The First NASA-Funded Scientist to Run Experiments During Suborbital Spaceflight | Dr. Rob Ferl

What really happens to living cells in the very first seconds of weightlessness?

In this episode of Skyward, host Pilot Mercedes sits down with Dr. Rob Ferl – Distinguished Professor and Director of the new Astraeus Space Institute at the University of Florida – and the very first NASA-funded scientist to personally conduct real-time biological experiments during a trip to space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard (flight NS-19).

This is NOT another tourist story. If you’ve ever wondered what the edge of space actually looks and feels like from a scientist-pilot’s seat, this is the closest you’ll get without buying a ticket.

Dr. Rob Ferl is a NASA payload specialist, molecular biologist, 1,500-hour pilot, and one of the pioneers turning commercial suborbital flights into real research platforms.

Links:
How Do Plants Respond to Space Travel?
   • How Do Plants Respond to Space Travel?  

University of Florida Astraeus Space Institute
https://astraeus.ufl.edu/

University of Florida
https://www.ufl.edu/

C-9 image - U.S. Air Force, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...

KC-135 image - PICRYL https://picryl.com/media/a-kc-135-str...

Free Show Notes:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14...

Learn more:
If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:
IG:   / sound_skies  
Email: [email protected]

Chapters:
00:00 The Spark of Curiosity
02:22 Influences and Inspirations
05:34 The Journey to Science and Aviation
08:27 The Intersection of Science and Space
11:09 Becoming a NASA-Funded Scientist
14:18 Experiencing Space: The First Flight
17:12 The Science of Adaptation in Space
19:58 The Role of Education and Mentorship
22:53 The Future of Space Exploration
26:00 Lessons in Perseverance
28:48 Advice for Aspiring Scientists and Pilots

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🎙️ Hosted by Pilot Mercedes

With years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who’s been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights!

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