On this episode of Talking Space, we begin our first trip around the table with our insights into Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich's (R) plan to have a permanent lunar base by the end of his 2nd term. We continue on with the first female cosmonaut to fly since the Soviet Union collapsed. We then move on to a look at the Liberty rocket. Continuing onto our second round, we look at safety risks regarding the ISS and if the current plan for crew evacuation in an emergency is adequate. We then move onto a boat crash carrying sensitive rocket parts. On our final go-around, we discuss more space debris news including everybody's favorite defunct satellite, Phobos-Grunt. We then continue on with the declassification of military satellites and lastly a look at robotic refueling in space.

Talking Space also remembers the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger (STS-51L), and Columbia (STS-107) during NASA's day of remembrance. To read Wayne Hale's post regarding the crews and their legacy, visit http://waynehale.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/what-would-rick-and-gus-and-dick-want/

To check out Astronomy FM, visit http://astronomy.fm

To see the Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) as discussed in the episode, click here.

Host this week: Sawyer Rosenstein. Panel Members: Gene Mikulka and Mark Ratterman

Show Recorded - 1/30/2012