Steve Nanning combines his 40 years of experience as a Satellite Systems Engineer with his 30 years of performing at the Original Renaissance Pleasure to present Space Science topics in his own enthusiastic and entertaining style. He has designed, tested, and launched over 20 Satellites over the course of his career and is currently teaching courses on Spacecraft Design and the Space Environment as an Aerospace Engineering Professor at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He has Masters Degrees in High Technology Mgmt and Systems Architecture & Engineering from National University and USC, respectively and is an historical resource on the US Space Program. Additionally, he has designed and driven floats in the Tournament of Roses Parade from 1975-1997.

1. The Crew of Apollo 11: Why these three?
An in depth look at the crew of Apollo 11, focusing on their unique skill sets that led them to be chosen as the members of the first mission to attempt a Lunar Landing

2. New Theories on the formation of the Solar System
A look at both the traditional theory of the formation of our solar System and the revised models based on Exo-planet discoveries of the Keplar space observatory mission. Covers the concepts of Hot Jupiter's and the 'Grand Tack' theory.

3. The Weird World of Orbital Rendezvous
Introduces the actual orbital environment (as opposed to what is presented in the movies), how we get to orbit, the counter-intuitive way you rendezvous with another spacecraft, and how the Astronauts were trained in this new approach. No math, just concepts.

4. Yes, it really *is* Rocket Science
A fascinating trip through the history of Rockets and Spaceflight; from the invention of gunpowder up through the James Webb Space Telescope

5. Space Junk and what We're doing about it
Covers the steady proliferation of 'space junk' in orbit; how we track it, and what we're doing to control it.

6. Planetary Fun Facts
A 'Grand Tour' of the Solar system, pointing out many strange and unique features of the Planets and their Moons. For example, did you know sunsets on Mars are Blue?

7. Useful Satellite Orbits
A look at the many different types of Satellite orbits used today for global positioning, communication, Surface Science studies, and Weather prediction. Explains why the classic 'Circle around the Earth at the equator' is almost never used.

8. The Apollo Guidance Computer: The little Computer the Could
We've all heard the phrase "My Cell Phone has more computing power than the computers that took us to the Moon!" Here is an examination of the Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC), the state of computing in the early '60s, and the extraordinary legacy of these devices that still echo in every computer in use today.

Prof of Space Vehicle Design and The Space Environment and its Effects on Space Vehicle Design for Cal State Polytechnic University; Aerospace Engineering Dept. Forty year career as a Satellite Systems Engineer with Northrop Grumman. 30 years live performance experience with Renaissance Faire.

Recently booked on back to back cruises (July 2023) aboard Celebrity Beyond sailing in the Eastern Med.