February 27, 2026

This Week in Space 199: The Obsolete Astronaut?

1 hour 1 minute

In this age of rapidly advancing AI and robotic technology, do we still need to send humans into space? The argument has long been that people can do things better and faster off-Earth, but the changing face of robotic tech has some feeling otherwise. This week's guest is a returning friend of the show, Dr. Pascal Lee, who has thoughts on how and when robots may perform better--and more safely--than humans in space, and then, of course, Tariq and I worry about how our mechanical masters might take our place in the cosmos. Pascal also reports on his recent experience with the National Academies' report on the human exploration of Mars. Join us!

Headlines:

NASA Unveils Major Overhaul to Artemis Lunar Program, With Arrtemis II & III Facing Delays and a Shift in the Lunar Landing Timeline.

Mike Fincke Revealed as Astronaut Medically Evacuated from ISS

Main Topic: First Steps for the Human Exploration of Mars

National Academies Report Identifies Top Mars Science Priorities for Astronauts, With the Search for Life on Mars Ranked as the Highest Scientific Priority

Strategies Debated: Shorter Missions vs. Building Lasting Mars Infrastructure

Call for Focused Mars Surface Lab to Maximize Science Returns

Discussion of Sample Return, Planetary Protection, and Evolving AI/Robotics/Human Partnerships

Debate Over Long-Term Human Settlement on Mars Versus Robotic and Cyborg Exploration

Implications of Rapid Progress in Humanoid Robotics and AI for the Future of Space Exploration

Also, Rod and Tariq are celebrating their 200th episode of This Week in Space and are hosting an Ask Us Anything (AUA) episode! Get your questions ready and send them to [email protected] for Rod and Tariq to answer them!

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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