This Week in Space (Audio)

Capitalism—and a strong profit motivation—has driven enterprise for centuries. Two notable examples are the East India Company and the US transcontinental railroad, and the various tycoons who built it. In neither case, by today's standards, were the operations fair or ethical on a number of fronts. Can we do better in space? Dr. Rainer Zitelmann joins us to discuss capitalism and the importance of extraterrestrial land ownership as an enabler of human expansion off-Earth. He's got a lot to say, and not all of it is what you might expect. Join us for this fascinating and informative look at one business case for newspace. Headlines: • NASA's Roman Space Telescope Launches to Explore Cosmic Mysteries • SpaceX Falcon Heavy Returns to Action for Major NASA Mission • Blue Origin Selected to Build Mars Communications Relay for NASA • Japan and Europe's BepiColombo Mission Arrives at Mercury Main Topic: Who Owns the Moon? — Capitalism in Space With Dr. Rainer Zitelmann • Dr. Zitelmann Explains Market Forces Transforming the Space Industry • Historical Parallels Between Economic Reforms and the Privatization of Space • The Outer Space Treaty and Legal Uncertainty Around Private Ownership Off-Earth • Potential for Stock Markets and REITs for Off-World Real Estate and Resources • China's Rapid Advancement in Private Space and Market-Driven Innovation • Safety Zones, Artemis Accords, and the Limits of Current Legal Frameworks • First-Mover Advantage: How Initial Claims Might Play Out on the Moon and Mars • Equity, Envy, and Ethical Debates Over Colonization and Space Ownership • The Role of Commercial Incentive Versus Public Benefit in Expanding Humanity's Reach Get "New Space Capitalism" (Amazon Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/4xEeGID Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Rainer Zitelmann Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: outsystems.com/twit helixsleep.com/space

Introducing Daughters Are Struggling. Here's What They Need From Us with Psychologist Dr. Shefali from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast BUY THE BOOKS! Raising Conscious Daughters https://amzn.to/4ydGaEU Raising Conscious Sons https://amzn.to/4qHNVAk Oprah continues her two-part conversation with New York Times bestselling author and world-renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Shefali about her new books, Raising Conscious Sons: Cultivating Purpose, Connection, and Inner Power in a Chaotic World and Raising Conscious Daughters: Building Confidence, Courage, and Inner Power in an Anxious World. In part two, Oprah and Dr. Shefali focus on the unique challenges facing girls today and the hidden struggles behind the achievement and confidence the world often sees on the surface. Dr. Shefali explores the rise of anxiety, depression, self-harm, cyberbullying, perfectionism and self-doubt among young women. Dr. Shefali also explains how the pressures of the digital age, constant comparison, unrealistic expectations and what she calls the perception prison are shaping girls' mental health. She unpacks the 'psychology of more' describing it as one of the most corrosive forces affecting young women today and shares practical guidance for helping daughters trust their inner voice and stay connected to their authentic selves. Oprah and Dr. Shefali are also joined by four mothers who share their questions about raising daughters. 00:00:00 Welcome Dr. Shefali, author of “Raising Conscious Daughters” 00:04:00 - Conscious parenting 00:07:30 - Parents wakeup call 00:08:30 - Stats about girls 00:16:00 - Pressures of teen girls 00:21:00 - Teaching anti-fragility 00:23:00 - Pain as a teacher 00:26:00 - It's not your job to keep your kids happy 00:27:00 - Comparison culture 00:29:00 - Stop chasing worth 00:32:20 - How the patriarchy has affected girls 00:33:40 - The culture of never good enough 00:36:00 - Algorithms exploit our children 00:40:33 - Bullying and cyberbullying 00:45:00 - The dangers of obedience 00:47:50 - Three sacred pillars 00:49:50 - Message for parents GEICO is proud to be the exclusive insurance sponsor of The Oprah Podcast. Every journey comes with unexpected turns. And when those happen, GEICO is there to help keep you moving forward with confidence. Learn more about how they can support you along the way at GEICO.com. Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ Listen to the full podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381 DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

The mitigation of orbital debris is an increasingly serious problem that has not gotten enough attention, but this is changing. Commercial companies are addressing orbital debris, and one of them, KMI Space, has flown its experiments aboard the International Space Station, performing over 170 individual rendezvous-and-grab operations. The results are very promising, and the company is moving ahead with ever more ambitious designs. Adam Kall of KMI joins us to discuss their work on the ISS, the goals of the company, and how nature—via the humble octopus and gecko lizards—may have provided the answers for this vexing problem. Headlines: SpaceX to Build Major Starbase Louisiana with Ambitious Launch Plans Falcon 9 Retirement Looms as Starship Prepares to Take Over Recovery and Future of Starship Flight 13 Discussed Roman Space Telescope Launch Previewed Lunar Eclipse Recap and Next Major Eclipse Forecast Trump Announces New US Space Academy Main Topic: KMI Space's REACH Technology and In-Orbit Relocation KMI Space's Origin Story and Path to the Space Industry The REACCH Gripper: Gecko and Octopus-Inspired Robotic Arms How REACCH Grips and Moves Tumbling Satellites and Debris Real-World ISS Demonstrations and Operational Challenges Pivot from Debris Removal to Satellite Relocation as a Service Business Model: Transparent Pricing and Customer Targeting Future Vision: In-Orbit Collection, Refueling, and Recycling Stations National Security Implications and Force-Appropriate Applications Technical Details: Materials, Propulsion, and Size Consideration Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Adam Kall 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

It has been said that the Moon is a harsh mistress, and nowhere is this more apparent than at the lunar south pole. That is, however, where the Artemis program is headed, and we need to figure out how to best explore the region. Dr. David Kring of the Universities Space Research Association's Lunar and Planetary Institute joins us to explore the where, whys, and hows of the Artemis Program's lunar exploration plans, and the answers--and risks--that await us. Headlines: Starship Flight 12 Survives Indian Ocean Landing nd Long Sea Journey China's Chang'e 7 Lunar Hopper Mission Targets Permanently Shadowed Terrain US National Space Transportation Policy Aims for 1,000 Launches Per Year by 2030 Main Topic: The Science and Planning of the Artemis Lunar Program Criteria and Studies for Selecting Artemis Landing Sites South Pole Resource Advantages: Continuous Solar Power and Potential Volatiles Scientific Promise of the Schrödinger Impact Basin vs. South Pole Mandate The Value of Lunar Sample Return for Transformational Science Unique Terrain and Operational Challenges of the Lunar South Polar Region Training, Mobility, and the Role of Human Exploration versus Robotics Impact Cratering's Role in Life's Origins and Earth's Early History Considerations for Lunar Base Location and Hazards Training Programs for Scientists and Astronauts Preparing for Artemis Host: Rod Pyle Co-Host: Fredrick (Rick) Jenet Guest: Dr. David Kring 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

We're headed for a space renaissance, and it will be focused on the Moon. The US, China, and international partners of both are vying to land people there and construct a permanent lunar base. Meanwhile, NASA is evolving to embrace commercial enterprise unlike any time in its past, and American lunar efforts are lagging. What are the stakes? Does it matter who returns humans there first? What does the future of lunar commerce look like? Dr. Scott Pace, the Director of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University, joins us. Main Topic: The Evolving Lunar Domain and US Space Policy • Dr. Scott Pace's space policy background and legacy • Policy continuity from Trump to Biden and the focus on implementation • Artemis program direction and geopolitical influences • The importance of commercial and international partnerships • NASA's commercial contract successes and limitations • Need for an off-ramp from SLS as commercial heavy lift matures • Differentiating between short-term wins and long-term infrastructure goals in lunar strategy • Tension between NASA centers and commercial LEO station development • Challenges and prospects for lunar landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin • Recommendations for NASA's future focus: tough technical problems, integration, and talent • The cultural and inspirational necessity of human presence in space despite advancing AI and robotics Host: Rod Pyle Co-Host: Dale Skran Guest: Dr. Scott Pace Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: threatlocker.com/twit rippling.ai/twis

We've all seen the movies... the aliens come to Earth, the aliens overcome the inferior humans, and the aliens fall prey to something dumb they overlooked, like microbes, Windows 95, or most absurdly, water. From the 1950s through yesterday, some of the best movies we've seen were about the invasion of our planet. They can be clever, scary, or even downright dumb, but they are all fun. Veteran space writer Rich Edwards joins us to give advice on how to repel the invaders! Headlines: Department of Defense drops new batch of UFO/UAP files Blue Origin traces New Glenn rocket explosion to faulty oxygen valve SpaceX's first public earnings call reveals key financials and hints at Starship's future Total solar eclipse set to cross Europe; safety tips and gear recommendations Main Topic: How to Invade Earth in Sci-Fi—22 Dos and Don'ts with Rich Edwards The enduring appeal and adaptability of War of the Worlds Why alien invaders always go for major landmarks (and why it's all for show) Critique of aliens with impractical invasion strategies—water allergies and cocky attitudes Pop culture's obsession with alien disguises, conspiracy plots, and gradual infiltration Deep dive into Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Day of the Triffids, and the power of slow, stealthy takeovers Starting small: Alien invasions in isolated towns and subtle conquests The strategic use of time travel in alien invasion movies, with Star Trek: First Contact Why James Cameron's Aliens remains a sci-fi invasion classic decades later What makes a satisfying alien invasion ending—and the pitfalls of lazy resolutions Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Richard Edwards Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: helixsleep.com/space

Rod Pyle is out this week, so Rick Jenet of the National Space Society joins Tariq Malik this week to talk about SpaceX's Starship Flight 13, which deployed new Starlink V3 satellites and stunned viewers when the ship survived reentry intact enough to float in the ocean for days afterward. They also discuss NASA's Roman Space Telescope, now just a month from launch, and an in-progress emergency effort to save the ailing Swift Space Observatory using a servicing spacecraft that is itself now experiencing technical trouble. Finally, they look into Boeing's continued Starliner delays and India's first successful private orbital launch via Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket. Tune in! Headlines: SpaceX Starship Flight 13 Splashdown and Recovery Efforts Starlink V3 Satellite Deployment Updates SpaceX Wins $1.6 Billion Space Force Contract NASA's Roman Space Telescope Countdown and Origin Story Urgent Swift Space Observatory Rescue Mission Faces Technical Setbacks Boeing Starliner Faces More Delays and Uncertainty India's First Commercial Rocket Launch Enters Global Market Artemis II Astronaut Questions South Pole as Lunar Landing Target Astronomers Detect Possible First-Ever Exomoon Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Impact Experiment on the Moon Preview: August Almost Total Solar Eclipse and Night Sky Events Host: Tariq Malik Co-Host: Fredrick (Rick) Jenet Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

This week, we cover how Starship Flight 13 finally prepares to launch amid a legal battle over SpaceX's proposed land swap at Starbase, plus a Chinese Long March 3B rocket gets struck by lightning during liftoff, yet still delivers its satellite safely. Then, guests Dr. Pascal Lee and astrobiologist Dr. Penny Boston join the show to mark the 50th anniversary of Viking 1's landing on Mars and revisit the mission's groundbreaking life-detection experiments and the decades-long controversy over what they actually found. The conversation traces Mars exploration from the earliest Mariner flybys through Viking's ambiguous, still-debated results—later explained by perchlorates in the Martian soil—and the fierce scientific rivalry the findings sparked. Join us! Headlines: SpaceX Starship Flight 13 faces engine and weather delays ahead of launch SpaceX land swap proposal sparks conservation group lawsuit over Rio Grande Valley wildlife preserve Chinese Long March rocket survives dramatic lightning strike during launch Main Topic: 50th Anniversary of Viking Mars Landers—Search for Life on Mars The evolution of Mars exploration from telescopes to Viking lander Early Mars missions: Mariner flybys, Soviet attempts, and breakthroughs in orbital imaging Viking 1 and 2: Ambitious design, life-detection experiments, and landing impact Mixed public and scientific reactions to Viking's first iconic Mars surface images Technical overview of the Viking biology experiments and their controversial results The unresolved debate: Did Viking detect life or chemical reactions on Mars? Personal accounts of key scientists, scientific disputes, and the "Wolf Trap" experiment that never flew Lessons from Viking: Limitations of technology, extremophile discoveries, and shifting strategies for detecting life The scientific case for seeking life in Martian caves and subsurface environments Critique of current and future Mars missions: Perseverance rover findings and value of Mars Sample Return Exploring planetary protection, contamination risks, and the challenges of certifying Martian samples= Key takeaways for future missions—bold searches, new technologies, and the ongoing quest for answers Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guests: Pascal Lee and Dr. Penelope Boston 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: rippling.ai/twis

This week we're jumping into the space headlines for the past few weeks. It's been busy, and some exciting things are happening! A couple of companies are moving into the space solar power arena--something we've long advocated--and that's welcome progress. Starship is set to fly Starship test number 13, and a lot is riding on this--the system is overdue for some proof of concept to keep up with NASA's HLS contract. An exoplanet spotted a decade ago has shown signs of a potentially habitable atmosphere; there are landslides--big ones--on Pluto, and evidence of "space candy" sugars in an interstellar cloud are in the news. Finally, SpaceX is doubling down on their big defense contracts with a well-funded US Space Force. Join us for all the latest! Headlines: SpaceX Starship Flight 13 Launch Aborted Due to Engine Issue Meteorite Crashes Into New Jersey, Preserved Sample Fuels Origins of Life Research Discovery of Atmosphere Around Habitable-Zone Exoplanet LHS 1140 b NASA Moon Tree Planted After Artemis 1 Mission Reflect Orbital to Launch Mirrors in Space, Sparking Astronomer Backlash Landslides Found on Pluto Could Bury Entire Cities Rare Sugar Found in Interstellar Cloud Hints at Building Blocks of Life SpaceX's Growing Military Launch Contracts and Pentagon Ties Space Development Agency's Expanding Satellite Constellation for Space Force Starship's Dual Focus: NASA Moon Landings vs. Mars and Satellite Deployment Artemis 3 Updates: New Renderings, Docking Plans, and Starlink HD Laser Payloads Defense Innovation Unit's Push for Space-Based Power Beaming Technology Pulse Space and Laser-Based Satellite Power and Communication New Satellite Concept to Detect Nuclear Devices in Orbit Amid Global Security Concerns Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: blackhat.com/us-26 and use code TWIT ethos.com/twis

We've been hearing a lot about NASA's new moonbase plans, and they are ambitious. Starting with Artemis V (so far), the US plans to begin preparations for a permanent base situated in the south polar regions of the moon. Details are somewhat fluid, but one thing stands out: the poles are likely to be the most challenging places to set up shop in an already hostile environment. Planetary scientist Dr. Pascal Lee joins us to discuss moonbase siting options and why the poles may not be the best choice at first. Headlines: China Demonstrates Impressive Rocket Landing and Catch Mechanism New Horizons Probe Awakens to Transmit Deep Space Data Wally Funk, Last of the "Mercury 13," Passes Away West Coast Rocket Launch Alert: SpaceX Falcon 9 Visual Spectacle Main Topic: Moon Base Strategy and Location Debate History and Evolution of U.S. Moon Base Plans NASA's New Multi-Phase Moon Base Timeline and Missions Strategic and Logistical Challenges of South Pole Moon Bases Arguments for a Centralized, Benign Location for Moon Infrastructure Commercial and International Partnership Models for Lunar Operations Role of Robotics and AI in Moon Exploration and Prospecting Lessons from Antarctic Base Logistics Applied to the Moon Potential for Tourism and Commercial Development on the Lunar Surface Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Pascal Lee Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: blackhat.com/us-26 and use code TWIT rippling.ai/twis threatlocker.com/twit

Since 1958, the United States has been part of the spaceflight adventure, and since the mid-1960s has led in just about any category that counts. In this episode, we discuss the progression of American space efforts, review which flights launched or landed on July 4, and relive some of our very favorite US space missions of all time! "Headlines: • NASA's Swift Boost Mission Aims to Rescue Swift Space Telescope • Astronomer Avi Loeb Tapped to Chair White House UAP Panel • Celebrating 30 Years of the Film Independence Day Main Topic: 250 Years of America in Space • American Flags Across the Solar System • Origins of the Space Age: Operation Paperclip and the V2 Legacy • Explorer 1 and Early U.S. Satellite Achievements • Mariner and Viking Missions: Mars Exploration Milestones • Key American Firsts in Human Spaceflight • Apollo Landings and Moonwalk Milestones • Skylab and Its Legacy as America's First Space Station • The Rise of Reusable Rockets: Space Shuttle, Blue Origin, and SpaceX • Private Spaceflight and Tourism: From Dennis Tito to Jared Isaacman • Curiosity, Pathfinder, and Other Mars Rovers as Iconic U.S. Achievements • Reflections on Favorite Missions and the Future of U.S. Space Leadership" Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: blackhat.com/us-26 and use code TWIT helixsleep.com/space

If you've ever wondered what the view from the International Space Station might look like in real-time, this is your episode. Or if you just want to know more about who's up there and what's going on at the ISS on a particular day, this is it. Liam Kennedy, the one and only Space TV Director, is with us. Liam has been working to bring content and video from the ISS down to earth for over a decade, and it's all come together just this year! Liam invented ISS Above, a Raspberry Pi-driven system that highlights key information about the space station in real-time. Join us for this special look at the view from on high! Headlines: NASA is cutting $420 million in contracts, as confirmed by NASA press secretary Bethany Stevens. Boeing Starliner's next crewed launch was delayed to late 2025 / early 2026 due to ongoing helium leaks and thruster issues. Northrop Grumman's Cygnus cargo mission (CRS-22) was canceled after the spacecraft was damaged during shipping; it will be rescheduled to CRS-23 in the fall. Historic FRAM 2 mission launching March 31 - first human spaceflight over Earth's poles, financed by Maltese cryptocurrency entrepreneur Chun Wang. The Blue Origin launch date with Katy Perry, the first all-female mission since Valentina Tereshkova's solo flight, is set for April 14. A partial solar eclipse will be visible over northern US and Canada on March 29. Main Topic - Interview with Liam Kennedy Liam Kennedy's space journey began at age 6, watching the Apollo 11 moon landing, leading to becoming president of Orange County Astronomers and developing ways for the public to experience the Overview Effect. ISS Above is a Raspberry Pi device created in 2013 that tracks the ISS and lights up when it passes overhead, and is now in 5,000 locations worldwide. Kennedy partnered with SEN, founded by Charles Black, to create high-quality 4K cameras for the ISS after NASA's HDEV camera system stopped transmitting in 2019. SEN provides free live streaming of Earth from space via YouTube and SEN.com, generating revenue through advertising and clip licensing. The Space TV camera system includes six cameras on the Columbus module of the ISS, showcasing docking ports, Earth views, and the horizon. Space TV offers dramatically higher quality than NASA's existing cameras and captured stunning 4K footage of Boeing Starliner's undocking and Crew Dragon flights. SEN plans to expand with more cameras and locations, including potential deployment on future commercial space stations and lunar missions. Kennedy discusses the "Overview Effect" - how seeing Earth from space creates a transformative perspective that inspires action on Earth. The ISS Above Experience will be featured at the Space Symposium to celebrate the 25th anniversary of continuous human presence on the ISS. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Liam Kennedy Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

After 60 years of discussion, we may finally be making real, actionable plans to send a crew to Mars. One of the prime advocates for sending humans to the Red Planet has been Dr. Robert Zubrin, founder and president of The Mars Society. In 1990, he and David Baker worked up a plan called "Mars Direct," which took the core of then-current NASA planning and streamlined it into a more realistic, affordable approach. Since then, some of the key elements have been incorporated into NASA's Design Reference Missions, still the primary set of plans for reaching Mars. Join us for this fascinating discussion. Headlines Crew-9 Return: Astronauts Wilmore and Williams returned to Earth via SpaceX Dragon with dolphins swimming around their capsule—spoiler alert: it was NOT AI generated! Isar Aerospace: A German company prepared for the first orbital launch from Norway's Andoya Spaceport SpaceX Record: Achieved fastest booster turnaround yet by flying the same booster twice within nine days Main Topic: Mars Exploration with Dr. Robert Zubrin Mars Direct Plan: Zubrin's revolutionary 1990 proposal using just two heavy-lift launches and in-situ resource utilization, influencing NASA's planning Purpose vs. Vendor-Driven: Critique of NASA's Artemis as "vendor-driven" rather than focused on the mission goal Current Opportunity: New potential for Mars exploration under the current administration, but it must be a national program Timeline Prediction: Realistic goals of uncrewed Starship on Mars by 2028 and humans by 2033 Scientific Value: First Mars Starship should carry substantial scientific payload instead of just a demonstration mission—no red Tesla Roadsters to Mars, please Planetary Protection: Strong case against the "anti-human aesthetics" of keeping Mars pristine Science Budget Concerns: Warning against proposed 50% cuts to NASA's science programs Starboat Concept: Proposal for a smaller ascent vehicle to complement Starship for more efficient Mars and Moon missions Moon vs. Mars Strategy: Design hardware primarily for Mars that can also work for lunar exploration Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Robert Zubrin Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

In this episode of This Week in Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik host Dr. Robert O'Brien, Director of the Universities Space Research Association's Center for Space Nuclear Research, for a fascinating deep dive into nuclear propulsion technology for space exploration. They discuss the history, current developments, and future potential of nuclear electric and nuclear thermal propulsion systems, which could revolutionize our ability to explore Mars and beyond—both robotically and with human crews. Headlines Crew-10 Launch Update: SpaceX's Dragon Endurance prepared to launch relief crew for ISS, addressing delays and setting stage for Williams and Wilmore's return. NASA Layoffs: NASA shuttering several offices including Technology Policy and Strategy, Chief Scientist, and diversity initiatives to comply with Trump administration executive orders. Saturn's Moon Count: 128 additional moons discovered orbiting Saturn, bringing total to 274 (surpassing Jupiter's 95), raising questions about moon classification criteria. Lunar Eclipse: First total lunar eclipse of 2025 visible across western hemisphere, with another eclipse in September for viewers in Asia and Australia. New Space Billionaire: Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, takes over as CEO of Relativity Space (a 3D printing rocket company), joining Bezos, Musk, and Branson in the space industry. Main Topic: Nuclear Propulsion with Dr. Robert O'Brien Propulsion Types: Dr. O'Brien explained two main types: nuclear electric propulsion generates electricity for electric thrusters, while nuclear thermal propulsion heats propellant directly through a fission reactor for thrust. Efficiency Advantages: Nuclear systems offer greater efficiency than chemical rockets, potentially reducing Mars mission mass to one-third or less while enabling "maneuver without regret" capability. Historical Context: US launched SNAP-10A reactor in mid-1960s; Rover-NERVA program demonstrated nuclear thermal rocket technology before cancellation after Apollo. Current Development: Working to regain 1960s capabilities while implementing modern safety protocols, testing procedures, and materials science improvements. Safety Considerations: Modern development includes full exhaust containment and comprehensive safety measures, with waste containment as the primary focus. AI Applications: AI could accelerate development through materials optimization, autonomous operation for deep space, and enhanced reactor control safety. Fusion Propulsion: Remains promising future technology potentially enabling interstellar travel, with growing international investment. Project Orion: Historical nuclear pulse propulsion concept using small nuclear explosions for thrust - impractical for Earth launches but potential for interstellar applications. Public Education: Addressing concerns requires transparent communication, moving away from the "veil of mystery" of earlier nuclear programs. Educational Outreach: The Universities Space Research Association is developing a talent pipeline for "unicorn capabilities" in space nuclear expertise. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Robert O'Brien Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

In this episode of This Week in Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik talk with Dr. Jim Green, former NASA Chief Scientist. He discusses how we can search for technosignatures that might indicate advanced civilizations in other star systems, new ideas on Mars sample return, and his fascinating experience consulting on the movie, The Martian! Also: this week's robotic landings on the Moon - one successful, one partly so; what's up with the USAF X-37B mini-shuttle; and recent news on those Energizer Bunnies of space, Voyagers 1&2. Their wings have been clipped a bit, but they just keep going... join us!News Lunar Landing Week: Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander achieved a flawless touchdown in Mare Chrisium, the Intuitive Machines Athena lander reached the Moon's south polar region but experienced issues with its navigation radar (and tipped over), and SpaceX's Starship test flight 8 successfully caught its booster for the third time but lost control of the upper stage, resulting in the breakup of the upper stage and debris over the Bahamas and Caribbean. NASA powered down additional instruments on both Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 to extend their remaining power supply, including Voyager 1's cosmic ray system that helped confirm its entry into interstellar space in 2012. The secretive US Space Force X-37B space plane landed at Vandenberg Space Force Base after 434 days in orbit, completing its seventh mission, which tested new orbital capabilities, including aerobraking techniques. A newly released list showcases the world's top ten locations for dark skies and stargazing, with the US only having only one location—in Hawaii—to make the list. Dr. Jim Green His Career: Dr. Green goes over his former role as NASA's Chief Scientist and highlights key aspects of his career, including running the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) and leading NASA's Planetary Science Division, and how his interest in space first began. The Martian: Dr. Green also explains how he got involved as a consultant for Ridley Scott's movie, "The Martian," and how NASA got really involved with the film. He also shares his favorite scene from the movie. NASA's Search for Alien Civilizations: Dr. Green shares how he helped shift NASA's focus from traditional SETI to searching for technosignatures like Dyson Spheres and O'Neill structures in other star systems, securing $10 million in funding for research that could detect megastructures in our astronomical data while noting that humanity may need similar space habitats in 800 million years when the sun makes Earth uninhabitable. Mars Sample Return Strategy: Dr. Green explains how NASA's evolving plan to return samples fropm Mars includes developing Mars Ascent Vehicles that could eventually support human missions while revealing that Perseverance was deliberately designed to place sample tubes on the surface so any nation could retrieve them, making the mission more politically viable with budget offices and Congress. Humanity's Cosmic Future: Dr. Green reveals that he helped create NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program to support new companies for lunar missions. Despite early failures, he emphasized that humanity must utilize space resources and capabilities to These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/151 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Jim Green

On episode 150 of This Week in Space, it's our Listener Special edition! Not only do we answer your questions and respond to your comments, but we lined up a number of your most tummy-tickling space jokes in the humor shooting gallery. This one is more fun than wearing new shoes! Join us as we talk about asteroid 2024YR4, the Space Launch System's prospects, Katy Perry in space, the newest lunar missions, the X-37B "secret shuttle," Apollo-era flight director Gene Kranz and astronaut Buzz Aldrin, solar sails, the cage match between Elon and astronaut Andreas Morgenson, and the best meteor shower of the year! Headlines Asteroid 2024 YR4 no longer a threat - The Earth-shattering asteroid that briefly had a record high 3.2% chance of impact has been downgraded to a 1 in 20,000 risk after pre-discovery data was analyzed, sparing Barstow and the rest of Earth. SLS faces uncertain future - Even long-time supporters like Scott Pace (former National Space Council secretary) are suggesting an "off-ramp" from the SLS rocket to commercial providers, signaling a potential shift in NASA's approach to lunar missions. Lunar Trailblazer mission communication issues - The recently launched lunar orbiter briefly lost contact after launch on a Falcon 9 but has since established a heartbeat. Blue Origin announces all-female crew for NS-31 - The upcoming mission will feature singer Katy Perry, Lauren Sanchez, and four other accomplished women, marking the first all-female crew since Valentina Tereshkova's solo flight in the 1960s. Blue Ghost lunar landing imminent - Firefly Aerospace's first moon lander is scheduled to touch down on March 2nd, joining two other private landers (from Intuitive Machines and ispace) headed to the moon in the coming weeks. Listener Questions X-37B space plane purpose - The hosts discussed the secretive Space Force vehicle that's been in orbit for 908 days, likely testing technologies like hall thrusters and conducting reconnaissance. Elon Musk vs. astronauts controversy - The hosts addressed the Twitter/X confrontation between Elon Musk and astronauts (including Andreas Morgensen) regarding claims that astronauts were "stranded" on the ISS for political reasons. Gene Kranz's impact during Apollo - Rod shared his experience interviewing the legendary flight director, highlighting Kranz's "dictum" speech after the Apollo 1 fire and his transition to a more reflective persona later in life. Meeting Buzz Aldrin - The hosts described Aldrin as passionate, technically brilliant, and candid about his personal struggles, with Tariq sharing how Aldrin was the subject of his first professional space article in 1999. Solar sail technology potential - They discussed the success of Planetary Society's LightSail 2 and other solar sail missions, lamenting that the technology hasn't been utilized more extensively for deep space missions. Best meteor showers to observe - The hosts recommended the Perseids (August), Geminids (December), and Leonids (November) as the most impressive annual meteor showers, emphasizing the importance of dark skies for optimal viewing. Convincing moon landing deniers - They discussed the challenge of persuading conspiracy theorists, citing evidence including Soviet tracking These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/150 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

In this episode of This Week in Space, hosts Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik discuss the latest space news, including a potentially hazardous asteroid, SpaceX's plans to launch and land in the Bahamas, and the ongoing debate surrounding the retirement of the International Space Station. They also touch on NASA's budget cuts, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the development of new radiation protection technology for deep space missions. - Asteroid 2024 YR4: While initially considered a potential threat, the chances of this asteroid impacting Earth have significantly decreased as more data has been collected. Rod and Tariq discuss the changing odds and the importance of tracking near-Earth objects. - NASA budget cuts: The hosts discuss the proposed 20% budget cut for the James Webb Space Telescope and its potential impact on the groundbreaking observatory's operations and scientific output. - Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost Moon lander: Launched weeks ago, the lander is now in lunar orbit and scheduled to land on or about March 2nd, carrying 10 experiments to Mare Crisium. With several other lunar missions on the horizon, including those from Intuitive Machines and Japan's iSpace, the hosts discuss the exciting developments in the new lunar exploration era. - SpaceX in the Bahamas: Elon Musk's company is in talks with the Bahamian government about launching and landing rights. The hosts speculate on the reasons behind this move and its potential implications for future missions. - The retirement of the ISS: Elon Musk suggests de-orbiting the station as soon as possible and to press on to Mars, while others argue for maintaining it until suitable replacements are ready. - "Stranded" astronauts controversy: The hosts address the recent claims that astronauts Sunny Williams and Butch Wilmore were "stranded" or "abandoned" on the ISS due to political motives. They clarify the situation and express their disappointment with the misleading narrative. - Radiation shielding technology: The development of 3D-printed hydrogels offers a promising solution for protecting astronauts from harmful radiation during deep space missions. The hosts explore the potential applications and benefits of this innovative technology. - Search for Extraterrestrial Life: The COSMIC project, working with the Very Large Array telescope, has been using advanced computer processing to seek out focused radio transmissions that might indicate the presence of alien civilizations. While no signals of interest have been found yet, the search continues, and the project serves as a valuable educational tool for aspiring radio astronomers. - NASA workforce reduction: While NASA has not yet implemented the anticipated workforce reduction, the hosts discuss the potential impact of such cuts on the agency's future and the importance of maintaining a skilled workforce in the face of increasing competition from China. 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 shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Clavius. The very mention of this vast lunar crater brings to mind spectacular images from "2001: A Space Odyssey"— landing spacecraft, alien monoliths, and more. But more immediately, Clavius may be the ideal place to build our first lunar base, and Dr. Pascal Lee rejoins us to explain why. Notably, Clavius is not on NASA's dance card as a first-sitting consideration, but Lee thinks it should be, for many reasons, including interesting lunar geology, possible sites for permanent settlements—including lava tubes, excellent prospects for transportation infrastructure, and much more. Join us for a fascinating look at the near future at Clavius Base! 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 shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

In this episode, we talk to Mick West, a passionate conspiracy debunker who, rather uniquely, proceeds with kindness and empathy as he unravels some of the key pseudoscience of our time. Of particular interest to us is the spate of relatively recent videos of UFOs/UAPs from the US Navy, among other sources. He's got a lot to say and took a deep dive into the phenomenon with us. Buckle up and share the weird and sometimes wacky world of "Not As They Seem!" with us! Get "Escaping the Rabbit Hole" on Amazon (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/42HqpK1 Headlines: • SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft to bring home astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams earlier than planned, swapping with the Axiom Space 4 mission's Endurance Dragon capsule • Asteroid 2024 YR4's chances of impacting Earth in 2032 slightly increase to a 2.2% chance of hitting our planet on December 22, 2032, according to the European Space Agency. The risk assessment has increased from a chance of 1.2% over the last week due to new observations, but there is still a 97.7% chance it will miss our planet • Putin replaces Roscosmos chief Yuri Borisov with 37-year-old Dmitry Bakunov, former deputy transport minister • Astrolab's FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform (FLIP) rover to replace NASA's canceled VIPER rover, hitching a ride on Griffin's lander to the Moon • The Trump administration's first weeks in office bring significant changes to NASA and the space industry, with acting administrator Janet Petro set to address the future of the agency Main Topic - UFOs/UAPs, Conspiracy Theories, and Critical Thinking: • Mick West's background in video game programming and his transition to debunking conspiracy theories • The importance of contrail science and debunking the chemtrails conspiracy theory • Psychological factors that lead people to believe in conspiracy theories, such as the need for uniqueness and the appeal of simple explanations • The role of social media and non-expert influencers in shaping public opinion on UFOs and other fringe topics • Analyzing recent UFO videos and the challenges of interpreting visual data without proper context or expertise • The potential impact of the Trump administration on UFO disclosure and the appointment of a "UFO/UAP czar" • Examining the claims of UFO whistleblowers like Luis Elizondo and David Grusch, and the lack of concrete evidence to support their assertions • The shift towards a distrust of science and academia, and the potential return to a belief in supernatural explanations • Debunking moon landing conspiracy theories and the importance of considering evidence from multiple sources • The potential consequences of hidden technology and the allure of "free energy" conspiracy theories • Mick West's book, "Escaping the Rabbit Hole: How to Debunk Conspiracy Theories Using Facts, Logic, and Respect," and its guidance on communicating with conspiracy theorists Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Mick West Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

On episode 142 we're talking about 2025 in space! It's going to be an exciting year, kicking off with the first launch attempt for Blue Origin's New Glenn heavy booster and another test flight of Starship. Then we'll see a new asteroid sampling mission from China, the first test flight of Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander to the moon, and the launch of the first-ever private robotic mission to Venus by Rocket Lab. There's a lot more in store, so be sure to join us for this jam-packed episode! Headlines: NASA's Parker Solar Probe makes its closest, fastest, and hottest flyby of the Sun yet, flying through the corona and withstanding 1800°F temperatures Blue Origin's massive New Glenn rocket is finally on the pad with plans to launch in early January after many years of development China announces their crewed lunar lander and crew capsule are ready, raising concerns about a new space race to the Moon 2025 in Space: SpaceX aims for up to 25 Starship launches—and landings—in 2025 if they can secure FAA approval, with flight 7 featuring Starlink satellite deployment tests coming within weeks Jared Isaacman, billionaire and private space mission funder, expected to be nominated as the new NASA administrator under the incoming Trump administration Several commercial and international robotic missions to the Moon are planned, some of which will help fill the void left by NASA's canceled VIPER rover The future of NASA's expensive and long-delayed Mars sample return mission is in question as China aims to complete its own by 2027 Colorado and Alabama are vying to be the home of U.S. Space Command as it potentially reorganizes under the new administration Vast Space aims to be the first to launch a private space station module in 2025 without NASA funding, providing a potential ISS replacement The European Space Agency's Space Rider, a reusable robotic space transportation system, set to launch in 2025 for various orbital experiments and satellite deployment/retrieval China's ambitious Tianwen-2 mission to collect samples from a near-Earth asteroid and visit a main-belt comet in the 2030s launches this year Japan's Destiny+ mission will visit asteroid Phaethon, the source of the Geminid meteor showers, propelled by novel ion engines Rocket Lab plans to launch a small, privately financed probe to Venus to look for signs of life and organic molecules in the atmosphere Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Many of us flew model rockets as young people, but USC Rocket Propulsion Lab takes amateur rocketry to a whole new level--in this case, 470,000 feet! Meet Dr. Dan Erwin and student Ryan Kraemer, who, along with a very talented team of other undergrads, built and flew Aftershock II, a 14-foot, 330-pound "amateur" rocket that flew out of the Nevada desert and into the record books. It's a fun episode that will leave you wishing that your university had a club that was half this cool! Headlines: • Mars Ingenuity helicopter lives on after a hard landing, and may last another 20 years as a weather station and fixed camera • Geminid meteor shower peaks this weekend, but the full moon may wash out fainter meteors • NASA releases Moon to Mars architecture review with 12 new white papers covering various needs and capabilities for lunar and Mars missions • Mysterious drones continue to be spotted over New Jersey and other parts of the U.S., with no clear explanation Main Topic - USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory: • Dr. Daniel Erwin discusses the lab's founding in 2004 by student Ian Whittinghill, with the goal of being the first student group to reach space • The lab's rockets have evolved over 20 years, with their current vehicle, Aftershock II, reaching an altitude of 470,000 feet (90 miles) and breaking the 20-year-old amateur rocketry record • Ryan Kraemer explains how their rockets differ from amateur rockets, with a focus on continuity and optimization of design over the years • The lab formulates its own solid propellant, which is mixed and cast under professional supervision due to safety concerns • Discussing the bureaucratic requirements for high-altitude launches, including FAA permits and Bureau of Land Management approvals • The lab's plans for the future include further optimizing rocket performance, developing smaller rockets capable of reaching space, and offering payload slots for scientific research • Dr. Erwin emphasizes the valuable hands-on experience students gain through the lab, making them highly sought after by the aerospace industry • Ryan Kraemer shares his personal journey and passion for rocketry, leading to his upcoming job at SpaceX • The hosts and guests discuss the thrilling atmosphere surrounding the record-breaking launch and the dedication of the student team • The show concludes with information on how to support the USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory and get involved as a student or donor. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guests: Dr. Dan Erwin and Ryan Kraemer Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit