This Week in Space (Audio) TWiS 192: Space, 2026! - What's Coming in Spaceflight This Year
10 snips
Jan 9, 2026 2026 is shaping up to be a thrilling year for space exploration! Artemis II is on track for a historic lunar mission launch as early as February. Meanwhile, a medical evacuation from the ISS raises concerns but won't impact Artemis. Congress is backing NASA's budget, preserving vital projects, although the Mars Sample Return might face cancellation. China boosts its lunar ambitions, while SpaceX gears up for significant Starship tests. Exciting advancements from Boeing and upcoming missions from various companies promise a vibrant year ahead!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Unprecedented ISS Medical Evacuation
- Rod and Tariq describe a rare ISS medical evacuation and withheld details for privacy and safety.
- Jared Isaacman led NASA's first major press briefing on the incident, calming public concern.
Artemis II Still Aiming For February
- Artemis II remains on track for a February launch pending pad rollout and pad tests according to NASA and media reporting.
- Isaacman said they'll confirm timing once the SLS and Orion are fully assembled and checked at the pad.
Orion Heat Shield Concerns And Fix
- The Orion heat shield has shown cracking and gouging across past tests and Artemis 1 reentry exacerbated the issue.
- Engineers propose a shallower reentry to reduce peak heating and limit further ablation damage.
