This Week in Space (Audio)

TWiS 129: Back From Mars! - Dr. Pascal Lee Returns to Discuss Recent Work at His Mars Simulation Base in the Arctic

Listen Later

Devon Island, a polar desert in the High Arctic, is one of the most convincing Mars analogs on Earth. That's why Pascal Lee built his NASA-affiliated research base there. On this episode he returns to discuss his summer field work, Martian volcanoes, and to discuss possible alternatives to NASA's plans for the Artemis lunar base.There's a lot to know, and he brings deep passion—and some controversy—to the conversation!

Headlines:

  • Polaris Dawn mission success: The crew completed the first-ever commercial spacewalk, with all four members exposed to the vacuum of space.
  • SpaceX FAA dispute: The company faces potential fines of $630,000 for alleged launch violations, leading to a heated exchange between SpaceX and the FAA.
  • Mars volcano discovery: Researchers found evidence of a 1000-mile wide magma plume under Olympus Mons, raising questions about potential volcanic activity on Mars.

    • Main Topic - Lunar Exploration and Artemis Program:

    • Dr. Pascal Lee's summer research at the Haughton-Mars Project Field Station: The team tested drilling equipment for future lunar missions and explored the use of drones for Mars helicopter simulations.
    • Critique of current Artemis program strategy: Dr. Lee argues that focusing on sortie missions to the South Pole is premature and potentially counterproductive.
    • Alternative base location proposal: Clavius Crater is suggested as a more suitable site for a lunar base, offering scientific value and better logistics.
    • Water extraction challenges: Dr. Lee discusses the complexities and uncertainties surrounding water ice extraction at the lunar South Pole.
    • Starship as a water delivery system: The potential for using SpaceX's Starship to deliver large quantities of clean water to the Moon is explored.
    • Importance of establishing a fixed base: Dr. Lee emphasizes the need for a stable infrastructure to support long-term lunar exploration and science.
    • Power concerns for lunar bases: The limitations of solar power are discussed, with nuclear power suggested as a more viable option for long-term operations.
    • International competition considerations: The episode touches on how other countries' lunar ambitions might influence NASA's plans.

      • Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

      Guest: Pascal Lee

      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

      Sponsors:

      • betterhelp.com/TWIS
      • veeam.com

        • ...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

        160 ratings

        More shows like This Week in Space (Audio)

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

        Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science

        1,353 Listeners

        SpaceTime with Stuart Gary by Stuart Gary

        SpaceTime with Stuart Gary

        321 Listeners

        Ask a Spaceman! by Paul M. Sutter

        Ask a Spaceman!

        836 Listeners

        This Week in Tech (Audio) by TWiT

        This Week in Tech (Audio)

        3,061 Listeners

        Security Now (Audio) by TWiT

        Security Now (Audio)

        2,009 Listeners

        MacBreak Weekly (Audio) by TWiT

        MacBreak Weekly (Audio)

        2,013 Listeners

        Astronomy Cast by Fraser Cain and Dr. Pamela Gay

        Astronomy Cast

        2,882 Listeners

        Universe Today Podcast by Fraser Cain

        Universe Today Podcast

        569 Listeners

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

        Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

        234 Listeners

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

        Houston We Have a Podcast

        1,247 Listeners

        Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe by iHeartPodcasts

        Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe

        2,359 Listeners

        The Supermassive Podcast by The Royal Astronomical Society

        The Supermassive Podcast

        329 Listeners

        NASA's Curious Universe by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

        NASA's Curious Universe

        888 Listeners

        Why This Universe? by Dan Hooper, Shalma Wegsman

        Why This Universe?

        381 Listeners

        Astrum Space by Astrum

        Astrum Space

        152 Listeners