On this episode, Alex opens the podcast with a quick run through (~4 min) of some of the Space Launches to look out for in February (SpaceX, Japan, India, NASA, Rocket Lab). We deep dive on NASA's PACE Mission, flying onboard a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket NET 1:33AM ET 2/8/24 (only a few hours after this podcast is released). We discuss what the mission is, what the payloads are, and why that science will be critical for understanding the water cycle on Earth and the climate changes that come from it.  Alex closes the episode out with another 'Human Factor' segment, where we discuss the deep topic of WHO ARE YOU? But more importantly, how learning about yourself you can help you find a career that fits your strengths and fills you with purpose. The lucky ones know early on what they are good at, while most of us (myself included) had to try a lot of things to know what we "don't like". I share a story of when I realized that the typical Aerospace Engineer role wasn't for me, even though that was my whole identity at the time.  What did you learn about yourself that really helped you in your career/job? Are you still searching for your ideal job/field? What jobs/careers/positions have you tried that you DIDN'T like? Let us know in the comments or email us todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com Topics from the episode: aerospace, space, work, learn, talk, launch, aerospace engineer, mission, factor, human, polar, falcon, team, understanding, ocean, engineer We'd love to know your thoughts and questions! Email us at todayinspacepodcast@gmail.com SOURCES: https://pace.oceansciences.org/mission.htm https://pace.oceansciences.org/oci.htm https://pace.oceansciences.org/spexone.htm https://pace.oceansciences.org/harp2.htm https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/4700#section_credits NASA PACE Launch/SpaceX Falcon9  https://www.youtube.com/live/AtP0upSa_pU?si=16r5Gbd7FLTuqYcB ClydeSpace 3U Double Deployable Solar Panel test in vacuum chamber https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGpCRWlZUXc The 'Topics from the episode' above and the timestamps below for the episode were generated using AI (otter.ai) by running the audio through it's process.  Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction / February Space Launches to Look out for 01:36 NASA'S PACE Mission Deep Dive 03:00 SpaceX IM1, JAXA, ISRO, Rocket Lab Reusable Rocket Progress 08:00 The Human Factor: Self-awareness and purpose in a rapidly changing world 12:26 Identifying as an Aerospace Engineer, but realizing that "job" is not for me 17:40 Career growth and self-awareness in life      -------------------------- Here's to building a fantastic future - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)! Spread Love, Spread Science Alex G. Orphanos We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing Magic Mind (magicmind.com use code TODAYINSPACE20 for 20% OFF or up to 56% off subscription) Follow us: @todayinspacepod on Instagram/Twitter @todayinspace on TikTok /TodayInSpacePodcast on Facebook  Support the podcast: MAGIC MIND (learn more at magicmind.com/science) https://www.magicmind.com/todayinspace USE my code: TODAYINSPACE20 Get 20% off 1 item, or up to 56% off the Subscription Price! More ways to support us: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net #space #rocket #podcast #people #spacex #moon #science #3dprinting #nasa #tothemoon #spacetravel #spaceexploration #solarsystem #spacecraft #technology #carlsagan #aerospace #spacetechnology #engineer #stem #ai #industry #work  #podcast