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Digital Space

Annette Moore, the Director of Information Resources and the Chief Information Officer at the Johnson Space Center, tells us about data and information in space as well as the tech we use for human spaceflight operations, including space station imagery and how it’s changed over time. HWHAP Episode 45.

Spacecraft Displays

Jeff Fox, Chief Engineer of the Rapid Prototype Lab at the Johnson Space Center, tells the history and evolution of displays and controls in the space shuttle. Fox reveals details behind some of the new displays that are being designed to fly on the Orion spacecraft. HWHAP Episode 44

Diet Like an Astronaut

Dr. Scott Smith, NASA nutritionist and the manager for nutritional biochemistry, discusses the differences in the way astronauts have to eat in space versus the way we eat here on Earth. HWHAP Episode 43.

Season 2, Episode 7: PowerPoint

Acquired returns with a classic, delving into Microsoft’s first acquisition ever: Forethought Inc, the makers of PowerPoint. Hate it or love it, you can’t deny the combined companies’ impact: by the early 90’s PowerPoint had transformed the way businesses, educators and governments communicate, ensuring job security for pointy-haired Dilbert bosses everywhere.

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The Space Launch System Part 2

Paul Bookout and David Smith continue their conversation about the most powerful rocket since the Saturn V: The Space Launch System. The experts discuss the construction, testing, evolution and potential of the skyscraper-sized launch vehicle. HWHAP Episode 42

The Space Launch System Part 1

Paul Bookout and David Smith talk about the most powerful rocket since the Saturn V: The Space Launch System. The experts discuss what the rocket is made of, where it will go, and what will be inside. HWHAP Episode 41

Tough and Competent

Colonel TJ Creamer shares his story from humble beginnings in the military to tweeting from the International Space Station. Creamer describes his transition as the first and only individual to be both an astronaut and a flight director. HWHAP Episode 40.

BEAM and Expandable Spacecraft

Rajib Dasgupta and Gerard Valle talk about the commercial test module currently attached to the International Space Station called the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM). The respective former and current project managers for BEAM discuss the history and future of expandable spacecraft. HWHAP Episode 39.

Season 2, Episode 6: Spotify’s Direct Listing

Acquired wraps up a big few weeks of coverage with not an IPO or an M&A or a fundraising round, but what’s still the largest tech exit in recent memory: Spotify’s $30B direct public listing. We dive into what it all means and how we got here: from Napster to iTunes to Facebook (and even some Justin Timberlake thrown in for good measure). Acquired FM is on the scene and spinning all the hits from this new wave music industry titan! 

Note: We incorrectly described Spotify CEO Daniel Ek’s ownership stake in Spotify as 25%+; that is actually his voting control. His economic ownership is 9.3%, and cofounder Martin Lorentzon’s is 12.4%. We apologize for the error!

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Stories of Her Strength

For Women’s History Month we brought in 4 women in leadership at the Johnson Space Center to share their stories of persevering through challenges and rising through the ranks. HWHAP Episode 38.