This Week in Space (Audio)

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

A nova is a star that periodically sheds mass in a huge flare-up of light and energy. This week, astrophysicist Dr. Carlos Badenes from the University of Pittsburgh joins us to discuss a star that should be going nova in the next few weeks--and will be visible in the night sky for about 6-7 days! T Corona Borealis (TCrB) is a binary system comprising two stars in the constellation Corona Borealis that bursts into magnitude 2 (as seen from Earth) about every 80 years--and should do so again by mid-September! Join us. Headlines: NASA's Perseverance rover discovers a rock on Mars that shows intriguing signs of potential ancient microbial life, sparking excitement among scientists Starliner Update: NASA and Boeing discuss the extended mission of the Starliner spacecraft, addressing concerns and highlighting the crew's safety and productivity Scientists uncover evidence suggesting Mercury's crust harbors a 10-mile thick diamond layer, formed by unique planetary processes Main Topic - The Visible Nova in the Sky Near You: T Coronae Borealis, a recurring nova located in the constellation Corona Borealis, is expected to become visible to the naked eye between now and September 2024 Novae are binary star systems where a white dwarf accumulates material from its companion star, leading to a thermonuclear runaway and a bright outburst Supernovae, in contrast, are the explosive deaths of stars, either through the complete disruption of a white dwarf or the collapse of a massive star's core Historical accounts of "new stars" include Tycho's Supernova (1572), Kepler's Supernova (1604), and the Crab Nebula progenitor (1054) Dr. Badenes discusses his research on novae in nearby galaxies and the use of the Hubble Space Telescope to study the progenitors of thermonuclear supernovae The crew explores the limits of recurring novae, the possibility of a white dwarf exploding as a Type Ia supernova, and the anticipated supernova of the star Betelgeuse in the constellation Orion Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Carlos Badenes 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

In this episode of This Week in Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik dive into the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, discussing the mission's highlights, challenges, and historical significance. They also cover recent space news, including Elon Musk's plans to move SpaceX's headquarters to Texas, the Falcon 9 upper stage failure, and the cancellation of NASA's VIPER rover mission. Looking ahead, the hosts speculate on the future of the Artemis program and the political landscape's influence on space exploration. Headlines: - Elon Musk announces plans to move SpaceX's headquarters from California to Texas, citing disagreements with a new state law and his political alignment with Texas. - SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket experiences an upper stage failure during a recent launch, leading to the loss of payload and an investigation by the FAA and NASA. - NASA cancels its VIPER rover mission, which aimed to search for water ice at the Moon's south pole, due to budget constraints and scheduling issues with the Astrobotic Griffin lander. - Lou Dobbs, the co-founder of Space.com, passes away at the age of 78. Apollo 11 55th Anniversary: - Rod Pyle shares his memories of watching the Apollo 11 launch and moon landing as a teenager, highlighting the limited media coverage and resources available at the time. - The hosts discuss the tense moments during the lunar module's descent, including computer alarms, low fuel warnings, and Neil Armstrong's quick thinking to avoid a boulder field. - They recount the challenges faced by the astronauts, such as the difficulty in opening the lunar module's hatch and Buzz Aldrin's ingenious use of a felt-tip pen to reset a broken circuit breaker. - The hosts emphasize the significance of the Apollo 11 mission and argue for July 20th to be recognized as a national holiday. Artemis Program and the Future of Space Exploration: - Rod and Tariq express frustration with the slow progress of the Artemis program compared to the rapid pace of the Apollo missions. - They discuss the potential impact of the upcoming U.S. presidential election on NASA's funding and priorities, particularly in light of the growing competition with China in space. - The hosts highlight the challenges facing SpaceX's Starship as the chosen vehicle for the Artemis program's human landing system, including the need for further testing and the development of a 120-foot elevator to transport astronauts to the lunar surface. - Tariq makes a bold prediction that NASA astronauts will be walking on the Moon by July 20th, 2029, and offers to give Rod his "STar Trek" chair if the prediction doesn't come to pass. 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

If you saw the movie "Gravity," you have a sense of the dangers of orbital debris—and the risk is very real. More than 25,000 objects over four inches in diameter are tracked by the US Space Force, and millions of others are smaller or untracked—everything from derelict satellites to dead rocket stages to bits of shrapnel and even just chunks of frozen rocket fuel is there. And even something the size and mass of a paint chip, traveling at orbital speeds, can take out a window of a spacecraft. We're joined by Dr. John Crassidis from the University of Buffalo, an expert in orbital debris and its dangers. Look out below; this is going to be a hot one! Headlines: SpaceX Falcon 9 launch failure investigation underway after engine explosion during upper stage relight James Webb Space Telescope celebrates 2nd anniversary with new "Cosmic Penguin" image Boeing Starliner return date still uncertain as NASA and Boeing review data Mailbag: Zaheer Mohammed congratulates the National Space Society's Ad Astra magazine on winning the Marcom Awards in 2023 Main Topic: Orbital Debris Discussion with Dr. John Crassidis Orbital debris defined as anything in space that is no longer useful, ranging from paint flakes to rocket bodies Debris moves at extremely high speeds (17,500 mph), making collisions highly destructive Kessler Syndrome: cascading collisions could render low Earth orbit unusable within 50 years if debris growth is not slowed Approximately 47,000 tracked objects softball-size or larger, with millions more smaller pieces Challenges in tracking debris due to limited coverage, object tumbling, and modeling uncertainties Ownership and responsibility for debris removal complicated by lack of international agreements Current remediation techniques not feasible due to cost and technological limitations Urgent need for debris mitigation through international cooperation and improved satellite design Future threats extend beyond low Earth orbit, with debris already accumulating around the Moon Importance of investing in research to develop effective debris removal technologies Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. John Crassidis 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

For many of us, dark matter and dark energy are two of the least understood areas of cosmology and astrophysics. This week, we invited Alina Kiessling and Jason Rhodes, both Research Scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, to explain these concepts and their broader implications for cosmology, exoplanet research, and more. Both of them are working on major space telescope projects to research "dark physics," as they will explain. Guest co-host Isaac Arthur asks compelling, comprehensive questions about physics and cosmology while Rod asks things like "is dark energy dangerous?" because, let's face it, someone has to ask the dumb questions. Join us for the fascinating deep dive into dark forces! Headlines: Chinese rocket startup Space Pioneer accidentally launched a rocket during a static ground test, highlighting the unpredictable nature of rocketry. SpaceX and Jared Isaacman's Polaris Dawn mission, set for July 34th, 2024, aims to conduct the first private spacewalk and set a new orbital altitude record of 870 miles. NASA announced that Boeing's Starliner spacecraft is in good enough condition to stay at the International Space Station for at least 45 days despite ongoing investigations into malfunctioning thrusters and helium leaks. Main Topic - Understanding the Darkness: Guests Jason Rhodes and Alina Kiessling, both Research Scientists and Astrophysicists at JPL, share their backgrounds and how they met through their shared passion for cosmology. The universe's composition, with dark matter and dark energy making up 95% of its content. Exploring the history of dark matter discovery, from Fritz Zwicky's observations in the 1930s to Vera Rubin's groundbreaking work in the 1960s and 70s. The differences between dark matter and dark energy, their effects on the universe's structure, and the challenges in studying them. The "cosmological crisis" or Hubble tension, which arises from discrepancies between early and late universe measurements. Upcoming space telescope missions, including Euclid, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, and the Vera Rubin Observatory, are highlighted as crucial tools for advancing our understanding of dark matter and dark energy. The potential need for new physics to explain current observations is explored, with the guests expressing excitement about the possibility of groundbreaking discoveries. Exoplanet research: discussing how the Roman Space Telescope will use microlensing and coronagraphy techniques to detect and study distant worlds. The potential for detecting biosignatures on exoplanets, with a focus on identifying signs of life through spectroscopic analysis.Jason and Alina's advice for aspiring astrophysicists, emphasizing the growing importance of machine learning and artificial intelligence in the field. Finally, a lighthearted discussion of the guests' personal lives and travel experiences, highlighting the balance between their professional and family commitments. Host: Rod Pyle Co-Host: Isaac Arthur Guests: Jason Rhodes and Alina Kiessling 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