This Week in Space (Audio) TWiT https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space TWiT Feed Generator v4.11.3 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss en-US This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License - Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ feedmail@twit.tv (TWiT Editors) feedmail@twit.tv (TWiT Engineering) 720 weekly 1 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:45:03 PDT Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:45:03 PDT weekly Petaluma, CA episodic Space news, NASA, SpaceX, Mars missions, and the new space economy. The new space age is upon us, and This Week in Space leaves no topic untouched. Every Friday, join Editor-in-Chief of Ad Astra magazine, Rod Pyle and Managing Editor of Space.com, Tariq Malik as they explore everything related to the cosmos.

You can join Club TWiT for $10 per month and get ad-free audio and video feeds for all our shows plus everything else the club offers...or get just this podcast ad-free for $5 per month.

New episodes posted every Friday.

]]> The new space age is upon us, and This Week in Space leaves no topic untouched. Every Friday, join Editor-in-Chief of Ad Astra magazine, Rod Pyle and Managing Editor of Space.com, Tariq Malik as they explore everything related to the cosmos.

You can join Club TWiT for $10 per month and get ad-free audio and video feeds for all our shows plus everything else the club offers...or get just this podcast ad-free for $5 per month.

New episodes posted every Friday.

]]> space, technology, mars, the moon, apollo , NASA tv-g no no No Become a Club TWiT member! Leo Laporte feedmail@twit.tv Space Technology This Week in Space (Audio) https://elroy.twit.tv/sites/default/files/styles/twit_album_art_2048x2048/public/images/shows/this_week_in_space/album_art/audio/twis2022_albumart_standard_2400.jpg https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space https://feeds.twit.tv/twis.xml TWiS 231: Sailing the Stellar Seas - Our Favorite Space Sci-Fi! Sailing the Stellar Seas - Our Favorite Space Sci-Fi! full TWiT Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:30:00 PDT 231 231 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/231 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/231 News Space Technology no Our Favorite Space Sci-Fi! space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, Apollo era, Margaret Hamilton, Milt Windler, Apollo Guidance Computer, MIT Instrumentation Lab, space debris, Soviet satellite breakup, Meteor 27, LeoLabs, Starlink satellites From the earliest works of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells to the best of contemporary space science fiction, Tariq and I dive deep into our favorite space si-fi across the ages! And our challenge to you for some of the most obscure titles we know.

Headlines:

  • Remembering Apollo Era Legends Margaret Hamilton and Milt Windler
  • Soviet Meteor 27 Satellite Breaks Up, Raising Space Debris Concerns
  • Elon Musk Receives National Science Award Amid NASA Science Cuts

Main Topic: Space Science Fiction Books and Media

  • Influential Childhood Sci-Fi Classics and Lesser-Known Gems
  • H.G. Wells, Ray Bradbury, and the Enduring Power of Classic Novels
  • Comic Books as Gateway to Space Narratives, from Star Trek to Modern Series
  • Golden Age Science Fiction: Venus Sagas, Heinlein, and Asimov
  • Modern Standouts: The Expanse, Jack McDevitt, Martha Wells, and Ann Leckie
  • Women in Sci-Fi: Hidden Voices and Impactful Authors
  • Sci-Fi Landmarks: War of the Worlds' Grover's Mill Monument and Other Cultural Footprints

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> From the earliest works of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells to the best of contemporary space science fiction, Tariq and I dive deep into our favorite space si-fi across the ages! And our challenge to you for some of the most obscure titles we know.

Headlines:

  • Remembering Apollo Era Legends Margaret Hamilton and Milt Windler
  • Soviet Meteor 27 Satellite Breaks Up, Raising Space Debris Concerns
  • Elon Musk Receives National Science Award Amid NASA Science Cuts

Main Topic: Space Science Fiction Books and Media

  • Influential Childhood Sci-Fi Classics and Lesser-Known Gems
  • H.G. Wells, Ray Bradbury, and the Enduring Power of Classic Novels
  • Comic Books as Gateway to Space Narratives, from Star Trek to Modern Series
  • Golden Age Science Fiction: Venus Sagas, Heinlein, and Asimov
  • Modern Standouts: The Expanse, Jack McDevitt, Martha Wells, and Ann Leckie
  • Women in Sci-Fi: Hidden Voices and Impactful Authors
  • Sci-Fi Landmarks: War of the Worlds' Grover's Mill Monument and Other Cultural Footprints

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> From the earliest works of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells to the best of contemporary space science fiction, Tariq and I dive deep into our favorite space si-fi across the ages! And our challenge to you for some of the most obscure titles we know.

Headlines:

  • Remembering Apollo Era Legends Margaret Hamilton and Milt Windler
  • Soviet Meteor 27 Satellite Breaks Up, Raising Space Debris Concerns
  • Elon Musk Receives National Science Award Amid NASA Science Cuts

Main Topic: Space Science Fiction Books and Media

  • Influential Childhood Sci-Fi Classics and Lesser-Known Gems
  • H.G. Wells, Ray Bradbury, and the Enduring Power of Classic Novels
  • Comic Books as Gateway to Space Narratives, from Star Trek to Modern Series
  • Golden Age Science Fiction: Venus Sagas, Heinlein, and Asimov
  • Modern Standouts: The Expanse, Jack McDevitt, Martha Wells, and Ann Leckie
  • Women in Sci-Fi: Hidden Voices and Impactful Authors
  • Sci-Fi Landmarks: War of the Worlds' Grover's Mill Monument and Other Cultural Footprints

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_231/3aa1d2a0-7de2-4b1f-8e08-0c494a7b92ea.mp3 58:07 TWiS 231: Sailing the Stellar Seas - Our Favorite Space Sci-Fi! Our Favorite Space Sci-Fi! space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, Apollo era, Margaret Hamilton, Milt Windler, Apollo Guidance Computer, MIT Instrumentation Lab, space debris, Soviet satellite breakup, Meteor 27, LeoLabs, Starlink satellites nonadult tv-g IAB15 Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Rod Pyle Tariq Malik TWiS 230: Living on Lava Worlds - Atmospheres on Lava-Covered Exoplanets Living on Lava Worlds - Atmospheres on Lava-Covered Exoplanets full TWiT Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:30:00 PDT 230 230 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/230 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/230 News Space Technology no Atmospheres on Lava-Covered Exoplanets space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, SpaceX Starship orbit, Google AI data center in space, lava worlds, exoplanets, Dr. Laura Schaefer, habitable exoplanets, cosmic shoreline, magma ocean planets, 55 Cancri e, K2-18b Think you're having a hot summer? Try living on 55 Cancri-e, a super-Earth with daytime temperatures above 4000 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of these super-Earths orbit frighteningly close to their host stars and have long since had their atmospheres scraped away, leaving them baked, parched rocks. But some, like 55 Cancri, still have dense envelopes of air. How is that possible, when the planet is 20 times closer to its star than our own planet Mercury? Dr. Laura Schaefer explains how molten lava worlds defy the odds. Plus: Starship update, the first orbital data centers, and a new year on Mars.

Headlines:

  • SpaceX's Starship Achieves First Full Orbital Flight With Satellite Deployments
  • Google and Planet Labs Launch AI Data Center Satellite
  • Multiple SpaceX Launches Within Hours Mark a New Operational Standard
  • Cowboy Space Debuts Power-Beaming AI Data Center in Orbit
  • Mars Celebrates a New Year on Its Extended Journey Around the Sun
  • NASA Anniversary and Notable Space Birthdays Noted

Main Topic: Living on Lava Worlds—Atmospheres, Extreme Planets, and the Search for Life

  • Early Exoplanet Detection Methods and Evolution of Exoplanet Surveys
  • Cosmic Shoreline Concept: How Gravity and Stellar Radiation Shape Planetary Atmospheres
  • Airless Valleys, Sandbars, and Other New Categories for Rocky Exoplanets
  • Permanent Magma Oceans: Why Some Lava-covered Worlds Retain Atmospheres
  • Volatiles, Atmosphere Loss, and The Soda-Bottle Effect on Hot Exoplanets
  • Sandbar Regime: Superheated Planets Keep Atmospheres Longer Than Expected
  • Case Study: 55 Cancri e and the Myth of the Diamond Planet
  • K2-18b: Possibilities of a Water World or Another Magma-Lava Hybrid
  • Redefining Goldilocks Zones With Atmospheric Survival Factors
  • Tidal Heating, Volcanism, and Dynamics Shaping Exoplanet Atmospheres
  • Future Directions: Webb Telescope, Habitable Worlds Observatory, and Prospects for Imaging True "Earths"

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Laura Schaefer

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> Think you're having a hot summer? Try living on 55 Cancri-e, a super-Earth with daytime temperatures above 4000 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of these super-Earths orbit frighteningly close to their host stars and have long since had their atmospheres scraped away, leaving them baked, parched rocks. But some, like 55 Cancri, still have dense envelopes of air. How is that possible, when the planet is 20 times closer to its star than our own planet Mercury? Dr. Laura Schaefer explains how molten lava worlds defy the odds. Plus: Starship update, the first orbital data centers, and a new year on Mars.

Headlines:

  • SpaceX's Starship Achieves First Full Orbital Flight With Satellite Deployments
  • Google and Planet Labs Launch AI Data Center Satellite
  • Multiple SpaceX Launches Within Hours Mark a New Operational Standard
  • Cowboy Space Debuts Power-Beaming AI Data Center in Orbit
  • Mars Celebrates a New Year on Its Extended Journey Around the Sun
  • NASA Anniversary and Notable Space Birthdays Noted

Main Topic: Living on Lava Worlds—Atmospheres, Extreme Planets, and the Search for Life

  • Early Exoplanet Detection Methods and Evolution of Exoplanet Surveys
  • Cosmic Shoreline Concept: How Gravity and Stellar Radiation Shape Planetary Atmospheres
  • Airless Valleys, Sandbars, and Other New Categories for Rocky Exoplanets
  • Permanent Magma Oceans: Why Some Lava-covered Worlds Retain Atmospheres
  • Volatiles, Atmosphere Loss, and The Soda-Bottle Effect on Hot Exoplanets
  • Sandbar Regime: Superheated Planets Keep Atmospheres Longer Than Expected
  • Case Study: 55 Cancri e and the Myth of the Diamond Planet
  • K2-18b: Possibilities of a Water World or Another Magma-Lava Hybrid
  • Redefining Goldilocks Zones With Atmospheric Survival Factors
  • Tidal Heating, Volcanism, and Dynamics Shaping Exoplanet Atmospheres
  • Future Directions: Webb Telescope, Habitable Worlds Observatory, and Prospects for Imaging True "Earths"

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Laura Schaefer

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> Think you're having a hot summer? Try living on 55 Cancri-e, a super-Earth with daytime temperatures above 4000 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of these super-Earths orbit frighteningly close to their host stars and have long since had their atmospheres scraped away, leaving them baked, parched rocks. But some, like 55 Cancri, still have dense envelopes of air. How is that possible, when the planet is 20 times closer to its star than our own planet Mercury? Dr. Laura Schaefer explains how molten lava worlds defy the odds. Plus: Starship update, the first orbital data centers, and a new year on Mars.

Headlines:

  • SpaceX's Starship Achieves First Full Orbital Flight With Satellite Deployments
  • Google and Planet Labs Launch AI Data Center Satellite
  • Multiple SpaceX Launches Within Hours Mark a New Operational Standard
  • Cowboy Space Debuts Power-Beaming AI Data Center in Orbit
  • Mars Celebrates a New Year on Its Extended Journey Around the Sun
  • NASA Anniversary and Notable Space Birthdays Noted

Main Topic: Living on Lava Worlds—Atmospheres, Extreme Planets, and the Search for Life

  • Early Exoplanet Detection Methods and Evolution of Exoplanet Surveys
  • Cosmic Shoreline Concept: How Gravity and Stellar Radiation Shape Planetary Atmospheres
  • Airless Valleys, Sandbars, and Other New Categories for Rocky Exoplanets
  • Permanent Magma Oceans: Why Some Lava-covered Worlds Retain Atmospheres
  • Volatiles, Atmosphere Loss, and The Soda-Bottle Effect on Hot Exoplanets
  • Sandbar Regime: Superheated Planets Keep Atmospheres Longer Than Expected
  • Case Study: 55 Cancri e and the Myth of the Diamond Planet
  • K2-18b: Possibilities of a Water World or Another Magma-Lava Hybrid
  • Redefining Goldilocks Zones With Atmospheric Survival Factors
  • Tidal Heating, Volcanism, and Dynamics Shaping Exoplanet Atmospheres
  • Future Directions: Webb Telescope, Habitable Worlds Observatory, and Prospects for Imaging True "Earths"

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Laura Schaefer

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_230/67d0b38c-e308-4a10-b9c6-201cd118571c.mp3 1:08:47 TWiS 230: Living on Lava Worlds - Atmospheres on Lava-Covered Exoplanets Atmospheres on Lava-Covered Exoplanets space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, SpaceX Starship orbit, Google AI data center in space, lava worlds, exoplanets, Dr. Laura Schaefer, habitable exoplanets, cosmic shoreline, magma ocean planets, 55 Cancri e, K2-18b nonadult tv-g IAB15 Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Dr. Laura Schaefer Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Dr. Laura Schaefer TWiS 229: Is It Starship's Time? - Test Flight 14 to Orbit Is It Starship's Time? - Test Flight 14 to Orbit full TWiT Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:15:00 PDT 229 229 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/229 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/229 News Space Technology no Test Flight 14 to Orbit space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, SpaceX Starship launch, Falcon 9 retirement, Starlink V3 satellites, Crew Dragon, Starliner, Vulcan rocket, Rocket Lab Neutron, reusable rockets, Lunar Habitat, Chang'e 7, Chang'e 8 This week it's Rod and Tariq working through the most important space headlines. The big story: Starship could launch test flight 14 as early as Monday the 28th. We've seen lots of tests, but this is the first attempt at an orbital flight, the success of which is necessary for the lunar landing system and eventual retirement of the Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon. Also: Vast starts up a lunar division, Isaacman's relief over delays to China's lunar program, concerns over announced discontinuation of SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon, and yet more money for Boeing's troubled Starliner. This and more on this episode of TWiS!

Headlines:

  • SpaceX Prepares for Big Starship Flight 14 Launch
  • Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon Proposed Wind-down Sparks Industry Jitters
  • Starship's Role as Future Space Habitat Gains Traction
  • Industry Faces Uncertainty as Falcon 9 Phaseout Looms
  • Boeing Starliner and Alternative Crew Vehicles in Focus
  • SpaceX's Massive Louisiana Expansion Announced
  • Jared Isaacman Comments on China's Lunar Delays
  • U.S. and China Jostle for Lunar Leadership
  • Vast Unveils Lunar Habitat and Surface System Ambitions
  • ESA's JUICE and Ramses Missions Headline Upcoming Science
  • NASA Selects PRIMA Probe for Far-Infrared Astrophysics
  • New Study Details Disastrous Global Ice Loss

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> This week it's Rod and Tariq working through the most important space headlines. The big story: Starship could launch test flight 14 as early as Monday the 28th. We've seen lots of tests, but this is the first attempt at an orbital flight, the success of which is necessary for the lunar landing system and eventual retirement of the Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon. Also: Vast starts up a lunar division, Isaacman's relief over delays to China's lunar program, concerns over announced discontinuation of SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon, and yet more money for Boeing's troubled Starliner. This and more on this episode of TWiS!

Headlines:

  • SpaceX Prepares for Big Starship Flight 14 Launch
  • Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon Proposed Wind-down Sparks Industry Jitters
  • Starship's Role as Future Space Habitat Gains Traction
  • Industry Faces Uncertainty as Falcon 9 Phaseout Looms
  • Boeing Starliner and Alternative Crew Vehicles in Focus
  • SpaceX's Massive Louisiana Expansion Announced
  • Jared Isaacman Comments on China's Lunar Delays
  • U.S. and China Jostle for Lunar Leadership
  • Vast Unveils Lunar Habitat and Surface System Ambitions
  • ESA's JUICE and Ramses Missions Headline Upcoming Science
  • NASA Selects PRIMA Probe for Far-Infrared Astrophysics
  • New Study Details Disastrous Global Ice Loss

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> This week it's Rod and Tariq working through the most important space headlines. The big story: Starship could launch test flight 14 as early as Monday the 28th. We've seen lots of tests, but this is the first attempt at an orbital flight, the success of which is necessary for the lunar landing system and eventual retirement of the Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon. Also: Vast starts up a lunar division, Isaacman's relief over delays to China's lunar program, concerns over announced discontinuation of SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon, and yet more money for Boeing's troubled Starliner. This and more on this episode of TWiS!

Headlines:

  • SpaceX Prepares for Big Starship Flight 14 Launch
  • Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon Proposed Wind-down Sparks Industry Jitters
  • Starship's Role as Future Space Habitat Gains Traction
  • Industry Faces Uncertainty as Falcon 9 Phaseout Looms
  • Boeing Starliner and Alternative Crew Vehicles in Focus
  • SpaceX's Massive Louisiana Expansion Announced
  • Jared Isaacman Comments on China's Lunar Delays
  • U.S. and China Jostle for Lunar Leadership
  • Vast Unveils Lunar Habitat and Surface System Ambitions
  • ESA's JUICE and Ramses Missions Headline Upcoming Science
  • NASA Selects PRIMA Probe for Far-Infrared Astrophysics
  • New Study Details Disastrous Global Ice Loss

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_229/77446e24-460e-442b-840d-bcfd918fa388.mp3 1:06:22 TWiS 229: Is It Starship's Time? - Test Flight 14 to Orbit Test Flight 14 to Orbit space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, SpaceX Starship launch, Falcon 9 retirement, Starlink V3 satellites, Crew Dragon, Starliner, Vulcan rocket, Rocket Lab Neutron, reusable rockets, Lunar Habitat, Chang'e 7, Chang'e 8 nonadult tv-g IAB15 Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Rod Pyle Tariq Malik TWiS 228: What's a HOTOL? - Britain in Space What's a HOTOL? - Britain in Space full TWiT Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:15:00 PDT 228 228 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/228 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/228 News Space Technology no Britain in Space space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, HOTOL, Skylon, Rob Coppinger, British spaceplane history, reusable spacecraft, spaceplane, space planes, UK aerospace, Spaceflight magazine, Reaction Engines, SABRE engine In the 1980s, as the US space shuttle was just starting operations, the UK embarked on an ambitious project called HOTOL—short for Horizontal Take Off and Landing, a radical, air-breathing spaceplane design. Political and funding shifts in the UK ultimately derailed the project, despite the promising technologies it pioneered. The idea was later restarted as Skylon, with key individuals and refined technologies at its core. This project, too, struggled, ultimately shuttering in 2024. Despite this, the promise of rapid, reusable spaceplanes that can launch and land at airports is still coveted by many countries, and efforts continue. Join Rob Coppinger, author of the definitive book on the topic and editor of the UK's "Spaceflight" magazine, as he tells this fascinating story.

Headlines:

  • New Crater Discovered on the Moon
  • Boeing Starliner Gains New Life with NASA Support
  • Starship Flight 14 Gears Up for Launch

Main Topic: British Spaceplanes – HOTOL and Skylon

  • Rob Coppinger Shares Inspiration and Career Path
  • Origins and Vision Behind HOTOL
  • HOTOL vs. the Space Shuttle: Concepts and Challenges
  • Funding Issues and UK Government Decisions
  • Evolution from HOTOL to Skylon and Reaction Engines
  • Technological Innovations: SABRE Engine and Reusability
  • International Context: Other Spaceplane Projects
  • Current Status and Future Prospects for UK Spaceplanes
  • Lessons in Vision, Imagination, and Persisting with Big Ideas

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Rob Coppinger

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsor:

]]> In the 1980s, as the US space shuttle was just starting operations, the UK embarked on an ambitious project called HOTOL—short for Horizontal Take Off and Landing, a radical, air-breathing spaceplane design. Political and funding shifts in the UK ultimately derailed the project, despite the promising technologies it pioneered. The idea was later restarted as Skylon, with key individuals and refined technologies at its core. This project, too, struggled, ultimately shuttering in 2024. Despite this, the promise of rapid, reusable spaceplanes that can launch and land at airports is still coveted by many countries, and efforts continue. Join Rob Coppinger, author of the definitive book on the topic and editor of the UK's "Spaceflight" magazine, as he tells this fascinating story.

Headlines:

  • New Crater Discovered on the Moon
  • Boeing Starliner Gains New Life with NASA Support
  • Starship Flight 14 Gears Up for Launch

Main Topic: British Spaceplanes – HOTOL and Skylon

  • Rob Coppinger Shares Inspiration and Career Path
  • Origins and Vision Behind HOTOL
  • HOTOL vs. the Space Shuttle: Concepts and Challenges
  • Funding Issues and UK Government Decisions
  • Evolution from HOTOL to Skylon and Reaction Engines
  • Technological Innovations: SABRE Engine and Reusability
  • International Context: Other Spaceplane Projects
  • Current Status and Future Prospects for UK Spaceplanes
  • Lessons in Vision, Imagination, and Persisting with Big Ideas

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Rob Coppinger

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsor:

]]> In the 1980s, as the US space shuttle was just starting operations, the UK embarked on an ambitious project called HOTOL—short for Horizontal Take Off and Landing, a radical, air-breathing spaceplane design. Political and funding shifts in the UK ultimately derailed the project, despite the promising technologies it pioneered. The idea was later restarted as Skylon, with key individuals and refined technologies at its core. This project, too, struggled, ultimately shuttering in 2024. Despite this, the promise of rapid, reusable spaceplanes that can launch and land at airports is still coveted by many countries, and efforts continue. Join Rob Coppinger, author of the definitive book on the topic and editor of the UK's "Spaceflight" magazine, as he tells this fascinating story.

Headlines:

  • New Crater Discovered on the Moon
  • Boeing Starliner Gains New Life with NASA Support
  • Starship Flight 14 Gears Up for Launch

Main Topic: British Spaceplanes – HOTOL and Skylon

  • Rob Coppinger Shares Inspiration and Career Path
  • Origins and Vision Behind HOTOL
  • HOTOL vs. the Space Shuttle: Concepts and Challenges
  • Funding Issues and UK Government Decisions
  • Evolution from HOTOL to Skylon and Reaction Engines
  • Technological Innovations: SABRE Engine and Reusability
  • International Context: Other Spaceplane Projects
  • Current Status and Future Prospects for UK Spaceplanes
  • Lessons in Vision, Imagination, and Persisting with Big Ideas

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Rob Coppinger

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsor:

]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_228/81dcfc13-c8fb-4f0f-a6e9-f518f1bd5187.mp3 58:27 TWiS 228: What's a HOTOL? - Britain in Space Britain in Space space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, HOTOL, Skylon, Rob Coppinger, British spaceplane history, reusable spacecraft, spaceplane, space planes, UK aerospace, Spaceflight magazine, Reaction Engines, SABRE engine nonadult tv-g IAB15 Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Rob Coppinger Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Rob Coppinger TWiS 227: TrekMania - Michael Okuda Talks LCARS, Easter Eggs, and Sci-Fi Innovation TrekMania - Michael Okuda Talks LCARS, Easter Eggs, and Sci-Fi Innovation full TWiT Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:40:00 PDT 227 227 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/227 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/227 News Space Technology no Michael Okuda Talks LCARS, Easter Eggs, and Sci-Fi Innovation China Mars sample return, US Space Command orbital dogfighting, Star Trek 60th anniversary, Mike Okuda, Star Trek graphic design, LCARS, Star Trek: The Next Generation, FOR ALL MANKIND, Star Trek remastered, nasa, space exploration, spaceship design Hold onto your phasers, but it's been 60 years since Star Trek's debut, and the franchise is still going strong. For 40 of those years, Mike Okuda, working with a gifted team that included his wife Denise, has been central to the look, feel, and substance of the Star Trek universe. From the LCARS computer graphical system to alien languages to the designs and color schemes, and even the digital effects remastering of the original series, Mike has been the Cardinal of Canon when it comes to all things Trek. He has also been involved with many more space-related shows, books, and NASA projects. Join us for this very special episode.

Headlines:

  • China Announces 2028 Mars Sample Return Mission
  • U.S. Space Command Conducts First Orbital Dogfighting Test
  • Reflections on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 from Space

Main Topic: Star Trek at 60—Legacy, Design, and Influence with Mike Okuda

  • Mike Okuda's Entry into Star Trek and Early Influences
  • Defining Star Trek's Visual Identity Across Series
  • Designing Control Panels and the Origin of LCARS
  • Maintaining Continuity and Hidden Easter Eggs in Star Trek Sets
  • Expanding the Design Language for Alien Cultures
  • Collaboration on For All Mankind and Space/NASA Projects
  • Challenges and Philosophy Behind Remastering The Original Series
  • Favorite Episodes, Iconic Sets, and Preserving Star Trek Props
  • The Enduring Core Message and Legacy of the Star Trek Franchise

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Michael Okuda

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

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]]> Hold onto your phasers, but it's been 60 years since Star Trek's debut, and the franchise is still going strong. For 40 of those years, Mike Okuda, working with a gifted team that included his wife Denise, has been central to the look, feel, and substance of the Star Trek universe. From the LCARS computer graphical system to alien languages to the designs and color schemes, and even the digital effects remastering of the original series, Mike has been the Cardinal of Canon when it comes to all things Trek. He has also been involved with many more space-related shows, books, and NASA projects. Join us for this very special episode.

Headlines:

  • China Announces 2028 Mars Sample Return Mission
  • U.S. Space Command Conducts First Orbital Dogfighting Test
  • Reflections on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 from Space

Main Topic: Star Trek at 60—Legacy, Design, and Influence with Mike Okuda

  • Mike Okuda's Entry into Star Trek and Early Influences
  • Defining Star Trek's Visual Identity Across Series
  • Designing Control Panels and the Origin of LCARS
  • Maintaining Continuity and Hidden Easter Eggs in Star Trek Sets
  • Expanding the Design Language for Alien Cultures
  • Collaboration on For All Mankind and Space/NASA Projects
  • Challenges and Philosophy Behind Remastering The Original Series
  • Favorite Episodes, Iconic Sets, and Preserving Star Trek Props
  • The Enduring Core Message and Legacy of the Star Trek Franchise

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Michael Okuda

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

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]]> Hold onto your phasers, but it's been 60 years since Star Trek's debut, and the franchise is still going strong. For 40 of those years, Mike Okuda, working with a gifted team that included his wife Denise, has been central to the look, feel, and substance of the Star Trek universe. From the LCARS computer graphical system to alien languages to the designs and color schemes, and even the digital effects remastering of the original series, Mike has been the Cardinal of Canon when it comes to all things Trek. He has also been involved with many more space-related shows, books, and NASA projects. Join us for this very special episode.

Headlines:

  • China Announces 2028 Mars Sample Return Mission
  • U.S. Space Command Conducts First Orbital Dogfighting Test
  • Reflections on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 from Space

Main Topic: Star Trek at 60—Legacy, Design, and Influence with Mike Okuda

  • Mike Okuda's Entry into Star Trek and Early Influences
  • Defining Star Trek's Visual Identity Across Series
  • Designing Control Panels and the Origin of LCARS
  • Maintaining Continuity and Hidden Easter Eggs in Star Trek Sets
  • Expanding the Design Language for Alien Cultures
  • Collaboration on For All Mankind and Space/NASA Projects
  • Challenges and Philosophy Behind Remastering The Original Series
  • Favorite Episodes, Iconic Sets, and Preserving Star Trek Props
  • The Enduring Core Message and Legacy of the Star Trek Franchise

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Michael Okuda

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_227/0f87e2b8-ac71-477b-904c-289e99507cf0.mp3 1:09:18 TWiS 227: TrekMania - Michael Okuda Talks LCARS, Easter Eggs, and Sci-Fi Innovation Michael Okuda Talks LCARS, Easter Eggs, and Sci-Fi Innovation China Mars sample return, US Space Command orbital dogfighting, Star Trek 60th anniversary, Mike Okuda, Star Trek graphic design, LCARS, Star Trek: The Next Generation, FOR ALL MANKIND, Star Trek remastered, nasa, space exploration, spaceship design nonadult tv-g IAB15 Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Michael Okuda Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Michael Okuda TWiS 226: Who Owns the Moon? - Capitalism and Property Rights in Space Who Owns the Moon? - Capitalism and Property Rights in Space full TWiT Fri, 04 Sep 2026 14:50:00 PDT 226 226 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/226 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/226 News Space Technology no Capitalism and Property Rights in Space NASA Roman Space Telescope, property rights in space, Rainer Zitelmann, New Space Capitalism, space industry privatization, Outer Space Treaty, Moon ownership, Mars ownership, Artemis Accords, Blue Origin Mars telecommunications Capitalism—and a strong profit motivation—has driven enterprise for centuries. Two notable examples are the East India Company and the US transcontinental railroad, and the various tycoons who built it. In neither case, by today's standards, were the operations fair or ethical on a number of fronts. Can we do better in space? Dr. Rainer Zitelmann joins us to discuss capitalism and the importance of extraterrestrial land ownership as an enabler of human expansion off-Earth. He's got a lot to say, and not all of it is what you might expect. Join us for this fascinating and informative look at one business case for newspace.

Headlines:
• NASA's Roman Space Telescope Launches to Explore Cosmic Mysteries
• SpaceX Falcon Heavy Returns to Action for Major NASA Mission
• Blue Origin Selected to Build Mars Communications Relay for NASA
• Japan and Europe's BepiColombo Mission Arrives at Mercury

Main Topic: Who Owns the Moon? — Capitalism in Space With Dr. Rainer Zitelmann
• Dr. Zitelmann Explains Market Forces Transforming the Space Industry
• Historical Parallels Between Economic Reforms and the Privatization of Space
• The Outer Space Treaty and Legal Uncertainty Around Private Ownership Off-Earth
• Potential for Stock Markets and REITs for Off-World Real Estate and Resources
• China's Rapid Advancement in Private Space and Market-Driven Innovation
• Safety Zones, Artemis Accords, and the Limits of Current Legal Frameworks
• First-Mover Advantage: How Initial Claims Might Play Out on the Moon and Mars
• Equity, Envy, and Ethical Debates Over Colonization and Space Ownership
• The Role of Commercial Incentive Versus Public Benefit in Expanding Humanity's Reach

Get "New Space Capitalism" (Amazon Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/4xEeGID

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Rainer Zitelmann

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

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]]> Capitalism—and a strong profit motivation—has driven enterprise for centuries. Two notable examples are the East India Company and the US transcontinental railroad, and the various tycoons who built it. In neither case, by today's standards, were the operations fair or ethical on a number of fronts. Can we do better in space? Dr. Rainer Zitelmann joins us to discuss capitalism and the importance of extraterrestrial land ownership as an enabler of human expansion off-Earth. He's got a lot to say, and not all of it is what you might expect. Join us for this fascinating and informative look at one business case for newspace.

Headlines:
• NASA's Roman Space Telescope Launches to Explore Cosmic Mysteries
• SpaceX Falcon Heavy Returns to Action for Major NASA Mission
• Blue Origin Selected to Build Mars Communications Relay for NASA
• Japan and Europe's BepiColombo Mission Arrives at Mercury

Main Topic: Who Owns the Moon? — Capitalism in Space With Dr. Rainer Zitelmann
• Dr. Zitelmann Explains Market Forces Transforming the Space Industry
• Historical Parallels Between Economic Reforms and the Privatization of Space
• The Outer Space Treaty and Legal Uncertainty Around Private Ownership Off-Earth
• Potential for Stock Markets and REITs for Off-World Real Estate and Resources
• China's Rapid Advancement in Private Space and Market-Driven Innovation
• Safety Zones, Artemis Accords, and the Limits of Current Legal Frameworks
• First-Mover Advantage: How Initial Claims Might Play Out on the Moon and Mars
• Equity, Envy, and Ethical Debates Over Colonization and Space Ownership
• The Role of Commercial Incentive Versus Public Benefit in Expanding Humanity's Reach

Get "New Space Capitalism" (Amazon Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/4xEeGID

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Rainer Zitelmann

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

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]]> Capitalism—and a strong profit motivation—has driven enterprise for centuries. Two notable examples are the East India Company and the US transcontinental railroad, and the various tycoons who built it. In neither case, by today's standards, were the operations fair or ethical on a number of fronts. Can we do better in space? Dr. Rainer Zitelmann joins us to discuss capitalism and the importance of extraterrestrial land ownership as an enabler of human expansion off-Earth. He's got a lot to say, and not all of it is what you might expect. Join us for this fascinating and informative look at one business case for newspace.

Headlines:
• NASA's Roman Space Telescope Launches to Explore Cosmic Mysteries
• SpaceX Falcon Heavy Returns to Action for Major NASA Mission
• Blue Origin Selected to Build Mars Communications Relay for NASA
• Japan and Europe's BepiColombo Mission Arrives at Mercury

Main Topic: Who Owns the Moon? — Capitalism in Space With Dr. Rainer Zitelmann
• Dr. Zitelmann Explains Market Forces Transforming the Space Industry
• Historical Parallels Between Economic Reforms and the Privatization of Space
• The Outer Space Treaty and Legal Uncertainty Around Private Ownership Off-Earth
• Potential for Stock Markets and REITs for Off-World Real Estate and Resources
• China's Rapid Advancement in Private Space and Market-Driven Innovation
• Safety Zones, Artemis Accords, and the Limits of Current Legal Frameworks
• First-Mover Advantage: How Initial Claims Might Play Out on the Moon and Mars
• Equity, Envy, and Ethical Debates Over Colonization and Space Ownership
• The Role of Commercial Incentive Versus Public Benefit in Expanding Humanity's Reach

Get "New Space Capitalism" (Amazon Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/4xEeGID

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Rainer Zitelmann

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_226/a684a6c8-2c5a-484f-b78e-4839408acee1.mp3 1:13:19 TWiS 226: Who Owns the Moon? - Capitalism and Property Rights in Space Capitalism and Property Rights in Space NASA Roman Space Telescope, property rights in space, Rainer Zitelmann, New Space Capitalism, space industry privatization, Outer Space Treaty, Moon ownership, Mars ownership, Artemis Accords, Blue Origin Mars telecommunications nonadult tv-g IAB15 Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Dr. Rainer Zitelmann Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Dr. Rainer Zitelmann TWiS 225: Get a Grip! - New Technologies for Orbital Salvage Get a Grip! - New Technologies for Orbital Salvage full TWiT Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:45:00 PDT 225 225 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/225 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/225 News Space Technology no New Technologies for Orbital Salvage space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, adam akall, SpaceX Louisiana, Starship launches, KMI Space, orbital debris mitigation, International Space Station, REACH system, satellite relocation, space debris removal The mitigation of orbital debris is an increasingly serious problem that has not gotten enough attention, but this is changing. Commercial companies are addressing orbital debris, and one of them, KMI Space, has flown its experiments aboard the International Space Station, performing over 170 individual rendezvous-and-grab operations. The results are very promising, and the company is moving ahead with ever more ambitious designs. Adam Kall of KMI joins us to discuss their work on the ISS, the goals of the company, and how nature—via the humble octopus and gecko lizards—may have provided the answers for this vexing problem.

Headlines:

  • SpaceX to Build Major Starbase Louisiana with Ambitious Launch Plans
  • Falcon 9 Retirement Looms as Starship Prepares to Take Over
  • Recovery and Future of Starship Flight 13 Discussed
  • Roman Space Telescope Launch Previewed
  • Lunar Eclipse Recap and Next Major Eclipse Forecast
  • Trump Announces New US Space Academy

Main Topic: KMI Space's REACH Technology and In-Orbit Relocation

  • KMI Space's Origin Story and Path to the Space Industry
  • The REACCH Gripper: Gecko and Octopus-Inspired Robotic Arms
  • How REACCH Grips and Moves Tumbling Satellites and Debris
  • Real-World ISS Demonstrations and Operational Challenges
  • Pivot from Debris Removal to Satellite Relocation as a Service
  • Business Model: Transparent Pricing and Customer Targeting
  • Future Vision: In-Orbit Collection, Refueling, and Recycling Stations
  • National Security Implications and Force-Appropriate Applications
  • Technical Details: Materials, Propulsion, and Size Consideration

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Adam Kall

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

]]> The mitigation of orbital debris is an increasingly serious problem that has not gotten enough attention, but this is changing. Commercial companies are addressing orbital debris, and one of them, KMI Space, has flown its experiments aboard the International Space Station, performing over 170 individual rendezvous-and-grab operations. The results are very promising, and the company is moving ahead with ever more ambitious designs. Adam Kall of KMI joins us to discuss their work on the ISS, the goals of the company, and how nature—via the humble octopus and gecko lizards—may have provided the answers for this vexing problem.

Headlines:

  • SpaceX to Build Major Starbase Louisiana with Ambitious Launch Plans
  • Falcon 9 Retirement Looms as Starship Prepares to Take Over
  • Recovery and Future of Starship Flight 13 Discussed
  • Roman Space Telescope Launch Previewed
  • Lunar Eclipse Recap and Next Major Eclipse Forecast
  • Trump Announces New US Space Academy

Main Topic: KMI Space's REACH Technology and In-Orbit Relocation

  • KMI Space's Origin Story and Path to the Space Industry
  • The REACCH Gripper: Gecko and Octopus-Inspired Robotic Arms
  • How REACCH Grips and Moves Tumbling Satellites and Debris
  • Real-World ISS Demonstrations and Operational Challenges
  • Pivot from Debris Removal to Satellite Relocation as a Service
  • Business Model: Transparent Pricing and Customer Targeting
  • Future Vision: In-Orbit Collection, Refueling, and Recycling Stations
  • National Security Implications and Force-Appropriate Applications
  • Technical Details: Materials, Propulsion, and Size Consideration

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Adam Kall

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

]]> The mitigation of orbital debris is an increasingly serious problem that has not gotten enough attention, but this is changing. Commercial companies are addressing orbital debris, and one of them, KMI Space, has flown its experiments aboard the International Space Station, performing over 170 individual rendezvous-and-grab operations. The results are very promising, and the company is moving ahead with ever more ambitious designs. Adam Kall of KMI joins us to discuss their work on the ISS, the goals of the company, and how nature—via the humble octopus and gecko lizards—may have provided the answers for this vexing problem.

Headlines:

  • SpaceX to Build Major Starbase Louisiana with Ambitious Launch Plans
  • Falcon 9 Retirement Looms as Starship Prepares to Take Over
  • Recovery and Future of Starship Flight 13 Discussed
  • Roman Space Telescope Launch Previewed
  • Lunar Eclipse Recap and Next Major Eclipse Forecast
  • Trump Announces New US Space Academy

Main Topic: KMI Space's REACH Technology and In-Orbit Relocation

  • KMI Space's Origin Story and Path to the Space Industry
  • The REACCH Gripper: Gecko and Octopus-Inspired Robotic Arms
  • How REACCH Grips and Moves Tumbling Satellites and Debris
  • Real-World ISS Demonstrations and Operational Challenges
  • Pivot from Debris Removal to Satellite Relocation as a Service
  • Business Model: Transparent Pricing and Customer Targeting
  • Future Vision: In-Orbit Collection, Refueling, and Recycling Stations
  • National Security Implications and Force-Appropriate Applications
  • Technical Details: Materials, Propulsion, and Size Consideration

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Adam Kall

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_225/2034cb7e-d7b4-458d-98e9-d5a7662c5e88.mp3 1:00:25 TWiS 225: Get a Grip! - New Technologies for Orbital Salvage New Technologies for Orbital Salvage space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, adam akall, SpaceX Louisiana, Starship launches, KMI Space, orbital debris mitigation, International Space Station, REACH system, satellite relocation, space debris removal nonadult tv-g IAB15 Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Adam Kall Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Adam Kall TWiS 224: The Science of Artemis - What We'll Do on the Moon The Science of Artemis - What We'll Do on the Moon full TWiT Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:00:00 PDT 224 224 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/224 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/224 News Space Technology no What We'll Do on the Moon space news, space podcast, rod pyle, Rick Jenet, This Week in Space, artemis program, lunar science, Dr. David Kring, University Space Research Association, Moon landing sites, lunar south pole, Schrödinger Impact Basin, lunar resources, lunar volatiles, It has been said that the Moon is a harsh mistress, and nowhere is this more apparent than at the lunar south pole. That is, however, where the Artemis program is headed, and we need to figure out how to best explore the region. Dr. David Kring of the Universities Space Research Association's Lunar and Planetary Institute joins us to explore the where, whys, and hows of the Artemis Program's lunar exploration plans, and the answers--and risks--that await us.

Headlines:

  • Starship Flight 12 Survives Indian Ocean Landing nd Long Sea Journey
  • China's Chang'e 7 Lunar Hopper Mission Targets Permanently Shadowed Terrain
  • US National Space Transportation Policy Aims for 1,000 Launches Per Year by 2030

Main Topic: The Science and Planning of the Artemis Lunar Program

  • Criteria and Studies for Selecting Artemis Landing Sites
  • South Pole Resource Advantages: Continuous Solar Power and Potential Volatiles
  • Scientific Promise of the Schrödinger Impact Basin vs. South Pole Mandate
  • The Value of Lunar Sample Return for Transformational Science
  • Unique Terrain and Operational Challenges of the Lunar South Polar Region
  • Training, Mobility, and the Role of Human Exploration versus Robotics
  • Impact Cratering's Role in Life's Origins and Earth's Early History
  • Considerations for Lunar Base Location and Hazards
  • Training Programs for Scientists and Astronauts Preparing for Artemis

Host: Rod Pyle

Co-Host: Fredrick (Rick) Jenet

Guest: Dr. David Kring

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

]]> It has been said that the Moon is a harsh mistress, and nowhere is this more apparent than at the lunar south pole. That is, however, where the Artemis program is headed, and we need to figure out how to best explore the region. Dr. David Kring of the Universities Space Research Association's Lunar and Planetary Institute joins us to explore the where, whys, and hows of the Artemis Program's lunar exploration plans, and the answers--and risks--that await us.

Headlines:

  • Starship Flight 12 Survives Indian Ocean Landing nd Long Sea Journey
  • China's Chang'e 7 Lunar Hopper Mission Targets Permanently Shadowed Terrain
  • US National Space Transportation Policy Aims for 1,000 Launches Per Year by 2030

Main Topic: The Science and Planning of the Artemis Lunar Program

  • Criteria and Studies for Selecting Artemis Landing Sites
  • South Pole Resource Advantages: Continuous Solar Power and Potential Volatiles
  • Scientific Promise of the Schrödinger Impact Basin vs. South Pole Mandate
  • The Value of Lunar Sample Return for Transformational Science
  • Unique Terrain and Operational Challenges of the Lunar South Polar Region
  • Training, Mobility, and the Role of Human Exploration versus Robotics
  • Impact Cratering's Role in Life's Origins and Earth's Early History
  • Considerations for Lunar Base Location and Hazards
  • Training Programs for Scientists and Astronauts Preparing for Artemis

Host: Rod Pyle

Co-Host: Fredrick (Rick) Jenet

Guest: Dr. David Kring

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

]]> It has been said that the Moon is a harsh mistress, and nowhere is this more apparent than at the lunar south pole. That is, however, where the Artemis program is headed, and we need to figure out how to best explore the region. Dr. David Kring of the Universities Space Research Association's Lunar and Planetary Institute joins us to explore the where, whys, and hows of the Artemis Program's lunar exploration plans, and the answers--and risks--that await us.

Headlines:

  • Starship Flight 12 Survives Indian Ocean Landing nd Long Sea Journey
  • China's Chang'e 7 Lunar Hopper Mission Targets Permanently Shadowed Terrain
  • US National Space Transportation Policy Aims for 1,000 Launches Per Year by 2030

Main Topic: The Science and Planning of the Artemis Lunar Program

  • Criteria and Studies for Selecting Artemis Landing Sites
  • South Pole Resource Advantages: Continuous Solar Power and Potential Volatiles
  • Scientific Promise of the Schrödinger Impact Basin vs. South Pole Mandate
  • The Value of Lunar Sample Return for Transformational Science
  • Unique Terrain and Operational Challenges of the Lunar South Polar Region
  • Training, Mobility, and the Role of Human Exploration versus Robotics
  • Impact Cratering's Role in Life's Origins and Earth's Early History
  • Considerations for Lunar Base Location and Hazards
  • Training Programs for Scientists and Astronauts Preparing for Artemis

Host: Rod Pyle

Co-Host: Fredrick (Rick) Jenet

Guest: Dr. David Kring

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_224/e27a10e8-0f59-4955-b15b-68316b3171ab.mp3 59:47 TWiS 224: The Science of Artemis - What We'll Do on the Moon What We'll Do on the Moon space news, space podcast, rod pyle, Rick Jenet, This Week in Space, artemis program, lunar science, Dr. David Kring, University Space Research Association, Moon landing sites, lunar south pole, Schrödinger Impact Basin, lunar resources, lunar volatiles, nonadult tv-g IAB15 Rod Pyle Fredrick (Rick) Jenet Dr. David Kring Rod Pyle Fredrick (Rick) Jenet Dr. David Kring TWiS 223: The Lunar Domain - Our Future on the Moon with Dr. Scott Pace The Lunar Domain - Our Future on the Moon with Dr. Scott Pace full TWiT Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:30:00 PDT 223 223 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/223 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/223 News Space Technology no Our Future on the Moon with Dr. Scott Pace space news, space podcast, rod pyle, This Week in Space, Dale Skran, Dr. Scott Pace, Space Policy Institute, artemis program, nasa, lunar domain, Space Launch System, commercial space, lunar infrastructure, Artemis Accords, US space efforts, lunar lander, We're headed for a space renaissance, and it will be focused on the Moon. The US, China, and international partners of both are vying to land people there and construct a permanent lunar base. Meanwhile, NASA is evolving to embrace commercial enterprise unlike any time in its past, and American lunar efforts are lagging. What are the stakes? Does it matter who returns humans there first? What does the future of lunar commerce look like? Dr. Scott Pace, the Director of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University, joins us.

Main Topic: The Evolving Lunar Domain and US Space Policy
• Dr. Scott Pace's space policy background and legacy
• Policy continuity from Trump to Biden and the focus on implementation
• Artemis program direction and geopolitical influences
• The importance of commercial and international partnerships
• NASA's commercial contract successes and limitations
• Need for an off-ramp from SLS as commercial heavy lift matures
• Differentiating between short-term wins and long-term infrastructure goals in lunar strategy
• Tension between NASA centers and commercial LEO station development
• Challenges and prospects for lunar landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin
• Recommendations for NASA's future focus: tough technical problems, integration, and talent
• The cultural and inspirational necessity of human presence in space despite advancing AI and robotics

Host: Rod Pyle

Co-Host: Dale Skran

Guest: Dr. Scott Pace

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

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]]> We're headed for a space renaissance, and it will be focused on the Moon. The US, China, and international partners of both are vying to land people there and construct a permanent lunar base. Meanwhile, NASA is evolving to embrace commercial enterprise unlike any time in its past, and American lunar efforts are lagging. What are the stakes? Does it matter who returns humans there first? What does the future of lunar commerce look like? Dr. Scott Pace, the Director of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University, joins us.

Main Topic: The Evolving Lunar Domain and US Space Policy
• Dr. Scott Pace's space policy background and legacy
• Policy continuity from Trump to Biden and the focus on implementation
• Artemis program direction and geopolitical influences
• The importance of commercial and international partnerships
• NASA's commercial contract successes and limitations
• Need for an off-ramp from SLS as commercial heavy lift matures
• Differentiating between short-term wins and long-term infrastructure goals in lunar strategy
• Tension between NASA centers and commercial LEO station development
• Challenges and prospects for lunar landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin
• Recommendations for NASA's future focus: tough technical problems, integration, and talent
• The cultural and inspirational necessity of human presence in space despite advancing AI and robotics

Host: Rod Pyle

Co-Host: Dale Skran

Guest: Dr. Scott Pace

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

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]]> We're headed for a space renaissance, and it will be focused on the Moon. The US, China, and international partners of both are vying to land people there and construct a permanent lunar base. Meanwhile, NASA is evolving to embrace commercial enterprise unlike any time in its past, and American lunar efforts are lagging. What are the stakes? Does it matter who returns humans there first? What does the future of lunar commerce look like? Dr. Scott Pace, the Director of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University, joins us.

Main Topic: The Evolving Lunar Domain and US Space Policy
• Dr. Scott Pace's space policy background and legacy
• Policy continuity from Trump to Biden and the focus on implementation
• Artemis program direction and geopolitical influences
• The importance of commercial and international partnerships
• NASA's commercial contract successes and limitations
• Need for an off-ramp from SLS as commercial heavy lift matures
• Differentiating between short-term wins and long-term infrastructure goals in lunar strategy
• Tension between NASA centers and commercial LEO station development
• Challenges and prospects for lunar landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin
• Recommendations for NASA's future focus: tough technical problems, integration, and talent
• The cultural and inspirational necessity of human presence in space despite advancing AI and robotics

Host: Rod Pyle

Co-Host: Dale Skran

Guest: Dr. Scott Pace

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

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]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_223/b04242bd-65e4-450a-adcc-c95aaec7105f.mp3 1:05:04 TWiS 223: The Lunar Domain - Our Future on the Moon with Dr. Scott Pace Our Future on the Moon with Dr. Scott Pace space news, space podcast, rod pyle, This Week in Space, Dale Skran, Dr. Scott Pace, Space Policy Institute, artemis program, nasa, lunar domain, Space Launch System, commercial space, lunar infrastructure, Artemis Accords, US space efforts, lunar lander, nonadult tv-g IAB15 Rod Pyle Dale Skran Dr. Scott Pace Rod Pyle Dale Skran Dr. Scott Pace TWiS 222: How to Invade Earth in 22 Easy Steps - With Rich Edwards How to Invade Earth in 22 Easy Steps - With Rich Edwards full TWiT Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:30:00 PDT 222 222 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/222 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/222 News Space Technology no With Rich Edwards space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, richard edwards, UFO files, Department of War, blue origin, New Glenn rocket explosion, BE-4 engine, oxygen valve failure, SpaceX financials, Starlink V3, Starship, Artemis III We've all seen the movies... the aliens come to Earth, the aliens overcome the inferior humans, and the aliens fall prey to something dumb they overlooked, like microbes, Windows 95, or most absurdly, water. From the 1950s through yesterday, some of the best movies we've seen were about the invasion of our planet. They can be clever, scary, or even downright dumb, but they are all fun. Veteran space writer Rich Edwards joins us to give advice on how to repel the invaders!

Headlines:

  • Department of Defense drops new batch of UFO/UAP files
  • Blue Origin traces New Glenn rocket explosion to faulty oxygen valve
  • SpaceX's first public earnings call reveals key financials and hints at Starship's future
  • Total solar eclipse set to cross Europe; safety tips and gear recommendations

Main Topic: How to Invade Earth in Sci-Fi—22 Dos and Don'ts with Rich Edwards

  • The enduring appeal and adaptability of War of the Worlds
  • Why alien invaders always go for major landmarks (and why it's all for show)
  • Critique of aliens with impractical invasion strategies—water allergies and cocky attitudes
  • Pop culture's obsession with alien disguises, conspiracy plots, and gradual infiltration
  • Deep dive into Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Day of the Triffids, and the power of slow, stealthy takeovers
  • Starting small: Alien invasions in isolated towns and subtle conquests
  • The strategic use of time travel in alien invasion movies, with Star Trek: First Contact
  • Why James Cameron's Aliens remains a sci-fi invasion classic decades later
  • What makes a satisfying alien invasion ending—and the pitfalls of lazy resolutions

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Richard Edwards

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

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]]> We've all seen the movies... the aliens come to Earth, the aliens overcome the inferior humans, and the aliens fall prey to something dumb they overlooked, like microbes, Windows 95, or most absurdly, water. From the 1950s through yesterday, some of the best movies we've seen were about the invasion of our planet. They can be clever, scary, or even downright dumb, but they are all fun. Veteran space writer Rich Edwards joins us to give advice on how to repel the invaders!

Headlines:

  • Department of Defense drops new batch of UFO/UAP files
  • Blue Origin traces New Glenn rocket explosion to faulty oxygen valve
  • SpaceX's first public earnings call reveals key financials and hints at Starship's future
  • Total solar eclipse set to cross Europe; safety tips and gear recommendations

Main Topic: How to Invade Earth in Sci-Fi—22 Dos and Don'ts with Rich Edwards

  • The enduring appeal and adaptability of War of the Worlds
  • Why alien invaders always go for major landmarks (and why it's all for show)
  • Critique of aliens with impractical invasion strategies—water allergies and cocky attitudes
  • Pop culture's obsession with alien disguises, conspiracy plots, and gradual infiltration
  • Deep dive into Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Day of the Triffids, and the power of slow, stealthy takeovers
  • Starting small: Alien invasions in isolated towns and subtle conquests
  • The strategic use of time travel in alien invasion movies, with Star Trek: First Contact
  • Why James Cameron's Aliens remains a sci-fi invasion classic decades later
  • What makes a satisfying alien invasion ending—and the pitfalls of lazy resolutions

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Richard Edwards

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsor:

]]> We've all seen the movies... the aliens come to Earth, the aliens overcome the inferior humans, and the aliens fall prey to something dumb they overlooked, like microbes, Windows 95, or most absurdly, water. From the 1950s through yesterday, some of the best movies we've seen were about the invasion of our planet. They can be clever, scary, or even downright dumb, but they are all fun. Veteran space writer Rich Edwards joins us to give advice on how to repel the invaders!

Headlines:

  • Department of Defense drops new batch of UFO/UAP files
  • Blue Origin traces New Glenn rocket explosion to faulty oxygen valve
  • SpaceX's first public earnings call reveals key financials and hints at Starship's future
  • Total solar eclipse set to cross Europe; safety tips and gear recommendations

Main Topic: How to Invade Earth in Sci-Fi—22 Dos and Don'ts with Rich Edwards

  • The enduring appeal and adaptability of War of the Worlds
  • Why alien invaders always go for major landmarks (and why it's all for show)
  • Critique of aliens with impractical invasion strategies—water allergies and cocky attitudes
  • Pop culture's obsession with alien disguises, conspiracy plots, and gradual infiltration
  • Deep dive into Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Day of the Triffids, and the power of slow, stealthy takeovers
  • Starting small: Alien invasions in isolated towns and subtle conquests
  • The strategic use of time travel in alien invasion movies, with Star Trek: First Contact
  • Why James Cameron's Aliens remains a sci-fi invasion classic decades later
  • What makes a satisfying alien invasion ending—and the pitfalls of lazy resolutions

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Richard Edwards

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsor:

]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_222/979505f1-3c0c-4aeb-a25c-c3cd2259243e.mp3 1:08:07 TWiS 222: How to Invade Earth in 22 Easy Steps - With Rich Edwards With Rich Edwards space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, richard edwards, UFO files, Department of War, blue origin, New Glenn rocket explosion, BE-4 engine, oxygen valve failure, SpaceX financials, Starlink V3, Starship, Artemis III nonadult tv-g IAB15 Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Richard Edwards Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Richard Edwards TWiS 221: Starship Can Float? - Roman Space Telescope Ready to Launch! Starship Can Float? - Roman Space Telescope Ready to Launch! full TWiT Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:45:00 PDT 221 221 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/221 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/221 News Space Technology no Roman Space Telescope Ready to Launch! space news, space podcast, tariq malik, Rick Jenet, This Week in Space, Starship floats, SpaceX Starship Flight 13, Starlink V3 satellites, NASA Roman Space Telescope, WFIRST origins, NRO telescopes, space heat shield technology, artemis ii mission Rod Pyle is out this week, so Rick Jenet of the National Space Society joins Tariq Malik this week to talk about SpaceX's Starship Flight 13, which deployed new Starlink V3 satellites and stunned viewers when the ship survived reentry intact enough to float in the ocean for days afterward. They also discuss NASA's Roman Space Telescope, now just a month from launch, and an in-progress emergency effort to save the ailing Swift Space Observatory using a servicing spacecraft that is itself now experiencing technical trouble. Finally, they look into Boeing's continued Starliner delays and India's first successful private orbital launch via Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket. Tune in!

Headlines:

  • SpaceX Starship Flight 13 Splashdown and Recovery Efforts
  • Starlink V3 Satellite Deployment Updates
  • SpaceX Wins $1.6 Billion Space Force Contract
  • NASA's Roman Space Telescope Countdown and Origin Story
  • Urgent Swift Space Observatory Rescue Mission Faces Technical Setbacks
  • Boeing Starliner Faces More Delays and Uncertainty
  • India's First Commercial Rocket Launch Enters Global Market
  • Artemis II Astronaut Questions South Pole as Lunar Landing Target
  • Astronomers Detect Possible First-Ever Exomoon
  • Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Impact Experiment on the Moon
  • Preview: August Almost Total Solar Eclipse and Night Sky Events

Host: Tariq Malik

Co-Host: Fredrick (Rick) Jenet

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

]]> Rod Pyle is out this week, so Rick Jenet of the National Space Society joins Tariq Malik this week to talk about SpaceX's Starship Flight 13, which deployed new Starlink V3 satellites and stunned viewers when the ship survived reentry intact enough to float in the ocean for days afterward. They also discuss NASA's Roman Space Telescope, now just a month from launch, and an in-progress emergency effort to save the ailing Swift Space Observatory using a servicing spacecraft that is itself now experiencing technical trouble. Finally, they look into Boeing's continued Starliner delays and India's first successful private orbital launch via Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket. Tune in!

Headlines:

  • SpaceX Starship Flight 13 Splashdown and Recovery Efforts
  • Starlink V3 Satellite Deployment Updates
  • SpaceX Wins $1.6 Billion Space Force Contract
  • NASA's Roman Space Telescope Countdown and Origin Story
  • Urgent Swift Space Observatory Rescue Mission Faces Technical Setbacks
  • Boeing Starliner Faces More Delays and Uncertainty
  • India's First Commercial Rocket Launch Enters Global Market
  • Artemis II Astronaut Questions South Pole as Lunar Landing Target
  • Astronomers Detect Possible First-Ever Exomoon
  • Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Impact Experiment on the Moon
  • Preview: August Almost Total Solar Eclipse and Night Sky Events

Host: Tariq Malik

Co-Host: Fredrick (Rick) Jenet

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

]]> Rod Pyle is out this week, so Rick Jenet of the National Space Society joins Tariq Malik this week to talk about SpaceX's Starship Flight 13, which deployed new Starlink V3 satellites and stunned viewers when the ship survived reentry intact enough to float in the ocean for days afterward. They also discuss NASA's Roman Space Telescope, now just a month from launch, and an in-progress emergency effort to save the ailing Swift Space Observatory using a servicing spacecraft that is itself now experiencing technical trouble. Finally, they look into Boeing's continued Starliner delays and India's first successful private orbital launch via Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket. Tune in!

Headlines:

  • SpaceX Starship Flight 13 Splashdown and Recovery Efforts
  • Starlink V3 Satellite Deployment Updates
  • SpaceX Wins $1.6 Billion Space Force Contract
  • NASA's Roman Space Telescope Countdown and Origin Story
  • Urgent Swift Space Observatory Rescue Mission Faces Technical Setbacks
  • Boeing Starliner Faces More Delays and Uncertainty
  • India's First Commercial Rocket Launch Enters Global Market
  • Artemis II Astronaut Questions South Pole as Lunar Landing Target
  • Astronomers Detect Possible First-Ever Exomoon
  • Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Impact Experiment on the Moon
  • Preview: August Almost Total Solar Eclipse and Night Sky Events

Host: Tariq Malik

Co-Host: Fredrick (Rick) Jenet

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_221/cc589b70-423d-4b00-898f-597f619add57.mp3 57:01 TWiS 221: Starship Can Float? - Roman Space Telescope Ready to Launch! Roman Space Telescope Ready to Launch! space news, space podcast, tariq malik, Rick Jenet, This Week in Space, Starship floats, SpaceX Starship Flight 13, Starlink V3 satellites, NASA Roman Space Telescope, WFIRST origins, NRO telescopes, space heat shield technology, artemis ii mission nonadult tv-g IAB15 Tariq Malik Fredrick (Rick) Jenet Tariq Malik Fredrick (Rick) Jenet TWiS 220: First on Mars - The 50th Anniversary of Viking 1 First on Mars - The 50th Anniversary of Viking 1 full TWiT Fri, 24 Jul 2026 15:20:00 PDT 220 220 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/220 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/220 News Space Technology no The 50th Anniversary of Viking 1 space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, SpaceX Starship Flight 13, Mars Viking landers, Mars 50th anniversary, Viking 1, Viking 2, Pascal Lee, Penny Boston, Tucker Drake, Mars exploration, search for life on Mars This week, we cover how Starship Flight 13 finally prepares to launch amid a legal battle over SpaceX's proposed land swap at Starbase, plus a Chinese Long March 3B rocket gets struck by lightning during liftoff, yet still delivers its satellite safely. Then, guests Dr. Pascal Lee and astrobiologist Dr. Penny Boston join the show to mark the 50th anniversary of Viking 1's landing on Mars and revisit the mission's groundbreaking life-detection experiments and the decades-long controversy over what they actually found. The conversation traces Mars exploration from the earliest Mariner flybys through Viking's ambiguous, still-debated results—later explained by perchlorates in the Martian soil—and the fierce scientific rivalry the findings sparked. Join us!

Headlines:

  • SpaceX Starship Flight 13 faces engine and weather delays ahead of launch
  • SpaceX land swap proposal sparks conservation group lawsuit over Rio Grande Valley wildlife preserve
  • Chinese Long March rocket survives dramatic lightning strike during launch

Main Topic: 50th Anniversary of Viking Mars Landers—Search for Life on Mars

  • The evolution of Mars exploration from telescopes to Viking lander
  • Early Mars missions: Mariner flybys, Soviet attempts, and breakthroughs in orbital imaging
  • Viking 1 and 2: Ambitious design, life-detection experiments, and landing impact
  • Mixed public and scientific reactions to Viking's first iconic Mars surface images
  • Technical overview of the Viking biology experiments and their controversial results
  • The unresolved debate: Did Viking detect life or chemical reactions on Mars?
  • Personal accounts of key scientists, scientific disputes, and the "Wolf Trap" experiment that never flew
  • Lessons from Viking: Limitations of technology, extremophile discoveries, and shifting strategies for detecting life
  • The scientific case for seeking life in Martian caves and subsurface environments
  • Critique of current and future Mars missions: Perseverance rover findings and value of Mars Sample Return
  • Exploring planetary protection, contamination risks, and the challenges of certifying Martian samples=
  • Key takeaways for future missions—bold searches, new technologies, and the ongoing quest for answers

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guests: Pascal Lee and Dr. Penelope Boston

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsor:

]]> This week, we cover how Starship Flight 13 finally prepares to launch amid a legal battle over SpaceX's proposed land swap at Starbase, plus a Chinese Long March 3B rocket gets struck by lightning during liftoff, yet still delivers its satellite safely. Then, guests Dr. Pascal Lee and astrobiologist Dr. Penny Boston join the show to mark the 50th anniversary of Viking 1's landing on Mars and revisit the mission's groundbreaking life-detection experiments and the decades-long controversy over what they actually found. The conversation traces Mars exploration from the earliest Mariner flybys through Viking's ambiguous, still-debated results—later explained by perchlorates in the Martian soil—and the fierce scientific rivalry the findings sparked. Join us!

Headlines:

  • SpaceX Starship Flight 13 faces engine and weather delays ahead of launch
  • SpaceX land swap proposal sparks conservation group lawsuit over Rio Grande Valley wildlife preserve
  • Chinese Long March rocket survives dramatic lightning strike during launch

Main Topic: 50th Anniversary of Viking Mars Landers—Search for Life on Mars

  • The evolution of Mars exploration from telescopes to Viking lander
  • Early Mars missions: Mariner flybys, Soviet attempts, and breakthroughs in orbital imaging
  • Viking 1 and 2: Ambitious design, life-detection experiments, and landing impact
  • Mixed public and scientific reactions to Viking's first iconic Mars surface images
  • Technical overview of the Viking biology experiments and their controversial results
  • The unresolved debate: Did Viking detect life or chemical reactions on Mars?
  • Personal accounts of key scientists, scientific disputes, and the "Wolf Trap" experiment that never flew
  • Lessons from Viking: Limitations of technology, extremophile discoveries, and shifting strategies for detecting life
  • The scientific case for seeking life in Martian caves and subsurface environments
  • Critique of current and future Mars missions: Perseverance rover findings and value of Mars Sample Return
  • Exploring planetary protection, contamination risks, and the challenges of certifying Martian samples=
  • Key takeaways for future missions—bold searches, new technologies, and the ongoing quest for answers

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guests: Pascal Lee and Dr. Penelope Boston

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsor:

]]> This week, we cover how Starship Flight 13 finally prepares to launch amid a legal battle over SpaceX's proposed land swap at Starbase, plus a Chinese Long March 3B rocket gets struck by lightning during liftoff, yet still delivers its satellite safely. Then, guests Dr. Pascal Lee and astrobiologist Dr. Penny Boston join the show to mark the 50th anniversary of Viking 1's landing on Mars and revisit the mission's groundbreaking life-detection experiments and the decades-long controversy over what they actually found. The conversation traces Mars exploration from the earliest Mariner flybys through Viking's ambiguous, still-debated results—later explained by perchlorates in the Martian soil—and the fierce scientific rivalry the findings sparked. Join us!

Headlines:

  • SpaceX Starship Flight 13 faces engine and weather delays ahead of launch
  • SpaceX land swap proposal sparks conservation group lawsuit over Rio Grande Valley wildlife preserve
  • Chinese Long March rocket survives dramatic lightning strike during launch

Main Topic: 50th Anniversary of Viking Mars Landers—Search for Life on Mars

  • The evolution of Mars exploration from telescopes to Viking lander
  • Early Mars missions: Mariner flybys, Soviet attempts, and breakthroughs in orbital imaging
  • Viking 1 and 2: Ambitious design, life-detection experiments, and landing impact
  • Mixed public and scientific reactions to Viking's first iconic Mars surface images
  • Technical overview of the Viking biology experiments and their controversial results
  • The unresolved debate: Did Viking detect life or chemical reactions on Mars?
  • Personal accounts of key scientists, scientific disputes, and the "Wolf Trap" experiment that never flew
  • Lessons from Viking: Limitations of technology, extremophile discoveries, and shifting strategies for detecting life
  • The scientific case for seeking life in Martian caves and subsurface environments
  • Critique of current and future Mars missions: Perseverance rover findings and value of Mars Sample Return
  • Exploring planetary protection, contamination risks, and the challenges of certifying Martian samples=
  • Key takeaways for future missions—bold searches, new technologies, and the ongoing quest for answers

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guests: Pascal Lee and Dr. Penelope Boston

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsor:

]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_220/3e495273-02d4-4512-ae83-ce182f434b91.mp3 1:16:43 TWiS 220: First on Mars - The 50th Anniversary of Viking 1 The 50th Anniversary of Viking 1 space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, SpaceX Starship Flight 13, Mars Viking landers, Mars 50th anniversary, Viking 1, Viking 2, Pascal Lee, Penny Boston, Tucker Drake, Mars exploration, search for life on Mars nonadult tv-g IAB15 Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Pascal Lee Dr. Penelope Boston Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Pascal Lee Dr. Penelope Boston TWiS 219: SpaceX Goes to War! - And Other Space Headlines SpaceX Goes to War! - And Other Space Headlines full TWiT Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:00:00 PDT 219 219 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/219 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/219 News Space Technology no And Other Space Headlines space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, SpaceX Starship Flight 13, Starship V3, Starlink satellites, SpaceX war contracts, military satellites, space force, Blue Origin Blue Moon lander, Artemis 3, NASA moon lander This week we're jumping into the space headlines for the past few weeks. It's been busy, and some exciting things are happening! A couple of companies are moving into the space solar power arena--something we've long advocated--and that's welcome progress. Starship is set to fly Starship test number 13, and a lot is riding on this--the system is overdue for some proof of concept to keep up with NASA's HLS contract. An exoplanet spotted a decade ago has shown signs of a potentially habitable atmosphere; there are landslides--big ones--on Pluto, and evidence of "space candy" sugars in an interstellar cloud are in the news. Finally, SpaceX is doubling down on their big defense contracts with a well-funded US Space Force. Join us for all the latest!

Headlines:

  • SpaceX Starship Flight 13 Launch Aborted Due to Engine Issue
  • Meteorite Crashes Into New Jersey, Preserved Sample Fuels Origins of Life Research
  • Discovery of Atmosphere Around Habitable-Zone Exoplanet LHS 1140 b
  • NASA Moon Tree Planted After Artemis 1 Mission
  • Reflect Orbital to Launch Mirrors in Space, Sparking Astronomer Backlash
  • Landslides Found on Pluto Could Bury Entire Cities
  • Rare Sugar Found in Interstellar Cloud Hints at Building Blocks of Life
  • SpaceX's Growing Military Launch Contracts and Pentagon Ties
  • Space Development Agency's Expanding Satellite Constellation for Space Force
  • Starship's Dual Focus: NASA Moon Landings vs. Mars and Satellite Deployment
  • Artemis 3 Updates: New Renderings, Docking Plans, and Starlink HD Laser Payloads
  • Defense Innovation Unit's Push for Space-Based Power Beaming Technology
  • Pulse Space and Laser-Based Satellite Power and Communication
  • New Satellite Concept to Detect Nuclear Devices in Orbit Amid Global Security Concerns

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> This week we're jumping into the space headlines for the past few weeks. It's been busy, and some exciting things are happening! A couple of companies are moving into the space solar power arena--something we've long advocated--and that's welcome progress. Starship is set to fly Starship test number 13, and a lot is riding on this--the system is overdue for some proof of concept to keep up with NASA's HLS contract. An exoplanet spotted a decade ago has shown signs of a potentially habitable atmosphere; there are landslides--big ones--on Pluto, and evidence of "space candy" sugars in an interstellar cloud are in the news. Finally, SpaceX is doubling down on their big defense contracts with a well-funded US Space Force. Join us for all the latest!

Headlines:

  • SpaceX Starship Flight 13 Launch Aborted Due to Engine Issue
  • Meteorite Crashes Into New Jersey, Preserved Sample Fuels Origins of Life Research
  • Discovery of Atmosphere Around Habitable-Zone Exoplanet LHS 1140 b
  • NASA Moon Tree Planted After Artemis 1 Mission
  • Reflect Orbital to Launch Mirrors in Space, Sparking Astronomer Backlash
  • Landslides Found on Pluto Could Bury Entire Cities
  • Rare Sugar Found in Interstellar Cloud Hints at Building Blocks of Life
  • SpaceX's Growing Military Launch Contracts and Pentagon Ties
  • Space Development Agency's Expanding Satellite Constellation for Space Force
  • Starship's Dual Focus: NASA Moon Landings vs. Mars and Satellite Deployment
  • Artemis 3 Updates: New Renderings, Docking Plans, and Starlink HD Laser Payloads
  • Defense Innovation Unit's Push for Space-Based Power Beaming Technology
  • Pulse Space and Laser-Based Satellite Power and Communication
  • New Satellite Concept to Detect Nuclear Devices in Orbit Amid Global Security Concerns

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> This week we're jumping into the space headlines for the past few weeks. It's been busy, and some exciting things are happening! A couple of companies are moving into the space solar power arena--something we've long advocated--and that's welcome progress. Starship is set to fly Starship test number 13, and a lot is riding on this--the system is overdue for some proof of concept to keep up with NASA's HLS contract. An exoplanet spotted a decade ago has shown signs of a potentially habitable atmosphere; there are landslides--big ones--on Pluto, and evidence of "space candy" sugars in an interstellar cloud are in the news. Finally, SpaceX is doubling down on their big defense contracts with a well-funded US Space Force. Join us for all the latest!

Headlines:

  • SpaceX Starship Flight 13 Launch Aborted Due to Engine Issue
  • Meteorite Crashes Into New Jersey, Preserved Sample Fuels Origins of Life Research
  • Discovery of Atmosphere Around Habitable-Zone Exoplanet LHS 1140 b
  • NASA Moon Tree Planted After Artemis 1 Mission
  • Reflect Orbital to Launch Mirrors in Space, Sparking Astronomer Backlash
  • Landslides Found on Pluto Could Bury Entire Cities
  • Rare Sugar Found in Interstellar Cloud Hints at Building Blocks of Life
  • SpaceX's Growing Military Launch Contracts and Pentagon Ties
  • Space Development Agency's Expanding Satellite Constellation for Space Force
  • Starship's Dual Focus: NASA Moon Landings vs. Mars and Satellite Deployment
  • Artemis 3 Updates: New Renderings, Docking Plans, and Starlink HD Laser Payloads
  • Defense Innovation Unit's Push for Space-Based Power Beaming Technology
  • Pulse Space and Laser-Based Satellite Power and Communication
  • New Satellite Concept to Detect Nuclear Devices in Orbit Amid Global Security Concerns

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

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]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_219/fe3bc35e-d021-402a-9b0b-03dc71505484.mp3 1:13:22 TWiS 219: SpaceX Goes to War! - And Other Space Headlines And Other Space Headlines space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, SpaceX Starship Flight 13, Starship V3, Starlink satellites, SpaceX war contracts, military satellites, space force, Blue Origin Blue Moon lander, Artemis 3, NASA moon lander nonadult tv-g IAB15 Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Rod Pyle Tariq Malik TWiS 218: Which Way to the Moonbase? - With Dr. Pascal Lee Which Way to the Moonbase? - With Dr. Pascal Lee full TWiT Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:30:00 PDT 218 218 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/218 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/218 News Space Technology no With Dr. Pascal Lee space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, China rocket landing, SpaceX technology, New Horizons probe, artemis program, Moon base location, Dr. Pascal Lee, lunar south pole, lunar water mining, nuclear power on Moon We've been hearing a lot about NASA's new moonbase plans, and they are ambitious. Starting with Artemis V (so far), the US plans to begin preparations for a permanent base situated in the south polar regions of the moon. Details are somewhat fluid, but one thing stands out: the poles are likely to be the most challenging places to set up shop in an already hostile environment. Planetary scientist Dr. Pascal Lee joins us to discuss moonbase siting options and why the poles may not be the best choice at first.

Headlines:

  • China Demonstrates Impressive Rocket Landing and Catch Mechanism
  • New Horizons Probe Awakens to Transmit Deep Space Data
  • Wally Funk, Last of the "Mercury 13," Passes Away
  • West Coast Rocket Launch Alert: SpaceX Falcon 9 Visual Spectacle

Main Topic: Moon Base Strategy and Location Debate

  • History and Evolution of U.S. Moon Base Plans
  • NASA's New Multi-Phase Moon Base Timeline and Missions
  • Strategic and Logistical Challenges of South Pole Moon Bases
  • Arguments for a Centralized, Benign Location for Moon Infrastructure
  • Commercial and International Partnership Models for Lunar Operations
  • Role of Robotics and AI in Moon Exploration and Prospecting
  • Lessons from Antarctic Base Logistics Applied to the Moon
  • Potential for Tourism and Commercial Development on the Lunar Surface

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Pascal Lee

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

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]]> We've been hearing a lot about NASA's new moonbase plans, and they are ambitious. Starting with Artemis V (so far), the US plans to begin preparations for a permanent base situated in the south polar regions of the moon. Details are somewhat fluid, but one thing stands out: the poles are likely to be the most challenging places to set up shop in an already hostile environment. Planetary scientist Dr. Pascal Lee joins us to discuss moonbase siting options and why the poles may not be the best choice at first.

Headlines:

  • China Demonstrates Impressive Rocket Landing and Catch Mechanism
  • New Horizons Probe Awakens to Transmit Deep Space Data
  • Wally Funk, Last of the "Mercury 13," Passes Away
  • West Coast Rocket Launch Alert: SpaceX Falcon 9 Visual Spectacle

Main Topic: Moon Base Strategy and Location Debate

  • History and Evolution of U.S. Moon Base Plans
  • NASA's New Multi-Phase Moon Base Timeline and Missions
  • Strategic and Logistical Challenges of South Pole Moon Bases
  • Arguments for a Centralized, Benign Location for Moon Infrastructure
  • Commercial and International Partnership Models for Lunar Operations
  • Role of Robotics and AI in Moon Exploration and Prospecting
  • Lessons from Antarctic Base Logistics Applied to the Moon
  • Potential for Tourism and Commercial Development on the Lunar Surface

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Pascal Lee

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> We've been hearing a lot about NASA's new moonbase plans, and they are ambitious. Starting with Artemis V (so far), the US plans to begin preparations for a permanent base situated in the south polar regions of the moon. Details are somewhat fluid, but one thing stands out: the poles are likely to be the most challenging places to set up shop in an already hostile environment. Planetary scientist Dr. Pascal Lee joins us to discuss moonbase siting options and why the poles may not be the best choice at first.

Headlines:

  • China Demonstrates Impressive Rocket Landing and Catch Mechanism
  • New Horizons Probe Awakens to Transmit Deep Space Data
  • Wally Funk, Last of the "Mercury 13," Passes Away
  • West Coast Rocket Launch Alert: SpaceX Falcon 9 Visual Spectacle

Main Topic: Moon Base Strategy and Location Debate

  • History and Evolution of U.S. Moon Base Plans
  • NASA's New Multi-Phase Moon Base Timeline and Missions
  • Strategic and Logistical Challenges of South Pole Moon Bases
  • Arguments for a Centralized, Benign Location for Moon Infrastructure
  • Commercial and International Partnership Models for Lunar Operations
  • Role of Robotics and AI in Moon Exploration and Prospecting
  • Lessons from Antarctic Base Logistics Applied to the Moon
  • Potential for Tourism and Commercial Development on the Lunar Surface

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Pascal Lee

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_218/9fe883f7-33a6-4df4-b6ab-0e608b270837.mp3 1:10:52 TWiS 218: Which Way to the Moonbase? - With Dr. Pascal Lee With Dr. Pascal Lee space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, China rocket landing, SpaceX technology, New Horizons probe, artemis program, Moon base location, Dr. Pascal Lee, lunar south pole, lunar water mining, nuclear power on Moon nonadult tv-g IAB15 Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Pascal Lee Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Pascal Lee TWiS 217: America in Space - 250 Years of Bold Firsts & Our Favorite Missions! America in Space - 250 Years of Bold Firsts & Our Favorite Missions! full TWiT Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:45:00 PDT 217 217 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/217 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/217 News Space Technology no 250 Years of Bold Firsts & Our Favorite Missions! space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, NASA Swift Boost mission, Swift space telescope rescue, Avi Loeb, UAP panel, WHITE HOUSE, American space program, US space history, spaceflight milestones, Skylab, Mariner 4, Apollo 11, Since 1958, the United States has been part of the spaceflight adventure, and since the mid-1960s has led in just about any category that counts. In this episode, we discuss the progression of American space efforts, review which flights launched or landed on July 4, and relive some of our very favorite US space missions of all time!

"Headlines:
• NASA's Swift Boost Mission Aims to Rescue Swift Space Telescope
• Astronomer Avi Loeb Tapped to Chair White House UAP Panel
• Celebrating 30 Years of the Film Independence Day

Main Topic: 250 Years of America in Space
• American Flags Across the Solar System
• Origins of the Space Age: Operation Paperclip and the V2 Legacy
• Explorer 1 and Early U.S. Satellite Achievements
• Mariner and Viking Missions: Mars Exploration Milestones
• Key American Firsts in Human Spaceflight
• Apollo Landings and Moonwalk Milestones
• Skylab and Its Legacy as America's First Space Station
• The Rise of Reusable Rockets: Space Shuttle, Blue Origin, and SpaceX
• Private Spaceflight and Tourism: From Dennis Tito to Jared Isaacman
• Curiosity, Pathfinder, and Other Mars Rovers as Iconic U.S. Achievements
• Reflections on Favorite Missions and the Future of U.S. Space Leadership"

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> Since 1958, the United States has been part of the spaceflight adventure, and since the mid-1960s has led in just about any category that counts. In this episode, we discuss the progression of American space efforts, review which flights launched or landed on July 4, and relive some of our very favorite US space missions of all time!

"Headlines:
• NASA's Swift Boost Mission Aims to Rescue Swift Space Telescope
• Astronomer Avi Loeb Tapped to Chair White House UAP Panel
• Celebrating 30 Years of the Film Independence Day

Main Topic: 250 Years of America in Space
• American Flags Across the Solar System
• Origins of the Space Age: Operation Paperclip and the V2 Legacy
• Explorer 1 and Early U.S. Satellite Achievements
• Mariner and Viking Missions: Mars Exploration Milestones
• Key American Firsts in Human Spaceflight
• Apollo Landings and Moonwalk Milestones
• Skylab and Its Legacy as America's First Space Station
• The Rise of Reusable Rockets: Space Shuttle, Blue Origin, and SpaceX
• Private Spaceflight and Tourism: From Dennis Tito to Jared Isaacman
• Curiosity, Pathfinder, and Other Mars Rovers as Iconic U.S. Achievements
• Reflections on Favorite Missions and the Future of U.S. Space Leadership"

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> Since 1958, the United States has been part of the spaceflight adventure, and since the mid-1960s has led in just about any category that counts. In this episode, we discuss the progression of American space efforts, review which flights launched or landed on July 4, and relive some of our very favorite US space missions of all time!

"Headlines:
• NASA's Swift Boost Mission Aims to Rescue Swift Space Telescope
• Astronomer Avi Loeb Tapped to Chair White House UAP Panel
• Celebrating 30 Years of the Film Independence Day

Main Topic: 250 Years of America in Space
• American Flags Across the Solar System
• Origins of the Space Age: Operation Paperclip and the V2 Legacy
• Explorer 1 and Early U.S. Satellite Achievements
• Mariner and Viking Missions: Mars Exploration Milestones
• Key American Firsts in Human Spaceflight
• Apollo Landings and Moonwalk Milestones
• Skylab and Its Legacy as America's First Space Station
• The Rise of Reusable Rockets: Space Shuttle, Blue Origin, and SpaceX
• Private Spaceflight and Tourism: From Dennis Tito to Jared Isaacman
• Curiosity, Pathfinder, and Other Mars Rovers as Iconic U.S. Achievements
• Reflections on Favorite Missions and the Future of U.S. Space Leadership"

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_217/ef59f091-ed90-483b-a61f-e9186c13f723.mp3 1:18:05 TWiS 217: America in Space - 250 Years of Bold Firsts & Our Favorite Missions! 250 Years of Bold Firsts & Our Favorite Missions! space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, NASA Swift Boost mission, Swift space telescope rescue, Avi Loeb, UAP panel, WHITE HOUSE, American space program, US space history, spaceflight milestones, Skylab, Mariner 4, Apollo 11, nonadult tv-g IAB15 Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Rod Pyle Tariq Malik TWiS 216: Dark Matter Intelligence - With Physicist Dr. Daniel Whiteson Dark Matter Intelligence - With Physicist Dr. Daniel Whiteson full TWiT Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:00:00 PDT 216 216 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/216 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/216 News Space Technology no With Physicist Dr. Daniel Whiteson space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, nasa perseverance rover, life on mars, dark matter, dr. Daniel whiteson, UC Irvine, SETI, communicating with aliens, Starliner spacecraft, boeing, spacex, Swift Space Observatory We've had endless conversations about aliens and first contact--but what if a conversation with other intelligences is beyond our scope? Dr. Daniel Whiteson, particle physicist at CERN's Large Hadron Collider and professor at UC Irvine, joins us to explore less conventional thoughts on first contact. We look at the challenges of communicating with extraterrestrial intelligences, potential difficulties of communicating via non-terrestrial mathematics and physics, and the possibility that extraterrestrials might actually be terrestrial... but existing as denizens of the dark energy universe. One might be sitting in your lap right now! Join us for the far-ranging discussion.

Headlines:

  • Boeing's Troubled Starliner Spacecraft Faces Further Setbacks and Delays
  • NASA Perseverance Rover Finds Promising Clues of Ancient Life on Mars
  • NASA Space Telescope Faces Fiery Descent, Mission Planned to Save It

Main Topic: Dark Matter, Particle Physics, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

  • UC Irvine's Dr. Daniel Whiteson Discusses Path into Space Science and Particle Physics
  • Exploring Nontraditional Signals for Alien Communication Beyond Radio Waves
  • The Mystery of Ultra-High Energy Particles and Speculation on Artificial Cosmic Rays
  • Challenges of Detecting, Interpreting, and Interacting with Alien Intelligence
  • Implications of Dark Matter for Hidden Civilizations and Parallel Existence
  • Complexities in Communicating with Truly Alien Life and Human-Centric Scientific Assumptions

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Daniel Whiteson

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

]]> We've had endless conversations about aliens and first contact--but what if a conversation with other intelligences is beyond our scope? Dr. Daniel Whiteson, particle physicist at CERN's Large Hadron Collider and professor at UC Irvine, joins us to explore less conventional thoughts on first contact. We look at the challenges of communicating with extraterrestrial intelligences, potential difficulties of communicating via non-terrestrial mathematics and physics, and the possibility that extraterrestrials might actually be terrestrial... but existing as denizens of the dark energy universe. One might be sitting in your lap right now! Join us for the far-ranging discussion.

Headlines:

  • Boeing's Troubled Starliner Spacecraft Faces Further Setbacks and Delays
  • NASA Perseverance Rover Finds Promising Clues of Ancient Life on Mars
  • NASA Space Telescope Faces Fiery Descent, Mission Planned to Save It

Main Topic: Dark Matter, Particle Physics, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

  • UC Irvine's Dr. Daniel Whiteson Discusses Path into Space Science and Particle Physics
  • Exploring Nontraditional Signals for Alien Communication Beyond Radio Waves
  • The Mystery of Ultra-High Energy Particles and Speculation on Artificial Cosmic Rays
  • Challenges of Detecting, Interpreting, and Interacting with Alien Intelligence
  • Implications of Dark Matter for Hidden Civilizations and Parallel Existence
  • Complexities in Communicating with Truly Alien Life and Human-Centric Scientific Assumptions

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Daniel Whiteson

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

]]> We've had endless conversations about aliens and first contact--but what if a conversation with other intelligences is beyond our scope? Dr. Daniel Whiteson, particle physicist at CERN's Large Hadron Collider and professor at UC Irvine, joins us to explore less conventional thoughts on first contact. We look at the challenges of communicating with extraterrestrial intelligences, potential difficulties of communicating via non-terrestrial mathematics and physics, and the possibility that extraterrestrials might actually be terrestrial... but existing as denizens of the dark energy universe. One might be sitting in your lap right now! Join us for the far-ranging discussion.

Headlines:

  • Boeing's Troubled Starliner Spacecraft Faces Further Setbacks and Delays
  • NASA Perseverance Rover Finds Promising Clues of Ancient Life on Mars
  • NASA Space Telescope Faces Fiery Descent, Mission Planned to Save It

Main Topic: Dark Matter, Particle Physics, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

  • UC Irvine's Dr. Daniel Whiteson Discusses Path into Space Science and Particle Physics
  • Exploring Nontraditional Signals for Alien Communication Beyond Radio Waves
  • The Mystery of Ultra-High Energy Particles and Speculation on Artificial Cosmic Rays
  • Challenges of Detecting, Interpreting, and Interacting with Alien Intelligence
  • Implications of Dark Matter for Hidden Civilizations and Parallel Existence
  • Complexities in Communicating with Truly Alien Life and Human-Centric Scientific Assumptions

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Daniel Whiteson

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_216/48d52ae3-0da2-4aa1-9c33-6ad68500f808.mp3 1:10:55 TWiS 216: Dark Matter Intelligence - With Physicist Dr. Daniel Whiteson With Physicist Dr. Daniel Whiteson space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, nasa perseverance rover, life on mars, dark matter, dr. Daniel whiteson, UC Irvine, SETI, communicating with aliens, Starliner spacecraft, boeing, spacex, Swift Space Observatory nonadult tv-g IAB15 Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Daniel Whiteson Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Daniel Whiteson TWiS 215: Disclosure Day - With Dr. David Brin Disclosure Day - With Dr. David Brin full TWiT Fri, 19 Jun 2026 15:00:00 PDT 215 215 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/215 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/215 News Space Technology no With Dr. David Brin space news, space podcast, rod pyle, susan karlin, This Week in Space, Steven Spielberg Disclosure Day, David Brin, science fiction author, Alien Conspiracy, UFO lore, government secrecy, SETI, NASA NIAC, asteroid belt exploration, lunar resources If you've seen "Disclosure Day" or "Age of Disclosure," you're going to want to join us for this fascinating discussion with famed bestselling sci-fi/sci-fact author Dr. David Brin. Long known for his universe-spanning visions, storytelling skills, and occasionally contrarian viewpoints, this episode will not disappoint! Our discussion ranged from reactions to Spielberg's "Disclosure Day" to why people believe in AI and more. This week's guest co-host is ace science journalist Susan Karlin.

Headlines:

  • Spielberg's "Disclosure Day" Premieres to Mixed Reviews
  • Alien Lore and the Evolution of Sci-Fi Tropes
  • Comparing Modern and Classic Alien Invasion Films
  • NASA's NIAC Program and Cutting-Edge Space Concepts
  • UFO Conspiracies and Cultural Obsessions

Main Topic: Spielberg's "Disclosure Day" and the Alien Narrative

  • Film critiques: Plot, character arcs, and visual effects
  • Overused tropes in government conspiracy stories
  • Modern alien movies compared to classics like Independence Day and Close Encounters
  • Recurring alien mythologies and sci-fi's role in cultural reflection
  • Exploration of why UFO conspiracy theories persist
  • Insights from David Brin on skepticism, evidence, and hidden truths
  • Connections drawn between UFO lore and folklore about elves and fairies
  • Examination of AI's parallels to alien encounters, danger, and self-accountability

Host: Rod Pyle

Co-Host: Susan Karlin

Guest: Dr. David Brin

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

]]> If you've seen "Disclosure Day" or "Age of Disclosure," you're going to want to join us for this fascinating discussion with famed bestselling sci-fi/sci-fact author Dr. David Brin. Long known for his universe-spanning visions, storytelling skills, and occasionally contrarian viewpoints, this episode will not disappoint! Our discussion ranged from reactions to Spielberg's "Disclosure Day" to why people believe in AI and more. This week's guest co-host is ace science journalist Susan Karlin.

Headlines:

  • Spielberg's "Disclosure Day" Premieres to Mixed Reviews
  • Alien Lore and the Evolution of Sci-Fi Tropes
  • Comparing Modern and Classic Alien Invasion Films
  • NASA's NIAC Program and Cutting-Edge Space Concepts
  • UFO Conspiracies and Cultural Obsessions

Main Topic: Spielberg's "Disclosure Day" and the Alien Narrative

  • Film critiques: Plot, character arcs, and visual effects
  • Overused tropes in government conspiracy stories
  • Modern alien movies compared to classics like Independence Day and Close Encounters
  • Recurring alien mythologies and sci-fi's role in cultural reflection
  • Exploration of why UFO conspiracy theories persist
  • Insights from David Brin on skepticism, evidence, and hidden truths
  • Connections drawn between UFO lore and folklore about elves and fairies
  • Examination of AI's parallels to alien encounters, danger, and self-accountability

Host: Rod Pyle

Co-Host: Susan Karlin

Guest: Dr. David Brin

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

]]> If you've seen "Disclosure Day" or "Age of Disclosure," you're going to want to join us for this fascinating discussion with famed bestselling sci-fi/sci-fact author Dr. David Brin. Long known for his universe-spanning visions, storytelling skills, and occasionally contrarian viewpoints, this episode will not disappoint! Our discussion ranged from reactions to Spielberg's "Disclosure Day" to why people believe in AI and more. This week's guest co-host is ace science journalist Susan Karlin.

Headlines:

  • Spielberg's "Disclosure Day" Premieres to Mixed Reviews
  • Alien Lore and the Evolution of Sci-Fi Tropes
  • Comparing Modern and Classic Alien Invasion Films
  • NASA's NIAC Program and Cutting-Edge Space Concepts
  • UFO Conspiracies and Cultural Obsessions

Main Topic: Spielberg's "Disclosure Day" and the Alien Narrative

  • Film critiques: Plot, character arcs, and visual effects
  • Overused tropes in government conspiracy stories
  • Modern alien movies compared to classics like Independence Day and Close Encounters
  • Recurring alien mythologies and sci-fi's role in cultural reflection
  • Exploration of why UFO conspiracy theories persist
  • Insights from David Brin on skepticism, evidence, and hidden truths
  • Connections drawn between UFO lore and folklore about elves and fairies
  • Examination of AI's parallels to alien encounters, danger, and self-accountability

Host: Rod Pyle

Co-Host: Susan Karlin

Guest: Dr. David Brin

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_215/4afd396e-10ec-4504-81af-887b357854c7.mp3 1:06:22 TWiS 215: Disclosure Day - With Dr. David Brin With Dr. David Brin space news, space podcast, rod pyle, susan karlin, This Week in Space, Steven Spielberg Disclosure Day, David Brin, science fiction author, Alien Conspiracy, UFO lore, government secrecy, SETI, NASA NIAC, asteroid belt exploration, lunar resources nonadult tv-g IAB15 Rod Pyle Susan Karlin Dr. David Brin Rod Pyle Susan Karlin Dr. David Brin TWiS 214: Moon Man - With Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine Moon Man - With Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine full TWiT Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:30:00 PDT 214 214 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/214 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/214 News Space Technology no With Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, SpaceX IPO, Elon Musk trillionaire, NASA Artemis 3 crew, Jim Bridenstine, Quantum Space, Ranger spacecraft, private investment in space, moon landing, SLS rocket, Orion capsule There are NASA Administrators, and then there are NASA Administrators—all are very accomplished individuals, but some stand out for their unique backgrounds and on-the-job successes, and Jim Bridenstine is one of the latter. Entering service as the new NASA Administrator in 2017 with a background as a Navy pilot, Congressman, and museum director, he was an unconventional choice, and faced some headwinds in the appointment—but Jim turned out to be exceptional in the job, especially given the state of NASA when he took it on. Join us to hear his experiences with our favorite space agency and what he's doing today.

Headlines:

  • SpaceX Shatters Records with Largest IPO Ever
  • NASA Faces Backlash Over Artemis 3 Diversity
  • Scientists Propose Magnetosphere Shield Against Solar Storms

Main Topic: Jim Bridenstine & Quantum Space

  • Jim Bridenstine's Unconventional Path to NASA Leadership
  • Overcoming Political Challenges as NASA Administrator
  • Launch and Evolution of the Artemis Moon Program
  • Securing Bipartisan Support and Budget for Artemis
  • Reflections on Artemis 2 Success and Artemis 3's Challenges
  • The Need for a Robust Lunar Lander Solution
  • NASA's Global Influence and Soft Power
  • The Role of Private Investment in Space Exploration
  • Bridenstine's Leadership at Quantum Space
  • Quantum Space's Ranger Spacecraft and Military Space Tech
  • National Security and Distributed Satellite Architectures
  • Small Satellites and Future Space Warfare
  • Quantum Space's Move to Go Public via SPAC
  • Vision for Moon Bases and Lunar Resource Utilization
  • Geopolitics of the New Moon Race and First Mover Advantage
  • Quantum Space's Ambitions in Cislunar and Lunar Operations

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Jim Bridenstine

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

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]]> There are NASA Administrators, and then there are NASA Administrators—all are very accomplished individuals, but some stand out for their unique backgrounds and on-the-job successes, and Jim Bridenstine is one of the latter. Entering service as the new NASA Administrator in 2017 with a background as a Navy pilot, Congressman, and museum director, he was an unconventional choice, and faced some headwinds in the appointment—but Jim turned out to be exceptional in the job, especially given the state of NASA when he took it on. Join us to hear his experiences with our favorite space agency and what he's doing today.

Headlines:

  • SpaceX Shatters Records with Largest IPO Ever
  • NASA Faces Backlash Over Artemis 3 Diversity
  • Scientists Propose Magnetosphere Shield Against Solar Storms

Main Topic: Jim Bridenstine & Quantum Space

  • Jim Bridenstine's Unconventional Path to NASA Leadership
  • Overcoming Political Challenges as NASA Administrator
  • Launch and Evolution of the Artemis Moon Program
  • Securing Bipartisan Support and Budget for Artemis
  • Reflections on Artemis 2 Success and Artemis 3's Challenges
  • The Need for a Robust Lunar Lander Solution
  • NASA's Global Influence and Soft Power
  • The Role of Private Investment in Space Exploration
  • Bridenstine's Leadership at Quantum Space
  • Quantum Space's Ranger Spacecraft and Military Space Tech
  • National Security and Distributed Satellite Architectures
  • Small Satellites and Future Space Warfare
  • Quantum Space's Move to Go Public via SPAC
  • Vision for Moon Bases and Lunar Resource Utilization
  • Geopolitics of the New Moon Race and First Mover Advantage
  • Quantum Space's Ambitions in Cislunar and Lunar Operations

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Jim Bridenstine

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

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]]> There are NASA Administrators, and then there are NASA Administrators—all are very accomplished individuals, but some stand out for their unique backgrounds and on-the-job successes, and Jim Bridenstine is one of the latter. Entering service as the new NASA Administrator in 2017 with a background as a Navy pilot, Congressman, and museum director, he was an unconventional choice, and faced some headwinds in the appointment—but Jim turned out to be exceptional in the job, especially given the state of NASA when he took it on. Join us to hear his experiences with our favorite space agency and what he's doing today.

Headlines:

  • SpaceX Shatters Records with Largest IPO Ever
  • NASA Faces Backlash Over Artemis 3 Diversity
  • Scientists Propose Magnetosphere Shield Against Solar Storms

Main Topic: Jim Bridenstine & Quantum Space

  • Jim Bridenstine's Unconventional Path to NASA Leadership
  • Overcoming Political Challenges as NASA Administrator
  • Launch and Evolution of the Artemis Moon Program
  • Securing Bipartisan Support and Budget for Artemis
  • Reflections on Artemis 2 Success and Artemis 3's Challenges
  • The Need for a Robust Lunar Lander Solution
  • NASA's Global Influence and Soft Power
  • The Role of Private Investment in Space Exploration
  • Bridenstine's Leadership at Quantum Space
  • Quantum Space's Ranger Spacecraft and Military Space Tech
  • National Security and Distributed Satellite Architectures
  • Small Satellites and Future Space Warfare
  • Quantum Space's Move to Go Public via SPAC
  • Vision for Moon Bases and Lunar Resource Utilization
  • Geopolitics of the New Moon Race and First Mover Advantage
  • Quantum Space's Ambitions in Cislunar and Lunar Operations

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Jim Bridenstine

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsor:

]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_214/1875d431-9b98-4d6e-bab8-145586a9efc4.mp3 1:09:08 TWiS 214: Moon Man - With Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine With Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, SpaceX IPO, Elon Musk trillionaire, NASA Artemis 3 crew, Jim Bridenstine, Quantum Space, Ranger spacecraft, private investment in space, moon landing, SLS rocket, Orion capsule nonadult tv-g IAB15 Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Jim Bridenstine Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Jim Bridenstine TWiS 213: Live From ISDC With Gerry Griffin - NASA Flight Director Breaks Down the Realities of Spaceflight Live From ISDC With Gerry Griffin - NASA Flight Director Breaks Down the Realities of Spaceflight full TWiT Fri, 05 Jun 2026 16:15:00 PDT 213 213 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/213 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/213 News Space Technology no NASA Flight Director Breaks Down the Realities of Spaceflight space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, Jerry Griffin, Apollo flight director, Johnson Space Center, International Space Station leak, Zvezda module, Gemini mission, Apollo 1 fire, Artemis, NASA mission control Recorded live from the International Space Development Conference in McLean, Virginia, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik are joined by Apollo legend and former Johnson Space Center director Gerry Griffin. Griffin takes us on a journey through his extraordinary career, from his appointment as a flight director in the wake of the Apollo 1 fire, through the audacious decision to send Apollo 8 around the moon, all the way to the nail-biting rescue of Apollo 13. We also venture behind the scenes of Ron Howard's Apollo 13 film, where Griffin reveals the real story behind some of Hollywood's most famous dramatic liberties. It's a rare, firsthand account of the golden age of human spaceflight — from one of the few people who was there for all of it.

Headlines:

  • Space Station Faces Recurring Air Leak Crisis

Main Topic: Jerry Griffin's Legacy in Space Exploration

  • Transition from Fighter Pilot to Mission Control
  • Gemini and Apollo Era Engineering Breakthroughs
  • The Apollo 1 Fire: Lessons and Safety Changes
  • Fast-Tracking from Apollo 7 to Apollo 8 Lunar Orbit
  • Insights From the Apollo 11 Moon Landing
  • Apollo 13 Crisis Management Onscreen and in Reality
  • The Evolution and Importance of Mission Control Teams
  • Reflections on NASA's Culture and Training Through Decades
  • Preparing Future Generations for Artemis and Beyond

(Note: Apologies for the video flickering that occurs in the podcast.)

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Gerry Griffin

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> Recorded live from the International Space Development Conference in McLean, Virginia, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik are joined by Apollo legend and former Johnson Space Center director Gerry Griffin. Griffin takes us on a journey through his extraordinary career, from his appointment as a flight director in the wake of the Apollo 1 fire, through the audacious decision to send Apollo 8 around the moon, all the way to the nail-biting rescue of Apollo 13. We also venture behind the scenes of Ron Howard's Apollo 13 film, where Griffin reveals the real story behind some of Hollywood's most famous dramatic liberties. It's a rare, firsthand account of the golden age of human spaceflight — from one of the few people who was there for all of it.

Headlines:

  • Space Station Faces Recurring Air Leak Crisis

Main Topic: Jerry Griffin's Legacy in Space Exploration

  • Transition from Fighter Pilot to Mission Control
  • Gemini and Apollo Era Engineering Breakthroughs
  • The Apollo 1 Fire: Lessons and Safety Changes
  • Fast-Tracking from Apollo 7 to Apollo 8 Lunar Orbit
  • Insights From the Apollo 11 Moon Landing
  • Apollo 13 Crisis Management Onscreen and in Reality
  • The Evolution and Importance of Mission Control Teams
  • Reflections on NASA's Culture and Training Through Decades
  • Preparing Future Generations for Artemis and Beyond

(Note: Apologies for the video flickering that occurs in the podcast.)

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Gerry Griffin

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> Recorded live from the International Space Development Conference in McLean, Virginia, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik are joined by Apollo legend and former Johnson Space Center director Gerry Griffin. Griffin takes us on a journey through his extraordinary career, from his appointment as a flight director in the wake of the Apollo 1 fire, through the audacious decision to send Apollo 8 around the moon, all the way to the nail-biting rescue of Apollo 13. We also venture behind the scenes of Ron Howard's Apollo 13 film, where Griffin reveals the real story behind some of Hollywood's most famous dramatic liberties. It's a rare, firsthand account of the golden age of human spaceflight — from one of the few people who was there for all of it.

Headlines:

  • Space Station Faces Recurring Air Leak Crisis

Main Topic: Jerry Griffin's Legacy in Space Exploration

  • Transition from Fighter Pilot to Mission Control
  • Gemini and Apollo Era Engineering Breakthroughs
  • The Apollo 1 Fire: Lessons and Safety Changes
  • Fast-Tracking from Apollo 7 to Apollo 8 Lunar Orbit
  • Insights From the Apollo 11 Moon Landing
  • Apollo 13 Crisis Management Onscreen and in Reality
  • The Evolution and Importance of Mission Control Teams
  • Reflections on NASA's Culture and Training Through Decades
  • Preparing Future Generations for Artemis and Beyond

(Note: Apologies for the video flickering that occurs in the podcast.)

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Gerry Griffin

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_213/1f04e8c6-9940-4bf4-9609-72862403cfb4.mp3 1:22:34 TWiS 213: Live From ISDC With Gerry Griffin - NASA Flight Director Breaks Down the Realities of Spaceflight NASA Flight Director Breaks Down the Realities of Spaceflight space news, space podcast, rod pyle, tariq malik, This Week in Space, Jerry Griffin, Apollo flight director, Johnson Space Center, International Space Station leak, Zvezda module, Gemini mission, Apollo 1 fire, Artemis, NASA mission control nonadult tv-g IAB15 Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Gerry Griffin Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Gerry Griffin TWiS 212: Kabooms, Starship, and a Moon Base - What New Glenn's Explosion Means for NASA's Moon Base Kabooms, Starship, and a Moon Base - What New Glenn's Explosion Means for NASA's Moon Base full TWiT Fri, 29 May 2026 16:00:00 PDT 212 212 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/212 https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/212 News Space Technology no What New Glenn's Explosion Means for NASA's Moon Base Blue Origin New Glenn explosion, SpaceX Starship Flight 12, nasa moon base plans, artemis program, lunar contracts, Blue Moon lander, FAA investigation, Manhattanhenge, Blue Origin launch pad damage, Amazon internet satellites, Raptor V3 engines What a wild week in space news! We were all set to discuss Starship Test Flight 12 and NASA's recent press conference updating their lunar base plans, when on Thursday night, Blue Origin lost a New Glenn rocket on the pad during a static test. The explosion appears to have severely damaged the launch structure, LC36, along with the loss of the rocket. Fortunately, there were no casualties. But this does throw NASA's schedule for returning American astronauts to the moon into question, given that the agency had recently signaled their choice of Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander for Artemis 4 in 2028. It's now a toss-up between the US and China, with the competition hotter--and closer--than ever. And of course, we'll still discuss Starship and the latest lunar base plans! Space.com's Mike Wall joins us.

Headlines:
• Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Explodes During Static Fire Test
• Manhattanhenge Aligns City Streets with the Sunset

Main Topic: NASA's Artemis Moon Base and Lunar Exploration Plans
• SpaceX Starship Flight 12 Performance and Booster Mishap Investigation
• Starship's Role in Artemis and Competitive Moon Race with China
• Moon Base Contract Awards: Landers, Rovers, and Robotics
• National Security and Legal Implications of Lunar "Territory"
• China's Push for a 2030 Lunar Landing and US Response Strategy

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Mike Wall

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

]]> What a wild week in space news! We were all set to discuss Starship Test Flight 12 and NASA's recent press conference updating their lunar base plans, when on Thursday night, Blue Origin lost a New Glenn rocket on the pad during a static test. The explosion appears to have severely damaged the launch structure, LC36, along with the loss of the rocket. Fortunately, there were no casualties. But this does throw NASA's schedule for returning American astronauts to the moon into question, given that the agency had recently signaled their choice of Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander for Artemis 4 in 2028. It's now a toss-up between the US and China, with the competition hotter--and closer--than ever. And of course, we'll still discuss Starship and the latest lunar base plans! Space.com's Mike Wall joins us.

Headlines:
• Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Explodes During Static Fire Test
• Manhattanhenge Aligns City Streets with the Sunset

Main Topic: NASA's Artemis Moon Base and Lunar Exploration Plans
• SpaceX Starship Flight 12 Performance and Booster Mishap Investigation
• Starship's Role in Artemis and Competitive Moon Race with China
• Moon Base Contract Awards: Landers, Rovers, and Robotics
• National Security and Legal Implications of Lunar "Territory"
• China's Push for a 2030 Lunar Landing and US Response Strategy

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Mike Wall

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

]]> What a wild week in space news! We were all set to discuss Starship Test Flight 12 and NASA's recent press conference updating their lunar base plans, when on Thursday night, Blue Origin lost a New Glenn rocket on the pad during a static test. The explosion appears to have severely damaged the launch structure, LC36, along with the loss of the rocket. Fortunately, there were no casualties. But this does throw NASA's schedule for returning American astronauts to the moon into question, given that the agency had recently signaled their choice of Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander for Artemis 4 in 2028. It's now a toss-up between the US and China, with the competition hotter--and closer--than ever. And of course, we'll still discuss Starship and the latest lunar base plans! Space.com's Mike Wall joins us.

Headlines:
• Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Explodes During Static Fire Test
• Manhattanhenge Aligns City Streets with the Sunset

Main Topic: NASA's Artemis Moon Base and Lunar Exploration Plans
• SpaceX Starship Flight 12 Performance and Booster Mishap Investigation
• Starship's Role in Artemis and Competitive Moon Race with China
• Moon Base Contract Awards: Landers, Rovers, and Robotics
• National Security and Legal Implications of Lunar "Territory"
• China's Push for a 2030 Lunar Landing and US Response Strategy

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Mike Wall

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

]]> https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/294/cdn.twit.tv/cap/twis_212/21cad799-79d2-4c1e-b814-7ff469f7c9b9.mp3 1:02:33 TWiS 212: Kabooms, Starship, and a Moon Base - What New Glenn's Explosion Means for NASA's Moon Base What New Glenn's Explosion Means for NASA's Moon Base Blue Origin New Glenn explosion, SpaceX Starship Flight 12, nasa moon base plans, artemis program, lunar contracts, Blue Moon lander, FAA investigation, Manhattanhenge, Blue Origin launch pad damage, Amazon internet satellites, Raptor V3 engines nonadult tv-g IAB15 Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Mike Wall Rod Pyle Tariq Malik Mike Wall