various specific medical issues in space (such as fluid shifts, bone mass loss and radiation). Next up is a discussion of the history of telemedicine and its relationship to space medicine, which leads us to looking astronauts can be treated for "normal" diseases from ground. We concluse the episode with an outlook on how telemedicine might develop in the future. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/34-space-medicine-and-telemedicine/feed/ 1 1:35:47 This episode is a conversation with NASA "space doctor" Jim Logan about space medicine and telemedicine. We start by defining the two concepts and how they relate. We then delve deeper into various specific medical issues in space (such as fluid sh[...] This episode is a conversation with NASA "space doctor" Jim Logan about space medicine and telemedicine. We start by defining the two concepts and how they relate. We then delve deeper into various specific medical issues in space (such as fluid shifts, bone mass loss and radiation). Next up is a discussion of the history of telemedicine and its relationship to space medicine, which leads us to looking astronauts can be treated for "normal" diseases from ground. We concluse the episode with an outlook on how telemedicine might develop in the future. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/33-deep-wreck-diving/ http://omegataupodcast.net/33-deep-wreck-diving/#comments Thu, 06 May 2010 19:38:31 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=282 John Chatterton about deep wreck diving. We cover some of the dangers and challenges, as well as the fascination of the sport. We also talk about the discovery of U 869, which was mainly John Chatterton's achievement (as documented in the book Shadow Divers). ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/33-deep-wreck-diving/feed/ 4 0:54:19 This episode is a conversation with John Chatterton about deep wreck diving. We cover some of the dangers and challenges, as well as the fascination of the sport. We also talk about the discovery of U 869, which was mainly John Chatterton's achievem[...] This episode is a conversation with John Chatterton about deep wreck diving. We cover some of the dangers and challenges, as well as the fascination of the sport. We also talk about the discovery of U 869, which was mainly John Chatterton's achievement (as documented in the book Shadow Divers). podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/31-the-millennium-simulation/ http://omegataupodcast.net/31-the-millennium-simulation/#comments Sun, 11 Apr 2010 18:12:49 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=264 Volker Springel about the Millenium Simulation, which at the time was the largest simulation of the growth of cosmic structure, including a detailed model for the formation of galaxies and supermassive black holes. In the episode we talk about the physical/cosmological background, the simulation process and approach as well as some details about the hard- and software. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/31-the-millennium-simulation/feed/ 1 1:07:09 This episode is a conversation with Volker Springel about the Millenium Simulation, which at the time was the largest simulation of the growth of cosmic structure, including a detailed model for the formation of galaxies and supermassive black holes[...] This episode is a conversation with Volker Springel about the Millenium Simulation, which at the time was the largest simulation of the growth of cosmic structure, including a detailed model for the formation of galaxies and supermassive black holes. In the episode we talk about the physical/cosmological background, the simulation process and approach as well as some details about the hard- and software. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/30-the-large-hadron-collider/ http://omegataupodcast.net/30-the-large-hadron-collider/#comments Sun, 28 Mar 2010 09:38:07 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=253 Rolf Landua about the Large Hadron Collider. We start out by discussing the science and theory behind the LHC what the LHC aims to research, including the higgs boson, the standard model, super symmetry and extra dimensions. We then talked about how the LHC works (proton source, acceleration, superconducting magnets). We conclude the conversation by looking at the LHC experiments and discussing in some detail how the ATLAS detector works. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/30-the-large-hadron-collider/feed/ 6 1:01:09 This episode is a conversation with CERN's Rolf Landua about the Large Hadron Collider. We start out by discussing the science and theory behind the LHC what the LHC aims to research, including the higgs boson, the standard model, super symmetry and[...] This episode is a conversation with CERN's Rolf Landua about the Large Hadron Collider. We start out by discussing the science and theory behind the LHC what the LHC aims to research, including the higgs boson, the standard model, super symmetry and extra dimensions. We then talked about how the LHC works (proton source, acceleration, superconducting magnets). We conclude the conversation by looking at the LHC experiments and discussing in some detail how the ATLAS detector works. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/28-neutron-science-at-the-ill/ http://omegataupodcast.net/28-neutron-science-at-the-ill/#respond Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:38:18 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=231 Institut Laue Langevin in Grenoble. Helmut Schober and Ulli Köster cover what neutron science is used for, some interesting scientific experiments conducted at ILL as well as the physical fundamentals and the workings of the reactor and the detectors. We conclude the epsiode with a discussion of the ILL as a "research service facility" that offers all-around research support to visiting scientists. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/28-neutron-science-at-the-ill/feed/ 0 1:34:17 This episode covers neutron science at the Institut Laue Langevin in Grenoble. Helmut Schober and Ulli Köster cover what neutron science is used for, some interesting scientific experiments conducted at ILL as well as the physical fundamentals and t[...] This episode covers neutron science at the Institut Laue Langevin in Grenoble. Helmut Schober and Ulli Köster cover what neutron science is used for, some interesting scientific experiments conducted at ILL as well as the physical fundamentals and the workings of the reactor and the detectors. We conclude the epsiode with a discussion of the ILL as a "research service facility" that offers all-around research support to visiting scientists. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/26-satellite-buses/ http://omegataupodcast.net/26-satellite-buses/#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:53:53 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=176 Surrey Satellite Technology. Specifically we talk about satellite buses, the infrastructure part of the satellite on which the (typically scientific) payload is mounted. The conversation covers structure, thermal protection, energy supply, communication, guidance and attitude control as well as propulsion. This will be the last episode on space related topics for the time being :-) ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/26-satellite-buses/feed/ 5 1:14:00 This is an episode on how satellites work with James Penson from Surrey Satellite Technology. Specifically we talk about satellite buses, the infrastructure part of the satellite on which the (typically scientific) payload is mounted. The conversat[...] This is an episode on how satellites work with James Penson from Surrey Satellite Technology. Specifically we talk about satellite buses, the infrastructure part of the satellite on which the (typically scientific) payload is mounted. The conversation covers structure, thermal protection, energy supply, communication, guidance and attitude control as well as propulsion. This will be the last episode on space related topics for the time being :-) podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/25-aerodynamic-lift-explained/ http://omegataupodcast.net/25-aerodynamic-lift-explained/#comments Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:42:54 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=171 Fly With Me podcast. Together, we explored the question of how aerodynamic lift really works - in other words: why airplanes fly. He went out and asked a fellow pilot about what he thinks how lift works. I went to the University of Stuttgart's Intitute for Aero- and Gasdynamics and talked with Thorsten Lutz. He explained the details of how it works. If his explanation still doesn't do it for you, take a look at Wikipedia. They have a couple of nice illustrations. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/25-aerodynamic-lift-explained/feed/ 8 0:31:03 This episode is a bit different. I produced it together with Joe D'Eon from the wonderful Fly With Me podcast. Together, we explored the question of how aerodynamic lift really works - in other words: why airplanes fly. He went out and asked a fello[...] This episode is a bit different. I produced it together with Joe D'Eon from the wonderful Fly With Me podcast. Together, we explored the question of how aerodynamic lift really works - in other words: why airplanes fly. He went out and asked a fellow pilot about what he thinks how lift works. I went to the University of Stuttgart's Intitute for Aero- and Gasdynamics and talked with Thorsten Lutz. He explained the details of how it works. If his explanation still doesn't do it for you, take a look at Wikipedia. They have a couple of nice illustrations. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/23-ares-orion-and-small-satellites-at-nasa-ames/ http://omegataupodcast.net/23-ares-orion-and-small-satellites-at-nasa-ames/#comments Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:19:24 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=133 NASA Ames. It consits of two interviews. The first one is about Ames' involvement in the Ares/Orion projects which are part of the Constellation moon/mars exploration programme. I talk about this with Dr. George Sarver. The second part of the episode covers small satellites and why they are becoming more and more important (compared to traditional, larger satellites). In this part, my guest is Elwood Agasid. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/23-ares-orion-and-small-satellites-at-nasa-ames/feed/ 4 0:59:24 This is the third and final episode covering the interviews I did when I was visiting NASA Ames. It consits of two interviews. The first one is about Ames' involvement in the Ares/Orion projects which are part of the Constellation moon/mars explorat[...] This is the third and final episode covering the interviews I did when I was visiting NASA Ames. It consits of two interviews. The first one is about Ames' involvement in the Ares/Orion projects which are part of the Constellation moon/mars exploration programme. I talk about this with Dr. George Sarver. The second part of the episode covers small satellites and why they are becoming more and more important (compared to traditional, larger satellites). In this part, my guest is Elwood Agasid. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/22-nuclear-fusion-at-mpi-fur-plasmaphysik/ http://omegataupodcast.net/22-nuclear-fusion-at-mpi-fur-plasmaphysik/#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:06:10 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=124 Max Plack Institut for Plasmaphysik where I spent a couple of hours with Matthias Reich talking about nuclear fusion. The episode has three parts. In part one we talk about the scienfic and physical basics of nuclear fusion. Part two covers some of the ways the MPI facilities work, and part three discusses the ASDEX Upgrade experiment at IPP in Garching. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/22-nuclear-fusion-at-mpi-fur-plasmaphysik/feed/ 6 1:44:39 This episode covers my visit to the Max Plack Institut for Plasmaphysik where I spent a couple of hours with Matthias Reich talking about nuclear fusion. The episode has three parts. In part one we talk about the scienfic and physical basics of nucl[...] This episode covers my visit to the Max Plack Institut for Plasmaphysik where I spent a couple of hours with Matthias Reich talking about nuclear fusion. The episode has three parts. In part one we talk about the scienfic and physical basics of nuclear fusion. Part two covers some of the ways the MPI facilities work, and part three discusses the ASDEX Upgrade experiment at IPP in Garching. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/21-space-mission-control-at-esas-esoc/ http://omegataupodcast.net/21-space-mission-control-at-esas-esoc/#comments Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:25:47 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=115 http://omegataupodcast.net/21-space-mission-control-at-esas-esoc/feed/ 4 1:43:43 This episode covers my visit at the European Space Agency's (ESA) European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt,Germany. After a short tour of the facilities with Andreas Schepers I had the chance to interview Uwe Feucht (Head of Flight Dynam[...] This episode covers my visit at the European Space Agency's (ESA) European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt,Germany. After a short tour of the facilities with Andreas Schepers I had the chance to interview Uwe Feucht (Head of Flight Dynamics Division) on space flight dynamics and Paolo Ferri (Headof the Solar and Planetary Missions Division) on Mars Express, Venus Express and Rosetta. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/19-the-vertical-motion-simulator-at-nasa-ames/ http://omegataupodcast.net/19-the-vertical-motion-simulator-at-nasa-ames/#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:38:28 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=103 Bimal Aponso (branch chief for the Aerospace Simulation Research and Development Branch) about the NASA Vertical Motion Simulator at Ames. The VMS is the world's largest flight simulator, and provides unrivaled realism regarding the accelerations and "feeling of real flight" it can create. In the episode we first talk about how the VMS works, and how it is different from other flight simulators. We then cover some of the use cases for VMS (research, astronaut training) and discuss a couple of past research projects where VMS has been used. Finally, we take a tour of the actual simulator, and I get to see the cabin for the cockpits of the Space Shuttle and the Altair Lunar Surface Access Module ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/19-the-vertical-motion-simulator-at-nasa-ames/feed/ 3 0:51:41 This episode is a conversation with Bimal Aponso (branch chief for the Aerospace Simulation Research and Development Branch) about the NASA Vertical Motion Simulator at Ames. The VMS is the world's largest flight simulator, and provides unrivaled re[...] This episode is a conversation with Bimal Aponso (branch chief for the Aerospace Simulation Research and Development Branch) about the NASA Vertical Motion Simulator at Ames. The VMS is the world's largest flight simulator, and provides unrivaled realism regarding the accelerations and "feeling of real flight" it can create. In the episode we first talk about how the VMS works, and how it is different from other flight simulators. We then cover some of the use cases for VMS (research, astronaut training) and discuss a couple of past research projects where VMS has been used. Finally, we take a tour of the actual simulator, and I get to see the cabin for the cockpits of the Space Shuttle and the Altair Lunar Surface Access Module podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/18-astrobiology-at-the-nasa-astrobiology-institute/ http://omegataupodcast.net/18-astrobiology-at-the-nasa-astrobiology-institute/#comments Sun, 20 Sep 2009 07:35:35 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=69 NASA Astrobiology Insititute at NASA Ames Research Center. The conversation comes in two parts. Part one covers the conceptual basics of astrobiology and life: what is life, what are the preconditions for life to exist, how to recognize it, etc. Part two looks at the process of trying to find places in the universe that could host life, primarily astronomical observations and missions to other planets. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/18-astrobiology-at-the-nasa-astrobiology-institute/feed/ 6 0:48:19 This episode is a conversation with Dr. Carl Pilcher, the director of the NASA Astrobiology Insititute at NASA Ames Research Center. The conversation comes in two parts. Part one covers the conceptual basics of astrobiology and life: what is life, w[...] This episode is a conversation with Dr. Carl Pilcher, the director of the NASA Astrobiology Insititute at NASA Ames Research Center. The conversation comes in two parts. Part one covers the conceptual basics of astrobiology and life: what is life, what are the preconditions for life to exist, how to recognize it, etc. Part two looks at the process of trying to find places in the universe that could host life, primarily astronomical observations and missions to other planets. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/16-radio-astronomy-and-the-alma-telescope/ http://omegataupodcast.net/16-radio-astronomy-and-the-alma-telescope/#comments Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:04:12 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/2009/08/10/16-radio-astronomy-and-the-alma-telescope/ ALMA observatory with ESO's Robert Laing, the European instrument scientist for ALMA. The episode has three parts. The first part talks about the science of radio astronomy: current challenges and physical basics. The second part adresses how observing with radio astronomy actually works: the principles behind telescopes and how they are built and operated. Part three then looks at the ALMA observatory specifically, a new, large sub-millimeter radio interferometer currently built in the Atacama Desert in Chile. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/16-radio-astronomy-and-the-alma-telescope/feed/ 4 1:33:12 This episode is a discussion about radio astronomy and the ALMA observatory with ESO's Robert Laing, the European instrument scientist for ALMA. The episode has three parts. The first part talks about the science of radio astronomy: current challeng[...] This episode is a discussion about radio astronomy and the ALMA observatory with ESO's Robert Laing, the European instrument scientist for ALMA. The episode has three parts. The first part talks about the science of radio astronomy: current challenges and physical basics. The second part adresses how observing with radio astronomy actually works: the principles behind telescopes and how they are built and operated. Part three then looks at the ALMA observatory specifically, a new, large sub-millimeter radio interferometer currently built in the Atacama Desert in Chile. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/11-synchrotron-radiation-science-at-esrf/ http://omegataupodcast.net/11-synchrotron-radiation-science-at-esrf/#comments Sat, 28 Mar 2009 12:42:57 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=37 European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France. I had a chance to talk to Claus Habfast, physicist and head of communications for ESRF. ESRF is an accelerator facility the creates high-energy x-rays that are used for experiments in various areas of science, from biology to physics to materials science and chemistry. In the episode, Claus talks about how ESRF works, highlights a couple of interesting recent experiments and puts ESRF into the context of other accelerator laboratories. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/11-synchrotron-radiation-science-at-esrf/feed/ 1 1:10:44 This episode is an interesting discussion about the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France. I had a chance to talk to Claus Habfast, physicist and head of communications for ESRF. ESRF is an accelerator facility the creat[...] This episode is an interesting discussion about the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France. I had a chance to talk to Claus Habfast, physicist and head of communications for ESRF. ESRF is an accelerator facility the creates high-energy x-rays that are used for experiments in various areas of science, from biology to physics to materials science and chemistry. In the episode, Claus talks about how ESRF works, highlights a couple of interesting recent experiments and puts ESRF into the context of other accelerator laboratories. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/10-marillion-music-production/ http://omegataupodcast.net/10-marillion-music-production/#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:53:42 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=36 Marillion. We discuss various aspects of modern music production, from recording to sudio quality, to effects to mastering and live performances. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/10-marillion-music-production/feed/ 6 1:16:52 This episode is a discussion with Mike Hunter, the producer of Marillion. We discuss various aspects of modern music production, from recording to sudio quality, to effects to mastering and live performances. This episode is a discussion with Mike Hunter, the producer of Marillion. We discuss various aspects of modern music production, from recording to sudio quality, to effects to mastering and live performances. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/7-flight-in-a-motorglider-english-only/ http://omegataupodcast.net/7-flight-in-a-motorglider-english-only/#comments Wed, 31 Dec 2008 08:36:31 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=27 Episode 1, the flight in the motorglider. Deutsch-Sprechende: Diese Episode nicht runterladen, es ist dasselbe wie in Episode 1, nur auf English! ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/7-flight-in-a-motorglider-english-only/feed/ 4 0:40:35 This episode is the English version of Episode 1, the flight in the motorglider. Deutsch-Sprechende: Diese Episode nicht runterladen, es ist dasselbe wie in Episode 1, nur auf English! This episode is the English version of Episode 1, the flight in the motorglider. Deutsch-Sprechende: Diese Episode nicht runterladen, es ist dasselbe wie in Episode 1, nur auf English! info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/6-computational-thinking/ http://omegataupodcast.net/6-computational-thinking/#comments Sun, 21 Dec 2008 08:13:47 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=25 Jeannette Wing on Computational Thinking. Citing the website of Carnegie Mellon's Center for Computational Thinking website, "computational thinking is a way of solving problems, designing systems, and understanding human behavior that draws on concepts fundamental to computer science.". ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/6-computational-thinking/feed/ 4 0:42:51 This episode is a discussion with Jeannette Wing on Computational Thinking. Citing the website of Carnegie Mellon's Center for Computational Thinking website, "computational thinking is a way of solving problems, designing systems, and understanding[...] This episode is a discussion with Jeannette Wing on Computational Thinking. Citing the website of Carnegie Mellon's Center for Computational Thinking website, "computational thinking is a way of solving problems, designing systems, and understanding human behavior that draws on concepts fundamental to computer science.". podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/5-earthrace-around-the-world-in-a-powerboat/ http://omegataupodcast.net/5-earthrace-around-the-world-in-a-powerboat/#comments Sat, 29 Nov 2008 09:02:54 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=20 Earthrace. Earthrace has broken the world record for circumnavigation of the world with a powerboat. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/5-earthrace-around-the-world-in-a-powerboat/feed/ 2 0:42:04 This episode is a conversation with Pete Bethune, the skipper of Earthrace. Earthrace has broken the world record for circumnavigation of the world with a powerboat. This episode is a conversation with Pete Bethune, the skipper of Earthrace. Earthrace has broken the world record for circumnavigation of the world with a powerboat. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no http://omegataupodcast.net/4-commercial-space-and-space-ship-one/ http://omegataupodcast.net/4-commercial-space-and-space-ship-one/#comments Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:17:24 +0000 http://omegataupodcast.net/?p=19 SpaceShipOne with Dan Linehan, author of SpaceShipOne - An Illustrated History, a beautiful book explaing all aspects of this magnificient flying machine. ]]> http://omegataupodcast.net/4-commercial-space-and-space-ship-one/feed/ 3 0:52:45 In this episode Markus discusses commercial suborbital space flight and SpaceShipOne with Dan Linehan, author of SpaceShipOne - An Illustrated History, a beautiful book explaing all aspects of this magnificient flying machine. In this episode Markus discusses commercial suborbital space flight and SpaceShipOne with Dan Linehan, author of SpaceShipOne - An Illustrated History, a beautiful book explaing all aspects of this magnificient flying machine. podcast info@omegataupodcast.net no no