In the first hour, publisher Joel Skousen delved into the complexities of drone sightings, their potential implications for national security, and why experts have trouble telling the difference between drones, aircraft, and UFOs. There has been a prevalence of strange sightings across the US, particularly in New York and New Jersey. After reviewing hundreds of videos, he believes that some of the objects are clearly not drones. "Drones simply can't travel across the sky in a second and a half... that's more speed than hypersonic," he remarked, adding that "95% of hobby drones don't have transponders," making them nearly invisible to radar, and all the more difficult to track at night.
Regarding the drones, "the government is not being forthcoming... to say it's not foreign indicates that they're hiding something," he continued. Skousen also touched on the phenomenon of drones purportedly shooting lasers, suggesting that while there are videos of such events, the craft may be more likely to be UFOs. The public deserves clarity on aerial threats, he urged, especially given the historical context of military operations that often go unannounced. However, he dismissed claims that the recent drone sightings could be a prelude to a "false flag" operation, stating, "It can't be a false flag if it doesn't generate massive public fear... there's been no damage." He added that while UFOs may be investigating nuclear facilities, they do not interfere with human activities.
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In the middle two hours, space historian Robert Zimmerman discussed the evolving landscape of space exploration, emphasizing the crucial role of private companies, and what we might expect in the new year. "I don't want a space program. A space program implies that somebody in the government is dictating what everyone must do," he stated, advocating for a competitive environment that fosters innovation. He highlighted SpaceX's dominance, noting they "actually had more launches than everyone else in the entire world combined." However, he lamented the challenges smaller startups face due to stringent regulations imposed by the FAA, which he described as a "nightmare" that has stifled innovation. He argued that this regulatory framework has driven many promising companies out of the market, and called for a return to a more flexible regulatory environment like in 2020.
Zimmerman also shared insights on NASA's future direction under the potential leadership of Jared Isaacman, a billionaire with private spaceflight experience. He believes NASA should focus on purchasing services from private companies rather than building everything in-house. He contrasted the high costs associated with NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion capsule with SpaceX's Starship, which he said could operate at a fraction of the price. Zimmerman expressed concerns about NASA's upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon, and anticipates further delays in their timeline to launch in 2026. He continues to be excited about Mars rovers Curiosity and Perseverance, which are exploring new terrains and providing stunning visuals.