This Week in Space (Audio)

It's the holidays! This week, we are joined by producer Anthony and our old pal Ant Pruitt to celebrate and discuss a wide variety of topics, from first space memories to our favorite space toys to what spaceflight means to each of us. It's a warm "family reunion" you won't want to miss! Join us for some holiday cheer, and Tariq's "Tiny Tim" moment... Headlines: • NASA's Parker Solar Probe to make its closest approach to the sun on Christmas Eve 2024, flying within 3.8 million miles and withstanding temperatures up to 2,500°F to study the sun's behavior and dynamics • Christmas and Hanukkah to be celebrated on the same day in 2024, with astronauts on the ISS enjoying the holidays and connecting with their families on Earth, continuing a 50-plus year tradition • A potential partial shutdown is looming for the U.S. government, which could impact NASA and limit public outreach during the Parker Solar Probe's close approach to the sun Main Topic - Space Memories and Space Toys: First Space Memories: • Tariq recalls building paper rockets with his mother and launching them on a friend's farm • Ant shares his first space memories from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and the Challenger disaster • Anthony mentions playing with Lego space sets sent by his aunt from Denmark • Rod remembers listening to a Gemini mission on the radio at the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra lounge where his father worked and being captivated by Apollo 8's mission to orbit the moon and reading of Genesis on December 24, 1968 Favorite Space Toys: • Rod shares memories of his ca. 1965 Big Loo Moon Robot and Major Matt Mason action figures, discussing the evolution of space toys in the 1960s • Tariq reminisces about his Transformers Omega Supreme toy and a paper tab and slot space shuttle and carrier aircraft model • Ant recalls his Transformers Skywarp toy and the appeal of its counterpart, Thundercracker • Anthony talks about playing the video game Escape Velocity on his family's iMac computer • The group discusses the joys and challenges of building model rockets, with Rod and Tariq sharing stories of their experiences • Tariq shows off his new pre-built Estes space shuttle model rocket, comparing it to the more challenging build-it-yourself kits The Importance of Space Exploration: • Ant questions the allocation of resources for space exploration while critical issues on Earth remain unaddressed • Rod counters by highlighting the technological, educational, and inspirational benefits of space programs, as well as the economic returns on investment, and the cultural importance of exploration • The group discusses the potential impact of SpaceX's Starlink satellite constellation on global connectivity and the debate surrounding its sustainability and alternatives • Rod emphasizes the distinction between Elon Musk's ambitious Mars colonization plans and NASA's more measured approach to exploration • The TWiS crew wishes everyone a happy holiday and Merry Christmas Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guests: Ant Pruitt and Anthony Nielsen 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

This week, we're covering a broad swath, from President-Elect Trump's shocking choice for NASA Administrator to new delays for the Artemis lunar program to UFOs/UAPs! And for such an adventure, we turn to Leonard David, the most seasoned space reporter and journalist out there. Trump's pick for NASA, billionaire and private astronaut Jared Isaacman, came as a surprise to space watchers, and his name was not just missing from the shortlist but from *any* list making the rounds. However, he is widely supported and should bring renewed energy to the space agency. Then, after discussing yesterday's NASA press conference about Artemis--in which more delays were announced (no surprise to any of us)--we talk to Leonard about recent disclosures about UFO/UAP government records and the overall consideration of why people think they walk among us (and if they do, Musk is probably one of them). Headlines: Jared Isaacman Nominated as NASA Administrator Artemis II Mission Delayed, Artismis III mission pushed to mid-2027. And Tariq defends his creative choice of words to compare different sizes of asteroids. Main Topic: Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) Shift from UFO to UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) Discussion about potential alien visitation Concerns about public perception and societal impacts Need for more rigorous scientific approach to UAP research Calls for NASA and National Science Foundation funding Skepticism about current congressional hearings and government disclosure Potential for document declassification under the incoming Trump administration. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Leonard David 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 Sponsors: uscloud.com veeam.com

On this week's episode, Tariq and I speak with Scott Tibbitts, a dynamic and engaging space entrepreneur who spun $7 of hardware store parts into a 150-person, multimillion-dollar space company making tech for NASA that allowed deep space probes, starting with the Cassini mission to Saturn, to operate in the harsh environment of the outer solar system. Scott's tiny actuator replaced expensive, failure-prone explosive squibs with a device that could be tested (you can't really test something that goes *bang*), cycled, and tried again if it didn't work the first time. And it all started with his work at a water heater company and a few dozen cold calls that ended with one to NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab. There's much more to this story--including some intriguing advice for entrepreneurs--but you'll have to tune in to learn more! See you there. Get "From the Garage to Mars" (Amazon Affiliate): https://amzn.to/3CPUgVw Headlines: • SpaceX successfully launches Starship test flight number six, despite not catching the Super Heavy booster • The FAA releases a new draft environmental assessment, potentially allowing SpaceX to increase Starship launches to 25 per year • Blue Origin completes its ninth crewed spaceflight with the NS-28 mission, carrying the 100th woman to fly to space Main Topic - From the Garage to Mars with Scott Tibbitts: • Tibbitts discusses his background and the role of fun and human connection in his life and work • The origin story of Tibbitts' space company, Starsys, which began with a $7 invention using a copper tube and wax • Tibbitts' cold call to NASA/JPL that led to the company's first contract and the development of a novel, non-explosive actuator for spacecraft • The importance of testing and demonstrating the reliability of space hardware, as exemplified by Starsys' record of 3,500 devices in space with zero failures • Tibbitts' experience fostering a unique company culture at Starsys, balancing the need for reliability with a focus on fun, family, and celebrating both successes and failures • The role of intuition and "gut feelings" in entrepreneurship and how Tibbitts has learned to trust and follow these intuitive nudges • The challenges faced by modern space startups, including the pressure from venture capital investors and the difficulty of hiring experienced space talent • Tibbitts' advice for entrepreneurs: focus on customer discovery and product discovery, and "stop doing what you suck at" by focusing on your strengths and finding partners to complement your weaknesses Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Scott Tibbitts 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 Sponsors: veeam.com uscloud.com

Kepler's Legacy With Dr. Jason Steffen Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Jason Steffen For full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/137

At this point, can anyone compete with SpaceX? Love him or hate him, Elon Musk and his cadre of very talented employees and partners have built the most remarkable launch service in history, increasing the US launch rate from a handful to over 100 per year in less than a decade. Eric Berger--Senior Space Editor at Ars Technica and author of "Liftoff" and "Reentry," two books about Musk and SpaceX--joins us. We discuss the rise of SpaceX, Musk's future in US politics and the market, and what to expect from SpaceX in the next decade. We also look at the possible competitors to SpaceX's dominance in the market. Join us! Get "Reentry" (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4fe4f5s Headlines: - The 2024 US presidential election results are in, with Donald Trump set to become the 47th President. Trump has shown a keen interest in space, name-dropping Elon Musk, SpaceX, and Starlink during his victory speech. - SpaceX conducted its first ISS reboost mission using a Dragon cargo ship, showcasing a new capability for the company. - NASA issued a statement addressing tabloid rumors about astronaut Sunita Williams' health, affirming that all astronauts aboard the ISS are in good health and undergo routine medical evaluations. Main Topic - SpaceX Ascendant: - The Trump administration is expected to embrace SpaceX's Starship vision, potentially fast-tracking the company's progress by reducing regulatory hurdles. - SpaceX has a significant lead in the space industry, with no other company having achieved reusable rocket technology. The closest competitors are Blue Origin and Chinese companies, which are still years behind. - The US government has become increasingly reliant on SpaceX for launches, satellite internet, and the Artemis program, with no viable alternatives currently available. - SpaceX's success can be attributed to Elon Musk's relentless drive and vision to make humanity a multi-planetary species, as well as the company's willingness to take risks and innovate. - Starship is seen as the key to making widespread space access possible, with the potential to drastically reduce the cost of space travel and enable missions to Mars. - The future of space exploration is uncertain, with the potential for significant changes under the new administration and Elon Musk's growing influence as an advisor to the President. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Eric Berger 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: uscloud.com

On this episode, we take a look at how the space workforce of the future will be educated and, perhaps more importantly, engaged with Dr. Rick Jenet of Expanding Frontiers. Located in Brownsville, Texas, just a stone's throw away from SpaceX's Starbase, expanding Frontiers works with underprivileged communities to bring them into 21st-century space-related trades and to encourage individual entrepreneurship. Dr. Jenet has a fascinating history as well, attending MIT as an undergraduate and earning his PhD in astrophysics from Caltech, then progressing through his work at various places, including NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, before founding Expanding Frontiers. Join us! Headlines: - Voyager 1 spacecraft uses backup radio system from 1977, and last utilized in 1981, to phone home after a recent glitch - China aims to conduct a Mars sample return mission before NASA, potentially launching in 2028 - Boeing considers selling its space division, excluding SLS contracts, as part of a restructuring effort Main Topic - The Spacer Pipeline with Dr. Fredrick Jenet: - Dr. Jenet's journey from MIT and Caltech to founding Expanding Frontiers in South Texas - The importance of giving back to the community and fostering a culture of innovation - Stargate: The first building at SpaceX's Boca Chica facility, a collaboration with Dr. Jenet's team - Expanding Frontiers' programs for students and aspiring entrepreneurs: - Space Entrepreneur Summer Academy: Introducing high school students to space entrepreneurship - Space Settlement Design Tournament: Industry simulation for students to design space settlements - Space Coders: Internship program focused on coding for space industry projects - Tech Trek: Developing programming for entrepreneurs working on space-related technology - Expanding Frontier Space Tech Pitch Competition: Showcasing startups utilizing NASA technology - The role of funding from local, state, and federal sources, as well as sponsorships, in sustaining non-profit organizations like Expanding Frontiers - Future plans for Expanding Frontiers, including the development of a space innovation corridor from Brownsville to Houston - The importance of continued support and funding for programs that promote STEM education and entrepreneurship in the space industry Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Fredrick (Rick) Jenet 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: veeam.com

Many of us have visited the various displays of space shuttles around the US, and it's always a spectacular sight. The shuttle orbiter was huge, and seeing in any configuration is inspirational. Notably, the California Science Center is completing a display of the Endeavor in a launch configuration, which is unique among shuttle installations. But the very first shuttle mockup ever constructed will soon go on public display in its birthplace in Southern California, the city of Downey. This is where North American Rockwell, the builder of all the shuttles, was located until they were absorbed by Boeing decades ago. It was in the Rockwell facility that the first wood-and-aluminum mockup of the shuttle was built, and it's been stored until this day under the control of the Columbia Memorial Space Center. Of special interest: besides its uses as a technical simulator, this mockup was what closed the deal between NASA and Rockwell to build the shuttles and inspired many in Congress to support the program. The museum's Executive Director and President, Ben Dickow, joins us to talk about this magnificent, full-sized shuttle mockup, its history, and future plans. Headlines: • SpaceX's Crew-8 mission returned to Earth after a record-breaking 235 days in space, but one crew member remains in the hospital for additional medical checks • Boeing's Intelsat satellite broke up in geosynchronous orbit, creating around 5,000 pieces of space debris, posing potential long-term threats to other satellites • India announced plans for Chandrayaan-4, a lunar sample return mission targeting the Moon's south pole in 2027-2028 • Chinese company Deep Blue Aerospace aims to start offering space tourist flights by 2027 on a suborbital rocket and capsule that resembles a hybrid of SpaceX's Dragon and Blue Origin's New Shepard Main Topic - Interview with Ben Dickow: • The Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey, California houses Inspiration, a full-scale wooden mock-up of the space shuttle built by Rockwell International in 1972 • Inspiration was used as an engineering tool and to help secure the shuttle contract for Rockwell, impressing both NASA and Congressional leaders who visited • The mock-up features highly detailed interiors, including a crew cabin, flight deck, and cargo bay • After being mothballed for years, Inspiration was recently moved to the Columbia Memorial Space Center for display in a new building • Southern California will soon have the first and last space shuttles on display, with Inspiration in Downey and Endeavour in Los Angeles • Ben emphasizes the importance of preserving the shuttle's history and using it as an educational tool to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists • The emotional power of seeing a space shuttle up close and the human stories behind its creation are key to the exhibit's impact Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Ben Dickow 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: uscloud.com

This week, we're taking a broad look at the progress of America's Artemis lunar landing program, space science in general, and the challenges to Western space plans posed by a fast-rising Chinese space program. Joining us is the uniquely qualified Dr. Greg Autry--the Associate Provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy at the University of Central Florida, visiting Professor at Imperial College London, former NASA transition team member, and author of "Red Moon Rising." We'll also highlight the recent launch of SpaceX's Starship and the amazing catch of the booster by the Mechazilla Launch tower, Michael Bloomberg's recent article condemning the slow progress of the Artemis program, and this weekend's Orionids meteor shower! Headlines: - SpaceX's successful Starship flight test 5, featuring the Super Heavy booster's impressive catch by the "Mechazilla" tower - Michael Bloomberg's critical op-ed on the SLS rocket and the Artemis program, highlighting delays and overspending - The upcoming Orionids meteor shower, peaking on October 21st, 2024, and the Hunter's Moon, the biggest supermoon of the year Main Topic - The State of the US Space Program with Greg Autry: - Greg's lifelong passion for space was ignited by watching Apollo missions as a child; he later got involved in the commercial space industry and served on the NASA transition team in 2016 - US human spaceflight is in both the best and worst of times - there is bipartisan support for Artemis and returning to the Moon, but the program is behind schedule and over budget on almost every element - Lack of top-level political leadership and sense of urgency compared to the Apollo era is hurting Artemis' progress; the US needs a leader willing to provide direction and funding, and hold people accountable - Competition with China could help spur the US, but the public may not be as motivated as during the Cold War; still, it's important for the US to get back to the Moon first to initiate fair use of resources - Artificial intelligence will play a critical role in future space operations, especially on Mars and the Moon; AI can enable more flexible and capable spacecraft - The US needs to rebuild its aerospace manufacturing and production workforce to execute ambitious space goals; STEM education and hands-on skills are lacking - In 10 years, Autry hopes to see a diverse on-orbit ecosystem with compatible, specialized vehicles; regular Moon missions laying the groundwork for resource extraction; and an influential space tourism industry - He believes that a dual-track lunar architecture with both Starship and a more conventional system for redundancy would be wise; Starship is great but very complex with many potential failure points, especially in a lunar mission that requires multiple refueling flights and a crewed SLS launch in close timing - Greg is the Associate Provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy at the University of Central Florida and is standing up new academic programs to train the next generation of commercial space workforce - His book "Red Moon Rising" examines the history of the space industry, China's space ambitions, and the current state of play - an engaging read for anyone interested in space Get "Red Moon Rising": https://amzn.to/3YxmJab Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Greg Autry 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 week, we're diving deep into some really clever and cutting-edge tech for Martian habitats... made from fungus! Dr. Lynn Rothschild of the NASA Ames Research Center has been working for years on how mushroom mycelia might be utilized as a habitat-building resource. It's quite fascinating--the organic material can be used to make bricks, to create shaped structures, and even to create an "astropharmacy" to supply certain compounds needed by the crew of a Mars excursion! And it is sufficiently enticing that NASA's NIAC innovation program has given her no less than five grants (which are not easy to get!) to study the possibilities. Join us for this really engaging and blue-sky conversation! Headlines: • ISS has been experiencing a slow air leak, increasing from 0.2 pounds per day to 3.7 pounds per day, causing concern for NASA's Office of the Inspector General • Jupiter's Great Red Spot has been shrinking and "pulsing" over time, as observed by the Hubble Space Telescope, with scientists predicting it will eventually stabilize as a smaller, circular storm • A rare G4-class solar storm triggered widespread auroras visible at much lower latitudes than usual, with NOAA issuing warnings to protect power grids and communication systems Main Topic - Living in Martian Mushrooms: • Dr. Rothschild explains synthetic biology as creating something new with biology, either by altering existing organisms or creating new ones from scratch • The concept of using fungal mycelium for off-world habitats originated from a student project to create a biodegradable drone body • Mycotecture involves growing habitats and structures using mycelium, which can bind various materials like sand, regolith simulant, and wood chips • The properties of mycelium-based materials can be tuned by adjusting the substrate and post-processing, ranging from styrofoam-like to hardwood-like consistencies • Dr. Rothschild's vision for a stable off-world habitat includes using cyanobacteria to process atmospheric gases and minerals, which would then feed the fungi used in construction • Cross-contamination concerns on Mars are addressed, with the lack of liquid water on the surface making it unlikely for introduced organisms to thrive • Additional applications of mycelium-based technology include biomining, water filtration, and even food production • Dr. Rothschild also discusses the Astro Pharmacy project, which aims to develop an on-demand drug production system for astronauts • While these technologies have significant potential for Earth-based applications, developing them for space allows for more freedom to explore revolutionary ideas without existing infrastructure constraints Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Lynn Rothschild 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: uscloud.com veeam.com

It's a question that rivals the meaning of life itself: which is better, Star Trek or Star Wars? Of course, they are very different, and that's really the core of it--one is a sweeping fantasy adventure incorporating the "Hero's Journey," while the other is a science fantasy wrapped around a morality play. In the end, we love them both. But there is a bit of cultural (and perhaps generation) divide here, and someone has to put Tariq in his place. Join us for this civilization-shattering conversation! Headlines: NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft, now 12.8 billion miles from Earth, had to shut down its plasma science instrument due to power constraints. The instrument was the last of its kind still functioning on either Voyager spacecraft. United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched its second Vulcan Centaur rocket, despite an apparent nozzle failure on one of the solid rocket boosters. The rocket carried a mass simulator in place of the delayed Dream Chaser spaceplane. The Sun unleashed an X9.05 solar flare, the strongest directed at Earth since 2017. The resulting coronal mass ejection (CME) could potentially trigger intense auroras visible at lower latitudes this weekend. Main Topic - Star Trek vs. Star Wars: Rod and Tariq share their personal experiences with both franchises, discussing their first encounters with Star Trek and Star Wars and how the franchises have evolved. They compare the intellectual aspects of both universes, with Star Trek often focusing on morality plays and Star Wars being more of a fun, fantasy-driven space opera. The hosts discuss the acting in both franchises, highlighting standout performances and the impact of certain characters and actors. They examine the iconic spaceships from each universe, noting that Star Trek ships like the Enterprise are more recognizable and have had a more significant cultural impact compared to Star Wars ships, with the exception of the Millennium Falcon. Rod and Tariq argue that Star Wars has had a more significant impact on popular culture, while Star Trek has been more influential in inspiring real-life space exploration and scientific careers. They conclude that both franchises have their merits and have played essential roles in getting people excited about space and science fiction. 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

NASA's planetary exploration program is in trouble. The Mars Sample Return program is verging on cancellation, and the VIPER mission to the moon already has been. Both are critical precursors to human exploration of these places, as Dr. Jim Bell of Arizona State University will tell us. We need to know more about the surface of Mars--with direct, in-the-lab studies of Mars rocks--and we certainly need to understand where the volatiles--another name for water and other resources of value--are on the moon. And, if you're the US government, you'd like to do both before China does--which is likely not far off. Does it matter who achieves these things first? And specific to the US, what role might private companies and individuals play in the drama? Headlines: SpaceX's Crew-9 mission is set to launch two astronauts to the International Space Station on Saturday, September 28th, with the primary objective of bringing back the Starliner astronauts who have been on the station for an extended period. A Seattle-based company, Iradian Aerospace, has unveiled plans for a new reusable orbital spaceplane that will utilize a revolutionary two-mile-long sled launch system. Earth is set to temporarily capture a small asteroid, 2024 PT5, which will remain in close proximity to our planet from September 29th to November 25th, providing scientists with an opportunity to study a near-Earth asteroid up close as it performs a de-facto flyby. Main Topic - Discussion with Dr. Jim Bell: Jim Bell discusses his early fascination with space exploration, inspired by the Apollo missions and Carl Sagan's acclaimed 1980s series "Cosmos," which led him to pursue a career in planetary science. The decadal survey process is explained, highlighting how it helps align the scientific community's priorities with NASA's mission planning and funding decisions. The challenges faced by the Mars Sample Return mission are discussed, with Jim expressing optimism that NASA will find a way to overcome the current budgetary hurdles and complete this groundbreaking mission. The cancellation of the VIPER lunar rover mission is addressed, with the hosts and guest emphasizing the importance of this mission for future human exploration of the Moon and the need for more transparency in NASA's decision-making process. Jim shares his perspective on the increasing involvement of commercial space companies in planetary exploration, stressing the importance of developing sustainable business models to ensure the long-term viability of these ventures. The conversation touches on the balance between NASA's priorities, such as the Artemis program, and the funding allocated to robotic scientific missions, with Jim highlighting the need for better communication and collaboration between the human spaceflight and robotic exploration divisions of NASA. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Jim Bell 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

Devon Island, a polar desert in the High Arctic, is one of the most convincing Mars analogs on Earth. That's why Pascal Lee built his NASA-affiliated research base there. On this episode he returns to discuss his summer field work, Martian volcanoes, and to discuss possible alternatives to NASA's plans for the Artemis lunar base.There's a lot to know, and he brings deep passion—and some controversy—to the conversation! Headlines: Polaris Dawn mission success: The crew completed the first-ever commercial spacewalk, with all four members exposed to the vacuum of space. SpaceX FAA dispute: The company faces potential fines of $630,000 for alleged launch violations, leading to a heated exchange between SpaceX and the FAA. Mars volcano discovery: Researchers found evidence of a 1000-mile wide magma plume under Olympus Mons, raising questions about potential volcanic activity on Mars. Main Topic - Lunar Exploration and Artemis Program: Dr. Pascal Lee's summer research at the Haughton-Mars Project Field Station: The team tested drilling equipment for future lunar missions and explored the use of drones for Mars helicopter simulations. Critique of current Artemis program strategy: Dr. Lee argues that focusing on sortie missions to the South Pole is premature and potentially counterproductive. Alternative base location proposal: Clavius Crater is suggested as a more suitable site for a lunar base, offering scientific value and better logistics. Water extraction challenges: Dr. Lee discusses the complexities and uncertainties surrounding water ice extraction at the lunar South Pole. Starship as a water delivery system: The potential for using SpaceX's Starship to deliver large quantities of clean water to the Moon is explored. Importance of establishing a fixed base: Dr. Lee emphasizes the need for a stable infrastructure to support long-term lunar exploration and science. Power concerns for lunar bases: The limitations of solar power are discussed, with nuclear power suggested as a more viable option for long-term operations. International competition considerations: The episode touches on how other countries' lunar ambitions might influence NASA's plans. 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 Sponsors: betterhelp.com/TWIS veeam.com

Starliner is back and, by all accounts, could have returned with its crew had it been necessary. However, with NASA's "safety forward" approach prevailing, the spacecraft landed uncrewed on September 6, three months after it docked with the International Space Station. Now, the work begins to try to solve the problems- largely software changes, dealing with balky thrusters, and helium leaks- so that the Starliner Crew 1 can fly next year. But how did we get here? What's NASA's take on the latest Starliner mission? And, perhaps above all, how will Boeing approach the program moving ahead? We'll bring you the latest and greatest--and fear not, we have Tariq here to keep us fair--on what's going on with Boeing's Starliner CST-100 spacecraft. Headlines • For the first time, a commercial crew flew above low Earth orbit on SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission, setting records for the highest spaceflight by female astronauts and the first commercial spacewalk by anyone. • The FAA says it won't clear SpaceX's Starship Flight 5 from Boca Chica, Texas until November due to environmental concerns, frustrating SpaceX as they aim to conduct orbital refueling tests and prepare for lunar missions. Starliner's Return and Future • Boeing's Starliner spacecraft finally returned on September 6th, three months after it launched, facing challenges such as thruster overheating, and in some cases outright fgailure, and a GPS dropout during reentry. • Rod and Tariq discuss the cultural differences between Boeing and SpaceX, with SpaceX embracing a more iterative, failure-tolerant approach that allowed them to innovate faster. • They debate whether Boeing's traditional aerospace culture and cost-cutting measures contributed to Starliner's issues and examined the effects of the company's lack of transparency during the mission. • Despite the challenges, Starliner demonstrated its ability to survive an extended mission and NASA remains confident that Boeing will fly out its Commercial Crew contract. • The future of Starliner may involve private missions to upcoming commercial space stations, but standardizing spacesuits across different spacecraft will be crucial for crew safety. • While Starliner faced setbacks, Rod and Tariq emphasize the importance of having multiple crew transportation systems to ensure continuous access to space. 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 know the ISS is living its last days and will be deorbited sometime around 2030... but what's coming up next? For episode 127, Max Haot of VAST joins us to discuss his company's first space station, called Haven-1, set to launch in 2025. For a company just just a few years old, VAST has made impressive progress toward what is likely to be the first private crewed space station in history. Subsequent plans include a larger orbital habitat with artificial gravity and much more. It's an exciting time in Space 2.0, and companies like VAST are leading the way! Join us for this fascinating hour. Headlines: - Boeing Starliner update: Undocking and landing plans, tension between Boeing and NASA over thruster issues, crew flight delayed to August 2025 - Blue Origin unveils landing ship Jaclyn (named after Jeff Bezos' mom) and moves New Glenn second stage to launch pad for testing, targeting October launch for NASA's Escapade Mars mission - NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) CubeSat deploys solar sail and begins navigation tests Main Topic: VAST with CEO Max Haot - Max shares his background in software development and his journey to becoming the CEO of VAST - VAST aims to create a future where more humans live in space than on Earth by developing artificial gravity space stations - The company's near-term goal is to win NASA's Commercial LEO Destination (CLD) program to become a commercial successor to the ISS - VAST is developing Haven-1, its first space station module, to be launched by 2026 and visited by a crew of four for two weeks as a proof of concept - Haven-1 will provide a larger volume and better amenities compared to free-flying SpaceX Dragon missions, allowing customers to enjoy a more comfortable two-week stay in orbit - VAST is working closely with SpaceX and will use Starlink laser terminals for high-speed, low-latency connectivity on Haven-1 - The long-term vision is to build a large, rotating space station consisting of seven Starship modules to create artificial gravity, though many technical challenges remain - Max emphasizes the importance of building a strong company culture and the ability to develop safe, human-rated systems at a low cost - Upcoming milestones for VAST include revealing Haven-1's primary structure and interior design, launching a demo satellite, and selecting the crew for the first Haven-1 mission Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Max Haot 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: veeam.com

As if election season wasn't scary enough, now we have rogue planets to worry about! Out in the vast darkness between star systems, these worlds wander through the interstellar void, sometimes in pairs, and when they encounter a solar system, havoc can result. Add to the fact that they are hard to see, and you have a recipe for worry. Fortunately, we have astrophysicists like Dr. Rosalba Perna on the job, learning more about these strange, errant planets daily! Add to that the ever-increasing stash of data we're getting from the James Webb Space Telescope, and we can all sleep a bit better at night. Join us for a fascinating hour with Dr. Perna as we learn about rogue planets! Headlines: Boeing's Starliner spacecraft set to return to Earth robotically, without its crew, on September 6th, marking the end of its three-month mission. SpaceX experiences a rare booster landing failure on its 23rd flight, ending a streak of successful landings Astrobotic's Peregrine Lander failure attributed to a faulty valve and leaks SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission delayed due to weather concerns Main Topic - Rogue Planets: Dr. Perna explains rogue planets as worlds untethered to any star, floating freely in space Discussion of the likelihood and potential impact of a rogue planet entering our solar system Exploration of rogue planet formation theories, including ejection from solar systems and in-situ formation The James Webb Space Telescope's role in discovering potential rogue planet pairs in the Orion Nebula Challenges in confirming rogue planet candidates and distinguishing them from other celestial objects The possibility of life on rogue planets, particularly those with moons experiencing tidal heating Dr. Perna's computer simulations demonstrate how binary rogue planets could form and evolve The upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope's potential for discovering more rogue planets Discussion of Dr. Perna's other research interests, including gamma-ray bursts and compact objects Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Rosalba Perna 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 the end of summer, and that means it's time to go back to school—in our case, space school! There's a lot going on, a lot coming up, and a whole lot to know about the next 9 months in space. What can we expect from SpaceX? How are the outer solar system missions proceeding? What about the new rocket engines for the Artemis program? What are we doing about orbital debris? Are we really in a new space race with China? And much more, including that most vexing of questions: what's up with Starliner? Join us for the fun. Headlines: Polaris Dawn mission: Set to launch soon, this private SpaceX flight aims to conduct the first private spacewalk and raise funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. JUICE spacecraft flyby: The Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer successfully completed its Earth flyby, capturing stunning images of Earth and the Moon. Fram 2 mission: A private SpaceX flight planning the first-ever crewed polar orbit mission, aiming to study aurora-like emissions called STEVE. Astroscale's space debris removal: The company secured an $82 million contract for its second test flight to remove an old Japanese H-2 rocket stage from orbit. RS-25 engine development: Discussion on the high costs of manufacturing new RS-25 engines for NASA's SLS rocket compared to SpaceX's more cost-effective Raptor engines. Upcoming celestial events: A partial lunar eclipse in September and an annular solar eclipse in October, with tips on how to safely view these events. World Space Week: Announcement of the upcoming event in October, focusing on space and climate change. Indian space program: Updates on India's plans to launch its first uncrewed test flight of the Gaganyaan space capsule by the end of the year. 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: betterhelp.com/TWIS

Czarina Salido, a physics graduate of mixed Mexican and Native American heritage, founded Taking Up Space in 2014. This nonprofit aims to address the underrepresentation of women, particularly Native American girls, in STEM fields. Based near Tucson, the organization provides mentoring, instruction, and Space Camp scholarships to disadvantaged girls on a nearby reservation. Salido's initiative has gained recognition in the STEM community and inspired similar efforts nationwide. Join us as we discuss her work's challenges and successes in this episode of This Week in Space! Headlines: Starliner Update: NASA still undecided on whether astronauts will return on Starliner or SpaceX Dragon, with a decision expected within a week. SpaceX FRAM-2 Mission: A private polar orbit mission funded by cryptocurrency billionaire Chun Wang, scheduled for later this year, inspired by polar expeditions. Upcoming Super Blue Moon: A rare celestial event combining a supermoon and blue moon, visible from August 19-21. Main Topic - Taking Up Space with Czarina Salido: Organization Overview: Taking Up Space is an astronaut-supported nonprofit helping Native American girls aged 8-16 enter STEM fields. Program Structure: 16-32 week programs combining STEM education, cultural awareness, and confidence-building activities. Space Camp Experience: Students earn trips to Space Camp, gaining hands-on experience with space technology and simulations. Cultural Integration: Lessons incorporate indigenous values, storytelling, and traditional knowledge alongside STEM concepts. Challenges Addressed: The program aims to combat high dropout, suicide, and murder rates among Native American youth and women. Funding and Support: The organization relies on astronaut involvement, fundraisers, and community support, with Space Hipsters providing significant backing. Future Plans: Salido hopes to establish a Space Camp in Tucson and create a database of indigenized STEM lessons for wider use. Personal Growth: Salido shares how the program has helped her reconnect with her own indigenous heritage. Upcoming Projects: A book collaboration with astronaut Hoot Gibson and an event with Terry Virts in January 2025. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Czarina Salido 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

Each year, there are a handful of impressive meteor showers, and one of the largest and best this year will be the Perseids. The quarter moon will set just before midnight, when the shower activity peaks, and if you're in a dark spot expect to see maybe 50-60 shooting stars per hour. Steve Fentress, veteran astronomer and planetarium director, joins us to provide viewing tips, a meteor shower, and star lore over the ages, and more. Headlines: Starliner - Boeing's Starliner spacecraft continues to face issues, with some experts questioning whether the program will continue after the current mission - NASA's recent press conferences regarding Starliner have been criticized for lack of clarity and transparency - SpaceX's Crew Dragon may become the sole provider of crew transportation to the International Space Station if Starliner's problems persist Main Topic: The Perseid Meteor Shower - The Perseid meteor shower, peaking around August 12th, is expected to be especially impressive this year due to favorable moon conditions - Observers can expect to see up to one or two meteors per minute under dark sky conditions - The Perseids are created by debris left behind by comet 109P Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the sun every 133 years - Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli first identified the connection between the Perseids and comet Swift-Tuttle in the 19th century - The colors observed in meteors are caused by different chemical elements in the meteoroids and Earth's atmosphere - Steve Fentress shares the fascinating history of meteor shower observations and their connection to comets - Tips for observing the Perseids include finding a dark location, dressing warmly, and watching the sky between 3 AM and dawn - The future of planetariums lies in becoming valuable community resources and embracing new technologies to create engaging experiences for visitors - Steve Fentress discusses his book "Sky to Space" and his new podcast, "The Forgotten Bookshelf," which features interesting and obscure topics from old books Host: Rod Pyle Co-Host: Isaac Arthur 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

It's been said that Mars ain't the kind of place to raise your kids, and that's certainly the assertion of the popular 2023 book, "A City on Mars" by Kelly and Zack Weinersmith. In fact, they question the future of settling humans off Earth in its entirety. Certainly, it will be challenging, but is it impossible? Are there reasons we should not go? We gathered together two of our favorite experts on the topic, Dale Skran, the COO and SVP of the National Space Society, and Mr. YouTube himself, Isaac Arthur—who has produced maybe 100 hours or more of well-regarded videos on the subject—to discuss the book and our prospects for rational, realistic space settlement plans. Join us! "A City on Mars" takes a skeptical and humorous look at space settlement, questioning our readiness for having children in space, building space farms, and creating independent space nations. Dale Skran wrote a comprehensive 40,000-word review of the book, acknowledging its depth while disagreeing with many of its conclusions. He believes the book represents the current stage of opposition to the increasingly realistic prospect of space settlement. The hosts discuss the potential benefits and resources available in space, with Dale and Isaac emphasizing the vast opportunities and the need for reasonable regulation to facilitate space development. The challenges of human reproduction in space are examined, with the hosts agreeing on the importance of further research and the need for artificial gravity experiments on space stations. The potential for conflict and war in space is explored, with Dale arguing that space settlements will likely be more resilient and less vulnerable than Earth-based cities due to their designed defenses against natural and artificial threats. The hosts critique the book's pessimistic view of space settlement and its suggestion to wait centuries until humanity has solved all its problems before venturing into space. They argue that space development and solving Earth's issues can and should happen concurrently. Dale Skran highlights an interesting idea from the book: the possibility of a dual life cycle for settlers, with reproduction occurring in 1G spin gravity settlements while adults spend much of their time working in low-gravity environments like the Moon or Mars. Get "A City on Mars": https://amzn.to/3LWMhY1 Host: Rod Pyle Co-Host: Isaac Arthur Guest: Dale Skran 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