Podcasts about Space policy

Between budget battles, proposed grant rule changes, and an exploding Blue Origin rocket, there's a lot to cover in U.S. space policy right now. Jack Kiraly, The Planetary Society's director of government relations, joins host Sarah Al-Ahmed to walk through a cascade of developments affecting NASA and the broader U.S. science community, including a proposed rule change at the Office of Management and Budget that would hand control of federal research grant decisions to political appointees, bypassing the peer review process that has underpinned U.S. science for decades. Kiraly also discusses a major reorganization at NASA, a new competition for the management of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the fallout from the New Glenn explosion, and what it means for the future of Artemis. Plus, in What's Up, the names of the Artemis III crew are revealed. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-us-space-science-in-fluxSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House's Office of Management and Budget has released a sweeping 400-page proposed rule change that would fundamentally alter how the U.S. federal government manages grants, affecting everything from NASA research to biomedical science and community programs. In this episode, Casey Dreier is joined by Liz Ginexi, a former Program Officer at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, to break down what these changes would mean for American science. Among the most significant proposals: replacing merit-based peer review with partisan political review, allowing grants to be terminated at any time without justification, and restricting scientists' ability to publish their work and attend conferences. Together, Casey and Liz explain how a document dressed up in procedural language could centralize unprecedented control over U.S. scientific funding under a single White House office. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/political-control-over-scientific-grantsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Artemis II returned its crew safely to Earth, millions of people found themselves unexpectedly moved. The mission was a test flight, a proof-of-concept, and yet it felt like something far greater than the sum of its parts. In this episode, Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, sits down with Rebecca Lowe, philosophy senior fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, to explore the deeper meaning of humanity's return to deep space. Drawing on philosophy of mind, aesthetics, and theories of value, they unpack why human presence in space feels fundamentally different from even the most sophisticated robotic mission, and why that difference matters. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/spe-philosophy-of-artemis-iiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump Administration is asking Congress to more than double the Space Force budget — but with billions flowing to classified programs and a missile defense shield still under development, the real question is whether this is a strategy or a very expensive bet. 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.

Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society, joins Jake and Anthony to talk about the dichotomy of NASA right now: the Artemis II lunar flyby, and the FY2027 budget request. Topics Off-Nominal - YouTube Episode 236 - Juicy Red Fruits (with Casey Dreier) - YouTube What is the skinny budget and what does it… | The Planetary Society The Planetary Society urges Congress to… | The Planetary Society Save NASA Science Action Hub | The Planetary Society Charts and Data | The Planetary Society Follow Casey Casey Dreier | The Planetary Society The Planetary Society Follow Off-Nominal Subscribe to the show! - Off-Nominal Support the show, join the Discord Off-Nominal (@offnom) / Twitter Off-Nominal (@offnom@spacey.space) - Spacey Space Follow Jake WeMartians Podcast - Follow Humanity's Journey to Mars WeMartians Podcast (@We_Martians) | Twitter Jake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit) | Twitter Jake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit@spacey.space) - Spacey Space Follow Anthony Main Engine Cut Off Main Engine Cut Off (@WeHaveMECO) | Twitter Main Engine Cut Off (@meco@spacey.space) - Spacey Space Anthony Colangelo (@acolangelo) | Twitter Anthony Colangelo (@acolangelo@jawns.club) - jawns.club

Four astronauts — Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen — are on their way around the Moon, on a journey that will take them farther from Earth than any human has gone before. This week on Planetary Radio, we bring you the sounds of launch day and the voices of the people who lived it. You’ll hear from the engineers who built the spacecraft, including Mark Tobias, chief engineer at Northrop Grumman, Jan-Henrik Horstmann, European Service Module team leader at ESA, and Debbie Korth, deputy manager of NASA's Orion Program. U.S. Representative Mike Haridopolos and Senator and former astronaut Mark Kelly share their perspectives from the ground. Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk reflects on what it means for Canada to have one of their own heading to deep space for the very first time. NASA Chief Exploration Scientist Jake Bleacher and Lisa Carnell, director of Biological and Physical Sciences at NASA's Science Mission Directorate, break down some of the research happening on this mission. NASA astronaut Steve Bowen shares what it feels like to watch a crew launch knowing exactly what they're about to experience. And Joel Kearns, NASA's deputy associate administrator for exploration, reflects on what this moment means for the future of human spaceflight. Plus, Planetary Society Science Editor Asa Stahl and Digital Community Manager Ambre Rose Trujillo, share what it was actually like to be there on launch day. And Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts joins us for What's Up, with a look at what we've learned about the Moon since the Apollo era. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-artemis-ii-launchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes Cape Canaveral the center of U.S. spaceflight? The answer is a fascinating mix of geography, military strategy, Cold War politics, and a fair amount of historical accident. In this episode of the Space Policy Edition of Planetary Radio, host Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, sits down with Stephen C. Smith, author and writer behind the Substack The Space Pundit, to discuss his book Return to Launch: Florida and America's Space Industry. A longtime Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex communicator and Merritt Island resident, Smith brings a unique perspective to the story of how a remote Florida peninsula became the gateway to the Cosmos. The conversation spans the full arc of Cape Canaveral's history, from captured Nazi V-2 rockets fired off a concrete slab in 1950, the Apollo era's dramatic economic boom and bust, and the rise of commercial spaceflight. Along the way, Smith and Dreier explore why Mexico's president inadvertently shaped U.S. launch site selection, how eminent domain built a spaceport, and what Space Florida did to help break the region's cycle of economic dependence on government programs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Space Show for Wednesday, 25 March 2026:The announcement of a major change in direction and focus for NASA with Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator. (Courtesy NASA HQ)Policy as a compass for Australia's lunar future with Jeremy Kruckel, a member of the Space Association of Australia.The lunar discoveries of LRO  A summary of the achievements of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter since its launch in 2009. (Courtesy GSFC)Turn Back Time: Luna 10Sixty Years ago, Luna 10 became the first craft to be placed into orbit around the Moon, and how a 'swifty' was pulled on the Communist Party Congress.Should spacefarers have their appendix removed before a long-duration mission? Also, reflections on the lack of aerospace medical training in Australia with Dr Rowena Christiansen, Medical School, University of Melbourne. 

The Space Show Presents Bob Zimmerman, Tuesday, 3-24-26!Quick Summary:This space show program focused primarily on NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's comprehensive restructuring of the Artemis lunar program, which includes three phases of lunar surface operations, the pausing of the Lunar Gateway project, and increased reliance on private sector partnerships. Bob Zimmerman provided detailed analysis of the new plan, noting its logical structure and focus on engineering rather than just science, while expressing some concerns about NASA's potential over-involvement in private sector operations. The discussion also covered NASA's plans for a nuclear-powered Mars mission, the status of commercial space station development, and current progress on lunar spacesuits and rovers. Other topics included China's and India's space station programs, the potential for lunar water ice at the poles, and the broader implications for commercial space development and launch capabilities.Detailed Summary:Our guest, Bob Zimmerman, focused on discussing NASA's recent announcements, particularly regarding the Artemis program and plans for a nuclear reactor on Mars. Bob shared his experience watching an 8-hour NASA TV broadcast about these plans. The group also discussed a potential Friday show featuring Frank White, who is seeking funding to go to space on a Blue Origin rocket, and mentioned an upcoming Sunday interview with the CEO of TransAstra, who is working on asteroid retrieval projects.Bob discussed his review of NASA presentations, focusing on Jared Isaacman's restructuring of the Artemis lunar program. He explained that the program has been reorganized into three phases: initial infrastructure establishment, foundational components, and long-term human occupancy. The new plan pauses the Luna Gateway project and aims to phase out SLS, with private sector involvement in launch facilities. He noted that the first manned mission is planned for 2028, and the third phase is expected to begin around 2033.Bob detailed NASA's plans to phase out SLS and transition to private sector alternatives like SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's New Glenn. He explained NASA's approach to restructure the ISS program through an “evolutionary assembly” design involving a core module with multiple docking ports, which could benefit companies like Axiom. He also covered NASA's plans for nuclear propulsion to Mars, though he expressed skepticism about the ambitious timeline to launch by the end of 2028, noting this would be largely a government-led project.Bob discussed NASA's new approach under Administrator Isaacman, emphasizing the focus on using private sector resources more efficiently rather than wasting money on previous programs like SLS and Luna Gateway. He explained that Congress had already approved the reconfiguration through the NASA authorization bill, giving Isaacman significant freedom to implement changes. Our guest expressed growing admiration for Isaacman's political strategy in gaining congressional support while moving the program away from inefficiencies, though he noted concerns about potential budgetary issues and congressional interference.Our Wisdom Team discussed NASA's lunar exploration plans and budget allocation. Ajay and Bob agreed that while the overall $25 billion NASA budget was sufficient, previous waste on projects like Orion had created opportunities for reallocation toward more productive initiatives. Bob noted that while the third phase plans were preliminary and might change, the overall approach was intelligent and step-by-step, with NASA recognizing that early stages could evolve significantly. The discussion also covered Intuitive Machines' lunar lander redesign and Jared Isaacman's ambitious plan for 30 unmanned lunar landers over three years, though Robert expressed skepticism about meeting this timeline given past commercial landing failures.Bob discussed the potential minimal opposition to a new lunar program that relies on private sector development rather than NASA projects. He noted that while the South Pole was mentioned as a potential landing site, NASA is also considering alternatives, particularly easier locations near the equator for early missions. He also expressed concerns about the upcoming Artemis II mission, describing it as out of sequence and potentially risky, while emphasizing that the new program announced appears to prioritize engineering over science.Robert discussed NASA's new lunar program, emphasizing its focus on engineering rather than science, which represents a significant cultural shift. He noted that while the program builds on existing concepts, the overall structure is more coherent and designed to inspire public interest in space exploration. He expressed concerns about NASA's potential over-involvement in private sector projects, worrying this could lead to empire building and reduce private sector innovation. The team debated whether NASA's involvement in oversight roles was necessary for congressional reporting or could potentially stifle private sector development.The group discussed the upcoming Artemis II flight, scheduled for April 1st with a six-day launch window through April 6th. Bob explained that while lunar missions have relatively short windows, they are more flexible than Mars missions which only occur every two years. The discussion also touched on the technical considerations for lunar launches, including optimal lighting conditions for landing site visibility and the need to avoid nighttime during extended missions. The conversation concluded with a brief discussion about TransAstra planned asteroid mission, which our guest noted was in early stages and preliminary in nature.Robert and Ajay discussed the technical details of nuclear propulsion systems, clarifying the differences between nuclear thermal and nuclear electric propulsion. Robert expressed skepticism about the timeline for the SR1 mission, noting that deploying helicopters on Mars would be a significant challenge. The conversation then shifted to the presence of water ice at the Moon's South Pole, with Robert sharing recent data suggesting lower quantities than previously expected. Ajay suggested that looking below the surface might provide more information, and the discussion ended with David asking about the commercial activities planned for lunar bases.Zimmerman explained that NASA's lunar base program is primarily government-funded and not focused on profitability, but its goal is to stimulate private sector involvement in space, potentially leading to commercial activities like data centers or manufacturing. He discussed the potential of AI data centers in space, noting that while many such projects may fail due to over-investment, the demand for launch services will drive significant innovation in the rocket industry. He emphasized that the paradigm shift in space travel came with the successful landing of a rocket's first stage, which has paved the way for reusable rockets and lower costs, ultimately benefiting the development of space stations and other commercial activities in space.Bob provided an overview of global space station developments, highlighting China's government-run program, India's efforts to build its own station with potential private enterprise involvement, and Russia's ambitious but potentially delayed plans. He discussed NASA's five competing American space station projects and their potential integration with a core module concept proposed by Isaac Man. The group also addressed lunar exploration progress, including the development of spacesuits by Axiom and rovers by various private companies, with NASA considering how to coordinate these technologies for future lunar missions.Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Upcoming ShowsBroadcast 4519:(New Time) Zoom Bob Zimmerman | Tuesday 24 Mar 2026 600PM PTGuests: Robert ZimmermanZoom: Bob Zimmerman is back with fresh news, updates and perspective on Bob can deliver.Broadecast 4520 Hotel Mars - New info on DART Mission Success | Wednesday 25 Mar 2026 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David LivingstonHotel Mars and new info on Dart Mission successFriday, March 27: TBD | Friday 27 Mar 2026 930AM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonTBDBroadcast 5022 Zoom: Joel Sercel of TransAstra | Sunday 29 Mar 2026 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Joel SercelJoel discusses the TransAstra and we will talk with him about major commercial space news and development.Space Show weekly schedule pending. See Upcoming Show Menu on the right side of our home page, www.thespaceshow.com. The weekly newsletter will be posted on Substack when completed. Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

Humanity is going back to the Moon, and Europe is already playing a critical role in making it happen. This week, Planetary Radio brings you voices straight from the 18th European Space Conference in Brussels, Belgium, where more than 2,000 of the world’s top space leaders gathered to shape the future of European space exploration. We begin with conference co-organizer Tomas Dimitrov of Logos and Business Bridge Europe, who sets the stage for the conversations ahead. From there, we hear from European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad, and Germany’s Federal Space Minister Dorothee Bär. We also take you inside the Moonlight Initiative panel, bringing you the full conversation as scientists and engineers from ESA, NASA, and industry lay out their vision for building GPS and communications infrastructure around the Moon, and wrestle with what it will really take to support a permanent human presence there. Then, Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts joins us for What’s Up to tackle one of the most fascinating and unexpected challenges of lunar exploration: what time is it on the Moon? Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-european-space-conference See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dëgjim të këndshëm !- Donacione në PayPal: https://paypal.me/BHasani13?country.x=DE&locale.x=de_DE- Donacione në BuyMeaCoffee: https://studio.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard- Abonime Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/buchipodcast/subscribeSot eksplorojmë teorinë e Panspermia – idenë se jeta mund të ketë udhëtuar nga një planet në tjetrin, duke shpërndarë biokimi dhe mikroorganizma përmes hapësirës. Bazuar në dokumentarë, artikuj shkencorë dhe punime të ndryshme, zbulojmë se si meteoritet, kometat dhe madje organizmat ekstremofilë mund të jenë transportues të jetës përmes sistemit tonë diellor dhe përtej tij.Nga Marsi dhe Toka, deri tek mundësitë interplanetare dhe madje galaktike, flasim për mekanizmat që mund të mbajnë mikroorganizma të gjallë për miliona vite dhe për teoritë e panspermias ndërplanetare dhe intergalaktike. Diskutojmë gjithashtu se si kjo mund të lidhet me origjinën e jetës në Tokë dhe mundësinë që ne të jemi pjesë e një rrjeti më të madh kozmik.Ky episod nuk synon të provojë teorinë, por paraqet idetë, zbulimet dhe pyetjet që shkencëtarët po eksplorojnë sot. Njihuni me bakteret ekstremofile, “delfinat” mikroorganizmike të hapësirës, dhe konceptet revolucionare që ndryshojnë mënyrën se si e kuptojmë jetën në univers.Burimet:Smith, D. “Exposed Bacteria Can Survive Years in Space.” Smithsonian Magazine, 2016.ESA. “BIOPAN and Exobiology Experiments.” European Space Agency.JAXA. “Tanpopo Mission Overview.” Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.Horneck, G. et al. “Survival of Bacillus subtilis spores in space.” Advances in Space Research, 1982.Wickramasinghe, C. & Hoyle, F. Life on Earth and Beyond: Panspermia Theory. Cambridge University Press.NASA. “Perseverance Rover and Jezero Crater Discoveries.” NASA Science, 2021.Rummel, J. D. & Conley, C. “Planetary Protection Considerations for Panspermia.” Space Policy, 2018.Wallis, M. et al. “Lithopanspermia: Transport of Microbes via Meteorites.” Astrobiology Journal, 2019.Disclaimer / Deklarim i të Drejtave të Autorit:Të gjitha materialet e përdorura në këtë episod janë për qëllime argëtuese dhe diskutimi kritik, duke u mbështetur në përdorimin e drejtë (fair use). Nuk synohet shkelje e të drejtave të autorit.Nëse jeni pronar i të drejtave të autorit të ndonjë materiali të përdorur dhe keni ndonjë problem me përdorimin e tij në këtë episod, ju lutem kontaktoni në email: buchipodcast@gmail.com.

Is the United States really in a new space race with China? Or is that framing missing the bigger picture? In this Space Policy Edition of Planetary Radio, Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, sits down with Patrick Besha, former NASA strategic advisor on China, to explore the realities behind China’s rapidly advancing space program. They discuss how China’s political system shapes its long-term space strategy, why the rhetoric about a “space race” may be misleading, and how competition between the United States and China in space is likely to unfold over the coming decades. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/spe-us-china-space-raceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The journey to Mars is a long one so when humans arrive, we will need to maximize the science in order to understand the environment for a future there – and to learn more about how the universe formed. What are those big science questions we should seek to answer and how should the journey(s) be scheduled? After two years the National Academy of Sciences has published a report (Dec 2025) called “A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars”. In this episode Colleen Stover hosts the committee co-chairs The Honorable Dr. Dava Newman (MIT, former NASA Deputy Administrator) and Dr. Lindy Elkins-Tanton (Director, UC Berkely Space Sciences Laboratory).   You can read the full report on the NAS website. “A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars”. And if you want to dive deeper into the science objectives within the report, be sure to check out this excel sheet Table J-3: STM of the Panel on Biological and Physical Sciences and Human Factors. This episode is part of the Future Forward Series that discusses some of the most cutting-edge topics in the space enterprise today – decisions today that will define the future in areas of space science, artificial intelligence, international relations, launch capabilities, new technologies, and capital investments.  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!

Join host Adam Lowther and guest Christopher Stone, a senior fellow at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies, as they delve into the intricacies of the National Defense Strategy (NDS) on this episode of NucleCast. Explore the critical debate around the perceived shift in American defense priorities, particularly the focus on Homeland Defense and its implications for global strategic dynamics. Christopher Stone offers a compelling argument against the notion of isolationism, emphasizing the enduring importance of strategic encirclement and the evolving geopolitical landscape. This episode provides a deep dive into the strategic considerations shaping U.S. defense policy, with insights into the roles of China, Russia, and other global players. Christopher Stone is a prominent figure in space policy, currently serving as a Senior Fellow for Space Deterrence at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies, where he focuses on research related to space warfare strategies and deterrence, particularly in the context of great power competition; he previously held a position as a Special Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy at the Pentagon, giving him significant experience in the field of U.S. space policy development at a high level.Socials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org

Stoke Space has announced an extension of its previous Series D financing, bringing the total amount raised in the round to $860 million. Starcloud has revealed plans to launch Amazon Web Services' AWS Outposts to space. Eutelsat has signed for €1bn Export Credit Agency financing for the procurement of satellites for its OneWeb constellation, 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 Our guests today are Stacey Connaughton and Jon Ferency from Purdue University.  You can find out more about Purdue University's Space Policy, Science, and Technology Symposium on their website. Selected Reading Stoke Space Technologies Extends Previously Announced Series D Financing to $860 Million Starcloud to launch AWS Outposts hardware in space, aims to deploy fleet of 88,000 satellites Eutelsat Signs Almost €1bn in Export Credit Agency Financing for the Procurement of LEO Satellites for its OneWeb Constellation China moves toward manned lunar landing with Long March-10 rocket test - CGTN Alpha FLTA007 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science- UNESCO Share your feedback. What do you think about T-Minus Space Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show.  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 a NASA authorization bill actually do, and why does it matter? In this episode of Space Policy Edition, we dig into one of the most misunderstood but powerful tools Congress uses to shape the future of U.S. space exploration. Host Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, is joined by Jack Kiraly, the Society’s director of government relations, for a deep dive into how NASA authorization bills work, how they differ from appropriations, and why they can have decades-long consequences for science missions, human spaceflight, and planetary defense. The discussion also reflects on a major recent win for space advocates: Congress’s bipartisan decision to protect NASA science funding. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/spe-what-is-a-nasa-authorization-billSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which was intended to regulate activities in space, is hard to enforce and woefully out of date. New nations and private actors are entering the spaceflight arena, and an updated mechanism with a bit more teeth is needed. Our guest, Ely Sandler, a Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, has put forward the idea of using COPs—not the kind in uniform, but a Conference of Parties—as a less-formal gathering of spacefaring (and space-ambitious) entities, to discuss future treaties, agreements, and enforcement mechanisms, eventually leading to new treaties. These would be similar to the annual climate COP that has provided useful discourse on climate change. A space COP would address responsibility for and control of orbital assets, land and resource use on the Moon, Mars, and asteroids; and possibly limits to the militarization of space. Join us for a fascinating discussion! Headlines: Artemis II Moon Rocket Rolls Out for Launch Preparations Crew-11 Astronauts Speak on Space Station Medical Evacuation Earth Faces Strongest Solar Radiation Storm in 20 Years Auroras Sparked Across Unusual Latitudes Main Topic: Is the Outer Space Treaty Obsolete? Examining the Future of Space Governance with Ely Sandler Outer Space Treaty's Vagueness and Limits for Modern Space Activity Why New Space Policy Models Are Needed for Orbital Debris, Spacecraft Ownership, and Liability "Conference of the Parties" (COP) Model Proposed for Space Law Updates Challenges of Property Rights, Exclusion Zones, and International Consensus on the Moon How Commercial Space and Military Concerns Intersect Under Outdated Treaties Space Solar Power's Potential and Regulatory Hurdles for Energy Beaming Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Ely Sandler 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

The Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which was intended to regulate activities in space, is hard to enforce and woefully out of date. New nations and private actors are entering the spaceflight arena, and an updated mechanism with a bit more teeth is needed. Our guest, Ely Sandler, a Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, has put forward the idea of using COPs—not the kind in uniform, but a Conference of Parties—as a less-formal gathering of spacefaring (and space-ambitious) entities, to discuss future treaties, agreements, and enforcement mechanisms, eventually leading to new treaties. These would be similar to the annual climate COP that has provided useful discourse on climate change. A space COP would address responsibility for and control of orbital assets, land and resource use on the Moon, Mars, and asteroids; and possibly limits to the militarization of space. Join us for a fascinating discussion! Headlines: Artemis II Moon Rocket Rolls Out for Launch Preparations Crew-11 Astronauts Speak on Space Station Medical Evacuation Earth Faces Strongest Solar Radiation Storm in 20 Years Auroras Sparked Across Unusual Latitudes Main Topic: Is the Outer Space Treaty Obsolete? Examining the Future of Space Governance with Ely Sandler Outer Space Treaty's Vagueness and Limits for Modern Space Activity Why New Space Policy Models Are Needed for Orbital Debris, Spacecraft Ownership, and Liability "Conference of the Parties" (COP) Model Proposed for Space Law Updates Challenges of Property Rights, Exclusion Zones, and International Consensus on the Moon How Commercial Space and Military Concerns Intersect Under Outdated Treaties Space Solar Power's Potential and Regulatory Hurdles for Energy Beaming Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Ely Sandler 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

The Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which was intended to regulate activities in space, is hard to enforce and woefully out of date. New nations and private actors are entering the spaceflight arena, and an updated mechanism with a bit more teeth is needed. Our guest, Ely Sandler, a Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, has put forward the idea of using COPs—not the kind in uniform, but a Conference of Parties—as a less-formal gathering of spacefaring (and space-ambitious) entities, to discuss future treaties, agreements, and enforcement mechanisms, eventually leading to new treaties. These would be similar to the annual climate COP that has provided useful discourse on climate change. A space COP would address responsibility for and control of orbital assets, land and resource use on the Moon, Mars, and asteroids; and possibly limits to the militarization of space. Join us for a fascinating discussion! Headlines: Artemis II Moon Rocket Rolls Out for Launch Preparations Crew-11 Astronauts Speak on Space Station Medical Evacuation Earth Faces Strongest Solar Radiation Storm in 20 Years Auroras Sparked Across Unusual Latitudes Main Topic: Is the Outer Space Treaty Obsolete? Examining the Future of Space Governance with Ely Sandler Outer Space Treaty's Vagueness and Limits for Modern Space Activity Why New Space Policy Models Are Needed for Orbital Debris, Spacecraft Ownership, and Liability "Conference of the Parties" (COP) Model Proposed for Space Law Updates Challenges of Property Rights, Exclusion Zones, and International Consensus on the Moon How Commercial Space and Military Concerns Intersect Under Outdated Treaties Space Solar Power's Potential and Regulatory Hurdles for Energy Beaming Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Ely Sandler 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

The Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which was intended to regulate activities in space, is hard to enforce and woefully out of date. New nations and private actors are entering the spaceflight arena, and an updated mechanism with a bit more teeth is needed. Our guest, Ely Sandler, a Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, has put forward the idea of using COPs—not the kind in uniform, but a Conference of Parties—as a less-formal gathering of spacefaring (and space-ambitious) entities, to discuss future treaties, agreements, and enforcement mechanisms, eventually leading to new treaties. These would be similar to the annual climate COP that has provided useful discourse on climate change. A space COP would address responsibility for and control of orbital assets, land and resource use on the Moon, Mars, and asteroids; and possibly limits to the militarization of space. Join us for a fascinating discussion! Headlines: Artemis II Moon Rocket Rolls Out for Launch Preparations Crew-11 Astronauts Speak on Space Station Medical Evacuation Earth Faces Strongest Solar Radiation Storm in 20 Years Auroras Sparked Across Unusual Latitudes Main Topic: Is the Outer Space Treaty Obsolete? Examining the Future of Space Governance with Ely Sandler Outer Space Treaty's Vagueness and Limits for Modern Space Activity Why New Space Policy Models Are Needed for Orbital Debris, Spacecraft Ownership, and Liability "Conference of the Parties" (COP) Model Proposed for Space Law Updates Challenges of Property Rights, Exclusion Zones, and International Consensus on the Moon How Commercial Space and Military Concerns Intersect Under Outdated Treaties Space Solar Power's Potential and Regulatory Hurdles for Energy Beaming Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Ely Sandler 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

Marcia Smith, the founder and editor of Space Policy Online, joins the show and revisits a conversation we had one year ago, recorded just weeks before the second Trump administration took office. That episode, “The Challenges of Change at NASA,” explored the institutional and political roadblocks to radical change at the U.S. space agency. A lot has happened since that show, including DOGE, mass staff departures, a draconian budget cut proposal, a dramatic shift toward sending humans to Mars, and the rapid departure of 20% of NASA's workforce. But at the end of the year, much remains the same. The SLS and Orion programs continue unchanged, with funding locked in through 2032. The humans-to-Mars policy has effectively vanished; returning U.S. astronauts to the Moon, to stay, is again centered within civil space policy. NASA's science missions, though still facing a serious budgetary threat, have not gone away. So, did we see real change at NASA? And to what end? Or was it merely disruption masquerading as change? Marcia Smith and host Casey Dreier revisit their original analysis and discuss what they got wrong, what they got right, and what surprised them about 2025 in civil space policy. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/spe-2025-a-year-of-disruption-and-change-at-nasaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of our favorite interviews of 2025 was with Dr. Robert Zubrin, founder of the Mars Society and the mind behind Mars Direct, a streamlined approach to reaching the Red Planet with human beings that was later largely adopted by NASA in their mission designs. It's a fascinating story about a man who continually swam upstream against strong currents of the aerospace establishment. His seminal book, "The Case for Mars," has enjoyed multiple reprints and influenced millions. Join us for this encore of an informative and forward-looking episode! 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

One of our favorite interviews of 2025 was with Dr. Robert Zubrin, founder of the Mars Society and the mind behind Mars Direct, a streamlined approach to reaching the Red Planet with human beings that was later largely adopted by NASA in their mission designs. It's a fascinating story about a man who continually swam upstream against strong currents of the aerospace establishment. His seminal book, "The Case for Mars," has enjoyed multiple reprints and influenced millions. Join us for this encore of an informative and forward-looking episode! 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

One of our favorite interviews of 2025 was with Dr. Robert Zubrin, founder of the Mars Society and the mind behind Mars Direct, a streamlined approach to reaching the Red Planet with human beings that was later largely adopted by NASA in their mission designs. It's a fascinating story about a man who continually swam upstream against strong currents of the aerospace establishment. His seminal book, "The Case for Mars," has enjoyed multiple reprints and influenced millions. Join us for this encore of an informative and forward-looking episode! 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

One of our favorite interviews of 2025 was with Dr. Robert Zubrin, founder of the Mars Society and the mind behind Mars Direct, a streamlined approach to reaching the Red Planet with human beings that was later largely adopted by NASA in their mission designs. It's a fascinating story about a man who continually swam upstream against strong currents of the aerospace establishment. His seminal book, "The Case for Mars," has enjoyed multiple reprints and influenced millions. Join us for this encore of an informative and forward-looking episode! 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

2025 was one of the most consequential years for space policy in modern U.S. history. In this special year-in-review episode, Planetary Radio takes a deep dive into what happened behind the scenes in U.S. space policy and advocacy as NASA faced unprecedented proposed cuts to its science programs. With nearly half of NASA’s science budget at risk, dozens of missions threatened, and months of leadership uncertainty at the agency, this year became a defining moment for the future of space science. Sarah Al-Ahmed is joined by Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, Jack Kiraly, director of government relations, and Ari Koeppel, an AAAS science & technology policy fellow, to unpack how this crisis unfolded and how scientists, space advocates, and lawmakers responded. Together, they explore how public advocacy helped shift the conversation in Congress. Plus, in What’s Up, Chief Scientist Bruce Betts explains why stability matters so much for space science and what’s at stake when long-term missions are disrupted. This is the first of two special year-end episodes. Next week, Planetary Radio will look back at what humanity accomplished in space exploration in 2025, from new missions and discoveries to milestones across our Solar System and beyond. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-looking-back-space-policy-and-advocacySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do we explore space, and why does science matter in the first place? In this Space Policy Edition rerun, Planetary Society Chief of Space Policy Casey Dreier revisits a deeply influential 2020 conversation with philosopher and ethicist J. S. Johnson-Schwartz, author of The Value of Science and Space Exploration. As debates over NASA’s budget and the future of space science continue to resurface, this conversation remains strikingly relevant. Dr. Johnson Schwartz makes a compelling philosophical case that science itself is not merely useful or beneficial, but a moral obligation. Beyond economic returns, technological spinoffs, or national prestige, the pursuit of knowledge has intrinsic value, and public space agencies play a critical role in representing that shared human interest. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/the-moral-case-for-spaceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 International Mars Society Convention convened at the University of Southern California this October for three days of passionate discussion about humanity’s future on the red planet. Speakers explored science, policy, technology, AI, synthetic biology, and the long-term path toward becoming a multi-planet species. In this episode, Mat Kaplan, senior communications adviser at The Planetary Society, shares his conversations with speakers and guests at the Convention. We hear from Robert Zubrin, founder of The Mars Society, who delivered a fiery call to protect NASA’s science programs in the face of unprecedented budget cuts. Humphrey “Hoppy” Price, Chief Engineer for NASA’s Robotic Mars Exploration Program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, updates us on the future of Mars Sample Return and new mission architectures. Keynote speaker Dex Hunter-Torricke, a longtime communications leader for SpaceX, Meta, and other major tech organizations, reflects on AI’s promise and peril, and why Mars remains a beacon of hope for humanity’s future. Biologist and technologist Tiffany Vora, vice president for innovation partnerships at Explore Mars, and Erika DeBenedictis, biologist and founder of Pioneer Labs, reveal breakthroughs in synthetic biology and engineered microbes that could help future Martians survive. Steve Benner, chemist and founder of the Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution (FfAME), revisits the Viking lander experiments and makes a provocative case that we may have found Martian life nearly 50 years ago. Architect Melodie Yashar, CEO of AENARA and a pioneer in 3D-printed habitat research, shares progress in additive construction on Earth and Mars. James Burk, executive director of The Mars Society, discusses advocacy, analog research stations, and the organization’s expanding international footprint. Finally, we meet Sasha, a 13-year-old presenter whose enthusiasm offers a bright glimpse of the next generation of explorers. We wrap up the show with What’s Up with Bruce Betts, chief scientist at The Planetary Society, with a discussion of perchlorates in the Martian soil. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-mars-society-conventionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly 15 years after its inclusion in a 2011 annual appropriations bill, the Wolf Amendment remains a hotly debated topic reflecting many of the core geopolitical and philosophical issues at the heart of the debate over the U.S.-China relationship on matters of space and more. The Aerospace Corporation has created a series of debates arguing for and against retaining the amendment. We spoke to Brian Weeden from The Aerospace Corp.'s Center for Space Policy and Strategy discussing the takeaways from the debate series. You can connect with Brian on LinkedIn, and read the debate arguments on The Aerospace Corporation's website. 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. Share your feedback. What do you think about T-Minus Space Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show.  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

My fellow pro-growth/progress/abundance Up Wingers in America and around the world:NASA is attempting the difficult task of juggling highly ambitious goals, but also possibly intense budget cuts. Despite personnel losses and unclear leadership, the administration is racing to put humans on the Moon — ideally ahead of China — and then Mars.Today on Faster, Please! — The Podcast, I'm chatting with Casey Dreier about this complicated new era in NASA's history. We'll discuss whether or not we're really in a space race, what to make of the differing visions of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, and the rise of planetary defense.Dreier is chief of space policy at The Planetary Society where he advocates for planetary exploration, defense, and the search for extraterrestrial life. He has been featured in major publications from The New York Times to the Washington Post, and hosts his own podcast, Planetary Radio: Space Policy Edition.In This Episode* The return of Isaacman (1:32)* Ditch the Space Race (7:42)* Visions of space (14:48)* Planetary defense (21:23)* Proceed with optimism (24:51)(A lightly edited transcript of our conversation will be appear in my Week in Review issue on Saturday. Another option is using the Substack auto transcript function.)On sale everywhere The Conservative Futurist: How To Create the Sci-Fi World We Were Promised This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fasterplease.substack.com/subscribe

This week on Planetary Radio, we’re sharing a special conversation from our friends at the Smart Girl Dumb Questions podcast. Host Nayeema Raza sits down with The Planetary Society’s Chief of Space Policy, Casey Dreier, to explore one of the most common questions in space exploration: Why does space matter, and is it really worth the cost? Casey breaks down how space exploration impacts daily life, from GPS and weather forecasting to cutting-edge technologies and scientific discoveries that could reshape our future. Together, Nayeema and Casey unpack the big ideas behind NASA’s ~$25 billion budget at a moment when U.S. national priorities are shifting. Stick around after the interview for a special U.S. Thanksgiving-week edition of What’s Up with Chief Scientist Bruce Betts. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-smart-girl-dumb-questionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brief SummaryOur main program focus was on space exploration, where participants discussed various aspects including NASA's role, commercial space initiatives, and the future of human spaceflight, with particular emphasis on SpaceX's development timeline and capabilities. The conversation concluded with discussions about space markets, orbital data centers, and the broader implications of space exploration on American society and politics. The Space Show Wisdom Team including myself, guest Bob Zimmerman, Marshall Martin, Phil Swan, Dr. Doug Plata, John Hunt and Zoom phone caller Daniel. Note that in this program I experimented with various Zoom speaker layout positions. If you have a preferred format, please let me know by sending an email to drspace@thespaceshow.com or posting a blog message on the blog page on our website, www.thespaceshow.com/show/11-nov-2025/broadcast-4459-zoom-bob-zimmerman-returns.Detailed Summary:David and Bob discussed potential candidates for the position of NASA Administrator, expressing reservations about Isaacman and Sec. Duffy. They agreed on the importance of maintaining professional decorum during these discussions. The conversation also touched on the upcoming appearance of Avi Loeb on their show and the breaking up of the comet 3i Atlas.During the program Bob made some predictions about the future of space exploration. Zimmerman claimed that SpaceX, rather than NASA, is currently the most effective American space program. He predicted that in two years, everyone would recognize SpaceX's dominance. Zimmerman also suggested that NASA's role should become less significant, with its focus shifting to supporting private space endeavors rather than leading space exploration efforts.Bob predicted that Isaacman's nomination as NASA administrator would successful despite potential challenges, as he expects Isaacman to be confirmed. He speculated that Trump's initial withdrawal and subsequent renomination of Isaacman were influenced by Isaacman's past Democratic Party affiliations and his recent statements at a Turning Point USA event, which may have reassured Trump about Isaacman's loyalty. Bob expressed hope that Isaacman would reshape NASA to focus on public-private partnerships, making it more efficient and less relevant, though Congress's involvement could complicate this process. He also hoped that Isaacman, as a former astronaut, would prioritize safety and engineering over schedules, potentially delaying the Artemis mission to test critical systems without risking human lives. Bob believe it is unsafe or at least very risky to fly humans on the first mission with the Orion spacecraft.Our Wisdom Team discussed the Artemis program and its workforce, with Bob estimating around 2,000 people directly involved in building Artemis missions, plus additional contractors. They debated the future of human spaceflight, with Bob expressing skepticism about the long-term value of the Artemis program compared to private space initiatives like SpaceX's Starship. This part of the discussion concluded with Bob advocating for a more flexible approach to space exploration that focuses on building American space industry capabilities rather than competing with China to be first to return to the Moon.Phil and Bob discussed the challenges and approaches to space exploration, focusing on the differences between NASA's cautious engineering approach and SpaceX's faster, iterative testing method. Bob expressed concerns about the Orion spacecraft's heat shield issues and NASA's tendency to prioritize schedules over engineering safety, drawing parallels to past accidents. He emphasized the importance of rigorous testing and learning from failures, advocating for a SpaceX-like approach of frequent testing and flying. Bob also criticized Blue Origin's slowdown under new leadership, highlighting the need for continuous testing and improvement in space technology development.The Wisdom Team discussed SpaceX's upcoming launches and development timeline. Bob predicted that SpaceX's Flight Test 12 would be successful and occur around the end of December, with Flight Test 13 potentially featuring a double catch around February. He noted that SpaceX aims to conduct an orbital mission next, followed by tests of controlled re-entry and in-orbit refueling. We also discussed SpaceX's financial independence, with Bob emphasizing that Starlink revenue is solid and will allow SpaceX to pursue its own space program without relying on NASA. He predicted that in 2-3 years, SpaceX will be close to operational with Starship, capable of lunar missions and demonstrating refueling in space.Our team talked about Elon Musk's space ambitions and political stance, with Bob noting that while Musk's trillion-dollar bonus is not yet earned, his Mars colonization plans remain a key goal. David raised concerns about political polarization affecting space policy, particularly regarding Musk's relationship with NASA and the FAA's handling of SpaceX permits during the Biden administration. The discussion concluded with Bob comparing Musk to Cornelius Vanderbilt, emphasizing that despite Musk's failed attempt to create a new political party, his primary focus remains on engineering and space exploration rather than politics.The Wisdom Team went on to discuss the scientific analysis of comet 3i Atlas, with Bob expressing frustration that Avi Loeb's claims about it being an alien spacecraft have distracted from the significant finding that it is a typical interstellar comet, similar to others in the solar system. Bob criticized Loeb's approach as overanalyzing and not supported by the data, while Phil and John suggested that Loeb's intentions might be more about raising awareness and preparedness for such phenomena rather than genuinely believing in an alien origin.We shifted to a discussion about space exploration, with Bob predicting a busy year for commercial space launches, including attempts from several companies like SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and various Chinese and Indian startups. David inquired about the timeline for establishing private lunar habitats, to which Bob suggested that within two decades, thriving commercial operations could be established on the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies, pending the freedom for private enterprise in space exploration.We went on to talk about the role of robots and AI in space exploration while emphasizing that while AI and robots are valuable tools, they should not replace human exploration. Bob noted that SpaceX's Elon Musk uses AI sparingly in their operations and views robots as tools to enable human achievement rather than as the primary goal. The conversation then shifted to Mars exploration, where Bob highlighted that current rovers have focused on scientific research rather than potential colony sites, and he suggested that future robotic missions should focus on scouting locations where humans might establish colonies. David raised concerns about Space Show programs continued heavy focus on SpaceX, noting that while SpaceX dominates the American space program, he strives to diversify the discussion topics. Not always do the participants pay attention to that effort at program diversity.The Wisdom Team started talking about development of space markets and the cost of accessing space. Bob argued that while launch costs have decreased, they are still high enough to support private investment in space companies, citing examples like SpaceX's success and new competitors like Rocket Lab and Stoke Space. Phil countered that launch costs have not significantly decreased, with Falcon 9 still costing around $6,500 per kilogram, and emphasized that more significant cost reductions are needed for a major increase in space businesses. Collectively we discussed how competition could eventually drive down launch costs, with Robert expressing regret that Blue Origin's delays have hindered competition with SpaceX.The Wisdom Team discussed the economics of space launch vehicles, with Bob and Phil debating the extent to which SpaceX has achieved “cheap access to space.” While Phil noted that SpaceX's prices haven't significantly decreased from historical rates, Bob emphasized that SpaceX's reusable rockets provide a cost advantage over other launch providers. The discussion then shifted to Daniel's question about space-based data centers, with Phil providing engineering insights about the challenges of power and heat management in different orbital locations.As our program was ending, phone listener Daniel brought up for discussion the feasibility of orbital data centers, with Marshall proposing the idea of using Starlink satellites equipped with AI processors and solar panels. Bob emphasized that while the concept might be promising, it would require investment capital and launch capacity. David shared his concerns about the practicality of orbital data centers, citing the challenges of energy supply and cooling in space. The discussion concluded with suggestions for future projects and the need for concise communication with our team members and the guest in future shows.HISTORICAL NOTE:During the discussion, I mentioned an older show with the student posting cube sat instructions on the web back in the day when cube sats were not a common term or space hardware item. The program in question featured Zac Manchester who was doing a Kickstarter program and he posted cube sat diagrams on the web. The program link is www.thespaceshow.com/show/05-feb-2013/broadcast-1944-special-edition. This program with Zac was dated Feb. 5, 2013. If any of you know what Zac is doing today, I would like to catch up with him, maybe have him return as a Space Show guest. If you have trouble playing this oldie but goodie, email me at drspace@thespaceshow.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: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Guests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston, Dr. Matthew GrahamDr. Graham discusses the slow consumption of a star by a black holeBroadcast 4461: ZOOM Dr. Daniel Whiteson | Friday 14 Nov 2025 930AM PTGuests: Dr. Daniel WhitesonZoom: Dr. Whiteson discusses his book “Do Aliens Speak Physics?”Broadcast 4462: Zoom: Dr. Doug Plata | Sunday 16 Nov 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Doug Plata Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

In 1996, a controversial claim of fossilized life in a Martian meteorite ignited a golden age of Mars exploration. Nearly 30 years later, a potential biosignature detected by the Perseverance rover at Jezero Crater has sparked…nothing, not even a formal effort to revive the beleaguered robotic Mars Sample Return project. Why did the claims surrounding the Allan Hills meteorite (which were ultimately rejected) kick off 25 years of unprecedented robotic exploration of the Red Planet? And why did the discovery at Cheyava Falls fail to ignite the same level of interest? Lou Friedman, former Executive Director of The Planetary Society and longtime proponent of Mars Sample Return, joins the show to contrast these to tipping points of Mars exploration, and argues why space scientists should seize this discovery to push for a scientific future at the Red Planet. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/spe-lou-friedman-on-msr-and-tipping-point-eventsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.