This Is Purdue: Episode Summary – ‘Boilers to Mars’ Film Premiere Panel
Release Date: October 17, 2024
Introduction
In this captivating episode of This Is Purdue, host Kate Young delves into the premiere of Purdue University's groundbreaking short film, "Boilers to Mars." This ten-minute film explores the audacious journey of Purdue Boilermakers as they take the initial steps toward manned Mars exploration. The episode features an enlightening panel recorded live at the premiere event in Fowler Hall, referred to as the "Cradle of Astronauts." The panel comprises distinguished guests: former NASA astronaut Drew Feustel, Purdue Professors Briony Horgan and Marshall Porterfield, and SpaceKids Global founders Marc and Sharon Hagel.
Overview of "Boilers to Mars"
Boilers to Mars premiered on September 12, 2024, before a sold-out audience. The film embodies the spirit of Purdue's Boilermakers, showcasing their research, innovation, and determination to lead humanity's next giant leap into space. Kate Young encourages listeners to watch the film at boilerstomars.com to fully grasp the event's essence before tuning into the panel discussion.
Panelist Introductions
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Drew Feustel (Timestamp: 00:39 – 06:30)
- Former NASA astronaut
- Purdue University Presidential Ambassador
- Member of Purdue's "Cradle of Astronauts"
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Mark and Sharon Hagel (Timestamp: 06:30 – 09:34)
- Founders of SpaceKids Global
- First married couple on a commercial space flight (2022)
- Mark is a Purdue alumnus; Sharon serves as CEO of SpaceKids Global
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Briony Horgan (Timestamp: 09:34 – 10:08)
- Professor of Planetary Science, Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
- Specializes in Martian geology
- Co-investigator on NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance rover mission
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Marshall Porterfield (Timestamp: 10:08 – 10:37)
- Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue’s College of Agriculture
- Former Division Director for Space Life and Physical Sciences at NASA
- Leader of Purdue’s LEAF project, selected for NASA's Artemis 3 mission
Key Discussions and Insights
Personal Reflections on Purdue and "Boilers to Mars"
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Drew Feustel shares a heartfelt moment upon receiving his acceptance letter to Purdue and watching the film, stating, "I literally started crying when I saw that scene because that moment for me was so impactful in my life" (Timestamp: 06:30).
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Mark Hagel emphasizes the importance of embracing firsts and big dreams: "If your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough. So think of what the future could be for you" (Timestamp: 07:36).
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Sharon Hagel highlights the emotional and spiritual journey of space exploration, remarking, "Going to space is the most emotional and spiritual journey you will ever take" (Timestamp: 08:21).
The Future of Space Exploration
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Drew Feustel discusses the pivotal role of Purdue and private companies in advancing space exploration: "We stand on the shoulders of giants... private industries are enabling or creating spacecraft and vehicles to get us there" (Timestamp: 10:57).
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Mark Hagel underscores the transformation brought by public-private partnerships and the vital role of education in sustaining future missions: "Young people don't have boundaries. They don't have preconceived notions... They're problem solvers. That's our future" (Timestamp: 12:47).
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Marshall Porterfield focuses on sustainability and bioregenerative life support systems essential for long-duration missions: "How do we provide food, water, sustainable human life?... It's a major challenge for humanity" (Timestamp: 14:20).
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Briony Horgan expresses excitement about the scientific advancements from human Mars missions: "We're searching for signs of ancient microbial life on Mars... pushing the frontiers of science" (Timestamp: 15:58).
Inspiring the Next Generation
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Sharon Hagel elaborates on SpaceKids Global’s mission to engage young minds in STEM: "We're making learning fun again... bringing hands-on projects to kids across the country" (Timestamp: 22:59).
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Mark Hagel discusses the importance of vertical integration in education and partnerships to guide students from early education to careers in space: "Education is what solves the problems in the world. Education is what's going to keep humanity alive on Earth" (Timestamp: 23:57).
Advice to Aspiring Boilermakers and Future Space Pioneers
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Drew Feustel encourages students to pursue their passions and seize opportunities: "Do what you love... your mind is a very powerful thing. Believe in yourselves. You can get there" (Timestamp: 24:22).
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Mark Hagel advises embracing problem-solving and being open to unexpected opportunities: "Opportunities will present themselves... take the challenge associated with them, and move forward" (Timestamp: 25:56).
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Sharon Hagel inspires with her personal journey and vision for inclusivity in space: "Space is for everyone... the curiosity, the hope, that's the changes" (Timestamp: 27:06).
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Briony Horgan and Marshall Porterfield stress the importance of taking initial steps and remaining resilient:
- Briony: "Start small... go for every opportunity you can" (Timestamp: 28:14).
- Marshall: "There's a huge gap in terms of life support... get involved on the front line" (Timestamp: 29:15).
Conclusion
The panel concludes with Drew Feustel reiterating the profound impact Purdue has had on his journey: "The fact that I'm sitting here now sharing this story with you means that it did make a difference... make giant leaps, because you will" (Timestamp: 30:28). Kate Young wraps up the event by thanking the panelists and encouraging listeners to engage with the film and related content online.
Final Thoughts
This episode of This Is Purdue beautifully encapsulates the collaborative spirit of Purdue Boilermakers and their unwavering commitment to advancing space exploration. Through personal anecdotes, expert insights, and inspirational advice, the panel emphasizes the critical role of education, perseverance, and innovation in tackling humanity's most ambitious challenges.
Notable Quote Recap:
- "Do what you love... believe in yourselves. You can get there." – Drew Feustel (00:24:22)
- "Education is what solves the problems in the world." – Mark Hagel (00:23:57)
- "Space is for everyone... the curiosity, the hope, that's the changes." – Sharon Hagel (00:27:06)
For more detailed discussions and to watch the "Boilers to Mars" film, visit boilerstomars.com and subscribe to This Is Purdue on your preferred podcast platform.
Hashtags: #BoilersToMars #ThisIsPurdue #PurdueUniversity #SpaceExploration #STEMEducation
This summary captures all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened.