Dive into the discoveries, innovations, and people shaping the future of space, listening to exclusive insights from scientists, engineers, and visionaries leveraging the unique environment of low Earth orbit to push the boundaries of research and technology development.
About the Podcast
Join your host, Patrick O’Neill, Public Affairs lead at the International Space Station National Laboratory, for Between a Rocket & a Hard Space, a podcast that explores space-based research with visionaries from academia, government, and private businesses who have launched their R&D to the ISS. People just like you are addressing those pesky hard spaces created by research limitations here on the ground and putting their research on a rocket to test what’s possible in space.
About the ISS National Lab
The International Space Station (ISS) and its unique environment enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. The ISS National Laboratory provides researchers with access to a permanent microgravity environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. Learn more about this unparalleled environment for research and development by visiting the ISS National Lab’s homepage.
About the host
Patrick O’Neill serves as the public affairs and outreach lead for the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory. In addition to handling external communications for the organization, O’Neill is responsible for working with NASA and other government agencies, commercial companies, academia, and other key stakeholders to raise awareness for the research taking place on the ISS National Lab and its benefit to humanity. During his tenure, he has developed communications initiatives highlighting the ISS research of many well-known companies and organizations, including Adidas, Apple, Budweiser, Cobra Puma Golf, Colgate-Palmolive, Delta Faucet, Disney, Eli Lilly, Google, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Hewlett Packard, Lamborghini, Lucasfilm, IBM, Marvel Entertainment, Merck, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Microsoft, National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Nickelodeon, Procter & Gamble, among others. O’Neill earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from San Diego State University and has more than 15 years of experience in the industry.
Patrick O'Neill with the unofficial mascot of Between a Rocket & a Hard Space, Rocket the Mini Aussie.
Media Credit: Patrick O’Neill.
Also on Between a Rocket & A Hard Space
Hear from policymakers driving the industry forward, financial experts fueling the space economy, and communicators working to inspire the next generation of explorers.
Tune in and discover how the science happening in space today is shaping a better tomorrow for all of us.
“I’ve been blessed and privileged to work with hundreds of researchers as they launch investigations to the space station, and I’m excited to bring those experiences and stories to the public through this podcast. I hope talking science in space for the benefit of life on Earth brings as much joy to our listeners as it has brought to me.”
– Patrick O’Neill, host of Between a Rocket & a Hard Space
Explore ISSNationalLab.org for more information about the science, launch payloads, or research opportunities.
April 17, 2025
Guest, NASA astronaut, Jonny Kim
March 25, 2025
Guest, Dr. Michael Roberts, Chief Scientific Officer, ISS National Laboratory
Between a Rocket & a Hard Space is brought to you by the International Space Station National Laboratory, managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space.
The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host/guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or company.
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Please consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to your situation.
This episode discusses topics that are subject to change due to ongoing research and new discoveries. Always consult current sources.