This Week in Space (Audio)

Unless you've been living under a big red Martian rock, you've likely heard that NASA's Mars Sample Return mission is in trouble. The robotic program has its roots in the 1960s, when NASA started thinking about sending robots to fetch Mars soil even before Mariner 4's first flyby of the planet. The Russians pondered it as well, as the Chinese and Japanese are today. The problem? It's really hard, with multiple spacecraft, possibly on different launches, rendezvousing around the Red Planet to accomplish. And then there are the concerns about the safety of returning possible pathogens to Earth (that said, I could use an extra tentacle). But the showstopper, as usual, is cost—and NASA's not happy. We invited the original Space Ace reporter, Leonard David, to join the discussion. Headlines: NASA gives green light to Dragonfly, a nuclear-powered helicopter mission to Saturn's moon Titan, set to launch in 2028 and arrive in 2034 New images from the Perseverance rover reveal the crash site of the Ingenuity helicopter on Mars, showing scattered debris and broken rotor blades NASA continues to study the Orion spacecraft's heat shield, which experienced more erosion than expected during the Artemis 1 mission, raising concerns for future crewed missions Main Topic: Mars Sample Return Mission Leonard David expresses frustration with NASA's recent announcement of significant cost increases and delays for the Mars Sample Return mission NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated that the current estimated cost of $11 billion is too high and called for innovative ideas from industry and academia to reduce costs and accelerate the timeline They discuss the scientific importance of returning Martian samples to Earth but question whether the current approach is the most effective way to search for life on Mars Leonard suggests that advancements in miniaturized instruments could allow for more comprehensive life detection experiments directly on the Martian surface, reducing the need for sample return The conversation touches on the potential for international collaboration and competition in Mars exploration, with China, Japan, and Russia planning their own missions Rod highlights the critical role of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Mars exploration and expresses concern about the potential loss of expertise if the MSR mission is scaled back or cancelled The TWiS crew concludes by emphasizing the need for a clear, sustainable strategy for Mars exploration that balances scientific objectives, technological capabilities, and budgetary realities Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Leonard David Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: wix.com/studio

Eclipse Wrap-Up & More Favorite Space Places Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik For full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/106

Unless you've been living under a rock or in Barstow, you probably know all about the solar eclipse on Monday. Rod will be going to Austin, likely to be staring at ever-darkening clouds, and Tariq will be headed to the eclipse path in the Northeast. Where will you be? On today's episode, we're talking to astronomer and meteorologist Joe Rao about the solar eclipse of 2024--what is it, where the moon's shadow cross Earth, how can you maximize what you see (or don't see), and how to view partial phases safely. This last bit is important, and we're going to give you an earful about "solar safety"--the effects of improper viewing can be catastrophic. And, of course, Rod's bringing a terrible eclipse-oriented space joke! Join us. Headlines: Chinese Space Debris Sighting: China's Shenzhou-15 crew capsule's orbital module made an uncontrolled reentry, lighting up the skies over California without prior warning. Space Junk Hits a Florida Home: A story of a mysterious cylinder, believed to be part of a NASA battery pallet jettisoned from the ISS, crashing through a Florida man's home, illustrating the unpredictable nature of space debris re-entry. Main Topic: The Solar Eclipse of 2024 Introduction to Joe Rao: Introduction of Joe Rao, his background, and his excitement for the upcoming eclipse, his 14th total solar eclipse viewing. Eclipse Overview: Joe provides an in-depth look at the upcoming solar eclipse, discussing its path across North America, from Mexico through the United States to Canada, and highlighting its significance compared to past eclipses. Viewing Tips: Discussion on safe viewing practices, including the importance of using certified eclipse glasses and other methods to safely observe the eclipse without damaging one's eyes. Weather Considerations: Joe offers advice on how to choose the best viewing locations based on weather patterns and suggests resources for last-minute location adjustments to avoid cloud cover. Personal Stories and Plans: Tariq shares his plans to view the eclipse with his family, emphasizing the personal significance and communal aspect of experiencing such a rare event. Final Thoughts and Advice: The episode wraps up with Joe stressing the unparalleled experience of witnessing a total solar eclipse firsthand, urging listeners not to miss the opportunity to be in the path of totality. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Joe Rao Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: wix.com/studio

Ecuador's Space Ambitions With Robert Aillon Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Robert Aillon For full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/104 Sponsors: zscaler.com/zerotrustAI joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

Last week's test flight of SpaceX's Starship--its third so far--was a mixed bag. The successful launch, ascent, staging, and testing of propellant transfer and the cargo bay door were all brilliant, yet both vehicles were destroyed before completing their planned trajectories, and the upper stage didn't make it into orbit (though it did reach "orbital velocity," according to Elon). So what's the real story on this test flight? When will the next one be? How close is SpaceX to routine launches of Starship, and when might it be ready to land NASA astronauts on the moon? And finally--an interstellar Starship, really Elon? Space.com ace reporter Mike Wall--that's Dr. Mike Wall to you--joins us with the details. Headlines: Soyuz Rocket Pad Abort: A rare occurrence where a Soyuz rocket's launch to the ISS was aborted due to a power issue, highlighting the reliability and challenges of space launches. Boeing Starliner's Crew Test: An update on Boeing's Starliner, poised for its first crewed test flight, marking a significant milestone in commercial spaceflight. Chandra Space Telescope Funding Cuts: Discussion on budgetary decisions impacting the Chandra X-ray Observatory, reflecting on the challenges of sustaining long-term space science missions. Main Topic - SpaceX's Starship Developments: Starship's Third Test Flight: Starship's third fully stacked test flight on March 14th was the most successful to date, achieving significant milestones but still facing challenges with stage separation and atmospheric reentry. Technical Challenges and Innovations: Discussions on Starship's design choices, such as its stainless steel construction and the choice of methane as fuel, showcasing the innovative approaches to overcoming space travel challenges. NASA's Artemis Program and Starship: NASA's reliance on Starship for future lunar landings underlines the spacecraft's importance in returning humans to the Moon and potentially beyond. The Business Case for Mars: Speculation on how SpaceX plans to finance its Mars colonization ambitions, including the role of commercial and military contracts, point-to-point Earth transportation, and the potential market for Mars travel. Potential for Interstellar Travel: Elon Musk's ambitious vision for Starship's future, including interstellar missions, underscores the long-term goals of SpaceX's space exploration efforts. Get Mike's book "Out There": https://amzn.to/3PBrQlY Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Mike Wall Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: zscaler.com/zerotrustAI wix.com/studio

Thought you knew all about Mars? Think again. Despite thousands of people poring through thousands of images from a flock of Mars orbiters over the decades, Dr. Pascal Lee and his associates found intriguing features in a region of complex terrain between Mars' Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system, and the western extent of Valles Marineris, the largest canyon. First, he spotted a relict glacier, covered with volcanic ash, and in a single day, realized he'd found a recently active volcano not previously identified--and how was this missed? Pascal will fill us in on the gritty details. This exciting discovery has wide-ranging implications, including the possibility of finding life nearby. Join us for this first-anywhere media reveal of the newest major feature on the Red Planet! Headline: SpaceX's Starship Test Flight SpaceX conducted its third test flight of the Starship and Super Heavy launch system, successfully reaching orbital speed but losing both vehicles during re-entry The Starship reached orbital velocity and performed several test objectives, including a Starlink satellite dispenser demonstration and in-vehicle propellant transfer The test flight, while not perfect, represents a significant step forward for SpaceX's Mars ambitions, though there is still a long way to go before Starship is ready for crewed missions Main Topic: Dr. Pascal Lee's Discovery of a Giant Volcano on Mars Dr. Lee and his team discovered a previously unknown volcano on Mars, measuring 450 km (280 miles) in diameter and rising 9,000 meters above the surrounding terrain The volcano, located in the Noctis Labyrinthus region near Valles Marineris, has been hiding in plain sight since the Mariner 9 mission in 1971 The discovery was made while studying a nearby glacier, which is likely related to the volcanic activity in the area The volcano's heavily eroded state suggests a long history of activity, with evidence of recent eruptions and the potential for ongoing activity The presence of a glacier and potential for residual heat make this site a compelling target in the search for extant life on Mars Dr. Lee proposes this location as an ideal site for future human exploration, offering access to both ancient and potentially modern life on Mars The discovery highlights the importance of volcanic regions on Mars for understanding the planet's geological history and potential for harboring life Dr. Lee and his team have submitted the name "Noctis Mons" for the newly discovered volcano, pending approval from the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Pascal Lee Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: rocketmoney.com/twis

Russia is building a secret nuclear-powered space weapon, but what does that mean for the rest of us? In this episode, Tariq Malik is joined by Space.com's Brett Tingley to discuss the recent reports and delve into the history of nuclear weapons and reactors in space, the existing international treaties governing weapons of mass destruction in orbit, and the growing militarization of space by Russia, China, and the United States. Malik and Tingley also cover the week's top headlines, including SpaceX's upcoming Starship orbital launch attempt and NASA's continuing struggles to revive the Voyager 1 spacecraft. Headlines: SpaceX sets March 14th as tentative date for Starship's third test flight, pending final launch license approval from the FAA NASA's Voyager 1 probe, launched in 1977 and now in interstellar space, continues to experience significant computer glitches that mission controllers are struggling to diagnose The next Great North American Solar Eclipse is just one month away, with the path of totality crossing from Mexico through the central and northeastern US on April 8th Main Topic: Potential Russian Nuclear Space Weapons Recent reports from US officials suggest Russia may be developing a new nuclear-powered anti-satellite weapon or electronic warfare platform The weapon likely wouldn't pose an immediate threat, but highlights the growing militarization of space and potential for a new arms race Nuclear power has long been used in space, from radioisotope thermoelectric generators on probes like Voyager to plans for nuclear propulsion The 1967 Outer Space Treaty bans placing WMDs in orbit, but has some gray areas and lacks robust enforcement mechanisms The US, Russia, and China have all demonstrated anti-satellite capabilities in recent years, from missiles to lasers to mini-satellites with robotic arms There are also growing concerns over military interest in cislunar space and the Moon as another "high ground" to be contested While there are more pressing threats than space-based nuclear weapons, the situation reflects deteriorating international relations and the need for updated treaties Host: Tariq Malik Guest: Brett Tingley Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

It's safe to say we all would love a chance to fly to space, but there's wanting to reach space and then ACTUALLY launching into space. This week, as we hit Episode 100, we welcome back Dr. Alan Stern of the Southwest Research Institute to tell us exactly what it's like to fly on a private spaceplane. Alan, a planetary scientist and principal investigator of NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto and beyond, launched on a suborbital spaceflight in November 2023 on Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity space plane. He'll dish on what that experience is like, what it promises for future space science, and more. We also discussed Intuitive Machines' private Odysseus moon lander's farewell, a new air leak on the International Space Station, and when SpaceX may launch its Crew-8 mission to the ISS. Headlines: Odysseus Moon Lander Incident: Intuitive Machines' lander successfully touched down on the moon but tipped over and broke a leg upon landing. Despite this mishap, the mission achieved many firsts and exceeded expectations. International Space Station (ISS) Air Leak: An update on a minor but increasing air leak in the Russian segment of the ISS, detailing efforts to pinpoint and fix the leak to ensure crew safety. SpaceX Crew-8 Mission Delays: Overview of the delayed SpaceX Crew-8 mission to the ISS, due to weather concerns and scheduling conflicts with the Odysseus moon lander launch. Main Topic: Dr. Alan Stern's Virgin Galactic Flight Dr. Alan Stern's Background: Stern recounts his lifelong passion for space exploration, his involvement in over 30 NASA and European Space Agency missions, and his recent suborbital spaceflight with Virgin Galactic. The Experience of Spaceflight: Stern describes the flight as the best workday ever, detailing the rocket's ascent, time in microgravity, and the camaraderie among the crew. He also mentions successfully completing all nine objectives of the flight. Future of Commercial Spaceflight: Discussion on the potential of commercial spaceflight to transform space science by making suborbital and orbital missions more accessible and affordable. Stern emphasizes the importance of human-led experiments in space and predicts a future where booking a spaceflight could be as common as booking an airline ticket. Risk and Reward of Space Travel: Stern shares his perspective on the risks associated with space travel, comparing it to the early days of aviation and expressing optimism for the future safety and normalization of space exploration. New Horizons Update: Alan talks on the New Horizons extended mission to study Kuiper Belt objects through 2028/2029. The Kuiper Belt structure itself continues to reveal its vast scale. Host: Tariq Malik Guest: Alan Stern Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

What a year it's been so far! This week, Tariq and Rod look at some of the top headlines for 2024. So far, we've had a partially successful private lunar landing--the first for the United States since 1972--massive satellites hurtling out of orbit, more news on SpaceX's upcoming Starship activity, what's up with Blue Origin and New Glenn, the weirdest quasar story ever, and there's gold in them stars, says the James Webb Space Telescope. And we're just getting 2024 started! Join us for our deep dive into the headlines. The top story is the successful landing of the Odysseus lunar lander by Intuitive Machines on the moon's south pole, the first private spacecraft to do so. They discuss the mission's payloads, the last-minute fix using NASA's navigation system when their own failed, and the implications for future lunar operations. They cover the uncontrolled reentry of the defunct European ERS-2 satellite over the Pacific Ocean and how dealing with space junk has evolved. Varda Space Industries made history by successfully landing their private space capsule via parachute after seven months in orbit, a first and step towards autonomous in-space manufacturing. Exciting updates on SpaceX's Starship development - they may launch up to 9 missions in 2024 and are expanding infrastructure, targeting early to mid-March for the third launch of Starship. Blue Origin rolled out their New Glenn rocket to the pad for fit checks, inching towards a test flight this year. The farthest quasar yet has been discovered, called J0529-4351, with a brightness of 500 trillion Suns and a massive disk 7 light years wide. The discovery showcases the use of AI to analyze vast amounts of astronomical data. Using James Webb, astronomers directly observed heavy elements like gold being created for the first time in merging neutron stars. Proves long-standing theories on cosmic origins of heavy metals. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

We all think we know what NASA's up to, but there's nothing like hearing their plans directly from the top. This week, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, who is also a former astronaut, commander of the space shuttle, and US Air Force test pilot, joins us for a very special episode. We discussed the recently announced delays to the Artemis lunar landing program, NASA's long-term goals on the Moon, the overall trajectory of human spaceflight, Pam's favorite memories of her time in space, and — perhaps our favorite moment — her "gentle" rejoinder to a male pilot who hadn't had much experience flying with "ladies"! Be sure to join us for this exclusive interview. Headlines: Members of Congress made the claim that Russia is developing a new anti-satellite weapon with a possible nuclear component. Could possibly be used to knock out satellites and crucial infrastructure like GPS and communications. Raises concerns and questions about the future of the peaceful exploration of space. Private lunar lander Intuitive Machines 1 launched successfully, carrying NASA payloads to the Moon's south pole. Marks ongoing progress in partnerships between NASA and commercial companies for robotic Moon exploration. NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft may be nearing the end of its operational life after 45+ years in space. Experiencing technical issues communicating with Earth due to its outdated systems. A remarkable achievement and inspiration nonetheless. Main Topic: Interview with NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy Melroy provides an overview of her role as Deputy Administrator, overseeing operations and execution of the Administrator's priorities. Discusses being inspired by Apollo and space exploration from a young age. Combined backgrounds in planetary science, test piloting, and astronaut experience inform her work. Emphasizes NASA's long-term vision for sustained human presence and exploration throughout the solar system, using the Moon as a proving ground. Explains how NASA is currently defining infrastructure requirements for Moon bases, pressurized rovers, communications, and more. International partnerships are expanding. Highlights the importance of Artemis missions for testing and maturing capabilities needed for Mars and beyond. Balancing technical challenges and schedule. Notes the convergence of robotic and human exploration seen with new commercial lunar landers supporting future astronaut missions. Reflects on personal highlights of seeing all aspects of space technology come together during spaceflights, and about the culture enabling teams to solve problems. Discusses the increase in opportunities for women now and in the future. Focusing on your goals and being part of the team. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Pam Melroy Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: rocketmoney.com/twis

The moons of the outer solar system have become one of the primary targets of robotic exploration. Previous probes have detected what might be warm, salty oceans below the ice crusts of Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's Europa. NASA's Europa Clipper will soon be bound for that cold, mysterious world. And Erin Leonard, a project scientist on that mission, joins us to discuss what to expect and what the hopes for life miles below the ice might be. Join us for this exciting look at one of the most compelling bodies in the outer solar system! Headlines: JPL Layoffs: Discussion on the recent layoffs at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, attributing them to budget constraints and cuts to the Mars sample return mission. AX-3 Mission Recap: Overview of the AX-3 mission's achievements, including its status as the longest private mission to the ISS and its all-European crew. Renaissance Astronomy Text: Analysis of a Renaissance-era astronomy book that may contain hidden messages, offering a unique glimpse into historical views of the cosmos. Main Topic: Europa Clipper Mission Mission Overview: Erin Leonard explains her role in the Europa Clipper mission, emphasizing collaboration between scientists and engineers to bridge communication gaps. Path to Europa Clipper: Leonard shares her academic journey and how it led her to work on the Europa Clipper mission. Europa's Habitability: Discussion on what makes Europa a compelling target for life search in the solar system, including its subsurface ocean and salt content. Technical Challenges: Insights into the engineering feats required to design a spacecraft capable of surviving Jupiter's intense radiation environment. Scientific Instruments: Overview of the Europa Clipper's comprehensive suite of scientific instruments designed to study Europa's ocean, ice shell, and more. Potential for Life: Speculation on the conditions beneath Europa's ice shell and the mission's potential to discover signs of life. Launch Plans and Expectations: Confirmation of the Europa Clipper's scheduled launch in October on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Through engaging dialogue and expert commentary, this episode provides a thorough exploration of the Europa Clipper mission's objectives, challenges, and the broader implications for our understanding of life in the universe. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Erin Leonard Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Space and science TV has come a long way since the old-time staples like Mr. Wizard and the original Bille Nye, The Science Guy. On this episode of This Week in Space, History Channel producer Jeff Stepp joins us to talk about his work on "The UnXplained: With William Shatner" and other science shows—how are they conceived, what is production like, and what is the future of space and science-oriented media? We know Jeff to be a fine writer and responsible gatekeeper for high-quality, responsible science programming. Don't miss this one! Headlines Boeing Starliner's Progress: Detailed updates on the Starliner spacecraft's developments, including overcoming technical hurdles for its crewed flight. Japan's Slim Lander: Exploration of Japan's moon landing attempt, highlighting the quirky yet successful deployment of rovers despite the lander's inverted landing. Exomoons Debate: A discussion on the ongoing debate among scientists about the existence of exomoons, showcasing the dynamic nature of space exploration research. Main Topic: The Future of Space and Science Television Jeff Stepp's Career and Contributions: Introduction to Jeff Stepp's role in producing and writing for science and space TV shows, emphasizing his journey and the impact of veteran actors in narrating scientific documentaries. Challenges in Science Programming: Stepp discusses the challenges of producing engaging content in a landscape dominated by entertainment, touching on the balance between education and entertainment. - Evolving Formats and Audience Engagement: Exploration of new formats for science programming, addressing the need for storytelling and innovative approaches to captivate audiences. Viewer Desires and Future Directions: Consideration of audience queries on conspiracy theories and the selection of topics for shows like "The Unexplained," highlighting the interaction between producers and the viewing public. Working with Icons: Insights into the experience of working with William Shatner and other celebrities, underscoring their influence on the success and reach of science programming. Future of Science Television: Stepp shares his vision for the future of science and space television, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and the potential for hybrid formats to keep the audience engaged. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Jeff Stepp Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

Climate change has become a top priority for all of us, including NASA. Space solar power—beaming energy from space 24 hours per day—has become a real possibility and is being studied internationally by the US, Europe, Japan, and China. It promises to provide a zero-emissions, zero-carbon source of energy worldwide—but it will take significant investment, development, and commitment. A recent NASA-backed study was positive but careful with its conclusions, and John Mankins, one of the first researchers of SSP in the US who continues to work on the concept, joins us to address the report and to talk about the possible future of limitless, clean, and affordable energy for a hungry world. Headlines: Mars Ingenuity Helicopter - After a highly successful demonstration flight campaign on Mars with over 70 flights, NASA has announced the pioneering helicopter can no longer fly due to damage sustained to its rotors during its last flight. Despite this setback, Ingenuity has proven that flight is possible on Mars and paved the way for future rotorcraft explorers. SLIM Lander - Japan's SLIM lunar lander achieved a soft landing on the moon but tipped over on its side during touchdown, limiting its ability to collect science data. Still, Japan is hailing the mission as a success for proving precise landing capabilities that can be applied to future missions. Exoplanet Discovery - The Hubble Space Telescope has discovered a new "hot and steamy" exoplanet called GJ 9872d that harbors water vapor in its atmosphere, making scientists excited about its potential to host life even though surface temperatures exceed 700°C. Main Topic: Space-Based Solar Power Benefits - Space solar power collected in space and beamed wirelessly to Earth is carbon-neutral, available 24/7, and faces no weather disruptions, providing a major clean energy source. Viability - The core concept is scientifically sound and uses proven technology like satellites and wireless transmission. Recent advancements in areas like reusable rockets, modular hardware, and efficient solar cells have made costs far more viable. NASA Study - A recent NASA-commissioned study reached lackluster conclusions about economic feasibility, but used assumptions counter to emerging launch trends on achievable costs for launches and hardware production. International Competition - Other nations like China, Japan, and Europe are investing much more in research and planning than the US currently is, challenging the US to regain leadership in space solar power. Safety - Wireless power transmission systems can be designed to safely beam microwaves at intensities less than natural sunlight. SPS-ALPHA Concept - Modular design using sophisticated tracking mirrors, "sandwich modules" of solar panels, electronics, and transmitters. Features mirrors to keep panels illuminated as satellite orbits. Built of mass-produced, interchangeable parts requiring no new technology. Path Forward - Continue incremental technology advancements and on-orbit demonstrations to build confidence. Involve commercial space companies that can leverage economies of scale. Stress US origins of the concept and opportunity to lead in developing this carbon-free energy source. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: John Mankins Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

2024 looks to be another exciting year in spaceflight! Despite the delay of the Artemis crewed lunar program, a number of exciting missions are queued up this year, among them the launch of Europa Clipper, ESA's HERA mission to Didymos, the first flight of Blue Origin's mammoth New Glenn rocket, and the first crewed flight of India's new spacecraft, the Gagaanyan capsule. We'll dive into these and more on this episode of This Week in Space! Headlines: Japan became the 5th country to successfully soft land on the moon with their SLIM lunar lander, though it is having issues generating solar power due to its arrays not deploying properly. Despite this setback, Japan still declared the landing a success. Astrobotic's Peregrine lunar lander failed after launch, burning up in Earth's atmosphere over the South Pacific after losing contact following its launch on ULA's Vulcan rocket. This was a major setback for Astrobotic's first lunar delivery contract under NASA's CLPS program. Axiom Space launched their AX-3 mission, the third all-private crewed flight to the ISS. The crew is made up of an international mix from the U.S., Italy, Spain, and Sweden. Main Topic: 2024 in Space Artemis Program Delays: NASA announced delays to the Artemis program, pushing back Artemis 2 to at least December 2025 and Artemis 3's lunar landing to 2026. Issues remain with the SLS rocket, Orion capsule, spacesuits, and especially SpaceX's Starship lunar lander, which needs many test flights before it is ready. Blue Origin's Progress: Blue Origin rolled out a pathfinder version of their New Glenn rocket to the launch site, signaling they are making progress with a planned launch in mid-2024. The rocket will have the biggest fairings of any currently available rocket. 2024 Missions: JPL and NASA have many big robotic missions launching in 2024, including the Europa Clipper to study Jupiter's icy moon, JUICE to also study Jupiter's moons for ESA, and Hera, which will observe the results of NASA's DART asteroid test. ESA is also working to get the delayed Ariane 6 rocket off the ground. India's Gaganyaan Capsule: India is making progress in developing their own crew capsule, called Gaganyaan, with plans to launch test flights in 2024 and 2025. This will be a major step in their ambitions for an independent human spaceflight program. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: meraki.cisco.com/twit

America's heading back to the Moon, but what does the public really think? This week, we talk with former NASA Chief Historian and Smithsonian Curator Dr. Roger Launius, who has studied, among many other things, public perceptions of NASA and spaceflight. Some spoilers: no, there was no "Golden Age" in the 1960s when the public was hugely behind the Apollo Moon landings; being a space historian is a lot of fun; and it probably doesn't really matter if China lands people on the Moon before the US does so *again*. Join us. Headlines: • Successful first flight of ULA's new Vulcan Centaur rocket with engines from Blue Origin • Payload - Astrobotic's Peregrine commercial lunar lander suffers propulsion leak en route to the Moon • NASA engineers finally open stuck cover on OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample capsule Main Topic: Public Perceptions of Space Exploration • Common perception of widespread public support and national unity around Apollo program is a myth • Polls at the time showed concerns about cost and other spending priorities • Support depended heavily on Cold War context; would not have happened otherwise • Public support and approval polling for space exploration has remained fairly consistent over decades • But support drops when funds are weighed against other priorities like social programs • JFK tried multiple times to make Apollo a joint U.S.-Soviet program to save money • His assassination allowed NASA to leverage his legacy to maintain support and funding • Presidential bold visions for space require an urgent political problem to address • Competition with China lacks the existential threat of the Cold War space race Additional Topics: • NASA is now doing business with more private-public and commercial partnerships • But political factors and election cycles still hamper long-term continuity • Preserving history and archives from the digital era will be extremely difficult • Predictions: Boots on the Moon again within 10-15 years, Mars by 2040s Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Roger Launius Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: rocketmoney.com/twis

Spend some time in a dark location and you'll see the night sky in all its glory. If you pick a night with no moon, the effect triples. Steve Fentress, recently retired director of the Strasenburgh Planetarium in New York, is our guide to the night sky this week. He'll enlighten us about the lore of the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, one of the more remarkable constellations in the sky, as well as a general tour of other notable constellations and their stories across the ages. And... he's even got a planetarium joke! Join us for this surprisingly entertaining look at the great above from a veteran storyteller. Headlines: Vulcan rocket with ULA's new BE4 engine set for debut flight, launching NASA's CLPS moon landing mission with Astrobotic's Peregrine lander Controversy over human remains onboard Astrobotic lander; Navajo Nation protests not being consulted Juno spacecraft makes close flyby of Jupiter's volcanic moon Io, capturing stunning images Main Topic: The Night Sky Steve's approach to appreciating the night sky focuses on visualization using basic math rather than just facts Overview of cultural interpretations of constellations and astronomical objects across ancient Chinese, Aboriginal Australian, and Pacific Islander cultures The 88 modern constellations officially recognized today trace back to ancient Near East, Greek, and 16th-century European traditions The Pleiades star cluster - one of the most prominent and universally viewed groups of stars Its seasonal visibility and blue color make it a prime target for binoculars Appearance ranges from 6 main stars to a sparkling cluster depending on conditions Known as the "Seven Sisters" across cultures; stories explaining its changing appearance Popular meteor showers, including the Perseids, Leonids, and Geminids How meteor showers coincide with Earth's intersecting dust trails left behind by comets Upcoming highlights: 2024 Perseids and peak viewing times Get "Sky to Space:" https://amzn.to/3OfnFM3 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Steve Fentress Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

Happy holidays! Rod and Tariq are taking the next two weeks off but will be back with our regularly scheduled programming on January 5th. Host: Rod Pyle Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

This holiday special episode of This Week in Space covers a wide range of space topics from 2023, including asteroid sample return, China's space achievements, commercial lunar landers, Mars sample return challenges, UFO disclosure, and more. Headlines: The asteroid Bennu sample return mission delivers intriguing early findings, including organic molecules and "cauliflower" textured particles that may provide insights into the early solar system. Speculative ideas on "dark life" forming from dark matter shortly after the Big Bang prompts discussion on expanding definitions of life. Congress orders UFO records released within 25 years but allows military to withhold information threatening national security, disappointing those seeking full disclosure. Main Topic: The Year in Review Recap of major SpaceX milestones in 2023 with Falcon 9 reuse and Starship testing advances, though the lunar landing variant and orbital refueling still need work. India bounces back from previous lunar landing failure with successful Chandrayaan-3 orbiter and Pragyan rover mission. Mars sample return mission faces criticism for ballooning costs now exceeding $11 billion and delays pushing to 2030 or beyond. OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return hailed as a major success story for 2023 despite minor parachute issue on re-entry. Psyche and Lucy asteroid missions yield early surprises on unique asteroid properties. China's 2023 space achievements and future plans make it a program to watch with possible Mars sample returns, an increased pace of lunar landings, and more... maybe even sample sharing with the US! ULA readies new Vulcan Centaur rocket for a January launch — it's a critical path to the moon with the first commercial lunar lander onboard. Artemis delays provide cover for missing elements like SpaceX's lunar lander, orbital refueling tests, and lunar surface EVA suits. Guest Leonard David covers latest intrigue around government UFO briefings and disclosure efforts. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Leonard David Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: bitwarden.com/twit

Most of us have experienced a planetarium at one time or another, but unless you've been to the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, you've missed out. Besides a brand-spanking-new planetarium theater chock-a-block with special effects and computerized systems, the Observatory's Halls of Science are a treat not to be missed. Add to that the stunning views of Los Angeles and the facility's director, Dr. Ed Krupp — one of the best science communicators in the business--and you have a real treat. And the kicker? He's a world expert in ancient astronomy! Join us. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Ed Krupp Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: Melissa.com/twit

With an increase in commercial and private spaceflight comes the need to regulate it, and the FAA has had a major role in newspace flight rules to date... but should it be the primary regulator moving ahead? Many in the field say no, and some decry most attempts at what they see as unnecessary control. We at TWiS feel that, like any other form of transportation, proper and healthy regulation is needed--the question is by whom, and how. George Nield, President of Commercial Space Technologies and former Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Aviation at the FAA, joins us to work through the tangle. Image Source: Blue Origin Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: George Nield Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: bitwarden.com/twit