POPULARITY
68 episodes with astronomy news
95 episodes with astronomy news
67 episodes with astronomy news
41 episodes with astronomy news
15 episodes with astronomy news
20 episodes with astronomy news
9 episodes with astronomy news
3 episodes with astronomy news
2 episodes with astronomy news
We're experimenting and would love to hear from you!In this episode of ‘Discover Daily', we explore groundbreaking developments across technology and space. OpenAI unveils its first comprehensive rebrand, introducing a refined blossom logo, custom OpenAI Sans typeface, and a nature-inspired color palette under the leadership of their design team. We also delve into Apple's exciting ELEGNT project, a revolutionary lamp-like robotic companion prototype that could hit markets by 2027.Our main story focuses on an astronomical breakthrough that's reshaping our understanding of the universe. The Quipu superstructure, discovered by Dr. Hans Böhringer and his team at the Max Planck Institute, spans an astounding 1.3 billion light-years and contains 200 quadrillion solar masses. This cosmic giant is part of a newly identified group of five superstructures that collectively house nearly half of all known galaxy clusters in their observed region. The massive discovery challenges existing cosmological models and could revolutionize our understanding of dark matter, gravity, and universal structure formation. Named after the ancient Incan record-keeping system, Quipu's vast size and complex shape are forcing scientists to reconsider theories about how matter clusters at the largest scales, potentially leading to groundbreaking revisions in our understanding of cosmic evolution and structure formation.From Perplexity's Discover Feed: https://www.perplexity.ai/page/openai-rebrands-olNMmsxrR2e8pTl74GelVA https://www.perplexity.ai/page/apple-prototypes-tabletop-robo-B0ohlEMNRXei655eYqfigg https://www.perplexity.ai/page/largest-structure-in-universe-kX97crgVQuKyHnGt6dR4MQ Perplexity is the fastest and most powerful way to search the web. Perplexity crawls the web and curates the most relevant and up-to-date sources (from academic papers to Reddit threads) to create the perfect response to any question or topic you're interested in. Take the world's knowledge with you anywhere. Available on iOS and Android Join our growing Discord community for the latest updates and exclusive content. Follow us on: Instagram Threads X (Twitter) YouTube Linkedin
We're experimenting and would love to hear from you!In this episode of Discover Daily, we explore how RedNote, a Chinese social media platform, has become the unexpected refuge for TikTok users ahead of the January 19th ban, with over 700,000 new American users joining in just two days.Next, we delve into a groundbreaking cybersecurity operation where the FBI, in partnership with French authorities and Sekoia.io, successfully removed dangerous PlugX malware from 4,258 U.S. computers. This sophisticated operation, conducted between August 2024 and January 2025, showcases how law enforcement turned the malware's own self-delete mechanism against itself to protect American digital infrastructure from Chinese state-sponsored hackers.Finally, we celebrate a historic moment in astronomy as the European Space Agency's Gaia telescope concludes its revolutionary sky-scanning mission after 11 years. Having collected over three trillion observations of two billion celestial objects, Gaia's legacy will continue through two major data releases planned for 2026 and beyond, promising to reshape our understanding of the Milky Way galaxy.From Perplexity's Discover Feed:https://www.perplexity.ai/page/the-rednote-apps-boom-in-the-u-1NnpJxlbSEGE_F6HqwBpdwhttps://www.perplexity.ai/page/fbi-hacked-computers-to-uninst-54mfC_E0SUS.e2kNPl191whttps://www.perplexity.ai/page/gaia-sky-scan-completed-gS0fkLxDRyCfaZsPGKrF0wPerplexity is the fastest and most powerful way to search the web. Perplexity crawls the web and curates the most relevant and up-to-date sources (from academic papers to Reddit threads) to create the perfect response to any question or topic you're interested in. Take the world's knowledge with you anywhere. Available on iOS and Android Join our growing Discord community for the latest updates and exclusive content. Follow us on: Instagram Threads X (Twitter) YouTube Linkedin
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E03Welcome to another episode of Astronomy Daily, your go-to source for the latest updates in space exploration and astronomy. I'm Anna, and today we have some thrilling stories that highlight humanity's relentless pursuit of cosmic knowledge.Highlights:- Update - Parker Solar Probe's Record-Breaking Journey: NASA's Parker Solar Probe achieved an unprecedented feat on Christmas Eve, becoming the closest human-made object to the Sun and the fastest object ever created by humans, traveling at a staggering 692,000 kilometers per hour.- Leap Year Glitch Hits Satellite Network: Eutelsat's OneWeb satellite network experienced a significant disruption due to a leap year software bug, leaving users without service for two days. The issue underscores the complexities of modern satellite operations.- China's Rocket Launch Ambitions: China is set for a groundbreaking year in 2025 with the introduction of new rockets, including the Long March 8A and Long March 12A. These advancements signify a leap in reusable technology and position China as a formidable space power.- Revolutionary Research on Icy Worlds: A new concept, the Cenotectic, offers insights into how liquid water can remain stable on icy worlds like Europa. This research is timely as NASA's Europa Clipper mission prepares to explore Jupiter's enigmatic moon.- Astronomical Events to Watch: 2025 promises four spectacular eclipses, including two total lunar eclipses and two partial solar eclipses, offering skywatchers a celestial treat.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, Tumblr, YouTubeMusic, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. Share your thoughts and connect with fellow space enthusiasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - This week's Space and Astronomy News features some incredible stories00:51 - NASA's Parker Solar Probe made its closest approach to the sun on December 2403:17 - A leap year software bug affected Eutelsat's OneWeb satellite network05:04 - China is gearing up for an exciting year in space with several new rockets planned07:46 - New research could revolutionize our understanding of icy ocean worlds like Europa10:03 - In 2025, there will be four total lunar eclipses and one partial solar eclipse12:01 - This podcast features the latest developments in space and astronomy✍️ Episode ReferencesNASA Parker Solar Probehttps://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/parker-solar-probeEutelsathttps://www.eutelsat.com/en/home.htmlOneWebhttps://www.oneweb.world/Airbus Defense and Spacehttps://www.airbus.com/defence.htmlStarlinkhttps://www.starlink.com/Long March Rocketshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_March_rocketLandspacehttps://www.landspace.com/Galactic Energyhttp://www.galactic-energy.cn/NASA Europa Clipper Missionhttps://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/europa-clipperNature Communicationshttps://www.nature.com/ncomms/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support.
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for the latest news and discoveries in the field of space and Astronomy. I'm your host Anna, and we have some fascinating stories lined up for you today. From NASA's upcoming decision on Boeing's Starliner to the historic private spacewalk planned by SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission, we've got the latest updates that will keep you on the edge of your seat. We'll also delve into groundbreaking findings from India's Chandrayaan-3 mission, discuss the finale of ESA's Cluster mission, and explore new simulations about the chances of a collision between the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies. Stay tuned. It's going to be an exciting episode. - **NASA's Decision on Boeing's Starliner**: NASA is gearing up to make a significant decision this Stuart regarding whether astronauts Butch Wilmore and SUNY Williams will return to Earth using Boeing's troubled Starliner spacecraft or SpaceX's reliable Crew Dragon. This announcement holds particular weight given the numerous challenges the Starliner has faced throughout its mission. - **Polaris Dawn Mission: Historic Private Spacewalk**: SpaceX has announced a slight delay in their much-anticipated Polaris Dawn mission. Originally set to lift off on August 26, the launch is now scheduled for no earlier than August 27. This shift allows the team to complete some additional pre-flight checkouts to ensure everything is in perfect order for this groundbreaking mission. - **Chandrayaan-3 Mission: New Lunar Discoveries**: Next up, the Pragyan rover, part of India's Chandrayaan-3 mission, has been actively exploring the moon's south pole, providing fascinating insights into our celestial neighbor. Launched last summer, the Vikram lander made a successful touchdown, allowing the Pragyan rover to embark on its scientific expedition. So far, Pragyan has been diligently collecting and analyzing soil samples, a task that has yielded data bolstering theories about the moon's fiery origins. - **ESA's Cluster Mission Finale **: ESA's historic Cluster mission is coming to a close after an impressive 24 years of service. Launched back in 2000, the Cluster mission has provided invaluable data on Earth's magnetic environment, or magnetosphere. - **Milky Way and Andromeda: Collision or Near Miss?**: Here's a story that could rewrite the textbooks. Astronomers have long held the belief that our home galaxy, the Milky Way, will inevitably merge with our neighboring Andromeda galaxy within the next 5 billion years. This anticipated cataclysmic event has been a staple of astronomical forecasts, predicting an eventual fusion of the two galaxies into a new elliptical supergalaxy called Milkomeda. However, new simulations present a more nuanced picture, suggesting that the likelihood of this colossal collision could be a mere 50% over the next 10 billion years. To catch the latest in Space and Astronomy News, simply visit our website at astronomydaily.ioFor more Space & Astronomy News podcasts, visit our HQ at bitesz.comSponsor Links:NordpassNordVPNMalwarebytesProton Mail & SecurityBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support.
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for the latest news and updates in the world of astronomy and SpaceTime exploration. I'm your host, Andrew Dunkley, filling in for Steve. We've got an exciting lineup today, from NASA's Viper moon rover to the James Webb Space Telescope's black hole observations and more. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into today's top stories.- **NASA's Viper Moon Rover**: NASA is seeking help from U.S. companies and institutions for a mission involving the Viper moon rover, initially designed to map potential resources like ice at the Moon's south pole. Although NASA has discontinued Viper, they are open to contributing it to a qualified partner. - **NASA's Scientific Balloon Programme**: NASA's annual fall campaign for its scientific balloon programme has begun at Fort Sumner, New Mexico. From mid-August to mid-October, eight balloons will be launched, supporting 16 missions across astrophysics, heliophysics, and atmospheric research. - **James Webb Space Telescope and Black Holes**: The James Webb Space Telescope has been observing supermassive black holes, shedding light on active galactic nuclei (AGN). Recent observations of a black hole in galaxy ESO 428-G14, about 70 million light-years away, revealed polar dust heated by energetic shockwaves from relativistic jets. .- **Rediscovery of Phosphine on Venus**: About four years ago, scientists announced the discovery of phosphine in Venus's atmosphere, sparking debates about potential life. Recently, using a new receiver on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, the same team has reaffirmed the presence of phosphine, bolstering their confidence with 140 times more data than the initial detection. - **ESA's Juice Mission**: ESA's Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer (Juice) is set for a critical lunar-Earth flyby around August 19-20. This double gravity assist will adjust Juice's speed and direction for its journey to Jupiter via been listening. For more Astronomy Daily, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Follow us on social media at AstroDailyPod on X, facebook, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favourite platform.For more Space and Astronomy News podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support.
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for the latest news and updates in the world of astronomy and space exploration. I'm your host, Anna. Each day we bring you the most exciting stories from the cosmos, keeping you informed about the latest discoveries, missions, and breakthroughs in space science. From NASA's groundbreaking missions to private space flight adventures, we've got it all covered for you. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into today's top stories.- **NASA's Astronaut Return Plans**: NASA officials have revealed that astronauts Butch Wilmore and SUNY Williams, who were delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) by Boeing Starliner in June, could make their return journey aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon in February 2025 if Starliner is still considered unsafe.- **SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission**: Next up, we have exciting news about SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission, which is now targeting a launch date of August 26. This ambitious mission aims to make history in multiple ways. First and foremost, it will feature the first-ever private spacewalk, setting a new milestone in the era of commercial space exploration. - **FAA's Forecast on Private Space Launches**: The FAA is forecasting a dramatic increase in private space launches, predicting that by 2028, the number of annual licensed launches could more than double. This surge is largely attributed to the growing capabilities and utilization of reusable rockets, notably SpaceX's Falcon 9. - **Scientific Studies on UFOs**: Lastly, a growing number of scientists are advocating for serious studies into UFOs, now termed as unidentified anomalous phenomena, or UAPs. For decades, the subject of UFOs has often been met with skepticism and dismissed as the stuff of conspiracy theories. However, the need for scientific scrutiny has become increasingly evident. - (00:00) Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to podcast for astronomy news- (00:28) NASA considering using SpaceX's Crew Dragon if Starliner still considered unsafe- (02:46) SpaceX's Polaris dawn private space mission has been scheduled for August 26- (06:54) Growing number of scientists are advocating for serious studies into UFO's- (09:38) That's all for today's episode of Astronomy DailyFor more Astronomy Daily, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Follow us on social media at AstroDailyPod on X, Facebook, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok.For more Space and Astronomy News podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support.
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, where we cover the latest in space and astronomy news. I'm your host, Anna. Today we've got an exciting lineup that will take you on a journey through some of the most intriguing recent updates in the cosmos. We'll start with NASA's latest move to push the Crew-9 mission launch to September as they delve into the intricacies of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Then we'll shift gears to explore groundbreaking research that peels back the layers on Venus, revealing that our inhospitable "evil twin" might share more in common with Earth than we ever imagined. Finally, we'll spotlight a compelling study on red dwarf stars and how their stellar flares could pose both challenges and potentials for habitability on nearby exoplanets. So grab your telescopes and your curiosity, and let's dive into today's episode.NASA's Crew-9 Mission Postponed: NASA is postponing the launch of the Crew-9 mission to September due to ongoing analysis of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. This delay will give mission managers more time to finalize plans for the Boeing crew flight test, which is currently docked at the International Space Station. Thruster issues with the Starliner spacecraft have been the main concern. NASA is taking this extra time to analyze the results of recent hot fire testing and to ensure the reliability of the integrated propulsion system. Until either the Starliner or Crew-8 Dragon departs the space station, there will be no available docking ports for the Crew-9 mission.- Venus's Geological History: New research suggests that Venus, often dubbed Earth's inhospitable "evil twin," may have once been tectonically active despite its current stagnant lithosphere. Today, Venus is known for its extreme surface conditions, temperatures hot enough to melt lead, and surface pressures intense enough to crush most materials. However, this new study reveals that the planet's surface features such as faults, folds, and volcanoes indicate a history of significant tectonic activity.- Red Dwarf Stars and Habitability: A recent study has shed light on the potential dangers facing habitable planets around red dwarf stars. The research, led by astronomers from the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy, reveals that these stars can emit far-ultraviolet radiation at levels much higher than previously believed. This finding has striking implications for the habitability of planets orbiting red dwarfs.- (00:00) Astronomy Daily brings you the latest in space and astronomy news- (00:49) NASA is postponing the launch of the crew nine mission to September- (04:54) New research suggests Venus may have once been tectonically active- (06:49) Red dwarf stars emit far ultraviolet radiation at levels much higher than previously thought- (09:12) That's it for today's episode of Astronomy DailyFor more Astronomy Daily, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Follow us on social media at AstroDailyPod on X, Facebook, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok.For more Space and Astronomy News podcasts visit our HQ at www.bitesz.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support.
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, the podcast where we delve into the latest and greatest in space and astronomy. I'm your host, Steve Dunkley, and today we've got a stellar lineup of stories that will take you from Mars to the Moon and beyond. Let's dive into the cosmos.Perseverance's Potential Fossil Discovery: NASA's Perseverance rover has made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars, potentially unearthing microbe fossils in a rock named Chevre Falls. This could be the most compelling evidence yet of ancient life on the Red Planet.- Mercury's Diamond Mantle: New research suggests that Mercury may have a 15-kilometre thick layer of solid diamond beneath its crust. This discovery could revolutionise our understanding of the planet's formation and evolution.- Moon Cave for Human Habitation: Scientists have discovered a massive cave on the Moon, which could serve as a potential shelter for future lunar bases. This cave, located in the Mare Tranquillitatis, offers natural protection from cosmic rays and temperature extremes.- Twin Meteor Showers: Stargazers are in for a treat with the upcoming twin meteor showers, the Alpha Capricornids and the Southern Delta Aquariids, peaking next week. This rare celestial event will be best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere.- Space Force and Private Sector Collaboration: Akema's subsidiary, Five Rivers Analytics, has secured a $480 million contract to support the US Space Force's satellite control network. This partnership aims to enhance national defence and intelligence operations.- Sierra Space's Inflatable Space Module: Sierra Space has successfully completed another burst test on its inflatable space module, a key component of the future commercial space station, Orbital Reef. This innovation promises to revolutionise space habitation and commercialisation.Don't forget to visit our website at astronomydaily.io to sign up for our free daily Space & Astronomy News newsletter, catch up on all the latest space news, and listen to our previous episodes. Follow us on social media by searching for AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. Until next time, keep looking up.www.bitesz.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support.
Embark on an exhilarating celestial journey with today's episode of Astronomy Daily - The Podcast, where we uncover the enigmas of the universe and the latest feats in space exploration. Host Anna guides us through a cosmic tapestry woven with groundbreaking discoveries and thrilling space endeavors. We kick off with the James Webb Space Telescope's detection of an atmosphere on a distant rocky exoplanet, 55 Cancri e, offering a glimpse into otherworldly climates. Then, brace for a discussion on the sun's recent display of power, unleashing a trio of X-class solar flares that remind us of its fiery rule over our solar system.We celebrate the return of NASA's TESS from its unexpected hiatus, ready to resume its hunt for exoplanets. The mystery deepens with China's secretive Chang'e 6 moon mission and its mini rover passenger, poised to explore the far side of the moon. Finally, we turn our gaze to the red planet, where NASA's Mars Sample Return mission faces challenges that SpaceX's innovation might just overcome, potentially revolutionizing the timeline and cost of this interplanetary quest.1. **Webb's Exoplanet Atmosphere Discovery**: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope unveils a super Earth's atmosphere.2. **Solar Flare Fury**: The sun's recent X-class eruptions and their impact on Earth.3. **TESS's Triumphant Return**: NASA's exoplanet hunter resumes its cosmic search after a brief pause.4. **Chang'e 6's Lunar Mystery**: China's covertly added mini rover adds intrigue to lunar exploration.5. **Mars Sample Return Revolution**: How SpaceX's starship might be the game-changer for NASA's ambitious mission.Join us for a constellation of stories that illuminate our place in the cosmos, and let your imagination soar to the rhythm of the stars. Engage with our stargazing community on X (@AstroDailyPod) for continuous updates and celestial conversations. Until our next interstellar rendezvous, this is Anna reminding you to keep your eyes on the skies and your curiosity ever alight. Clear skies and boundless wonder to all our fellow space enthusiasts! This episode is presented with the support of our cosmic companions at NordPass. Secure your interstellar journey with our special offer by visiting www.bitesz.com/nordpass. Support Astronomy Daily the Podcast and access commercial-free episodes by checking out our supporter link.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support And for more Space and Astronomy News, listen to past episodes, check out sponsor links etc...just visit our website at astronomydaily.io.
SpaceTime with Stuart Gary | Astronomy, Space & Science News
The Space, Astronomy and Science Podcast. SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 55 *New findings point to an Earth-like environment on ancient Mars A new study using data from NASA's Mars curiosity rover suggests there was once an Earth-like environment on ancient Mars. *Could purple be the new green in search for alien life A new study suggests that life on other planets with different atmospheres and orbiting different types of stars wouldn't display Earth like forests of green. *HyImpulse's SR75 rocket blasts off Germany's HyImpulse has successfully launched its SR75 sounding rocket on a test flight from Southern Launch's Koonibba Test Range west of Ceduna on South Australia's west coast. *The Science Report Being vegetarian is linked to a much slower progression of prostate cancer. A new way of cleaning up per-and poly-Fluro-alkyls – the so called forever chemicals. Why do people prefer their alcoholic beverages cold. Skeptics guide to when psychics say the Russian invasion of Ukraine will end. https://spacetimewithstuartgary.com https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/ This week's guests include: Lígia Fonseca Coelho from Cornell university Associate professor Lisa Kaltenegger from Cornell University Shannon Curry from the University of Colorado boulder and principal scientist for NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN spacecraft MAVEN And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics Jonathan Nally from Sky and Telescope Magazine
Prepare for a lunar odyssey and celestial celebration in today's episode of Astronomy Daily - The Podcast. As we lift off into the vast unknown, we're tracking China's Chang'e 6 probe on its ambitious journey to the dark side of the moon to retrieve precious lunar material. We'll also marvel at the youthful origins of a moonlet orbiting the asteroid Dinkanish, discovered by NASA's Lucy mission. And hold tight as we count down to the launch of Boeing's Starliner, set for a historic crewed flight test that could herald a new era in space travel.Join us as we delve into the explosive beauty of solar flares with a recent X-class eruption that dazzled our solar observatory, and honor the trailblazing legacy of Eileen Collins with a collectible patch celebrating her achievements as the first female spacecraft commander. Plus, we're toasting to Astronauts Day, a tribute to the brave souls who venture into the cosmos, and unveiling the inaugural Astronaut Rockstar Awards.1. **Chang'e 6's Moonlit Mystery**: China's daring mission to the moon's far side.2. **Lucy's Young Moonlet**: Unveiling the age of asteroid companion, Selim.3. **Starliner's Stellar Ascent**: Boeing's crewed test flight to the ISS.4. **Solar Flare Spectacle**: The impact of an X-class eruption on Earth.5. **Commander Collins' Patch**: A symbol of shattered ceilings and space exploration.6. **Astronauts Day & Rockstar Awards**: Celebrating space heroes and their cultural impact.For an immersive experience of the cosmos, visit our website at astronomydaily.io, and join the stargazing community on X (@AstroDailyPod) for continuous updates and celestial conversations. Until our next stellar encounter, this is Steve reminding you to keep your eyes on the skies and your curiosity ever soaring. Clear skies and boundless wonder to all our fellow space enthusiasts!This episode is presented with the support of our cosmic companions at NordPass. Secure your interstellar journey with our special offer by visiting www.bitesz.com/nordpass. Support Astronomy Daily the Podcast and access the commercial-free episodes by checking out our supporter link.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/supportAnd for more Space and Astronomy News, listen to past episodes, check out sponsor links etc...just visit our website at astronomydaily.io
Eclipse Wrap-Up & More Favorite Space Places Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik For full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/106
Eclipse Wrap-Up & More Favorite Space Places Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik For full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/106
Eclipse Wrap-Up & More Favorite Space Places Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik For full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/106
Eclipse Wrap-Up & More Favorite Space Places Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik For full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/106
The moons of the outer solar system have become one of the primary targets of robotic exploration. Previous probes have detected what might be warm, salty oceans below the ice crusts of Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's Europa. NASA's Europa Clipper will soon be bound for that cold, mysterious world. And Erin Leonard, a project scientist on that mission, joins us to discuss what to expect and what the hopes for life miles below the ice might be. Join us for this exciting look at one of the most compelling bodies in the outer solar system! Headlines: JPL Layoffs: Discussion on the recent layoffs at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, attributing them to budget constraints and cuts to the Mars sample return mission. AX-3 Mission Recap: Overview of the AX-3 mission's achievements, including its status as the longest private mission to the ISS and its all-European crew. Renaissance Astronomy Text: Analysis of a Renaissance-era astronomy book that may contain hidden messages, offering a unique glimpse into historical views of the cosmos. Main Topic: Europa Clipper Mission Mission Overview: Erin Leonard explains her role in the Europa Clipper mission, emphasizing collaboration between scientists and engineers to bridge communication gaps. Path to Europa Clipper: Leonard shares her academic journey and how it led her to work on the Europa Clipper mission. Europa's Habitability: Discussion on what makes Europa a compelling target for life search in the solar system, including its subsurface ocean and salt content. Technical Challenges: Insights into the engineering feats required to design a spacecraft capable of surviving Jupiter's intense radiation environment. Scientific Instruments: Overview of the Europa Clipper's comprehensive suite of scientific instruments designed to study Europa's ocean, ice shell, and more. Potential for Life: Speculation on the conditions beneath Europa's ice shell and the mission's potential to discover signs of life. Launch Plans and Expectations: Confirmation of the Europa Clipper's scheduled launch in October on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Through engaging dialogue and expert commentary, this episode provides a thorough exploration of the Europa Clipper mission's objectives, challenges, and the broader implications for our understanding of life in the universe. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Erin Leonard 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
The moons of the outer solar system have become one of the primary targets of robotic exploration. Previous probes have detected what might be warm, salty oceans below the ice crusts of Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's Europa. NASA's Europa Clipper will soon be bound for that cold, mysterious world. And Erin Leonard, a project scientist on that mission, joins us to discuss what to expect and what the hopes for life miles below the ice might be. Join us for this exciting look at one of the most compelling bodies in the outer solar system! Headlines: JPL Layoffs: Discussion on the recent layoffs at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, attributing them to budget constraints and cuts to the Mars sample return mission. AX-3 Mission Recap: Overview of the AX-3 mission's achievements, including its status as the longest private mission to the ISS and its all-European crew. Renaissance Astronomy Text: Analysis of a Renaissance-era astronomy book that may contain hidden messages, offering a unique glimpse into historical views of the cosmos. Main Topic: Europa Clipper Mission Mission Overview: Erin Leonard explains her role in the Europa Clipper mission, emphasizing collaboration between scientists and engineers to bridge communication gaps. Path to Europa Clipper: Leonard shares her academic journey and how it led her to work on the Europa Clipper mission. Europa's Habitability: Discussion on what makes Europa a compelling target for life search in the solar system, including its subsurface ocean and salt content. Technical Challenges: Insights into the engineering feats required to design a spacecraft capable of surviving Jupiter's intense radiation environment. Scientific Instruments: Overview of the Europa Clipper's comprehensive suite of scientific instruments designed to study Europa's ocean, ice shell, and more. Potential for Life: Speculation on the conditions beneath Europa's ice shell and the mission's potential to discover signs of life. Launch Plans and Expectations: Confirmation of the Europa Clipper's scheduled launch in October on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Through engaging dialogue and expert commentary, this episode provides a thorough exploration of the Europa Clipper mission's objectives, challenges, and the broader implications for our understanding of life in the universe. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Erin Leonard 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
The moons of the outer solar system have become one of the primary targets of robotic exploration. Previous probes have detected what might be warm, salty oceans below the ice crusts of Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's Europa. NASA's Europa Clipper will soon be bound for that cold, mysterious world. And Erin Leonard, a project scientist on that mission, joins us to discuss what to expect and what the hopes for life miles below the ice might be. Join us for this exciting look at one of the most compelling bodies in the outer solar system! Headlines: JPL Layoffs: Discussion on the recent layoffs at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, attributing them to budget constraints and cuts to the Mars sample return mission. AX-3 Mission Recap: Overview of the AX-3 mission's achievements, including its status as the longest private mission to the ISS and its all-European crew. Renaissance Astronomy Text: Analysis of a Renaissance-era astronomy book that may contain hidden messages, offering a unique glimpse into historical views of the cosmos. Main Topic: Europa Clipper Mission Mission Overview: Erin Leonard explains her role in the Europa Clipper mission, emphasizing collaboration between scientists and engineers to bridge communication gaps. Path to Europa Clipper: Leonard shares her academic journey and how it led her to work on the Europa Clipper mission. Europa's Habitability: Discussion on what makes Europa a compelling target for life search in the solar system, including its subsurface ocean and salt content. Technical Challenges: Insights into the engineering feats required to design a spacecraft capable of surviving Jupiter's intense radiation environment. Scientific Instruments: Overview of the Europa Clipper's comprehensive suite of scientific instruments designed to study Europa's ocean, ice shell, and more. Potential for Life: Speculation on the conditions beneath Europa's ice shell and the mission's potential to discover signs of life. Launch Plans and Expectations: Confirmation of the Europa Clipper's scheduled launch in October on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Through engaging dialogue and expert commentary, this episode provides a thorough exploration of the Europa Clipper mission's objectives, challenges, and the broader implications for our understanding of life in the universe. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Erin Leonard 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
The moons of the outer solar system have become one of the primary targets of robotic exploration. Previous probes have detected what might be warm, salty oceans below the ice crusts of Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's Europa. NASA's Europa Clipper will soon be bound for that cold, mysterious world. And Erin Leonard, a project scientist on that mission, joins us to discuss what to expect and what the hopes for life miles below the ice might be. Join us for this exciting look at one of the most compelling bodies in the outer solar system! Headlines: JPL Layoffs: Discussion on the recent layoffs at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, attributing them to budget constraints and cuts to the Mars sample return mission. AX-3 Mission Recap: Overview of the AX-3 mission's achievements, including its status as the longest private mission to the ISS and its all-European crew. Renaissance Astronomy Text: Analysis of a Renaissance-era astronomy book that may contain hidden messages, offering a unique glimpse into historical views of the cosmos. Main Topic: Europa Clipper Mission Mission Overview: Erin Leonard explains her role in the Europa Clipper mission, emphasizing collaboration between scientists and engineers to bridge communication gaps. Path to Europa Clipper: Leonard shares her academic journey and how it led her to work on the Europa Clipper mission. Europa's Habitability: Discussion on what makes Europa a compelling target for life search in the solar system, including its subsurface ocean and salt content. Technical Challenges: Insights into the engineering feats required to design a spacecraft capable of surviving Jupiter's intense radiation environment. Scientific Instruments: Overview of the Europa Clipper's comprehensive suite of scientific instruments designed to study Europa's ocean, ice shell, and more. Potential for Life: Speculation on the conditions beneath Europa's ice shell and the mission's potential to discover signs of life. Launch Plans and Expectations: Confirmation of the Europa Clipper's scheduled launch in October on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Through engaging dialogue and expert commentary, this episode provides a thorough exploration of the Europa Clipper mission's objectives, challenges, and the broader implications for our understanding of life in the universe. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Erin Leonard 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
Space and science TV has come a long way since the old-time staples like Mr. Wizard and the original Bille Nye, The Science Guy. On this episode of This Week in Space, History Channel producer Jeff Stepp joins us to talk about his work on "The UnXplained: With William Shatner" and other science shows—how are they conceived, what is production like, and what is the future of space and science-oriented media? We know Jeff to be a fine writer and responsible gatekeeper for high-quality, responsible science programming. Don't miss this one! Headlines Boeing Starliner's Progress: Detailed updates on the Starliner spacecraft's developments, including overcoming technical hurdles for its crewed flight. Japan's Slim Lander: Exploration of Japan's moon landing attempt, highlighting the quirky yet successful deployment of rovers despite the lander's inverted landing. Exomoons Debate: A discussion on the ongoing debate among scientists about the existence of exomoons, showcasing the dynamic nature of space exploration research. Main Topic: The Future of Space and Science Television Jeff Stepp's Career and Contributions: Introduction to Jeff Stepp's role in producing and writing for science and space TV shows, emphasizing his journey and the impact of veteran actors in narrating scientific documentaries. Challenges in Science Programming: Stepp discusses the challenges of producing engaging content in a landscape dominated by entertainment, touching on the balance between education and entertainment. - Evolving Formats and Audience Engagement: Exploration of new formats for science programming, addressing the need for storytelling and innovative approaches to captivate audiences. Viewer Desires and Future Directions: Consideration of audience queries on conspiracy theories and the selection of topics for shows like "The Unexplained," highlighting the interaction between producers and the viewing public. Working with Icons: Insights into the experience of working with William Shatner and other celebrities, underscoring their influence on the success and reach of science programming. Future of Science Television: Stepp shares his vision for the future of science and space television, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and the potential for hybrid formats to keep the audience engaged. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Jeff Stepp 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: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT
Space and science TV has come a long way since the old-time staples like Mr. Wizard and the original Bille Nye, The Science Guy. On this episode of This Week in Space, History Channel producer Jeff Stepp joins us to talk about his work on "The UnXplained: With William Shatner" and other science shows—how are they conceived, what is production like, and what is the future of space and science-oriented media? We know Jeff to be a fine writer and responsible gatekeeper for high-quality, responsible science programming. Don't miss this one! Headlines Boeing Starliner's Progress: Detailed updates on the Starliner spacecraft's developments, including overcoming technical hurdles for its crewed flight. Japan's Slim Lander: Exploration of Japan's moon landing attempt, highlighting the quirky yet successful deployment of rovers despite the lander's inverted landing. Exomoons Debate: A discussion on the ongoing debate among scientists about the existence of exomoons, showcasing the dynamic nature of space exploration research. Main Topic: The Future of Space and Science Television Jeff Stepp's Career and Contributions: Introduction to Jeff Stepp's role in producing and writing for science and space TV shows, emphasizing his journey and the impact of veteran actors in narrating scientific documentaries. Challenges in Science Programming: Stepp discusses the challenges of producing engaging content in a landscape dominated by entertainment, touching on the balance between education and entertainment. - Evolving Formats and Audience Engagement: Exploration of new formats for science programming, addressing the need for storytelling and innovative approaches to captivate audiences. Viewer Desires and Future Directions: Consideration of audience queries on conspiracy theories and the selection of topics for shows like "The Unexplained," highlighting the interaction between producers and the viewing public. Working with Icons: Insights into the experience of working with William Shatner and other celebrities, underscoring their influence on the success and reach of science programming. Future of Science Television: Stepp shares his vision for the future of science and space television, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and the potential for hybrid formats to keep the audience engaged. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Jeff Stepp 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: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT
Space and science TV has come a long way since the old-time staples like Mr. Wizard and the original Bille Nye, The Science Guy. On this episode of This Week in Space, History Channel producer Jeff Stepp joins us to talk about his work on "The UnXplained: With William Shatner" and other science shows—how are they conceived, what is production like, and what is the future of space and science-oriented media? We know Jeff to be a fine writer and responsible gatekeeper for high-quality, responsible science programming. Don't miss this one! Headlines Boeing Starliner's Progress: Detailed updates on the Starliner spacecraft's developments, including overcoming technical hurdles for its crewed flight. Japan's Slim Lander: Exploration of Japan's moon landing attempt, highlighting the quirky yet successful deployment of rovers despite the lander's inverted landing. Exomoons Debate: A discussion on the ongoing debate among scientists about the existence of exomoons, showcasing the dynamic nature of space exploration research. Main Topic: The Future of Space and Science Television Jeff Stepp's Career and Contributions: Introduction to Jeff Stepp's role in producing and writing for science and space TV shows, emphasizing his journey and the impact of veteran actors in narrating scientific documentaries. Challenges in Science Programming: Stepp discusses the challenges of producing engaging content in a landscape dominated by entertainment, touching on the balance between education and entertainment. - Evolving Formats and Audience Engagement: Exploration of new formats for science programming, addressing the need for storytelling and innovative approaches to captivate audiences. Viewer Desires and Future Directions: Consideration of audience queries on conspiracy theories and the selection of topics for shows like "The Unexplained," highlighting the interaction between producers and the viewing public. Working with Icons: Insights into the experience of working with William Shatner and other celebrities, underscoring their influence on the success and reach of science programming. Future of Science Television: Stepp shares his vision for the future of science and space television, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and the potential for hybrid formats to keep the audience engaged. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Jeff Stepp 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: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT
Space and science TV has come a long way since the old-time staples like Mr. Wizard and the original Bille Nye, The Science Guy. On this episode of This Week in Space, History Channel producer Jeff Stepp joins us to talk about his work on "The UnXplained: With William Shatner" and other science shows—how are they conceived, what is production like, and what is the future of space and science-oriented media? We know Jeff to be a fine writer and responsible gatekeeper for high-quality, responsible science programming. Don't miss this one! Headlines Boeing Starliner's Progress: Detailed updates on the Starliner spacecraft's developments, including overcoming technical hurdles for its crewed flight. Japan's Slim Lander: Exploration of Japan's moon landing attempt, highlighting the quirky yet successful deployment of rovers despite the lander's inverted landing. Exomoons Debate: A discussion on the ongoing debate among scientists about the existence of exomoons, showcasing the dynamic nature of space exploration research. Main Topic: The Future of Space and Science Television Jeff Stepp's Career and Contributions: Introduction to Jeff Stepp's role in producing and writing for science and space TV shows, emphasizing his journey and the impact of veteran actors in narrating scientific documentaries. Challenges in Science Programming: Stepp discusses the challenges of producing engaging content in a landscape dominated by entertainment, touching on the balance between education and entertainment. - Evolving Formats and Audience Engagement: Exploration of new formats for science programming, addressing the need for storytelling and innovative approaches to captivate audiences. Viewer Desires and Future Directions: Consideration of audience queries on conspiracy theories and the selection of topics for shows like "The Unexplained," highlighting the interaction between producers and the viewing public. Working with Icons: Insights into the experience of working with William Shatner and other celebrities, underscoring their influence on the success and reach of science programming. Future of Science Television: Stepp shares his vision for the future of science and space television, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and the potential for hybrid formats to keep the audience engaged. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Jeff Stepp 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: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT
2024 looks to be another exciting year in spaceflight! Despite the delay of the Artemis crewed lunar program, a number of exciting missions are queued up this year, among them the launch of Europa Clipper, ESA's HERA mission to Didymos, the first flight of Blue Origin's mammoth New Glenn rocket, and the first crewed flight of India's new spacecraft, the Gagaanyan capsule. We'll dive into these and more on this episode of This Week in Space! Headlines: Japan became the 5th country to successfully soft land on the moon with their SLIM lunar lander, though it is having issues generating solar power due to its arrays not deploying properly. Despite this setback, Japan still declared the landing a success. Astrobotic's Peregrine lunar lander failed after launch, burning up in Earth's atmosphere over the South Pacific after losing contact following its launch on ULA's Vulcan rocket. This was a major setback for Astrobotic's first lunar delivery contract under NASA's CLPS program. Axiom Space launched their AX-3 mission, the third all-private crewed flight to the ISS. The crew is made up of an international mix from the U.S., Italy, Spain, and Sweden. Main Topic: 2024 in Space Artemis Program Delays: NASA announced delays to the Artemis program, pushing back Artemis 2 to at least December 2025 and Artemis 3's lunar landing to 2026. Issues remain with the SLS rocket, Orion capsule, spacesuits, and especially SpaceX's Starship lunar lander, which needs many test flights before it is ready. Blue Origin's Progress: Blue Origin rolled out a pathfinder version of their New Glenn rocket to the launch site, signaling they are making progress with a planned launch in mid-2024. The rocket will have the biggest fairings of any currently available rocket. 2024 Missions: JPL and NASA have many big robotic missions launching in 2024, including the Europa Clipper to study Jupiter's icy moon, JUICE to also study Jupiter's moons for ESA, and Hera, which will observe the results of NASA's DART asteroid test. ESA is also working to get the delayed Ariane 6 rocket off the ground. India's Gaganyaan Capsule: India is making progress in developing their own indigenous crew capsule, called Gaganyaan, with plans to launch test flights in 2024 and 2025. This will be a major step in their ambitions for an independent human spaceflight program. 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
2024 looks to be another exciting year in spaceflight! Despite the delay of the Artemis crewed lunar program, a number of exciting missions are queued up this year, among them the launch of Europa Clipper, ESA's HERA mission to Didymos, the first flight of Blue Origin's mammoth New Glenn rocket, and the first crewed flight of India's new spacecraft, the Gagaanyan capsule. We'll dive into these and more on this episode of This Week in Space! Headlines: Japan became the 5th country to successfully soft land on the moon with their SLIM lunar lander, though it is having issues generating solar power due to its arrays not deploying properly. Despite this setback, Japan still declared the landing a success. Astrobotic's Peregrine lunar lander failed after launch, burning up in Earth's atmosphere over the South Pacific after losing contact following its launch on ULA's Vulcan rocket. This was a major setback for Astrobotic's first lunar delivery contract under NASA's CLPS program. Axiom Space launched their AX-3 mission, the third all-private crewed flight to the ISS. The crew is made up of an international mix from the U.S., Italy, Spain, and Sweden. Main Topic: 2024 in Space Artemis Program Delays: NASA announced delays to the Artemis program, pushing back Artemis 2 to at least December 2025 and Artemis 3's lunar landing to 2026. Issues remain with the SLS rocket, Orion capsule, spacesuits, and especially SpaceX's Starship lunar lander, which needs many test flights before it is ready. Blue Origin's Progress: Blue Origin rolled out a pathfinder version of their New Glenn rocket to the launch site, signaling they are making progress with a planned launch in mid-2024. The rocket will have the biggest fairings of any currently available rocket. 2024 Missions: JPL and NASA have many big robotic missions launching in 2024, including the Europa Clipper to study Jupiter's icy moon, JUICE to also study Jupiter's moons for ESA, and Hera, which will observe the results of NASA's DART asteroid test. ESA is also working to get the delayed Ariane 6 rocket off the ground. India's Gaganyaan Capsule: India is making progress in developing their own indigenous crew capsule, called Gaganyaan, with plans to launch test flights in 2024 and 2025. This will be a major step in their ambitions for an independent human spaceflight program. 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
2024 looks to be another exciting year in spaceflight! Despite the delay of the Artemis crewed lunar program, a number of exciting missions are queued up this year, among them the launch of Europa Clipper, ESA's HERA mission to Didymos, the first flight of Blue Origin's mammoth New Glenn rocket, and the first crewed flight of India's new spacecraft, the Gagaanyan capsule. We'll dive into these and more on this episode of This Week in Space! Headlines: Japan became the 5th country to successfully soft land on the moon with their SLIM lunar lander, though it is having issues generating solar power due to its arrays not deploying properly. Despite this setback, Japan still declared the landing a success. Astrobotic's Peregrine lunar lander failed after launch, burning up in Earth's atmosphere over the South Pacific after losing contact following its launch on ULA's Vulcan rocket. This was a major setback for Astrobotic's first lunar delivery contract under NASA's CLPS program. Axiom Space launched their AX-3 mission, the third all-private crewed flight to the ISS. The crew is made up of an international mix from the U.S., Italy, Spain, and Sweden. Main Topic: 2024 in Space Artemis Program Delays: NASA announced delays to the Artemis program, pushing back Artemis 2 to at least December 2025 and Artemis 3's lunar landing to 2026. Issues remain with the SLS rocket, Orion capsule, spacesuits, and especially SpaceX's Starship lunar lander, which needs many test flights before it is ready. Blue Origin's Progress: Blue Origin rolled out a pathfinder version of their New Glenn rocket to the launch site, signaling they are making progress with a planned launch in mid-2024. The rocket will have the biggest fairings of any currently available rocket. 2024 Missions: JPL and NASA have many big robotic missions launching in 2024, including the Europa Clipper to study Jupiter's icy moon, JUICE to also study Jupiter's moons for ESA, and Hera, which will observe the results of NASA's DART asteroid test. ESA is also working to get the delayed Ariane 6 rocket off the ground. India's Gaganyaan Capsule: India is making progress in developing their own crew capsule, called Gaganyaan, with plans to launch test flights in 2024 and 2025. This will be a major step in their ambitions for an independent human spaceflight program. 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: meraki.cisco.com/twit
2024 looks to be another exciting year in spaceflight! Despite the delay of the Artemis crewed lunar program, a number of exciting missions are queued up this year, among them the launch of Europa Clipper, ESA's HERA mission to Didymos, the first flight of Blue Origin's mammoth New Glenn rocket, and the first crewed flight of India's new spacecraft, the Gagaanyan capsule. We'll dive into these and more on this episode of This Week in Space! Headlines: Japan became the 5th country to successfully soft land on the moon with their SLIM lunar lander, though it is having issues generating solar power due to its arrays not deploying properly. Despite this setback, Japan still declared the landing a success. Astrobotic's Peregrine lunar lander failed after launch, burning up in Earth's atmosphere over the South Pacific after losing contact following its launch on ULA's Vulcan rocket. This was a major setback for Astrobotic's first lunar delivery contract under NASA's CLPS program. Axiom Space launched their AX-3 mission, the third all-private crewed flight to the ISS. The crew is made up of an international mix from the U.S., Italy, Spain, and Sweden. Main Topic: 2024 in Space Artemis Program Delays: NASA announced delays to the Artemis program, pushing back Artemis 2 to at least December 2025 and Artemis 3's lunar landing to 2026. Issues remain with the SLS rocket, Orion capsule, spacesuits, and especially SpaceX's Starship lunar lander, which needs many test flights before it is ready. Blue Origin's Progress: Blue Origin rolled out a pathfinder version of their New Glenn rocket to the launch site, signaling they are making progress with a planned launch in mid-2024. The rocket will have the biggest fairings of any currently available rocket. 2024 Missions: JPL and NASA have many big robotic missions launching in 2024, including the Europa Clipper to study Jupiter's icy moon, JUICE to also study Jupiter's moons for ESA, and Hera, which will observe the results of NASA's DART asteroid test. ESA is also working to get the delayed Ariane 6 rocket off the ground. India's Gaganyaan Capsule: India is making progress in developing their own indigenous crew capsule, called Gaganyaan, with plans to launch test flights in 2024 and 2025. This will be a major step in their ambitions for an independent human spaceflight program. 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
America's heading back to the Moon, but what does the public really think? This week, we talk with former NASA Chief Historian and Smithsonian Curator Dr. Roger Launius, who has studied, among many other things, public perceptions of NASA and spaceflight. Some spoilers: no, there was no "Golden Age" in the 1960s when the public was hugely behind the Apollo Moon landings; being a space historian is a lot of fun; and it probably doesn't really matter if China lands people on the Moon before the US does so *again*. Join us. Headlines: • Successful first flight of ULA's new Vulcan Centaur rocket with engines from Blue Origin • Payload - Astrobotic's Peregrine commercial lunar lander suffers propulsion leak en route to the Moon • NASA engineers finally open stuck cover on OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample capsule Main Topic: Public Perceptions of Space Exploration • Common perception of widespread public support and national unity around Apollo program is a myth • Polls at the time showed concerns about cost and other spending priorities • Support depended heavily on Cold War context; would not have happened otherwise • Public support and approval polling for space exploration has remained fairly consistent over decades • But support drops when funds are weighed against other priorities like social programs • JFK tried multiple times to make Apollo a joint U.S.-Soviet program to save money • His assassination allowed NASA to leverage his legacy to maintain support and funding • Presidential bold visions for space require an urgent political problem to address • Competition with China lacks the existential threat of the Cold War space race Additional Topics: • NASA is now doing business with more private-public and commercial partnerships • But political factors and election cycles still hamper long-term continuity • Preserving history and archives from the digital era will be extremely difficult • Predictions: Boots on the Moon again within 10-15 years, Mars by 2040s Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Roger Launius 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: rocketmoney.com/twis
America's heading back to the Moon, but what does the public really think? This week, we talk with former NASA Chief Historian and Smithsonian Curator Dr. Roger Launius, who has studied, among many other things, public perceptions of NASA and spaceflight. Some spoilers: no, there was no "Golden Age" in the 1960s when the public was hugely behind the Apollo Moon landings; being a space historian is a lot of fun; and it probably doesn't really matter if China lands people on the Moon before the US does so *again*. Join us. Headlines: • Successful first flight of ULA's new Vulcan Centaur rocket with engines from Blue Origin • Payload - Astrobotic's Peregrine commercial lunar lander suffers propulsion leak en route to the Moon • NASA engineers finally open stuck cover on OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample capsule Main Topic: Public Perceptions of Space Exploration • Common perception of widespread public support and national unity around Apollo program is a myth • Polls at the time showed concerns about cost and other spending priorities • Support depended heavily on Cold War context; would not have happened otherwise • Public support and approval polling for space exploration has remained fairly consistent over decades • But support drops when funds are weighed against other priorities like social programs • JFK tried multiple times to make Apollo a joint U.S.-Soviet program to save money • His assassination allowed NASA to leverage his legacy to maintain support and funding • Presidential bold visions for space require an urgent political problem to address • Competition with China lacks the existential threat of the Cold War space race Additional Topics: • NASA is now doing business with more private-public and commercial partnerships • But political factors and election cycles still hamper long-term continuity • Preserving history and archives from the digital era will be extremely difficult • Predictions: Boots on the Moon again within 10-15 years, Mars by 2040s Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Roger Launius 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: rocketmoney.com/twis
America's heading back to the Moon, but what does the public really think? This week, we talk with former NASA Chief Historian and Smithsonian Curator Dr. Roger Launius, who has studied, among many other things, public perceptions of NASA and spaceflight. Some spoilers: no, there was no "Golden Age" in the 1960s when the public was hugely behind the Apollo Moon landings; being a space historian is a lot of fun; and it probably doesn't really matter if China lands people on the Moon before the US does so *again*. Join us. Headlines: • Successful first flight of ULA's new Vulcan Centaur rocket with engines from Blue Origin • Payload - Astrobotic's Peregrine commercial lunar lander suffers propulsion leak en route to the Moon • NASA engineers finally open stuck cover on OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample capsule Main Topic: Public Perceptions of Space Exploration • Common perception of widespread public support and national unity around Apollo program is a myth • Polls at the time showed concerns about cost and other spending priorities • Support depended heavily on Cold War context; would not have happened otherwise • Public support and approval polling for space exploration has remained fairly consistent over decades • But support drops when funds are weighed against other priorities like social programs • JFK tried multiple times to make Apollo a joint U.S.-Soviet program to save money • His assassination allowed NASA to leverage his legacy to maintain support and funding • Presidential bold visions for space require an urgent political problem to address • Competition with China lacks the existential threat of the Cold War space race Additional Topics: • NASA is now doing business with more private-public and commercial partnerships • But political factors and election cycles still hamper long-term continuity • Preserving history and archives from the digital era will be extremely difficult • Predictions: Boots on the Moon again within 10-15 years, Mars by 2040s Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Roger Launius 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: rocketmoney.com/twis
Spend some time in a dark location and you'll see the night sky in all its glory. If you pick a night with no moon, the effect triples. Steve Fentress, recently retired director of the Strasenburgh Planetarium in New York, is our guide to the night sky this week. He'll enlighten us about the lore of the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, one of the more remarkable constellations in the sky, as well as a general tour of other notable constellations and their stories across the ages. And... he's even got a planetarium joke! Join us for this surprisingly entertaining look at the great above from a veteran storyteller. Headlines: Vulcan rocket with ULA's new BE4 engine set for debut flight, launching NASA's CLPS moon landing mission with Astrobotic's Peregrine lander Controversy over human remains onboard Astrobotic lander; Navajo Nation protests not being consulted Juno spacecraft makes close flyby of Jupiter's volcanic moon Io, capturing stunning images Main Topic: The Night Sky Steve's approach to appreciating the night sky focuses on visualization using basic math rather than just facts Overview of cultural interpretations of constellations and astronomical objects across ancient Chinese, Aboriginal Australian, and Pacific Islander cultures The 88 modern constellations officially recognized today trace back to ancient Near East, Greek, and 16th-century European traditions The Pleiades star cluster - one of the most prominent and universally viewed groups of stars Its seasonal visibility and blue color make it a prime target for binoculars Appearance ranges from 6 main stars to a sparkling cluster depending on conditions Known as the "Seven Sisters" across cultures; stories explaining its changing appearance Popular meteor showers, including the Perseids, Leonids, and Geminids How meteor showers coincide with Earth's intersecting dust trails left behind by comets Upcoming highlights: 2024 Perseids and peak viewing times Get "Sky to Space:" https://amzn.to/3OfnFM3 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Steve Fentress 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: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT
Spend some time in a dark location and you'll see the night sky in all its glory. If you pick a night with no moon, the effect triples. Steve Fentress, recently retired director of the Strasenburgh Planetarium in New York, is our guide to the night sky this week. He'll enlighten us about the lore of the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, one of the more remarkable constellations in the sky, as well as a general tour of other notable constellations and their stories across the ages. And... he's even got a planetarium joke! Join us for this surprisingly entertaining look at the great above from a veteran storyteller. Headlines: Vulcan rocket with ULA's new BE4 engine set for debut flight, launching NASA's CLPS moon landing mission with Astrobotic's Peregrine lander Controversy over human remains onboard Astrobotic lander; Navajo Nation protests not being consulted Juno spacecraft makes close flyby of Jupiter's volcanic moon Io, capturing stunning images Main Topic: The Night Sky Steve's approach to appreciating the night sky focuses on visualization using basic math rather than just facts Overview of cultural interpretations of constellations and astronomical objects across ancient Chinese, Aboriginal Australian, and Pacific Islander cultures The 88 modern constellations officially recognized today trace back to ancient Near East, Greek, and 16th-century European traditions The Pleiades star cluster - one of the most prominent and universally viewed groups of stars Its seasonal visibility and blue color make it a prime target for binoculars Appearance ranges from 6 main stars to a sparkling cluster depending on conditions Known as the "Seven Sisters" across cultures; stories explaining its changing appearance Popular meteor showers, including the Perseids, Leonids, and Geminids How meteor showers coincide with Earth's intersecting dust trails left behind by comets Upcoming highlights: 2024 Perseids and peak viewing times Get "Sky to Space:" https://amzn.to/3OfnFM3 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Steve Fentress 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: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT
Spend some time in a dark location and you'll see the night sky in all its glory. If you pick a night with no moon, the effect triples. Steve Fentress, recently retired director of the Strasenburgh Planetarium in New York, is our guide to the night sky this week. He'll enlighten us about the lore of the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, one of the more remarkable constellations in the sky, as well as a general tour of other notable constellations and their stories across the ages. And... he's even got a planetarium joke! Join us for this surprisingly entertaining look at the great above from a veteran storyteller. Headlines: Vulcan rocket with ULA's new BE4 engine set for debut flight, launching NASA's CLPS moon landing mission with Astrobotic's Peregrine lander Controversy over human remains onboard Astrobotic lander; Navajo Nation protests not being consulted Juno spacecraft makes close flyby of Jupiter's volcanic moon Io, capturing stunning images Main Topic: The Night Sky Steve's approach to appreciating the night sky focuses on visualization using basic math rather than just facts Overview of cultural interpretations of constellations and astronomical objects across ancient Chinese, Aboriginal Australian, and Pacific Islander cultures The 88 modern constellations officially recognized today trace back to ancient Near East, Greek, and 16th-century European traditions The Pleiades star cluster - one of the most prominent and universally viewed groups of stars Its seasonal visibility and blue color make it a prime target for binoculars Appearance ranges from 6 main stars to a sparkling cluster depending on conditions Known as the "Seven Sisters" across cultures; stories explaining its changing appearance Popular meteor showers, including the Perseids, Leonids, and Geminids How meteor showers coincide with Earth's intersecting dust trails left behind by comets Upcoming highlights: 2024 Perseids and peak viewing times Get "Sky to Space:" https://amzn.to/3OfnFM3 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Steve Fentress 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: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT
This holiday special episode of This Week in Space covers a wide range of space topics from 2023, including asteroid sample return, China's space achievements, commercial lunar landers, Mars sample return challenges, UFO disclosure, and more. Headlines: The asteroid Bennu sample return mission delivers intriguing early findings, including organic molecules and "cauliflower" textured particles that may provide insights into the early solar system. Speculative ideas on "dark life" forming from dark matter shortly after the Big Bang prompts discussion on expanding definitions of life. Congress orders UFO records released within 25 years but allows military to withhold information threatening national security, disappointing those seeking full disclosure. Main Topic: The Year in Review Recap of major SpaceX milestones in 2023 with Falcon 9 reuse and Starship testing advances, though the lunar landing variant and orbital refueling still need work. India bounces back from previous lunar landing failure with successful Chandrayaan-3 orbiter and Pragyan rover mission. Mars sample return mission faces criticism for ballooning costs now exceeding $11 billion and delays pushing to 2030 or beyond. OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return hailed as a major success story for 2023 despite minor parachute issue on re-entry. Psyche and Lucy asteroid missions yield early surprises on unique asteroid properties. China's 2023 space achievements and future plans make it a program to watch with possible Mars sample returns, an increased pace of lunar landings, and more... maybe even sample sharing with the US! ULA readies new Vulcan Centaur rocket for a January launch — it's a critical path to the moon with the first commercial lunar lander onboard. Artemis delays provide cover for missing elements like SpaceX's lunar lander, orbital refueling tests, and lunar surface EVA suits. Guest Leonard David covers latest intrigue around government UFO briefings and disclosure efforts. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Leonard David 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: bitwarden.com/twit
This holiday special episode of This Week in Space covers a wide range of space topics from 2023, including asteroid sample return, China's space achievements, commercial lunar landers, Mars sample return challenges, UFO disclosure, and more. Headlines: The asteroid Bennu sample return mission delivers intriguing early findings, including organic molecules and "cauliflower" textured particles that may provide insights into the early solar system. Speculative ideas on "dark life" forming from dark matter shortly after the Big Bang prompts discussion on expanding definitions of life. Congress orders UFO records released within 25 years but allows military to withhold information threatening national security, disappointing those seeking full disclosure. Main Topic: The Year in Review Recap of major SpaceX milestones in 2023 with Falcon 9 reuse and Starship testing advances, though the lunar landing variant and orbital refueling still need work. India bounces back from previous lunar landing failure with successful Chandrayaan-3 orbiter and Pragyan rover mission. Mars sample return mission faces criticism for ballooning costs now exceeding $11 billion and delays pushing to 2030 or beyond. OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return hailed as a major success story for 2023 despite minor parachute issue on re-entry. Psyche and Lucy asteroid missions yield early surprises on unique asteroid properties. China's 2023 space achievements and future plans make it a program to watch with possible Mars sample returns, an increased pace of lunar landings, and more... maybe even sample sharing with the US! ULA readies new Vulcan Centaur rocket for a January launch — it's a critical path to the moon with the first commercial lunar lander onboard. Artemis delays provide cover for missing elements like SpaceX's lunar lander, orbital refueling tests, and lunar surface EVA suits. Guest Leonard David covers latest intrigue around government UFO briefings and disclosure efforts. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Leonard David 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: bitwarden.com/twit
Most of us have experienced a planetarium at one time or another, but unless you've been to the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, you've missed out. Besides a brand-spanking-new planetarium theater chock-a-block with special effects and computerized systems, the Observatory's Halls of Science are a treat not to be missed. Add to that the stunning views of Los Angeles and the facility's director, Dr. Ed Krupp — one of the best science communicators in the business--and you have a real treat. And the kicker? He's a world expert in ancient astronomy! Join us. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Ed Krupp 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: Melissa.com/twit
Most of us have experienced a planetarium at one time or another, but unless you've been to the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, you've missed out. Besides a brand-spanking-new planetarium theater chock-a-block with special effects and computerized systems, the Observatory's Halls of Science are a treat not to be missed. Add to that the stunning views of Los Angeles and the facility's director, Dr. Ed Krupp — one of the best science communicators in the business--and you have a real treat. And the kicker? He's a world expert in ancient astronomy! Join us. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Ed Krupp 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: Melissa.com/twit
With an increase in commercial and private spaceflight comes the need to regulate it, and the FAA has had a major role in newspace flight rules to date... but should it be the primary regulator moving ahead? Many in the field say no, and some decry most attempts at what they see as unnecessary control. We at TWiS feel that, like any other form of transportation, proper and healthy regulation is needed--the question is by whom, and how. George Nield, President of Commercial Space Technologies and former Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Aviation at the FAA, joins us to work through the tangle. Image Source: Blue Origin Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: George Nield 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: bitwarden.com/twit
With an increase in commercial and private spaceflight comes the need to regulate it, and the FAA has had a major role in newspace flight rules to date... but should it be the primary regulator moving ahead? Many in the field say no, and some decry most attempts at what they see as unnecessary control. We at TWiS feel that, like any other form of transportation, proper and healthy regulation is needed--the question is by whom, and how. George Nield, President of Commercial Space Technologies and former Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Aviation at the FAA, joins us to work through the tangle. Image Source: Blue Origin Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: George Nield 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: bitwarden.com/twit
A lot of cool space stuff has occurred since the dawn of the Space Age, and a lot of it lives overhead right now. This week, Rod and Tariq run through their favorite space missions and top moments in the exploration of the final frontier. As usual, it may not be quite what you expect... but we'll be sure to toss in an extra Bad Space Joke to keep you satisfied. Join us! 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 Sponsors: Melissa.com/twit bitwarden.com/twit
As more people take tourist jaunts into space, and eventually into orbit for longer stays, social drinking will become part of the experience—even if it's just that bottle of congratulatory champagne. Besides the odd effects of zero-g on fizzy drinks in the stomach, the effects of imbibing alcohol cause a wide variety of risks and concerns. And while this is not entirely unknown territory—the Russians have been known to drink cognac from time to time (and are strongly suspected of taking vodka into space), the data is slim. Space alcohol expert Colleen McLeod Garner has studied this for years and written articles on the topic and will join us to discuss the joys and potential downsides of the consumption of booze in the final frontier—no fake IDs allowed! Headlines: Astronaut Frank Borman, Gemini 7 and Apollo 8 commander, has died at age 95. He was an icon of the early space program. NASA launches a new free streaming app called NASA+ with space documentaries and live events. A tiny experimental satellite called TRISAT-R managed to take a blurry photo of Earth with a camera the size of a coin's edge. Main Topic: Alcohol Use in Space Brief history: NASA bans it, but a few Russians have consumed vodka in space. Astronauts had communion wine. Pros: Provides relaxation, normalcy, creature comforts to deal with stress. Processes in alcohol fermentation could be a component in closed-loop recycling. Cons: Impairs functioning, cognition. Unknown effects in zero-G include faster absorption, longer lasting buzz. Beer causes wet burps (gas issues). Experiments: Aging whiskey, wine, and beer in space - some marketing gimmicks but also valuable research. Tourism vs. settlements: Rules may be looser for paying tourists than permanent crews. Challenges: Regulating it, possible licensing. Hard to brew/produce enough in space initially. Favorite space drinks: The TWiS crew pick Romulan ale and tequila for their ideal cosmic cocktails and share amusing stories and perspectives on responsible alcohol use in space. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Coleen McLeood Garner 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 you must carry breathable air and drinkable water with you into space... but when traveling to Mars, how can you ensure your life support system will keep working all the way there and beyond? Technology is fallible, and when talking about life support—breathable air, temperature control, and potable water—all are non-negotiable and critical to survival. It's enough to give engineers nightmares. Grant Anderson, the president and CEO of Paragon Space Development Corporation, has been working on these problems since early in his career, and his company is developing mission-critical systems today. We join Grant to learn about how we can be assured that Tariq and I will still have enough air to tell bad space jokes in month 6 of our trip to Mars. Headlines: Predicting a fierce upcoming solar maximum starting in late 2024, about a year earlier than forecasted Exploring the potential impact on Earth of dangerous explosions called "kilonovas" from distant neutron stars Remembering Apollo 16 astronaut Ken Mattingly, who has passed away at age 87 Main Topic: The Challenges of Life Support in Space: Guest Grant Anderson gives his background - degrees from Stanford, 10 years at Lockheed, starting Paragon in 1993 to provide life support for extreme environments Paragon's first biological experiments in space focused on enclosed stable ecosystems with shrimp and algae Anderson explains how sweat and humidity are collected, gases removed, and water purified for drinking on the ISS The hosts are amazed by Paragon's tech saving 98% of astronaut urine and sweat, critical for deep space missions Qualifying life support hardware for zero-g remains challenging - failures in space rarely match those in 1g on Earth Looking ahead to Mars, Anderson is concerned about abrupt breakdowns in life support and inadequate medical capabilities Rotating spacecraft to create artificial gravity could help address unknown impacts of long-term weightlessness Anderson details innovations like selective air bypass to efficiently clean only parts of the airflow inside a spacecraft or habitat Miniaturization of sensors and electronics has helped, but some key needs remain Grant emphasizes life support isn't "sexy," but it's the critical technology needed for all human spaceflight Pyle and Malik joke about the challenges of scaling up from SpaceX's Dragon life support for crews of 4-7 to Musk's visions of 100 people on Starship missions Anderson reflects on his surprising prediction that bio-regenerative life support for Mars transit might operate more like a brewery than a farm Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Grant Anderson 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: bitwarden.com/twit
Space wants to kill you every moment you are there. From the harsh vacuum to extreme temperatures to killing radiation, there's no shortage of ways to make your stay in space brief. This Halloween, we discuss the Top Ten (and probably more) scariest moments and places in space. And a TWiS bonus--NASA Deputy Administrator and former astronaut Pam Melroy drops in with her scariest space story! Hold on to your thrusters; it's going to be a wild ride. Headlines: Pre-Halloween Lunar Eclipse! Partial lunar eclipse on October 28, but you must be in the Eastern Hemisphere to see it. Peak viewing will be in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. China launched a new crew to its Tiangong space station on the Shenzhou 17 mission. The three taikonauts will spend 6 months on the station, replacing the outgoing Shenzhou 16 crew. The OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample capsule remains stuck shut after its return. NASA is still working on safely opening it to access the priceless cargo inside. Main Topic - Top Space Frights The harrowing Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, the first time humans landed on another world, almost ran out of fuel before touching down. Black holes, with their incomprehensible gravity wells that spaghettify anything that gets too close. Alexei Leonov's dicey first spacewalk in 1965 where his suit ballooned up and he nearly couldn't get back into the spacecraft. Gamma ray bursts, the most powerful explosions in the universe, that could strip a planet's atmosphere if pointed the wrong way. The near-disaster of Gemini 8 in 1966, when Neil Armstrong and Dave Scott had to fire retrorockets, forcing an emergency reentry, to stop the violent tumbling of his spacecraft. Spooky exoplanet TrES-2b, with its coal-black atmosphere and lava-hot winds. Surprise guest and NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy's Pick: Her own scary moment on STS-120 in 2007 when a snagged solar array threatened to electrocute spacewalker Scott Parazynski. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Pam Melroy 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: Melissa.com/twit
How many of us wanted to be an astronaut when we were younger? It's a big ask. Now, imagine holding this dream while being a young migrant farm worker in the arid fields of Central California. That was former NASA astronaut Jose Hernandez's dream--and against all odds and with enduring tenacity, he made it. This is a story of a child with a dream and the basis of the smash new biopic on Amazon Prime, "A Million Miles Away." Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik dive deep into the life and dream of Hernandez on this episode of This Week in Space. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: José Hernández 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: bitwarden.com/twit
On October 14 many in the western US will be able to see a partial eclipse of the sun. Astronomer and skywatcher Joe Rao joins us to discuss October 14th's annular eclipse, when most of the sun will be blocked with just a "ring of fire" visible around the margins, and 2024's total solar eclipse--the event of a lifetime. View both, and do it safely--we'll tell you how. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Joe Rao 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: Melissa.com/twit
From the Kennedy Space Center to Apollo Mission Control to SpaceX's Starbase, Rod and Tariq discuss the coolest space places on Earth for you to visit. Some are grand, a few are funky, but they are all great places to enjoy the finest moments in space exploration... and there are some hidden gems you shouldn't miss! Join us for this first installment of the Greatest Space Places, Phase One: USA! Headlines: Virgin Galactic's fourth commercial spaceflight launches first Pakistani woman astronaut Namira Salim. Salim flew with two other passengers on the successful suborbital flight. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk speaks at the International Astronautical Congress, gives an update on Starship development. Musk says there is a "decent chance" Starship could reach orbit this year if engines fire properly. Also discussed upgrades to increase lift capacity. Fashion brand Prada partners with spacesuit maker Axiom Space to design stylish spacesuits for NASA's Artemis moon missions. Prada will apply expertise in materials science and textiles. Strange press release claims discovery of alien life, but only offers blurry photo of a dog staring at a wall as proof. Self-published book also promoted. Main Topic: Favorite Space Places Kennedy Space Center in Florida has both a visitor complex and active facilities. Highlights include the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, Saturn V Center, Apollo-era launch pads, and bus tours to see current operations. Johnson Space Center in Houston is home to historic Mission Control and astronaut training facilities. Nearby Space Center Houston houses space artifacts like the Saturn V rocket. The National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC contains extensive aviation and space history exhibits, including the original Wright Flyer, Mercury and Gemini capsules, and a Skylab module you can enter. SpaceX's Starbase test facility in South Texas allows the public to view Starship development up close from nearby roads. Launch attempts draw big crowds for a party-like atmosphere. Other favorites highlighted: the Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles Airport, California Science Center, Wallops Flight Facility, Kansas Cosmosphere, and more. There are many unique sites around the country for space fans to explore. Image Source: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex 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: bitwarden.com/twit
We all know that NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory designs, builds, and flies the premiere machines of space exploration, but just who designs and prepares them? It takes a team, but unique leadership must be at the top, and Rob Manning, JPL's Chief Engineer, has long been such a leader. From his earliest work on Voyager through engineering every set of wheels on Mars to overseeing engineering for all of JPL, Rob's story reads like an engineer's dream. Come share that dream with us as we talk to Rob, the Carroll Shelby of Mars. Rod and Tariq kick off the show by discussing the latest space news, including OSIRIS-REx's return with asteroid Bennu sample, NASA website changes, and an impending government shutdown Special guest Rob Manning shares his unbelievable career path from JPL technician to Chief Mars Engineer Manning recalls the scrappy early days of Mars Pathfinder and the "magical" atmosphere of autonomy and innovation Building Pathfinder on a shoestring $150 million budget meant improvising with consumer hardware and "ad hoc engineering" Pathfinder team was isolated and given the freedom to innovate, but faced intense scrutiny from legendary NASA experts Manning details how Pathfinder pioneered airbag landing and was the first Mars landing in over 20 years Pathfinder was initially designed for one-month lifespan but kept going for over three months - a shocking engineering achievement Manning emphasizes the importance of hands-on engineering experience versus today's digital abstraction They discuss how Pathfinder's philosophy and margins set the stage for Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity greatly outlasting expectations Manning previews upcoming Europa Clipper, Psyche asteroid missions, and more Manning shares principles for building robust systems: embrace complexity, test thoroughly, plan for the unknown Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Rob Manning 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: Melissa.com/twit GO.ACILEARNING.COM/TWIT
Franklin Chang-Diaz rose from arriving in America with $50 in his pocket to earning a Ph.D. from MIT, becoming a NASA astronaut, and flying seven shuttle missions--the first Latin American immigrant to reach space. Since his retirement from NASA, he has worked tirelessly on the VASIMR plasma drive, which promises to one day deliver crews to Mars in 39 days instead of the 6-7 months required by chemical rockets. Join us for this fascinating and inspirational conversation as we talk about an American/Latin American hero and the closest thing to warp drive we're likely to see for a century. Asteroid bits from NASA's OSIRIS-REx are incoming this weekend after a successful sample grab from asteroid Bennu Private company Varda Space appeals denied reentry license for their prototype capsule Dr. Franklin Chang-Diaz introduced - MIT plasma expert, NASA astronaut, ISS builder, and plasma drive inventor Dr. Chang-Diaz recounts being inspired by Sputnik and Yuri Gagarin as a child in Costa Rica, writing to Wernher von Braun about becoming an astronaut, and moving to the US in pursuit of his space dreams He discusses overcoming obstacles as an immigrant learning English, earning scholarships to college and MIT, pivoting to nuclear and plasma physics when NASA cut Apollo funding Dr. Chang-Diaz recalls the excitement of NASA selecting him as an astronaut, flying seven Space Shuttle missions, building the ISS, and spacewalking through an aurora He explains how the nuclear-electric VASIMR plasma engine works, enabling weeks-long Mars trips, its testing status, and the next steps for commercial deployment Dr. Chang-Diaz muses on solar system exploration with continuous VASIMR propulsion, recharging with space nuclear reactors, and mining fuel sources across the planets He reflects on managing danger as an astronaut after losing friends in the Challenger and Columbia shuttle disasters Dr. Chang-Diaz shares an inspiring vision for space as a cosmic civilization and business enabling humanity to spread beyond Earth Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Franklin Chang-Diaz 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: GO.ACILEARNING.COM/TWIT bitwarden.com/twit
For as long as they've understood what asteroids actually are, scientists have pined for pristine samples that haven't had to endure hurtling through Earth's scorching atmosphere. The OSIRIS-REx probe, which launched in 2016, is finally returning its ultra-valuable payload--a bit of primordial star-stuff from the early solar system--to Earth. On September 24, a small capsule will land in the Utah desert, and secreted inside is at least two ounces of sample material from asteroid Bennu. It's been a long and sometimes arduous voyage, and we're joined by Anjani Polit, the Mission Implementation Systems Engineer for OSIRIS-REx. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Anjani Polit 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: discourse.org/twit GO.ACILEARNING.COM/TWIT
It's the end of summer, and what a summer it's been in spaceflight! We're overdue for a roundup of the latest and greatest of all the accomplishments in space this year. Join Tariq—surely one of the brightest space reporters out there (I mean, the guy runs Space.com)—and Rod, one of the grumpiest truthtellers in space news, for this grand look at where we've been and what's coming. Plus three—count 'em, three—space jokes. It's the most fun you can have on the launchpad! 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 Sponsors: Melissa.com/twit GO.ACILEARNING.COM/TWIT
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
