This Week in Space (Audio)

By TWiTScience Technology Astronomy

Ranking
36th
on Astronomy
Favorites
27
Followers
Typical duration
66 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

This Week in Space (Audio) episodes

February 09, 2024TWiS 97: Attempt No Landing There - The Mission of Europa Clipper
The moons of the outer solar system have become one of the primary targets of robotic exploration. Previous probes have detected what might be warm, salty oceans below the ice crusts of Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's Europa. NASA's Europa Clipper will soon be bound for that cold, mysterious world. And Erin Leonard, a project scientist on that mission, joins us to discuss what to expect and what the hopes for life miles below the ice might be. Join us for this exciting look at one of the most compelling bodies in the outer solar system!
Headlines:
JPL Layoffs: Discussion on the recent layoffs at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, attributing them to budget constraints and cuts to the Mars sample return mission.

AX-3 Mission Recap: Overview of the AX-3 mission's achievements, including its status as the longest private mission to the ISS and its all-European crew.

Renaissance Astronomy Text: Analysis of a Renaissance-era astronomy book that may contain hidden messages, offering a unique glimpse into historical views of the cosmos.
Main Topic: Europa Clipper Mission
Mission Overview: Erin Leonard explains her role in the Europa Clipper mission, emphasizing collaboration between scientists and engineers to bridge communication gaps.

Path to Europa Clipper: Leonard shares her academic journey and how it led her to work on the Europa Clipper mission.
Europa's Habitability: Discussion on what makes Europa a compelling target for life search in the solar system, including its subsurface ocean and salt content.

Technical Challenges: Insights into the engineering feats required to design a spacecraft capable of surviving Jupiter's intense radiation environment.

Scientific Instruments: Overview of the Europa Clipper's comprehensive suite of scientific instruments designed to study Europa's ocean, ice shell, and more.

Potential for Life: Speculation on the conditions beneath Europa's ice shell and the mission's potential to discover signs of life.

Launch Plans and Expectations: Confirmation of the Europa Clipper's scheduled launch in October on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.

Through engaging dialogue and expert commentary, this episode provides a thorough exploration of the Europa Clipper mission's objectives, challenges, and the broader implications for our understanding of life in the universe.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Erin Leonard

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
1 hr 5 min
February 02, 2024TWiS 96: It's Space TV! - With William Shatner's UnXplained Producer Jeff Stepp
Space and science TV has come a long way since the old-time staples like Mr. Wizard and the original Bille Nye, The Science Guy. On this episode of This Week in Space, History Channel producer Jeff Stepp joins us to talk about his work on "The UnXplained: With William Shatner" and other science shows—how are they conceived, what is production like, and what is the future of space and science-oriented media? We know Jeff to be a fine writer and responsible gatekeeper for high-quality, responsible science programming. Don't miss this one!
Headlines
Boeing Starliner's Progress: Detailed updates on the Starliner spacecraft's developments, including overcoming technical hurdles for its crewed flight.

Japan's Slim Lander: Exploration of Japan's moon landing attempt, highlighting the quirky yet successful deployment of rovers despite the lander's inverted landing.

Exomoons Debate: A discussion on the ongoing debate among scientists about the existence of exomoons, showcasing the dynamic nature of space exploration research.
Main Topic: The Future of Space and Science Television
Jeff Stepp's Career and Contributions: Introduction to Jeff Stepp's role in producing and writing for science and space TV shows, emphasizing his journey and the impact of veteran actors in narrating scientific documentaries.

Challenges in Science Programming: Stepp discusses the challenges of producing engaging content in a landscape dominated by entertainment, touching on the balance between education and entertainment.

- Evolving Formats and Audience Engagement: Exploration of new formats for science programming, addressing the need for storytelling and innovative approaches to captivate audiences.
Viewer Desires and Future Directions: Consideration of audience queries on conspiracy theories and the selection of topics for shows like "The Unexplained," highlighting the interaction between producers and the viewing public.

Working with Icons: Insights into the experience of working with William Shatner and other celebrities, underscoring their influence on the success and reach of science programming.
Future of Science Television: Stepp shares his vision for the future of science and space television, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and the potential for hybrid formats to keep the audience engaged.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Jeff Stepp

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:
joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT
1 hr 6 min
January 26, 2024TWiS 95: Clean Energy From Space With John Mankins - The Future of Space-Based Solar Power
Climate change has become a top priority for all of us, including NASA. Space solar power—beaming energy from space 24 hours per day—has become a real possibility and is being studied internationally by the US, Europe, Japan, and China. It promises to provide a zero-emissions, zero-carbon source of energy worldwide—but it will take significant investment, development, and commitment. A recent NASA-backed study was positive but careful with its conclusions, and John Mankins, one of the first researchers of SSP in the US who continues to work on the concept, joins us to address the report and to talk about the possible future of limitless, clean, and affordable energy for a hungry world.
Headlines:
Mars Ingenuity Helicopter - After a highly successful demonstration flight campaign on Mars with over 70 flights, NASA has announced the pioneering helicopter can no longer fly due to damage sustained to its rotors during its last flight. Despite this setback, Ingenuity has proven that flight is possible on Mars and paved the way for future rotorcraft explorers.

SLIM Lander - Japan's SLIM lunar lander achieved a soft landing on the moon but tipped over on its side during touchdown, limiting its ability to collect science data. Still, Japan is hailing the mission as a success for proving precise landing capabilities that can be applied to future missions.

Exoplanet Discovery - The Hubble Space Telescope has discovered a new "hot and steamy" exoplanet called GJ 9872d that harbors water vapor in its atmosphere, making scientists excited about its potential to host life even though surface temperatures exceed 700°C.
Main Topic: Space-Based Solar Power
Benefits - Space solar power collected in space and beamed wirelessly to Earth is carbon-neutral, available 24/7, and faces no weather disruptions, providing a major clean energy source.

Viability - The core concept is scientifically sound and uses proven technology like satellites and wireless transmission. Recent advancements in areas like reusable rockets, modular hardware, and efficient solar cells have made costs far more viable.

NASA Study - A recent NASA-commissioned study reached lackluster conclusions about economic feasibility, but used assumptions counter to emerging launch trends on achievable costs for launches and hardware production.

International Competition - Other nations like China, Japan, and Europe are investing much more in research and planning than the US currently is, challenging the US to regain leadership in space solar power.

Safety - Wireless power transmission systems can be designed to safely beam microwaves at intensities less than natural sunlight.

SPS-ALPHA Concept - Modular design using sophisticated tracking mirrors, "sandwich modules" of solar panels, electronics, and transmitters. Features mirrors to keep panels illuminated as satellite orbits. Built of mass-produced, interchangeable parts requiring no new technology.

Path Forward - Continue incremental technology advancements and on-orbit demonstrations to build confidence. Involve commercial space companies that can leverage economies of scale. Stress US origins of the concept and opportunity to lead in developing this carbon-free energy source.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: John Mankins

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
1 hr 7 min
January 19, 2024TWiS 94: Space in 2024 - A Preview of the Global Plans for Spaceflight This Year!
2024 looks to be another exciting year in spaceflight! Despite the delay of the Artemis crewed lunar program, a number of exciting missions are queued up this year, among them the launch of Europa Clipper, ESA's HERA mission to Didymos, the first flight of Blue Origin's mammoth New Glenn rocket, and the first crewed flight of India's new spacecraft, the Gagaanyan capsule. We'll dive into these and more on this episode of This Week in Space!
Headlines:
Japan became the 5th country to successfully soft land on the moon with their SLIM lunar lander, though it is having issues generating solar power due to its arrays not deploying properly. Despite this setback, Japan still declared the landing a success.

Astrobotic's Peregrine lunar lander failed after launch, burning up in Earth's atmosphere over the South Pacific after losing contact following its launch on ULA's Vulcan rocket. This was a major setback for Astrobotic's first lunar delivery contract under NASA's CLPS program.

Axiom Space launched their AX-3 mission, the third all-private crewed flight to the ISS. The crew is made up of an international mix from the U.S., Italy, Spain, and Sweden.
Main Topic: 2024 in Space
Artemis Program Delays: NASA announced delays to the Artemis program, pushing back Artemis 2 to at least December 2025 and Artemis 3's lunar landing to 2026. Issues remain with the SLS rocket, Orion capsule, spacesuits, and especially SpaceX's Starship lunar lander, which needs many test flights before it is ready.

Blue Origin's Progress: Blue Origin rolled out a pathfinder version of their New Glenn rocket to the launch site, signaling they are making progress with a planned launch in mid-2024. The rocket will have the biggest fairings of any currently available rocket.

2024 Missions: JPL and NASA have many big robotic missions launching in 2024, including the Europa Clipper to study Jupiter's icy moon, JUICE to also study Jupiter's moons for ESA, and Hera, which will observe the results of NASA's DART asteroid test. ESA is also working to get the delayed Ariane 6 rocket off the ground.

India's Gaganyaan Capsule: India is making progress in developing their own crew capsule, called Gaganyaan, with plans to launch test flights in 2024 and 2025. This will be a major step in their ambitions for an independent human spaceflight program.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

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:
meraki.cisco.com/twit
1 hr 5 min
January 12, 2024TWiS 93: Does America Really Want to Go Back to the Moon? - With Former NASA Historian Roger Launius
America's heading back to the Moon, but what does the public really think? This week, we talk with former NASA Chief Historian and Smithsonian Curator Dr. Roger Launius, who has studied, among many other things, public perceptions of NASA and spaceflight. Some spoilers: no, there was no "Golden Age" in the 1960s when the public was hugely behind the Apollo Moon landings; being a space historian is a lot of fun; and it probably doesn't really matter if China lands people on the Moon before the US does so *again*. Join us.

Headlines:

• Successful first flight of ULA's new Vulcan Centaur rocket with engines from Blue Origin

• Payload - Astrobotic's Peregrine commercial lunar lander suffers propulsion leak en route to the Moon

• NASA engineers finally open stuck cover on OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample capsule

Main Topic: Public Perceptions of Space Exploration

• Common perception of widespread public support and national unity around Apollo program is a myth

• Polls at the time showed concerns about cost and other spending priorities

• Support depended heavily on Cold War context; would not have happened otherwise

• Public support and approval polling for space exploration has remained fairly consistent over decades

• But support drops when funds are weighed against other priorities like social programs

• JFK tried multiple times to make Apollo a joint U.S.-Soviet program to save money

• His assassination allowed NASA to leverage his legacy to maintain support and funding

• Presidential bold visions for space require an urgent political problem to address

• Competition with China lacks the existential threat of the Cold War space race

Additional Topics:

• NASA is now doing business with more private-public and commercial partnerships

• But political factors and election cycles still hamper long-term continuity

• Preserving history and archives from the digital era will be extremely difficult

• Predictions: Boots on the Moon again within 10-15 years, Mars by 2040s

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Roger Launius

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:
rocketmoney.com/twis
1 hr 11 min
January 05, 2024TWiS 92: The Saga of the Seven Sisters - Navigating the Night Sky With Astronomer Steve Fentress
Spend some time in a dark location and you'll see the night sky in all its glory. If you pick a night with no moon, the effect triples. Steve Fentress, recently retired director of the Strasenburgh Planetarium in New York, is our guide to the night sky this week. He'll enlighten us about the lore of the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, one of the more remarkable constellations in the sky, as well as a general tour of other notable constellations and their stories across the ages. And... he's even got a planetarium joke! Join us for this surprisingly entertaining look at the great above from a veteran storyteller.
Headlines:
Vulcan rocket with ULA's new BE4 engine set for debut flight, launching NASA's CLPS moon landing mission with Astrobotic's Peregrine lander

Controversy over human remains onboard Astrobotic lander; Navajo Nation protests not being consulted

Juno spacecraft makes close flyby of Jupiter's volcanic moon Io, capturing stunning images
Main Topic: The Night Sky
Steve's approach to appreciating the night sky focuses on visualization using basic math rather than just facts

Overview of cultural interpretations of constellations and astronomical objects across ancient Chinese, Aboriginal Australian, and Pacific Islander cultures

The 88 modern constellations officially recognized today trace back to ancient Near East, Greek, and 16th-century European traditions

The Pleiades star cluster - one of the most prominent and universally viewed groups of stars

Its seasonal visibility and blue color make it a prime target for binoculars

Appearance ranges from 6 main stars to a sparkling cluster depending on conditions

Known as the "Seven Sisters" across cultures; stories explaining its changing appearance

Popular meteor showers, including the Perseids, Leonids, and Geminids

How meteor showers coincide with Earth's intersecting dust trails left behind by comets

Upcoming highlights: 2024 Perseids and peak viewing times

Get "Sky to Space:" https://amzn.to/3OfnFM3

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Steve Fentress

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:
joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT
1 hr 8 min
December 22, 2023 TWiS: Happy Holidays From Rod & Tariq - We Return Will January 5th!
Happy holidays! Rod and Tariq are taking the next two weeks off but will be back with our regularly scheduled programming on January 5th.

Host: Rod Pyle

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
1 min
December 15, 2023TWiS 91: 2023 Holiday Special! - The Year in Review With Leonard David
This holiday special episode of This Week in Space covers a wide range of space topics from 2023, including asteroid sample return, China's space achievements, commercial lunar landers, Mars sample return challenges, UFO disclosure, and more.
Headlines:
The asteroid Bennu sample return mission delivers intriguing early findings, including organic molecules and "cauliflower" textured particles that may provide insights into the early solar system.

Speculative ideas on "dark life" forming from dark matter shortly after the Big Bang prompts discussion on expanding definitions of life.

Congress orders UFO records released within 25 years but allows military to withhold information threatening national security, disappointing those seeking full disclosure.
Main Topic: The Year in Review
Recap of major SpaceX milestones in 2023 with Falcon 9 reuse and Starship testing advances, though the lunar landing variant and orbital refueling still need work.

India bounces back from previous lunar landing failure with successful Chandrayaan-3 orbiter and Pragyan rover mission.

Mars sample return mission faces criticism for ballooning costs now exceeding $11 billion and delays pushing to 2030 or beyond.

OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return hailed as a major success story for 2023 despite minor parachute issue on re-entry.

Psyche and Lucy asteroid missions yield early surprises on unique asteroid properties.

China's 2023 space achievements and future plans make it a program to watch with possible Mars sample returns, an increased pace of lunar landings, and more... maybe even sample sharing with the US!

ULA readies new Vulcan Centaur rocket for a January launch — it's a critical path to the moon with the first commercial lunar lander onboard.

Artemis delays provide cover for missing elements like SpaceX's lunar lander, orbital refueling tests, and lunar surface EVA suits.

Guest Leonard David covers latest intrigue around government UFO briefings and disclosure efforts.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Leonard David

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:
bitwarden.com/twit
1 hr 7 min
December 08, 2023TWiS 90: The Wizard of Griffith Observatory - The Amazing Dr. Ed Krupp Talks Archaeoastronomy
Most of us have experienced a planetarium at one time or another, but unless you've been to the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, you've missed out. Besides a brand-spanking-new planetarium theater chock-a-block with special effects and computerized systems, the Observatory's Halls of Science are a treat not to be missed. Add to that the stunning views of Los Angeles and the facility's director, Dr. Ed Krupp — one of the best science communicators in the business--and you have a real treat. And the kicker? He's a world expert in ancient astronomy! Join us.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Ed Krupp

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:
Melissa.com/twit
1 hr 12 min
December 01, 2023TWiS 89: Who's in Charge in Space? - The Challenges of Regulating Spaceflight
With an increase in commercial and private spaceflight comes the need to regulate it, and the FAA has had a major role in newspace flight rules to date... but should it be the primary regulator moving ahead? Many in the field say no, and some decry most attempts at what they see as unnecessary control. We at TWiS feel that, like any other form of transportation, proper and healthy regulation is needed--the question is by whom, and how. George Nield, President of Commercial Space Technologies and former Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Aviation at the FAA, joins us to work through the tangle.

Image Source: Blue Origin

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: George Nield

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:
bitwarden.com/twit
1 hr 7 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.