Podcasts about space news

When one ponders the diet of Mars-bound astonauts, oysters don't often come to mind... but they should. As it turns out, the plucky bivalves have much to offer space voyagers, including water filtration and a ready source of protein. Jacob Scoccimerra, formerly of Nanoracks and now with Monolith Space, initiated a research project with students from the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, to design, build, and operate a closed-circuit, automated support environment for oysters in a simulated space analog. It's a fascinating discussion that may leave you hungry. Headlines: SpaceX IPO Filing Reveals Company Finances NASA Opens JPL Operations to New Bidders, Eyes Management Shakeup Viral Cardboard Star Wars Fan Film Gets a Nod SpaceX Announces Crypto Billionaire's Planned Mars Flyby on Starship Main Topic: Oysters in Space – Bioregenerative Life Support and Student Research Jacob Discusses Monolith Space and Roots in Chemical Engineering Origins and Environmental Role of Oysters in Water Filtration Applying Aquatic Organisms to Space-Based Life Support Systems Harrisburg University Student Collaboration and Prototype Development Technical and Biological Challenges of Running Aquatic Habitats in Space Educational Outcomes and Cross-Disciplinary Engineering Experience Potential Earth Applications and Insights for Aquaculture Industry Broader Prospects for Bioregenerative Systems in Space (e.g., other aquatic species, food sustainability) Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Jacob Scoccimerra Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: outsystems.com/twit

Our guest today is Doug Cooke, an aerospace consultant who spent 38 years at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston and NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.  STEM-Talk host and IHMC founder Dr. Ken Ford, a former Associate Director of NASA's Ames Research Center and Director of NASA's Center of Excellence in Information Technology, interviewed Doug just four days after the astronauts of NASA's Artemis II mission splashed down in the Pacific Ocean following a historic 10-day roundtrip from the Earth to the Moon. In today's episode, Ken and Doug discuss the Artemis mission as well as NASA's plans to return humans to the lunar surface by 2028. Doug also shares his concern that China could one day surpass America's leadership role in human spaceflight. During his 38 years at NASA, Doug played critical roles in the Space Shuttle, International Space Station and Human Exploration spaceflight programs. During the last three years of his NASA career, he served as Associate Administrator of the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, which oversees the development of systems critical to NASA’s plans for human exploration of the Moon and Mars, including the Artemis program. Show notes: [00:04:05] Ken opens our interview with Doug by talking about the Artemis II mission, which is the first crewed mission beyond low earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972. Harrison Schmidtt, who was on Apollo 17, was our guest on episode 4. Ken asks Doug for his key takeaways of the Artemis II mission, which set the record for a manned mission from Earth, traveling 252,756 miles into space and breaking Apollo 13's record. [00:06:18] Ken explains that the Artemis missions signal a new age of space exploration as well as the beginning of a new space race between the U.S. and China. NASA aims to land humans on the Moon by 2028 while China expects to land humans on the moon in 2030. Ken has previously stated that he does not have confidence in NASA's current mission architecture to achieve NASA's stated goal of 2028, and asks Doug for his thoughts on the matter. [00:07:28] Ken asks if it is true that Yuri Gagarin, who become the first human to fly into space, is what initially sparked Doug's interest in science and space. [00:08:54] Ken notes that Gagarin's orbit around the earth inspired President Kennedy to vow that the United States would ramp up its space program and become the first nation to land a man on the moon. Ken mentions that he believes the Apollo 11 mission, which landed astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the lunar surface, was one the greatest technological advances in world history. Ken asks Doug for his thoughts on the success of the Apollo program. [00:10:28] Ken mentions that Doug went to college at Texas A&M and majored in aerospace engineering. Kens asks Doug how he got a job at NASA after graduating. [00:12:21] Ken explains that Doug was instrumental in the development of the space shuttle and the International Space Station during his time at NASA. Doug talks about what it was like working on those projects at NASA. [00:15:16] Ken mentions that Doug also had an instrumental role in the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS), and the broader Exploration Technology Program. Ken points out that Doug became head of the exploration technology program in 1990 under then NASA Associate Administrator Mike Griffin, who was our guest on episodes 134 and 189. Ken asks Doug about meeting Mike. [00:16:17] Ken mentions that Mike Griffin and Lisa Porter were our guests on episode 189, where they voiced concerns about NASA's current plans for a return to the moon. Ken goes on to mention that near the end of Doug's career at NASA, he was the head of Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD), which is responsible for the development of systems critical to NASA's plans for future exploration of the Moon and Mars. Ken asks Doug to talk about his role as head of the directorate and the work he did there. [00:18:55] Ken explains that Doug has written extensively on the issues with the Artemis mission architecture, most notably in a recent article for space news. Before jumping into the article, Ken asks Doug to talk about why it is important and also a national-security concern that we return to the moon before China. [00:21:12] Looping back to Doug's op-ed in Space News, Ken notes that Doug stressed the need for NASA to develop a plan-B for the Artemis mission, with Doug and others noting that without a plan-B, the U.S. risks of losing the space race to the Moon. Doug has also gone on record to say that China has a far simpler, more direct, and more technically conservative plan than NASA. Ken asks Doug to elaborate on this. [00:22:37] Ken asks Doug to talk about the issues he and others have identified with NASA's current proposed landing system. [00:26:14] Ken asks Doug to give a better understanding for the listeners of just how tall the proposed SpaceX lander is, and why that is a potential problem for not only landing on the moon in the proposed locations, but also for the astronauts exiting and entering. [00:28:51] Ken asks Doug to talk about what plan-B for Artemis looks like. [00:30:12] Ken asks Doug about the powerful thrust generation of the SpaceX lander. This raises the concern of regolith blast and generating significant debris fields while landing and thus reducing the scientific value of the region immediately surrounding the landing site. [00:30:59] Ken asks if Doug has any other thoughts on a potential plan-B. [00:33:02] Ken notes that the success of the mission hinges on the least proven element, namely the lander. While other elements of the mission architecture are well established, the hardest and least tested elements are normally the weakest links. Ken asks Doug's thoughts on this position. [00:34:31] Ken asks Doug to talk about the complexity of the Artemis mission architecture and that it is largely driven by the Lander and NASA's requirements.  There was a high interest in re-usability which increased complexity. Neither of the two Landers under development are an optimal design for a lunar lander. [00:35:37] Ken asks Doug about the role of commercial companies sometimes called “new space” in space exploration. [00:37:02] Ken asks Doug if he feels discouraged by the fact that the U.S. has squandered a 60-year head start in space exploration. [00:37:36] Ken explains that China aims to send humans to Mars by 2050, and NASA aims to do the same by 2040, while Elon Musk proposes to send humans to Mars by 2029, which Ken says is a completely untenable notion. Ken notes that statements such as that from Musk vastly understate the difficulty entailed in a Mars mission. Given that Doug was part of the early planning of a Mars mission at NASA, he asks Doug to talk about the challenges that such a mission faces. [00:42:17] Ken and Doug discuss the problem with EDL (Entry Descent and Landing) that Mars uniquely poses. [00:43:09] Ken also brings up the issue of crew health and wellness. By the time they reach Mars, given the extended time spent in a high-radiation, micro-gravity environment, maintaining crew health in transit is critical to mission success. [00:43:47] Ken poses the concern that if it becomes likely that China will reach the moon before the U.S. can return, then NASA or the political leadership may adopt the attitude that we've already been to the moon, and that we should just jump straight to Mars. [00:46:24] Ken asks for Doug's thoughts on NASA's current leadership and workforce. [00:49:01] Ken quizzes Doug about the aims, goals, and mission architecture of Artemis III and IV. [00:51:16] Ken notes that the design of Artemis III might negatively impact the overall mission goal of landing on the Moon by 2028. [00:52:04] Ken shifts to talk more about Artemis IV, elements of which, Ken notes, need much more testing to be ready. [00:52:58] Ken closes our interview noting that Doug will return for another interview on STEM-Talk in 2028 to see if Artemis is on schedule. Ken ends by asking Doug about how he started his hobby of collecting Civil War artifacts after he retired and moved to Gettysburg, as well as his hobby of collecting antique cars. [00:55:17] Ken closes by asking Doug to name the favorite car he has collected. Links: Doug Cooke bio Learn more about IHMC STEM-Talk homepage Ken Ford bio Ken Ford Wikipedia page  

Sponsor Link:To get our special money saving deal from NordVPN - Click Here A launch day episode packed with big science and bigger rockets. Today we cover the real-time launch of the ESA/China SMILE space weather satellite, SpaceX's Starship V3 sitting on its brand-new pad (and why it's now heading for Thursday), a UCL study warning that megaconstellation launches may be accidentally conducting an 'unregulated geoengineering experiment' in our upper atmosphere, the world's first space-based neutrino detector operating in orbit, extraordinary evidence in Antarctic ice that Earth is collecting material from a dead star, and a clever new cosmic mapper called TIME that studies the ancient universe using a single spectral line.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click HereThis episode includes AI-generated content.

Sponsor Link:To get the deatils of our money saving NordVPN deal - Click HereIt's the Astronomy Daily Weekend Space and Astronomy News Wrap — your Saturday deep dive into the biggest stories from across the week, plus two brand-new headlines and a bonus story we just couldn't leave out.   This week on Astronomy Daily: •      NASA's Psyche spacecraft executed its Mars gravity assist flyby yesterday — slingshotting past the Red Planet at 12,000 mph on its way to a $10 quadrillion metal-rich asteroid •      SpaceX launched the record-breaking CRS-34 Dragon mission to the ISS Friday night — with docking happening TODAY (Sunday May 17) •      James Webb Space Telescope maps the cosmic web in unprecedented detail — 164,000 galaxies, 13.7 billion years of history •      Hubble reveals 'Dracula's Chivito' — the largest, most chaotic planet nursery ever seen, 1,000 light-years from Earth •      Starship Version 3 is on the pad — debut launch targeting Tuesday May 19 from the new Launch Pad 2 at Starbase •      Comet R3 PanSTARRS is in Southern Hemisphere skies NOW — and tonight is New Moon. Your last chance for 170,000 years •      WEEKEND BONUS: NASA's Curiosity rover drilled into a rock on Mars — and the rock wouldn't let go   Find us at astronomydaily.io | Follow @AstroDailyPod | Part of the Bitesz.com Podcast Network   YouTube Show Notes Title: Mars Slingshot! Cosmic Web Mapped! Starship V3 Launch SOON! Weekend Space News Wrap | Today's Space News   In this weekend edition of Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery cover seven stories — two fresh headlines, four of the biggest stories from the past week, and a bonus story that's pure gold. It's been one of the best weeks in space in 2026.   CHAPTERS: 1.    00:00 — Cold Open & Weekend Wrap Introduction 2.    01:30 — FRESH: NASA Psyche Spacecraft's Mars Gravity Assist 3.    04:00 — FRESH: SpaceX CRS-34 Dragon Launch to the ISS 4.    06:00 — WEEKLY WRAP: JWST Maps the Cosmic Web 5.    08:30 — WEEKLY WRAP: Hubble's 'Dracula's Chivito' Planet Nursery 6.    11:00 — WEEKLY WRAP: Starship V3 — Launch This Tuesday! 7.    13:00 — WEEKLY WRAP: Comet R3 PanSTARRS — Skywatching Now 8.    15:00 — WEEKEND BONUS: Curiosity Rover's Sticky Rock 9.    16:30 — Outro & Credits   Subscribe for daily space and astronomy news | astronomydaily.io | @AstroDailyPod | Bitesz.com Podcast NetworkBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click HereThis episode includes AI-generated content.

Poor Mars. After a warm, wet childhood, the planet dried out and became cold and arid. And why? Mostly because it lost most of its atmosphere, scraped away by solar radiation. NASA's Maven mission studied the phenomenon of atmsoperic loss for years, but has now gone silent. Enter Mars ESCAPADE—the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers—twin orbiters that will study the loss of Martian atmosphere more closely than ever before. The mission has been executed at a budget price. was largely built by industry upstart Rocket Lab, and launched on a New Glenn rocket. It will arrive at Mars in 2028, but we're giving you an early look at why it's an important and, frankly, very cool mission. Headlines: SpaceX Unveils Starship V3 Launch Plans NASA Details Artemis 3 Earth Orbit Mission Updates Psyche Probe Performs Mars Gravity Assist for Asteroid Mission Main Topic: ESCAPADE Mars Mission—Twin Satellites to Study Atmospheric Loss Introducing ESCAPADE: Twin Orbiters for Studying Mars' Upper Atmosphere Explaining Why Mars Loses Its Atmosphere and Comparative Planetology Stereo Measurements: Scientific Advantages of Two Orbiters Over One How ESCAPADE's Orbits and Science Campaigns Are Structured Rocket Lab and Commercial Partnerships Expand Mission Flexibility Unique Launch Timing and Innovations in Trajectory Planning Early Data from Escapade's Loiter Phase and Earth's Magnetotail Onboard Cameras to Capture Mars Auroras and Possibly Earth-Moon Portraits Extended Mission Possibilities and Future Science Goals The Role of Space Weather and Mars' Magnetic Field in Atmospheric Loss Implications for Future Mars Missions, Technology, and Human Exploration Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Robert Lillis Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Poor Mars. After a warm, wet childhood, the planet dried out and became cold and arid. And why? Mostly because it lost most of its atmosphere, scraped away by solar radiation. NASA's Maven mission studied the phenomenon of atmospheric loss for years, but has now gone silent. Enter Mars ESCAPADE—the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers—twin orbiters that will study the loss of Martian atmosphere more closely than ever before. The mission has been executed at a budget price. was largely built by industry upstart Rocket Lab, and launched on a New Glenn rocket. It will arrive at Mars in 2028, but we're giving you an early look at why it's an important and, frankly, very cool mission. Headlines: SpaceX Unveils Starship V3 Launch Plans NASA Details Artemis 3 Earth Orbit Mission Updates Psyche Probe Performs Mars Gravity Assist for Asteroid Mission Main Topic: ESCAPADE Mars Mission—Twin Satellites to Study Atmospheric Loss Introducing ESCAPADE: Twin Orbiters for Studying Mars' Upper Atmosphere Explaining Why Mars Loses Its Atmosphere and Comparative Planetology Stereo Measurements: Scientific Advantages of Two Orbiters Over One How ESCAPADE's Orbits and Science Campaigns Are Structured Rocket Lab and Commercial Partnerships Expand Mission Flexibility Unique Launch Timing and Innovations in Trajectory Planning Early Data from ESCAPADE's Mission and Earth's Magnetotail Onboard Cameras to Capture Mars Auroras and Possibly Earth-Moon Portraits Extended Mission Possibilities and Future Science Goals The Role of Space Weather and Mars' Magnetic Field in Atmospheric Loss Implications for Future Mars Missions, Technology, and Human Exploration Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Robert Lillis Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Poor Mars. After a warm, wet childhood, the planet dried out and became cold and arid. And why? Mostly because it lost most of its atmosphere, scraped away by solar radiation. NASA's Maven mission studied the phenomenon of atmospheric loss for years, but has now gone silent. Enter Mars ESCAPADE—the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers—twin orbiters that will study the loss of Martian atmosphere more closely than ever before. The mission has been executed at a budget price. was largely built by industry upstart Rocket Lab, and launched on a New Glenn rocket. It will arrive at Mars in 2028, but we're giving you an early look at why it's an important and, frankly, very cool mission. Headlines: SpaceX Unveils Starship V3 Launch Plans NASA Details Artemis 3 Earth Orbit Mission Updates Psyche Probe Performs Mars Gravity Assist for Asteroid Mission Main Topic: ESCAPADE Mars Mission—Twin Satellites to Study Atmospheric Loss Introducing ESCAPADE: Twin Orbiters for Studying Mars' Upper Atmosphere Explaining Why Mars Loses Its Atmosphere and Comparative Planetology Stereo Measurements: Scientific Advantages of Two Orbiters Over One How ESCAPADE's Orbits and Science Campaigns Are Structured Rocket Lab and Commercial Partnerships Expand Mission Flexibility Unique Launch Timing and Innovations in Trajectory Planning Early Data from ESCAPADE's Mission and Earth's Magnetotail Onboard Cameras to Capture Mars Auroras and Possibly Earth-Moon Portraits Extended Mission Possibilities and Future Science Goals The Role of Space Weather and Mars' Magnetic Field in Atmospheric Loss Implications for Future Mars Missions, Technology, and Human Exploration Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Robert Lillis Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Poor Mars. After a warm, wet childhood, the planet dried out and became cold and arid. And why? Mostly because it lost most of its atmosphere, scraped away by solar radiation. NASA's Maven mission studied the phenomenon of atmospheric loss for years, but has now gone silent. Enter Mars ESCAPADE—the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers—twin orbiters that will study the loss of Martian atmosphere more closely than ever before. The mission has been executed at a budget price. was largely built by industry upstart Rocket Lab, and launched on a New Glenn rocket. It will arrive at Mars in 2028, but we're giving you an early look at why it's an important and, frankly, very cool mission. Headlines: SpaceX Unveils Starship V3 Launch Plans NASA Details Artemis 3 Earth Orbit Mission Updates Psyche Probe Performs Mars Gravity Assist for Asteroid Mission Main Topic: ESCAPADE Mars Mission—Twin Satellites to Study Atmospheric Loss Introducing ESCAPADE: Twin Orbiters for Studying Mars' Upper Atmosphere Explaining Why Mars Loses Its Atmosphere and Comparative Planetology Stereo Measurements: Scientific Advantages of Two Orbiters Over One How ESCAPADE's Orbits and Science Campaigns Are Structured Rocket Lab and Commercial Partnerships Expand Mission Flexibility Unique Launch Timing and Innovations in Trajectory Planning Early Data from ESCAPADE's Mission and Earth's Magnetotail Onboard Cameras to Capture Mars Auroras and Possibly Earth-Moon Portraits Extended Mission Possibilities and Future Science Goals The Role of Space Weather and Mars' Magnetic Field in Atmospheric Loss Implications for Future Mars Missions, Technology, and Human Exploration Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Robert Lillis Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Amy talks with Space Force Brigadier General Nick Hague about his thoughts on the Artemis II mission and the latest surrounding space travel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us grew up idolizing astronauts as the best of the best that America—and other nations—have to offer. After leaving NASA, many of them go on to relatively routine careers in business or academia, but some stay "on mission" and continue striving to improve the human condition. The 100-plus astronauts behind Astronauts for America, led by Garrett Reisman and Steve Lindsey—a Democrat and Republican—have decided to speak out about their concerns for our democracy. As the nonprofit's website says, "Astronauts For America is a nonpartisan organization of former NASA astronauts who have sworn to defend the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to science, evidence-based decision-making, public service, and the rule of law." Reisman and Lindsey join us for this important episode. Headlines: Pentagon Releases Official UFO Files Online James Webb Space Telescope Directly Observes Nearby 'Super Earth' Curiosity Rover's Wheels Show Severe Wear on Mars Curiosity Rover Gets Its Robotic Arm Stuck on a Martian Rock Main Topic: Astronauts for America—Combatting Political Polarization Group of 100+ Retired Astronauts Form Nonpartisan Organization Mission to Counter Extreme Partisanship and Foster Civil Discourse Oath to Uphold the Constitution Drives Their Advocacy Experiences in Space and Military Inform Their Approach Emphasis on Data, Science, and Rule of Law in National Debate Concerns Over Erosion of Democratic Norms and Civic Trust Civil Rights, Political Violence, and Challenges in Congress Prompt Action Organization Seeks to Educate, Engage the Public, and Partner with Other Groups Launch of Voter Scorecards Based on Constitutional Values, Not Policy Positions Call for Informed Citizen Participation and Election Integrity Initiatives Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guests: Garrett Reisman and Steve Lindsey Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: outsystems.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit Melissa.com/twit

Many of us grew up idolizing astronauts as the best of the best that America—and other nations—have to offer. After leaving NASA, many of them go on to relatively routine careers in business or academia, but some stay "on mission" and continue striving to improve the human condition. The 100-plus astronauts behind Astronauts for America, led by Garrett Reisman and Steve Lindsey—a Democrat and Republican—have decided to speak out about their concerns for our democracy. As the nonprofit's website says, "Astronauts For America is a nonpartisan organization of former NASA astronauts who have sworn to defend the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to science, evidence-based decision-making, public service, and the rule of law." Reisman and Lindsey join us for this important episode. Headlines: Pentagon Releases Official UFO Files Online James Webb Space Telescope Directly Observes Nearby 'Super Earth' Curiosity Rover's Wheels Show Severe Wear on Mars Curiosity Rover Gets Its Robotic Arm Stuck on a Martian Rock Main Topic: Astronauts for America—Combatting Political Polarization Group of 100+ Retired Astronauts Form Nonpartisan Organization Mission to Counter Extreme Partisanship and Foster Civil Discourse Oath to Uphold the Constitution Drives Their Advocacy Experiences in Space and Military Inform Their Approach Emphasis on Data, Science, and Rule of Law in National Debate Concerns Over Erosion of Democratic Norms and Civic Trust Civil Rights, Political Violence, and Challenges in Congress Prompt Action Organization Seeks to Educate, Engage the Public, and Partner with Other Groups Launch of Voter Scorecards Based on Constitutional Values, Not Policy Positions Call for Informed Citizen Participation and Election Integrity Initiatives Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guests: Garrett Reisman and Steve Lindsey Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: outsystems.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit Melissa.com/twit

Many of us grew up idolizing astronauts as the best of the best that America—and other nations—have to offer. After leaving NASA, many of them go on to relatively routine careers in business or academia, but some stay "on mission" and continue striving to improve the human condition. The 100-plus astronauts behind Astronauts for America, led by Garrett Reisman and Steve Lindsey—a Democrat and Republican—have decided to speak out about their concerns for our democracy. As the nonprofit's website says, "Astronauts For America is a nonpartisan organization of former NASA astronauts who have sworn to defend the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to science, evidence-based decision-making, public service, and the rule of law." Reisman and Lindsey join us for this important episode. Headlines: Pentagon Releases Official UFO Files Online James Webb Space Telescope Directly Observes Nearby 'Super Earth' Curiosity Rover's Wheels Show Severe Wear on Mars Curiosity Rover Gets Its Robotic Arm Stuck on a Martian Rock Main Topic: Astronauts for America—Combatting Political Polarization Group of 100+ Retired Astronauts Form Nonpartisan Organization Mission to Counter Extreme Partisanship and Foster Civil Discourse Oath to Uphold the Constitution Drives Their Advocacy Experiences in Space and Military Inform Their Approach Emphasis on Data, Science, and Rule of Law in National Debate Concerns Over Erosion of Democratic Norms and Civic Trust Civil Rights, Political Violence, and Challenges in Congress Prompt Action Organization Seeks to Educate, Engage the Public, and Partner with Other Groups Launch of Voter Scorecards Based on Constitutional Values, Not Policy Positions Call for Informed Citizen Participation and Election Integrity Initiatives Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guests: Garrett Reisman and Steve Lindsey Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: outsystems.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit Melissa.com/twit

Many of us grew up idolizing astronauts as the best of the best that America—and other nations—have to offer. After leaving NASA, many of them go on to relatively routine careers in business or academia, but some stay "on mission" and continue striving to improve the human condition. The 100-plus astronauts behind Astronauts for America, led by Garrett Reisman and Steve Lindsey—a Democrat and Republican—have decided to speak out about their concerns for our democracy. As the nonprofit's website says, "Astronauts For America is a nonpartisan organization of former NASA astronauts who have sworn to defend the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to science, evidence-based decision-making, public service, and the rule of law." Reisman and Lindsey join us for this important episode. Headlines: Pentagon Releases Official UFO Files Online James Webb Space Telescope Directly Observes Nearby 'Super Earth' Curiosity Rover's Wheels Show Severe Wear on Mars Curiosity Rover Gets Its Robotic Arm Stuck on a Martian Rock Main Topic: Astronauts for America—Combatting Political Polarization Group of 100+ Retired Astronauts Form Nonpartisan Organization Mission to Counter Extreme Partisanship and Foster Civil Discourse Oath to Uphold the Constitution Drives Their Advocacy Experiences in Space and Military Inform Their Approach Emphasis on Data, Science, and Rule of Law in National Debate Concerns Over Erosion of Democratic Norms and Civic Trust Civil Rights, Political Violence, and Challenges in Congress Prompt Action Organization Seeks to Educate, Engage the Public, and Partner with Other Groups Launch of Voter Scorecards Based on Constitutional Values, Not Policy Positions Call for Informed Citizen Participation and Election Integrity Initiatives Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guests: Garrett Reisman and Steve Lindsey Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: outsystems.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit Melissa.com/twit

Philip Clark is joined on Nightlife by ABC Science Reporter Jacinta Bowler to discuss the latest in science and space news. 

As you have doubtless heard, the White House has once again proposed drastic budget cuts of about 24% for NASA's 2027 budget. It's deja vu all over again for us, as we followed an almost identical story last year. And as with last year, Congress has signaled the new budget to be DOA. This time, however, we had a NASA administrator in the seat when this budget arrived and he said he could work with it—despite a near halving of the NASA science budget and proposed cancellation of well over 50 science missions, many already successful and returning great science after the bulk of the program has been paid for. We invited Jenniter Vaughn, the CEO of The Planetary Society, onto the show to discuss. Headlines: Blue Origin's New Glenn 3 Rocket Fails Key Mission Despite Successful Landin Discovery of Possible Hidden Moons Around Uranus in Planetary Rings Hubble Space Telescope Celebrates Its 36th Year in Orbit Main Topic: NASA Science Budget Crisis and Advocacy with Planetary Society CEO Jennifer Vaughn Jennifer Vaughn's Journey to Leading the Planetary Society Deep Cuts Proposed for NASA's Science Budget and Widespread Opposition Congressional Pushback and Ineffectiveness of Copy-Paste Budget Proposals Risks to Active and Developmental NASA Missions if Funding Slashed Brain Drain and Damage from Funding Instability at NASA and Partner Institutions Importance of Public Advocacy and Opportunities to Take Action Prospects and Cautions for New NASA Leadership Amid Budget Challenges Broader Impact on US Space Leadership, Innovation, and Long-Term Planning Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Jennifer Vaughn Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

As you have doubtless heard, the White House has once again proposed drastic budget cuts of about 24% for NASA's 2027 budget. It's deja vu all over again for us, as we followed an almost identical story last year. And as with last year, Congress has signaled the new budget to be DOA. This time, however, we had a NASA administrator in the seat when this budget arrived and he said he could work with it—despite a near halving of the NASA science budget and proposed cancellation of well over 50 science missions, many already successful and returning great science after the bulk of the program has been paid for. We invited Jenniter Vaughn, the CEO of The Planetary Society, onto the show to discuss. Headlines: Blue Origin's New Glenn 3 Rocket Fails Key Mission Despite Successful Landin Discovery of Possible Hidden Moons Around Uranus in Planetary Rings Hubble Space Telescope Celebrates Its 36th Year in Orbit Main Topic: NASA Science Budget Crisis and Advocacy with Planetary Society CEO Jennifer Vaughn Jennifer Vaughn's Journey to Leading the Planetary Society Deep Cuts Proposed for NASA's Science Budget and Widespread Opposition Congressional Pushback and Ineffectiveness of Copy-Paste Budget Proposals Risks to Active and Developmental NASA Missions if Funding Slashed Brain Drain and Damage from Funding Instability at NASA and Partner Institutions Importance of Public Advocacy and Opportunities to Take Action Prospects and Cautions for New NASA Leadership Amid Budget Challenges Broader Impact on US Space Leadership, Innovation, and Long-Term Planning Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Jennifer Vaughn Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

As you have doubtless heard, the White House has once again proposed drastic budget cuts of about 24% for NASA's 2027 budget. It's deja vu all over again for us, as we followed an almost identical story last year. And as with last year, Congress has signaled the new budget to be DOA. This time, however, we had a NASA administrator in the seat when this budget arrived and he said he could work with it—despite a near halving of the NASA science budget and proposed cancellation of well over 50 science missions, many already successful and returning great science after the bulk of the program has been paid for. We invited Jenniter Vaughn, the CEO of The Planetary Society, onto the show to discuss. Headlines: Blue Origin's New Glenn 3 Rocket Fails Key Mission Despite Successful Landin Discovery of Possible Hidden Moons Around Uranus in Planetary Rings Hubble Space Telescope Celebrates Its 36th Year in Orbit Main Topic: NASA Science Budget Crisis and Advocacy with Planetary Society CEO Jennifer Vaughn Jennifer Vaughn's Journey to Leading the Planetary Society Deep Cuts Proposed for NASA's Science Budget and Widespread Opposition Congressional Pushback and Ineffectiveness of Copy-Paste Budget Proposals Risks to Active and Developmental NASA Missions if Funding Slashed Brain Drain and Damage from Funding Instability at NASA and Partner Institutions Importance of Public Advocacy and Opportunities to Take Action Prospects and Cautions for New NASA Leadership Amid Budget Challenges Broader Impact on US Space Leadership, Innovation, and Long-Term Planning Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Jennifer Vaughn Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

As you have doubtless heard, the White House has once again proposed drastic budget cuts of about 24% for NASA's 2027 budget. It's deja vu all over again for us, as we followed an almost identical story last year. And as with last year, Congress has signaled the new budget to be DOA. This time, however, we had a NASA administrator in the seat when this budget arrived and he said he could work with it—despite a near halving of the NASA science budget and proposed cancellation of well over 50 science missions, many already successful and returning great science after the bulk of the program has been paid for. We invited Jenniter Vaughn, the CEO of The Planetary Society, onto the show to discuss. Headlines: Blue Origin's New Glenn 3 Rocket Fails Key Mission Despite Successful Landin Discovery of Possible Hidden Moons Around Uranus in Planetary Rings Hubble Space Telescope Celebrates Its 36th Year in Orbit Main Topic: NASA Science Budget Crisis and Advocacy with Planetary Society CEO Jennifer Vaughn Jennifer Vaughn's Journey to Leading the Planetary Society Deep Cuts Proposed for NASA's Science Budget and Widespread Opposition Congressional Pushback and Ineffectiveness of Copy-Paste Budget Proposals Risks to Active and Developmental NASA Missions if Funding Slashed Brain Drain and Damage from Funding Instability at NASA and Partner Institutions Importance of Public Advocacy and Opportunities to Take Action Prospects and Cautions for New NASA Leadership Amid Budget Challenges Broader Impact on US Space Leadership, Innovation, and Long-Term Planning Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Jennifer Vaughn Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

This week's episode is devoted to the flight of Artemis 2. From the spectacular, on-time launch to the lunar flyby to reentry preparation, we chart all the major events of the mission. Some are technical and scientific--the interest in the small meteoritic impacts on the lunar farside and the spectacul solar eclsipse witnessed by the crew—and some are more human interest, such as the messages to the crew from Apollo moonwalker Charlie Duke and the posthumous message from Apollo 8/13 astronaut Jim Lovell, to the very emotional moment where the crew named a crater after Reid Wiseman's recently deceased wife, Carroll. It's a humdinger of a show packed with facts and relevant discussion. Join us! Main Topic: The Artemis II Mission Rod & Tariq Share Launch Site and Newsroom Experiences Spacecraft Amenities: The Ongoing Space Toilet Saga On-the-Ground Reporting at Kennedy and Johnson Space Centers Inside the Orion Capsule: Size, Crew Life, and Design Spectacular Launch: Countdown, Liftoff, and Astronaut Impressions Cameras and Tech: Photo Gear and Laser Communications on Artemis 2 Smoothest Crewed Launch Beyond Earth Orbit in Over 50 Years Life Aboard Orion: Living Space, Exercise, and Hygiene Challenges Emotional Moments: Naming Lunar Craters and Tribute to Crew Family Wakeup Calls from Apollo Astronauts—Legacy Meets Next Generation Crew Lunar Flyby: Scientific Observations and Lunar Impact Flashes Capturing Rare Sights: Earthset, Night Views, and Eclipses from Moon Orbit Presidential Call: Communications Hiccups and Political Overtones Return and Splashdown: Heat Shield Concerns, Recovery Procedures, and Records Set Reflections on Budget Constraints, Press Facilities, and NASA Operations Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Melissa.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit

What if the next mission to the Moon isn't just about going back… but about building humanity's future beyond Earth?In this powerful episode of Truth Be Told, Tony Sweet sits down with world-renowned lunar scientist Dr. Clive Neal to break down the real story behind Artemis II—and why this mission could change everything we thought we knew about space exploration.From the legacy of Apollo to the future of Mars, Dr. Neal shares firsthand insight into studying lunar samples, uncovering hidden water on the Moon, and what it will truly take for humans to live beyond our planet. This isn't science fiction anymore—this is happening now.We dive into the biggest questions:Why did it take so long to return to the Moon?What makes Artemis different from Apollo?Can the Moon actually support human life?And… are we really alone in the universe?Plus, a powerful reminder of why space exploration matters more than ever:#ArtemisII #NASA #MoonMission #SpaceExploration #TruthBeTold #TonySweet #DrCliveNeal #UFO #SciencePodcast #FutureOfHumanity #MarsMission #SpaceNews #PodcastLife #ClubParanormal“We go up there… to make life better down here.” If you've ever looked up at the Moon and wondered what comes next—this episode is for you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/truth-be-told-paranormal--3589860/support.

This week's episode is devoted to the flight of Artemis II. From the spectacular, on-time launch to the lunar flyby to reentry preparation, we chart all the major events of the mission. Some are technical and scientific--the interest in the small meteoritic impacts on the lunar farside and the spectacular solar eclipse witnessed by the crew—and some are more human interest, such as the messages to the crew from Apollo moonwalker Charlie Duke and the posthumous message from Apollo 8/13 astronaut Jim Lovell, to the very emotional moment where the crew named a crater after Reid Wiseman's recently deceased wife, Carroll. It's a humdinger of a show packed with facts and relevant discussion. Join us! Main Topic: The Artemis II Mission Rod & Tariq Share Launch Site and Newsroom Experiences Spacecraft Amenities: The Ongoing Space Toilet Saga On-the-Ground Reporting at Kennedy and Johnson Space Centers Inside the Orion Capsule: Size, Crew Life, and Design Spectacular Launch: Countdown, Liftoff, and Astronaut Impressions Cameras and Tech: Photo Gear and Laser Communications on Artemis 2 Smoothest Crewed Launch Beyond Earth Orbit in Over 50 Years Life Aboard Orion: Living Space, Exercise, and Hygiene Challenges Emotional Moments: Naming Lunar Craters and Tribute to Crew Family Wakeup Calls from Apollo Astronauts—Legacy Meets Next Generation Crew Lunar Flyby: Scientific Observations and Lunar Impact Flashes Capturing Rare Sights: Earthset, Night Views, and Eclipses from Moon Orbit Presidential Call: Communications Hiccups and Political Overtones Return and Splashdown: Heat Shield Concerns, Recovery Procedures, and Records Set Reflections on Budget Constraints, Press Facilities, and NASA Operations Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Melissa.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit

This week's episode is devoted to the flight of Artemis II. From the spectacular, on-time launch to the lunar flyby to reentry preparation, we chart all the major events of the mission. Some are technical and scientific--the interest in the small meteoritic impacts on the lunar farside and the spectacular solar eclipse witnessed by the crew—and some are more human interest, such as the messages to the crew from Apollo moonwalker Charlie Duke and the posthumous message from Apollo 8/13 astronaut Jim Lovell, to the very emotional moment where the crew named a crater after Reid Wiseman's recently deceased wife, Carroll. It's a humdinger of a show packed with facts and relevant discussion. Join us! Main Topic: The Artemis II Mission Rod & Tariq Share Launch Site and Newsroom Experiences Spacecraft Amenities: The Ongoing Space Toilet Saga On-the-Ground Reporting at Kennedy and Johnson Space Centers Inside the Orion Capsule: Size, Crew Life, and Design Spectacular Launch: Countdown, Liftoff, and Astronaut Impressions Cameras and Tech: Photo Gear and Laser Communications on Artemis 2 Smoothest Crewed Launch Beyond Earth Orbit in Over 50 Years Life Aboard Orion: Living Space, Exercise, and Hygiene Challenges Emotional Moments: Naming Lunar Craters and Tribute to Crew Family Wakeup Calls from Apollo Astronauts—Legacy Meets Next Generation Crew Lunar Flyby: Scientific Observations and Lunar Impact Flashes Capturing Rare Sights: Earthset, Night Views, and Eclipses from Moon Orbit Presidential Call: Communications Hiccups and Political Overtones Return and Splashdown: Heat Shield Concerns, Recovery Procedures, and Records Set Reflections on Budget Constraints, Press Facilities, and NASA Operations Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Melissa.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit

This week's episode is devoted to the flight of Artemis II. From the spectacular, on-time launch to the lunar flyby to reentry preparation, we chart all the major events of the mission. Some are technical and scientific--the interest in the small meteoritic impacts on the lunar farside and the spectacular solar eclipse witnessed by the crew—and some are more human interest, such as the messages to the crew from Apollo moonwalker Charlie Duke and the posthumous message from Apollo 8/13 astronaut Jim Lovell, to the very emotional moment where the crew named a crater after Reid Wiseman's recently deceased wife, Carroll. It's a humdinger of a show packed with facts and relevant discussion. Join us! Main Topic: The Artemis II Mission Rod & Tariq Share Launch Site and Newsroom Experiences Spacecraft Amenities: The Ongoing Space Toilet Saga On-the-Ground Reporting at Kennedy and Johnson Space Centers Inside the Orion Capsule: Size, Crew Life, and Design Spectacular Launch: Countdown, Liftoff, and Astronaut Impressions Cameras and Tech: Photo Gear and Laser Communications on Artemis 2 Smoothest Crewed Launch Beyond Earth Orbit in Over 50 Years Life Aboard Orion: Living Space, Exercise, and Hygiene Challenges Emotional Moments: Naming Lunar Craters and Tribute to Crew Family Wakeup Calls from Apollo Astronauts—Legacy Meets Next Generation Crew Lunar Flyby: Scientific Observations and Lunar Impact Flashes Capturing Rare Sights: Earthset, Night Views, and Eclipses from Moon Orbit Presidential Call: Communications Hiccups and Political Overtones Return and Splashdown: Heat Shield Concerns, Recovery Procedures, and Records Set Reflections on Budget Constraints, Press Facilities, and NASA Operations Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Melissa.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit

Today's Space News — Astronomy Daily S05E84 | April 8, 2026   In today's episode, Anna and Avery cover six incredible stories spanning the final days of humanity's return to deep space, a lost spacecraft mystery, and fresh science rewriting how we understand our own planet.   TODAY'S STORIES: (00:00) Intro (01:30) Story 1 — Artemis II Day 7/8: science debrief done, trajectory burns fired, and the crew heads home for a historic splashdown Friday (08:00) Story 2 — Cygnus CRS-24 launch delayed to April 10 due to weather — now launching the same day Artemis II lands (13:00) Story 3 — Earth formed entirely from inner Solar System material: Jupiter blocked everything else, and water was already here (19:00) Story 4 — ESA Juice delivers stunning new data on interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS: 70 Olympic pools of water per second (24:00) Story 5 — Comet C/2025 R3 PanSTARRS is the new comet to watch this April — and it's looking good (29:00) Story 6 — FEATURE: Mars 96, the lost Mars mission that crashed back to Earth 30 years ago — and was never found   Subscribe for daily space and astronomy news | astronomydaily.io | @AstroDailyPodBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click HereThis episode includes AI-generated content.

We've seen NASA go through a lot of drama this year, and recently, some remarkable changes have been announced under the new administrator, Jared Isaacman. We're taking a deep dive into what's changed, what's the same, and what to expect. But first: Tariq and Rod are in Houston monitoring the Artemis 2 mission, which launched flawlessly on Wednesday. It's been a thrill since launch day, which Tariq saw in Florida, and shows no sign of slowing. We're bringing it to you from the field, so strap on in and join us! Headlines: Artemis 2 Launched This Week! Challenges Hit Artemis 2 After Launch: Toilet Problems and Personal Computing Issues Artemis 2 Crew Prepares for Lunar Flyby and Science Activities NASA Faces Another Budget Cut for 2027 Main Topic: New NASA, Artemis Overhauls, and Future Missions NASA Reshuffles Artemis 3–5: Landings Delayed, Missions Reassigned SLS Development Locked; Vulcan Centaur 5 Upper Stage Selected Aggressive Timeline for 29 Moon Missions and 22 Landings in Next Decade Push for Moon Bases by 2032 with $20 Billion Investment Gateway Lunar Station Put on Ice; Hardware Repurposed for Moon Base and Mars Surprise Nuclear-Powered Mars Mission Announced for 2028 New Mars Helicopter Fleet to Debut as Part of Skyfall Payload Shift Away from Private Space Stations; NASA to Build New Core Module NASA Workforce Hit by Layoffs, Launches New NASA Force Hiring Initiative Geopolitics, China's Role, and Space Race 2.0 Narrative (Video of Artemis 2 Launch Courtesy of Space.com) Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: helixsleep.com/space

We've seen NASA go through a lot of drama this year, and recently, some remarkable changes have been announced under the new administrator, Jared Isaacman. We're taking a deep dive into what's changed, what's the same, and what to expect. But first: Tariq and Rod are in Houston monitoring the Artemis 2 mission, which launched flawlessly on Wednesday. It's been a thrill since launch day, which Tariq saw in Florida, and shows no sign of slowing. We're bringing it to you from the field, so strap on in and join us! Headlines: Artemis 2 Launched This Week! Challenges Hit Artemis 2 After Launch: Toilet Problems and Personal Computing Issues Artemis 2 Crew Prepares for Lunar Flyby and Science Activities NASA Faces Another Budget Cut for 2027 Main Topic: New NASA, Artemis Overhauls, and Future Missions NASA Reshuffles Artemis 3–5: Landings Delayed, Missions Reassigned SLS Development Locked; Vulcan Centaur 5 Upper Stage Selected Aggressive Timeline for 29 Moon Missions and 22 Landings in Next Decade Push for Moon Bases by 2032 with $20 Billion Investment Gateway Lunar Station Put on Ice; Hardware Repurposed for Moon Base and Mars Surprise Nuclear-Powered Mars Mission Announced for 2028 New Mars Helicopter Fleet to Debut as Part of Skyfall Payload Shift Away from Private Space Stations; NASA to Build New Core Module NASA Workforce Hit by Layoffs, Launches New NASA Force Hiring Initiative Geopolitics, China's Role, and Space Race 2.0 Narrative (Video of Artemis 2 Launch Courtesy of Space.com) Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: helixsleep.com/space

We've seen NASA go through a lot of drama this year, and recently, some remarkable changes have been announced under the new administrator, Jared Isaacman. We're taking a deep dive into what's changed, what's the same, and what to expect. But first: Tariq and Rod are in Houston monitoring the Artemis 2 mission, which launched flawlessly on Wednesday. It's been a thrill since launch day, which Tariq saw in Florida, and shows no sign of slowing. We're bringing it to you from the field, so strap on in and join us! Headlines: Artemis 2 Launched This Week! Challenges Hit Artemis 2 After Launch: Toilet Problems and Personal Computing Issues Artemis 2 Crew Prepares for Lunar Flyby and Science Activities NASA Faces Another Budget Cut for 2027 Main Topic: New NASA, Artemis Overhauls, and Future Missions NASA Reshuffles Artemis 3–5: Landings Delayed, Missions Reassigned SLS Development Locked; Vulcan Centaur 5 Upper Stage Selected Aggressive Timeline for 29 Moon Missions and 22 Landings in Next Decade Push for Moon Bases by 2032 with $20 Billion Investment Gateway Lunar Station Put on Ice; Hardware Repurposed for Moon Base and Mars Surprise Nuclear-Powered Mars Mission Announced for 2028 New Mars Helicopter Fleet to Debut as Part of Skyfall Payload Shift Away from Private Space Stations; NASA to Build New Core Module NASA Workforce Hit by Layoffs, Launches New NASA Force Hiring Initiative Geopolitics, China's Role, and Space Race 2.0 Narrative (Video of Artemis 2 Launch Courtesy of Space.com) Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: helixsleep.com/space

We've seen NASA go through a lot of drama this year, and recently, some remarkable changes have been announced under the new administrator, Jared Isaacman. We're taking a deep dive into what's changed, what's the same, and what to expect. But first: Tariq and Rod are in Houston monitoring the Artemis 2 mission, which launched flawlessly on Wednesday. It's been a thrill since launch day, which Tariq saw in Florida, and shows no sign of slowing. We're bringing it to you from the field, so strap on in and join us! Headlines: Artemis 2 Launched This Week! Challenges Hit Artemis 2 After Launch: Toilet Problems and Personal Computing Issues Artemis 2 Crew Prepares for Lunar Flyby and Science Activities NASA Faces Another Budget Cut for 2027 Main Topic: New NASA, Artemis Overhauls, and Future Missions NASA Reshuffles Artemis 3–5: Landings Delayed, Missions Reassigned SLS Development Locked; Vulcan Centaur 5 Upper Stage Selected Aggressive Timeline for 29 Moon Missions and 22 Landings in Next Decade Push for Moon Bases by 2032 with $20 Billion Investment Gateway Lunar Station Put on Ice; Hardware Repurposed for Moon Base and Mars Surprise Nuclear-Powered Mars Mission Announced for 2028 New Mars Helicopter Fleet to Debut as Part of Skyfall Payload Shift Away from Private Space Stations; NASA to Build New Core Module NASA Workforce Hit by Layoffs, Launches New NASA Force Hiring Initiative Geopolitics, China's Role, and Space Race 2.0 Narrative (Video of Artemis 2 Launch Courtesy of Space.com) Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: helixsleep.com/space

Daniel is back on the road again this week for some fun adventures in Florida, but we check in while Sharla's back home to go over a number of fun things!  We're starting to get the bus prepped, we debate if we want to cook on site on the Farm, Sharla gives some of her picks from SXSW, we talk about the fun adventures on the Space Coast, and much more.Support the showProceeds from Story Time at the Roo Bus support The TOTEM Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to supporting underserved individuals through music communities. Donate below, or support TOTEM monthly by becoming a Patreon of the show. 

Short Wavers, we hear your requests. You want MORE! SPACE! So this is the first installment of a new segment focusing only on space news. First, we talk about the new sci-fi film Project Hail Mary and the accuracy of the science in the movie. Then, we move on to data centers in orbit, if they are better for the environment and why even send them up into space. Finally, we round out the conversation with a quick update about the upcoming Artemis II launch. The space nerds assembled for this conversation are host and astrophysicist Regina G Barber, known space enthusiast and host of All Things Considered Scott Detrow and NPR science correspondent Geoff Brumfiel. Interested in more on space? Check out our whole summer series, Space Camp. Or email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Many suggest there is a new space race afoot, this time between the US and China. We've also know that America seems to be at its best in innovation and achievement when challenged by some external force. Will the Chinese human lunar program light the fuse of American innovation and accomplishment when it comes to our lagging lunar program and other spaceflight initiatives? Dr. Namrata Goswami of Johns Hopkins University joins us to examine the intricacies of potential threats to American leadership in space and the possible outcomes. Who will be first to land astronauts on the moon? Does it really matter? Who controls what regions of the moon? Will cislunar space be contested between major space powers? This and much more in this episode of This Week in Space. Headlines: Artemis 2 Mission Nears Launch, Astronauts Arrive at Kennedy Space Center Stunning New Images of Saturn Released from Webb and Hubble Telescopes "For All Mankind" Renewed for Sixth and Final Season Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Clears Vibration Test, Launch Date Set Main Topic: U.S.-China Competition and Global Ambitions in Space Dr. Namrata Goswami Explains the Evolution of the New Space Race China's Strategic, Economic, and Cultural Goals for Lunar Exploration Comparison of U.S. and Chinese Approaches to Public Messaging and Program Identity The Role of the Artemis Accords vs. China's International Lunar Research Station Partnerships The Legal and Political Implications of Lunar Safety and Exclusion Zones Space Force's Emerging Role in Cislunar Security and Commerce Increasing Global Participation: India, Japan, and Developing Nations Expand Space Competition Impact of Lunar "Real Estate" and Resource Maps on International Strategies Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Namrata Goswami Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Many suggest there is a new space race afoot, this time between the US and China. We've also seen that America seems to be at its best in innovation and achievement when challenged by some external force. Will the Chinese human lunar program light the fuse of American innovation and accomplishment when it comes to our lagging lunar program and other spaceflight initiatives? Dr. Namrata Goswami of Johns Hopkins University joins us to examine the intricacies of potential threats to American leadership in space and the possible outcomes. Who will be first to land astronauts on the moon? Does it really matter? Who controls what regions of the moon? Will cislunar space be contested between major space powers? This and much more in this episode of This Week in Space. Headlines: Artemis 2 Mission Nears Launch, Astronauts Arrive at Kennedy Space Center Stunning New Images of Saturn Released from Webb and Hubble Telescopes "For All Mankind" Renewed for Sixth and Final Season Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Clears Vibration Test, Launch Date Set Main Topic: U.S.-China Competition and Global Ambitions in Space Dr. Namrata Goswami Explains the Evolution of the New Space Race China's Strategic, Economic, and Cultural Goals for Lunar Exploration Comparison of U.S. and Chinese Approaches to Public Messaging and Program Identity The Role of the Artemis Accords vs. China's International Lunar Research Station Partnerships The Legal and Political Implications of Lunar Safety and Exclusion Zones Space Force's Emerging Role in Cislunar Security and Commerce Increasing Global Participation: India, Japan, and Developing Nations Expand Space Competition Impact of Lunar "Real Estate" and Resource Maps on International Strategies Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Namrata Goswami Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Many suggest there is a new space race afoot, this time between the US and China. We've also seen that America seems to be at its best in innovation and achievement when challenged by some external force. Will the Chinese human lunar program light the fuse of American innovation and accomplishment when it comes to our lagging lunar program and other spaceflight initiatives? Dr. Namrata Goswami of Johns Hopkins University joins us to examine the intricacies of potential threats to American leadership in space and the possible outcomes. Who will be first to land astronauts on the moon? Does it really matter? Who controls what regions of the moon? Will cislunar space be contested between major space powers? This and much more in this episode of This Week in Space. Headlines: Artemis 2 Mission Nears Launch, Astronauts Arrive at Kennedy Space Center Stunning New Images of Saturn Released from Webb and Hubble Telescopes "For All Mankind" Renewed for Sixth and Final Season Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Clears Vibration Test, Launch Date Set Main Topic: U.S.-China Competition and Global Ambitions in Space Dr. Namrata Goswami Explains the Evolution of the New Space Race China's Strategic, Economic, and Cultural Goals for Lunar Exploration Comparison of U.S. and Chinese Approaches to Public Messaging and Program Identity The Role of the Artemis Accords vs. China's International Lunar Research Station Partnerships The Legal and Political Implications of Lunar Safety and Exclusion Zones Space Force's Emerging Role in Cislunar Security and Commerce Increasing Global Participation: India, Japan, and Developing Nations Expand Space Competition Impact of Lunar "Real Estate" and Resource Maps on International Strategies Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Namrata Goswami Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Many suggest there is a new space race afoot, this time between the US and China. We've also seen that America seems to be at its best in innovation and achievement when challenged by some external force. Will the Chinese human lunar program light the fuse of American innovation and accomplishment when it comes to our lagging lunar program and other spaceflight initiatives? Dr. Namrata Goswami of Johns Hopkins University joins us to examine the intricacies of potential threats to American leadership in space and the possible outcomes. Who will be first to land astronauts on the moon? Does it really matter? Who controls what regions of the moon? Will cislunar space be contested between major space powers? This and much more in this episode of This Week in Space. Headlines: Artemis 2 Mission Nears Launch, Astronauts Arrive at Kennedy Space Center Stunning New Images of Saturn Released from Webb and Hubble Telescopes "For All Mankind" Renewed for Sixth and Final Season Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Clears Vibration Test, Launch Date Set Main Topic: U.S.-China Competition and Global Ambitions in Space Dr. Namrata Goswami Explains the Evolution of the New Space Race China's Strategic, Economic, and Cultural Goals for Lunar Exploration Comparison of U.S. and Chinese Approaches to Public Messaging and Program Identity The Role of the Artemis Accords vs. China's International Lunar Research Station Partnerships The Legal and Political Implications of Lunar Safety and Exclusion Zones Space Force's Emerging Role in Cislunar Security and Commerce Increasing Global Participation: India, Japan, and Developing Nations Expand Space Competition Impact of Lunar "Real Estate" and Resource Maps on International Strategies Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Namrata Goswami Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Thank you for listening to Astronomy Daily! Here's everything from today's episode:   Story 1: Artemis II — T-Minus Days to Launch NASA is targeting April 1, 2026 for the launch of Artemis II — the first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972. The crew of Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen will fly a 10-day free-return trajectory around the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft on the SLS rocket from Kennedy Space Center. The six-day launch window runs April 1–6. Meanwhile, a new analysis suggests the mission could face elevated solar superflare risk, though NASA is proceeding after a successful Flight Readiness Review. Source: NASA — https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ Solar risk analysis: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/artemis-2-moon-mission-shouldnt-launch-until-late-2026-new-analysis-of-solar-superflares-suggests   Story 2: G3 Geomagnetic Storm & Aurora Australis Multiple coronal mass ejections from the Sun triggered a G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm, producing vivid auroral displays from New York to Scotland to — remarkably — Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe storm warning for March 23. Conditions are easing on March 24 (Kp 3–4) but some aurora activity may continue. March is historically the best month for auroras due to the equinox effect, and with Solar Cycle 25 at its peak, scientists say this could be the best aurora viewing period until the mid-2030s. Aurora forecast: https://earthsky.org/sun/sun-news-activity-solar-flare-cme-aurora-updates/ Aurora Australis guide: https://www.elle.com.au/culture/news/aurora-australis-southern-lights-march-2026-tonight-alert/   Story 3: JWST Finds 'Impossible' Atmosphere on Lava World TOI-561 b A Carnegie Institution-led team used NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to detect the strongest evidence yet for an atmosphere around a rocky exoplanet. TOI-561 b — an ultra-hot super-Earth about twice Earth's mass, orbiting its star every 10.56 hours — was expected to be a bare rock. Instead, JWST measured a dayside temperature far cooler than a bare rock would produce, indicating a thick atmosphere redistributing heat above a global magma ocean. The findings were published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Source: Carnegie Institution for Science — https://carnegiescience.edu/ultra-hot-lava-world-has-thick-atmosphere-upending-expectations ScienceDaily: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260322020255.htm   Story 4: Sealed Apollo 17 Moon Rocks Reveal Surprise Sulfur Signal Sealed lunar samples from Apollo 17 (collected 1972, opened through NASA's ANGSA program) have revealed unexpected sulfur isotope signatures. A Brown University-led team found volcanic material from the Taurus-Littrow region is strongly depleted in sulfur-33 — unlike anything found on Earth. Possible explanations include ancient lunar atmospheric chemistry or a legacy of the Theia impact that formed the Moon. Published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets. Source: Brown University — https://www.brown.edu/news/2025-10-06/sulfur-isotopes-apollo-samples SciTechDaily: https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-open-moon-rocks-locked-away-since-1972-and-find-something-totally-unexpected/   Story 5: This Week in Global Rocketry An exceptional week of launches spanning five countries and seven rocket types: SpaceX Falcon 9 (Starlink 17-17, Tuesday; Starlink 10-44, Thursday — B1067's record 34th flight; Transporter 16, Sunday), Rocket Lab Electron (ESA Celeste demo sats, Wednesday, NZ), Isar Aerospace Spectrum (Onward and Upward, Wednesday, Norway), Chang Zheng 2C (Wednesday, China), CAS Space Kinetica 1 (Friday, China), Russia's debut Soyuz-5 (Friday, Baikonur), and ULA Atlas V (Amazon Leo batch, Sunday). The 73rd orbital launch attempt of 2026 worldwide. Full preview: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2026/03/launch-preview-032326/   Update: Progress MS-33 & Spectrum Rocket Progress MS-33 (also known as Progress 94) launched from the newly-repaired Site 31/6 at Baikonur on March 22 carrying 2,509 kg of supplies for the ISS Expedition 74 crew. A KURS antenna failure required ISS commander Sergei Kud-Sverchkov to dock the vehicle manually using the TORU backup system, scheduled for 13:34 UTC on March 24. Separately, Isar Aerospace's Spectrum rocket remains on the pad at Andøya, Norway, with a new launch window on March 25 (20:00–21:00 UTC) after weather delays. Progress MS-33: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2026/03/progress-ms33/ Spectrum launch info: https://isaraerospace.com/mission-updates-overview   

We've waited, and we've waited, and it looks like Artemis 2 might be ready to go in early April! It's moved back to the launch pad, LC-39B, and will begin preparations for a launch as early as April 1. There will be no wet-dress rehearsal this time — associate administrator Lori Glaze said in a recent press conference that once they fuel successfully, she just wants to go to launch. The crew of Artemis 2 will soon arrive at KSC for pre-launch quarantine, as will Tariq, who will be covering the launch. We invited Mike Wall, the spaceflight and tech editor at Space.com, back to the show to bring us up to date on all the latest Artemis news. Headlines: Blue Origin and NASA Team Up to Hunt Earth-Threatening Asteroids Rocket Lab Nabs $190 Million for 20 Hypersonic Test Launches Spring Equinox Arrives with Northern Lights Potential Sun Gun Orbital Mirrors Spark Debate on Utility and Security Main Topic: Artemis II Launch Update Rollout and Status of Artemis II: Delays, Rocket Issues, and Launch Windows Comparing Artemis II Trajectory to Apollo 8 and Apollo 13 Solar Activity Risks for Artemis Astronauts Discussed Shake-Up in Artemis Program: Artemis III Will Perform Docking Tests with Lunar Landers Blue Origin vs SpaceX: Moon Lander Progress and Readiness Gateway Lunar Station Uncertainty and International Partnerships Challenges with Refueling Starship and Lander Logistics Legislative Moves Toward a Permanent Moon Base What to Watch for Ahead of Artemis II—Final Checks and Go/No-Go Signs Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Mike Wall Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: outsystems.com/twit

We've waited, and we've waited, and it looks like Artemis 2 might be ready to go in early April! It's moved back to the launch pad, LC-39B, and will begin preparations for a launch as early as April 1. There will be no wet-dress rehearsal this time — associate administrator Lori Glaze said in a recent press conference that once they fuel successfully, she just wants to go to launch. The crew of Artemis 2 will soon arrive at KSC for pre-launch quarantine, as will Tariq, who will be covering the launch. We invited Mike Wall, the spaceflight and tech editor at Space.com, back to the show to bring us up to date on all the latest Artemis news. Headlines: Blue Origin and NASA Team Up to Hunt Earth-Threatening Asteroids Rocket Lab Nabs $190 Million for 20 Hypersonic Test Launches Spring Equinox Arrives with Northern Lights Potential Sun Gun Orbital Mirrors Spark Debate on Utility and Security Main Topic: Artemis II Launch Update Rollout and Status of Artemis II: Delays, Rocket Issues, and Launch Windows Comparing Artemis II Trajectory to Apollo 8 and Apollo 13 Solar Activity Risks for Artemis Astronauts Discussed Shake-Up in Artemis Program: Artemis III Will Perform Docking Tests with Lunar Landers Blue Origin vs SpaceX: Moon Lander Progress and Readiness Gateway Lunar Station Uncertainty and International Partnerships Challenges with Refueling Starship and Lander Logistics Legislative Moves Toward a Permanent Moon Base What to Watch for Ahead of Artemis II—Final Checks and Go/No-Go Signs Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Mike Wall Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: outsystems.com/twit

We've waited, and we've waited, and it looks like Artemis 2 might be ready to go in early April! It's moved back to the launch pad, LC-39B, and will begin preparations for a launch as early as April 1. There will be no wet-dress rehearsal this time — associate administrator Lori Glaze said in a recent press conference that once they fuel successfully, she just wants to go to launch. The crew of Artemis 2 will soon arrive at KSC for pre-launch quarantine, as will Tariq, who will be covering the launch. We invited Mike Wall, the spaceflight and tech editor at Space.com, back to the show to bring us up to date on all the latest Artemis news. Headlines: Blue Origin and NASA Team Up to Hunt Earth-Threatening Asteroids Rocket Lab Nabs $190 Million for 20 Hypersonic Test Launches Spring Equinox Arrives with Northern Lights Potential Sun Gun Orbital Mirrors Spark Debate on Utility and Security Main Topic: Artemis II Launch Update Rollout and Status of Artemis II: Delays, Rocket Issues, and Launch Windows Comparing Artemis II Trajectory to Apollo 8 and Apollo 13 Solar Activity Risks for Artemis Astronauts Discussed Shake-Up in Artemis Program: Artemis III Will Perform Docking Tests with Lunar Landers Blue Origin vs SpaceX: Moon Lander Progress and Readiness Gateway Lunar Station Uncertainty and International Partnerships Challenges with Refueling Starship and Lander Logistics Legislative Moves Toward a Permanent Moon Base What to Watch for Ahead of Artemis II—Final Checks and Go/No-Go Signs Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Mike Wall Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: outsystems.com/twit

We've waited, and we've waited, and it looks like Artemis 2 might be ready to go in early April! It's moved back to the launch pad, LC-39B, and will begin preparations for a launch as early as April 1. There will be no wet-dress rehearsal this time — associate administrator Lori Glaze said in a recent press conference that once they fuel successfully, she just wants to go to launch. The crew of Artemis 2 will soon arrive at KSC for pre-launch quarantine, as will Tariq, who will be covering the launch. We invited Mike Wall, the spaceflight and tech editor at Space.com, back to the show to bring us up to date on all the latest Artemis news. Headlines: Blue Origin and NASA Team Up to Hunt Earth-Threatening Asteroids Rocket Lab Nabs $190 Million for 20 Hypersonic Test Launches Spring Equinox Arrives with Northern Lights Potential Sun Gun Orbital Mirrors Spark Debate on Utility and Security Main Topic: Artemis II Launch Update Rollout and Status of Artemis II: Delays, Rocket Issues, and Launch Windows Comparing Artemis II Trajectory to Apollo 8 and Apollo 13 Solar Activity Risks for Artemis Astronauts Discussed Shake-Up in Artemis Program: Artemis III Will Perform Docking Tests with Lunar Landers Blue Origin vs SpaceX: Moon Lander Progress and Readiness Gateway Lunar Station Uncertainty and International Partnerships Challenges with Refueling Starship and Lander Logistics Legislative Moves Toward a Permanent Moon Base What to Watch for Ahead of Artemis II—Final Checks and Go/No-Go Signs Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Mike Wall Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: outsystems.com/twit

In this episode, Alex catches up on some of the latest projects he's been working on between using Space Internet (Starlink) and the testing on the 3D Printed Starlink mount. The topic of "rethinking failure" has continued to stay in the zeitgiest after the new NASA Artemis plan. As a classically trained Aerospace Engineer, Alex thought it made sense to dive into this idea more. As a maker at heart, failure is thought of as a necessity in development so that you LEARN quickly. For the "classic" way of engineering that I was taught, failure was seen differently... Some 3D printing & Space News updates to start, a dive into what "Space Internet" has been like, and then a quick trip to rethinking "failure" as we look towards NASA's future and the eventual Artemis 2 launch in April (hopefully). Thanks for joining us 3D Printing Playlist for Starlink Deck Mount Testing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nao06nbw5U&list=PLu6GQO_0j48-zpTNyhsOzUJAR8vVo6_TJ&index=7 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 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  • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at http://ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net

When most people think about deep space exploration, management acumen is generally not the first thing they settle on—but without it, no robotic mission would ever succeed. This week we are joined by Jay Gallentine, author of multiple books on the robotic exploration of space. Each of these tomes is a somewhat of a masterpiece; a deep dive into a topic that few explore in such detail. His newest book, "Born to Explore," started off as a book about robots exploring Mars, but his interviews with former JPL manager John Casani was so compelling that he transformed it into a biography. John Casani is a legend at JPL and NASA, and his story reads like a combination of a spaceflight adventure, personal memoir, and a pirate's tale. You'll love the book, and you'll love hearing about it from Jay. Join us! Headlines: Artemis II Sets April 1st Launch Date Amid Technical Fixes NASA Discusses Risks and Media Reactions Around Artemis II Mission Breifing OIG Report Reveals Delays and Issues with Artemis Moon Landers NASA's Human Landing System Development Faces Setbacks Blue Origin and SpaceX Landers Compared for Progress and Outlook Starship's Next Launch and Orbital Refueling Plans Delayed Again Main Topic: Jay Gallantine on His Book, Born to Explore, and John Casani's NASA Legacy Jay Gallantine Shares Origins of His Space Research and Writing Career Unpacking John Casani's Crucial Role at JPL and Mission Leadership Casani's Unique Team-Building Tactics and the Legendary Goat Story Galileo Mission's Hurdles, Constant Redesigns, and Casani's Problem-Solving Budget Cuts and Hard Choices on Casini Mission Management How Casani's Leadership and Philosophy Shaped NASA Spacecraft Teams Sneak Peek: Gallantine's Upcoming Book on the Evolution of Mars Rovers Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Jay Gallentine Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: threatlocker.com/twit Melissa.com/twit

When most people think about deep space exploration, management acumen is generally not the first thing they settle on—but without it, no robotic mission would ever succeed. This week we are joined by Jay Gallentine, author of multiple books on the robotic exploration of space. Each of these tomes is a somewhat of a masterpiece; a deep dive into a topic that few explore in such detail. His newest book, "Born to Explore," started off as a book about robots exploring Mars, but his interviews with former JPL manager John Casani was so compelling that he transformed it into a biography. John Casani is a legend at JPL and NASA, and his story reads like a combination of a spaceflight adventure, personal memoir, and a pirate's tale. You'll love the book, and you'll love hearing about it from Jay. Join us! Headlines: Artemis II Sets April 1st Launch Date Amid Technical Fixes NASA Discusses Risks and Media Reactions Around Artemis II Mission Breifing OIG Report Reveals Delays and Issues with Artemis Moon Landers NASA's Human Landing System Development Faces Setbacks Blue Origin and SpaceX Landers Compared for Progress and Outlook Starship's Next Launch and Orbital Refueling Plans Delayed Again Main Topic: Jay Gallantine on His Book, Born to Explore, and John Casani's NASA Legacy Jay Gallantine Shares Origins of His Space Research and Writing Career Unpacking John Casani's Crucial Role at JPL and Mission Leadership Casani's Unique Team-Building Tactics and the Legendary Goat Story Galileo Mission's Hurdles, Constant Redesigns, and Casani's Problem-Solving Budget Cuts and Hard Choices on Casini Mission Management How Casani's Leadership and Philosophy Shaped NASA Spacecraft Teams Sneak Peek: Gallantine's Upcoming Book on the Evolution of Mars Rovers Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Jay Gallentine Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: threatlocker.com/twit Melissa.com/twit

When most people think about deep space exploration, management acumen is generally not the first thing they settle on—but without it, no robotic mission would ever succeed. This week we are joined by Jay Gallentine, author of multiple books on the robotic exploration of space. Each of these tomes is a somewhat of a masterpiece; a deep dive into a topic that few explore in such detail. His newest book, "Born to Explore," started off as a book about robots exploring Mars, but his interviews with former JPL manager John Casani was so compelling that he transformed it into a biography. John Casani is a legend at JPL and NASA, and his story reads like a combination of a spaceflight adventure, personal memoir, and a pirate's tale. You'll love the book, and you'll love hearing about it from Jay. Join us! Headlines: Artemis II Sets April 1st Launch Date Amid Technical Fixes NASA Discusses Risks and Media Reactions Around Artemis II Mission Breifing OIG Report Reveals Delays and Issues with Artemis Moon Landers NASA's Human Landing System Development Faces Setbacks Blue Origin and SpaceX Landers Compared for Progress and Outlook Starship's Next Launch and Orbital Refueling Plans Delayed Again Main Topic: Jay Gallantine on His Book, Born to Explore, and John Casani's NASA Legacy Jay Gallantine Shares Origins of His Space Research and Writing Career Unpacking John Casani's Crucial Role at JPL and Mission Leadership Casani's Unique Team-Building Tactics and the Legendary Goat Story Galileo Mission's Hurdles, Constant Redesigns, and Casani's Problem-Solving Budget Cuts and Hard Choices on Casini Mission Management How Casani's Leadership and Philosophy Shaped NASA Spacecraft Teams Sneak Peek: Gallantine's Upcoming Book on the Evolution of Mars Rovers Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Jay Gallentine Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: threatlocker.com/twit Melissa.com/twit

It's our 200th episode, our annual listener special! We took your comments, suggestions, advice, and insults and wove them into a rollicking, fun-filled hour of mishaps, mayhem, and mirth! Plus space headlines and a whole passel of your space jokes! This is a fun one, so don't be shy—join us! Headlines: NASA's Artemis Program Unveils New Details and Updates Moon Safe from Asteroid 2024 YR4 in 2032 NASA Launches "NASA Force" Hiring Initiative Led by Jared Isaacman MAVEN Orbiter at Mars Faces Potential Loss—Latest Status Update Total Lunar Eclipse Marks Last Sight Until 2029 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: helixsleep.com/space

It's our 200th episode, our annual listener special! We took your comments, suggestions, advice, and insults and wove them into a rollicking, fun-filled hour of mishaps, mayhem, and mirth! Plus space headlines and a whole passel of your space jokes! This is a fun one, so don't be shy—join us! Headlines: NASA's Artemis Program Unveils New Details and Updates Moon Safe from Asteroid 2024 YR4 in 2032 NASA Launches "NASA Force" Hiring Initiative Led by Jared Isaacman MAVEN Orbiter at Mars Faces Potential Loss—Latest Status Update Total Lunar Eclipse Marks Last Sight Until 2029 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: helixsleep.com/space

Topics discussed on today's show: National Strawberry Day, Uncle Joe Benson Passes Away, The Kiss That You Could Write A Book About, Old Romance and Old Buttholes, Fake Butthole, Pop Quiz, Space News, Whistling Horse, Get The Fake Out, Stay Or Go: Mewtone, The Underdog Effect, Giving STD's, Ashley Madison is Back, and Apologies.

In this age of rapidly advancing AI and robotic technology, do we still need to send humans into space? The argument has long been that people can do things better and faster off-Earth, but the changing face of robotic tech has some feeling otherwise. This week's guest is a returning friend of the show, Dr. Pascal Lee, who has thoughts on how and when robots may perform better--and more safely--than humans in space, and then, of course, Tariq and I worry about how our mechanical masters might take our place in the cosmos. Pascal also reports on his recent experience with the National Academies' report on the human exploration of Mars. Join us! Headlines: NASA Unveils Major Overhaul to Artemis Lunar Program, With Arrtemis II & II Facing Delays and A Shift in the Lunar Landing Timeline. Mike Fincke Revealed as Astronaut Medically Evacuated from ISS Main Topic: First Steps for Human Exploration of Mars National Academies Report Identifies Top Mars Science Priorities for Astronauts, With the Search for Life on Mars Ranked as the Highest Scientific Priority Strategies Debated: Shorter Missions vs. Building Lasting Mars Infrastructure Call for Focused Mars Surface Lab to Maximize Science Returns Discussion of Sample Return, Planetary Protection, and Evolving AI-Robotics Partnerships Debate Over Long-Term Human Settlement on Mars Versus Robotic and Cyborg Exploration Implications of Rapid Progress in Humanoid Robotics and AI for the Future of Space Exploration Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Pascal Lee Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

One of the most exciting missions to ever journey to the outer solar system has the be the Dragonfly multi-rotor helicopter that will head to Saturn's moon Titan in 2028. The car-sized probe will arrive at that strange, frozen world in 2034, descending into the soupy, smoggy atmosphere and then taking flight before it even touches the ground! We spoke with the mission's Principal Investigator, Dr. Elizabeth "Zibi" Turtle, about the mission's origins, current progress, and what to expect in the coming years. She also took us through a narrated tour of the surface of Titan, with its hydrocarbon sand dunes and methane seas. The Dragonfly mission will be an adventure of a lifetime! Headlines: NASA's Artemis II Moon Rocket Aces New Fueling Test Boeing Starliner is Rated a "Type A" Mishap and Faces More Launch Delays Perseverance Rover Gets Instant Mars GPS-like Functionality Main Topic: NASA's Dragonfly Mission to Titan Dr. Elizabeth Turtle explains Dragonfly's origins and mission concept Why Titan is unique and somewhat akin to the primordial Earth, perfect for exploring prebiotic chemistry Dragonfly's advanced science suite and autonomous flying capability Insights from the Cassini/Huygens missions and how they are shaping Dragonfly Navigation, flight strategy, and safety planning for Titan's harsh environment Power, heating, and longevity on Titan's freezing surface Titan's dune landscape, flying conditions, and analogs to Earth Big scientific questions: methane cycle, atmospheric mysteries, and potential surprises Mission timeline, lander design, and the innovative "fly-as-you-land" arrival approach Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Turtle Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Most people don't think of spaceflight when talking about the United Nations, but the UN, through its Office of Outer Space Affairs, or UNOOSA, has been pivotal in securing agreements on space poilicy and behavioral norms. This week, we speak with Aarti Holla-Maini, the director of UNOOSA, and Dr. Rick Jenet, the executive director of Expanding Frontiers and the National Space Society's representative to the UN, about the importance of this office. It's a wide-ranging discussion of the intersection of international space efforts and the intersection with commercial space as we expand activities into Earth orbit, the moon, and beyond. Headlines: SpaceX Crew-12 Launch Sends New Astronauts to the ISS Vast Joins Commercial Flights to the ISS, Prepares for Private Space Stations Axiom and Vast Face Off in Commercial LEO Station Race International Collaboration Ramps Up for Future of Space Policy Main Topic: Inside UNOOSA—The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs Dr. Rick Janet Explains the Role of COPUOS and UNOOSA in Global Space Governance Aarti Holla-Maini Shares Her Path to Leading UNOOSA and Her Vision for Its Future Distinguishing UNOOSA (the office) from COPUOS (the committee) UNOOSA's Expanding Mission: Capacity Building, Disaster Response, Space Law, and Sustainability The Importance of Neutral Convening, Capacity Building, and Industry Input Growing Need for Space Sustainability, Debris Mitigation, and New Regulatory Focus Anticipating Lunar Activity: Resource Use, Transparency, and Non-Appropriation Principle Engaging Commercial Space Actors While Maintaining Member State Authority Megaconstellations: Building New Norms for Responsible Behavior in Orbit Future UNOOSA Goals: Coordinating Space Traffic, Centralizing Satellite Data Access, and Fostering Global Partnerships Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guests: Fredrick (Rick) Jenet and Aarti Holla-Maini Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Melissa.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit