This Week in Space (Audio)

TWiS 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 know 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 [https://twit.tv/people/rod-pyle] and Tariq Malik [https://twit.tv/people/tariq-malik] Guest: Dr. Namrata Goswami [https://www.linkedin.com/in/namratagoswami/] Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space [https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space]. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit [https://twit.tv/clubtwit]

TWiS 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 [https://twit.tv/people/rod-pyle] and Tariq Malik [https://twit.tv/people/tariq-malik] Guest: Mike Wall [https://twitter.com/michaeldwall] Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space [https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space]. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit [https://twit.tv/clubtwit] Sponsor: * outsystems.com/twit [http://outsystems.com/twit]

TWiS 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 [https://twit.tv/people/rod-pyle] and Tariq Malik [https://twit.tv/people/tariq-malik] Guest: Jay Gallentine [https://www.amazon.com/Born-Explore-Casanis-Outward-Spaceflight/dp/1496206657] Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space [https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space]. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit [https://twit.tv/clubtwit] Sponsors: * threatlocker.com/twit [http://threatlocker.com/twit] * Melissa.com/twit [http://Melissa.com/twit]

TWiS 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 [https://twit.tv/people/rod-pyle] and Tariq Malik [https://twit.tv/people/tariq-malik] Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space [https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space]. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit [https://twit.tv/clubtwit] Sponsor: * helixsleep.com/space [http://helixsleep.com/space]

TWiS 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 twis@twit.tv [twis@twit.tv] for Rod and Tariq to answer them! Hosts: Rod Pyle [https://twit.tv/people/rod-pyle] and Tariq Malik [https://twit.tv/people/tariq-malik] Guest: Pascal Lee [http://www.pascallee.net/] Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space [https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space]. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit [https://twit.tv/clubtwit]