This Week in Space (Audio) TWiS 180: NASA is Closed for Business - And Other Top Space Stories
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Oct 3, 2025 This week, the discussion kicks off with the chaos of NASA's shutdown and its impact on missions. The controversial dismantling of the space shuttle Discovery in Texas raises eyebrows. China's ambitions in retrieving Mars samples spark security concerns. Listeners learn about near-Venus asteroids that could pose hidden threats to Earth. Exciting close-up shots of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS captivate the audience, while the James Webb Telescope reveals fascinating weather patterns on a rogue exoplanet. It's a wild ride through the cosmos!
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Shutdown Severely Reduces NASA Operations
- The US government shutdown furloughed ~85% of NASA staff and halted many communications and approvals.
- Essential missions like Artemis support and ISS mission control remain active but with limited public outreach and commentary.
Controversy Over Cutting Shuttle Discovery
- Senators pushed to disassemble Space Shuttle Discovery for transport, despite Smithsonian objections.
- Smithsonian argues cutting Discovery would damage a preserved engineering artifact and increase costs beyond estimates.
China Could Target Perseverance Samples
- China may target Perseverance's sampling site rather than stealing sealed tubes, seeking nearby drill debris and exposed material.
- A Chinese return could be a geopolitical win and complicate questions about sample ownership under space law.