This Week in Space (Audio)

Jared Isaacman, the billionaire entrepreneur, philanthropist, and private astronaut, took on Capitol Hill this week in his second confirmation hearing as President Trump's pick for NASA's next leader. Here's what it could mean, plus: A Russian cosmonaut got kicked off a SpaceX flight for allegedly trying to steal spacecraft secrets, China's 1st reusable rocket Zhuque-3 reached orbit, but crashed and burned (and exploded) during landing, and Russia accidentally wrecked the only launch pad it has for astronauts with Thanksgiving's new ISS crew launch. Headlines: Russian Cosmonaut Pulled from SpaceX Crew 12 Mission over Alleged Incident at SpaceX HQ Russian Soyuz Launch Pad Damaged After Thanksgiving Crew Mission, Threatening Future Flights China's Land Space Rocket Nearly Sticks First Reusable Launch and Landing—Explodes on Return Scientists Find Time Passes Faster on Mars Than Earth, Thanks to Relativity Main Topic: Jared Isaacman's Bid to Become NASA Administrator Isaacman Returns for Second Senate Confirmation Hearing After Trump Re-Nominates Him Controversy Over SpaceX Ties, Conflict of Interest, and Elon Musk's Influence Bipartisan Support from Astronauts, Industry, and Lawmakers Highlights Isaacman's Appeal Project Athena Leaked: Isaacman's Vision for NASA and Debate on Earth Science Outsourcing Congressional Drama Over Artemis Funding, Gateway, and the US-China Race to the Moon Questions Around Space Shuttle Discovery's Possible Move to Houston Anticipation Builds for Senate Vote and NASA's Need for Stable Leadership Ahead of Artemis 2 Host: Tariq Malik Guest: Mike Wall Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Glen Swanson, former chief historian at Johnson Space Center and author of Inspired Enterprise, dives into the fascinating connections between Star Trek and real-world aerospace. He discusses Gene Roddenberry's inspirations—from his Texas roots to his time with the Air Force and LAPD. Swanson reveals NASA's pivotal role in shaping the series and the influence of the aerospace industry. He also shares insights on how AMT's model kits stoked fan passion and the political saga behind the Smithsonian's Enterprise model. Prepare for a journey through time and space!

Dr. Jim Green, former NASA Chief Scientist and expert in lunar evolution, joins the discussion on the Moon's surprising potential for having snow billions of years ago due to a dense primordial atmosphere. He delves into the interplay between the Earth and Moon's magnetic fields and the implications for early lunar conditions. The chat also covers the importance of NASA's VIPER rover in analyzing polar ices, the fascinating evidence of lunar outgassing, and how ancient lunar weather could have shaped the surface we see today.

Josh Dinner, an investigative reporter at Space.com, dives into the turmoil at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, highlighting alarming budget cuts and staff furloughs. He reveals the deteriorating state of crucial climate science programs and the accusations against NASA's leadership for illegal preemptive measures. The discussion touches on implications for missions like Hubble and the loss of institutional knowledge. Dinner emphasizes the importance of public advocacy and the potential ramifications of congressional budget decisions on NASA's future.

Explore the terrifying side of the cosmos as the hosts dissect both classic and cringe-worthy space horror movies. From the chilling 1950s films like 'The Thing from Another World' to modern scares in 'Event Horizon' and 'Apollo 18,' they rate the best and worst in space-based fright. Discover how iconic themes from 'War of the Worlds' resonate with today's fears, and marvel at the real-life terror of the Apollo 13 mission. Plus, lighthearted mentions of B-movies make for a fun, spooky ride!

Mike Wall, a senior space reporter at Space.com, brings his expertise to discuss NASA's reopened contract for the Artemis III lunar lander. He dives into Elon Musk's provocative responses and details the technical challenges facing SpaceX's Starship. The conversation highlights the urgency spurred by China's lunar ambitions and the geopolitical pressures affecting U.S. milestones. Wall also touches on how a potential government shutdown could impact the Artemis program and warns against assuming smooth progress in future missions.

Join former NASA astronaut Terry Hart, an aerospace pioneer and educator, as he recounts his incredible journey from Air Force pilot to the first shuttle rendezvous with the Solar Max satellite. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from filming the IMAX feature 'The Dream is Alive', discusses the evolution of on-orbit servicing, and reflects on the safety culture in human spaceflight. He also talks about the exciting new aerospace program at Lehigh University, his thoughts on NASA's shift toward commercial space, and the potential future of missions with Orion.

In this conversation with Alma Okpalefe, the Executive Director of the World Space Week Association, listeners learn about the vibrant global celebration of space established by the UN. Alma shares her inspiring journey from legal counsel in Nigeria's satellite programs to leading initiatives that promote accessibility and inclusion in the space sector. The theme for 2025, 'Living in Space,' resonates widely, as she discusses various educational outreach activities and the importance of inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts.

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!

Josh Dinner, a Space.com reporter, shares insights from the Artemis II press events and the unveiling of NASA's new astronaut class. He discusses the crew's diverse backgrounds and their upcoming mission to loop the Moon in 2026. Get a behind-the-scenes look at Artemis II's mission profile, the unique free return trajectory, and the challenges of engaging a modern audience. Josh also reflects on the new astronaut candidates, including Lauren Edgar, and the broader implications of these missions in today's society.