Podcast appearances and mentions of Eric Berger

On Tuesday's show: We get an update on the potential for "life-threatening flooding" this week as the Houston area faces sustained heavy rains amid a flood watch. We check in again with meteorologist Eric Berger of Space City Weather for the latest. And we find out how local chefs and restaurants fared in the annual James Beard Awards.Also this hour: We learn how the City of Houston is doing on its efforts to improve its sewer system.Then, scientists last year discovered evidence that could point to ancient life on Mars. We revisit a conversation from last fall about what they found.And we chat with some artists behind six new massive murals in downtown.Watch

On Monday's show: More stormy weather is inbound and brings with it the threat of potential flooding this week. We get the latest on two storm systems headed our way from meteorologist Eric Berger from Space City Weather.We check in with Houston Public Media's Michael Adkison on the FIFA World Cup. We recap Sunday's match in Houston between Germany and Curaçao and preview Wednesday's match between Portugal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. And we discuss how the Fan Fest and other related events are going so far.Also this hour: Ahead of Juneteenth, we reflect on how Black communities have commemorated freedom, preserved their history, and fought for full citizenship through generations of celebration and remembrance with historian Blair LM Kelley, author of Black Freedom: The Visual History of Juneteenth and Emancipation Days. She will discuss the book during an author talk at Kindred Stories on June 18 at 7 p.m.Then, veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller answers listener questions about their pets.And to cap or not to cap -- that's the question Major League Baseball is wrestling with when it comes to its salaries. Jeff Balke, co-host of the Bleav in Astros podcast, explains the argument and how it could lead to no Astros games for some -- or all -- of next season.Watch

Questions over whether SpaceX will live up to its colossal share price. Shares soared above $160 US dollars as the rocket, satellite and data centre company hit the market yesterday. It's sent Elon Musk skyrocketing to trillionaire status - a world first. Eric Berger, who's authored two books about Musk, says it's still a risky investment for those buying in - partly due to Musk's erratic personality. "You're betting on the company being able to get Starship, the rocket, flying rapidly and safely - and then build an enormous consolidation of data centres in space." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on America at Night with McGraw Milhaven: Eric Berger, Senior Space Editor at Ars Technica, joins the show to discuss the future of space exploration and the growing push toward a permanent moon base mission. Berger breaks down NASA's Artemis program, private space partnerships, and what the next era of lunar exploration could look like. Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton joins the program to discuss the latest developments involving Iran, escalating tensions in the region, and what the current geopolitical climate means for U.S. foreign policy and global stability. Later, Yale historian and author Mark Peterson discusses his book “The Making and Breaking of the American Constitution,” examining the origins of the Constitution, the challenges it has faced throughout history, and how debates over its meaning continue to shape America today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Friday's show: We take a closer look at the forecast for heavy rain in Greater Houston throughout the day and into tonight as a Stage 1 flood alert has been issued. Eric Berger of Space City Weather brings us the latest details.And we learn about the latest of several HISD school officials appointed by the state to lead a district undergoing a state takeover, this time for Beaumont ISD.Also this hour: What does it mean to live between identities — and who decides where you belong? Houston artist Melissa Aytenfisu talks about Othered, a new exhibit at Bisong Art Gallery exploring the experiences of biracial individuals through more than 30 mixed-media portraits.Then, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And two members of the classical ensemble Trio Menil discuss their music and perform for us. The group will perform a concert called Past, Present, Premiere, which spotlights Asian American and Pacific Islander composers, on Sunday, May 3, at 2 p.m. at Asia Society Texas.Watch

Open Lines for The Space Show for Sunday, 4-12-26 4529Quick summary:The meeting was an open lines discussion on the West Coast Sunday Noon Space Show, focusing primarily on NASA's Artemis II mission and its implications. Participants discussed the mission's success, media coverage, technical challenges, and future lunar exploration plans. The group examined concerns about the heat shield, SLS rocket development, and commercial lander programs. They also discussed SpaceX's upcoming IPO, potential space data centers, and nuclear propulsion for space travel. The conversation touched on China's lunar ambitions and the geopolitical implications of Artemis II. Participants debated various space exploration priorities, including Mars missions and artificial gravity, while sharing perspectives on technology development and future space infrastructure.Summary:The Space Show Wisdom Team discussed Eric Berger's article about NASA's challenges in returning to the moon, including issues with the Space Launch System, mobile launch tower damage, and the need for a new heat shield. They examined a photo showing what appeared to be a chunk missing from the heat shield during re-entry. The conversation also touched on the timeline for the next Orion capsule delivery in 2027 and the development of commercial landers, with some participants expressing skepticism about meeting these timelines. The group noted the significant improvement in camera technology since the Apollo missions, allowing for much higher resolution images of the moon.A few in the group mentioned concerns about a potential chunk missing from the Orion spacecraft's heat shield during re-entry, with mixed opinions on whether the issue actually existed based on available images. They debated NASA's timeline for implementing a new heat shield design by 2028, with David expressing skepticism about meeting this deadline given the extensive work required and limited time. The conversation concluded with a discussion about maintaining public interest in space exploration, particularly regarding the Artemis program and the 2028 moon mission timeline.Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentNo Program for Friday, April 24, 2026 | Friday 24 Apr 2026 930AM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonNo Program todayNo program for Sunday, April 26, 2026 | Sunday 26 Apr 2026 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonNo program todayThe program resumes its regular schedule on Friday, May 1, 2026.Our Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs: Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

This week's launch of Artemis II marked the first crewed mission to the moon in over 50 years. This time around, the spaceflight industry looks pretty different, with private companies playing a more dominant role. On today's show, Kimberly gets into the future of NASA and the commercial space sector with Ars Technica's senior space editor Eric Berger. Plus, why are we going back to the moon, anyway? Here's everything we talked about today:"Artemis II is unlikely to be the cultural touchstone Apollo 8 was, and that's OK" from Ars Technica "Isaacman aims to reinvigorate NASA's image, starting with the moon" from Politico "Trump FY2027 NASA Budget Supports Moon Missions, But Cuts Everything Else" from SpacePolicyOnline.com "Big Banks Seeking a Piece of SpaceX's I.P.O. Must Subscribe to Elon Musk's Grok" from The New York Times"SpaceX quietly files for big bang IPO" from SpaceNews "Artemis II: What's on the Menu?" from NASA"Astronaut Reid Wiseman was wrong about how rockets get to space" from MarketplaceWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

This week's launch of Artemis II marked the first crewed mission to the moon in over 50 years. This time around, the spaceflight industry looks pretty different, with private companies playing a more dominant role. On today's show, Kimberly gets into the future of NASA and the commercial space sector with Ars Technica's senior space editor Eric Berger. Plus, why are we going back to the moon, anyway? Here's everything we talked about today:"Artemis II is unlikely to be the cultural touchstone Apollo 8 was, and that's OK" from Ars Technica "Isaacman aims to reinvigorate NASA's image, starting with the moon" from Politico "Trump FY2027 NASA Budget Supports Moon Missions, But Cuts Everything Else" from SpacePolicyOnline.com "Big Banks Seeking a Piece of SpaceX's I.P.O. Must Subscribe to Elon Musk's Grok" from The New York Times"SpaceX quietly files for big bang IPO" from SpaceNews "Artemis II: What's on the Menu?" from NASA"Astronaut Reid Wiseman was wrong about how rockets get to space" from MarketplaceWe love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

1. Musk's Audacious Vision for a Multi-Planetary Future In this segment, guest Eric Berger discusses Elon Musk's 2016 speech in Guadalajara, where he unveiled a grandiose plan to colonize Mars. Despite a recent rocket explosion, Musk proposed sending hundreds of people at a time to establish a self-sustaining civilization. Driven by the need to safeguard "the lamp of consciousness" against potential extinction events like nuclear war or pandemics, Musk envisioned landing one million tons of equipment on the Martian surface. This vision requires massive, fully reusable rockets and the production of methane fuel on Marsusing the Sabatier process. (1)1897 WAR OF THE WORLDS

2. The Founding of SpaceX: Vertical Integration and Early AmbitionGuest Eric Berger recounts the origins of SpaceX, starting with Elon Musk's 2001 vision to disrupt the space industry. Musk invested $100 million of his own fortune and hired experts like Tom Mueller and Chris Thompson after being initially mocked by the aerospace establishment. The company pioneered vertical integration, designing the Merlin engine in-house to reduce costs and bypass traditional suppliers. Following a move to El Segundo, the team serendipitously found a testing site in McGregor, Texas. These early years were defined by Musk's "desperate" financial stakes and rapid self-education in rocketry. (2)february 1955

3. Facing Failure: The Slosh Problem and Financial Crisis Guest Eric Berger details the second and third Falcon 1 failures between 2007 and 2008. The second attempt reached space but failed to achieve orbit due to fuel "slosh" in the upper stage—a concern the team had notoriously omitted from their top-ten list. The third flight failed when the first stage collided with the second stage after separation. These failures occurred as the global economy collapsed and Musk's personal funds dwindled. Facing bankruptcy, Musk rallied his demoralized staff, granting them only six weeks to prepare a final, do-or-die fourth launch attempt. (3)1957

4. The Final Chance: A Heroic Rescue and Successful Orbit Guest Eric Berger describes the dramatic fourth Falcon 1 mission in late 2008. To meet a tight deadline, the team transported the rocket via a military C-17, but the booster began imploding during descent. Engineer Zach Dunn saved the mission by crawling inside the collapsing rocket to manually equalize the pressure. On September 28, the fourth launch successfully reached orbit, carrying a dummy payload named "RAT". This achievement occurred amidst the global financial crisis and solidified SpaceX's status as a legitimate rocket company, establishing enduring traditions like the four-leaf clover mission patch. (4)1958

1. SpaceX's First Falcon 1 Attempt: A Tropical Trial by Fire Guest Eric Berger discusses the first launch of SpaceX's Falcon 1 in March 2006. To bypass regulatory delays in California, the team moved operations to Omalik Island in the Pacific. Key personnel, including Hans Koenigman and launch director Tim Buzza, oversaw the attempt to reach orbit using the Merlin engine. The launch failed after thirty seconds when a corroded bolt caused a fuel leak and fire. Although the rocket crashed back onto the island, the team viewed the failure as a vital source of real-world data for future improvements. (1)october 1939

In this episode we recap PT2 of NASA's ambitious plan for the moon with live reactions from Alex during last Monday's epic reveal of the Ignition Plan. This part is dedicated to orbital space stations and NASA's controversial pausing of Gateway (the planned but underdeveloped Lunar Space Station) and their plans to replace the International Space Station in Low Earth Orbit.  While seemingly a difficult admission from NASA that space stations are very expensive and complicated to not only build but also maintain continuous human presence, it also was deemed controversial by the same private contractors that will build the next ISS.   I thought the talk from Dana Weigel, program manager for the ISS Program was brutally and refreshingly honest. Even their module idea to build a NASA station that detaches when ISS is decommissioned seemed good to me, but according to Eric Berger's reporting (link below) it was not received well by the people who would use it. To listen to the whole talk from Dana Weigel, watch our coverage here: https://www.youtube.com/live/uEUZJl-9SD0?si=pFvQiyUMq178AMra&t=934 To read Eric Berger's reporting on the aftermath, click here: https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/03/what-happens-next-with-nasas-plan-to-replace-the-iss-source-it-could-get-ugly/ We'd love to know what you think! Let us know below. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction, Artemis 2 coverage, Controversy for Space Stations 01:47 Costs and Future of the International Space Station (ISS) 03:13 NASA Honesty & Leadership 11:28 Potential Replacements for the ISS 22:40 NASA's Moon Base and Gateway Project  26:27 Final Thoughts & Future Plans We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!) Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - http://ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net • Today In Space Merch:  James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903 SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

2-5-261900 SINGAPORESHOW SCHEDULE2-5-2026SINGAPORE 19401Mary Anastasia O'Grady of the Wall Street Journal discusses the Panama Supreme Court's ruling removing Chinese port contracts, correcting misconceptions about Chinese military control or ownership of the canal.2.Veronique de Rugy of the Mercatus Center argues that while Trump's deregulation aids growth, erratic tariffs and government industrial subsidies create uncertainty, functioning effectively as taxes that hinder the economy.3.Josh Birenbaum explains that while the Forever Fleet ensures Venezuelan oil compliance, long-term stability requires establishing the rule of law rather than indefinite military blockades off the coast.4.Eric Berger details NASA's urgent need for a new Mars telecommunications orbiter, debating between traditional builds or commercial partnerships to meet the critical 2028 launch window for future missions.5.Mary Anastasia O'Grady of the Wall Street Journal discusses the Panama Supreme Court's ruling removing Chinese port contracts, correcting misconceptions about Chinese military control or ownership of the canal.6.Veronique de Rugy of the Mercatus Center argues that while Trump's deregulation aids growth, erratic tariffs and government industrial subsidies create uncertainty, functioning effectively as taxes that hinder the economy.7.Josh Birenbaum explains that while the Forever Fleet ensures Venezuelan oil compliance, long-term stability requires establishing the rule of law rather than indefinite military blockades off the coast.8.Eric Berger details NASA's urgent need for a new Mars telecommunications orbiter, debating between traditional builds or commercial partnerships to meet the critical 2028 launch window for future missions.9.Professor Eve McDonald discusses Dido's legendary founding of Carthage, the city's strategic Mediterraneangeography, and its origins as a wealthy Phoenician trade hub connecting ancient civilizations.10.Professor Eve McDonald covers Carthaginian religion, including the controversial Tophet child sacrifices, and Hanno the Navigator's legendary exploration of the African coast expanding Punic knowledge of the world.11.Professor Eve McDonald explains how the First Punic War erupted over Sicily, transforming former allies Rome and Carthage into bitter enemies competing for Mediterranean dominance and trade supremacy.12.Professor Eve McDonald describes how Hamilcar Barca expands Carthaginian power into Spain to secure silver mines, raising his son Hannibal with military training to eventually fight Rome.13.Anatol Lieven critiques US hypocrisy regarding spheres of influence, comparing the Monroe Doctrine in Latin America to Russia's geopolitical stance toward Ukraine and its near abroad.14.Anatol Lieven discusses Estonia's call for dialogue with Moscow and the need for Europe to develop realistic defense and negotiation strategies regarding Russia rather than relying solely on American protection.15.Professor John Yoo of Berkeley Law compares actions against Venezuela to Jefferson's Barbary pirate war, arguing the executive has broad authority to initiate conflict without prior congressional approval.16.Professor John Yoo cites Hamilton to argue the president is constitutionally designed to act decisively against hemispheric threats like Venezuela, while Congress retains control over funding military operations

Eric Berger of Ars Technia joined both John and me on this one segment Hotel Mars program to discuss thre details regarding NASA's urgency in acquiring a new Mars telecommunications orbiter. The debate seems to be between traditional public (government) builds or commercial partnerships to meet the critical 2028 launch window for future missions. Note that this was a one segment Hotel Mars program.Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4501 Zoom Dr. Scott Solomon | Sunday 08 Feb 2026 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Scott SolomonZoom: Settlement, humans in space, reproduction and more Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

SHOW SCHEDULE 1-5-261Mary Anastasia O'Grady of the Wall Street Journal discusses the Panama Supreme Court's ruling removing Chinese port contracts, correcting misconceptions about Chinese military control or ownership of the canal.2.Veronique de Rugy of the Mercatus Center argues that while Trump's deregulation aids growth, erratic tariffs and government industrial subsidies create uncertainty, functioning effectively as taxes that hinder the economy.3.Josh Birenbaum explains that while the Forever Fleet ensures Venezuelan oil compliance, long-term stability requires establishing the rule of law rather than indefinite military blockades off the coast.4.Eric Berger details NASA's urgent need for a new Mars telecommunications orbiter, debating between traditional builds or commercial partnerships to meet the critical 2028 launch window for future missions.5.Mary Anastasia O'Grady of the Wall Street Journal discusses the Panama Supreme Court's ruling removing Chinese port contracts, correcting misconceptions about Chinese military control or ownership of the canal.6.Veronique de Rugy of the Mercatus Center argues that while Trump's deregulation aids growth, erratic tariffs and government industrial subsidies create uncertainty, functioning effectively as taxes that hinder the economy.7.Josh Birenbaum explains that while the Forever Fleet ensures Venezuelan oil compliance, long-term stability requires establishing the rule of law rather than indefinite military blockades off the coast.8.Eric Berger details NASA's urgent need for a new Mars telecommunications orbiter, debating between traditional builds or commercial partnerships to meet the critical 2028 launch window for future missions.9.Professor Eve McDonald discusses Dido's legendary founding of Carthage, the city's strategic Mediterraneangeography, and its origins as a wealthy Phoenician trade hub connecting ancient civilizations.10.Professor Eve McDonald covers Carthaginian religion, including the controversial Tophet child sacrifices, and Hanno the Navigator's legendary exploration of the African coast expanding Punic knowledge of the world.11.Professor Eve McDonald explains how the First Punic War erupted over Sicily, transforming former allies Rome and Carthage into bitter enemies competing for Mediterranean dominance and trade supremacy.12.Professor Eve McDonald describes how Hamilcar Barca expands Carthaginian power into Spain to secure silver mines, raising his son Hannibal with military training to eventually fight Rome.13.Anatol Lieven critiques US hypocrisy regarding spheres of influence, comparing the Monroe Doctrine in Latin America to Russia's geopolitical stance toward Ukraine and its near abroad.14.Anatol Lieven discusses Estonia's call for dialogue with Moscow and the need for Europe to develop realistic defense and negotiation strategies regarding Russia rather than relying solely on American protection.15.Professor John Yoo of Berkeley Law compares actions against Venezuela to Jefferson's Barbary pirate war, arguing the executive has broad authority to initiate conflict without prior congressional approval.16.Professor John Yoo cites Hamilton to argue the president is constitutionally designed to act decisively against hemispheric threats like Venezuela, while Congress retains control over funding military operations.

Eric Berger details NASA's urgent need for a new Mars telecommunications orbiter, debating between traditional builds or commercial partnerships to meet the critical 2028 launch window for future missions.JANUARY 1931

Eric Berger details NASA's choice between expensive legacy contracts and cheaper commercial alternatives like Blue Origin for a necessary Mars communication satellite, weighing cost efficiency against institutional inertia.1917

On Friday's show: Meteorologist Eric Berger of Space City Weather will fill us in on the very latest on this weekend's freezing weather. And we talk with reporters about how officials around Greater Houston and the state are preparing for the demands a weather event like this puts on the power grid and local infrastructure.Also this hour: We break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.Watch

Anthony is joined by Eric Berger, Senior Space Editor at Ars Technica, and Casey Handmer, Founder of Terraform Industries, to talk about Eric's visit to NASA HQ for a meeting on the Orion heat shield, the upcoming Artemis 2 mission, and Administrator Isaacman's first few weeks.TopicsOff-Nominal - YouTubeEpisode 224 - Gotta Wear the Pants (with Eric Berger and Casey Handmer) - YouTubeIs Orion's heat shield really safe? New NASA chief conducts final review on eve of flight. - Ars TechnicaNASA's Orion Space Capsule Is Flaming Garbage – Casey Handmer's blogReid Wiseman on X: “Good morning, Moon. See you next month?”NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman on X: “Yesterday, I met with SpaceX and Blue Origin to understand the latest plans to accelerate NASA's Artemis timeline. The capabilities these two partners are pioneering will be essential to returning NASA astronauts to the lunar surface, establishing an enduring presence, and…”Safety panel says NASA should have taken Starliner incident more seriously - Ars TechnicaFollow EricAuthor: Eric Berger - Ars TechnicaEric Berger (@SciGuySpace) / XReentry: SpaceX, Elon Musk, and the Reusable Rockets that Launched a Second Space Age | West Houston's Neighborhood BookshopFollow CaseyCasey HandmerCasey Handmer, PhD (@CJHandmer) / XTerraform IndustriesFollow Off-NominalSubscribe to the show! - Off-NominalSupport the show, join the DiscordOff-Nominal (@offnom) / TwitterOff-Nominal (@offnom@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow JakeWeMartians Podcast - Follow Humanity's Journey to MarsWeMartians Podcast (@We_Martians) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow AnthonyMain Engine Cut OffMain Engine Cut Off (@WeHaveMECO) | TwitterMain Engine Cut Off (@meco@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo) | TwitterAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo@jawns.club) - jawns.club

RISKY BUSINESS: DRAGON, NASA, AND REUSABILITY Colleague Eric Berger. To fund its Mars ambitions, SpaceX relied on NASA cargo contracts, which required the development of the Dragon spacecraft. Berger highlights a pivotal moment in 2012 when SpaceX combined two test missions (C2 and C3) to save time, a risky move that required rewriting flight software while the vehicle was near the International Space Station to fix a sensor glitch. Simultaneously, the company faced an "existential" crisis following the 2015 CRS-7 launch failure. Berger details the difficult evolution of reusability, moving from failed parachute concepts to the complex engineering required to land a booster vertically. NUMBER 31917 "THE OLD MAN SAT AND TALKED WITH ME FOR HOURS."

THE AUDACIOUS VISION: A MILLION TONS TO MARS Colleague Eric Berger. In his discussion of the 2016 Guadalajara speech, Eric Berger details Elon Musk's "grandioso architecture" for Mars colonization, proposed during a time of deep skepticism following rocket failures. Musk envisioned not just a visit, but a self-sustaining civilization requiring the transport of a million tons of supplies and thousands of people. Berger explains that Musk's ultimate goal is not economic profit, as there is no "pot of gold" on Mars, but rather ensuring humanity's survival against potential extinction events. Consequently, SpaceX is aggressively redirecting resources from the successful Crew Dragon to the massive, fully reusable Starship to realize this multi-planetary future. NUMBER 11913

THE ROAD TRIP FROM HADES AND THE FALCON 9 Colleague Eric Berger. Berger chronicles the grueling transition from the single-engine Falcon 1 to the nine-engine Falcon 9 in 2009, describing it as a "long hot summer" of intense engineering. The process involved a chaotic transport of the oversized rocket, which physically crashed into a building in Louisiana due to its length. During the 2010 launch campaign, a thunderstorm damaged the upper stage antennas, forcing engineers to dry them with a "glorified hair dryer" overnight. Musk chose to launch despite telemetry issues, achieving a successful orbit that proved a private company could deliver a medium-lift vehicle, crucial for securing NASA contracts. NUMBER 21917 PRINCESS OF MARS

DENSIFICATION AND THE CRUSHED SODA CAN Colleague Eric Berger. Berger explains the technical leaps required for the "Falcon 9 Full Thrust," specifically the use of densified propellants. By super-chilling liquid oxygen to nearly -300°F, SpaceX increased propellant density by 10-12%, drastically improving payload capacity. This innovation accompanied the challenge of landing boosters on ocean barges. Berger compares the fragility of an unpressurized rocket stage to a soda can, noting how easily they were crushed or exploded during early attempts to land on moving drone ships. These upgrades, including the "Octaweb" engine arrangement, were essential for creating a reusable fleet capable of frequent flight. NUMBER 41917 "SHE SAT AND DREW ON THE FLOOR THE FIRST MAP PF BARSOOMIAN I HAD EVER SEEN."

STARLINK: FUNDING THE FUTURE Colleague Eric Berger. To finance the immense cost of Mars colonization, SpaceX developed Starlink, a constellation intended to comprise 12,000 satellites for global internet coverage. Bergerexplains that while the concept of low Earth orbit internet existed, SpaceX was the first to make it practical by mass-producing satellites at an unprecedented rate. This revenue stream is vital for the Starship program. Berger highlights how SpaceX has outpaced sovereign nations and corporate rivals like Amazon's Kuiper, which are years behind. The segment emphasizes the relentless work culture required to maintain this lead, often at the expense of employees' personal lives. NUMBER 61917 MASTER MIND OF MARS

THE CHUTE SHOW AND HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT Colleague Eric Berger. Berger discusses the Commercial Crew Program, noting that while Boeing's participation legitimized the effort for Congress, SpaceX ultimately led the way. The development of the Crew Dragon involved the "Chute Show," a team camping in the desert to iteratively test parachutes. Despite the "smooth" public image of NASA missions, Berger points out the inherent risks, such as launching near tornadoes during the first crewed attempt. The segment culminates in the success of the "Block 5" Falcon 9, an optimized rocket designed for rapid turnaround, with individual boosters now capable of flying up to 20 times. NUMBER 71920 THUVIA MAID OF MARS

STARBASE AND THE MECHAZILLA CATCH Colleague Eric Berger. The final segment centers on Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, where SpaceX built a modern rocket factory on swampland to construct the massive Starship. Berger details the "Chopstick" system, a tower designed to catch returning Super Heavy boosters to eliminate landing legs and enable rapid reuse. This fully reusable system, larger than the Saturn V, is the "endgame" for Musk's vision. Berger describes the operational concept: fleets of Starships refueling in orbit via tankers, then departing for Mars in waves every two years to establish a permanent human presence. NUMBER 81920 THE WARLORD OF MARS

LANDING ZONES AND EXPLODING SATELLITES Colleague Eric Berger. Focusing on the historic December 2015 return-to-flight, Berger describes the first successful land landing of a Falcon 9 at Cape Canaveral. This feat required overcoming the National Reconnaissance Office's fears that sonic booms would damage spy satellites. However, this success was marred months later by the baffling explosion of the Amos-6 satellite during a routine static fire test. Berger notes that the failure was so sudden—occurring in microseconds—that Musk initially entertained the theory of a sniper attack from a competitor before investigators traced the cause to solid oxygen forming in the upper stage. NUMBER 51917 "...THRONG OF DEPARTING CHARIOTS."

STARSHIP: THE FULLY REUSABLE ARCHITECTURE FOR MARS Colleague Eric Berger. At Boca Chica, Texas, SpaceX transformed a swamp into "Starbase," a modern rocket factory for the Starship and Super Heavy launch system. Starship represents the endgame of Musk's vision: a fully reusable rocket larger than the Saturn V, designed to be caught by "chopstick" arms on the launch tower to eliminate landing legs and speed up reuse. The plan involves orbital refueling and launching fleets of ships every two years to transport massive amounts of cargo, serving as a "Grand Central Station" for deep space colonization. NUMBER 8 1921 FRANCE

STARLINK: THE ECONOMIC ENGINE FOR MARS Colleague Eric Berger. To finance the massive costs of the Mars program, SpaceX developed Starlink, a constellation of thousands of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites designed to provide global internet. While previous attempts at LEO constellations were deemed impractical due to manufacturing challenges, SpaceX is now operating thousands of satellites, outpacing sovereign nations and competitors like Amazon's Kuiper. This aggressive expansion relies on the reusable Block 5 Falcon 9 boosters to launch dozens of satellites at once, generating the revenue necessary to build the Starship architecture. NUMBER 6 SEPTEMBER 1955

THE CHUTE SHOW AND THE RACE FOR COMMERCIAL CREW Colleague Eric Berger. SpaceX competed with Boeing to restore NASA's ability to launch astronauts, a program politically legitimized by Boeing's participation. Developing the Crew Dragon required rigorous testing, particularly by a team nicknamed the "Chute Show" who tested parachutes in the desert. While Boeing and SpaceX faced similar challenges, SpaceX optimized its Falcon 9 Block 5 for rapid reuse, hardening parts based on lessons from previous flights. Despite the inherent risks of human spaceflight, SpaceX ultimately succeeded in flying veteran astronauts to the station, maintaining reusability as a core requirement. NUMBER 7 1938

THE TRIUMPH OF LANDING AND THE MYSTERY OF AMOS-6 Colleague Eric Berger. In December 2015, SpaceX achieved a historic milestone by landing a Falcon 9 booster at Cape Canaveral, a feat made possible by Air Force support despite fears that the sonic booms might damage nearby spy satellites. The rocket utilized autonomous avionics to execute the landing, which looked deceptively fast until the final seconds. However, this success was followed by the confusing explosion of the Amos-6 satellite on the pad in 2016. The incident occurred so quickly that Musk briefly entertained a "sniper theory" involving a competitor before the technical cause was found. NUMBER 5 NOVEMBER 1956

PUSHING BOUNDARIES WITH DENSIFIED PROPELLANT AND BARGE LANDINGS Colleague Eric Berger. Following the 2015 launch failure, SpaceX introduced the "Falcon 9 Full Thrust," which utilized densified propellants—super-chilled liquid oxygen—to increase fuel mass by up to 12% for greater efficiency. This technology required tight launch windows but was essential for the company's reusability goals. Simultaneously, the company attempted to land boosters on an ocean barge, a process described as trying to land "nine Dixie cups" in a storm. These efforts were driven by the need to recover and reuse delicate rocket stages that are easily crushed when not pressurized. NUMBER 4 MARCH 1958

RISKING IT ALL TO DOCK DRAGON WITH THE ISS Colleague Eric Berger. To fund its Mars ambitions, SpaceX needed NASA contracts to deliver cargo to the International Space Station (ISS) using the Dragon spacecraft. Unlike traditional capsules, Dragon integrated propulsion directly into the vehicle to support future reusability. Behind schedule, SpaceX combined two test missions (C2 and C3) into one high-stakes attempt. During the approach, the spacecraft's LIDAR navigation system faltered, forcing NASA flight director Holly Ridings to make a "brave call": she allowed SpaceX to rewrite software on the fly, defying standard mission rules to achieve a successful docking. NUMBER 3 MAY 1953

THE STRUGGLE TO BUILD AND TRANSPORT THE FIRST FALCON 9 Colleague Eric Berger. Moving from the single-engine Falcon 1 to the nine-engine Falcon 9 involved a "long hot summer" of grueling 100-hour weeks for young engineers in Texas. The team faced immense challenges integrating complex plumbing and flight computers for the first time. Lacking a ship or large aircraft, SpaceX transported the massive rocket to Florida on a trailer, a "road trip from Hades" that resulted in the rocket crashing into a building during a tight turn. Despite dead crickets in the fuselage and storm damage to antennas, Musk pushed for a successful launch in 2010. NUMBER 2 JANUARY 1951

THE AUDACITY OF THE MARS COLONIZATION VISION Colleague Eric Berger. In September 2016, Elon Musk presented a vision in Guadalajara that sounded like science fiction: a plan to colonize Mars to prevent a potential extinction event. Despite a recent rocket explosion, Musk proposed a "grandiose architecture" involving massive reusable rockets designed to transport a million tons of supplies and thousands of people to build a self-sustaining civilization. While skeptics viewed the timeline as unrealistic, the plan relied on established physics and the production of methane fuel on Mars. Musk's ultimate goal for SpaceX remains clearly focused on making humanity multi-planetary. NUMBER 1 AUGUST 1953

Launch of Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket. Eric Berger describes the successful second launch and booster landing of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket as thrilling and a huge step forward. New Glenn is the world's third largest rocket and is crucial for Amazon's LEO constellation and NASA's Artemis moon program. Berger also supports Jared Isaacman's nomination to lead NASA. Guest: Eric Berger. 1900

continued  Berger also supports Jared Isaacman's nomination to lead NASA. Guest: Eric Berger. 1905

SHOW 11-20-2025 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT PEACE IN EUROPE.. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Ukraine Envoy Keith Kellogg Quits After Plan for US Peace Leaked. Anatol Lieven discusses a leaked Ukraine peace plan involving potential US legal recognition of Russian annexation of Donbass and Crimea, which would pave the way for lifting US sanctions. The plan requires Ukraine to yield the remaining Donbass slice and accept limits on its army size, although Ukraine is not required to formally agree. Guest: Anatol Lieven. 915-930 continued 930-945 Professor George Is Right: Principle Sustains American Conservatism. Peter Berkowitz reviews Professor Robert George's assertion that American conservatism's core principle is the profound, inherent, and equal dignity of each human family member. George insisted that the movement must unequivocally reject white supremacists and anti-Semites, a rebuke directed at the Heritage Foundation president's defense of Tucker Carlson. This mirrors William F. Buckley's efforts to purge extremism from conservatism. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. 945-1000 US Adds 119,000 Jobs in September, but Unemployment Hits Four-Year Peak. Chris Regal discusses consumer liquidity challenges alongside the early impacts of AI on the workforce. AI is currently displacing white-collar jobs like consulting, but physical displacement via robotics is coming. He notes concerns about an AI investment bubble but affirms confidence in major companies like Amazon and Microsoft. Guest: Chris Regal. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Upcoming Election in Honduras. Mary Anastasia O'Grady discusses Honduran fears that the current left-wing party, allied with Venezuela and Cuba, will attempt to steal the upcoming election. This follows a playbook where elected leaders consolidate power by seizing control of institutions like the military and courts to avoid subsequent fair elections. The OAS and US State Department have issued warnings against election theft. Guest: Mary Anastasia O'Grady. 1015-1030 Russia's Slowing Wartime Economy Pushes Kremlin to Increase Taxes and Fees. Michael Bernstam analyzes Russia's economic stagnation due to war expenditure and shortages, leading the Kremlin to raise taxes, including the VAT, to close the budget gap. Sanctions are biting deep, forcing Russia to offer huge discounts—up to $38 per barrel—to its primary oil customers: India, China, and Turkey. Guest: Michael Bernstam. 1030-1045 Launch of Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket. Eric Berger describes the successful second launch and booster landing of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket as thrilling and a huge step forward. New Glenn is the world's third largest rocket and is crucial for Amazon's LEO constellation and NASA's Artemis moon program. Berger also supports Jared Isaacman's nomination to lead NASA. Guest: Eric Berger. 1045-1100 THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Autocrats Versus Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder. Michael McFaul analyzes the Cold War, noting that the Cuban Missile Crisis taught the need for crisis management mechanisms with adversaries. He argues that the US was too complacent, first when engaging China after Tiananmen Square without stressing values, and later when failing to invest politically and economically to consolidate democracy in post-Soviet Russia. Guest: Michael McFaul. 1115-1130 1130-1145 1145-1200 FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 The New World Report. Professor Evan Ellis discusses increased US attention to the Americas, citing the Monroe Doctrine and the risks of intervention in Venezuela. He emphasizes that narco-terror is a complex criminal economy troubling the region. The conversation also highlights rightward political movements and citizen frustration with insecurity and violence in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. 1215-1230 1230-1245 1245-100 AM

PREVIEW Eric Berger of Ars Technica discusses Blue Origin's successful first New Glenn mission for NASA, carrying Operation Escapade packages for Mars. Berger highlights the rocket's size and successful booster return. The company seeks quick certification to compete with ULA and SpaceX for lucrative national security and important NASA science missions. Guest: Eric Berger. 1958

Achieving Reusability and Navigating Launch Failures. Eric Berger reports that in December 2015, SpaceX demonstrated reusability with the successful launch and vertical landing of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust at Landing Zone 1. The launch utilized densified propellant, requiring a tight launch window. The risky landing involved the Air Force approving a rocket with fuel returning over expensive real estate, despite concerns from groups like the National Reconnaissance Office. However, three weeks before his Mars speech, the Amos 6 satellite was violently destroyed during fueling in September 2016. Elon Musk favored an unfounded "sniper theory" to explain this failure. Guest: Eric Berger.

Crew Dragon and Commercial Human Spaceflight. Eric Berger discusses NASA's Commercial Crew Program, initiated after the Space Shuttle retired. Boeing's entry legitimized the program, securing crucial congressional funding for competitors like SpaceX. SpaceX adapted the Dragon design for crew, involving extensive parachute testing by the "Shoot Show" team in the desert and ultimately agreeing to water landings for astronaut safety. Crew Dragon launched atop the Falcon 9 Block 5, the modern rocket iteration optimized for rapid reuse, emphasizing that reusability remained the central focus, even for human spaceflight. Guest: Eric Berger.

Starlink: Funding the Mars Vision through LEO Constellations. Eric Berger discusses Starlink, a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites designed to fund Musk's Mars vision. While the idea wasn't new, deploying thousands of satellites for global internet was previously viewed as impractical due to manufacturing and launch rate limitations. Starlink, now highly successful with about 7,000 operational satellites, minimizes lag compared to geostationary systems like Iridium. This revenue stream is critical to supporting the company's goals, although the work environment demands extreme dedication from employees who often sacrifice personal lives. Guest: Eric Berger.

Starship and Super Heavy: The Fully Reusable Mars Vehicle. Eric Berger details the development of Starship and Super Heavy at Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. Starship is the culmination of SpaceX's efforts: a fully reusable, super heavy rocket much larger than the Saturn 5, designed to carry humans into deep space and enable the Mars colony. A critical innovation for rapid reuse is the "chopstick" system, which catches both the Super Heavy booster and the Starship second stage, saving time and mass. The long-term plan involves using a fleet of Starships, refueled in low Earth orbit, to transport a million tons of cargo to Mars during biannual transfer windows. Guest: Eric Berger. Retry

Falcon 9 Full Thrust: Densification and Barge Landings. Eric Berger describes how, following a 2015 failure, SpaceX developed the Falcon 9 Full Thrust, version 3.0/4.0. Driven by the Mars vision, they adopted densification—chilling liquid oxygen to boost density and increase payload efficiency by 10 to 12 percent. Crucially, they focused on landing the booster vertically on a moving barge, skipping steps in the reusability process. This challenge required redesigned Merlin engines and advanced avionics, leading to several learning failures as they tried to figure out how best to line up the rocket with the ship. Guest: Eric Berger.

Dragon Spacecraft Development and Reusability Focus. Eric Berger explains that SpaceX needed NASA contracts to fund its Mars ambition. NASA provided critical funding in 2006 and 2009 for the Dragon spacecraft to deliver cargo to the International Space Station, replacing retiring vehicles like the Space Shuttle. Dragon was designed for recoverability and reuse, incorporating propulsion into the capsule itself, which increased complexity. Under pressure from Musk's impatience, SpaceX combined two critical test missions, C2 and C3, in 2012, ultimately succeeding due to a brave decision by a NASA flight director to allow on-the-spot software changes. Guest: Eric Berger.

Developing and Launching the First Falcon 9. Eric Berger recounts the difficult summer of 2009 preparing the first Falcon 9 booster, featuring nine Merlin engines housed in an octagonal web. Engineers endured intense 100-hour weeks handling complex wiring and propulsion plumbing. The subsequent road trip from Texas to Florida was arduous, including crashing the rocket's interstage into a building. Despite severe issues, like storm-fried antennas, an impatient Elon Musk pushed for a successful launch in June 2010, securing potential NASA contracts. Guest: Eric Berger.

Musk's Audacious Mars Colonization Vision. Eric Berger discusses Elon Musk's remarkable September 2016 speech in Guadalajara outlining the colonization of Mars. Musk proposed building a self-sustaining colony requiring landing a million tons of equipment using a fully reusable massive rocket. This vision, described as audacious and like science fiction, revealed the company's true intent: establishing a second civilization to prevent species extinction, informing every subsequent step taken by SpaceX. Guest: Eric Berger.

1.  Liftoff: Elon Musk and the Desperate Early Days that Launched SpaceX by Eric Berger, chronicles the turbulent and often precarious genesis of Elon Musk's ambitious rocket company, SpaceX. The narrative begins in March 2006 on Omelek Island, part of the Marshall Islands, where SpaceX prepared for the inaugural flight of its Falcon 1 rocket. Musk, having conceived the idea in 2001 to disrupt the space industry, founded SpaceX in 2002 despite being "laughed out of the room" by experts. He self-educated in rocketry and committed a significant portion of his fortune to the venture, pioneering a vertically integrated approach to manufacturing, building components like the Merlin engine in-house to reduce costs and accelerate development. The first three Falcon 1 launches were failures, each providing critical, hard-won lessons: 1. Launch 1 (March 2006): The Merlin engine ignited, but a corroded bolt, exacerbated by the humid tropical environment, caused a fuel leak and an engine fire, leading the rocket to crash back onto Omelek Island just 30 seconds after liftoff. Musk's philosophy that "failure is an option" guided the immediate post-crash investigation to collect debris and pinpoint the cause. 2. Launch 2 (March 2007): Despite the first stage working perfectly, the second stage, lacking "slosh baffles" (omitted based on computer models to save weight), spun out of control due to fuel sloshing. While it reached space (above 100 km), it failed to achieve a stable orbit, meaning SpaceX was not yet considered a "real rocket company" in the industry. This failure popularized the SpaceX proverb, "always go to 11". 3. Launch 3 (August 2008): Carrying multiple customer payloads, including the ashes of Star Trek's Scotty, this launch again saw a successful first stage. However, an unexpected relight of the first stage engine after separation caused it to bump and knock the second stage off course, killing the mission. This was a profound setback, as Musk had budgeted for only three flights, and the global economy was simultaneously collapsing. With the company nearly out of money and the world in a severe recession, Musk gathered his team, who expected him to announce closure. Instead, he declared they would make one more attempt with the remaining rocket parts, demanding it be ready in six weeks, though six months would have been more realistic. This fourth rocket's journey was not without its own drama: during transport in an Air Force C-17, the first stage imploded due to a pressure differential (SpaceX had used an outdated manual for the aircraft's pressurization). A young engineer, Zack Dunn, heroically crawled inside the crumpling rocket during descent to manually open valves, saving it from destruction. After rapid repairs, the fourth Falcon 1 launched in late September 2008. This time, it achieved orbit, carrying a dummy payload named "Rats". The team's jubilation, screaming "Orbit, orbit" at each other, marked a pivotal moment that Berger describes as "the end of the beginning" for SpaceX. This success, amidst immense technical hurdles, financial desperation, and a global economic crisis, underscored Musk's relentless determination, vertical integration strategy, and acceptance of failure as a learning tool. 1955