This Week in Space (Audio)

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This Week in Space (Audio) episodes

July 03TWiS 217: America in Space - 250 Years of Bold Firsts & Our Favorite Missions!
Since 1958, the United States has been part of the spaceflight adventure, and since the mid-1960s has led in just about any category that counts. In this episode, we discuss the progression of American space efforts, review which flights launched or landed on July 4, and relive some of our very favorite US space missions of all time!

"Headlines:

• NASA's Swift Boost Mission Aims to Rescue Swift Space Telescope

• Astronomer Avi Loeb Tapped to Chair White House UAP Panel

• Celebrating 30 Years of the Film Independence Day

Main Topic: 250 Years of America in Space

• American Flags Across the Solar System

• Origins of the Space Age: Operation Paperclip and the V2 Legacy

• Explorer 1 and Early U.S. Satellite Achievements

• Mariner and Viking Missions: Mars Exploration Milestones

• Key American Firsts in Human Spaceflight

• Apollo Landings and Moonwalk Milestones

• Skylab and Its Legacy as America's First Space Station

• The Rise of Reusable Rockets: Space Shuttle, Blue Origin, and SpaceX

• Private Spaceflight and Tourism: From Dennis Tito to Jared Isaacman

• Curiosity, Pathfinder, and Other Mars Rovers as Iconic U.S. Achievements

• Reflections on Favorite Missions and the Future of U.S. Space Leadership"

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

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1 hr 19 min
June 26TWiS 216: Dark Matter Intelligence - With Physicist Dr. Daniel Whiteson
We've had endless conversations about aliens and first contact--but what if a conversation with other intelligences is beyond our scope? Dr. Daniel Whiteson, particle physicist at CERN's Large Hadron Collider and professor at UC Irvine, joins us to explore less conventional thoughts on first contact. We look at the challenges of communicating with extraterrestrial intelligences, potential difficulties of communicating via non-terrestrial mathematics and physics, and the possibility that extraterrestrials might actually be terrestrial... but existing as denizens of the dark energy universe. One might be sitting in your lap right now! Join us for the far-ranging discussion.
Headlines:
Boeing's Troubled Starliner Spacecraft Faces Further Setbacks and Delays

NASA Perseverance Rover Finds Promising Clues of Ancient Life on Mars

NASA Space Telescope Faces Fiery Descent, Mission Planned to Save It
Main Topic: Dark Matter, Particle Physics, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
UC Irvine's Dr. Daniel Whiteson Discusses Path into Space Science and Particle Physics

Exploring Nontraditional Signals for Alien Communication Beyond Radio Waves

The Mystery of Ultra-High Energy Particles and Speculation on Artificial Cosmic Rays

Challenges of Detecting, Interpreting, and Interacting with Alien Intelligence

Implications of Dark Matter for Hidden Civilizations and Parallel Existence

Complexities in Communicating with Truly Alien Life and Human-Centric Scientific Assumptions

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Daniel Whiteson

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1 hr 11 min
June 19TWiS 215: Disclosure Day - With Dr. David Brin
If you've seen "Disclosure Day" or "Age of Disclosure," you're going to want to join us for this fascinating discussion with famed bestselling sci-fi/sci-fact author Dr. David Brin. Long known for his universe-spanning visions, storytelling skills, and occasionally contrarian viewpoints, this episode will not disappoint! Our discussion ranged from reactions to Spielberg's "Disclosure Day" to why people believe in AI and more. This week's guest co-host is ace science journalist Susan Karlin.
Headlines:
Spielberg's "Disclosure Day" Premieres to Mixed Reviews

Alien Lore and the Evolution of Sci-Fi Tropes

Comparing Modern and Classic Alien Invasion Films

NASA's NIAC Program and Cutting-Edge Space Concepts

UFO Conspiracies and Cultural Obsessions
Main Topic: Spielberg's "Disclosure Day" and the Alien Narrative
Film critiques: Plot, character arcs, and visual effects

Overused tropes in government conspiracy stories

Modern alien movies compared to classics like Independence Day and Close Encounters

Recurring alien mythologies and sci-fi's role in cultural reflection

Exploration of why UFO conspiracy theories persist

Insights from David Brin on skepticism, evidence, and hidden truths

Connections drawn between UFO lore and folklore about elves and fairies

Examination of AI's parallels to alien encounters, danger, and self-accountability

Host: Rod Pyle

Co-Host: Susan Karlin

Guest: Dr. David Brin

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1 hr 7 min
June 12TWiS 214: Moon Man - With Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine
There are NASA Administrators, and then there are NASA Administrators—all are very accomplished individuals, but some stand out for their unique backgrounds and on-the-job successes, and Jim Bridenstine is one of the latter. Entering service as the new NASA Administrator in 2017 with a background as a Navy pilot, Congressman, and museum director, he was an unconventional choice, and faced some headwinds in the appointment—but Jim turned out to be exceptional in the job, especially given the state of NASA when he took it on. Join us to hear his experiences with our favorite space agency and what he's doing today.
Headlines:
SpaceX Shatters Records with Largest IPO Ever

NASA Faces Backlash Over Artemis 3 Diversity

Scientists Propose Magnetosphere Shield Against Solar Storms
Main Topic: Jim Bridenstine & Quantum Space
Jim Bridenstine's Unconventional Path to NASA Leadership

Overcoming Political Challenges as NASA Administrator

Launch and Evolution of the Artemis Moon Program

Securing Bipartisan Support and Budget for Artemis

Reflections on Artemis 2 Success and Artemis 3's Challenges

The Need for a Robust Lunar Lander Solution

NASA's Global Influence and Soft Power

The Role of Private Investment in Space Exploration

Bridenstine's Leadership at Quantum Space

Quantum Space's Ranger Spacecraft and Military Space Tech

National Security and Distributed Satellite Architectures

Small Satellites and Future Space Warfare

Quantum Space's Move to Go Public via SPAC

Vision for Moon Bases and Lunar Resource Utilization

Geopolitics of the New Moon Race and First Mover Advantage

Quantum Space's Ambitions in Cislunar and Lunar Operations

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Jim Bridenstine

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1 hr 10 min
June 05TWiS 213: Live From ISDC With Gerry Griffin - NASA Flight Director Breaks Down the Realities of Spaceflight
Recorded live from the International Space Development Conference in McLean, Virginia, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik are joined by Apollo legend and former Johnson Space Center director Gerry Griffin. Griffin takes us on a journey through his extraordinary career, from his appointment as a flight director in the wake of the Apollo 1 fire, through the audacious decision to send Apollo 8 around the moon, all the way to the nail-biting rescue of Apollo 13. We also venture behind the scenes of Ron Howard's Apollo 13 film, where Griffin reveals the real story behind some of Hollywood's most famous dramatic liberties. It's a rare, firsthand account of the golden age of human spaceflight — from one of the few people who was there for all of it.
Headlines:
Space Station Faces Recurring Air Leak Crisis
Main Topic: Jerry Griffin's Legacy in Space Exploration
Transition from Fighter Pilot to Mission Control

Gemini and Apollo Era Engineering Breakthroughs

The Apollo 1 Fire: Lessons and Safety Changes

Fast-Tracking from Apollo 7 to Apollo 8 Lunar Orbit

Insights From the Apollo 11 Moon Landing

Apollo 13 Crisis Management Onscreen and in Reality

The Evolution and Importance of Mission Control Teams

Reflections on NASA's Culture and Training Through Decades

Preparing Future Generations for Artemis and Beyond

(Note: Apologies for the video flickering that occurs in the podcast.)

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Gerry Griffin

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

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1 hr 23 min
May 29 TWiS 212: Kabooms, Starship, and a Moon Base - What New Glenn's Explosion Means for NASA's Moon Base
What a wild week in space news! We were all set to discuss Starship Test Flight 12 and NASA's recent press conference updating their lunar base plans, when on Thursday night, Blue Origin lost a New Glenn rocket on the pad during a static test. The explosion appears to have severely damaged the launch structure, LC36, along with the loss of the rocket. Fortunately, there were no casualties. But this does throw NASA's schedule for returning American astronauts to the moon into question, given that the agency had recently signaled their choice of Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander for Artemis 4 in 2028. It's now a toss-up between the US and China, with the competition hotter--and closer--than ever. And of course, we'll still discuss Starship and the latest lunar base plans! Space.com's Mike Wall joins us.

Headlines:

• Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Explodes During Static Fire Test

• Manhattanhenge Aligns City Streets with the Sunset

Main Topic: NASA's Artemis Moon Base and Lunar Exploration Plans

• SpaceX Starship Flight 12 Performance and Booster Mishap Investigation

• Starship's Role in Artemis and Competitive Moon Race with China

• Moon Base Contract Awards: Landers, Rovers, and Robotics

• National Security and Legal Implications of Lunar "Territory"

• China's Push for a 2030 Lunar Landing and US Response Strategy

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Mike Wall

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

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1 hr 3 min
May 22TWiS 211: Oysters in Space - With Jacob Scoccimerra of Monolith Space
When one ponders the diet of Mars-bound astonauts, oysters don't often come to mind... but they should. As it turns out, the plucky bivalves have much to offer space voyagers, including water filtration and a ready source of protein. Jacob Scoccimerra, formerly of Nanoracks and now with Monolith Space, initiated a research project with students from the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, to design, build, and operate a closed-circuit, automated support environment for oysters in a simulated space analog. It's a fascinating discussion that may leave you hungry.
Headlines:
SpaceX IPO Filing Reveals Company Finances

NASA Opens JPL Operations to New Bidders, Eyes Management Shakeup

Viral Cardboard Star Wars Fan Film Gets a Nod

SpaceX Announces Crypto Billionaire's Planned Mars Flyby on Starship
Main Topic: Oysters in Space – Bioregenerative Life Support and Student Research
Jacob Discusses Monolith Space and Roots in Chemical Engineering

Origins and Environmental Role of Oysters in Water Filtration

Applying Aquatic Organisms to Space-Based Life Support Systems

Harrisburg University Student Collaboration and Prototype Development

Technical and Biological Challenges of Running Aquatic Habitats in Space

Educational Outcomes and Cross-Disciplinary Engineering Experience

Potential Earth Applications and Insights for Aquaculture Industry

Broader Prospects for Bioregenerative Systems in Space (e.g., other aquatic species, food sustainability)

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Jacob Scoccimerra

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1 hr 9 min
May 15TWiS 210: ESCAPADES at Mars - Dr. Robert Lillis of the Mars ESCAPADE Mission
Poor Mars. After a warm, wet childhood, the planet dried out and became cold and arid. And why? Mostly because it lost most of its atmosphere, scraped away by solar radiation. NASA's Maven mission studied the phenomenon of atmospheric loss for years, but has now gone silent. Enter Mars ESCAPADE—the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers—twin orbiters that will study the loss of Martian atmosphere more closely than ever before. The mission has been executed at a budget price. was largely built by industry upstart Rocket Lab, and launched on a New Glenn rocket. It will arrive at Mars in 2028, but we're giving you an early look at why it's an important and, frankly, very cool mission.
Headlines:
SpaceX Unveils Starship V3 Launch Plans

NASA Details Artemis 3 Earth Orbit Mission Updates

Psyche Probe Performs Mars Gravity Assist for Asteroid Mission
Main Topic: ESCAPADE Mars Mission—Twin Satellites to Study Atmospheric Loss
Introducing ESCAPADE: Twin Orbiters for Studying Mars' Upper Atmosphere

Explaining Why Mars Loses Its Atmosphere and Comparative Planetology

Stereo Measurements: Scientific Advantages of Two Orbiters Over One

How ESCAPADE's Orbits and Science Campaigns Are Structured

Rocket Lab and Commercial Partnerships Expand Mission Flexibility

Unique Launch Timing and Innovations in Trajectory Planning

Early Data from ESCAPADE's Mission and Earth's Magnetotail

Onboard Cameras to Capture Mars Auroras and Possibly Earth-Moon Portraits

Extended Mission Possibilities and Future Science Goals

The Role of Space Weather and Mars' Magnetic Field in Atmospheric Loss

Implications for Future Mars Missions, Technology, and Human Exploration

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Robert Lillis

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58 min
May 08TWiS 209: Astronauts for America - The Best of the Best Speak Out
Many of us grew up idolizing astronauts as the best of the best that America—and other nations—have to offer. After leaving NASA, many of them go on to relatively routine careers in business or academia, but some stay "on mission" and continue striving to improve the human condition. The 100-plus astronauts behind Astronauts for America, led by Garrett Reisman and Steve Lindsey—a Democrat and Republican—have decided to speak out about their concerns for our democracy. As the nonprofit's website says, "Astronauts For America is a nonpartisan organization of former NASA astronauts who have sworn to defend the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to science, evidence-based decision-making, public service, and the rule of law." Reisman and Lindsey join us for this important episode.
Headlines:
Pentagon Releases Official UFO Files Online

James Webb Space Telescope Directly Observes Nearby 'Super Earth'

Curiosity Rover's Wheels Show Severe Wear on Mars

Curiosity Rover Gets Its Robotic Arm Stuck on a Martian Rock
Main Topic: Astronauts for America—Combatting Political Polarization
Group of 100+ Retired Astronauts Form Nonpartisan Organization

Mission to Counter Extreme Partisanship and Foster Civil Discourse

Oath to Uphold the Constitution Drives Their Advocacy

Experiences in Space and Military Inform Their Approach

Emphasis on Data, Science, and Rule of Law in National Debate

Concerns Over Erosion of Democratic Norms and Civic Trust

Civil Rights, Political Violence, and Challenges in Congress Prompt Action

Organization Seeks to Educate, Engage the Public, and Partner with Other Groups

Launch of Voter Scorecards Based on Constitutional Values, Not Policy Positions

Call for Informed Citizen Participation and Election Integrity Initiatives

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guests: Garrett Reisman and Steve Lindsey

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1 hr 10 min
May 01TWiS 208: Lander, Lander, Who's Got a Lander - Will SpaceX or Blue Origin Touch Down First?
Lander, lander... who's got a lander? With NASA planning orbital tests of the Artemis landers in 2027 and a crewed landing in 2028, the pressure is on for SpaceX and Blue Origin to make good on their Human Landing System contracts. Who's actually going to put American astronauts back on the Moon first? This week's episode digs into the high-stakes race between the companies, surfacing new details and doubts about whether either lander will be ready in time. Both have to fly into Earth orbit, refuel multiple times, and perform robotic test landings on the moon (in addition to the Artemis III rendezvous and docking tests) before NASA can land astronauts on the moon — and they need to get it all done by 2028. We talk to Space.com's senior space guy, Mike Wall, about the risks and realities of the new space race to the moon.
Headlines:
Artemis 2 Astronauts Tour White House and Late Night Shows

Private Company Plans Asteroid Rendezvous with Apophis

NASA's Artemis Moon Lander Readiness and Delays
Main Topic: Lunar Landers and Artemis Program
Artemis 4 Moon Landing Delays and Timeline Uncertainty

SpaceX Starship vs. Blue Origin Blue Moon: Designs and Progress

Technical Hurdles: Life Support, Refueling, and Descent Systems

Starship's Role as Lander, Cargo Hauler, and Potential Space Station Alternative

Blue Origin's Test Schedule Impacted by Launch Mishap

International Lunar Landers: China's Upcoming Missions

Lunar Surface Infrastructure, Moon Bases, and Resource Rights

Legal Uncertainty Around Moon Land Rights and Exclusion Zones

Artemis Momentum, Funding, and Political Support

Long-Term Prospects for Sustained Human and Robotic Lunar Presence

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Mike Wall

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

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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.