This Week in Space (Audio)

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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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

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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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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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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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