This Week in Space (Audio)

TWiS 101: Nukes in Space - Starship's Next Launch Date, Solar Eclipse Ahead, and Voyager 1 in Peril?

Listen Later

Russia is building a secret nuclear-powered space weapon, but what does that mean for the rest of us? In this episode, Tariq Malik is joined by Space.com's Brett Tingley to discuss the recent reports and delve into the history of nuclear weapons and reactors in space, the existing international treaties governing weapons of mass destruction in orbit, and the growing militarization of space by Russia, China, and the United States. Malik and Tingley also cover the week's top headlines, including SpaceX's upcoming Starship orbital launch attempt and NASA's continuing struggles to revive the Voyager 1 spacecraft.

Headlines:

  • SpaceX sets March 14th as tentative date for Starship's third test flight, pending final launch license approval from the FAA
  • NASA's Voyager 1 probe, launched in 1977 and now in interstellar space, continues to experience significant computer glitches that mission controllers are struggling to diagnose
  • The next Great North American Solar Eclipse is just one month away, with the path of totality crossing from Mexico through the central and northeastern US on April 8th

    • Main Topic: Potential Russian Nuclear Space Weapons

    • Recent reports from US officials suggest Russia may be developing a new nuclear-powered anti-satellite weapon or electronic warfare platform
    • The weapon likely wouldn't pose an immediate threat, but highlights the growing militarization of space and potential for a new arms race
    • Nuclear power has long been used in space, from radioisotope thermoelectric generators on probes like Voyager to plans for nuclear propulsion
    • The 1967 Outer Space Treaty bans placing WMDs in orbit, but has some gray areas and lacks robust enforcement mechanisms
    • The US, Russia, and China have all demonstrated anti-satellite capabilities in recent years, from missiles to lasers to mini-satellites with robotic arms
    • There are also growing concerns over military interest in cislunar space and the Moon as another "high ground" to be contested
    • While there are more pressing threats than space-based nuclear weapons, the situation reflects deteriorating international relations and the need for updated treaties

      • Host: Tariq Malik

      Guest: Brett Tingley

      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

      ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store
      This Week in Space (Audio)By TWiT
      • 4.6
      • 4.6
      • 4.6
      • 4.6
      • 4.6

      4.6

      134 ratings

      More shows like This Week in Space (Audio)

      View all
      This Week in Tech (Audio) by TWiT

      This Week in Tech (Audio)

      3,015 Listeners

      Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science by The Planetary Society

      Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science

      1,338 Listeners

      Astronomy Cast by Fraser Cain and Dr. Pamela Gay

      Astronomy Cast

      2,866 Listeners

      The 365 Days of Astronomy by 365DaysOfAstronomy.org

      The 365 Days of Astronomy

      337 Listeners

      Universe Today Podcast by Fraser Cain

      Universe Today Podcast

      540 Listeners

      Ask a Spaceman! by Paul M. Sutter

      Ask a Spaceman!

      805 Listeners

      Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries by Professor Fred Watson and Andrew Dunkley

      Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

      222 Listeners

      SpaceTime: Your Guide to Space & Astronomy by Stuart Gary

      SpaceTime: Your Guide to Space & Astronomy

      316 Listeners

      Are We There Yet? by Central Florida Public Media

      Are We There Yet?

      354 Listeners

      Main Engine Cut Off by Anthony Colangelo

      Main Engine Cut Off

      282 Listeners

      Houston We Have a Podcast by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

      Houston We Have a Podcast

      1,230 Listeners

      Off-Nominal by Jake Robins, Anthony Colangelo

      Off-Nominal

      83 Listeners

      Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe by iHeartPodcasts

      Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe

      2,309 Listeners

      The Supermassive Podcast by The Royal Astronomical Society

      The Supermassive Podcast

      284 Listeners

      The Astrophysics Podcast by Paul Duffell

      The Astrophysics Podcast

      43 Listeners