This Week in Space (Audio)

This week, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik discuss the alarming impact of budget cuts on international space missions and crucial solar observatories, share exciting new solar discoveries, and welcome special guest Colonel Nick Hague, the first Space Force Guardian to launch a full mission, for an in-depth conversation about his experiences as an astronaut, the Space Force's vital role, and what it takes to join their elite ranks. Headlines European Space Agency Programs Threatened by NASA Budget Cuts: The European Space Agency (ESA) reveals three key missions are significantly threatened by proposed NASA budget reductions, requiring "dramatic recovery actions." Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover in Jeopardy: The ESA's Rosalind Franklin Mars rover faces its second major setback as its U.S. launch partner is no longer included in the current budget, leaving the rover without a ride. U.S. as an "Unreliable Partner": Rod and Tariq discuss concerns about the U.S. being perceived as an unreliable partner due to repeated withdrawals from international space partnerships. National Solar Observatory Funding Cuts: The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, the most powerful solar observatory, faces drastic funding cuts that could prevent effective science operations. First Look at the Sun's Poles by Solar Orbiter: Scientists using the ESA's Solar Orbiter have obtained the first direct images of the sun's poles to study its cycle, weather, and magnetic field. Geomagnetic Storm & Auroras: Tariq notes a coronal mass ejection is expected to buffet Earth on Saturday, potentially causing visible auroras during the podcast recording. Who Will Lead NASA? Potential Administrator Candidates: Politico Space's newsletter highlights potential candidates for the next NASA administrator, sparking discussion on the agency's future leadership. Main Topic Colonel Nick Hague: Colonel Nick Hague, Space Force Guardian and NASA astronaut, joins the show to discuss his background, path to NASA, and recent ISS experiences. Nick Hague's Path to Space & Service: Colonel Hague shares his journey from stargazing in Kansas to his interwoven military and space exploration career, starting with the Air Force, joining NASA in 2013, and transferring to the Space Force in 2021. Test Pilot Training School & Astronaut Capabilities: Colonel Hague explains how test pilot school develops critical skills highly applicable to astronaut duties and space operations despite not being a direct requirement. Readaptation After Space Flight: Colonel Hague describes adapting to Earth's gravity after six months in space, noting challenges in regaining balance and strengthening muscles, requiring months of physical therapy. Subconscious Mind & Gravity: He shares that after prolonged zero gravity, the subconscious mind still expects that objects will float, making everyday actions on Earth feel strange. First Space Force Guardian to Launch Full Mission: Colonel Hague discusses the personal honor of being the first Space Force Guardian to launch and complete an entire mission. Space Force's Critical Roles: Colonel Hague details vital Space Force functions, including maintaining GPS for financial systems and tracking over 50,000 objects in space to prevent collisions. Congestion in Low These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/165 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Nick Hague

What a wild week it's been for NASA. With drastic budget cuts looming—pending any action by Congress—then comes the sudden and unexpected pulling of Jared Isaacman for the role of NASA Administrator, with no replacement named. Then came the very public split between President Trump and Elon Musk, and a flurry of furious Twitter/X and Truth Social postings, aimed at each other with razor-sharp edges. And finally, the proposed and drastic cuts to NASA outreach and education budgets, slimming them to nearly nothing. These are strange and concerning times for America's space agency, a premier global brand and icon of peaceful American prowess. We turned to Casey Dreier, the Chief of Space Policy for The Planetary Society, who has been quite vocal in his concern, for context. These are critical times for spaceflight, so you won't want to miss this episode!Headlines Trump and Musk "Bromance" Ends: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik discuss the public falling out between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, which included Trump's threats to cancel SpaceX contracts and Musk's counter-accusations regarding the Jeffrey Epstein files. Commercial Crew Program and Boeing's Starliner: Tariq Malik highlights the critical role of SpaceX's Dragon in NASA's commercial crew program, especially given Boeing's Starliner delays, making NASA dependent on SpaceX for U.S. independent access to space. Japanese ispace Lunar Lander Failure: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik discuss the second failed attempt by the Japanese company ispace to land its Hakuto-R lunar lander on the moon, losing the European Space Agency's mini-rover, called Tenacious, in the process. Speculation on SpaceX Nationalization: The hosts discuss online speculation, including from Steve Bannon, about the possibility of the U.S. government nationalizing SpaceX, and Elon Musk's subsequent de-escalation. LAUNCH Act: Rod Pyle introduces the bipartisan LAUNCH Act, aimed at streamlining licensing for commercial space companies to encourage more rocket launches with faster approvals. Senate Reconciliation Bill: Tariq Malik and Rod Pyle discuss Senator Ted Cruz's Senate reconciliation bill, which proposes to restore funding for the Space Launch System (SLS), increase NASA's budget by $10 billion, and fund Artemis 4 and 5, missions previously targeted for alternate architectures. 60th Anniversary of First U.S. Spacewalk: The hosts commemorate Ed White's historic spacewalk during the Gemini 4 mission in 1965 and discuss anecdotes and lingering questions surrounding the event. Definition of an Astronaut/Spacewalker Debate: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik briefly touch on the ongoing debate about what defines an "astronaut" or "spacewalker," given varying definitions and commercial spaceflight. Tribute to Marc Garneau: The hosts pay tribute to Marc Garneau, Canada's first astronaut, who passed away at 76, highlighting his career with the Canadian Space Agency and his later political career. The Dark Age of NASA Science The Planetary Society's Mission: Space policy expert Casey Dreier provides an overview of the Planetary Society, its founding by Carl Sagan, its independence from government and corporate funding, and its projects like the Lightsail 2. Catastrophic NASA Budget Proposal: Casey Dreier These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/164 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Casey Dreier

This week we speak with Dr. Mike Wall, ace space reporter from Space.com, about Starship's recent test flight. What went right, what went wrong, and what are the prospects for Elon's mammoth rocket meeting NASA's goals for a moon landing in 2027? Also, Musk's recent video outlining future plans for Starship and a Martian metropolis, Chinese company Sepoch's recent (and very Starship-like) vertical launch and landing test, Japan's robotic lander, Resilience, about to attempt a lunar touchdown, and roadside assistance for the Psyche asteroid mission. See this and more on This Week in Space! Headlines New Dwarf Planet Discovery: Scientists at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton have identified a new dwarf planet with an orbit over 16 times the size of Earth's. Its closest approach to the Sun is 44.5 times Earth's orbit, similar to Pluto's orbit, placing it far out in the Oort cloud. While exciting, this object, named 2017 OF, is not Planet Nine because its mass doesn't align with the perturbations observed in other objects. NASA's Psyche Mission Update: NASA's Psyche spacecraft experienced a fuel pressure glitch requiring a switch to a backup propellant line for its Hall effect thruster. Engineers successfully restored pressure, and the mission is still on track to arrive at the metallic asteroid Psyche in 2029. This mission is crucial as Psyche is believed to be the stripped-away core of an ancient proto-planet, offering insights into planet formation. China's Reusable Rocket Advancements: Chinese rocket manufacturer Space Epoch successfully performed a vertical ascent and controlled vertical descent test of a booster stage, similar to SpaceX's Falcon 9 landings. The stainless steel rocket successfully soft-landed in the waters off Hainan Island, demonstrating advanced gimballing for stable landing. Main Topic - Starship Flight 9 Test Recap: SpaceX's Starship Test Flight 9 was deemed a partial success. The Super Heavy booster was reflown for the first time, demonstrating reusability and performing well despite an experimental hard ocean splashdown that resulted in an explosion six minutes into flight. The Ship upper stage reached space and the desired trajectory, an improvement over previous flights, but failed to deploy dummy Starlink satellites or perform an in-space relight due to an attitude control anomaly, possibly a fuel leak. SpaceX's Ambitious Starship Plans: Elon Musk outlined plans for Starship Version 3, envisioned as the first fully mature version capable of Mars missions, rapid reuse, and in-orbit refueling. The long-term goal includes sending thousands of Starships and hundreds of people to Mars to establish a self-sustaining city. Lunar Starship for Artemis Missions: There's ongoing discussion about the number of tanker flights required for a lunar mission, with estimates ranging from 8 to 12, even 16 flights. The timeline for Artemis III in 2027 is a concern, given the need for numerous refueling missions and the development of life support systems for crewed flights, which are currently absent in the Starship test vehicles. Competition in Lunar Landers: While SpaceX is developing Lunar Starship, Blue Origin is also a strong contender with its Blue Moon lander, which is China These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/163 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Mike Wall

If you're lucky enough to have witnessed the landing of Apollo 11 on July 20, 1969, you know what a momentous occasion that was. If you're younger than a Boomer, you've read and heard about that amazing day, but it might not have the impact it did for those who witnessed it. Bob Slater, M.D., is out to change that with his campaign to make July 20 a national holiday called "Lunar Landing Day," and we think it's a fine idea--and so do the moonwalkers, Mission Control folks, and lots of others. It'll be good for STEM, good for national pride, and just good all around. Join us to learn more and about how you can help make this great idea a reality! Headlines Next Starship Launch Scheduled: SpaceX aims for its third Starship launch of the year, Flight 9, no earlier than May 27th, 7:30 PM Eastern. This follows previous failures, with hopes for a successful mission. SpaceX Flight 9 Gets FAA Approval, with Caveats: The FAA approved Starship Flight 9 after SpaceX's Flight 8 failure assessment. A changed trajectory was requested for safety. The goal is to recreate earlier trajectories for a soft landing in the Indian Ocean and will be the first full reflight of the Super Heavy booster. China's Experimental Fuel Dump: Chinese company Landscape launched a methane-fueled rocket that performed an experimental fuel dump at 155 miles, creating a visible ribbon of reflective crystals. Discussion arose on its necessity, accidental nature, or deliberate intent, and its resemblance to 1950s US/Russian plans to nuke the moon as a political statement. "Golden Dome" Missile Defense Initiative: The Trump administration announced a $175 billion "Golden Dome" missile defense shield, similar to Israel's Iron Dome, to intercept orbital threats. U.S. Space Force General Michael Gutzlian will oversee the three-year development. AI Processing Center in Abu Dhabi: OpenAI plans a new AI processing center in Abu Dhabi, requiring immense power (equivalent to five nuclear plants), raising concerns about AI's resource consumption. "Rocket on a Rocket": Blue Origin's NS-32 private space flight will include investor Mark Rocket, CEO of Kai Aerospace and seed investor in Rocket Lab, among its six passengers: a Panamanian businessman, a radiologist and space camp alumni, an entrepreneur and real estate developer, a middle school STEM teacher, and a Canadian entrepreneur and adventurer. From the wacky Weekly World News: Are eight U.S. senators actually aliens in disguise? (Just a gag!) Main Topic - The Landing Day Initiative Dr. Robert Slater, M.D., joins the podcast to discuss his Lunar Landing Day Initiative. Dr. Slater's Path to Space Passion: Slater's passion for space began at age six, watching the moon landing, an event his parents stressed as historical. The Lunar Landing Day Initiative: Inspired by the lack of public recall about July 20, 1969, Slater started the initiative to celebrate the moon landing as a unifying, historic American achievement. Lunar Landing Day Initiative Federal Holiday Goal: The ultimate goal is to make July 20th a federal holiday with a paid day off for federal employees, encouraging states and companies to follow. Historical Significance: Dr. Slater emphasizes the moon landing's historical context as a Cold War These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/162 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Robert Slater

It's time for Rod and Tariq to catch up on headlines... and space dad jokes! We're going to update you on the ever-slimming NASA budget, the latest news on the Voyager spacecraft, what's up with the SLS, Orion capsule, and Artemis programs? SpaceX's 9th Starship test flight, AliBaba in orbit, and the end of the universe. And more space jokes than ever for you to choke on. Gilmore Space Launch Attempt: Gilmore Space's Ares rocket experienced a payload fairing separation on the pad before launch. NASA Budget Cuts & Artemis Program: Proposed budget cuts threaten NASA's Space Launch System (SLS), Orion capsule, and Lunar Gateway, sparking debate about the future of the Artemis program and a potential shift towards commercial solutions. Voyager 1 Thrusters: After 21 years of inactivity, Voyager 1 successfully fired its backup thrusters, ensuring continued communication from interstellar space. NASA Advisory Groups React: NASA advisory groups, including the Mars Exploration Program Advisory Group, expressed concern over budget cuts and their potential to hinder U.S. leadership in space exploration. Texas MARS Act: Texas Senator John Cornyn proposed allocating $1 billion for modernizing the Johnson Space Center. Intuitive Machines Update: Intuitive Machines plans to return to the moon in Q1 2026 with Intuitive Machines 3, having identified and addressed the causes of previous landing failures. SpaceX Starship Update: Elon Musk will provide an update on SpaceX's Mars plans before the next Starship test flight, frlight 9, addressing challenges like refueling the vehicle in space. The End of the Universe: Astrophysicists predict the universe's end, or "heat death", will occur sooner than previously thought, approximately 10 to the power of 78 years from now. China's Orbital Computing Sats: China launched its first 12 orbital computing satellites, part of a planned 2,800-satellite constellation designed to shift power-hungry computing and AI capabilities off-planet. Starlink Profitability: SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet business has generated $11.8 billion in revenue in 2024, surpassing its space transportation business. VIPER Lunar Rover: NASA may be working to save the VIPER lunar prospecting rover mission, which was previously canceled due to lander delays. Solar Flare Activity: The sun has unleashed a strong solar flare, an X2.7 magnitude, with the potential for increased auroras on Earth. Auroras on Mars: Perseverance rover images reveal the first visible light auroras on Mars from the planet's surface. Virgin Galactic Update: Virgin Galactic plans to launch its new Spaceship Delta fleet in early 2026 and resume ticket sales, with prices increases to come. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Dr. Robert Goddard is known as the "Father of Rocketry," but his legacy has been largely overlooked--until now. Charles Slatkin grew up during the Space Age and has become a Goddard evangelist, going so far as to purchase the historic Goddard home to convert into a museum. But his efforts don't stop there. Slatkin has started a nonprofit to not only further Goddard's legacy, but also to inspire young people, who he calls "today's Goddards," to reach for the stars. Hear this inspiring story on this episode of This Week in Space! Headliines Soviet Venus Probe Re-entry: The Soviet Union's Cosmos 42 Venus probe, launched in 1972, is set to re-enter Earth's atmosphere after failing to reach Venus. Due to its design for landing on Venus, there's a possibility some or much of it may survive re-entry. NASA's Roman Space Telescope: NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has successfully passed thermal vacuum tests, but its future is uncertain due to potential budget cuts. Scott Kelly and Goodnites: Astronaut Scott Kelly has partnered with Goodnites Undergarments to destigmatize bedwetting, humorously drawing parallels to astronauts wearing diapers in space. Main Topic - The Robert Goddard Project Introducing Charles Slatkin: A space enthusiast and advocate, Charles Slatkin is dedicated to inspiring future generations through the wonders of space and preserving Robert Goddard's legacy in rocketry. Slatkin's Space Journey: Sputnik and Wernher von Braun's vision of lunar exploration ignited Slatkin's passion for space at a young age. Who Was Robert Goddard?: Robert Goddard, born in 1882, launched the world's first liquid-propellant rocket in 1926. Despite facing mockery and failures, his perseverance and ingenuity paved the way for modern space exploration. Slatkin's Connection to Goddard: Slatkin's journey with Goddard began at Clark University, where Goddard earned his PhD and later taught. His efforts to save Goddard's house from destruction and his involvement in the Goddard Centennial highlight his dedication to preserving Goddard's legacy. Goddard House Restoration: Slatkin bought Goddard's house and is restoring it into a museum, library, and resource center, with plans to house a student caretaker. Goddard's Rocketry Breakthrough: Goddard's shift to liquid-fueled rockets was revolutionary, overcoming the limitations of solid propellants and paving the way for modern rocketry. The Wonder Mission: Slatkin's Wonder Mission aims to inspire awe and wonder for space through immersive experiences and educational initiatives, including the Goddard Project and the National Space Trail. Goddard Centennial: The upcoming Goddard Centennial in 2026 is an opportunity to celebrate Goddard's legacy, honor today's scientists and engineers, and inspire future generations of space explorers. National Space Trail: The National Space Trail, an initiative inspired by the Boston Freedom Trail, will connect significant sites related to space exploration across the United States, beginning in Worcester, Massachusetts. Virtual Goddard Museum: Plans are underway for a virtual museum to expand access to Goddard's story and legacy, featuring multimedia resources and information connected to the National Space Trail. Goddard's Enduring These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/160 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Charles Slatkin

Seems we can't go through an hour without hearing news about artificial intelligence these days. There are a lot of exciting developments, and some of the most exciting when thinking about space are coming from the USRA's Research Institute for Advanced Computer Science (RIACS), which is on the cutting edge of the cutting edge. In this episode, we're speaking with the institute's director, Dr. David Bell, who will walk us through the differences between current AI, agentic AI, and--are you ready?--quantum-powered AI, and their current and future potential to revolutionize space exploration and development. Join us!Headlines Trump budget cuts: The Trump administration's fiscal 2026 "skinny" budget proposes slashing NASA's funding by $6 billion—24 % of its current $24.8 billion—threatening SLS, Orion, Gateway, and Mars Sample Return programs. Planet 9 revival: Scientists re-examining 1980s IRAS and 2006–2011 Akari infrared data have uncovered new gravitational signatures suggesting a hidden Planet 9 at ~700 AU, bringing the search closer to confirmation. Speed-round catch-up: NASA's Psyche asteroid mission is battling low fuel pressure; the decades-old Soviet Cosmos 42 Venus probe is slated to re-enter around May 10; and a recent poll finds over half of Gen Z and millennials believe in alien cover-ups. Main Topic – AI in Space with Dr. David Bell USRA & QuAIL overview: Dr. Bell outlines USRA's Research Institute for Advanced Computer Science (RIACS) and its Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab—a collaboration with Google and NASA Ames driving AI and quantum computing integration in space missions Career path & pivotal shifts: With 20+ years at USRA and a prior decade at Xerox PARC, Bell traces AI's journey from 1959's first neural nets to the 2017 transformer breakthrough that sparked today's LLM revolution. Early AI successes: AutoClass's unsupervised learning on the 1980s IRAS mission discovered a new class of infrared stars, and ExoMiner's deep-learning engine has since validated over 300 exoplanets from Kepler data. Agent-based autonomy: USRA deployed mobile agents on the ISS to automate file transfers and Deep Space One's Remote Agent performed onboard planning, execution, and anomaly recovery in deep space during the 1990s. Evolution of planning & scheduling: The Europa planning engine—used daily for Mars rovers—has evolved into SPIFe (Spiffy) and real-time collaborative "playbook" apps, optimizing workflows on both robotic and crewed missions. Natural language interfaces: Clarissa, a precursor to Siri deployed on the ISS five years before commercial voice assistants, let astronauts query and navigate complex procedures by voice. Robotic assistants: Projects like Astrobee free-flying robots on the ISS and analog-terrain rover simulations demonstrate how AI-driven machines can support astronauts in exploration and maintenance tasks. Foundation models for Earth & space: USRA's Generative AI Lab is building multipurpose foundation models on global satellite data that now outperform traditional numerical simulations—forecasting weather faster and more accurately. Workforce development: Through the Feynman Quantum Academy and NASA-integrated data science curricula, USRA immerses students These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/159 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. David Bell

The Hubble Space Telescope has been one of NASA's most successful flagship missions, recently celebrating 35 years in space. Often referred to as "the gift that keeps giving," the HST has provided not just magnificent science—shared worldwide—but also some of our universe's most significant and stunning images, inspiring wonder and driving countless young people into the sciences and STEM fields in general. And for the general public, Hubble continues to provide a profound sense of the wonders of the universe and our place in it. We are joined this week by Dr. John Grunsfeld, who flew five times on the space shuttle and spent over 50 hours on Hubble servicing missions to keep those incredible images coming. Join us for a fascinating deep dive into this magnificent project. Headlines NASA Budget Cuts: The episode starts with a discussion about proposed budget cuts to NASA, including concerns from future NASA administrator Jared Isaacman, who expressed reservations about the cuts. Hercules-Corona-Borealis Great Wall: The hosts discuss the discovery of the largest structure in the universe, the Hercules-Corona-Borealis Great Wall, and the ongoing efforts to understand its size and implications. China's Tiangong Space Station: An update on China's Tiangong space station and their successful crew rotation operations, as well as their recent agreement to train astronauts from Pakistan. Interview with Dr. John Grunsfeld John Grunsfeld's Background: Grunsfeld shares his early inspirations, including the pioneering Gemini program during the Space Race, and how this influenced his path to becoming an astronaut and physicist. Hubble's 35th Anniversary: The conversation shifts to the Hubble Space Telescope's 35th anniversary and Grunsfeld's unique perspective as someone who flew on the space shuttle and performed multiple Hubble servicing missions. Hubble Servicing and EVAs: Grunsfeld details the challenges and complexities of performing extravehicular activities (EVAs) to repair and upgrade Hubble, highlighting the extensive training involved. Hubble's Scientific Contributions: The discussion covers Hubble's significant scientific achievements, including measuring the age and expansion of the universe and the discovery of dark energy. NASA's Value and Budget Concerns: Grunsfeld emphasizes NASA's importance in driving innovation, inspiring the public, and its positive impact on the economy, expressing concern over proposed budget cuts. Future of Space Telescopes: The episode concludes with a look at the future of space telescopes, including the Habitable Worlds Observatory and the potential for robotic servicing to maintain these complex instruments. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. John Grunsfeld Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

We've all heard of it, and some of us have seen the Netflix comedy series, but what exactly is the U.S. Space Force, and what do they do? We invited USSF Chief Master Sergeant John Bentivegna to the podcast to discuss the founding of Space Force, what they are charged with overseeing, their role in continuously monitoring U.S. orbital assets and possible threats to them, and their future role in guarding the space lanes. We also look at the controversy surrounding the recent Blue Origin flight with Katy Perry and other women of note, a recent explosion at a Northrop Grumman facility, and the announcement of a possible detection of life on exoplanet k2-18b! Headlines: Possible Life on Exoplanet K2-18b: Scientists have detected potential signs of life in the spectra of exoplanet K2-18b, including dimethyl sulfide, a substance produced by algae and microbes on Earth. Blue Origin's Glam Flight Controversy: The recent Blue Origin NS-31 flight, intended to promote women in STEM, sparked debate about space tourism and what defines an astronaut. Northrop Grumman Explosion: A recent explosion at Northrop Grumman's Promontory, Utah, test site destroyed a building, raising questions about the future of solid rocket motor development. Interview with Chief Master Sergeant John Bentivegna: His role in the Space Force: Chief Master Sergeant Bentivegna discusses his role as the senior enlisted member, advising on guardian development, strategy, and welfare. Career Path: Bentivegna recounts his journey from joining the Air Force in 1994 to becoming a key leader in the Space Force, highlighting his experience in space operations. Space Force Mission: He details the Space Force's core functions: assured space access, global space operations (including GPS management and space domain awareness), and space control to ensure space superiority. Space Warfighting Framework: The launch of the Space Warfighting Framework, just released this week, is discussed, emphasizing its importance for integrating and planning space operations across the joint force and clarifying the Space Force's capabilities and operational lexicon. Concerns About Threats in Space: The podcast addresses the threats posed by adversarial actions in space, such as the deployment of ASAT weapons and potential EMP attacks, and the measures the Space Force is developing to protect and defend critical space assets. Space Force and NASA Collaboration: The ongoing collaboration between the Space Force and NASA is highlighted, including the role of guardians in space exploration, research, and astronaut support. Future of Space Operations: The episode concludes with a look at the future of space operations, including the potential for a "Space Coast Guard" and the expanding role of the Space Force in lunar and cislunar activities. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: John Bentivegna Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

In this episode of This Week in Space, hosts Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik welcome Dr. Phil Metzger from the University of Central Florida to discuss the dangerous realities of rocket plumes when landing spacecraft on the Moon and Mars. Before diving into the main topic, the hosts talk about Jared Isaacman's NASA administrator confirmation hearing, Katy Perry's upcoming Blue Origin spaceflight, and a newly discovered comet. Headlines: Jared Isaacman's NASA Administrator Confirmation Hearing - The billionaire Shift4 CEO and astronaut faced intense questioning about his independence from Elon Musk, with senators repeatedly asking if Musk was present during his meeting with Trump. Isaacman confirmed he'll continue with Artemis missions and the ISS through 2030. Katy Perry's Space Flight - The pop star will join the world's first all-female crew aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard, scheduled for April 14. The crew includes Gayle King and other accomplished women, though the flight has received criticism for being extravagant during tough economic times. New Comet Discovered - Comet C/2025 F2 Swan was discovered on March 29 by a Ukrainian skywatcher and is currently visible to the naked eye in dark skies, though it will soon only be visible from the Southern Hemisphere. Main Topic - Rocket Plume Effects with Dr. Phil Metzger: Rocket Plume Dangers - Dr. Metzger explains how rocket exhaust can propel lunar soil at speeds up to 3 km/second (above lunar escape velocity), potentially damaging equipment far from landing sites and even ejecting material entirely off the Moon. Apollo 12 Evidence - The Surveyor 3 spacecraft, visited by Apollo 12 astronauts, showed significant sandblasting damage from the lunar module landing 160 meters away, with paint surfaces scoured and peppered with holes from high-velocity particles. SpaceX Starship Launch Analysis - Dr. Metzger studied the first Starship test launch and found concrete chunks traveling at 90 meters per second, with sand carried 6 miles away in raindrops formed within a rotating cloud of hot exhaust. Landing Pad Solutions - Various approaches for building lunar landing pads include microwave sintering of lunar soil, bringing polymers from Earth as binders, creating rock beds, and baking pavers in ovens—all requiring robotic construction methods. Future of Space Industry - Dr. Metzger advocates moving computing and energy production to space to reduce Earth's industrial burden. He estimates it could take 20-30 years to reach a tipping point where space industry becomes self-sustaining, potentially accelerated by billionaire investment or government support. Lunar Mining Potential - Dr. Metzger discusses surface mining approaches versus underground operations, noting the Moon's surface has been bombarded for billions of years with bedrock lying 10 kilometers deep. Science Budget Concerns - The hosts and Dr. Metzger express concerns about reported cuts to NASA's science budget, particularly affecting Earth science programs, with Dr. Metzger warning this could harm America's leadership in scientific research. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Phil Metzger Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

This week, it's cool space news you can use (if you're not stuck on the ISS!). We look at the recent flight of Fram 2, the first spacecraft to fly a polar orbit; recent revelations about the flight of Starliner from commander Butch Wilmore; a mysterious Russian satellite behaving strangely; and carnivorous Martian dust devils. We also update you on SpaceX's next test of Starship, SpinLaunch's mighty "space cannon," recent experiments on abating lunar dust, and much more. Join us! Fram 2 Mission - SpaceX's private orbital mission financed by cryptocurrency billionaire Chun Wang completed a four-day flight, making history as the first mission to send astronauts over Earth's poles. Amazon's Kuiper Satellites - Amazon launched its first batch of 27 Kuiper internet satellites on an Atlas 5 rocket, beginning its planned 3,200-satellite constellation to compete with SpaceX's Starlink. Blue Origin's All-Female Flight Controversy? - Actress Olivia Munn is blasting the all-female crew for Blue Origin's next suborbital flight for its costly, gluttonous mission. Tariffs Impact on Space Industry - The hosts discussed how new tariffs could affect aerospace companies that rely on international partnerships and imported components for spacecraft manufacturing. US Military Cargo Delivery with SpaceX - The US military's Rocket Cargo Vanguard program plans to test using SpaceX's Starship to deliver 100 tons of cargo anywhere in the world in under 90 minutes. Starliner's Harrowing Mission - New details revealed that Boeing's Starliner mission was more dangerous than initially reported, with multiple thruster failures creating serious maneuvering issues, threatening to leave them adrift in space. Mysterious Russian Satellites - Three Russian satellites (Cosmos 2581-2583) were observed performing proximity operations and possibly deploying another object in orbit, raising concerns about their purpose. Starship Test 9 Preparations - SpaceX is preparing to refly a Starship booster with 29 reused engines, marking progress toward their fully reusable rocket system. Japan's Mars Plans - JAXA is planning to send multiple mini rovers to Mars using an inflatable heat shield technology to enable larger payload deliveries, and add a lander to Phobos. Cannibal Dust Devils on Mars - The Perseverance rover captured images of two dust devils on Mars merging, with the larger one (210 feet wide) absorbing a smaller one (16 feet wide). Lunar Dust Mitigation Technology - NASA successfully tested an electrodynamic dust shield on Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander that could help manage the highly problematic lunar dust on future missions. Asteroid 2024 YR4 Update - James Webb Space Telescope observations determined the asteroid is about 200 feet wide with a slightly increased 3.8% chance of hitting the moon in 2032, up from 1.7%. SpinLaunch's Satellite Plans - SpinLaunch received $12 million in funding to develop an enhanced system using centrifugal force to launch up to 250 satellites at once, potentially offering a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly launch alternative. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

If you've ever wondered what the view from the International Space Station might look like in real-time, this is your episode. Or if you just want to know more about who's up there and what's going on at the ISS on a particular day, this is it. Liam Kennedy, the one and only Space TV Director, is with us. Liam has been working to bring content and video from the ISS down to earth for over a decade, and it's all come together just this year! Liam invented ISS Above, a Raspberry Pi-driven system that highlights key information about the space station in real-time. Join us for this special look at the view from on high! Headlines: NASA is cutting $420 million in contracts, as confirmed by NASA press secretary Bethany Stevens. Boeing Starliner's next crewed launch was delayed to late 2025 / early 2026 due to ongoing helium leaks and thruster issues. Northrop Grumman's Cygnus cargo mission (CRS-22) was canceled after the spacecraft was damaged during shipping; it will be rescheduled to CRS-23 in the fall. Historic FRAM 2 mission launching March 31 - first human spaceflight over Earth's poles, financed by Maltese cryptocurrency entrepreneur Chun Wang. The Blue Origin launch date with Katy Perry, the first all-female mission since Valentina Tereshkova's solo flight, is set for April 14. A partial solar eclipse will be visible over northern US and Canada on March 29. Main Topic - Interview with Liam Kennedy Liam Kennedy's space journey began at age 6, watching the Apollo 11 moon landing, leading to becoming president of Orange County Astronomers and developing ways for the public to experience the Overview Effect. ISS Above is a Raspberry Pi device created in 2013 that tracks the ISS and lights up when it passes overhead, and is now in 5,000 locations worldwide. Kennedy partnered with SEN, founded by Charles Black, to create high-quality 4K cameras for the ISS after NASA's HDEV camera system stopped transmitting in 2019. SEN provides free live streaming of Earth from space via YouTube and SEN.com, generating revenue through advertising and clip licensing. The Space TV camera system includes six cameras on the Columbus module of the ISS, showcasing docking ports, Earth views, and the horizon. Space TV offers dramatically higher quality than NASA's existing cameras and captured stunning 4K footage of Boeing Starliner's undocking and Crew Dragon flights. SEN plans to expand with more cameras and locations, including potential deployment on future commercial space stations and lunar missions. Kennedy discusses the "Overview Effect" - how seeing Earth from space creates a transformative perspective that inspires action on Earth. The ISS Above Experience will be featured at the Space Symposium to celebrate the 25th anniversary of continuous human presence on the ISS. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Liam Kennedy Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

After 60 years of discussion, we may finally be making real, actionable plans to send a crew to Mars. One of the prime advocates for sending humans to the Red Planet has been Dr. Robert Zubrin, founder and president of The Mars Society. In 1990, he and David Baker worked up a plan called "Mars Direct," which took the core of then-current NASA planning and streamlined it into a more realistic, affordable approach. Since then, some of the key elements have been incorporated into NASA's Design Reference Missions, still the primary set of plans for reaching Mars. Join us for this fascinating discussion. Headlines Crew-9 Return: Astronauts Wilmore and Williams returned to Earth via SpaceX Dragon with dolphins swimming around their capsule—spoiler alert: it was NOT AI generated! Isar Aerospace: A German company prepared for the first orbital launch from Norway's Andoya Spaceport SpaceX Record: Achieved fastest booster turnaround yet by flying the same booster twice within nine days Main Topic: Mars Exploration with Dr. Robert Zubrin Mars Direct Plan: Zubrin's revolutionary 1990 proposal using just two heavy-lift launches and in-situ resource utilization, influencing NASA's planning Purpose vs. Vendor-Driven: Critique of NASA's Artemis as "vendor-driven" rather than focused on the mission goal Current Opportunity: New potential for Mars exploration under the current administration, but it must be a national program Timeline Prediction: Realistic goals of uncrewed Starship on Mars by 2028 and humans by 2033 Scientific Value: First Mars Starship should carry substantial scientific payload instead of just a demonstration mission—no red Tesla Roadsters to Mars, please Planetary Protection: Strong case against the "anti-human aesthetics" of keeping Mars pristine Science Budget Concerns: Warning against proposed 50% cuts to NASA's science programs Starboat Concept: Proposal for a smaller ascent vehicle to complement Starship for more efficient Mars and Moon missions Moon vs. Mars Strategy: Design hardware primarily for Mars that can also work for lunar exploration Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Robert Zubrin Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

In this episode of This Week in Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik host Dr. Robert O'Brien, Director of the Universities Space Research Association's Center for Space Nuclear Research, for a fascinating deep dive into nuclear propulsion technology for space exploration. They discuss the history, current developments, and future potential of nuclear electric and nuclear thermal propulsion systems, which could revolutionize our ability to explore Mars and beyond—both robotically and with human crews. Headlines Crew-10 Launch Update: SpaceX's Dragon Endurance prepared to launch relief crew for ISS, addressing delays and setting stage for Williams and Wilmore's return. NASA Layoffs: NASA shuttering several offices including Technology Policy and Strategy, Chief Scientist, and diversity initiatives to comply with Trump administration executive orders. Saturn's Moon Count: 128 additional moons discovered orbiting Saturn, bringing total to 274 (surpassing Jupiter's 95), raising questions about moon classification criteria. Lunar Eclipse: First total lunar eclipse of 2025 visible across western hemisphere, with another eclipse in September for viewers in Asia and Australia. New Space Billionaire: Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, takes over as CEO of Relativity Space (a 3D printing rocket company), joining Bezos, Musk, and Branson in the space industry. Main Topic: Nuclear Propulsion with Dr. Robert O'Brien Propulsion Types: Dr. O'Brien explained two main types: nuclear electric propulsion generates electricity for electric thrusters, while nuclear thermal propulsion heats propellant directly through a fission reactor for thrust. Efficiency Advantages: Nuclear systems offer greater efficiency than chemical rockets, potentially reducing Mars mission mass to one-third or less while enabling "maneuver without regret" capability. Historical Context: US launched SNAP-10A reactor in mid-1960s; Rover-NERVA program demonstrated nuclear thermal rocket technology before cancellation after Apollo. Current Development: Working to regain 1960s capabilities while implementing modern safety protocols, testing procedures, and materials science improvements. Safety Considerations: Modern development includes full exhaust containment and comprehensive safety measures, with waste containment as the primary focus. AI Applications: AI could accelerate development through materials optimization, autonomous operation for deep space, and enhanced reactor control safety. Fusion Propulsion: Remains promising future technology potentially enabling interstellar travel, with growing international investment. Project Orion: Historical nuclear pulse propulsion concept using small nuclear explosions for thrust - impractical for Earth launches but potential for interstellar applications. Public Education: Addressing concerns requires transparent communication, moving away from the "veil of mystery" of earlier nuclear programs. Educational Outreach: The Universities Space Research Association is developing a talent pipeline for "unicorn capabilities" in space nuclear expertise. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Robert O'Brien Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

In this episode of This Week in Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik talk with Dr. Jim Green, former NASA Chief Scientist. He discusses how we can search for technosignatures that might indicate advanced civilizations in other star systems, new ideas on Mars sample return, and his fascinating experience consulting on the movie, The Martian! Also: this week's robotic landings on the Moon - one successful, one partly so; what's up with the USAF X-37B mini-shuttle; and recent news on those Energizer Bunnies of space, Voyagers 1&2. Their wings have been clipped a bit, but they just keep going... join us! News Lunar Landing Week: Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander achieved a flawless touchdown in Mare Chrisium, the Intuitive Machines Athena lander reached the Moon's south polar region but experienced issues with its navigation radar (and tipped over), and SpaceX's Starship test flight 8 successfully caught its booster for the third time but lost control of the upper stage, resulting in the breakup of the upper stage and debris over the Bahamas and Caribbean. NASA powered down additional instruments on both Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 to extend their remaining power supply, including Voyager 1's cosmic ray system that helped confirm its entry into interstellar space in 2012. The secretive US Space Force X-37B space plane landed at Vandenberg Space Force Base after 434 days in orbit, completing its seventh mission, which tested new orbital capabilities, including aerobraking techniques. A newly released list showcases the world's top ten locations for dark skies and stargazing, with the US only having only one location—in Hawaii—to make the list. Dr. Jim Green His Career: Dr. Green goes over his former role as NASA's Chief Scientist and highlights key aspects of his career, including running the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) and leading NASA's Planetary Science Division, and how his interest in space first began. The Martian: Dr. Green also explains how he got involved as a consultant for Ridley Scott's movie, "The Martian," and how NASA got really involved with the film. He also shares his favorite scene from the movie. NASA's Search for Alien Civilizations: Dr. Green shares how he helped shift NASA's focus from traditional SETI to searching for technosignatures like Dyson Spheres and O'Neill structures in other star systems, securing $10 million in funding for research that could detect megastructures in our astronomical data while noting that humanity may need similar space habitats in 800 million years when the sun makes Earth uninhabitable. Mars Sample Return Strategy: Dr. Green explains how NASA's evolving plan to return samples fropm Mars includes developing Mars Ascent Vehicles that could eventually support human missions while revealing that Perseverance was deliberately designed to place sample tubes on the surface so any nation could retrieve them, making the mission more politically viable with budget offices and Congress. Humanity's Cosmic Future: Dr. Green reveals that he helped create NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program to support new companies for lunar missions. Despite early failures, he emphasized that humanity must utilize space resources and capabilities to ensure our species' long-term survival. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Jim Green Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

We Answer Your Questions—Possibly Correctly! Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik For full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/150

In this episode of This Week in Space, hosts Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik discuss the latest space news, including a potentially hazardous asteroid, SpaceX's plans to launch and land in the Bahamas, and the ongoing debate surrounding the retirement of the International Space Station. They also touch on NASA's budget cuts, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the development of new radiation protection technology for deep space missions. - Asteroid 2024 YR4: While initially considered a potential threat, the chances of this asteroid impacting Earth have significantly decreased as more data has been collected. Rod and Tariq discuss the changing odds and the importance of tracking near-Earth objects. - NASA budget cuts: The hosts discuss the proposed 20% budget cut for the James Webb Space Telescope and its potential impact on the groundbreaking observatory's operations and scientific output. - Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost Moon lander: Launched weeks ago, the lander is now in lunar orbit and scheduled to land on or about March 2nd, carrying 10 experiments to Mare Crisium. With several other lunar missions on the horizon, including those from Intuitive Machines and Japan's iSpace, the hosts discuss the exciting developments in the new lunar exploration era. - SpaceX in the Bahamas: Elon Musk's company is in talks with the Bahamian government about launching and landing rights. The hosts speculate on the reasons behind this move and its potential implications for future missions. - The retirement of the ISS: Elon Musk suggests de-orbiting the station as soon as possible and to press on to Mars, while others argue for maintaining it until suitable replacements are ready. - "Stranded" astronauts controversy: The hosts address the recent claims that astronauts Sunny Williams and Butch Wilmore were "stranded" or "abandoned" on the ISS due to political motives. They clarify the situation and express their disappointment with the misleading narrative. - Radiation shielding technology: The development of 3D-printed hydrogels offers a promising solution for protecting astronauts from harmful radiation during deep space missions. The hosts explore the potential applications and benefits of this innovative technology. - Search for Extraterrestrial Life: The COSMIC project, working with the Very Large Array telescope, has been using advanced computer processing to seek out focused radio transmissions that might indicate the presence of alien civilizations. While no signals of interest have been found yet, the search continues, and the project serves as a valuable educational tool for aspiring radio astronomers. - NASA workforce reduction: While NASA has not yet implemented the anticipated workforce reduction, the hosts discuss the potential impact of such cuts on the agency's future and the importance of maintaining a skilled workforce in the face of increasing competition from China. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Clavius. The very mention of this vast lunar crater brings to mind spectacular images from "2001: A Space Odyssey"— landing spacecraft, alien monoliths, and more. But more immediately, Clavius may be the ideal place to build our first lunar base, and Dr. Pascal Lee rejoins us to explain why. Notably, Clavius is not on NASA's dance card as a first-sitting consideration, but Lee thinks it should be, for many reasons, including interesting lunar geology, possible sites for permanent settlements—including lava tubes, excellent prospects for transportation infrastructure, and much more. Join us for a fascinating look at the near future at Clavius Base! Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

In this episode, we talk to Mick West, a passionate conspiracy debunker who, rather uniquely, proceeds with kindness and empathy as he unravels some of the key pseudoscience of our time. Of particular interest to us is the spate of relatively recent videos of UFOs/UAPs from the US Navy, among other sources. He's got a lot to say and took a deep dive into the phenomenon with us. Buckle up and share the weird and sometimes wacky world of "Not As They Seem!" with us! Get "Escaping the Rabbit Hole" on Amazon (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/42HqpK1 Headlines: • SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft to bring home astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams earlier than planned, swapping with the Axiom Space 4 mission's Endurance Dragon capsule • Asteroid 2024 YR4's chances of impacting Earth in 2032 slightly increase to a 2.2% chance of hitting our planet on December 22, 2032, according to the European Space Agency. The risk assessment has increased from a chance of 1.2% over the last week due to new observations, but there is still a 97.7% chance it will miss our planet • Putin replaces Roscosmos chief Yuri Borisov with 37-year-old Dmitry Bakunov, former deputy transport minister • Astrolab's FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform (FLIP) rover to replace NASA's canceled VIPER rover, hitching a ride on Griffin's lander to the Moon • The Trump administration's first weeks in office bring significant changes to NASA and the space industry, with acting administrator Janet Petro set to address the future of the agency Main Topic - UFOs/UAPs, Conspiracy Theories, and Critical Thinking: • Mick West's background in video game programming and his transition to debunking conspiracy theories • The importance of contrail science and debunking the chemtrails conspiracy theory • Psychological factors that lead people to believe in conspiracy theories, such as the need for uniqueness and the appeal of simple explanations • The role of social media and non-expert influencers in shaping public opinion on UFOs and other fringe topics • Analyzing recent UFO videos and the challenges of interpreting visual data without proper context or expertise • The potential impact of the Trump administration on UFO disclosure and the appointment of a "UFO/UAP czar" • Examining the claims of UFO whistleblowers like Luis Elizondo and David Grusch, and the lack of concrete evidence to support their assertions • The shift towards a distrust of science and academia, and the potential return to a belief in supernatural explanations • Debunking moon landing conspiracy theories and the importance of considering evidence from multiple sources • The potential consequences of hidden technology and the allure of "free energy" conspiracy theories • Mick West's book, "Escaping the Rabbit Hole: How to Debunk Conspiracy Theories Using Facts, Logic, and Respect," and its guidance on communicating with conspiracy theorists Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Mick West Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

What do schools, universities, motivated STEM students, NASA, and the space industry have in common, all across the globe? The Universities Space Research Association! You may not have heard of this group before, but it's high time you did. Their new President and CEO, Dr. Elsayed Talaat, joins us to discuss the association's long history, educational and industry affiliations, and perhaps most impressively, their vast areas of research. If it's space, cutting-edge, and cool, the USRA is probably engaged. Join us for this fascinating look at one of the best education and research facilitators anywhere--the USRA. Headlines: • Astronomers mistakenly identified Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster as an asteroid, highlighting the challenges of tracking an increasing number of objects in space • AstroForge, a space mining company, announced their target asteroid for a mission launching next month, following calls for increased transparency from the scientific community • SpaceX is completing construction on their fifth and final Crew Dragon capsule, as the current fleet is expected to meet NASA's needs until Starship becomes operational • A newly discovered asteroid, 2024 YR4, has a small chance (1 in 83) of impacting Earth in 2032; NASA emphasizes that an impact is highly unlikely but will continue to track the object and refine the trajectory plot Main Topic - All the Way with the USRA: • The USRA was founded in 1969 to connect universities with NASA projects, particularly for lunar sample research during the Apollo era • The organization has since expanded to cover a wide range of space-related research areas, including astrophysics, heliophysics, Earth science, space nuclear propulsion, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and microgravity science • The USRA plays a key role in workforce development by providing internship and scholarship opportunities for students interested in space research • The organization has a consortium of 121 member universities worldwide, which helps guide USRA's research focus and advocate for the interests of the academic space research community • The USRA's funding primarily comes from competitively awarded NASA contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements, as well as some funding from the Department of Defense and Department of Energy • President and CEO Dr. Talaat emphasizes the importance of collaboration and cross-disciplinary research in advancing space science and technology • The USRA's Lunar and Planetary Institute has been a key player in lunar research and exploration since the Apollo era, and continues to offer internship programs to inspire and train the next generation of space scientists • Dr. Talaat highlights the critical role of space weather research in protecting technological infrastructure and ensuring the safety of astronauts and pilots • He encourages young people to get involved in space research, emphasizing the excitement of scientific discovery and the real-world applications that benefit society Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Elsayed R. Talaat Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

This week, we're talking to the authors of a new book about spaceflight called "Star Bound: A Beginner's Guide to the American Space Program, from Goddard's Rockets to Goldilocks Planets and Everything in Between," Emily Carney and Bruce McCandless III. Emily started the popular Facebook group Space Hipsters, now 66,000 members strong, and Bruce is a retired lawyer and space enthusiast who also happens to be the son of Bruce McCandless II, the NASA astronaut who flew on the shuttle and pioneered the use of the Manned Maneuvering Unit. We're going to cover a lot of territory in this one, so take your hand off the eject lever and strap in! Get "Star Bound" (Amazon Affiliate): https://amzn.to/4hvHtXo Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guests: Emily Carney and Bruce McCandless III Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

2025 is the year that introduces the Great Lunar Armada! A small fleet of private and publicly-funded orbiters, landers, and rovers are heading off to explore Luna Incognita this year, and it will only speed up after that. We also look at the recent Starship test flight number seven—which ended in the total loss of the Starship upper stage—and the inaugural flight of Blue Origin's New Glenn mega-rocket, which flew successfully but did not manage to land on the recovery ship. Plus, our usual space dad joke and an update on the LA fires' impact on NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and how you can help. Headlines: • SpaceX's Starship test flight experiences partial success with booster catch but an explosive ending for the upper stage • Blue Origin successfully launches its New Glenn rocket, marking a major milestone for the company • India demonstrates automated docking capability in space with the SPADEX mission, crucial for future lunar exploration plans • Wildfires in Los Angeles cause extensive damage, impacting the community around NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Main Topic: The Great Lunar Armada • Overview of recent lunar missions launched by private companies and national space agencies • Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander, carrying various scientific payloads, aims to study the lunar surface and test new technologies • ispace's Hakuto-R mission, featuring a lunar lander and rover, will explore the moon and test in-situ resource utilization techniques • Intuitive Machines' Nova-C lander, equipped with a drill and other scientific instruments, targets the lunar south pole • Retrospective on previous private lunar missions, including SpaceIL's Beresheet lander and the defunct Google Lunar XPrize • China's steady progress in lunar exploration, with plans for the International Lunar Research Station in collaboration with Russia • Russia's setbacks and reduced budget for lunar missions and the failed mission of Luna 25 • India's advancements in space technology and plans for a robotic lunar sample return mission • The crew express excitement about the rapid pace of lunar exploration and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries in the near future Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Coming into 2025, we have six flights of SpaceX's Starship behind us, with a possibility for as many as 25 tests supported by the FAA license for this year. This is also the year we need to see an orbital test, payloads carried, orbital refueling, and hopefully catches of both the Booster and Ship, and progress toward an uncrewed test landing on the moon. So much to discuss, so join Tariq, Rod, and ace space reporter Leonard David as we deep dive into King Starship! Headlines: • Wildfires near NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, have displaced many employees and caused the facility to shut down temporarily, but the lab itself remains untouched. • NASA is considering two options for the Mars Sample Return mission, both under $8 billion, with a launch planned by 2035-2039. • Bill Nye, CEO of The Planetary Society and former host of "Bill Nye the Science Guy," was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his dedication to science education and space exploration advocacy. Main Topic - SpaceX Starship in 2025: • SpaceX plans to ramp up Starship test flights in 2025, with up to 25 launches scheduled throughout the year. • Starship test flight 7, scheduled for January 13th, will feature a new Starship design with enhanced flaps, a new flight computer, and other upgrades. • The goal of Starship is to serve as a reusable, heavy-lift launch vehicle capable of carrying up to 100 people and 100 metric tons of cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. • SpaceX is rapidly iterating on the Starship design, with stated plans to build new Starships in a single day and test new features on each flight. • While Starship's development has been impressive, questions remain about its life support systems, radiation protection, and interior design for crewed missions. • A discussion of the potential impact of Starship on NASA's Artemis program and the future of space exploration, including the possibility of using Starship as a space station or for Mars missions. • The conversation also touches on the challenges facing NASA, including aging infrastructure and the need for greater collaboration with the private sector, as highlighted in a recent report by the National Academies. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Leonard David Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

On episode 142 we're talking about 2025 in space! It's going to be an exciting year, kicking off with the first launch attempt for Blue Origin's New Glenn heavy booster and another test flight of Starship. Then we'll see a new asteroid sampling mission from China, the first test flight of Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander to the moon, and the launch of the first-ever private robotic mission to Venus by Rocket Lab. There's a lot more in store, to be sure to join us for this jam-packed episode! Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

It's the holidays! This week, we are joined by producer Anthony and our old pal Ant Pruitt to celebrate and discuss a wide variety of topics, from first space memories to our favorite space toys to what spaceflight means to each of us. It's a warm "family reunion" you won't want to miss! Join us for some holiday cheer, and Tariq's "Tiny Tim" moment... Headlines: • NASA's Parker Solar Probe to make its closest approach to the sun on Christmas Eve 2024, flying within 3.8 million miles and withstanding temperatures up to 2,500°F to study the sun's behavior and dynamics • Christmas and Hanukkah to be celebrated on the same day in 2024, with astronauts on the ISS enjoying the holidays and connecting with their families on Earth, continuing a 50-plus year tradition • A potential partial shutdown is looming for the U.S. government, which could impact NASA and limit public outreach during the Parker Solar Probe's close approach to the sun Main Topic - Space Memories and Space Toys: First Space Memories: • Tariq recalls building paper rockets with his mother and launching them on a friend's farm • Ant shares his first space memories from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and the Challenger disaster • Anthony mentions playing with Lego space sets sent by his aunt from Denmark • Rod remembers listening to a Gemini mission on the radio at the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra lounge where his father worked and being captivated by Apollo 8's mission to orbit the moon and reading of Genesis on December 24, 1968 Favorite Space Toys: • Rod shares memories of his ca. 1965 Big Loo Moon Robot and Major Matt Mason action figures, discussing the evolution of space toys in the 1960s • Tariq reminisces about his Transformers Omega Supreme toy and a paper tab and slot space shuttle and carrier aircraft model • Ant recalls his Transformers Skywarp toy and the appeal of its counterpart, Thundercracker • Anthony talks about playing the video game Escape Velocity on his family's iMac computer • The group discusses the joys and challenges of building model rockets, with Rod and Tariq sharing stories of their experiences • Tariq shows off his new pre-built Estes space shuttle model rocket, comparing it to the more challenging build-it-yourself kits The Importance of Space Exploration: • Ant questions the allocation of resources for space exploration while critical issues on Earth remain unaddressed • Rod counters by highlighting the technological, educational, and inspirational benefits of space programs, as well as the economic returns on investment, and the cultural importance of exploration • The group discusses the potential impact of SpaceX's Starlink satellite constellation on global connectivity and the debate surrounding its sustainability and alternatives • Rod emphasizes the distinction between Elon Musk's ambitious Mars colonization plans and NASA's more measured approach to exploration • The TWiS crew wishes everyone a happy holiday and Merry Christmas Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guests: Ant Pruitt and Anthony Nielsen Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Many of us flew model rockets as young people, but USC Rocket Propulsion Lab takes amateur rocketry to a whole new level--in this case, 470,000 feet! Meet Dr. Dan Erwin and student Ryan Kraemer, who, along with a very talented team of other undergrads, built and flew Aftershock II, a 14-foot, 330-pound "amateur" rocket that flew out of the Nevada desert and into the record books. It's a fun episode that will leave you wishing that your university had a club that was half this cool! Headlines: • Mars Ingenuity helicopter lives on after a hard landing, and may last another 20 years as a weather station and fixed camera • Geminid meteor shower peaks this weekend, but the full moon may wash out fainter meteors • NASA releases Moon to Mars architecture review with 12 new white papers covering various needs and capabilities for lunar and Mars missions • Mysterious drones continue to be spotted over New Jersey and other parts of the U.S., with no clear explanation Main Topic - USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory: • Dr. Daniel Erwin discusses the lab's founding in 2004 by student Ian Whittinghill, with the goal of being the first student group to reach space • The lab's rockets have evolved over 20 years, with their current vehicle, Aftershock II, reaching an altitude of 470,000 feet (90 miles) and breaking the 20-year-old amateur rocketry record • Ryan Kraemer explains how their rockets differ from amateur rockets, with a focus on continuity and optimization of design over the years • The lab formulates its own solid propellant, which is mixed and cast under professional supervision due to safety concerns • Discussing the bureaucratic requirements for high-altitude launches, including FAA permits and Bureau of Land Management approvals • The lab's plans for the future include further optimizing rocket performance, developing smaller rockets capable of reaching space, and offering payload slots for scientific research • Dr. Erwin emphasizes the valuable hands-on experience students gain through the lab, making them highly sought after by the aerospace industry • Ryan Kraemer shares his personal journey and passion for rocketry, leading to his upcoming job at SpaceX • The hosts and guests discuss the thrilling atmosphere surrounding the record-breaking launch and the dedication of the student team • The show concludes with information on how to support the USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory and get involved as a student or donor. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guests: Dr. Dan Erwin and Ryan Kraemer Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

This week, we're covering a broad swath, from President-Elect Trump's shocking choice for NASA Administrator to new delays for the Artemis lunar program to UFOs/UAPs! And for such an adventure, we turn to Leonard David, the most seasoned space reporter and journalist out there. Trump's pick for NASA, billionaire and private astronaut Jared Isaacman, came as a surprise to space watchers, and his name was not just missing from the shortlist but from *any* list making the rounds. However, he is widely supported and should bring renewed energy to the space agency. Then, after discussing yesterday's NASA press conference about Artemis--in which more delays were announced (no surprise to any of us)--we talk to Leonard about recent disclosures about UFO/UAP government records and the overall consideration of why people think they walk among us (and if they do, Musk is probably one of them). Headlines: Jared Isaacman Nominated as NASA Administrator Artemis II Mission Delayed, Artismis III mission pushed to mid-2027. And Tariq defends his creative choice of words to compare different sizes of asteroids. Main Topic: Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) Shift from UFO to UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) Discussion about potential alien visitation Concerns about public perception and societal impacts Need for more rigorous scientific approach to UAP research Calls for NASA and National Science Foundation funding Skepticism about current congressional hearings and government disclosure Potential for document declassification under a potential Trump administration Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Leonard David Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: uscloud.com veeam.com

On this week's episode, Tariq and I speak with Scott Tibbitts, a dynamic and engaging space entrepreneur who spun $7 of hardware store parts into a 150-person, multimillion-dollar space company making tech for NASA that allowed deep space probes, starting with the Cassini mission to Saturn, to operate in the harsh environment of the outer solar system. Scott's tiny actuator replaced expensive, failure-prone explosive squibs with a device that could be tested (you can't really test something that goes *bang*), cycled, and tried again if it didn't work the first time. And it all started with his work at a water heater company and a few dozen cold calls that ended with one to NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab. There's much more to this story--including some intriguing advice for entrepreneurs--but you'll have to tune in to learn more! See you there. Get "From the Garage to Mars" (Amazon Affiliate): https://amzn.to/3CPUgVw Headlines: • SpaceX successfully launches Starship test flight number six, despite not catching the Super Heavy booster • The FAA releases a new draft environmental assessment, potentially allowing SpaceX to increase Starship launches to 25 per year • Blue Origin completes its ninth crewed spaceflight with the NS-28 mission, carrying the 100th woman to fly to space Main Topic - From the Garage to Mars with Scott Tibbitts: • Tibbitts discusses his background and the role of fun and human connection in his life and work • The origin story of Tibbitts' space company, Starsys, which began with a $7 invention using a copper tube and wax • Tibbitts' cold call to NASA/JPL that led to the company's first contract and the development of a novel, non-explosive actuator for spacecraft • The importance of testing and demonstrating the reliability of space hardware, as exemplified by Starsys' record of 3,500 devices in space with zero failures • Tibbitts' experience fostering a unique company culture at Starsys, balancing the need for reliability with a focus on fun, family, and celebrating both successes and failures • The role of intuition and "gut feelings" in entrepreneurship and how Tibbitts has learned to trust and follow these intuitive nudges • The challenges faced by modern space startups, including the pressure from venture capital investors and the difficulty of hiring experienced space talent • Tibbitts' advice for entrepreneurs: focus on customer discovery and product discovery, and "stop doing what you suck at" by focusing on your strengths and finding partners to complement your weaknesses Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Scott Tibbitts Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: veeam.com uscloud.com

Kepler's Legacy With Dr. Jason Steffen Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Jason Steffen For full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/137

At this point, can anyone compete with SpaceX? Love him or hate him, Elon Musk and his cadre of very talented employees and partners have built the most remarkable launch service in history, increasing the US launch rate from a handful to over 100 per year in less than a decade. Eric Berger--Senior Space Editor at Ars Technica and author of "Liftoff" and "Reentry," two books about Musk and SpaceX--joins us. We discuss the rise of SpaceX, Musk's future in US politics and the market, and what to expect from SpaceX in the next decade. We also look at the possible competitors to SpaceX's dominance in the market. Join us! Get "Reentry" (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4fe4f5s Headlines: - The 2024 US presidential election results are in, with Donald Trump set to become the 47th President. Trump has shown a keen interest in space, name-dropping Elon Musk, SpaceX, and Starlink during his victory speech. - SpaceX conducted its first ISS reboost mission using a Dragon cargo ship, showcasing a new capability for the company. - NASA issued a statement addressing tabloid rumors about astronaut Sunita Williams' health, affirming that all astronauts aboard the ISS are in good health and undergo routine medical evaluations. Main Topic - SpaceX Ascendant: - The Trump administration is expected to embrace SpaceX's Starship vision, potentially fast-tracking the company's progress by reducing regulatory hurdles. - SpaceX has a significant lead in the space industry, with no other company having achieved reusable rocket technology. The closest competitors are Blue Origin and Chinese companies, which are still years behind. - The US government has become increasingly reliant on SpaceX for launches, satellite internet, and the Artemis program, with no viable alternatives currently available. - SpaceX's success can be attributed to Elon Musk's relentless drive and vision to make humanity a multi-planetary species, as well as the company's willingness to take risks and innovate. - Starship is seen as the key to making widespread space access possible, with the potential to drastically reduce the cost of space travel and enable missions to Mars. - The future of space exploration is uncertain, with the potential for significant changes under the new administration and Elon Musk's growing influence as an advisor to the President. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Eric Berger Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: uscloud.com

On this episode, we take a look at how the space workforce of the future will be educated and, perhaps more importantly, engaged with Dr. Rick Jenet of Expanding Frontiers. Located in Brownsville, Texas, just a stone's throw away from SpaceX's Starbase, expanding Frontiers works with underprivileged communities to bring them into 21st-century space-related trades and to encourage individual entrepreneurship. Dr. Jenet has a fascinating history as well, attending MIT as an undergraduate and earning his PhD in astrophysics from Caltech, then progressing through his work at various places, including NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, before founding Expanding Frontiers. Join us! Headlines: - Voyager 1 spacecraft uses backup radio system from 1977, and last utilized in 1981, to phone home after a recent glitch - China aims to conduct a Mars sample return mission before NASA, potentially launching in 2028 - Boeing considers selling its space division, excluding SLS contracts, as part of a restructuring effort Main Topic - The Spacer Pipeline with Dr. Rick Jenet: - Dr. Jenet's journey from MIT and Caltech to founding Expanding Frontiers in South Texas - The importance of giving back to the community and fostering a culture of innovation - Stargate: The first building at SpaceX's Boca Chica facility, a collaboration with Dr. Jenet's team - Expanding Frontiers' programs for students and aspiring entrepreneurs: - Space Entrepreneur Summer Academy: Introducing high school students to space entrepreneurship - Space Settlement Design Tournament: Industry simulation for students to design space settlements - Space Coders: Internship program focused on coding for space industry projects - Tech Trek: Developing programming for entrepreneurs working on space-related technology - Expanding Frontier Space Tech Pitch Competition: Showcasing startups utilizing NASA technology - The role of funding from local, state, and federal sources, as well as sponsorships, in sustaining non-profit organizations like Expanding Frontiers - Future plans for Expanding Frontiers, including the development of a space innovation corridor from Brownsville to Houston - The importance of continued support and funding for programs that promote STEM education and entrepreneurship in the space industry Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Fredrick (Rick) Jenet Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: veeam.com

Many of us have visited the various displays of space shuttles around the US, and it's always a spectacular sight. The shuttle orbiter was huge, and seeing in any configuration is inspirational. Notably, the California Science Center is completing a display of the Endeavor in a launch configuration, which is unique among shuttle installations. But the very first shuttle mockup ever constructed will soon go on public display in its birthplace in Southern California, the city of Downey. This is where North American Rockwell, the builder of all the shuttles, was located until they were absorbed by Boeing decades ago. It was in the Rockwell facility that the first wood-and-aluminum mockup of the shuttle was built, and it's been stored until this day under the control of the Columbia Memorial Space Center. Of special interest: besides its uses as a technical simulator, this mockup was what closed the deal between NASA and Rockwell to build the shuttles and inspired many in Congress to support the program. The museum's Executive Director and President, Ben Dickow, joins us to talk about this magnificent, full-sized shuttle mockup, its history, and future plans. Headlines: • SpaceX's Crew-8 mission returned to Earth after a record-breaking 235 days in space, but one crew member remains in the hospital for additional medical checks • Boeing's Intelsat satellite broke up in geosynchronous orbit, creating around 5,000 pieces of space debris, posing potential long-term threats to other satellites • India announced plans for Chandrayaan-4, a joint lunar sample return mission with Japan, targeting the Moon's south pole in 2027-2028 • Chinese company Deep Blue Aerospace aims to start offering space tourist flights by 2027 on a suborbital rocket and capsule that resembles a hybrid of SpaceX's Dragon and Blue Origin's New Shepard Main Topic - Interview with Ben Dickow: • The Columbia Memorial Space Center houses Inspiration, a full-scale wooden mock-up of the space shuttle built by Rockwell in 1972 • Inspiration was used as an engineering tool and to help secure the shuttle contract for Rockwell • The mock-up features highly detailed interiors, including a crew cabin, flight deck, and cargo bay • After being mothballed for years, Inspiration was recently moved to the Columbia Memorial Space Center for display in a new building • Southern California will soon have the first and last space shuttles on display, with Inspiration in Downey and Endeavour in Los Angeles • Ben emphasizes the importance of preserving the shuttle's history and using it as an educational tool to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists • The emotional power of seeing a space shuttle up close and the human stories behind its creation are key to the exhibit's impact Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Ben Dickow Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: uscloud.com

This week, we're taking a broad look at the progress of America's Artemis lunar landing program, space science in general, and the challenges to Western space plans posed by a fast-rising Chinese space program. Joining us is the uniquely qualified Dr. Greg Autry--the Associate Provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy at the University of Central Florida, visiting Professor at Imperial College London, former NASA transition team member, and author of "Red Moon Rising." We'll also highlight the recent launch of SpaceX's Starship and the amazing catch of the booster by the Mechazilla Launch tower, Michael Bloomberg's recent article condemning the slow progress of the Artemis program, and this weekend's Orionids meteor shower! Headlines: - SpaceX's successful Starship flight test 5, featuring the Super Heavy booster's impressive catch by the "Mechazilla" tower - Michael Bloomberg's critical op-ed on the SLS rocket and the Artemis program, highlighting delays and overspending - The upcoming Orionids meteor shower, peaking on October 21st, 2024, and the Hunter's Moon, the biggest supermoon of the year Main Topic - The State of the US Space Program with Greg Autry: - Greg's lifelong passion for space was ignited by watching Apollo missions as a child; he later got involved in the commercial space industry and served on the NASA transition team in 2016 - US human spaceflight is in both the best and worst of times - there is bipartisan support for Artemis and returning to the Moon, but the program is behind schedule and over budget on almost every element - Lack of top-level political leadership and sense of urgency compared to the Apollo era is hurting Artemis' progress; the US needs a leader willing to provide direction and funding, and hold people accountable - Competition with China could help spur the US, but the public may not be as motivated as during the Cold War; still, it's important for the US to get back to the Moon first to initiate fair use of resources - Artificial intelligence will play a critical role in future space operations, especially on Mars and the Moon; AI can enable more flexible and capable spacecraft - The US needs to rebuild its aerospace manufacturing and production workforce to execute ambitious space goals; STEM education and hands-on skills are lacking - In 10 years, Autry hopes to see a diverse on-orbit ecosystem with compatible, specialized vehicles; regular Moon missions laying the groundwork for resource extraction; and an influential space tourism industry - He believes that a dual-track lunar architecture with both Starship and a more conventional system for redundancy would be wise; Starship is great but very complex with many potential failure points, especially in a lunar mission that requires multiple refueling flights and a crewed SLS launch in close timing - Greg is the Associate Provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy at the University of Central Florida and is standing up new academic programs to train the next generation of commercial space workforce - His book "Red Moon Rising" examines the history of the space industry, China's space ambitions, and the current state of play - an engaging read for anyone interested in space Get "Red Moon Rising": https://amzn.to/3YxmJab Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Greg Autry Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

This week, we're diving deep into some really clever and cutting-edge tech for Martian habitats... made from fungus! Dr. Lynn Rothschild of the NASA Ames Research Center has been working for years on how mushroom mycelia might be utilized as a habitat-building resource. It's quite fascinating--the organic material can be used to make bricks, to create shaped structures, and even to create an "astropharmacy" to supply certain compounds needed by the crew of a Mars excursion! And it is sufficiently enticing that NASA's NIAC innovation program has given her no less than five grants (which are not easy to get!) to study the possibilities. Join us for this really engaging and blue-sky conversation! Headlines: • ISS has been experiencing a slow air leak, increasing from 0.2 pounds per day to 3.7 pounds per day, causing concern for NASA's Office of the Inspector General • Jupiter's Great Red Spot has been shrinking and "pulsing" over time, as observed by the Hubble Space Telescope, with scientists predicting it will eventually stabilize as a smaller, circular storm • A rare G4-class solar storm triggered widespread auroras visible at much lower latitudes than usual, with NOAA issuing warnings to protect power grids and communication systems Main Topic - Living in Martian Mushrooms: • Dr. Rothschild explains synthetic biology as creating something new with biology, either by altering existing organisms or creating new ones from scratch • The concept of using fungal mycelium for off-world habitats originated from a student project to create a biodegradable drone body • Mycotecture involves growing habitats and structures using mycelium, which can bind various materials like sand, regolith simulant, and wood chips • The properties of mycelium-based materials can be tuned by adjusting the substrate and post-processing, ranging from styrofoam-like to hardwood-like consistencies • Dr. Rothschild's vision for a stable off-world habitat includes using cyanobacteria to process atmospheric gases and minerals, which would then feed the fungi used in construction • Cross-contamination concerns on Mars are addressed, with the lack of liquid water on the surface making it unlikely for introduced organisms to thrive • Additional applications of mycelium-based technology include biomining, water filtration, and even food production • Dr. Rothschild also discusses the Astro Pharmacy project, which aims to develop an on-demand drug production system for astronauts • While these technologies have significant potential for Earth-based applications, developing them for space allows for more freedom to explore revolutionary ideas without existing infrastructure constraints Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Lynn Rothschild Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: uscloud.com veeam.com

It's a question that rivals the meaning of life itself: which is better, Star Trek or Star Wars? Of course, they are very different, and that's really the core of it--one is a sweeping fantasy adventure incorporating the "Hero's Journey," while the other is a science fantasy wrapped around a morality play. In the end, we love them both. But there is a bit of cultural (and perhaps generation) divide here, and someone has to put Tariq in his place. Join us for this civilization-shattering conversation! Headlines: NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft, now 12.8 billion miles from Earth, had to shut down its plasma science instrument due to power constraints. The instrument was the last of its kind still functioning on either Voyager spacecraft. United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched its second Vulcan Centaur rocket, despite an apparent nozzle failure on one of the solid rocket boosters. The rocket carried a mass simulator in place of the delayed Dream Chaser spaceplane. The Sun unleashed an X9.05 solar flare, the strongest directed at Earth since 2017. The resulting coronal mass ejection (CME) could potentially trigger intense auroras visible at lower latitudes this weekend. Main Topic - Star Trek vs. Star Wars: Rod and Tariq share their personal experiences with both franchises, discussing their first encounters with Star Trek and Star Wars and how the franchises have evolved. They compare the intellectual aspects of both universes, with Star Trek often focusing on morality plays and Star Wars being more of a fun, fantasy-driven space opera. The hosts discuss the acting in both franchises, highlighting standout performances and the impact of certain characters and actors. They examine the iconic spaceships from each universe, noting that Star Trek ships like the Enterprise are more recognizable and have had a more significant cultural impact compared to Star Wars ships, with the exception of the Millennium Falcon. Rod and Tariq argue that Star Wars has had a more significant impact on popular culture, while Star Trek has been more influential in inspiring real-life space exploration and scientific careers. They conclude that both franchises have their merits and have played essential roles in getting people excited about space and science fiction. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

NASA's planetary exploration program is in trouble. The Mars Sample Return program is verging on cancellation, and the VIPER mission to the moon already has been. Both are critical precursors to human exploration of these places, as Dr. Jim Bell of Arizona State University will tell us. We need to know more about the surface of Mars--with direct, in-the-lab studies of Mars rocks--and we certainly need to understand where the volatiles--another name for water and other resources of value--are on the moon. And, if you're the US government, you'd like to do both before China does--which is likely not far off. Does it matter who achieves these things first? And specific to the US, what role might private companies and individuals play in the drama? Headlines: SpaceX's Crew-9 mission is set to launch two astronauts to the International Space Station on Saturday, September 28th, with the primary objective of bringing back the Starliner astronauts who have been on the station for an extended period. A Seattle-based company, Iradian Aerospace, has unveiled plans for a new reusable orbital spaceplane that will utilize a revolutionary two-mile-long sled launch system. Earth is set to temporarily capture a small asteroid, 2024 PT5, which will remain in close proximity to our planet from September 29th to November 25th, providing scientists with an opportunity to study a near-Earth asteroid up close as it performs a de-facto flyby. Main Topic - Discussion with Dr. Jim Bell: Jim Bell discusses his early fascination with space exploration, inspired by the Apollo missions and Carl Sagan's acclaimed 1980s series "Cosmos," which led him to pursue a career in planetary science. The decadal survey process is explained, highlighting how it helps align the scientific community's priorities with NASA's mission planning and funding decisions. The challenges faced by the Mars Sample Return mission are discussed, with Jim expressing optimism that NASA will find a way to overcome the current budgetary hurdles and complete this groundbreaking mission. The cancellation of the VIPER lunar rover mission is addressed, with the hosts and guest emphasizing the importance of this mission for future human exploration of the Moon and the need for more transparency in NASA's decision-making process. Jim shares his perspective on the increasing involvement of commercial space companies in planetary exploration, stressing the importance of developing sustainable business models to ensure the long-term viability of these ventures. The conversation touches on the balance between NASA's priorities, such as the Artemis program, and the funding allocated to robotic scientific missions, with Jim highlighting the need for better communication and collaboration between the human spaceflight and robotic exploration divisions of NASA. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Jim Bell Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Devon Island, a polar desert in the High Arctic, is one of the most convincing Mars analogs on Earth. That's why Pascal Lee built his NASA-affiliated research base there. On this episode he returns to discuss his summer field work, Martian volcanoes, and to discuss possible alternatives to NASA's plans for the Artemis lunar base.There's a lot to know, and he brings deep passion—and some controversy—to the conversation! Headlines: Polaris Dawn mission success: The crew completed the first-ever commercial spacewalk, with all four members exposed to the vacuum of space. SpaceX FAA dispute: The company faces potential fines of $630,000 for alleged launch violations, leading to a heated exchange between SpaceX and the FAA. Mars volcano discovery: Researchers found evidence of a 1000-mile wide magma plume under Olympus Mons, raising questions about potential volcanic activity on Mars. Main Topic - Lunar Exploration and Artemis Program: Dr. Pascal Lee's summer research at the Houghton Mars Project Field Station: The team tested drilling equipment for future lunar missions and explored the use of drones for Mars helicopter simulations. Critique of current Artemis program strategy: Dr. Lee argues that focusing on sortie missions to the South Pole is premature and potentially counterproductive. Alternative base location proposal: Clavius Crater is suggested as a more suitable site for a lunar base, offering scientific value and better logistics. Water extraction challenges: Dr. Lee discusses the complexities and uncertainties surrounding water ice extraction at the lunar South Pole. Starship as a water delivery system: The potential for using SpaceX's Starship to deliver large quantities of clean water to the Moon is explored. Importance of establishing a fixed base: Dr. Lee emphasizes the need for a stable infrastructure to support long-term lunar exploration and science. Power concerns for lunar bases: The limitations of solar power are discussed, with nuclear power suggested as a more viable option for long-term operations. International competition considerations: The episode touches on how other countries' lunar ambitions might influence NASA's plans. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Pascal Lee Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: betterhelp.com/TWIS veeam.com

Starliner is back and, by all accounts, could have returned with its crew had it been necessary. However, with NASA's "safety forward" approach prevailing, the spacecraft landed uncrewed on September 6, three months after it docked with the International Space Station. Now, the work begins to try to solve the problems- largely software changes, dealing with balky thrusters, and helium leaks- so that the Starliner Crew 1 can fly next year. But how did we get here? What's NASA's take on the latest Starliner mission? And, perhaps above all, how will Boeing approach the program moving ahead? We'll bring you the latest and greatest--and fear not, we have Tariq here to keep us fair--on what's going on with Boeing's Starliner CST-100 spacecraft. Headlines: • For the first time, a commercial crew flew above low Earth orbit on SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission, setting records for the highest spaceflight by female astronauts and the first commercial spacewalk by a female astronaut. • The FAA says it won't clear SpaceX's Starship Flight 5 from Boca Chica, Texas until November due to environmental concerns, frustrating SpaceX as they aim to conduct refueling tests and prepare for lunar missions. Main Topic: Starliner's Return and Future • Boeing's Starliner spacecraft finally returned on September 6th, three months after it launched, facing challenges such as thruster failures, overheating, and a GPS dropout during the flight. • Rod and Tariq discuss the cultural differences between Boeing and SpaceX, with SpaceX embracing a more iterative, failure-tolerant approach that allowed them to innovate faster. • They debate whether Boeing's traditional aerospace culture and cost-cutting measures contributed to Starliner's issues and the company's lack of transparency during the mission. • Despite the challenges, Starliner demonstrated its ability to survive an extended mission and NASA remains confident that Boeing will fly out its Commercial Crew contract. • The future of Starliner may involve private missions to upcoming commercial space stations, but standardizing spacesuits across different spacecraft will be crucial for crew safety. • While Starliner faced setbacks, Rod and Tariq emphasize the importance of having multiple crew transportation systems to ensure continuous access to space. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

We all know the ISS is living its last days and will be deorbited sometime around 2030... but what's coming up next? For episode 127, Max Haot of VAST joins us to discuss his company's first space station, called Haven-1, set to launch in 2025. For a company just just a few years old, VAST has made impressive progress toward what is likely to be the first private crewed space station in history. Subsequent plans include a larger orbital habitat with artificial gravity and much more. It's an exciting time in Space 2.0, and companies like VAST are leading the way! Join us for this fascinating hour. Headlines: - Boeing Starliner update: Undocking and landing plans, tension between Boeing and NASA over thruster issues, crew flight delayed to August 2025 - Blue Origin unveils landing ship Jaclyn (named after Jeff Bezos' mom) and moves New Glenn second stage to launch pad for testing, targeting October launch for NASA's Escapade Mars mission - NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) CubeSat deploys solar sail and begins navigation tests Main Topic: VAST with CEO Max Haot - Max shares his background in software development and his journey to becoming the CEO of VAST - VAST aims to create a future where more humans live in space than on Earth by developing artificial gravity space stations - The company's near-term goal is to win NASA's Commercial LEO Destination (CLD) program to become a commercial successor to the ISS - VAST is developing Haven-1, its first space station module, to be launched by 2026 and visited by a crew of four for two weeks as a proof of concept - Haven-1 will provide a larger volume and better amenities compared to free-flying SpaceX Dragon missions, allowing customers to enjoy a more comfortable two-week stay in orbit - VAST is working closely with SpaceX and will use Starlink laser terminals for high-speed, low-latency connectivity on Haven-1 - The long-term vision is to build a large, rotating space station consisting of seven Starship modules to create artificial gravity, though many technical challenges remain - Max emphasizes the importance of building a strong company culture and the ability to develop safe, human-rated systems at a low cost - Upcoming milestones for VAST include revealing Haven-1's primary structure and interior design, launching a demo satellite, and selecting the crew for the first Haven-1 mission Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Max Haot Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: veeam.com

As if election season wasn't scary enough, now we have rogue planets to worry about! Out in the vast darkness between star systems, these worlds wander through the interstellar void, sometimes in pairs, and when they encounter a solar system, havoc can result. Add to the fact that they are hard to see, and you have a recipe for worry. Fortunately, we have astrophysicists like Dr. Rosalba Perna on the job, learning more about these strange, errant planets daily! Add to that the ever-increasing stash of data we're getting from the James Webb Space Telescope, and we can all sleep a bit better at night. Join us for a fascinating hour with Dr. Perna as we learn about rogue planets! Headlines: Boeing's Starliner spacecraft set to return to Earth robotically, without its crew, on September 6th, marking the end of its three-month mission. SpaceX experiences a rare booster landing failure on its 23rd flight, ending a streak of successful landings Astrobotic's Peregrine Lander failure attributed to a faulty valve and leaks SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission delayed due to weather concerns Main Topic - Rogue Planets: Dr. Perna explains rogue planets as worlds untethered to any star, floating freely in space Discussion of the likelihood and potential impact of a rogue planet entering our solar system Exploration of rogue planet formation theories, including ejection from solar systems and in-situ formation The James Webb Space Telescope's role in discovering potential rogue planet pairs in the Orion Nebula Challenges in confirming rogue planet candidates and distinguishing them from other celestial objects The possibility of life on rogue planets, particularly those with moons experiencing tidal heating Dr. Perna's computer simulations demonstrate how binary rogue planets could form and evolve The upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope's potential for discovering more rogue planets Discussion of Dr. Perna's other research interests, including gamma-ray bursts and compact objects Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Rosalba Perna Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

It's the end of summer, and that means it's time to go back to school—in our case, space school! There's a lot going on, a lot coming up, and a whole lot to know about the next 9 months in space. What can we expect from SpaceX? How are the outer solar system missions proceeding? What about the new rocket engines for the Artemis program? What are we doing about orbital debris? Are we really in a new space race with China? And much more, including that most vexing of questions: what's up with Starliner? Join us for the fun. Headlines: Polaris Dawn mission: Set to launch soon, this private SpaceX flight aims to conduct the first private spacewalk and raise funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. JUICE spacecraft flyby: The Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer successfully completed its Earth flyby, capturing stunning images of Earth and the Moon. Fram 2 mission: A private SpaceX flight planning the first-ever crewed polar orbit mission, aiming to study aurora-like emissions called STEVE. Astroscale's space debris removal: The company secured an $82 million contract for its second test flight to remove an old Japanese H-2 rocket stage from orbit. RS-25 engine development: Discussion on the high costs of manufacturing new RS-25 engines for NASA's SLS rocket compared to SpaceX's more cost-effective Raptor engines. Upcoming celestial events: A partial lunar eclipse in September and an annular solar eclipse in October, with tips on how to safely view these events. World Space Week: Announcement of the upcoming event in October, focusing on space and climate change. Indian space program: Updates on India's plans to launch its first uncrewed test flight of the Gaganyaan space capsule by the end of the year. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: betterhelp.com/TWIS

Czarina Salido, a physics graduate of mixed Mexican and Native American heritage, founded Taking Up Space in 2014. This nonprofit aims to address the underrepresentation of women, particularly Native American girls, in STEM fields. Based near Tucson, the organization provides mentoring, instruction, and Space Camp scholarships to disadvantaged girls on a nearby reservation. Salido's initiative has gained recognition in the STEM community and inspired similar efforts nationwide. Join us as we discuss her work's challenges and successes in this episode of This Week in Space! Headlines: Starliner Update: NASA still undecided on whether astronauts will return on Starliner or SpaceX Dragon, with a decision expected within a week. SpaceX FRAM-2 Mission: A private polar orbit mission funded by cryptocurrency billionaire Chun Wang, scheduled for later this year, inspired by polar expeditions. Upcoming Super Blue Moon: A rare celestial event combining a supermoon and blue moon, visible from August 19-21. Main Topic - Taking Up Space with Czarina Salido: Organization Overview: Taking Up Space is an astronaut-supported nonprofit helping Native American girls aged 8-16 enter STEM fields. Program Structure: 16-32 week programs combining STEM education, cultural awareness, and confidence-building activities. Space Camp Experience: Students earn trips to Space Camp, gaining hands-on experience with space technology and simulations. Cultural Integration: Lessons incorporate indigenous values, storytelling, and traditional knowledge alongside STEM concepts. Challenges Addressed: The program aims to combat high dropout, suicide, and murder rates among Native American youth and women. Funding and Support: The organization relies on astronaut involvement, fundraisers, and community support, with Space Hipsters providing significant backing. Future Plans: Salido hopes to establish a Space Camp in Tucson and create a database of indigenized STEM lessons for wider use. Personal Growth: Salido shares how the program has helped her reconnect with her own indigenous heritage. Upcoming Projects: A book collaboration with astronaut Hoot Gibson and an event with Terry Virts in January 2025. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Czarina Salido Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit