This Week in Space (Audio)

By TWiTScience Technology Astronomy

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This Week in Space (Audio) episodes

April 24TWiS 207: What, This Again? - Attempted Cuts to the NASA Budget
As you have doubtless heard, the White House has once again proposed drastic budget cuts of about 24% for NASA's 2027 budget. It's deja vu all over again for us, as we followed an almost identical story last year. And as with last year, Congress has signaled the new budget to be DOA. This time, however, we had a NASA administrator in the seat when this budget arrived and he said he could work with it—despite a near halving of the NASA science budget and proposed cancellation of well over 50 science missions, many already successful and returning great science after the bulk of the program has been paid for. We invited Jenniter Vaughn, the CEO of The Planetary Society, onto the show to discuss.
Headlines:
Blue Origin's New Glenn 3 Rocket Fails Key Mission Despite Successful Landin

Discovery of Possible Hidden Moons Around Uranus in Planetary Rings

Hubble Space Telescope Celebrates Its 36th Year in Orbit
Main Topic: NASA Science Budget Crisis and Advocacy with Planetary Society CEO Jennifer Vaughn
Jennifer Vaughn's Journey to Leading the Planetary Society

Deep Cuts Proposed for NASA's Science Budget and Widespread Opposition

Congressional Pushback and Ineffectiveness of Copy-Paste Budget Proposals

Risks to Active and Developmental NASA Missions if Funding Slashed

Brain Drain and Damage from Funding Instability at NASA and Partner Institutions

Importance of Public Advocacy and Opportunities to Take Action

Prospects and Cautions for New NASA Leadership Amid Budget Challenges

Broader Impact on US Space Leadership, Innovation, and Long-Term Planning

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Jennifer Vaughn

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1 hr 2 min
April 17TWiS 206: I Want to Believe - When We Meet the Aliens
What happens next when science can confidently announce the discovery of an alien life form? Whether it's a fully functioning civilization or a lowly Martian microbe, the implications are vast. Dr. Brianne Suldovsky of Portland State University has studied this mostly ignored question and come up with some interesting conclusions--and, like the best science, more questions. How this can best be communicated in an age of mistrust in large institutions and science is a vexing one, and the conversation looked at it from a variety of angles. And--it was fun. Join us!
Headlines:
Artemis 2 Heat Shield Passes Inspection Despite Social Media Panic

SpaceX Nears Version 3 Starship Launch After Delays

New Naked-Eye Comet and Lyrid Meteor Shower Viewing Tips
Main Topic: Communicating the Discovery of Extraterrestrial Life
Lack of Research on Public Communication of Alien Life Discoveries

Religious Backgrounds and How They Shape Views on Science and Space

Public Trust, Misinformation, and Institutional Perception Challenges

Risks, Uncertainties, and Ethics in Announcing Life Discoveries

What Happens if Private Companies Discover Alien Life First

Measuring Public Beliefs: the Extraterrestrial Belief Scale and Conspiracies

Religious, Psychological, and Societal Impacts of Alien Life Announcements

Direct Public Involvement in Decisions About Contacting Alien Life

Navigating AI, Social Media, and Pattern Recognition in Spreading Space News

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Brianne Suldovsky

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1 hr 3 min
April 10TWiS 205: All About Artemis - The Brilliance of Artemis 2
This week's episode is devoted to the flight of Artemis II. From the spectacular, on-time launch to the lunar flyby to reentry preparation, we chart all the major events of the mission. Some are technical and scientific--the interest in the small meteoritic impacts on the lunar farside and the spectacular solar eclipse witnessed by the crew—and some are more human interest, such as the messages to the crew from Apollo moonwalker Charlie Duke and the posthumous message from Apollo 8/13 astronaut Jim Lovell, to the very emotional moment where the crew named a crater after Reid Wiseman's recently deceased wife, Carroll. It's a humdinger of a show packed with facts and relevant discussion. Join us!
Main Topic: The Artemis II Mission
Rod & Tariq Share Launch Site and Newsroom Experiences

Spacecraft Amenities: The Ongoing Space Toilet Saga

On-the-Ground Reporting at Kennedy and Johnson Space Centers

Inside the Orion Capsule: Size, Crew Life, and Design

Spectacular Launch: Countdown, Liftoff, and Astronaut Impressions

Cameras and Tech: Photo Gear and Laser Communications on Artemis 2

Smoothest Crewed Launch Beyond Earth Orbit in Over 50 Years

Life Aboard Orion: Living Space, Exercise, and Hygiene Challenges

Emotional Moments: Naming Lunar Craters and Tribute to Crew Family

Wakeup Calls from Apollo Astronauts—Legacy Meets Next Generation

Crew Lunar Flyby: Scientific Observations and Lunar Impact Flashes

Capturing Rare Sights: Earthset, Night Views, and Eclipses from Moon Orbit

Presidential Call: Communications Hiccups and Political Overtones

Return and Splashdown: Heat Shield Concerns, Recovery Procedures, and Records Set

Reflections on Budget Constraints, Press Facilities, and NASA Operations

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

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1 hr 15 min
April 03TWiS 204: A New NASA - Artemis 2 Firsthand, and Isaacman Shakes up NASA!
We've seen NASA go through a lot of drama this year, and recently, some remarkable changes have been announced under the new administrator, Jared Isaacman. We're taking a deep dive into what's changed, what's the same, and what to expect. But first: Tariq and Rod are in Houston monitoring the Artemis 2 mission, which launched flawlessly on Wednesday. It's been a thrill since launch day, which Tariq saw in Florida, and shows no sign of slowing. We're bringing it to you from the field, so strap on in and join us!
Headlines:
Artemis 2 Launched This Week!

Challenges Hit Artemis 2 After Launch: Toilet Problems and Personal Computing Issues

Artemis 2 Crew Prepares for Lunar Flyby and Science Activities

NASA Faces Another Budget Cut for 2027
Main Topic: New NASA, Artemis Overhauls, and Future Missions
NASA Reshuffles Artemis 3–5: Landings Delayed, Missions Reassigned

SLS Development Locked; Vulcan Centaur 5 Upper Stage Selected

Aggressive Timeline for 29 Moon Missions and 22 Landings in Next Decade

Push for Moon Bases by 2032 with $20 Billion Investment

Gateway Lunar Station Put on Ice; Hardware Repurposed for Moon Base and Mars

Surprise Nuclear-Powered Mars Mission Announced for 2028

New Mars Helicopter Fleet to Debut as Part of Skyfall Payload

Shift Away from Private Space Stations; NASA to Build New Core Module

NASA Workforce Hit by Layoffs, Launches New NASA Force Hiring Initiative

Geopolitics, China's Role, and Space Race 2.0 Narrative

(Video of Artemis 2 Launch Courtesy of Space.com)

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

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1 hr 3 min
March 27TWiS 203: China Rising - With Dr. Namrata Goswami
Many suggest there is a new space race afoot, this time between the US and China. We've also seen that America seems to be at its best in innovation and achievement when challenged by some external force. Will the Chinese human lunar program light the fuse of American innovation and accomplishment when it comes to our lagging lunar program and other spaceflight initiatives? Dr. Namrata Goswami of Johns Hopkins University joins us to examine the intricacies of potential threats to American leadership in space and the possible outcomes. Who will be first to land astronauts on the moon? Does it really matter? Who controls what regions of the moon? Will cislunar space be contested between major space powers? This and much more in this episode of This Week in Space.
Headlines:
Artemis 2 Mission Nears Launch, Astronauts Arrive at Kennedy Space Center

Stunning New Images of Saturn Released from Webb and Hubble Telescopes

"For All Mankind" Renewed for Sixth and Final Season

Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Clears Vibration Test, Launch Date Set
Main Topic: U.S.-China Competition and Global Ambitions in Space
Dr. Namrata Goswami Explains the Evolution of the New Space Race

China's Strategic, Economic, and Cultural Goals for Lunar Exploration

Comparison of U.S. and Chinese Approaches to Public Messaging and Program Identity

The Role of the Artemis Accords vs. China's International Lunar Research Station Partnerships

The Legal and Political Implications of Lunar Safety and Exclusion Zones

Space Force's Emerging Role in Cislunar Security and Commerce

Increasing Global Participation: India, Japan, and Developing Nations Expand Space Competition

Impact of Lunar "Real Estate" and Resource Maps on International Strategies

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Namrata Goswami

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57 min
March 20TWiS 202: Artemis Imminent - Artemis II Back on the Pad!
We've waited, and we've waited, and it looks like Artemis 2 might be ready to go in early April! It's moved back to the launch pad, LC-39B, and will begin preparations for a launch as early as April 1. There will be no wet-dress rehearsal this time — associate administrator Lori Glaze said in a recent press conference that once they fuel successfully, she just wants to go to launch. The crew of Artemis 2 will soon arrive at KSC for pre-launch quarantine, as will Tariq, who will be covering the launch. We invited Mike Wall, the spaceflight and tech editor at Space.com, back to the show to bring us up to date on all the latest Artemis news.
Headlines:
Blue Origin and NASA Team Up to Hunt Earth-Threatening Asteroids

Rocket Lab Nabs $190 Million for 20 Hypersonic Test Launches

Spring Equinox Arrives with Northern Lights Potential

Sun Gun Orbital Mirrors Spark Debate on Utility and Security
Main Topic: Artemis II Launch Update
Rollout and Status of Artemis II: Delays, Rocket Issues, and Launch Windows

Comparing Artemis II Trajectory to Apollo 8 and Apollo 13

Solar Activity Risks for Artemis Astronauts Discussed

Shake-Up in Artemis Program: Artemis III Will Perform Docking Tests with Lunar Landers

Blue Origin vs SpaceX: Moon Lander Progress and Readiness

Gateway Lunar Station Uncertainty and International Partnerships

Challenges with Refueling Starship and Lander Logistics

Legislative Moves Toward a Permanent Moon Base

What to Watch for Ahead of Artemis II—Final Checks and Go/No-Go Signs

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Mike Wall

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1 hr 4 min
March 13TWiS 201: Born to Explore - With Jay Gallentine
When most people think about deep space exploration, management acumen is generally not the first thing they settle on—but without it, no robotic mission would ever succeed. This week we are joined by Jay Gallentine, author of multiple books on the robotic exploration of space. Each of these tomes is a somewhat of a masterpiece; a deep dive into a topic that few explore in such detail. His newest book, "Born to Explore," started off as a book about robots exploring Mars, but his interviews with former JPL manager John Casani was so compelling that he transformed it into a biography. John Casani is a legend at JPL and NASA, and his story reads like a combination of a spaceflight adventure, personal memoir, and a pirate's tale. You'll love the book, and you'll love hearing about it from Jay. Join us!
Headlines:
Artemis II Sets April 1st Launch Date Amid Technical Fixes

NASA Discusses Risks and Media Reactions Around Artemis II Mission Breifing

OIG Report Reveals Delays and Issues with Artemis Moon Landers

NASA's Human Landing System Development Faces Setbacks

Blue Origin and SpaceX Landers Compared for Progress and Outlook

Starship's Next Launch and Orbital Refueling Plans Delayed Again
Main Topic: Jay Gallantine on His Book, Born to Explore, and John Casani's NASA Legacy
Jay Gallantine Shares Origins of His Space Research and Writing Career

Unpacking John Casani's Crucial Role at JPL and Mission Leadership

Casani's Unique Team-Building Tactics and the Legendary Goat Story

Galileo Mission's Hurdles, Constant Redesigns, and Casani's Problem-Solving

Budget Cuts and Hard Choices on Casini Mission Management

How Casani's Leadership and Philosophy Shaped NASA Spacecraft Teams

Sneak Peek: Gallantine's Upcoming Book on the Evolution of Mars Rovers

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Jay Gallentine

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1 hr 11 min
March 06TWiS 200: Our 200th Episode Listener Special! - We're Talking to You!
It's our 200th episode, our annual listener special! We took your comments, suggestions, advice, and insults and wove them into a rollicking, fun-filled hour of mishaps, mayhem, and mirth! Plus space headlines and a whole passel of your space jokes! This is a fun one, so don't be shy—join us!
Headlines:
NASA's Artemis Program Unveils New Details and Updates

Moon Safe from Asteroid 2024 YR4 in 2032

NASA Launches "NASA Force" Hiring Initiative Led by Jared Isaacman

MAVEN Orbiter at Mars Faces Potential Loss—Latest Status Update

Total Lunar Eclipse Marks Last Sight Until 2029

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

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1 hr 20 min
February 27TWiS 199: The Obsolete Astronaut? - And a New Report on Crewed Mars Missions
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

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1 hr 2 min
February 20TWiS 198: A Dragonfly on Titan - Inside the Dragonfly Mission
One of the most exciting missions to ever journey to the outer solar system has the be the Dragonfly multi-rotor helicopter that will head to Saturn's moon Titan in 2028. The car-sized probe will arrive at that strange, frozen world in 2034, descending into the soupy, smoggy atmosphere and then taking flight before it even touches the ground! We spoke with the mission's Principal Investigator, Dr. Elizabeth "Zibi" Turtle, about the mission's origins, current progress, and what to expect in the coming years. She also took us through a narrated tour of the surface of Titan, with its hydrocarbon sand dunes and methane seas. The Dragonfly mission will be an adventure of a lifetime!
Headlines:
NASA's Artemis II Moon Rocket Aces New Fueling Test

Boeing Starliner is Rated a "Type A" Mishap and Faces More Launch Delays

Perseverance Rover Gets Instant Mars GPS-like Functionality
Main Topic: NASA's Dragonfly Mission to Titan
Dr. Elizabeth Turtle explains Dragonfly's origins and mission concept

Why Titan is unique and somewhat akin to the primordial Earth, perfect for exploring prebiotic chemistry

Dragonfly's advanced science suite and autonomous flying capability

Insights from the Cassini/Huygens missions and how they are shaping Dragonfly

Navigation, flight strategy, and safety planning for Titan's harsh environment

Power, heating, and longevity on Titan's freezing surface

Titan's dune landscape, flying conditions, and analogs to Earth

Big scientific questions: methane cycle, atmospheric mysteries, and potential surprises

Mission timeline, lander design, and the innovative "fly-as-you-land" arrival approach

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Turtle

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1 hr

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.