Loren Grush, a Bloomberg reporter and space news specialist, joins the hosts to unveil the 2024 Off-Nominees. They explore whimsical stories from the year, including quirky lunar missions and unexpected media crazes. The conversation dives into chaotic rocket launches and reflects on the influence of billionaires in space ventures. With a mix of humor and absurdity, they share nostalgic anecdotes and engage in playful debates about the quirks and challenges of space exploration, making it a delightful listen for space enthusiasts.

Tim Fernholz, a journalist and author focused on space policy, joins for a lively discussion. He breaks down the intriguing nomination of billionaire Jared Isaacman as NASA's administrator and explores how his corporate background could reshape the agency. The talk delves into the complex interplay between government and private space ventures, especially under the Biden administration. Finally, the conversation wraps up with a humorous look at the year's weirdest space stories, revealing the quirky side of space exploration.

Matt Gialich, Founder and CEO of AstroForge, dives into the exciting yet challenging world of asteroid mining. He discusses the innovative potential of extracting platinum and the humorous side of incorporating advertising in a space venture. The conversation also covers the technical hurdles of long-term missions and the ethical implications of space resources. Gialich emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks and the societal impact of this new industry, making for a captivating exploration of the future of space exploration.

Adrian Beil, a member of NASASpaceFlight.com, shares his spaceflight expertise as he chats about recent developments in SpaceX's Starship Flight 6. The conversation dives into spacecraft landing trajectories and the challenges of engine relights in zero gravity. They engage in humorous banter about space launches and the perplexing love for banana imagery. Beil also sheds light on the technical hurdles in Starship's development and teases future innovations like asteroid mining, promising more thought-provoking discussions ahead.

Join the hosts as they dive into the hilarious world of space nostalgia, focusing on the comedic moments of Apollo 12 and the chaotic Skylab missions. They explore quirky personal tales, creative brewing projects, and lighten the mood with whimsical space logistics comparisons. Speculative discussions also touch on alternate histories of space exploration and the absurdity of conspiracy theories surrounding Mars. With wit and charm, they reflect on the past while eagerly anticipating future missions!

In this lively discussion, Eric Berger, Senior Space Editor at Ars Technica and author of "Reentry," delves into the intersection of politics and space exploration. He offers insights on how the potential return of Trump might reshape space policy and Musk's growing political influence. The conversation touches on NASA's evolving relationship with private ventures and the challenges posed by competing satellite operators. With a mix of humor and keen analysis, Berger and his hosts navigate the complexities of future space missions and regulations.

Scott “Kidd” Poteet, a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and former Thunderbird pilot, shares thrilling insights from his mission as the pilot of Polaris Dawn. He delves into the emotional experience of spacewalks and breathtaking views of Earth, including magical moments like the Northern Lights. The discussion touches on the evolution of spacesuit technology, emphasizing collaboration for safety. Kidd also highlights the importance of inspiring future generations through educational outreach, blending humor with profound reflections on cosmic experiences.

Jake and Anthony are joined by Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, Former Associate Administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate and leader of ETH Zurich Space, to talk about some of the big stories in science at NASA—Mars Sample Return, cost growth in missions across the board, and more.Note: Dr. Z cited the Europa Clipper solar arrays at 100 yards across, as in one football field, but clarified via email that they are actually 100 feet. He is European, so the football field mix up is understandable. Go Birds.TopicsOff-Nominal - YouTubeEpisode 172 (with Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen) - YouTubeWe’re finally going to the Solar System’s most intriguing but unexplored frontier - Ars TechnicaNASA's James Webb Space Telescope has reached its final destination. Let's celebrate the team that got it there (op-ed) | SpaceAs Psyche Mission Moves Forward, NASA Responds to Independent Review | NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)Psyche review finds institutional problems at JPL - SpaceNewsBridenstine to Lead NASA Mars Sample Return Strategy Review – SpacePolicyOnline.comFollow ThomasThomas ZurbuchenThomas Zurbuchen (@Dr_ThomasZ) / XFollow Off-NominalSubscribe to the show! - Off-NominalSupport the show, join the DiscordOff-Nominal (@offnom) / TwitterOff-Nominal (@offnom@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow JakeWeMartians Podcast - Follow Humanity's Journey to MarsWeMartians Podcast (@We_Martians) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow AnthonyMain Engine Cut OffMain Engine Cut Off (@WeHaveMECO) | TwitterMain Engine Cut Off (@meco@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo) | TwitterAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo@jawns.club) - jawns.club 🐘Off-Nominal MerchandiseOff-Nominal Logo TeeWeMartians Shop | MECO Shop

Jack Beyer, Content Manager for NSF, joins the conversation to discuss the exhilarating recent SpaceX developments, including their impressive booster catch. They explore how massive rockets like Starship create unique visual illusions of speed, contrasting personal anecdotes with technical insights. The chat dives into the fascinating evolution of SpaceX’s Starbase, the joys of celestial sightings, and the increasing public interest in space exploration, all while sharing lighthearted banter over their favorite Texas drinks.

Jake and Anthony are joined by Casey Handmer, Founder of Terraform Industries, to talk about Mars Sample Return, and the general state of government projects, NASA, and so much more.TopicsOff-Nominal - YouTubeEpisode 170 - Luckily, We Did All the Math (with Casey Handmer) - YouTubeSLS is still a national disgrace – Casey Handmer's blogWhat is going on with Mars Sample Return? – Casey Handmer's blogNASA awards Rocket Lab study contract for Mars Sample Return - SpaceNewsFollow CaseyCasey HandmerCasey Handmer, PhD (@CJHandmer) / XTerraform IndustriesFollow Off-NominalSubscribe to the show! - Off-NominalSupport the show, join the DiscordOff-Nominal (@offnom) / TwitterOff-Nominal (@offnom@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow JakeWeMartians Podcast - Follow Humanity's Journey to MarsWeMartians Podcast (@We_Martians) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow AnthonyMain Engine Cut OffMain Engine Cut Off (@WeHaveMECO) | TwitterMain Engine Cut Off (@meco@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo) | TwitterAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo@jawns.club) - jawns.club 🐘Off-Nominal MerchandiseOff-Nominal Logo TeeWeMartians Shop | MECO Shop