This Week in Space (Audio)

Join Dr. Roger Launius, former NASA Chief Historian, as he explores the captivating history of NASA and spaceflight. He reveals how he got hooked on space and the essential role of a chief historian, preserving records in a digital age. Launius discusses whether we are entering a 'Second Space Age,' the evolution of public attitudes towards space, and the importance of documenting safety lessons from the past. Plus, he teases his upcoming book, 'NASA History in 100 Objects,' promising a unique perspective on space exploration.

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!

Dr. Robert Zubrin, a pioneering nuclear engineer and founder of the Mars Society, shares his passion for Mars exploration, sparked by early inspirations like Sputnik. He discusses the revolutionary Mars Direct mission architecture, its swift adoption by NASA, and contrasts purpose-driven planning with current inefficiencies. Zubrin highlights the need for bipartisan support for Mars, critiques planetary protection debates, and calls for strong defense of NASA's science budgets while envisioning innovative concepts for future missions.

In this festive roundup, the hosts reflect on the thrilling highs and lows of space exploration in 2025. They discuss the appointment of Jared Isaacman as NASA Administrator and what it might mean for the agency's future. The interstellar comet ATLAS captivates public imagination, while concerns rise over a Starlink satellite breakup. Exciting updates on the Artemis II mission and Perseverance's potential Mars biosignatures add to the year’s highlights. Plus, a remarkable new moon is discovered around Uranus!

Jeffrey Manber, a pioneering commercial-space entrepreneur and special representative at Voyager Technologies, shares his incredible journey in the world of space commerce. He discusses forming the Office of Space Commerce and his efforts in establishing U.S.–Soviet commercial space collaborations, including the leasing of the Mir space station. Manber also dives into the creation of Nanoracks and the innovative Bishop airlock, as well as his vision for Starlab, a sustainable private space station. His insights on the future of commercial space are both inspiring and thought-provoking.

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!