Podcasts about Space policy

How can we build a new Moon program while slashing science funding? Bill Nye takes the host's chair alongside Chuck Nice to tackle one of the most urgent issues facing our future in space with Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society, who's been tracking and analyzing NASA's funding for years. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/bill-nye-takeover/Thanks to our Patrons anthonee rolfson, David Moncsko, 7Linden7, Kyle Meserve, Nancy Kimmel, Marc Gardiner, Carl Cheshire, El Mero Chingón Daniel Shin, Daniel Fisher, Christopher Crider, pintos dabeans, Alfric, Ry Guy, Juan Roa, Ph1lycheez, John4Disney, Esther Klein, Mako, Matthew Schuller, Alison L Bentley, Spencer Dohm, Brandon, David Yamanoha, Yash Goyal, Emily Hendrix, Mick W, Darin Wagner, Grant Cameron, Cheryl Courtright from Spring TX, Yonatan Gher, Edward Martin, erin grant, Emilio Martinez-Cordero, Nathan Trent, Pat D, Daniel Nicgorski, Alvan Mbongo, Colin Zwicker, Grand One, Adam, ubanamie320., Eric Mill, Aikya, Sean Dalglish, brian rowley, Philip, Quentin Walker, david smith, John Dusenberry, Karina Szalaiova, Ycros, Karel Netusil, Joe M, Rossell E Cameron, Gary Weber, Major King, david powell, Six String Sam, milky, Alyssa Solis, Wrama, Deanna Szwarc, Anthony Wiseman, Veronica Tash, Carrie Wilson-Bridges, Sebastian Cruz, Rhyskel, Kendra Meinert Hodson, princess, Jessy Kaiser, Anand Raman, Lance Davis, Yvonne S McCool, cameron campbell, Gene Davis, Greg, Micheal Jarka, Jenn [Z3120], Mark Lineberger, Jimmy Walker, Noëllie Newcastle, Andrew Nolen, Andrwnick, David Harrold, Vicki, Kaelyn P, and Kevin Staley for supporting us this week. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a whole week early.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Miles O'Brien, science correspondent for PBS News and CNN space analyst, joins me to talk about Starship Flight 11, the current space policy landscape including the ongoing government shutdown, the possible return of Jared Isaacman, and what to do about all the competing budget priorities at NASA.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 32 executive producers—Joakim, David, Heiko, Ryan, Jan, Kris, Frank, Josh from Impulse, Steve, Russell, Joonas, Joel, Matt, Will and Lars from Agile, Natasha Tsakos, Donald, Lee, Better Every Day Studios, Warren, Theo and Violet, Pat, Fred, The Astrogators at SEE, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Stealth Julian, and four anonymous—and hundreds of supporters.TopicsMiles O'Brien Productions - Miles O'BrienMiles Ahead | Miles O'Brien | SubstackSpaceX finally got exactly what it needed from Starship V2 - Ars TechnicaMore layoffs at JPL - SpaceNewsTrump, Billionaire Isaacman Said to Meet About Top NASA Job - BloombergFormer NASA nominee Jared Isaacman in talks to become agency's chief | ReutersThe ShowLike the show? Support the show on Patreon or Substack!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOFollow @meco@spacey.space on MastodonListen to MECO HeadlinesListen to Off-NominalJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterArtwork photo by NASAWork with me and my design and development agency: Pine Works

On October 6, 2025, hundreds of space advocates from across the United States joined The Planetary Society and 20 partner organizations on Capitol Hill to deliver one clear message: protect NASA’s science budget. We begin with Ari Koeppel, AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow and Space Policy Intern at The Planetary Society, who shares why this moment matters for scientists facing uncertainty about their future. Then Britney Schmidt, planetary scientist at Cornell University and member of The Planetary Society’s Board of Directors, calls in from Washington, D.C., to share what it’s like on the ground as hundreds of advocates come together to defend the future of space science. Next, we take you to the press conference on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, featuring Bill Nye, CEO of The Planetary Society, Representative Glenn Ivey of Maryland’s 4th District, Marcel Agüeros, president-elect of the American Astronomical Society, and Brandon Jones, President of the American Geophysical Union. Together, they urge Congress to restore NASA’s science funding and maintain the United States' leadership in discovery. We close with Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, reflecting on the power of grassroots advocacy and what comes next for the Save NASA Science campaign. Finally, in What’s Up, Bruce Betts, The Planetary Society’s chief scientist, joins host Sarah Al-Ahmed to look ahead, exploring the great mysteries we could solve in the coming years if we continue to invest in space science. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-day-of-action-for-nasa-scienceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the United States is indeed in a space race with China, then we cannot abandon space science. That’s the claim made by Maxwell Zhu and The Planetary Society’s chief of space policy, Casey Dreier, in a recent op-ed in Payload Space. Their piece contrasted the growing ambitions of China’s coming space science program against the draconian cuts proposed by the White House in 2026. The results are stark: where China is pursuing new missions, the United States is abandoning them. Casey and Maxwell explore why this is the case, whether China sees this investment as part of a competition at all, and the structural challenges of integrating space science into a geopolitical context. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/maxwell-zhu-on-chinas-space-science-ambitionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Armstrong Chair of Space Policy at Ohio State University Dr John Horack chats with Michael about the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the role of government when it comes to enabling and protecting the business of space? How do regulations keep up (or not) with innovation? To what degree is Space Situational Awareness (SSA) inherently a government function like highway or maritime safety, and which agency should take responsibility? In this episode we talk to former Directors of the US Office of Space Commerce (OSC) about their experience across multiple White House administrations, and the history and future of decision-making in the newly elevated agency-level office.  Christine Joseph, The Aerospace Corporation and former advisor at OSC talks to Kevin O'Connell, now CEO of Space Economy Rising and Richard DalBello now Principal at RDB Space.  This episode is part of the Going Faster Series that discusses various facets of speed, agility, innovation, and rapid deployment in national security, civil, and commercial space.    Available by video or podcast. The Space Policy Show is produced by The Aerospace Corporation's Center for Space Policy and Strategy. It is a virtual series covering a broad set of topics that span across the space enterprise. CSPS brings together experts from within Aerospace, the government, academia, business, nonprofits, and the national labs. The show and their podcasts are an opportunity to learn about and to stay engaged with the larger space policy community. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch all episodes!

Bill Nye, CEO of The Planetary Society, has officially joined the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In this episode, we speak with Bill about what this rare honor means to him and to science communication. Then, we take you inside the star ceremony in Los Angeles, where friends and fans, including Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, paid tribute to his legacy. From there, we shift to Washington, D.C., where NASA faces the threat of deep budget cuts. Planetary Society Chief of Space Policy Casey Dreier and Director of Government Relations Jack Kiraly share the latest updates as we prepare for the upcoming Day of Action. We close with Bruce Betts and What’s Up, reflecting on the unexpected adventures that come with working in space science. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-bill-nye-starSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billions of years ago, Mars may have looked less like the barren red desert we know today and more like Earth—with a blue sky, flowing rivers, and even seas. What happened to turn a once-habitable world into the frozen, lifeless planet we see now?On this episode of Big Brains, University of Chicago geophysical scientist Edwin Kite takes us on a journey through Mars' hidden past. From evidence of a lost carbon cycle to theories about ancient climate swings, Kite's research is rewriting the story of the Red Planet. But it's not just about the past—his work is also at the forefront of a provocative question: could humanity one day terraform Mars and make it a living world again? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bob Zimmerman Space Policy, Launches, and Astronomical Discoveries Bob Zimmerman criticizes the over-budget Artemis lunar program while praising SpaceX's increased launches from Cape Canaveral. He discusses the politically-driven Space Force HQ relocation and NASA's efforts to reduce reliance on Russia for ISS orbit-raising. Global space startups are booming, Starlink cuts prices, and new astronomical discoveries are made. 1960

CONTINUED Bob Zimmerman Space Policy, Launches, and Astronomical Discoveries Bob Zimmerman criticizes the over-budget Artemis lunar program while praising SpaceX's increased launches from Cape Canaveral. He discusses the politically-driven Space Force HQ relocation and NASA's efforts to reduce reliance on Russia for ISS orbit-raising. Global space startups are booming, Starlink cuts prices, and new astronomical discoveries are made. 1958

After decades of being the purview of world governments, space operations have exploded in commercial and civilian necessity in recent years. Commercial satellites have increased 7 fold over the last 15 years and now total more than 10,000. Space capabilities are central to nearly every operational concept and military mission, not to mention every modern economy. Furthermore, space operations and electromagnetic spectrum operations are inextricably linked. How does the Unites State juggle the competition between military and commercial in space? How can the United States secure an enduring advantage in space operations in modern conflicts? In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by Brian Weeden, Systems Director in the Center for Space Policy and Strategy with The Aerospace Corporation. Brian says the creation of the U.S. Space Force and the renewal of U.S. Space Command offers opportunities to rethink how the nation works outside of Earth's orbit and to solve big questions. How can America support terrestrial military operations or conduct activities in space itself all while juggling spectrums shared by satellites in low-orbit and thousands of miles above Earth's atmosphere?To learn more about today's topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage. And please follow our new Instagram account, @fromthecrowsnestpodcast.We also invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.

Commercial space is a growing industry, and the U.S. government is looking for ways to build capabilities, support private industry, and increase competition. Organizations like Satellite Industry Association (SIA) and Commercial Space Federation (CSF) are working to ensure their members have a voice when it comes to government policy making and strategies for maintaining U.S. leadership in space.  Join Audrey Allison, Sr Policy Analyst CSPS, Mr. David Cavossa, President CSF, and Mr. Tom Stroup, President SIA as they discuss some of the most important challenges, recent White House decisions, safety and sustainability, the EU Space Act, international decision-making, competition with China, and more.  This episode is part of the Going Faster Series that discusses various facets of speed, agility, innovation, and rapid deployment in national security, civil, and commercial space.    The Space Policy Show is produced by The Aerospace Corporation's Center for Space Policy and Strategy. It is a virtual series covering a broad set of topics that span across the space enterprise. CSPS brings together experts from within Aerospace, the government, academia, business, nonprofits, and the national labs. The show and their podcasts are an opportunity to learn about and to stay engaged with the larger space policy community. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch all episodes!

Our program primarily focused on Rick's upcoming book "Why Space: The Purpose of People" and his involvement in the New Worlds and Cowboy Ball conference in Austin, which will feature various workshops, speakers, and entertainment. The group discussed the Earthlight Foundation's "Space 4" project for STEM education in Ukraine and an upcoming art exhibition featuring space-themed paintings. The conversation concluded with discussions about NASA leadership challenges, concerns about the Space Launch System program, and plans for future space exploration initiatives.We started out talking about Rick's upcoming book, "Why Space: The Purpose of People," which is set to be released in about a month and a half. The New Worlds and Cowboy Ball conference in Austin, Texas, from October 23-25 was part of the book discussion. .In talking about the New Worlds event, scheduled for October 23-25 at the AT&T Conference Center in Austin, we learned that the event will feature workshops on space investment and space communication, as well as a private workshop on biomedical issues. Nine pre-phase A startups will be showcased throughout the event, and the Space Cowboy Ball will cap off the weekend. Rick emphasized that the event aims to differentiate itself from other space conferences by offering engaging content and avoiding typical conference formats. The event will also feature a variety of speakers, including Orson Scott Card, and will include film screenings and other entertainment.Rick talked about his Earthlight Foundation's "Space 4" project, which aims to raise money for STEM education, particularly for rocket clubs and robotics teams in Ukraine. Charles noted Ukraine's historical contributions to space programs, and Rick expressed hope that Ukraine could become a top space power. The group also discussed an upcoming art exhibition featuring space-themed paintings by Ajay while Rick described the "Cowboy Ball," an awards ceremony and dance party with a costume theme.Rick said his upcoming book was a combination of three books covering the history of space exploration, his personal experiences, and the current state of the space industry. He emphasized that the book aims to convey the deeper reasons behind space exploration rather than technical details. Rick also mentioned that he is considering holding a book reading at an upcoming conference but is still undecided.Rick shared his personal journey, which led him to dedicate his life to a cause that became his life's work. He described a series of events, including a bomb threat at an AA meeting in LA and a conversation with Gene Roddenberry, which influenced his path. Rick mentioned his struggles with alcoholism and how sobriety and a conversation with Elon Musk helped him refocus his goals. He also discussed his desire to make Star Trek a reality, which was inspired by a conversation with Gene Roddenberry. Rick's stories are included in his book.Rick also said discussed the book explores the reasons for human space exploration. He explained that his personal realization of space's purpose began in 2011 and outlined three principles of purpose: protecting and expanding the domain of life, honoring and evolving human civilization, and evolving both culturally and physically. Rick also mentioned that the book includes science fiction vignettes and will be published around October 20th.Ajay shared his op-ed on space exploration and offered to send it to Rick for reference. Rick expressed interest in reading it and suggested Ajay bring it to the upcoming conference. They discussed the importance of having multiple voices in the space community and the progress made in commercial space travel over the years. Rick shared his experiences with Elon Musk and SpaceX, highlighting the challenges and efforts made by various individuals to support space exploration initiatives.Later in the program, Rick expressed concerns about the U.S. government's approach to space exploration, particularly regarding China's potential moon landing in 2029 and the lack of support for private space companies. He criticized Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Babbitt for their support of Chinese lunar ambitions, suggesting that their actions may be influenced by political and cultural factors rather than national interests. Ajay and Charles discussed the possibility of financial motivations behind these political stances, though Rick emphasized that he had no concrete evidence of illicit activities.The group discussed the ongoing challenges with the Space Launch System (SLS) program and the need for alternative solutions. Rick emphasized the importance of private sector development of reusable rocket ships, while Charles and John highlighted the high costs and long delays associated with the current SLS program. The conversation touched on the need to continue working against the SLS program while promoting alternatives, with Rick suggesting that private sector innovation could ultimately provide a solution.All of us, Rick included, shared concerns about NASA leadership, with Rick expressing worry that current NASA leadership lacks the necessary vision and boldness to drive significant change, noting that staff are focused on maintaining personal relationships rather than addressing institutional challenges. They agreed that a strong, decisive leader is needed to address national space priorities, with David suggesting that a space-focused show could help influence decision-makers in the White House. The discussion concluded with plans for an open lines program on September 28th, where participants will have the opportunity to discuss space and defense issues further.Please read the summary and see the Zoom video of this program at doctorspace.substack.com.Our Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4427 ZOOM Walt Anderson | Tuesday 09 Sep 2025 700PM PTGuests: Walt Andersonzoom Walt uddate us on his company AVEALTO now ready to be a transformative & disruptive telecom techo the telecom satellite industry.Broadcast 4428 Dr. Sara Seager | Wednesday 10 Sep 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston., Dr. Sara SeagerDr. Seager discusses her work re planets without water could still produce certain liquidsBroadcast 4429: ZOOM Doug Loverro | Friday 12 Sep 2025 930AM PTGuests: Douglas LoverroZOOM: Doug discusses return to the Moon policy per his recent Space News Op Ed dated 9-2-25 titled "We led NASA's human exploration program. Here's what Artemis needs next." co-authored by Doug Cooke and Dan DumbacherBroadcast 4430 ZOOM Dr. Gerta Keller | Sunday 14 Sep 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Gerta kellerzoom Dr. Keller discusses her book, "The Last Extinction: The Real Science Behind The Death of the Dinosaurs"Stream Guys https://player.streamguys.com/thespaceshow/sgplayer3/player.php#FastServ https://ic2646c302.fastserv.com/stream Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

NASA, the crown jewel of 20th-century technocratic liberalism, was the first to land humans on the Moon but now depends on SpaceX for its access to space. Atlantic writer Franklin Foer believes this reflects a diminishment of national capability and that NASA was inadvertently responsible for its own decline. He traces this transformation from a collective pursuit of higher values to a more individualistic — and idiosyncratic — motivation based on utility and extraction, and ties it to a larger trend in American politics over the past 50 years. Along the way, Frank and host Casey Dreier discuss if Elon Musk is the antithesis of Carl Sagan, the tensions between individualism and collectivism in American politics, and the role of the romantic ideal in the symbolism of space exploration. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/franklin-foer-on-nasas-declineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to internal company documents reviewed by The New York Times, SpaceX has most likely paid little to no federal income taxes since its founding in 2002. NASA and Google are collaborating to test an AI-powered medical assistant designed to support astronauts on long-duration missions. Voyager Technologies is investing in Latent AI, and more. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. T-Minus Guest Parker Wishik brings us The Aerospace Corporation's monthly segment Nexus. Parker is joined by Craig J. Smith Executive Director at Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority, Scott McLaughlin, Executive Director at the New Mexico Spaceport Authority (Spaceport America) and Karen Jones, senior project leader in the Center for Space Policy and Strategy at The Aerospace Corporation. Selected Reading SpaceX Gets Billions From the Government. It Gives Little to Nothing Back in Taxes. FAA approves Starship Flight 10 after mishap probe, eyes August 24 launch - NASASpaceFlight.com NASA and Google test AI medical assistant for astronaut missions to the moon and Mars- Space Voyager and Latent AI Bring Advanced AI to Orbit Firefly Aerospace eyes Alpha rocket launch in Japan for Asia market-Reuters Flight test of Chinese start-up LandSpace's rocket fails -Reuters China launches low Earth orbit internet satellites - CGTN TOMEX+ Launch Update - Aug. 17 - NASA EUMETSAT Assumes Control of Inaugural Metop Second Generation Satellite Hijacked satellites and orbiting space weapons - ABC News NASA Seeks Proposals for 2026 Human Exploration Rover Challenge T-Minus Crew Survey Complete our annual audience survey before August 31. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here's our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does the Golden Dome and the plus-up in money for the Space Force and other defense-related space systems tell us about the Trump Administration's national defense strategy? And is it sustainable? Laura Winter speaks with Peter Garretson, a senior fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council, and co-author of the book “The Next Space Race: A Blueprint for American Primacy”; and Sam Wilson, Director, Strategy and Program Support, Center for Space Policy and Strategy, at The Aerospace Corporation. Wilson's report, “FY 2026 Defense Space Budget: Emergence of Golden Dome”, can be found here: https://csps.aerospace.org/papers/fy-2026-defense-space-budget-emergence-golden-dome

What do “Star Trek,” space advocacy, and the fight to save NASA science have in common? In this episode of Planetary Radio, we share a special panel recorded live at STLV: Trek to Vegas 2025, featuring Robert Picardo, actor and Planetary Society board member who played the Emergency Medical Hologram on ”Star Trek: Voyager,” and Tim Russ, actor, telescope enthusiast, and Voyager’s Lt. Tuvok. They’re joined by Andrew Pauly, director of marketing at The Planetary Society, and Ambre Trujillo, the Society’s digital community manager, for a conversation about how science fiction inspires real-world space exploration — and how fans can take action to protect it. Later in the episode, Jack Kiraly, director of government relations at The Planetary Society, discusses the recent wave of NASA employee departures and what it could mean for the future of space science. Then, in What’s Up, our Chief Scientist Bruce Betts reflects on the end of NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer mission. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-a-star-trek-futureSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2020s will be a decisive decade for in-space nuclear power. So argues Dr. Bhavya Lal, whose new report reframes the conversation around a simple idea: power, not propulsion, is nuclear's most immediate and disruptive capability. Power is what enables humans to stay and build on distant locales; without an abundance of it, she warns, we will never be more than visitors. But in an era of super heavy-lift capability, does this vision still require a nuclear solution, or can we simply brute-force our future in space with cheaper alternatives? Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/bhavya-lal-space-nuclear-powerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Space Policy and Global Security: An Interview with Dr Peter HaysJoin host Yvette Gonzalez on Space Cafe Radio for an thoughtful conversation with Dr Peter Hays, a leading authority on US space policy and national security, at the eighth Prague Space Security Conference. Explore pressing issues like Russian anti-satellite weapons, Chinese satellite capabilities, and the integration of commercial space activities into national security. Dr Hays discusses the challenges of space domain awareness, the need for government and commercial collaboration, and the importance of lowering the classification level of space programs to foster better international and commercial cooperation. Get a detailed look at how evolving threats and technological advancements are shaping the future of space security.Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.globalWe love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love lettersYou can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast!Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and X!

What needs to happen to improve government acquisition processes so we can go faster to defend and protect our nation and our allies? There are “pockets of innovation” that could be scaled, but how is that balanced with risk? Join CSPS senior policy analyst Andrew Berglund as he talks to former Assistant Secretary of Defense and former staffer on the House Armed Services Committee, Stephen Kitay, now Senior Vice President for Space Defense at True Anomaly.  This episode is part of the Going Faster Series that discusses various facets of speed, agility, innovation, and rapid deployment in national security, civil, and commercial space.  The Space Policy Show is produced by The Aerospace Corporation's Center for Space Policy and Strategy. It is a virtual series covering a broad set of topics that span across the space enterprise. CSPS brings together experts from within Aerospace, the government, academia, business, nonprofits, and the national labs. The show and their podcasts are an opportunity to learn about and to stay engaged with the larger space policy community. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch all episodes!

Our program with guest Jim Muncy covered NASA's current leadership situation and workforce challenges, including discussions about temporary administrators, potential job losses, and changes in federal government staffing policies. The conversation explored NASA's budget situation and space exploration priorities, with particular focus on the Appropriation Bill for Commerce, Justice, and Science, as well as the challenges posed by political divisions in Congress. Also discussed was the aging NASA workforce, modernization of engineering, and the need for younger innovative engineering and science. The discussion concluded with an examination of the commercial space industry's evolution and NASA's transition to new approaches for space exploration, emphasizing the need for effective leadership communication and bipartisanship in space policy.Jim Muncy discussed NASA's current leadership situation, explaining that NASA has had a temporary administrator since January and that Jarod Isaacman was nominated but not yet confirmed as administrator. He highlighted Jackie Jester's role as an excellent leader in legislative affairs and deputy chief of staff, noting her previous experience with Relativity and the Senate Commerce Committee. Jim also mentioned that NASA is currently dealing with uncertainty around 2,100 potential job losses, though he did not elaborate on this point other than pointing out the aging workforce and why plus the need for innovative engineering and science to be competitive with the private sector.Jim did spend time discussing the proposed changes in federal government staffing under the current administration, noting a reduction in the overall number of employees. He explained the implementation of a deferred retirement program that allows employees to announce their resignation in March, work remotely until September, and then officially retire. Jim also mentioned the administration's requirement for federal employees to return to in-office work, which has been met with resistance from some employees who had become accustomed to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our guest highlighted these NASA workforce challenges, noting that many employees are eligible for retirement and the agency has traditionally attracted long-term workers. He emphasized the contrast between NASA's older, more static workforce and the younger, more diverse nature of commercial industry, explaining that the Trump administration has shifted away from specific diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, resulting in some staff reductions. He suggested that changes in program priorities and funding may lead to some employees leaving NASA, but he did not anticipate mass departures or the closure of NASA centers.Jim mentioned the leadership changes at NASA, noting that Secretary Duffy was appointed as the interim administrator to provide political direction, while Janet Petro previously served as the acting administrator focusing on executive orders. He predicted that a new associate administrator would soon be named to serve as a general manager and oversee the implementation of the President's and Secretary's directives into actual programs. Jim expressed optimism about the shift towards an economic focus for space exploration, suggesting that someone with expertise in public-private partnerships would be ideal for the associate administrator role. He also explained the current tension between the executive and legislative branches regarding budget allocation and implementation, emphasizing the administration's belief in the executive branch's authority to manage day-to-day operations without significant legislative interference.Concerning the budget and Congress, the Appropriation Bill for Commerce, Justice, and Science stood out noting that NASA funding was planned on being maintained at last year's levels despite initial concerns about a 24.3% cut. Muncy expressed approval of the administration's approach to space exploration, which integrates human spaceflight and robotic missions, allowing for common hardware and technology across missions. Our guest criticized JPL's lack of innovation in the Mars sample return project, suggesting alternative methods and emphasizing the need for a more integrated and cost-effective approach to space exploration.Jim continued focusing on the challenges NASA faces due to political divisions in Congress, predicting a likely continuing resolution instead of a normal appropriation process. He suggested that the administration might prioritize a 4th Artemis mission using SLS without the Exploration Upper Stage and utilize existing gateway elements in a restructured approach combining commercial LEO destinations. Muncy also mentioned the possibility of using a 5-meter Centaur upper stage to replace the interim boosters and proposed a compromise where one additional SLS flight could be funded alongside commercial and space science initiatives. He emphasized that under a continuing resolution, NASA may terminate programs not prioritized by the administration, and he expressed a preference for increased funding in planetary science, lunar exploration, and astrophysics.Jim emphasized the need to transition NASA's focus from an unsustainable to an affordable and sustainable architecture for human exploration, aiming to make the moon part of Earth's economy. He suggested reducing unnecessary fixed costs and increasing public-private partnerships, commercial activities, and research in areas like mining and life support systems. In addition, he highlighted the importance of lowering the cost of keeping people alive and productive in space, enabling more economic and scientific experiments. He proposed setting clear metrics, such as the number of people living and working in space, to measure NASA's success and drive down costs further.When I asked Jim the path forward in implementing what Jim wanted as a space program, he discussed the Space Frontier Foundation's mission to promote the idea of space as a frontier for humanity, emphasizing that it is a place with unique resources like unfiltered solar energy and microgravity. He contrasted this view with the government's approach, which he sees as a program focused on national security and economic benefits. Muncy did introduce a third perspective, viewing space as an industry, which he sees as a transitional stage between government-led programs and a fully developed space economy.We discussed the evolution of the commercial space industry, highlighting its growth and competition since 2005. Our guest noted the success of multiple U.S. launch companies and the shift from a government monopoly to a competitive market, expressing hope that the current administration would support this vibrant industry, comparing it to the real estate industry in New York. He also addressed the need for congressional approval and suggested explaining the vision to both Congress and their constituents. Jim did emphasize that the industry has come a long way since 2009-2010, when there was only one operational commercial launch provider.Nearing the close of the program and in the form of a brief summary, Jim discussed the evolution of the commercial crew program and NASA's transition to new approaches for space exploration, emphasizing the need for leadership to communicate these changes effectively to Congress and the public. He highlighted the importance of selecting a change-oriented NASA administrator and suggested that former administrator Jarod Isaacman could play a key role in advocating for these shifts. He expressed cautious optimism about the current administration's space policy, noting potential improvements in commercial partnerships and licensing reform, while acknowledging that progress may be slower than desired. Jim also touched on the need for bipartisanship in space policy and criticized the lack of constructive dialogue on NASA's budget, urging a more balanced discussion of its merits and flaws.Note that Jim received two detailed and lengthy listener phone calls, one from John Hunt and the other from Dr. Kothari We also we received several email listener questions and comments. Artemis, SLS, Orion were additional topics discussed as was the use of Falcon Heavy to get us to the Moon faster and cheaper.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4401 BY ZOOM: John Hunt | Tuesday 15 Jul 2025 700PM PTGuests: John HuntThis is a Zoom show. Listening instructions will be posted on the blog prior to the show. Topic: Re the UAP Matter: Our own JOHN HUNT Vs.The Wall Street Journal! Don't miss it!Broadcast 4402: Hotel Mars TBD | Wednesday 16 Jul 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David LivingstonHotel Mars TBDBroadcast 4403: Dr. E. Talaat, CEO of USRA | Friday 18 Jul 2025 930AM PTGuests: Dr. Elsayed R. TalaatWe present Dr. E. Talaat, CEO and President of USRABroadcast 4404: Rand Simberg | Sunday 20 Jul 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Rand SimbergRand speaks on this important and memorable day in historyLive Streaming is at https://www.thespaceshow.com/content/listen-live with the following live streaming sites:Stream Guys https://player.streamguys.com/thespaceshow/sgplayer3/player.php#FastServ https://ic2646c302.fastserv.com/stream Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

The Trump Administration's 2026 budget for the U.S. Space Force, counting the Big Beautiful Bill's funding, comes to about $40 billion dollars. Does this unorthodox, difficult to follow, bifurcated legislative process make this bump “ a one-time sugar high?” Laura Winter speaks with Todd Harrison, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute, and much respected NASA and Defense Department budget diviner; and Sam Wilson, Director, Strategy and Program Support, Center for Space Policy and Strategy, at The Aerospace Corporation.

Have Democrats ceded leadership in space policy? That’s what Mary Guenther believes. She’s the Director of Space Policy at the Progressive Policy Institute and the author of an editorial that claims Democrats have ceded their leadership. She traces the party’s arc from Obama-era reforms to recent data showing that Democrats introduced a third fewer space bills than Republicans in recent years, and proposes ways that the party should embrace this forward-looking field while tying it to their core issues of job creation, supply chains, and climate science.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest, Mary Guenther, argues that the Democratic Party is ceding leadership in space policy, and how linking space to jobs, supply chains, and climate could help refocus the party's relationship with the Cosmos.

Nuclear power and propulsion for space has a long history yet there continue to be hurdles from lack of mission to perceived safety concerns. That could be changing as humans stretch to travel further in space and live on celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars. Should NPP be government or commercial? Is the right pursuit for Deep Space nuclear electric or thermal propulsion? What would a “warp speed roadmap” look like? Learn more in this episode featuring Dr Brian Weeden from The Aerospace Corporation talking to Dr Bhavya Lal, former NASA Associate Administrator for Technology, Policy, and Strategy and current professor at RAND School of Public Policy. This episode is part of the Going Faster Series that discusses various facets of speed, agility, innovation, and rapid deployment in national security, civil, and commercial space.  Available by video or podcast.The Space Policy Show is produced by The Aerospace Corporation's Center for Space Policy and Strategy. It is a virtual series covering a broad set of topics that span across the space enterprise. CSPS brings together experts from within Aerospace, the government, academia, business, nonprofits, and the national labs. The show and their podcasts are an opportunity to learn about and to stay engaged with the larger space policy community. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch all episodes!

Alicia Brown from the Commercial Space Federation and Brittany Webster from the American Geophysical Union join the show to discuss NASA’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal, which aims to slash the agency’s funding by nearly 25%, cut science by 47%, and reduce staffing to levels not seen since 1960. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/fy2026-nasa-budget-discussionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Casey Dreyer, Director of Space Policy at the Planetary Society, joined us in our Space Show Zoom room to discuss the proposed 2026 NASA budget. He criticized the budget as unprecedented, “unstrategic,” and damaging—highlighting a historic 25% cut that could cancel numerous missions and projects. Casey stressed that the budget breaks the Artemis consensus, cuts scientific research, and threatens NASA's workforce. He dismissed the possibility of significant internal savings, arguing that most mission costs are tied to personnel and would require major structural reform. Casey suggested the budget proposal reflected a broader shift in U.S. priorities away from science and questioned the lack of clear space policy leadership from the White House. He attributed the budget's anti-science stance more to Rust Vought of OMB than Elon Musk and noted that NASA was excluded from key budget conversations due to the absence of a confirmed administrator.The group discussed how budget cuts affect commercial space activity and NASA's ability to support it. Casey emphasized the importance of long-term commitments to programs like Artemis to sustain a commercial space economy. While some companies remain successful, many are shifting focus toward defense contracts due to market and funding uncertainties. Zoom participant Phil proposed reframing NASA's mission in terms of national competition with China to align with current political priorities. Casey agreed that emphasizing competition with China might be effective but warned against undermining NASA's nonpartisan image. He noted that while public support exists for NASA's science missions—such as climate observation and planetary defense—human spaceflight to the Moon or Mars is less popular.Casey also addressed potential solutions, including advocating for a supplemental budget or stronger congressional resistance. Zoom listener John H suggested a continuing resolution (CR) may be the most likely outcome, given Senate voting requirements and ongoing reconciliation bill discussions. Casey explained that while a CR might appear manageable, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) could impose harmful restrictions through aggressive executive interpretation.In discussing congressional prospects, Casey was skeptical about swift action due to a narrow Republican majority and competing legislative priorities. He warned that inaction could have severe consequences and reiterated the importance of public and congressional engagement.The conversation turned to the role of the National Space Council and the implications of JD Vance's leadership. Casey expressed concerns about the lack of strategic guidance and the administration's failure to advocate its own space policy vision. He emphasized the need for policy alternatives to reduce reliance on a single contractor—namely SpaceX—and criticized the current vulnerability of programs like the Space Launch System (SLS).When asked about China's potential to reach the Moon first, Casey speculated that it could lead to a symbolic loss for the U.S., though the political response remains uncertain. He stressed that the administration's lack of public advocacy for NASA's goals is damaging and that human spaceflight's popularity depends heavily on its visibility and perceived success.In closing, Casey described the Planetary Society's advocacy efforts, highlighting their independent and aggressive campaign against the proposed cuts. He reaffirmed the importance of preserving NASA's nonpartisan reputation while pushing for restored funding. He also mentioned an upcoming podcast episode on the NASA budget featuring guests from the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) and the American Geophysical Union (AGU). The group agreed to remain engaged and offer support to help reverse the budget cuts.Listeners and viewers, much more was discussed during the 1 hour 16 minutes with Casey so be sure to either watch all of the video or listen to all of the audio. We were joined in the Zoom room by Space Show Advisory Board members Bill Gowan, John Jossy, John Hunt, A.J. Kothari, and Dr. Phil Swan. Many more questions were asked of Casey including my end of the program for Casey and/or the Planetary Society to create an alternate budget to use in working to move away from the proposed skinny budget. Such an alternate budget by those who know and are familiar with space, science and NASA would also be a terrific and relevant handout to members of congress, staffers and even the president and his office. I hope Casey and his associates follow through on this suggestion. Please post your comments on either TSS blog for this program or our Substack page, doctorspace.substack.com.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4388: Sunday, June 22: 12 PM PDT; Dr. Karen Lloyd re her book “Intra-terrestrials: Discovering the Strangest Life on Earth”Broadcast 4389: Dr. Karen Lloyd | Sunday 22 Jun 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Karen LloydDr. Lloyd talks about her new book, "intra-Terrestrials: Discovering the strangest life on Earth."Broadcast 4390: Dr. Saralyn Mark | Tuesday 24 Jun 2025 700PM PTGuests: Dr. Saralyn MarkDr. Mark on advancing human spaceflight and health here on Earth and in space.Broadcast 4391: Hotel Mars with Doug Messier | Wednesday 25 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston, Douglas MessierDoug plans on addressing all things SpaceX, Starship and Elon Musk.Broadcast 4392: BY ZOOM: Dr. Ersilia Vaudo from France | Thursday 26 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: Dr. Ersilia VaudoDr. Vaudo will highlight her new book, The Story of Astrophysics in Five Revolutions.Broadcast 4393: Casey Dreier of The Planetary Society | Friday 27 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: Casey DreierCasey address the skinny budget for NASA science and space project cutbacksBroadcast 4394: Dr. Young Bay | Sunday 29 Jun 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Young K. BaeDr. Bay addresses the development of fusion energyLive Streaming is at https://www.thespaceshow.com/content/listen-live with the following live streaming sites:Stream Guys https://player.streamguys.com/thespaceshow/sgplayer3/player.php#FastServ https://ic2646c302.fastserv.com/stream Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

Anthony is joined by Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society, and Eric Berger, Senior Space Editor at Ars Technica, to talk about the NASA 2026 budget proposal, the Jared Isaacman saga, and all the space policy storylines you could imagine.TopicsOff-Nominal - YouTubeEpisode 201 - Bad Ass, But Also Bad (with Casey Dreier and Eric Berger) (with Casey Dreier and Eric Berger) - YouTubeNASA's disastrous 2026 budget proposal in… | The Planetary SocietyThe Space Review: How NASA's proposed budget cuts are felt across the AtlanticThe Space Review: NASA's 2026 budget in brief: Unprecedented, unstrategic, and wastefulThe Planetary Society's NASA Data DashboardsIsaacman's bold plan for NASA: Nuclear ships, seven-crew Dragons, accelerated Artemis - Ars TechnicaThe administration's anti-consensus Mars plan will fail - SpaceNewsSpaceX's next Starship just blew up on its test stand in South Texas - Ars TechnicaShe was a Disney star with platinum records, but Bridgit Mendler gave it up to change the world - Ars TechnicaFollow CaseyCasey Dreier | The Planetary SocietyThe Planetary SocietyFollow EricEric Berger | Ars TechnicaEric Berger (@SciGuySpace) / XFollow Off-NominalSubscribe to the show! - Off-NominalSupport the show, join the DiscordOff-Nominal (@offnom) / TwitterOff-Nominal (@offnom@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow JakeWeMartians Podcast - Follow Humanity's Journey to MarsWeMartians Podcast (@We_Martians) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow AnthonyMain Engine Cut OffMain Engine Cut Off (@WeHaveMECO) | TwitterMain Engine Cut Off (@meco@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo) | TwitterAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo@jawns.club) - jawns.club

The Global Positioning System is over 50 years old. When it was developed, no one imagined all of the different ways it would be used by both civilians and the military. As we look forward to regulation of new technologies like artificial intelligence, what policy development lessons can we learn from GPS's history? Here with some thoughts on that is Systems Director for the Center for Space Policy and Strategy at The Aerospace Corporation, Dr. Brian Weeden.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rocket launches are exciting business, but there's a LOT that goes on behind the scenes and before the rocket is rolled out to the pad. Learn more from this ‘How Stuff Works' episode! From encapsulation to assembly and integration, launch processing typically takes two years, but the U.S. government is finding ways to meet the demand for increased cadence. For commercial launchers, government ranges provide infrastructure like roads and control centers, utilities like power and water, and shared commodities like security and weather data – all working toward public and environmental safety. Talking to host Colleen Stover from Aerospace's Center for Space Policy & Strategy, are two experts from The Aerospace Corporation, Kim Goodwater, Systems Engineering and Integration, and Johanna Malaer, Launch Test Range Operations – located at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. This episode is part of the Going Faster Series that discusses various facets of speed, agility, innovation, and rapid deployment in national security, civil, and commercial space.    The Space Policy Show is produced by The Aerospace Corporation's Center for Space Policy and Strategy. It is a virtual series covering a broad set of topics that span across the space enterprise. CSPS brings together experts from within Aerospace, the government, academia, business, nonprofits, and the national labs. The show and their podcasts are an opportunity to learn about and to stay engaged with the larger space policy community. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch all episodes!

My initial question to guest Jim Meigs focused on the ongoing conflict between Elon Musk and Donald Trump and its potential implications for U.S. space policy and programs, particularly NASA's future leadership and priorities. Together with our guest, listeners explored the challenges and uncertainties facing NASA's human spaceflight efforts, including budget constraints, shifting mission timelines, and the increasing need for private sector involvement. We also discussed possible alternatives for advancing U.S. space exploration, such as enhanced collaboration between commercial space companies, all within the context of the Musk-Trump feud. Challenges to science and robotic missions were also talked about.Moving forward, I invited Jim to discuss his April paper, U.S. Space Policy: The Next Frontier, which is linked on our blog. In doing so, he highlighted the unexpected change in NASA's leadership. One potential nominee for NASA Administrator is Gen. Steven Kwast, a past guest on The Space Show. I briefly summarized his previous appearances, noting his strong advocacy for both national security space and commercial space development. Jim also commented extensively on Jared Isaacman, who was widely expected to be nominated as NASA Administrator before his nomination was recently withdrawn. Listeners had much to say on this topic.Jim raised concerns about the political risks of SpaceX's current dominance in space policy. He warned that a future Democratic administration could seek to limit NASA's collaboration with Elon Musk, underlining the importance of maintaining multiple commercial partners to mitigate both political and operational vulnerabilities. Jim advocated for NASA to concentrate on basic research while outsourcing launch capabilities to private industry. He also addressed the need for FAA reform in both aviation and space sectors and urged NASA to adopt a more entrepreneurial mindset—though he acknowledged that congressional resistance could make such change difficult.Listeners, along with Jim, had much to say about the withdrawal of Isaacman's nomination so that topic was a frequent one on this program. Jim explained that although Isaacman enjoyed Senate support, there was a lack of clarity as of the time of this program as to why his nomination was withdrawn. There was much speculation on this issue mentioned on this program. Jim further pointed out that delays in confirming a new NASA administrator—possibly stretching over several months due to the power transition and Senate confirmation process—could be costly for NASA and the broader space community. There was some debate over the authority of the current acting administrator, with Jim suggesting she was exercising a cautious and diplomatic approach in her interim role.We touched on other broader NASA priorities, particularly the tension between lunar and Martian mission planning. Jim commented on the challenges of integrating the Starship HLS with the SLS for Artemis missions. Both our guest and listeners expressed skepticism about the proposed timelines. Budget concerns, the fate of ongoing programs, and NASA's long-term direction were also part of the conversation.Jim left the program at the bottom of the hour for a hard break. However, Zoom participants and livestream listeners continued the discussion in an open-format session, covering additional points and expanding on earlier topics raised during Jim's appearance.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentFor real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming ShowsBroadcast 4383: ZOOM: Marcus Chown, UK author | Sunday 08 Jun 2025 1200PM PTBroadcast 4384: Dave Barnhart, CEO of Arkysis | Tuesday 10 Jun 2025 700PM PTBroadcast 4385 Hotel Mars with Eric Berger | Wednesday 11 Jun 2025 930AM PTBroadcast 4386: ZOOM: Bill Gowan | Friday 13 Jun 2025 930AM PTSunday, June 15: No program in honor of Father's Day | Sunday 15 Jun 2025 1200PM PTLive Streaming is at https://www.thespaceshow.com/content/listen-live with the following live streaming sites:Stream Guys https://player.streamguys.com/thespaceshow/sgplayer3/player.php#FastServhttps://ic2646c302.fastserv.com/stream Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

Former NASA Chief Economist Akhil Rao explains why NASA needs economic expertise to navigate the complex—and often misunderstood—market forces that will determine the success or failure of its private partnerships. As NASA relies ever more on commercial companies to enable its own exploration efforts, it is imperative, Rao believes, to provide clear-eyed perspectives that highlight the challenges and solutions required to reach success. And why NASA puts itself at risk for pursuing faith-based program investments after dissolving the strategy and economics team at the agency a few months ago. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/space-economy-akhil-raoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

The White House has released its Fiscal Year 2026 congressional budget justification for NASA, and the implications are staggering. If enacted, this proposal would slash NASA’s science program funding by nearly half, cancel dozens of active and upcoming missions, and reduce the agency’s workforce by one-third. Sarah Al-Ahmed is joined by Jack Kiraly, The Planetary Society’s director of government relations, to examine what’s in the nearly 500-page document, what it means for the future of space science and exploration, and how advocates can still act to save NASA science. Then, in What’s Up, Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts shares insights on China’s newly launched asteroid sample return mission, Tianwen-2. The spacecraft will rendezvous with near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa, offering new scientific opportunities amidst a moment of global uncertainty in space exploration. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-FY-2026-budget-proposalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Open-source intelligence has historically been used to augment government intelligence about our adversaries.  Government is relying more heavily on commercial data but how does that lend to resiliency, transparency, and deterrence? How should commercial data become more integrated and more trusted? What role does AI/ML have in the future of warfare? This episode features Colonel Lina Cashin (USAF, ret.) from The Aerospace Corporation speaking to USSF Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Intelligence Chief Master Sergeant Ronald Lerch and Clinton Clark, Vice President at data supplier ExoAnalytic Solutions.  This episode is part of the Going Faster Series that discusses various facets of speed, agility, innovation, and rapid deployment in national security, civil, and commercial space.   The Space Policy Show is produced by The Aerospace Corporation's Center for Space Policy and Strategy. It is a virtual series covering a broad set of topics that span across the space enterprise. CSPS brings together experts from within Aerospace, the government, academia, business, nonprofits, and the national labs. The show and their podcasts are an opportunity to learn about and to stay engaged with the larger space policy community. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch all episodes!

This nonpartisan briefing, hosted by UAPDF provided members with valuable insights into the scientific significance, national security relevance, and innovation potential of UAP-related data.Participants included:• Dr. Avi Loeb, PhD – Frank B. Baird, Jr. Professor of Science at Harvard University; Principal Investigator, Galileo Project; Founding Director, Harvard's Black Hole Initiative.• Dr. Eric Davis, PhD – • Dr. Avi Loeb, PhD – Frank B. Baird, Jr. Professor of Science at Harvard University; Principal Investigator, Galileo Project; Founding Director, Harvard's Black Hole Initiative.• Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet, U.S. Navy (ret.), PhD – UAPDF Advisory Board Member; Former NOAA Administrator; Former Oceanographer of the Navy; PhD, Scripps Institution of Oceanography.• Christopher Mellon – UAPDF Board Member; Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence; Former Staff Director, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.• Kirk McConnell – UAPDF Advisory Board Member; Former Senior Professional Staff Member, Senate Intelligence and Armed Services Committees.• Dr. Anna Brady-Estevez, PhD – Founding Partner, American DeepTech; Former SBA Innovation Advisor; Kauffman Fellow.• Mike Gold – President, Civil and International Space, Redwire; Member of the NASA UAP Independent Study Team; Former NASA Associate Administrator for Space Policy and Partnerships; Former Acting Associate Administrator for the Office of International and Interagency Relations, and Senior Advisor the Administrator for International and Legal Affairs; Former Vice President for Civil Space, MAXAR Technologies; Former Director of DC Operations and Business Growth, Bigelow Aerospace; J.D., University of Pennsylvania Law School.• Luis Elizondo – UAPDF Board Member; Former Head, Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP); Former DoD Intelligence Official.Book Ryan on CAMEO at: https://bit.ly/3kwz3DOPatreon: http://www.patreon.com/somewhereskiesByMeACoffee: http://www.buymeacoffee.com/UFxzyzHOaQPayPal: Sprague51@hotmail.comDiscord: https://discord.gg/NTkmuwyB4FBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ryansprague.bsky.socialTwitter: https://twitter.com/SomewhereSkiesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/somewhereskiespod/Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryansprague51Order Ryan's new book: https://a.co/d/4KNQnM4Order Ryan's older book: https://amzn.to/3PmydYCStore: http://tee.pub/lic/ULZAy7IY12URead Ryan's articles at: https://medium.com/@ryan-sprague51Opening Theme Song by SeptembryoCopyright © 2025 Ryan Sprague. All rights reservedSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/somewhere-in-the-skies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, the Trump administration announced its goal of cutting $6 billion from NASA or nearly a quarter of the space agency's budget. Science programs would be hit especially hard, like the work done by NASA facilities in California. Guest: Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy, Planetary Society Three people are dead, four have received medical attention and at least seven remain missing after a small boat believed to be carrying migrants capsized near San Diego on Monday morning. Reporter: Gustavo Solis, KPBS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amid excitement around advancements in space exploration, there are unresolved issues concerning the role of private firms. Some companies receive billions of dollars in federal money and private sector leaders have been appointed to top positions at agencies like NASA. In this episode, co-host Darrell West speaks with investigative journalist Eric Lipton of the New York Times about the implications of these partnerships and what it means for space policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No one person knows how to build a spaceship. Dr. Janet Vertesi has seen this firsthand. She’s spent years embedded in NASA science teams, not as a participant, but as an observer. She’s a sociologist who studies the team dynamics of NASA missions. She is alarmed at the prospect of indiscriminate firings at the agency, and at the potential loss of institutional knowledge that won’t easily be rebuilt. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/spe-janet-vertesi-on-threats-to-nasas-group-brainSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does someone go from stargazing in a rural Australian backyard to inspiring millions around the world about space science? This week, Sarah Al-Ahmed sits down with Kobi Brown, better known as AstroKobi, to explore how his passion for the Cosmos and a knack for short-form storytelling launched his science communication career. They discuss the evolution of space outreach in the digital age, the power of social media to ignite curiosity, and how a new generation of space communicators is reshaping the way we connect with the Universe. You'll also hear the latest space policy update from Jack Kiraly, director of government relations at The Planetary Society, including developments affecting NASA’s science programs and the confirmation process for a new NASA administrator. We close out the show with What’s Up with Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, and a discussion of direct imaging of exoplanets. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-astrokobiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

NASA’s science programs are facing the largest proposed budget cut in more than 40 years. This staggering 47%reduction could cancel missions, waste billions in U.S. taxpayer investments, and unravel decades of discovery. In this episode of Planetary Radio, host Sarah Al-Ahmed is joined by Casey Dreier, The Planetary Society’s Chief of Space Policy, and Jack Kiraly, Director of Government Relations. Together, they break down what the “passback” stage of the federal budget process means for NASA, which missions and programs are in jeopardy, and how you can help push back. Later in the show, Chief Scientist Bruce Betts joins us for a reflective What’s Up as we explore the science that could be lost and why it still deserves to be saved. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-passback-budget-breakdownSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The space sector is data-rich but insight-poor. Jack Kuhr, head of research at Payload Space, joins the show to unpack how business, budgeting, and performance data—not spacecraft science—can shape investments, drive growth, and influence policy. Is there a data crisis in the space industry? What gets measured, what gets missed, and how does that shape the decisions we make about space? Kuhr shares his approach to surfacing the real story behind the numbers—and why clarity, context, and narratives matter. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/lies-and-space-dataSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Sarah Al-Ahmed and Casey Dreier for a special live recording of Planetary Radio at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C., immediately following The Planetary Society’s Day of Action. In this episode, we explore the complex geopolitical landscape NASA faces as it works toward returning humans to the Moon and exploring other worlds. With growing influence from commercial space companies, potential budget cuts, and changes in committee leadership, this pivotal moment in space exploration is shaping NASA’s future. We’re joined by Bill Nye (CEO, The Planetary Society), Nancy Chabot (Chief Scientist, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory), Rep. George Whitesides (Representative, CA-27), Rep. Judy Chu (Co-chair, Congressional Planetary Science Caucus, Representative, CA-28), and Antonio Peronace (Chief Executive, Space for Humanity). Together, we explore how evolving national priorities, key lawmakers, and the rapid growth of the commercial space sector could reshape U.S. space policy, potentially redefining the motivations that have driven space exploration since the Apollo era. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-live-from-dcSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take you inside the Mars Innovation Workshop, hosted at the SETI Institute’s headquarters and produced by Explore Mars. Planetary Society Senior Communications Advisor Mat Kaplan shares highlights from the event, exploring how cross-disciplinary collaboration is shaping the future of Mars exploration and creating solutions for challenges here on Earth. Meanwhile, major changes are happening at NASA. In a move that has raised concerns in the space community, NASA leadership has dissolved key advisory offices, including the Office of the Chief Scientist and the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy. Jack Kiraly, our director of government relations, explains what these cuts mean for the agency’s future and why space advocates should be paying attention. Then Bruce Betts shares his favorite Mars innovations and a new Random Space Fact, in this week’s What’s Up! Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-mars-innovation-workshopSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nina Armagno, retired United States Space Force lieutenant general, and Jane Harman, former congresswoman and president emerita of the Wilson Center, sit down with James M. Lindsay to discuss the increasing importance of space as a commercial opportunity and strategic vulnerability for the United States.   Mentioned on the Episode:    Council on Foreign Relations, Securing Space: A Plan for U.S. Action  For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President's Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/tpi/us-space-policy-nina-armagno-jane-harman

Philosopher Rebecca Lowe joins us to explore how the ideas of classical liberalism can provide fresh insight into humanity’s activities in space. Our conversation explores the philosophical tensions between individual freedom and societal good, the instrumental and intrinsic value of space activities, and the uniquely accessible nature of space science and exploration. From a novel approach to lunar property rights and the opportunities to support human flourishing, Lowe offers a thought-provoking vision of how philosophical traditions can inform our cosmic ambitions. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/classical-liberalism-in-spaceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The internet is buzzing about Asteroid 2024 YR4, currently ranked as the highest-threat asteroid in our skies. But is it really cause for concern? Our Public Education Specialist, Kate Howells, breaks down the facts. Then, we shift from potential impacts to stunning space imagery as Finn Burridge from the Royal Observatory Greenwich shares how astrophotographers worldwide can participate in the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition. Finally, our space policy experts, Casey Dreier and Jack Kiraly, discuss how the new Trump administration has impacted NASA in its first weeks. Stick around for What’s Up with Bruce Betts, as he explains how we assess asteroid threats using the Torino Impact Hazard Scale. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-2024-YR4-and-a-new-administrationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.