Podcasts about Starship

How and why would humans live far from stars? Explore deep space habitats, artificial suns, megastructures, and life beyond planetary systems.

How and why would humans live far from stars? Explore deep space habitats, artificial suns, megastructures, and life beyond planetary systems.

Elon Musk anunció esta misma semana la fusión de SpaceX y xAI, una operación que alumbra una compañía valorada en 1,25 billones de dólares y que consolida su estrategia de integración vertical. La absorción de una joven startup de inteligencia artificial por parte de una consolidada empresa aeroespacial busca crear un gigante tecnológico capaz de dominar tanto el hardware como el software del futuro, con la idea de replicar el modelo de control total que Apple ejerce sobre el iPhone. A pesar de que xAI apenas tiene dos años de vida, su chatbot Grok ya compite con gigantes como ChatGPT de OpenAI y Gemini de Google. Pero el sector de la inteligencia artificial exige inversiones astronómicas en semiconductores, centros de datos y personal muy cualificado para el desarrollo. Al fusionarla con SpaceX, Musk aprovecha la infraestructura y la solidez financiera de su empresa de cohetes, que, por lo demás, ya era cliente de xAI para optimizar el servicio de atención al cliente de Starlink. La justificación estratégica de este movimiento reside en una visión tan ambiciosa como revolucionaria, casi de ciencia ficción, la de trasladar los centros de datos a la órbita terrestre. Según Musk, la demanda energética de la inteligencia artificial es insostenible en la Tierra debido a su alto impacto medioambiental. Su propuesta consiste en desplegar una red orbital de hasta un millón de satélites que funcionen como centros de datos alimentados por grandes paneles de energía solar. En el espacio, la captación de energía fotovoltaica es hasta siete veces más eficiente que en la superficie terrestre. Este proyecto presenta desafíos técnicos y económicos colosales. Aunque SpaceX ha logrado reducir de forma notable el coste de poner satélites en órbita, especialmente con el Falcon Heavy y con el futuro Starship, transportar grandes cantidades de carga al espacio sigue siendo extremadamente caro y también complejo, ya que el mantenimiento es prácticamente imposible una vez que los equipos están en órbita. La fusión también responde a la afición que Musk tiene de cruzar recursos y contratos entre sus compañías. En otras ocasiones se valió de este mismo método para rescatar o potenciar sus negocios, como ocurrió con la adquisición de SolarCity por parte de Tesla en 2016. Además, esta estructura permite a Musk mantener un control férreo sobre la nueva empresa. Aunque posee el 43% de las acciones, goza del 80% del poder de voto gracias a unas acciones de clase especial que le permiten tomar decisiones unilaterales sin consensuarlo antes con los pequeños inversores. La fusión aleja a SpaceX de su imagen de empresa esencialmente logística para introducirla en el terreno del "hype" tecnológico que tantas alegrías le ha dado a Musk con Tesla. Al integrar cohetes, satélites e inteligencia artificial, el empresario trata de conseguir una ventaja competitiva que ni Google ni Amazon poseen en estos momentos. Eso podrá asegurar su relevancia en la carrera tecnológica al mismo tiempo que lo mantiene todo bajo el paraguas de empresas sin cotizar y, por lo tanto, lejos del escrutinio y la volatilidad de los mercados bursátiles. En La ContraRéplica: 0:00 Introducción 3:51 Musk, cohetes e IA 34:29 “Contra el pesimismo”… https://amzn.to/4m1RX2R 36:28 Julio Iglesias y el MeToo 45:02 El Gobierno contra las redes sociales · Canal de Telegram: https://t.me/lacontracronica · “Contra el pesimismo”… https://amzn.to/4m1RX2R · “Hispanos. Breve historia de los pueblos de habla hispana”… https://amzn.to/428js1G · “La ContraHistoria del comunismo”… https://amzn.to/39QP2KE · “La ContraHistoria de España. Auge, caída y vuelta a empezar de un país en 28 episodios”… https://amzn.to/3kXcZ6i · “Contra la Revolución Francesa”… https://amzn.to/4aF0LpZ · “Lutero, Calvino y Trento, la Reforma que no fue”… https://amzn.to/3shKOlK Apoya La Contra en: · Patreon... https://www.patreon.com/diazvillanueva · iVoox... https://www.ivoox.com/podcast-contracronica_sq_f1267769_1.html · Paypal... https://www.paypal.me/diazvillanueva Sígueme en: · Web... https://diazvillanueva.com · Twitter... https://twitter.com/diazvillanueva · Facebook... https://www.facebook.com/fernandodiazvillanueva1/ · Instagram... https://www.instagram.com/diazvillanueva · Linkedin… https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernando-d%C3%ADaz-villanueva-7303865/ · Flickr... https://www.flickr.com/photos/147276463@N05/?/ · Pinterest... https://www.pinterest.com/fernandodiazvillanueva Encuentra mis libros en: · Amazon... https://www.amazon.es/Fernando-Diaz-Villanueva/e/B00J2ASBXM #FernandoDiazVillanueva #elonmusk #spacex Escucha el episodio completo en la app de iVoox, o descubre todo el catálogo de iVoox Originals

Could life exist as plasma or lightning? Explore plasma-based aliens, fire creatures, and exotic physics beyond chemistry.Get Nebula using my link for 50% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurWatch my exclusive video The Future of Interstellar Communication: https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-chronoengineering-manipulating-time-as-technology

Could life exist as plasma or lightning? Explore plasma-based aliens, fire creatures, and exotic physics beyond chemistry.Get Nebula using my link for 50% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurWatch my exclusive video The Future of Interstellar Communication: https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-chronoengineering-manipulating-time-as-technology

SHOW SCHEDULE1-30-202617501.Jeff Bliss reports heavy Sierra snowpack is quenching California's thirst, also noting the seventy-fifth anniversary of Nevada atomic tests and new Las Vegas rail options connecting the desert city.2.Lorenzo Fiori reports Milan requires artificial snow for the Olympics, detailing security controversies regarding the USdelegation's protection and recommending local sparkling wines from the Italian region.3.Richard Epstein of the Hoover Institution endorses Kevin Walsh for the Fed, arguing that while independent boards challenge executive power, long-standing institutions gain legal legitimacy through historical prescription.4.Richard Epstein contrasts the Minnesota-ICE conflict with the Whiskey Rebellion, arguing against deporting non-criminal long-term residents and criticizing the administration's harsh rhetoric and refusal to compromise.5.Jim McTague reports on Lancaster County's frozen yet resilient economy, noting full factory order books and labor shortages despite the cold weather currently suppressing human activity in Pennsylvania Dutch country.6.Cliff May of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies analyzes the strategic necessity of securing Greenlandagainst Russian and Chinese threats, advocating for a NATO-led solution and increased defense spending.7.Cleo Paskal reports from Yap on China constructing a strategic runway on the island of Woleai to gain influence, noting the United States lacks a necessary physical presence in Micronesia.8.Cleo Paskal details Chinese influence patterns, including weaponized healthcare in the Solomons and casinos in Saipan, while noting new US efforts to support Palau's sovereignty against destabilization.8:54 PM Guest: Padraic Scanlan. Scanlan discusses Prime Minister Peel's famine relief efforts via Indian corn imports and the Duke of Wellington's skepticism regarding reports of Irish starvation. Guest: Padraic Scanlan. Scanlan details the volatility in the Irish countryside, the use of coercion acts, and the lack of circulating cash as evidence of uncivilization. Guest: Padraic Scanlan. Scanlan explains the evolution of Poor Laws, the harsh discipline of workhouses, and the implementation of soup kitchens like Soyer's during the famine. Guest: Padraic Scanlan. Scanlan describes the eviction practice of de-roofing cottages and discusses the lasting biological blight and the famine's central role in Irish diaspora memory. Guest: Henry Sokolski. Sokolski discusses the 75th anniversary of atomic testing, health risks for downwinders, nuclear energy costs, and the omission of extended deterrence from defense strategies. Guest: Jeff Bliss. Bliss reports on San Francisco business closures, rampant copper theft affecting Los Angelesinfrastructure, and political pressure on Governor Gavin Newsom regarding rebuilding efforts. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Zimmerman updates on the next Starship launch, Starlink milestones, and challenges facing Europe's Ariane 6 rocket program compared to private U.S. space industry success. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Zimmerman highlights James Webb Telescope discoveries challenging Big Bangtheories, new estimates of Europa's ice thickness, and unique images of Saturn and Pluto.

Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Zimmerman updates on the next Starship launch, Starlink milestones, and challenges facing Europe's Ariane 6 rocket program compared to private U.S. space industry success.1941

Must humanity unite to colonize space, or can rivalry and diversity be our greatest strengths among the stars?Get Nebula using my link for 50% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurCheck out Mad Kings: https://nebula.tv/madkings?ref=isaacarthurWatch my exclusive video Chronoengineering: https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-chronoengineering-manipulating-time-as-technology

Must humanity unite to colonize space, or can rivalry and diversity be our greatest strengths among the stars?Get Nebula using my link for 50% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurCheck out Mad Kings: https://nebula.tv/madkings?ref=isaacarthurWatch my exclusive video Chronoengineering: https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-chronoengineering-manipulating-time-as-technology

The Space Show Presents Dr. Ajay Kothari, Sunday, 1-25-26.Quick summaryThe meeting focused on Dr. Kothari's presentation of a cargo delivery concept to the moon using multiple Falcon Heavy upper stages docked together, which he proposed as an alternative to NASA's current Artemis program. Ajay argued this method could be implemented more quickly and cheaply than the Starship program, with the potential to establish a permanent lunar presence before China's planned International Lunar Research Station. While the Trump administration aims to land humans on the moon by 2028, several participants expressed skepticism about meeting this timeline, with Bill suggesting this concept could be better aligned with later Artemis missions. The discussion included technical details about fuel requirements, landing capabilities, and cost comparisons, with Marshall proposing a stacked configuration as an alternative design approach.Detailed SummaryDr. Ajay Kothari started his discussion by sharing his recent experience presenting at an international conference on sustainable energy propulsion in India, where he was the only speaker focused on space. He emphasized the importance of not underestimating the technical capabilities of other countries, particularly India and China, and highlighted the impressive work being done at Indian Institutes of Technology. Ajay presented the paradigm for space exploration and discussed the potential of thorium nuclear energy for various applications, including data centers and small modular reactors. The presentation was well-received, and he plans to share some slides during the meeting.After sharing his experience at a conference in India, where he was impressed by the hospitality and technology, and received an award for his presentation, Ajay then discussed the importance of establishing a sustainable and cost-effective lunar settlement, criticizing the current plans for Artemis missions as they do not address the need for permanent infrastructure. Ajay emphasized that the real competition is not about the first human landing, but about creating a permanent presence on the Moon with habitats and outposts, which was not adequately addressed in recent congressional actions.Our guest presented a proposal for a lunar cargo mission using Falcon Heavy, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness and potential to beat China to a permanent lunar presence. He highlighted the need for reusable booster stages and low-drag upper stages to reduce mission costs and mass requirements. David questioned the funding and necessity of the cargo mission, to which Ajay explained the urgency due to China's plans for an International Lunar Research Station and the importance of establishing a presence on the moon. Bill inquired about Artemis baseline architecture, and Dr. Kothari acknowledged familiarity with Artemis 4 and 5 but noted uncertainty about later missions.Ajay and Bill discussed the timeline for the Artemis 8 mission, which is currently scheduled for 2033 but is likely to be delayed to the mid-2030s. Ajay emphasized the need for an earlier presence on the moon to compete with China's space station plans by 2030. Bill presented details on the Artemis 8 module, which can house up to four astronauts for short stays. Ajay calculated the delta V required for lunar missions and discussed propellant fractions and payload capacities for different launch vehicles, including the Falcon Heavy and New Glenn.Ajay presented a comparison of different rocket systems for cargo transport, focusing on the cost-effectiveness of Falcon Heavy and New Glenn compared to the SLS. He demonstrated that using Falcon Heavy for four flights could save up to 80% compared to the SLS, while New Glenn was also competitive with similar cost savings. He emphasized that these proven systems should be preferred over the unproven SLS for cargo missions, and suggested that TSS should push for this approach, particularly for missions up to Artemis V.Ajay and Bill discussed the implications of using cargo components in a human mission to the moon, with Bill raising concerns about potential risks to human safety if cargo missions fail. Ajay clarified that cargo missions would occur before human missions, minimizing risk. Bill also inquired about propellant loss in upper stages for the Falcon Heavy, to which Dr. Ajay explained that redesigns would be necessary to accommodate additional fuel and cargo, including potentially larger tanks and increased dry weight. Ajay emphasized the importance of repurposing upper stages for missions beyond Earth, contrasting this with Elon Musk's focus on reusability.The group discussed NASA's Artemis mission plans, with David explaining that the current administration's goal is limited to landing humans on the moon by 2028 before China does, rather than establishing a permanent presence. Ajay emphasized the importance of building a permanent lunar base, suggesting it could be achieved within two years with additional funding from Congress, though he acknowledged this might not be realized until after 2028. The discussion highlighted a disconnect between long-term planning needs and current budget constraints, with David noting that future mission planning would likely depend on the next administration's priorities.Ajay proposed a plan to establish a permanent lunar presence before Artemis 3, suggesting the construction of structures on the moon with a budget of $500-600 million and the capability to transport 15 tons of cargo. He emphasized the importance of this initiative for the country and suggested that it could be implemented alongside SpaceX's Starship program. The group discussed the challenges of convincing Elon Musk to shift from the Starship plan, with Phil highlighting the political and logistical obstacles. Marshall suggested setting a baseline design for a lunar station and challenging SpaceX to improve upon it, while John proposed this plan as a potential alternative if Starship encounters technical difficulties.The group discussed a proposal for a moon landing mission using multiple Falcon Heavy upper stages. Ajay presented his concept of using four stages, with one in the center and three at 120-degree intervals, connected and fired together for translunar injection. Bill suggested creating drawings to better illustrate the concept, while Philip proposed an alternative architecture involving fuel transfer between stages before landing. The discussion highlighted concerns about the feasibility of completing the mission within the proposed timeline of 2028, with David expressing skepticism about the three-year timeline given the complexity of testing and approvals.Our guest discussed his ongoing efforts to publish a detailed mission architecture proposal, including a recent contact with the White House and an upcoming meeting with Trump's political advisors. He is awaiting publication confirmation from Jeff Faust, who has previously published several of Ajay's articles. The group discussed the likelihood of reaching the moon in 2028, with Dr. Sherry Bell and others expressing doubt about government timelines, while noting that China has its own lunar ambitions. The conversation ended with updates on upcoming Space Show guests and a call for ISDC presenter submissions, with Dr. Bell offering priority to meeting participants.Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4494 ZOOM Dr. Ethan Siegel | Tuesday 27 Jan 2026 700PM PTGuests: Dr. Ethan SiegelZoom: Dr. Siegel talks with us on the latest factual science, science plus, terrific cosmic story telling, astrophysics and moreBroadcast 4495: Zoom: Hotel Mars TBD | Wednesday 28 Jan 2026 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David LivingstonHotel Mars TBDBroadcast 4496 Zoom Sarah Scoles | Friday 30 Jan 2026 930AM PTGuests: Sarah ScolesZoom Sarah Scoles, top space journalist returns with lots of space new stories to discussBroadcast 4497 Zoom Mark Whittington | Sunday 01 Feb 2026 1200PM PTGuests: Mark WhittingtonZoom: Author, Journalist, Writer Mark Whittington returns a discussion about his latest O-Eds and space opinions. Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

QNB Dijital Köprü katkılarıyla hazırladığımız 290. bölümde Pirix Kurucusu Çiğdem Öztabak konuğum oldu. QNB Dijital Köprü katkılarıyla... Bu bölüm ⁠⁠⁠⁠QNB Dijital Köprü⁠⁠⁠⁠ hakkında tanıtım içerir. ⁠⁠https://www.qnb.com.tr/dijitalkopru⁠ 2026, geleceğin bir kavram olmaktan çıkıp gündelik hayata çarptığı yıl. Yapay zekadan uzay yarışına, robotlardan insan olmanın anlamına kadar; iş, devletler ve bireyler için geri dönüşü olmayan bir eşiği konuşuyoruz. Abartı ile gerçeklik arasındaki çizgide, AI balonunu, yeni güç dengelerini ve “insan sorusunu” masaya yatırıyoruz. Bu bölüm, geleceği anlatmıyor, gelecekle yüzleştiriyor. (00:00) – Açılış (01:00) – Çiğdem Öztabak'ı tanıyoruz. (03:30) – Gelecek gelmedi mi? Back to The Future - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_to_the_Future Her - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Her_(2013) (05:33) - 2026'nın, geleceğin bir kavram olmaktan çıkıp gündelik hayata çarptığı yıl olacağını, AI, uzay, eğitim, iş, danışmanlık şirketleri, robotlar ve insan ömrü üzerinden konuşuyoruz. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singularity_University Ilya Sutskever - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilya_Sutskever (09:15) - 2026'da uzay yarışı kızışıyor. Jeff Bezos, Ay'a inişte Elon Musk'ı muhtemelen geçecek gözüyel bakılıyor. Aynı zamanda Elon Musk da, Mars'a Starship fırlatmaya hazırlanıyor. Uzay neden bu kadar önemli? (13:42) – Uzaydan gele ataklar ve uzayda savunma sanayii (15:35) - Herkesin merak ettiği Çin nerede dersek? (17:47) – Sam Altman İstanbul'a mı geldi? (21:48) - Ülkelerin yapay zeka sağlayıcılarına ve ABD'nin siyasi sistemine bağımlılıktan uzaklaşma çabalarıyla AI egemenliği bu yıl ciddi ivme kazanacak. Yapay Zeka egemenliği nedir? Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBHGZpDF2fsqPIPi0pNyuTg (24:30) – Yapay Zeka balonunun sönmesi (25:25) – LLM'e yapılacak yatırımlar bitti mi? https://huggingface.co/ (28:44) – Yapay Zeka yatırımları aynı hızla devam eder mi? (31:14) – Yapay Zeka ile ilgili startuplar tarafında çok fazla başarısızlık görebilir miyiz? Severance - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11280740/ (34:24) – CES 2026 , Kod yazmak hala önemli mi? https://www.instagram.com/p/DSOEtzDDc-j/?hl=de (38:00) – İnsan ve yapay zeka etkileşimi nasıl olacak? Uzun vadeli faydaları ne olacak? Lazy Web (40:57) – Singularity nedir? https://www.su.org/team/ray-kurzweil (47:13) – Yapay zeka ajanları ile çalışırken burada insanlar hangi rollere kayacak? https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoffrey_Hinton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rni7Fz7208c (48:00) – Üniversitelerde bazı bölümler ortadan mı kalkıyor? (50:00) – İşler değişiyor ve yapay zekaya devrediliyor. (56:00) – Hem bireyler, hem şirketler hem de Devletler için 2026'dan çıkarılması gereken stratejik sonuçlar neler? AI ile rekabet etmek yerine onu nasıl kullanabiliriz? (61:02) - Kapanış Sosyal Medya takibi yaptın mı? ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Goodreads⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bülten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠E-Posta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Bu çalışmaları ve emeklerimi desteklemek için ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ve ⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠ hesabımız⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

preview for later. Guest: Bob Zimmerman, Space Historian (BehindtheBlack.com) Summary: Zimmerman discusses Blue Origin's plans to upgrade the New Glenn rocket to match the power of SpaceX's Starship. He explains that Jeff Bezos is focused on moving heavy industry into orbit to preserve Earth's environment, rather than prioritizing the exploration of Mars.1953

Why is air the rarest and most crucial ingredient for life? We explore how atmospheres form, fail, and filter entire worlds—and how this shapes the Fermi Paradox and the search for alien civilizations.Get Nebula using my link for 50% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurCheck out Joe Scott's Oldest & Newest: https://nebula.tv/videos/joescott-oldest-and-newest-places-on-earth?ref=isaacarthurWatch my exclusive video Chronoengineering: https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-chronoengineering-manipulating-time-as-technology

Why is air the rarest and most crucial ingredient for life? We explore how atmospheres form, fail, and filter entire worlds—and how this shapes the Fermi Paradox and the search for alien civilizations.Get Nebula using my link for 50% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthurCheck out Joe Scott's Oldest & Newest: https://nebula.tv/videos/joescott-oldest-and-newest-places-on-earth?ref=isaacarthurWatch my exclusive video Chronoengineering: https://nebula.tv/videos/isaacarthur-chronoengineering-manipulating-time-as-technology

Stay up to date with the biggest Elon Musk news in this weekly update (January 24, 2026). In this episode, we break down the latest headlines across Tesla, SpaceX, Starship, X (Twitter), xAI, Neuralink, and The Boring Company, plus what the newest developments could mean next week.If you want a single, fast briefing that covers the most important Elon Musk updates, you're in the right place.Tesla news: deliveries, FSD updates, pricing, and product rumorsSpaceX news: Starship progress, launch timeline chatter, FAA-related developments, and infrastructure updatesX (Twitter) news: platform changes, creator monetization, and major announcementsxAI and Grok news: model updates, product shifts, partnerships, and competitive movesNeuralink news: clinical milestones, approvals, and engineering updatesThe Boring Company: project updates and expansion signalsElon Musk's companies move fast. This weekly roundup is built to help you track the stories that actually impact Tesla investors, SpaceX watchers, and anyone following AI industry news.If you like weekly coverage like this, check out the rest of the channel for:Starship updatesTesla FSD breakdownsxAI and AI industry explainersElon Musk news recapsNew videos every week covering Elon Musk, Tesla, SpaceX, Starship, X, and xAI. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss the next update.

The Space Show presents Bob Zimmerman, Tuesday, 1-20-26Quick SummaryWe started this Space Show program with Bob Zimmerman with discussions about space exploration policies, private industry involvement, and the current state of various space companies, including ULA and Blue Origin, along with a brief mention of Robert's book “Conscious Choice.”Detailed SummaryBob and David discussed the potential impact of a space program incident with Artemis, comparing it to past accidents and suggesting it could lead to a significant overhaul of NASA's programs. The conversation touched on the Artemis flight and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Bob opened up referring to his Op-Ed in which he criticized the press coverage of NASA's Artemis II mission, accusing journalists of being overly positive without addressing engineering concerns. He expressed concerns about the mission's safety, particularly regarding the untested life support system and the damaged heat shield, which NASA has only partially addressed by adjusting the flight path. Zimmerman compared the situation to SpaceX's more rigorous testing requirements for its Crew Dragon capsule, highlighting NASA's double standard in demanding multiple uncrewed test flights from commercial partners but not from its own SLS rocket.Bob also expressed concerns about NASA's decision to proceed with the Artemis II mission, citing inadequate testing and a culture that prioritizes schedule over engineering safety. He highlighted that the mission lacks critical testing, such as a heat shield test using Falcon Heavy, and criticized NASA's management for not standing up to political pressure to achieve a lunar landing before the current administration's term ends. Marshall suggested using an alternative method to test the heat shield, but Bob explained that NASA had already lost valuable time and was planning to use a different design for the next mission. Several in the group agreed that the Artemis II mission, while potentially successful, could be counterproductive by allowing NASA to continue misleading the public about the program's readiness.Next, Bob went after the Senate launch system as poorly managed and equipment-poor, noting that Congress created the rocket without a clear mission, which NASA is now struggling to define. He expressed more concerns about the Orion heat shield's untested design and emphasized the importance of fixing problems rather than working around them, especially when human lives are at stake. Phil suggested that sophisticated simulations could reduce the number of flights needed, but Robert argued that ultimately, hardware must be tested in real-world conditions. David pointed out that NASA's statements indicate they plan to use a new heat shield design in a future mission, which Phil initially criticized but Bob defended as a necessary step, albeit one that should have been tested beforehand.The Wisdom Team discussed concerns about NASA's approach to the Orion and SLS mission, with Bob being critical of NASA's management and politicians for prioritizing cost savings over safety by reusing shuttle parts. Dallas and Joe expressed skepticism about the mission's cost-effectiveness and engineering decisions, while David emphasized the need for Congress to question NASA's choices. The discussion highlighted the tension between political pressures and engineering realities in space exploration, with no clear solutions proposed by the end of the meeting.Bob went on expressing skepticism about NASA's Artemis program and the Space Launch System (SLS), arguing that the real space program in the United States is currently led by SpaceX. He criticized the Artemis mission as trivial and not historically significant, advocating instead for fostering a robust American private industry in low Earth orbit and beyond. Dr. Kothari questioned Bob's views, particularly regarding his recent op-ed, and discussed the potential dangers of the Artemis II mission. They also touched on alternative testing methods for the Orion spacecraft and the need for infrastructure development on the Moon.The Wisdom Team discussed the role of government and private enterprise in space exploration, with Bob emphasizing the importance of competition and innovation among various American space companies. Phil argued that NASA's leadership is crucial for guiding private industry and managing risks, while Bob suggested that NASA should set goals and provide a framework for private companies to achieve them without micromanaging the process. Joe noted that the Artemis Accords might be the most enduring legacy of the Artemis program.The tem discussed the Artemis Accords, which Bob explained were initially introduced by the Trump administration as a way to encourage private enterprise in space and potentially lead to changes in the Outer Space Treaty that prohibits property rights. Joe noted that Portugal had recently joined the Accords, bringing the total to 60 nations, with many post-Soviet countries participating. Phil suggested that allowing property rights in space could help redirect expansionist leaders' attention from Earth to space exploration, while Bob agreed with this approach and proposed establishing international rules similar to the Homestead Act to allow nations to claim territory under specific conditions.Bob discussed the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's aging issues, noting an increase in anomalies and color dropouts due to the camera's degradation. Alfred McEwen explained that the problem is being managed by adjusting the camera's temperature, but more funding is needed for calibration. Robert highlighted the orbiter's importance in revealing Mars' icy nature and its potential for future human settlement. The group also discussed private and government missions to Venus, including Rocket Lab's delayed mission, NASA's canceled missions, and India's planned Venus orbiter. Phil mentioned China's proposed Venus Volcano Imaging and Climate Explorer mission, though its launch details remain unclear.The group discussed current and future planetary missions, with Bob noting that NASA's Venus missions are on hold and the U.S. has limited active planetary exploration compared to other countries. They explored Blue Origin's potential to increase competition in space travel, with Bob expressing hope that under new CEO David Limp's leadership, the company could become more competitive with SpaceX. The discussion also covered Blue Origin's orbital reef project, which our guest described as currently inactive, and Marshall inquired about cost reduction goals in space travel, to which Bob and Phil noted that while Blue Origin's David Limp has mentioned reducing costs by two orders of magnitude, no company has yet achieved even a one-order reduction.The group discussed the potential for terrestrial nuclear power plants, noting that while there is growing demand due to AI data centers, there remains significant public resistance. Bob expressed concerns about the “delusional” enthusiasm for AI, particularly in journalism where AI-generated articles are often inaccurate and inappropriate. The conversation shifted to space industry developments, with Ajay discussing small modular reactors (SMRs) and Generation 4 reactors that could serve both propulsion and energy needs. The discussion concluded with Bob emphasizing the need for multiple space companies beyond SpaceX, highlighting the importance of competition and redundancy in the industry.As we were nearing the end of the discussion, we focused on the current state and future of ULA, with Bob noting that while ULA has significant contracts with Amazon and Boeing, its Vulcan rocket lacks reusability and may struggle to compete with emerging reusable rockets like Starship and Neutron. The team discussed the leadership changes at ULA, with an interim leader appointed but no permanent replacement named yet. The conversation concluded with a plug for Bob's book “Conscious Choice” which explores the origins of slavery in Virginia and its relevance to space exploration, with David and Phil confirming they had read the book and found it informative.Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4491 Zoom Dr. Antonio Del Popolo | Friday 23 Jan 2026 930AM PTGuests: Dr/. Antonio Del PopoloZoom: Dr. Popolo talks about hs new booik, “Extraterrestrial Life: We are not alone.”Broadcast 4492 Zoom Dr. Ajay Kothari | Sunday 25 Jan 2026 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Ajay KothariZoom Dr. Kothari on “MUCH NEEDED CARGO TO MOON” Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

The Space Show Presents Dan Adamo, Sunday, 1-18-26Quick SummaryOur program focused on a detailed discussion of lunar exploration architectures and orbital dynamics, led by Dan Adamo, a former NASA mission controller with extensive experience in orbital rendezvous. Dan explained why NASA's current Artemis program uses a nearly rectilinear halo orbit around the Moon, despite its instability and operational challenges, primarily due to constraints imposed by the Orion spacecraft's service module and the Space Launch System (SLS). He advocated for a lunar surface rendezvous architecture as a more sustainable and flexible approach for human lunar missions, emphasizing the importance of minimizing rendezvous and having infrastructure pre-positioned on the lunar surface. Dan also criticized the current Artemis timeline, expressing concerns about the program's risk tolerance and the marginal safety margins built into the mission design. The discussion highlighted the trade-offs between meeting political timelines, managing risks, and achieving a sustainable human presence on the Moon.Detailed SummaryDan Adamo discussed his views on NASA's Artemis program and lunar exploration strategies. He criticized the current plan for using a complex lunar orbit that may not be optimal for human missions. Dan suggested that NASA should consider using lunar surface rendezvous, where cargo and crew launches would meet on the moon's surface, rather than relying on in-space propellant depots. He emphasized the importance of having a robust and flexible architecture that can adapt to delays and other challenges in spaceflight. Dan also expressed concerns about the current schedule for lunar missions, suggesting that taking more time to develop a better architecture might be worth it if it leads to a more successful and sustainable program.Dan discussed his experience with orbital dynamics and rendezvous operations, highlighting his work with NASA's shuttle program and his advocacy for a lunar architecture inspired by the “land anywhere, leave anytime” mantra. He expressed optimism about private space stations, noting their increased payload capacity compared to the shuttle and the potential for more efficient operations. Dan also addressed challenges in launching and operating spacecraft, including environmental factors like solar flares, meteor showers, and collision avoidance, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and coordination.Our guest continued by explaining the challenges and benefits of different space launch architectures, expressing a preference for heavy-lift launches to lower Earth orbit for cargo missions before heading to the moon. He shared a detailed diagram of the Capstone mission's orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point, which is about 1.2 million kilometers away, or five times the Earth-Moon distance. Dan also described the Apollo missions' lunar orbit characteristics, noting that they operated at an altitude of 100 kilometers with a 2-hour orbit period, and highlighted the Apollo service module's capabilities for large plane changes and emergency returns.Dan went on to discuss the challenges of the Artemis program's lunar orbit, highlighting the one-week orbital period and the limitations of the Orion service module. He criticized the decision to reuse Space Shuttle parts and the concept of using Orion as a crew return vehicle from a Mars mission, noting the high risks and costs involved. Dan also explained the instability of the planned orbit and the need for frequent course corrections, contrasting it with the more stable lunar orbits of the Apollo missions. David questioned the reasoning behind these plans, suggesting that the pros may not outweigh the cons.Dan and David discussed the challenges of space exploration, particularly the political influences and financial constraints that affect mission planning. Dan explained that while engineers and mission planners strive to create sustainable programs, the lack of a clear business case for lunar and Mars exploration means that politics often drives funding decisions. They compared the Chinese space architecture to NASA's plans, noting that China's approach involves fewer launches and a simpler mission profile, though it still presents challenges with debris disposal and rendezvous. Dan emphasized the importance of careful planning and the need for reliable systems to avoid damaging valuable lunar infrastructure.Dan repeated that lunar surface rendezvous as a preferred architecture for human lunar missions, emphasizing its advantages over other approaches. He argued that this method minimizes rendezvous, reduces orbital debris, and allows for a “land-anywhere-leave-any-time” capability, which is crucial for sustainable lunar exploration. Dan also highlighted the challenges of current architectures, such as the Artemis program, and expressed concerns about the lack of exploration capability in the Chinese lunar mission. While he would be happy to share his expertise with decision-makers, Dan noted that any changes to the Artemis program would likely face delays and political challenges.The discussion went on to focus on the stability and operational considerations of lunar orbits, particularly the nearly rectilinear halo orbit chosen for the Gateway. Dan explained that while the orbit appears stable, it requires frequent propulsion corrections due to perturbations from various celestial bodies, including Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, as well as solar winds. He suggested that a more stable alternative would be a distant retrograde orbit at approximately 10,000-12,000 kilometers from the moon with a one-day period. The conversation also touched on the Gateway's propulsion system, which will use xenon gas in Hall-effect thrusters, though Dan noted that the exact propellant type is still uncertain.Dan expressed excitement about Artemis II but noted that Orion cannot safely enter lunar orbit due to performance constraints. He discussed the mission's trajectory, explaining that it will fly by the moon's far side at a specific altitude for a free return to Earth, potentially not setting a new human altitude record. Dan also shared his thoughts on human lunar landers, expressing concerns about SpaceX's Starship design and suggesting Blue Moon as a potential alternative. He concluded by explaining the need for specific launch windows to mitigate heat shield issues on Orion's return trajectory.In summary, we focused on the Artemis program and its challenges, with Dan expressing concerns about taking unnecessary risks to meet the 2028 moon landing timeline. He emphasized the need for calculated risks and highlighted the marginal nature of the current architecture. The group discussed the program of record for Artemis III, including the timing of launches and rendezvous with the Starship lander. They also explored the potential for robots and AI to assist in lunar missions and the possibility of a space elevator to the moon. Dan shared his plans to develop a launch simulator to better understand and share launch trajectories, which raised questions about space traffic management.Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4491 Zoom Dr. Antonio Del Popolo | Friday 23 Jan 2026 930AM PTGuests: Dr/. Antonio Del PopoloZoom: Dr. Popolo talks about hs new booik, “Extraterrestrial Life: We are not alone.”Broadcast 4492 Zoom Dr. Ajay Kothari | Sunday 25 Jan 2026 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Ajay KothariZoom Dr. Kothari on “MUCH NEEDED CARGO TO MOON” Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

SpaceX completed Booster 19 just weeks after Booster 18 buckled during testing, keeping Flight 12 on track for March 2026. The mission will debut Version 3 Starship vehicles with Raptor 3 engines, launch from a brand-new pad with a flame trench, and potentially attempt another tower catch.

It's been a massive week for the Musk ecosystem. Between the latest Starship milestones and new developments with Tesla's FSD, there is a lot to unpack.In this update, we're breaking down the top stories from the last seven days:SpaceX: The latest flight data and what it means for the next launch.Tesla & AI: New updates on Optimus and the shift in xAI's roadmap.The Headlines: A quick look at the biggest moves on X and the latest from Neuralink.I'm cutting through the clickbait to give you the actual numbers and engineering facts. Whether you're tracking your TSLA portfolio or just want to know how close we are to the next big breakthrough, this episode has you covered.

Scouting Mars for Helicopters and the Search for Alien Life. Guest: BOB ZIMMERMAN. Scientists are scouting landing sites for future Mars helicopters in areas containing near-surface ice, potentially for future Starship missions. Research suggests liquid water may have existed on Mars three billion years ago under protective ice sheets. Recent SETI results analyzed billions of data points without finding definitive alien signals.1941

SHOW SCHEDULE1-14-251920 SALT RIVER China Urges Canada to Break from US Influence. Guests: CHARLES BURTON and GORDON CHANG. China is pressuring Canada to adopt "strategic autonomy" and distance itself from US influence as PM Mark Carney visits Beijing. Despite myths of economic salvation through Chinese trade, experts argue Canada'sexports to China remain minimal. Concerns persist regarding fentanyl production, Arctic neglect, and Chineseespionage. China's "Hollow Power" in Iran and Venezuela. Guests: GORDON CHANG and CHARLES BURTON. China's influence appears limited as it fails to substantively support struggling allies like Venezuela's Maduro or the Iranian regime. While China remains a major purchaser of discounted Iranian oil, it has proven unable to dictate events against US pressure. Experts describe China as a "hollow power." Trump's Iran Tariff Threat and China Trade Rift. Guest: ALAN TONELSON. President Trump's threat of a 25% tariff on any country trading with Iran significantly impacts China, which values this trade for political and symbolic reasons. China has already failed to meet its previous trade obligations, including soybean purchases and rare earth export licenses. Europe remains economically vulnerable. Electricity Costs, AI Demand, and Venezuela's Oil Reality. Guest: BUD WEINSTEIN. Rising US electricity prices, up 30-35% over five years, are driven by data center and AI growth alongside infrastructure underinvestment. Meanwhile, Venezuelan oil is deemed impractical for US demand due to high extraction costs and political instability. Rebuilding these fields would require massive, high-risk investments. Chinese Sinister Intentions in Cuba and Nicaragua. Guest: STEVE YATES. China maintains a significant presence in Cuba, utilizing the island for intelligence gathering and signals facilities targeted at the United States. As Venezuela's oil subsidies to Cuba potentially end, the island faces economic collapse. The US may utilize travel restrictions and economic pressure as leverage. The Risks of Venezuelan Oil and Soaring Copper Prices. Guest: SIMON CONSTABLE. American oil companies remain reluctant to invest in Venezuela due to the historical risk of nationalization and decayed infrastructure. In commodity markets, copper has reached an "astronomical" price of over $6 per pound, leading to a surge in theft from electronics and bridges globally. Artemis 2 Safety Concerns and SpaceX Dominance. Guest: BOB ZIMMERMAN. The Artemis 2 manned mission faces controversy over unresolved Orion heat shield damage observed during previous tests. Meanwhile, SpaceX has secured a monopoly on recent Space Force contracts, signaling a shift toward prioritizing reliability and cost over redundancy. China has filed for 200,000 new satellites. Scouting Mars for Helicopters and the Search for Alien Life. Guest: BOB ZIMMERMAN. Scientists are scouting landing sites for future Mars helicopters in areas containing near-surface ice, potentially for future Starship missions. Research suggests liquid water may have existed on Mars three billion years ago under protective ice sheets. Recent SETI results analyzed billions of data points without finding definitive alien signals. Venezuela's Power Vacuum and the Path Forward. Guest: MARY KISSEL, Executive Vice President at Stephens Incorporated. Mary Kissel discusses the "unfinished" state of Venezuela following the removal of Maduro, characterizing the remaining leadership as "thugs" and "gangs" focused on drug money. She explores the roles of Cuba, regional neighbors like Colombia and Brazil, and the Vatican's new moral leadership in the region. Iran in Transition: Assessing a Regime on the Brink. Guest: MARY KISSEL, Executive Vice President at Stephens Incorporated. John Batchelor and Mary Kissel analyze reports of Iran's potential collapse, citing internet blackouts and regime brutality. They discuss potential U.S. interventions, such as kinetic strikes or Starlinkaccess, and evaluate whether Reza Pahlavi is a credible transitional leader amidst concerns of the country breaking into ethnic factions. The Intellectual Factions of the "New Right". Guest: PETER BERKOWITZ, Hoover Institution Senior Fellow. Peter Berkowitz outlines the fracturing of the "New Right" into factions like national conservatives and post-liberals. Referencing Laura K. Field's book, Furious Minds, he notes these groups often reject Lockeanprinciples in the Declaration of Independence. However, he distinguishes these intellectuals from typical, non-ideological Trump voters. The New Right's Radical Rejection of Traditional Republicanism. Guest: PETER BERKOWITZ, Hoover Institution Senior Fellow. Berkowitz contrasts the New Right's desire for state-led social reform with the Republican Party's traditional focus on liberty and limited government. He discusses Michael Anton's views on the "right of revolution" and warns that attacking classical liberalism risks eroding essential protections against bigotry and persecution in America. Plunging Russian Oil Prices and the Impact of Global Sanctions. Guest: MICHAEL BERNSTAM. Russian oil prices are dropping significantly, with some major brands selling between $34 and $35 per barrel. Westernsanctions and global supply gluts allow buyers like China and India to extract massive discounts. Future stability in Iran could further increase competition, driving Russian revenues and taxes even lower. Pakistan's $1.5 Billion Arms Deal with Sudan and China's Strategic Influence. Guests: RICK FISHER and GORDON CHANG. Pakistan is nearing a deal to supply jets and drones to Sudan, likely funded by Saudi Arabia. China uses these transactions to establish alternative security structures in the Middle East. Experts suggest China prefers ongoing conflict over peace to maximize profits and regional influence. The Collapse of the Chinese Real Estate Market and Economic Stagnation. Guests: ANNE STEVENSON-YANG and GORDON CHANG. China's property sector faces a permanent downturn, with prices dropping 30–60% and enough vacant apartments to house billions. The government lacks the funds for a rescue. Xi Jinping'sfocus on high-tech is insufficient to replace real estate, which previously accounted for 25% of GDP. The China-Iran Partnership: Oil, Surveillance, and Regional Stability. Guest: JACK BURNHAM. Chinamaintains a pragmatic "partnership" with Iran, focused on extracting discounted oil. Beijing provides surveillance technology to help the Iranian regime suppress internal protests while officially calling for stability. Additionally, Chinese or Russian technology is suspected of disrupting Starlink satellites to hinder military communications.

Scouting Mars: The Future of Starship and HelicoptersPREVIEW FOR LATER: GUEST BOB ZIMMERMAN. Bob Zimmerman explores plans for future Mars helicopters following Ingenuity's success. Scientists are currently scouting Starship landing zones rich in near-surface water ice. Zimmerman urges collaboration with SpaceX, as Starship's massive payload capacity offers a prime opportunity for launching essential scout vehicles by 2030.1957

The Space Show Presents A Special Open Lines Discussion, Sunday, 1-11-26Quick summaryThis program focused on discussing space industry developments and future predictions for 2026, with participants exploring topics like advancements in AI, robotics, and space technology. They debated the influence of private sector leaders like Elon Musk and Eric Schmidt on space policy and innovation, while also examining educational requirements needed to support future space endeavors. The group discussed the potential for breakthroughs in propulsion and energy solutions, as well as the search for extraterrestrial life, though they agreed current technologies would not yield significant results by 2026. The conversation concluded with reflections on how space advocacy might evolve over the next decade, particularly as costs decrease and more private sector involvement emerges.SummaryOur program got underway by discussing Dr. Phil Metzger's list of 20-21 important developments for the space industry in 2026, with John Jossy presenting key items. The discussion highlighted significant developments such as declining launch costs, reusable rocket technology, satellite broadband constellations, and AI-driven applications of satellite data. Negative impacts were also discussed, including supply chain volatility for semiconductors and potential delays in mega constellations due to AI demand and export rules. The Wisdom Team also touched on upcoming programs, including a special edition of the space show and a new Tuesday program featuring a CEO from a European company.We discussed Elon Musk's vision for medical robots and AI, with Marshall expressing both optimism and discomfort about the rapid pace of technological advancement. They explored Musk's plans for Starlink satellites, including in-space maintenance and potential cost savings, though settlement on Mars and the Moon was not extensively discussed. The conversation covered broader topics including AI's impact on labor, universal basic income, and the role of education in a changing world, with John Jossy noting that the discussion was part of Peter Diamandis' Moonshot podcast series.I believe that a valuable part of our overall discussion looked at the influence of innovative leaders in the space sector, with Manuel expressing concerns about the dominance of a few individuals, while David and John Jossy highlighted the need for ethical regulations and oversight. They debated the challenges of supervising innovative leaders like Elon Musk and David Sachs, with John Jossy emphasizing Sachs's role in advising the administration on AI regulations. Marshall agreed with David's point about the difficulty of overseeing geniuses, suggesting that market forces often limit harmful innovations. The part of the program concluded with a discussion on the future of space, including the role of private sectors and state actors, and the potential for partnerships between governments and the private sector.The Space Show Wisdom Team discussed future space exploration and technology developments over the next 10 years. Ryan predicted increased automation and robotics in orbital operations, while Marshall envisioned multiple lunar bases and the construction of space cities for manufacturing and AI development. David noted the absence of discussion on breakthrough propulsion technologies and emphasized the need for innovations that could benefit humanity on Earth. John Hunt mentioned Jared Isaacman's interest in nuclear propulsion for NASA, and Marshall suggested that nuclear fusion could be developed and used for space exploration, though primarily for pushing exploratory satellites.Future space technology and innovation was a topic, focusing on the potential of fusion energy, space solar power, and reduced costs for launching payloads to low Earth orbit (LEO). Marshall highlighted the significance of Starship Block 3, which is expected to significantly lower the cost per kilogram to LEO, enabling more projects and innovations. John Jossy mentioned ongoing developments in wireless power transmission and space-based solar power for AI data centers. David raised questions about the dependency of space innovation on government policies, suggesting a needed potential relationship between public sector support and private sector progress. The group agreed that 2026 could mark a significant breakthrough in space technology, driven by advancements in Starship and reduced launch costs.W also pointed to the potential political influence on emerging technologies, particularly in sectors like transportation and communications, with Ryan noting the significant financial interests at play. Marshall highlighted the challenges of adapting government agencies to innovations like robo-taxis and robo-airplanes, predicting major shifts in how air traffic control and state regulations function. John Jossy emphasized AI as the primary driver of current innovation, citing its impact on industries and venture capital investments, while Marshall and David agreed that AI development is closely linked to changes in energy production and societal education. David stressed the need for a strong educational foundation to support advancements in space and AI, expressing concern about the United States' declining educational performance compared to countries like China and Japan.The Wisdom Team discussed educational challenges in the United States, with John Jossy emphasizing the need to address root causes of poor educational outcomes at local and state levels. Manuel shared examples from Peru and Europe, including a public sector initiative for high-performing students and apprenticeship programs, while John Hunt noted increased STEM requirements in Missouri schools. The discussion highlighted the importance of educating competent individuals to meet future innovation and technology demands, with no clear consensus on specific solutions.The group discussed educational changes over time, with David and Marshall sharing their experiences with calculus and practical applications. They explored the possibility of using AI to improve education systems. The conversation then shifted to the search for extraterrestrial life, with John Jossy stating that current technologies are not advanced enough to detect extraterrestrial life in 2026. The group also discussed the recent announcement by Eric Schmidt of Relativity Space regarding funding for a replacement for the Hubble Space Telescope and three additional telescopes, with a projected cost of at least half a billion dollars. Finally, David posed a question about the future of space advocacy over the next 5-10 years, but the group did not reach a consensus on this topic.Also discussed were future trends in space advocacy and conferences, with Marshall suggesting that in 10 years, conferences might focus more on financing and promoting personal space projects rather than academic presentations. Dr. Zubrin's potential future involvement in space advocacy was mentioned, noting that at 74, he could continue his Mars advocacy work for another 20-25 years. The conversation ended with David announcing upcoming guests for the show, including Guy Schumann from Luxembourg, and a discussion about foreign spaceports, with Mark Whittington preparing a program about international spaceport developments.Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4487 ZOOM Guy Schumann | Tuesday 13 Jan 2026 930AM PTBroadcast 4488 Zoom, DR. ARMEN PAPAZIAN | Friday 16 Jan 2026 930AM PTGuests: Dr. Armen PapazianArmen presents his latest space economics paper which is posted on The Space Show blog for this program.Broadcast 4489 Zoom Dan Adamo | Sunday 18 Jan 2026 1200PM PTGuests: Dan AdamoZoom: Dan discusses the special lunar orbit being used for the Artemis program Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

Geek News Central breaks down the new DJI drone ban, explaining what's actually restricted, what remains legal, and how the changes affect creators and consumers, plus updates on health AI, robotics, and emerging tech shaping 2026 -Want to be a Guest on a Podcast or YouTube Channel? Sign up for GuestMatch.Pro -Thinking of buying a Starlink? Use my link to support the show. Subscribe to the Newsletter. Email Chris if you want to get in touch! Like and Follow Geek News Central’s Facebook Page. Support my Show Sponsor: Best Godaddy Promo Codes $11.99 – For a New Domain Name cjcfs3geek $6.99 a month Economy Hosting (Free domain, professional email, and SSL certificate for the 1st year.) Promo Code: cjcgeek1h $12.99 a month Managed WordPress Hosting (Free domain, professional email, and SSL certificate for the 1st year.) Promo Code: cjcgeek1w Support the show by becoming a Geek News Central Insider Get 1Password Full Summary In this episode of Geek News Central, guest host Chris Cochrane kicks off the new year with a wide-ranging look at where technology is headed in 2026. The show opens with clarity around the newly enacted DJI drone ban, explaining why existing drones remain legal while future imports face uncertainty for creators and professionals. Chris then dives into major health and AI developments, including the FDA's approval of the first pill to treat sleep apnea, and OpenAI's launch of ChatGPT Health—a new privacy-focused hub that aims to help users understand their medical data without replacing doctors. From there, the episode explores China's rapid push into robotics and automation, highlighting humanoid robot sports, affordable home-ready robots, and a powerful new microwave weapon designed to neutralize drone swarms. The episode wraps with updates on SpaceX's next Starship flight, a look at consumer exoskeletons that promise to make hiking and mobility easier, and a cautionary tale about spyware apps—after a stalkerware founder pleads guilty in federal court. Chris closes by posing thoughtful questions about privacy, automation, and how much tech we're really ready to trust Show Links Is DJI Banned in the US? Here's What the DJI Ban Really Means New Pill Could Finally Treat Sleep Apnea Without a Mask China Showcases Humanoid Robot Sports Competitions Hypershell Exoskeleton SpaceX Readies the World's Most Powerful Rocket China's New Microwave Weapon Can Destroy Drone Swarms Within 3km Introducing ChatGPT Health The post So… Is DJI Actually Banned? #1856 appeared first on Geek News Central.

This week cohosts Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman recap the robots of CES 2026, and review the news of the week. Guest appearances by Chris Matthieu, VP, Developer Ecosystem at RealSense and Ahti Heinla , co-founder, CEO, Starship to talk about their predictions for 2026.

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

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

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

Step inside one of California's most advanced grow facilities as First Smoke of the Day takes you behind the scenes with Super Dope.This exclusive tour breaks down what it really takes to run a large-scale, high-performance operation, from clone health and veg strategy to precision irrigation, lighting setups, and data-driven decision making.This isn't hype. This is process, discipline, and execution at scale.If you're into grow tours, facility design, cultivation strategy, or understanding how top brands stay consistent run after run, this one is for you.

Open Lines Discussion, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026Quick SummaryOur program focused on space industry developments and future missions, including discussions about Artemis III, SpaceX's priorities, and various private sector lunar missions planned for 2026. The group explored space technology advancements, investment trends, and launch cost reduction possibilities, while also addressing challenges in pharmaceutical pricing and international space cooperation. The conversation concluded with updates on space missions and budget concerns for 2026, as well as discussions about UAP evidence and plans to expand the show's reach through streaming and social media promotion.Early on we discussed space solar power and its potential applications, including AI data centers in space. Bill mentioned his connection to Virtus Solus, a space-based solar power company, and shared their recent announcement of a 97% efficiency rate for their rectenna. The conversation then shifted to Artemis III, with David expressing concern about delays hindering progress towards 2028 goals. Joseph provided an update on Artemis III hardware development, noting that while the SLS is far along in integration, both the Blue lander and Starship are still in early stages. The group also discussed the challenges and requirements for Starship refueling tests, with Joe expressing doubt about meeting timelines due to multiple technical hurdles.Our Wisdom Team discussed the Artemis program's goal of returning Americans to the moon by 2028, as outlined in a recent executive order. They debated the feasibility of meeting this timeline, considering the technical limitations of SpaceX's launch frequency and the need for reliability improvements. The conversation touched on the potential for multiple launch platforms and the possibility of using Starship for refueling missions. David raised concerns about the need for a decision on whether to stick with the current program or make changes, while Bill and others expressed worries about the timeline and the pressure on NASA management to meet it. We also discussed the executive order's mention of establishing initial elements of a permanent lunar outpost by 2030 and the potential for using nuclear reactors on the moon.SpaceX's priorities were discussed by Doug noting that while Mars is SpaceX's top priority, lunar development is a secondary focus. Joseph highlighted that once Starship achieves reusability, it could significantly increase launch capacity to 20,000 tons annually, with a target launch for in-orbit refueling and docking by Q3 or Q4 2023. The discussion also covered multiple private sector lunar missions planned for 2026, including Blue Origin's Mark 1 lander carrying the Viper rover, and the potential for commercial satellite communications to provide cellular service in underserved regions.The Wisdom Team talked about satellite positioning systems, particularly in Japan, where 4 out of 7 satellites must be visible over Japan at any given moment for non-GPS positioning. They explored potential business opportunities in space, including semiconductor manufacturing, medical products, and solar panels, though Joe noted that space manufacturing capabilities are not yet advanced enough to support these ideas. John Jossy shared that venture capital is primarily flowing to low Earth orbit companies, with recent large rases by companies like Stoke Space ($510 million) and Impulse Space ($300 million), while lunar ventures receive less attention.Later we discussed the state of space technology and investment, with Joe noting that venture capital investment in space has increased significantly, leading to companies raising hundreds of millions of dollars. They debated the potential for launch cost reductions, with Joseph suggesting that a factor of three reduction could be possible, though not necessarily reaching the extremely low costs Elon Musk has proposed for Starship. The conversation touched on the separate tracks of government programs like Artemis and commercial space development, with Bill and Joseph agreeing that these developments are largely independent. David raised questions about the incentives for launch companies to significantly reduce costs, given the current profitability of launches, and the group discussed the potential for new low-cost launchers, including a Chinese Starship-like vehicle, though its market impact in the West remained uncertain.The team talked about the challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies due to pressure to lower drug prices, contrasting this with the lack of similar pressure on commercial launch services. They also talked about recent repairs to the ISS, where Russian cosmonauts successfully sealed leaks using a patented sealing agent. The conversation concluded with a discussion about international space cooperation, particularly highlighting India's growing space program and its potential for future partnerships with Western countries.In addition, we discussed several space industry developments, including SpaceX's potential Mars mission and the status of various space vehicles. John Jossy shared information about SpaceX's planned Mars mission, while the group expressed uncertainty about the future of Boeing's capsule and Dream Chaser. They also discussed the transition of Tory Bruno from ULA to Blue Origin, and the potential implications for ULA's future. Bill provided an update on the Starliner program, noting that the next flight would be cargo-only in April, with crewed missions not expected until late 2026 or early 2027.As we were nearing the end of the program, various space missions and budget concerns for 2026 were mentioned. They talked about a private Rocket Lab mission to Venus in collaboration with MIT, scheduled for summer 2026. Bill provided updates on U.S. Venus missions, noting that the Senate version of the budget would preserve both Venus missions, while the House version funds the Mars sample return. The group also discussed the status of the NASA SBIR program, which has not been reauthorized for 2026, though ongoing projects from prior awards can continue. David expressed frustration about the lack of credible evidence regarding UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) claims, questioning why the topic remains so mysterious and unsubstantiated.The group discussed the challenges and secrecy surrounding UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) evidence and the potential for public disclosure, with John Hunt suggesting that classified information might be harder to prove than assumed. David expressed skepticism about the truthfulness of statements and emphasized the need for tangible evidence to gain public trust. The conversation also touched on the popularity of UFO topics in media, with Joseph suggesting that increased discussion of UAPs could boost listener numbers. The conversation ended with plans to explore options for streaming Zoom programs on YouTube and promoting the show on social media to reach a broader audience.Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.com for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 448t ZOOM Guy Schumann | Tuesday 13 Jan 2026 930AM PTGuests: Guy SchumannOur guest is the CEO of RSS-Hydro in Luxembourg. The company helps assess and mitigate the risks of natural extremes, safeguarding both your communities and assets with resilience and security from space assets.Broadcast 4487: Hotel Mars TBD | Wednesday 14 Jan 2026 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David LivingstonHotel Mars TBDBroadcast 4488 Zoom, DR. ARMEN PAPAZIAN | Friday 16 Jan 2026 930AM PTGuests: Dr. Armen PapazianArmen presents his latest space economics paper which is posted on The Space Show blog for this program.Broadcast 4489 Zoom Dan Adamo | Sunday 18 Jan 2026 1200PM PTGuests: Dan AdamoZoom: Dan discusses the special lunar orbit being used for the Artemis program Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

SpaceX is preparing to launch Starship Flight 12, the maiden flight of Block 3 vehicles. Booster 19 and Ship 39 will fly with Raptor 3 engines for the first time, generating 19 to 22 percent more thrust than Block 2. The launch window opens in late February or March 2026 from Pad 2 at Starbase. SpaceX will not attempt a booster catch on this flight. Ship 39 will attempt a controlled reentry over the Indian Ocean. The orbital refueling demonstration planned for June 2026 depends on Flight 12 succeeding, and NASA's Artemis program has no backup plan. We talk about Starship Flight 12 Technical Report, SpaceX production timeline and testing milestones, FCC communications window filing and NASA Artemis program dependencies.The Starship system is a fully reusable, two‑stage‑to‑orbit super heavy‑lift launch vehicle under development by SpaceX. The system is composed of a booster stage named Super Heavy and a second stage, also called "Starship" and is being built at Starbase, Texas.00:00:00 - SpaceX Starship Flight 12 update00:01:48 - Raptor 3 Engine00:02:38 - Ship 39 Design00:03:20 - COPV Failure Investigation00:04:45 - Starbase Pad 200:05:36 - Flight Profile00:07:05 - Testing Timeline00:07:57 - NASA Artemis Impact00:08:33 - 2026 Roadmap00:09:15 - What's next for flight 12?

Welcome to our Summer Series (Encore Episode). At the moment, we are touring Tasmania! We are recording episodes while we're away and will be back next week. Happy New Year! New Australian gigs have just been announced, and you can buy tickets now at www.rewind80smixtape.com.auLIKE, SHARE, RATE & REVIEW

Dr. Michael Salla dives into current exopolitics, touching on Elon Musk's Starship estimates and potential advancements in energy and space travel. He also discusses allegations surrounding UAP retrieval and reverse-engineering efforts. Join us for a deeper look into these developments and what they mean for the future, including insights on AI and other emerging technologies.

SpaceX is preparing to launch Starship Flight 12, the maiden flight of Block 3 vehicles. Booster 19 and Ship 39 will fly with Raptor 3 engines for the first time, generating 19 to 22 percent more thrust than Block 2. The launch window opens in late February or March 2026 from Pad 2 at Starbase. SpaceX will not attempt a booster catch on this flight. Ship 39 will attempt a controlled reentry over the Indian Ocean. The orbital refueling demonstration planned for June 2026 depends on Flight 12 succeeding, and NASA's Artemis program has no backup plan. We talk about Starship Flight 12 Technical Report, SpaceX production timeline and testing milestones, FCC communications window filing and NASA Artemis program dependencies.The Starship system is a fully reusable, two‑stage‑to‑orbit super heavy‑lift launch vehicle under development by SpaceX. The system is composed of a booster stage named Super Heavy and a second stage, also called "Starship" and is being built at Starbase, Texas.00:00:00 - SpaceX Starship Flight 12 update00:01:48 - Raptor 3 Engine00:02:38 - Ship 39 Design00:03:20 - COPV Failure Investigation00:04:45 - Starbase Pad 200:05:36 - Flight Profile00:07:05 - Testing Timeline00:07:57 - NASA Artemis Impact00:08:33 - 2026 Roadmap00:09:15 - What's next for flight 12?

2026 promises to be the most exciting year in the new space age yet! Shining bright is the prospect of an Artemis II launch to send astronauts around the moon for the first time since 1972, as early as February. We've already seen news about a medical incident on the International Space Station that will force a crew to return to Earth early, but NASA says this won't affect the Artemis launch. On other news, NASA's budget seems on track to be passed at near 2025 levels, China is preparing to send a robot to the south lunar pole, SpaceX plans robust tests of Starship this year—and hopefully refinement of their lander for Artemis III, Boeing will fly Starliner again (uncrewed), Mars Sample Return is poised to be scuttled, and all this under the leadership of a new—and apparently quite capable—NASA administrator, Jared Isaacman. Join us for an in-depth look at what's coming in 2026! Headlines: Medical evacuation planned for ISS astronauts due to health concerns NASA Chief Jared Isaacman leads first big press conference amid ISS medical incident Artemis 2 lunar mission remains on track for February launch Orion spacecraft heat shield faces scrutiny ahead of crewed flight NASA budget nearly secured—Congress backs full funding for 2026 Mars Sample Return project faces likely cancellation SpaceX Starship gears up for crucial orbital and refueling tests Blue Origin's Blue Moon lunar lander launch delayed, competition heats up China's lunar, asteroid, and orbital missions ramp up for 2026 Boeing Starliner and Sierra Space Dream Chaser schedule ISS cargo missions New moon landers, asteroid missions, and global crewed capsule tests coming in 2026 NASA's Roman Space Telescope possibly launching this year Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: threatlocker.com/twit

2026 promises to be the most exciting year in the new space age yet! Shining bright is the prospect of an Artemis II launch to send astronauts around the moon for the first time since 1972, as early as February. We've already seen news about a medical incident on the International Space Station that will force a crew to return to Earth early, but NASA says this won't affect the Artemis launch. On other news, NASA's budget seems on track to be passed at near 2025 levels, China is preparing to send a robot to the south lunar pole, SpaceX plans robust tests of Starship this year—and hopefully refinement of their lander for Artemis III, Boeing will fly Starliner again (uncrewed), Mars Sample Return is poised to be scuttled, and all this under the leadership of a new—and apparently quite capable—NASA administrator, Jared Isaacman. Join us for an in-depth look at what's coming in 2026! Headlines: Medical evacuation planned for ISS astronauts due to health concerns NASA Chief Jared Isaacman leads first big press conference amid ISS medical incident Artemis 2 lunar mission remains on track for February launch Orion spacecraft heat shield faces scrutiny ahead of crewed flight NASA budget nearly secured—Congress backs full funding for 2026 Mars Sample Return project faces likely cancellation SpaceX Starship gears up for crucial orbital and refueling tests Blue Origin's Blue Moon lunar lander launch delayed, competition heats up China's lunar, asteroid, and orbital missions ramp up for 2026 Boeing Starliner and Sierra Space Dream Chaser schedule ISS cargo missions New moon landers, asteroid missions, and global crewed capsule tests coming in 2026 NASA's Roman Space Telescope possibly launching this year Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: threatlocker.com/twit

2026 promises to be the most exciting year in the new space age yet! Shining bright is the prospect of an Artemis II launch to send astronauts around the moon for the first time since 1972, as early as February. We've already seen news about a medical incident on the International Space Station that will force a crew to return to Earth early, but NASA says this won't affect the Artemis launch. On other news, NASA's budget seems on track to be passed at near 2025 levels, China is preparing to send a robot to the south lunar pole, SpaceX plans robust tests of Starship this year—and hopefully refinement of their lander for Artemis III, Boeing will fly Starliner again (uncrewed), Mars Sample Return is poised to be scuttled, and all this under the leadership of a new—and apparently quite capable—NASA administrator, Jared Isaacman. Join us for an in-depth look at what's coming in 2026! Headlines: Medical evacuation planned for ISS astronauts due to health concerns NASA Chief Jared Isaacman leads first big press conference amid ISS medical incident Artemis 2 lunar mission remains on track for February launch Orion spacecraft heat shield faces scrutiny ahead of crewed flight NASA budget nearly secured—Congress backs full funding for 2026 Mars Sample Return project faces likely cancellation SpaceX Starship gears up for crucial orbital and refueling tests Blue Origin's Blue Moon lunar lander launch delayed, competition heats up China's lunar, asteroid, and orbital missions ramp up for 2026 Boeing Starliner and Sierra Space Dream Chaser schedule ISS cargo missions New moon landers, asteroid missions, and global crewed capsule tests coming in 2026 NASA's Roman Space Telescope possibly launching this year Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: threatlocker.com/twit

2026 promises to be the most exciting year in the new space age yet! Shining bright is the prospect of an Artemis II launch to send astronauts around the moon for the first time since 1972, as early as February. We've already seen news about a medical incident on the International Space Station that will force a crew to return to Earth early, but NASA says this won't affect the Artemis launch. On other news, NASA's budget seems on track to be passed at near 2025 levels, China is preparing to send a robot to the south lunar pole, SpaceX plans robust tests of Starship this year—and hopefully refinement of their lander for Artemis III, Boeing will fly Starliner again (uncrewed), Mars Sample Return is poised to be scuttled, and all this under the leadership of a new—and apparently quite capable—NASA administrator, Jared Isaacman. Join us for an in-depth look at what's coming in 2026! Headlines: Medical evacuation planned for ISS astronauts due to health concerns NASA Chief Jared Isaacman leads first big press conference amid ISS medical incident Artemis 2 lunar mission remains on track for February launch Orion spacecraft heat shield faces scrutiny ahead of crewed flight NASA budget nearly secured—Congress backs full funding for 2026 Mars Sample Return project faces likely cancellation SpaceX Starship gears up for crucial orbital and refueling tests Blue Origin's Blue Moon lunar lander launch delayed, competition heats up China's lunar, asteroid, and orbital missions ramp up for 2026 Boeing Starliner and Sierra Space Dream Chaser schedule ISS cargo missions New moon landers, asteroid missions, and global crewed capsule tests coming in 2026 NASA's Roman Space Telescope possibly launching this year Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: threatlocker.com/twit

Deep dive analysis on SpaceX's business heading into the company's IPO this year. I'm joined by Aaron and Vlad for Mach33 research who collaborated with Cathy Wood and ARK Invest on an excellent valuation model for SpaceX. We analyze how much progress has been made on Starship and Starlink's under appreciated potential to drive hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue. Then we discuss the new datacenters in space opportunity and the timing on when this will happen and how it could eventually lead to a $100T+ SpaceX valuation.0:00 The Team Behind ARK's SpaceX Valuation Model1:22 10,000 Starships per year!?7:10 How Close Is Starship To Launching Commercial Payloads12:57 Starlink's Insane Potential21:55 Spectrum Acquisition & Direct To Cell Starlink24:04 Timeline of SpaceX Launching Compute In Space39:26 Will Someone Buy Starcloud? OpenAI Buying Stoke Space?45:40 SpaceX: The First Interplanetary IPOAaron Burnett on X: https://x.com/aaronburnettVlad Saigau on X: https://x.com/VladSaigauMy X:   / gfilche  HyperChange Patreon :)   / hyperchange   Disclaimer: Everyone in this podcast is invested in SpaceX. This is not financial advice and we are not financial advisors.

SpaceX flew Starship five times in 2025. The first three flights lost their ships during ascent. A fourth ship exploded on the test stand. Then Flights 10 and 11 succeeded, proving Block 2 works. On January 4, 2026, Elon Musk said SpaceX could eventually produce 10,000 Starships per year. Meanwhile, the company is constructing Giga Bays in Texas and Florida, preparing five launch pads across two states, and recovering from the loss of its first Block 3 booster. Flight 12 is next.

Bid the holidays farewell with a Very Special One Shot featuring Tara's very first time in the GM chair and running a holiday themed one shot of her own design! And visit our Youtube page to enjoy the one shot with our beautiful faces!

SpaceX flew Starship five times in 2025. The first three flights lost their ships during ascent. A fourth ship exploded on the test stand. Then Flights 10 and 11 succeeded, proving Block 2 works. Meanwhile, SpaceX is constructing Giga Bays in Texas and Florida to build 80-meter Block 4 boosters, preparing five launch pads across two states, and developing barge transport to ship vehicles from Starbase to Kennedy Space Center. Flight 12 with Block 3 hardware is next.

Special Open Lines as the last Space Show for 2025, 12-30-25Quick SummaryWe explored various rocket systems' capabilities and development status, including SpaceX's Starship, Blue Origin's New Glenn, and NASA's SLS, while discussing the Artemis missions and Gateway project funding. The program ended with discussions about space infrastructure development, sustainable technology implementation, and the future of space exploration, including private sector initiatives and the potential for dual-use technologies.Detailed SummaryI discussed my appearance on Tom Olson's radio show. We then discussed the phenomenon of SpaceX employees potentially leaving to start their own space businesses after the company's IPO, which John Jossy clarified as similar to the “PayPal mafia” concept. Doug expressed skepticism about Mike Griffin's plan to meet the 2028 moon timeline using existing architecture, noting that Starship's development is crucial for Artemis III's success. The conversation also touched on the U.S.'s withdrawal from the Gateway project as depicted by Tom, with ESA now taking full responsibility for its development. This was later challenged and clarified.We talked about the status of the Gateway project for the Artemis missions, clarifying that Congress has provided full funding for Gateway despite the President's budget proposal to end it. They debated the necessity of Gateway and the NRHO orbit, with concerns raised about astronaut safety and the potential to strand individuals on the moon. David shared insights from a recent show featuring Mike Griffin, noting lower-than-expected viewership despite high expectations, perhaps due to the holidays. Later we discussed the success of Blue Origin's New Glenn launch.Also discussed were the capabilities and development status of various rocket systems, including SpaceX's Starship, Blue Origin's New Glenn, and NASA's SLS. Doug explained that SpaceX's Starship version 2 is still in development and its payload capabilities are not yet proven, while Blue Origin recently announced plans to stretch their New Glenn rocket to increase its payload capacity. We touched on SpaceX's Mars cargo landing plans, with Doug noting that Elon Musk's target of 10-30 tons for initial cargo landings seems low to reduce the number of refills needed, potentially eliminating the need for propellant depots or tanker flights. Marshall raised questions about the orbital reentry and heat shield capabilities of the Starship, suggesting that SpaceX may not fully understand how to handle the heat shield requirements for both lunar and Martian landings until they attempt a test flight.Our Wisdom Team discussed SpaceX's progress with their Starship program, noting that while they have had successful ocean landings, a double catch test is an important benchmark for evaluating shield performance. John Jossy mentioned that Relativity Space, led by Eric Schmidt, plans to launch their Taren R rocket late next year with the goal of building data centers in space. The conversation ended with welcoming two new participants, Benjamin Ayala and Twain Knight, who expressed interest in learning about space and discussed their academic backgrounds in physics and aerospace engineering both were students but as you will hear, fizzled out as being guests on the program.The group discussed the need for NASA to develop a sustainable infrastructure plan for a permanent presence in space, with Gary Barnhard (he joined us via Zoom) emphasizing the importance of establishing clear driving requirements from a science, systems engineering, and architectural design standpoint. Gary shared an example from the International Space Station's development to illustrate the impact of controversial requirements, highlighting the need for careful consideration of system capabilities. The discussion concluded with Gary outlining plans for a collaborative design charrette leading up to IAC 2026, which aims to gather insights and explore potential synergies for improving space infrastructure, with a focus on leveraging international partnerships and developing interoperability specifications for power beaming and communication networks.Gary discussed a novel approach to micro and partial gravity adaptation, emphasizing the importance of implementing technology with real-world applications and tangible data. Doug inquired about the goal of a design charrette, which Gary explained is to articulate driving requirements rather than provide prescriptive architectural recommendations. They discussed the development of SpaceX's Starship and the potential for propellant depots, with Gary highlighting the need for sustainable infrastructure and the importance of understanding various propulsion solutions. The conversation touched on life support systems for space missions, with Gary emphasizing the need for systems with multiple degrees of failure tolerance and a buffer for self-stabilization.The discussion continued to focus on the future of space exploration and commercial space activities. Gary emphasized the importance of private sector initiatives and the need for companies to take responsibility and authority in driving progress. He noted that the cost of launching payloads to the moon has decreased significantly, with potential for further reductions. Marshall highlighted SpaceX's achievements in 2025, including the success of Falcon 9 and Starlink satellites, and predicted that SpaceX could become the leading force in space exploration by 2027. The group discussed the economic implications of these developments and the potential for dual-use technologies that benefit both space and terrestrial applications.We discussed challenges and progress in space exploration, with Marshall highlighting SpaceX's successful recovery of its first stage and Blue Origin's advancements with hydrogen-oxygen upper stages. David expressed concerns about the lack of substantial progress in human spaceflight and space settlement, comparing it to the slow development of nuclear power. John Hunt suggested that developing a continuously inhabited moon base could provide more experience for long-term space living before considering permanent settlement. We emphasized the potential for private enterprise to drive future space missions, citing its willingness to take risks and its ability to operate without government scrutiny. The conversation also touched on the psychological impacts of sending couples and families into space and comparing it to the spirit of early American settlers.Gary presented an overview of XISP Inc.'s mission development efforts, highlighting their work on space wear technology that combines electro muscular stimulation with kinetic fabrics for exercise in variable gravity environments. He explained that the technology, which can provide equivalent of a 4-hour workout in 20 minutes, is already available commercially and is being tested with a broad demographic group. David expressed interest in featuring Gary in a dedicated Space Show segment and discussed the potential for using similar technology with animals, particularly dogs, for space missions. The group agreed to schedule Gary's next appearance on the Space Show for February. or later, then program concluded its broadcast.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:Broadcast 4482: Zoom: Open Lines to kick of 2026 | Sunday 04 Jan 2026 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonZoom: Open Lines to start the New Year Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

As we get closer to SpaceX's $1.5T IPO, all eyes are on Starship. The world's largest rocket is set to transform the space industry and SpaceX's financials. The key enabler for Starlink's full potential, the moon mission, mars, datacenters in space and so much more is to get Starship working reliably. With plans for test launches in the coming months and a potential commercial payload later this year, the timing is colliding head on with SpaceX's rumored IPO in summer 2026. Exciting times. Without Starship working it will be impossible for SpaceX to achieve it's ambitious vision. That is why now is such a strategic time for the company to IPO. Selling a huge chunk of stock at a $1T+ valuation would give SpaceX tons of capital to fund the Starship program.0:00 SpaceX IPO In 20261:40 Asking Grok about the V3 Satellite4:00 SpaceX's Business Model Relies on Starship5:20 When Does Starship Go Into Production?6:42 Why It's Smart For SpaceX To IPO Right NowMy X:   / gfilche  HyperChange Patreon :)   / hyperchange   Disclaimer: I'm invested in SpaceX through an SPV. This is not financial advice.

Today's guest is someone I first came across on the Irish People in VC list—and I'm really glad I reached out. Because it turns out Maureen Haverty has one of the most fascinating jobs you can imagine: helping build the future of space. As a Principal at Seraphim Space, the world's leading space-focused VC firm, she invests globally in technologies pushing the boundaries of what's possible —and shaping the future of space startup investment.Maureen began her career in nuclear engineering, earning a PhD from the University of Manchester before making the leap into startups. At Apollo Fusion, she survived a hard pivot into space, ultimately becoming COO and steering the company through a $150M acquisition by Astra. That experience—what she calls a startup “baptism by fire”—now informs how she backs early-stage founders as both investor and board director. Her insights have been featured in The Times, and she'll soon take the stage at Web Summit to speak on “Space as a Strategic Frontier.”Key Takeaways“Build just enough”: Space startups win by testing early and often, not waiting for perfection.Kill fewer dreams: Rigor matters—but so does nurturing half-formed ideas.Get to space ASAP: In-orbit validation creates trust and unlocks massive growth.From Gantt charts to fast loops: High-performing teams test weekly, not quarterly.Customer conversations still matter: Even in space, talking to users beats assumptions.Additional InsightsWhy VC funding in space is shifting toward earlier MVPs.The hidden costs of acquisition for startup culture and speed.How Starship may reshape what's possible—size, cost, and assembly in orbit.The role of government contracts in fostering a competitive space ecosystem.Episode Highlights00:00 – Episode RecapMaureen Haverty shares how balancing rigor with creativity helped her evolve from nuclear engineer to space startup COO to VC. The key? Learning when to test, when to build, and when to let wild ideas breathe.01:35 – Guest Introduction: Maureen HavertyBarry introduces Maureen Haverty, Principal at Seraphim Space and advocate for grounded rigor in an industry literally aiming for the stars.03:35 – Learning When Not to Kill IdeasMaureen reflects on being labeled a “dream killer” and how she transformed that mindset to foster innovation with constructive rigor.07:34 – Applying Rigor Without Stifling InnovationHow Apollo used just-enough testing, internal prototyping, and diverse team strengths to build better, faster.13:54 – Rethinking MVPs in Space StartupsWhy even space companies now push to generate early revenue and test hardware pre-launch.18:19 – Customers Want Something They Can SeeBuilding a physical, testable product—even a crude one—outperforms pitch decks every time.20:32 – The $70M Lesson of In-Space TestingHow one flight test flipped customer hesitation into a flood of contracts.26:12 – Surviving the Shift from Prototype to ProductionThe real scaling challenge: maintaining culture and customer trust while redesigning for scale.30:15 – The Hidden Power of Primes and PolicyWhy space remains deeply shaped by government buyers—and how that's changing with new VC-backed players.35:33 – Starship and the Future of SpaceMaureen shares what could shift when larger...

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

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

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

PREVIEW: Bob Zimmerman details SpaceX's potential 2026 IPO, intended to fund an "insane" Starship flight rate and ambitious projects like Moon Base Alpha and Mars missions. The capital would also support deploying AI data centers in space, cementing SpaceX's role as the effective leader of the American space program.