This Week in Space (Audio)

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This Week in Space (Audio) episodes

June 28, 2024 TWiS 117: A Home on the Moon - 3D Printing Lunar Habitats
For decades we've seen images of huge glass domes on the moon and Mars, but the reality of building settlements off-Earth is likely to look much different. This week we're joined by Evan Jensen of ICON Build, a company that, in just a few years, has created housing across Texas via 3D printing. Now, in association with NASA, they are also investing heavily in researching how to 3D print habitats on the moon and one day Mars. It isn't easy working in a vacuum--water freezes and evaporates instantly, and any other materials you need must be transported there. ICON has some unique processes they are testing in their large vacuum chambers, and the results are truly fascinating. Join us for a look into the future of living on other worlds!

Headlines:

- NASA has selected SpaceX for a $843 million contract to de-orbit the International Space Station (ISS) around 2030

- ISS astronauts took shelter after a Russian satellite exploded, creating over 100 pieces of shrapnel

- Boeing's Starliner capsule faces an indefinite delay in its return from the ISS due to technical issues

Feedback:

- Listener Tim Lazaroff suggests two space-themed songs by the group Lord of the Lost

- Rod Pyle addresses inquiries about the decision to de-orbit the ISS, explaining the aging technology and high maintenance costs

Main Topic: 3D Printing for Construction on Earth and Beyond with Evan Jensen

- ICON's founders started the company in 2018 to push the limits of 3D printing technology for construction

- ICON has completed several projects, including the House of Phoenix and a 3D-printed neighborhood in Texas

- Project Olympus aims to use 3D printing for construction on the Moon and Mars, utilizing in-situ resources

- On the Moon, ICON plans to use a laser-directed energy deposition system to melt and solidify lunar regolith

- Challenges of lunar construction include the unsuitability of water in the concrete mix, extreme temperatures, and the need for robotic systems

- ICON is developing lunar regolith simulants and testing robotic systems in their "Moon Box" facility

- Mars construction may involve more traditional materials, but thermal energy deposition could still be viable

- ICON's Vitruvius AI architecture model allows users to design homes based on their preferences and needs

- The company's ultimate goal is to use robotics, automation, and AI to help solve the global housing crisis on Earth while enabling a sci-fi future of extraterrestrial habitation

Host: Rod Pyle

Co-Host: Isaac Arthur

Guest: Evan Jensen

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1 hr 10 min
June 21, 2024 TWiS 116: Spreading the Good Word - With the Space and Things Podcast
In the world of space podcasts, the Space and Things podcast is a keeper (along with ours, of course). The brainchild of Emily Carney, founder of the Space Hipsters on Facebook, and singer/songwriter Dave Giles, Space and Things brings us some premiere guests in the space sector. Subjects are always compelling, and as we well know, that takes work. We'll dive into the intricacies of creating--and maintaining--a quality space podcast and the success of Emily's Facebook group, the Space Hipsters, now 62,000 members strong.

Headlines:

- Boeing's Starliner mission extended to June 26th for further testing of thrusters and leaks before undocking and landing at White Sands Space Harbor (no, the astronauts are not "stuck" in space)

- Rocket Lab achieves 50th launch of their Electron rocket, reaching the milestone faster than SpaceX's Falcon 9 and other major launch providers

- June 24th marks the first full moon of summer, also known as the Strawberry Moon

Main Topic: Interview with Emily Carney and Dave Giles from Space and Things Podcast:

- Space and Things podcast focuses on space and its intersection with art, popular culture, and other unique aspects, with over 200 episodes released

- Emily and Dave share their personal space experiences, including Emily's childhood memories of watching Space Shuttle launches and Dave's visit to the Kennedy Space Center

- The podcast features a diverse range of guests, including astronauts, their children, historians, and space enthusiasts, covering topics beyond the typical space discussions

- Emily discusses her Facebook group, Space Hipsters, which has grown to over 62,000 members and aims to create an inclusive community for space enthusiasts

- The importance of space fan clubs in providing a sense of belonging and a platform for space enthusiasts to connect and share their passion

- The guests discuss their dream podcast guests, with Emily choosing Gerard O'Neill and Dave selecting Tom Hanks and Jim Lovell

- Emily and Dave express their eagerness to participate in commercial spaceflight if given the opportunity

- The episode concludes with a discussion on the best space-themed songs, with the hosts and guests sharing their personal favorites

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guests: Emily Carney and Dave Giles

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1 hr 6 min
June 14, 2024TWiS 115: Our Friendly Mr. Sun - Mr. Sun: Friend or Foe? With Dr. Alex Young
We see the sun every day as it rises and sets... it's one of the few constants in life. But it's a very dynamic body, throwing minor temper tantrums regularly. As it happens, we're at the peak of its 11-year cycle of activity and there's a lot going on! Dr. Alex Young, the Associate Director for Science in the Heliophysics Science Division at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, joins us to talk about the sun, solar activity cycles, the recent solar storms that have given us auroras and some communications blackouts, the science from the Parker solar probe, and much more. Don't take the friendly Mr. Sun for granted--join us for this fascinating episode!
Headlines:
NASA's accidental broadcast: A simulated medical emergency on the International Space Station was mistakenly aired for 8 minutes, causing brief panic before clarification.

Spacewalk canceled: Just before a planned spacewalk, NASA canceled the event citing spacesuit discomfort, with few details provided.

Voyager 1 update: The spacecraft is now sending back data from all four of its working instruments, a remarkable feat for the 47-year-old probe.

Remembering Bill Anders: The Apollo 8 astronaut, known for the iconic Earthrise photo, passed away at 90 after a private plane crash.
Main Topic - Our Friendly Mr. Sun:
Heliophysics defined: Dr. Young explains that heliophysics studies the sun's atmosphere and its interactions with Earth and the solar system.

Solar activity cycle: Currently near solar maximum, the sun is exhibiting increased sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections.

Space weather impacts: Solar activity can affect technology, causing communication disruptions, satellite damage, and even power grid outages.

Solar observation: A variety of spacecraft monitor the sun, including NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory and NOAA's GOES satellites.

Parker Solar Probe: This groundbreaking mission is providing unprecedented data about the sun's corona and solar wind.

Solar magnetic field: The sun's magnetic field flips every ~11 years, which can lead to increased solar activity during the transition.

Carrington Event: This 1859 solar storm remains the benchmark for extreme space weather, causing telegraph systems to catch fire.

Sun in pop culture: Rod, Tariq, and Dr. Alex Young discuss depictions of the sun in science fiction, separating fact from fiction.

Solar research: Dr. Young shares his current work on the statistics of large solar events and improving science communication.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: C. Alex Young

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1 hr 8 min
June 07, 2024TWiS 114: Starliners & Starships - Boeing's Redemption, SpaceX's Ambition
Well, we waited, we waffled, and we joked... but Boeing's Starliner finally made good! Seven or so years after their projected crewed flight date, the second provider of crew delivery to the International Space Station finally succeeded in sending two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, to the ISS. Despite a few problems with (sigh) valves, helium tanks, and thrusters, the mission appears to be going swimmingly. Then, just a day later, SpaceX launched a Starship on a fourth test flight with spectacular results--and may be ready for another test launch within a few weeks. All good news this week, and it feels like newspace just picked up a lot of steam. Join us!
Headlines:
China's Chang'e-6 mission successfully collected up to 2,000 grams of lunar samples from the far side of the moon and launched them back to Earth.

The Hubble Space Telescope faces gyroscope issues, prompting NASA to use only one gyroscope to extend its lifespan until around 2035.

A lava tube discovered on Mars near the Arsia Mons extinct volcano could potentially shelter future human habitats or host microbial life.

A new star, "Blaze Star" T Coronae Borealis, may appear in the night sky between now and September, becoming the first visible nova since 1946.

Main Topic - Starliner and Starship:
Boeing's Starliner successfully launched, rendezvoused, and docked with the International Space Station, despite some thruster and cooling system issues.

The mission marks the first time in decades that astronauts have launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on an Atlas V rocket.

Starliner's reusability and cost per seat are compared to SpaceX's Crew Dragon and Russia's Soyuz spacecraft.

SpaceX's Starship completed a successful test flight, with the Super Heavy booster and Starship vehicle performing well despite some heat shield damage during reentry.

The hosts discuss the progress and challenges of Starship development, including the recent cancellation of Yusaku Maezawa's "dearMoon" mission.

SpaceX's rapid launch cadence and plans for mass-producing Starship vehicles and engines are highlighted, along with the company's vision for catching Super Heavy boosters with the "Mechazilla" launch tower.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

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

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1 hr 17 min
May 31, 2024TWiS 113: China's Heavenly Dream - Chang'e 6 and China's Lunar Ambitions With Mike Wall
In this episode of This Week in Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik discuss the latest updates on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, the potential for aurora sightings due to increased solar activity, and China's ambitious lunar exploration program with returning guest Mike Wall, Spaceflight Editor at Space.com. The conversation focuses on China's upcoming Chang'e 6 mission, its capabilities, and the implications of China's growing presence on the Moon. The hosts also touch upon the nationalistic aspects of the new space race between the United States and China.
Headlines:
Boeing's Starliner update: The spacecraft is ready for launch on June 1st, despite recent issues with parachutes, wiring, and helium leaks.

Venus Exploration: Japan's Akatsuki probe, currently the only active mission at Venus, has lost contact with JAXA. However, NASA, ESA, and private companies like Rocket Lab are planning future missions to explore the planet.

SpaceX Dragon capsule debris found in North Carolina: A piece of the trunk, about the size of a small coffee table, was discovered on a hiking trail.

Increased solar activity may lead to Aurora sightings: A giant sunspot has returned, and its intense activity could trigger powerful Aurora displays.
Main Topic - China's Lunar Ambitions and the New Space Race:
Chang'e 6 Mission: China is set to launch the Chang'e 6 mission to the far side of the moon's southern polar region, with the goal of returning samples. The mission is part of China's ambitious lunar exploration program.

International Collaboration: Although US-China collaboration is limited, Chang'e 6 includes contributions from France, Italy, Sweden, and Pakistan.

Future Chinese Lunar Missions: China plans to launch Chang'e 7 in 2026, featuring an orbiter, rover, and a hopping robot, and Chang'e 8 in 2028, which will attempt 3D printing using lunar regolith.

Artemis Accords and the Outer Space Treaty: As China and the US both aim to establish a presence on the moon, questions arise about territorial claims and the enforcement of the Outer Space Treaty.

Space Race Rhetoric: Both the US and China have engaged in nationalistic rhetoric regarding their lunar ambitions, with concerns about China's potential to claim exclusive rights to lunar resources.

Scientific Significance: Despite the geopolitical tensions, Chang'e 6 and future missions from both nations have the potential to greatly advance our understanding of the moon and its environment.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Mike Wall

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

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1 hr 8 min
May 24, 2024TWiS 112: Mars on Pause? - With JPL Chief Engineer Emeritus Rob Manning
This week we've invited JPL's Chief Engineer Emeritus, Rob Manning, back to discuss Mars exploration and, in particular, Mars Sample Return. As we discussed in episode 107, that project is in a bit of trouble. Rob was the Chief Engineer of every Mars rover up through Perseverance and the overall Chief Engineer on Perseverance, and he has some unique insights on how we have explored Mars, why it matters, and what the future holds... especially with regard to returning samples to Earth. Join us!
Headlines:
NASA held a press conference to explain the latest delays with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which stem from issues with a helium leak and concerns about the reaction control thrusters that could lead to a loss of redundancy during reentry

The European Space Agency's Euclid Space Telescope returned its first science images, providing stunning new views of galaxies never seen in such detail before to help unlock the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy
Main Topic - Mars Exploration and Sample Return:
Rob Manning recounts his extensive experience with Mars exploration at JPL, from the Sojourner rover and Pathfinder lander in the 90s to the currently operating Curiosity and Perseverance rovers

Curiosity confirmed the past presence of water on Mars, while Perseverance is collecting carefully selected rock samples to eventually be returned to Earth

The Mars Sample Return mission would bring pristine samples back to Earth for in-depth study, but is an extremely complex and costly endeavor facing budget challenges and potential delays

Rob explains why returning samples is so critical - context is key and current meteorite samples have been altered by their journey to Earth, whereas carefully selected samples could reveal much more about Mars' history and potential for life

Challenges for Mars Sample Return include the large size of the lander, the need for new parachute and guidance technologies, and planetary protection requirements to prevent contaminating Earth

NASA currently has no plans for additional Mars missions beyond sample return, and faces a potential loss of institutional knowledge as a "quiet period" approaches, highlighting the need to maintain momentum in Mars exploration

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Rob Manning

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

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1 hr 8 min
May 17, 2024TWiS 111: The Big Glass Wars - Inside the Race to Build the World's Largest Telescopes
Welcome to the Big Glass Wars! That's right, just when you thought you'd heard it all, turns out there's hot competition among a few countries to stay on the cutting edge of optical astronomy, and to do that, you need a great big hunk of glass to gather light from distant galaxies and stellar systems. Enter the Carnegie Observatories and their partners on the Thirty Meter Telescope and the Giant Magellan Telescope. Both are currently under construction, and both are threatened by budget parsimony from the U.S. Congress. Dr. John Mulchaey, Director of the Carnegie Observatories, joins us to discuss what's happening, why it matters, and what you can do to help maintain U.S. leadership in astronomy, cosmology, and other STEM-related fields.
Headlines:
Boeing's Starliner launch to the ISS delayed again, this time due to a helium leak in the service module. The launch is now targeted for no earlier than May 21st.

Blue Origin plans to conduct its first crewed suborbital flight since August 2022 on May 19th, carrying six passengers including the first Black astronaut candidate Ed Dwight.

A massive sunspot caused spectacular auroras visible as far south as Alabama and turned skies purple and orange. More solar activity is expected as another large sunspot emerges.
Main Topic: The Big Glass Wars with Dr. John Mulchaey
Dr. Mulchaey provides an overview of the Carnegie Observatories, founded in 1904, and their historic telescopes at Mount Wilson that helped launch modern astronomy.

He discusses the need for extremely large next-generation ground-based telescopes, the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) and Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), to study earth-like exoplanets and the early universe.

These ambitious segmented mirror telescopes will be 5-10 times larger than today's biggest telescopes and cost billions of dollars to construct.

While substantial private funding has been raised, the projects need investment from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. government to be completed. However, the NSF has proposed only partial funding.

Dr. Mulchaey emphasizes the importance of the U.S. having both telescope projects to provide full-sky coverage, double the observation time, and maintain the nation's leadership in astronomy research or risk losing top talent to competing projects in Europe and China.

He notes that delaying a decision on full funding is causing the estimated costs to escalate as the projects are forced to wait.

Dr. Mulchaey argues passionately that inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers by investing in these telescopes is critical for the country's future productivity and innovation.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. John Mulchaey

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Sponsor:
wix.com/studio
1 hr 6 min
May 10, 2024TWiS 110: Voyager 1's Brush with Silence - Saving an Icon With Project Scientist Dr. Linda Spilker
The Voyager probes have been transiting space since 1977, and they're still at it 46 years later. But late in 2023, Voyager 1, now 15 billion miles distant, started sending what the flight controllers called "gibberish" back to Earth---uncoordinated ones and zeros and a heartbeat tone. They knew it was still alive, but something had gone wrong. The small team of software wizards at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory got to work and came up with a workaround... but due to the age of the program, did not have an old enough computer on the ground to test it! They'd have to eyeball the sequence and send it to overwrite existing programming on the spacecraft. The round-trip radio signal from Earth takes 45 hours... and it was a nail-biter. Join us as we discuss this rescue beyond the solar system with Voyager Mission Scientist Dr. Linda Spilker.
Headlines:
Boeing Starliner launch delayed again due to a "buzzing" valve on the Atlas V rocket, not related to the spacecraft itself

James Webb Space Telescope detects weather patterns on an exoplanet 41 light-years away, revealing a regenerating atmosphere on a puffy, molten world

Elon Musk shares his thoughts on the lack of evidence for alien visitation, citing SpaceX's 6,000 satellites that have never had to maneuver around a UFO
Feedback:
A listener appreciates the discussion on how music relates to space exploration, but points out a missed opportunity to mention Ronald McNair's planned saxophone performance in space, which was tragically halted by the Challenger disaster.
Main Topic - Saving Voyager 1 with Dr. Linda Spilker:
Dr. Spilker's career at JPL, starting in 1977 and working on the Voyager mission, Cassini, and returning to Voyager as Project Scientist

Voyager's small flight team and science team, many of whom have been with the mission since its inception

The spacecraft's journey beyond the heliopause and into interstellar space, making unprecedented measurements of the interstellar medium

The ambitious Grand Tour of the outer solar system, visiting Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, and the remarkable discoveries made at each planet and their moons

The recent challenges faced by Voyager 1, including a failed chip and the efforts to restore its function from Earth

The limited computing power and memory of the Voyagers compared to modern spacecraft and the ingenuity required to program and communicate with them

Pressure Front 2, a mysterious feature in the interstellar medium that Voyager 1 was monitoring before its recent glitch

The expected lifespan of the Voyager probes and the need to start shutting down instruments as power decreases in the coming years

Dr. Spilker's personal highlights from the mission, including the beauty of Saturn's rings, the geysers on Neptune's moon Triton, and hints of Saturn's moon Enceladus feeding the planet's E-ring

Wishes for future exploration of the outer solar system, focusing on the ice giants Uranus and Neptune, Pluto, and other small worlds with rings

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Linda Spilker

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1 hr 9 min
May 03, 2024TWiS 109: Music of the Spheres - Space Music with Chris Carberry
While we may not think of it very often, music has a long history of influencing how we think about spaceflight. From the scores of early silent films to the modern classics we all know, like 2001: A Space Odyssey and the never-ending franchises of Star Trek and Star Wars, we often have a riff going through our minds when we see a space image—few can hear Strauss' Blue Danube without thinking of the space station in 2001, or see a tilted yellow title scroll without hearing that first orchestral crash of John Williams' immortal Star Wars score. And, in real life, we had the talented astronaut Chris Hadfield performing David Bowie's classic hit Major Tom, augmented by upbeat lyrics. Space music is big, and Chris Carberry, CEO of Explore Mars and author of the recently released book The Music of Space, is here to tell us why!
Headlines:
China launches Chang'e-6 mission to the far side of the moon, aiming to collect and return the first-ever samples from this region

Boeing completes final flight readiness review for the CFT crew flight test mission, set to launch on May 6th with a 95% chance of good weather

James Webb Space Telescope successfully maps weather on exoplanet WASP-43 b, located 280 light years away, showcasing the telescope's potential for studying distant worlds
Main Topic: The Music of Space
Chris Carberry discusses his new book "The Music of Space: Scoring the Cosmos in Film and Television" and his motivation for exploring the connection between space and music

Early examples of space-related music in film include the scores for "Metropolis" (1927) and the space documentary "Our Heavenly Bodies" (1920)

The pivotal role of Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" in using classical music to depict space, and how it influenced future filmmakers

John Williams' iconic score for "Star Wars" (1977) marked a turning point in film scoring and revitalized orchestral music in cinema

The concept of music as a universal language and its potential for communicating with alien civilizations

Chris Hadfield's rendition of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" on the International Space Station and the challenges of playing music in microgravity

The role of music in future space settlements, its impact on mental health, and how it may evolve in different environments like Mars

Chris Carberry's previous book "Alcohol in Space" and the history of alcohol consumption in space missions

The need for studying the effects of alcohol on human physiology in space as commercial spaceflight advances

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Chris Carberry

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

Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit
Sponsor:
wix.com/studio
1 hr 7 min
April 26, 2024TWiS 108: Starliner: Better Late Than Never? - Boeing's College Try
We've been waiting... and waiting... and waiting for Boeing's Starliner to fly. First selected in 2010, along with SpaceX's Crew Dragon, Starliner has been behind schedule for years. SpaceX got $2.6 billion for its six dragon flights, and Boeing received more at $4.3 billion, so you'd expect Boeing to be first to fly, right? Well, as of today, SpaceX has delivered crews to the International Space Station eight times, to Boeing's... zero. Delayed development, turbulence problems with the capsule on the Atlas launcher, stuck valves, flammable materials, and faulty parachute lines have all contributed to the delays. Boeing has flown two uncrewed missions—the first one a partial failure, with the second, funded by Boeing itself, flown to NASA's satisfaction. Now it's time to put a crew aboard. Will Boeing overcome their issues and deliver the goods? Join us.
Headlines:
Voyager's Return: NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory confirms reestablishment of contact with Voyager 1 after five months of silence, overcoming communication challenges over vast interstellar distances.

China's Shenzhou 18 and Tiangong Space Station: China successfully launches Shenzhou 18 to the Tiangong Space Station, which was recently hit by space debris, prompting China to revamp its space debris management strategies.

International Partnerships for Lunar Research: China announces new international partnerships for its International Lunar Research Station, contrasting its progress with NASA's Artemis Accords.
Main Topic: Boeing Starliner's Upcoming Mission
Starliner's Crewed Test Flight: A detailed discussion on Boeing's upcoming Starliner mission, highlighting the spacecraft's capabilities, the crew's preparations, and the significance of this test flight.

Spacecraft and Mission Overview: Insights into the Starliner's design, the choice of Atlas V rockets for the launch, and the planned landing procedures in the southwestern United States.

Crew Profiles: Focus on the astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, discussing their backgrounds, roles in the mission, and expectations for the test flight.

Closing Thoughts: Rod and Tariq wrap up with final thoughts on the importance of the Starliner mission for Boeing and NASA, discussing potential outcomes and what they signify for the future of commercial spaceflight.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

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

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1 hr 8 min

About This Week in Space (Audio)

From the publisher's feed

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.