This Week in Space (Audio)

We've been waiting... and waiting... and waiting for Boeing's Starliner to fly. First selected in 2010, along with SpaceX's Crew Dragon, Starliner has been behind schedule for years. SpaceX got $2.6 billion for its six dragon flights, and Boeing received more at $4.3 billion, so you'd expect Boeing to be first to fly, right? Well, as of today, SpaceX has delivered crews to the International Space Station eight times, to Boeing's... zero. Delayed development, turbulence problems with the capsule on the Atlas launcher, stuck valves, flammable materials, and faulty parachute lines have all contributed to the delays. Boeing has flown two uncrewed missions—the first one a partial failure, with the second, funded by Boeing itself, flown to NASA's satisfaction. Now it's time to put a crew aboard. Will Boeing overcome their issues and deliver the goods? Join us.

Headlines:

• Voyager's Return: NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory confirms reestablishment of contact with Voyager 1 after five months of silence, overcoming communication challenges over vast interstellar distances.
• China's Shenzhou 18 and Tiangong Space Station: China successfully launches Shenzhou 18 to the Tiangong Space Station, which was recently hit by space debris, prompting China to revamp its space debris management strategies.
• International Partnerships for Lunar Research: China announces new international partnerships for its International Lunar Research Station, contrasting its progress with NASA's Artemis Accords.

Main Topic: Boeing Starliner's Upcoming Mission

• Starliner's Crewed Test Flight: A detailed discussion on Boeing's upcoming Starliner mission, highlighting the spacecraft's capabilities, the crew's preparations, and the significance of this test flight.
• Spacecraft and Mission Overview: Insights into the Starliner's design, the choice of Atlas V rockets for the launch, and the planned landing procedures in the southwestern United States.
• Crew Profiles: Focus on the astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, discussing their backgrounds, roles in the mission, and expectations for the test flight.
• Closing Thoughts: Rod and Tariq wrap up with final thoughts on the importance of the Starliner mission for Boeing and NASA, discussing potential outcomes and what they signify for the future of commercial spaceflight.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

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Unless you've been living under a big red Martian rock, you've likely heard that NASA's Mars Sample Return mission is in trouble. The robotic program has its roots in the 1960s, when NASA started thinking about sending robots to fetch Mars soil even before Mariner 4's first flyby of the planet. The Russians pondered it as well, as the Chinese and Japanese are today. The problem? It's really hard, with multiple spacecraft, possibly on different launches, rendezvousing around the Red Planet to accomplish. And then there are the concerns about the safety of returning possible pathogens to Earth (that said, I could use an extra tentacle). But the showstopper, as usual, is cost—and NASA's not happy. We invited the original Space Ace reporter, Leonard David, to join the discussion.

Headlines:

• NASA gives green light to Dragonfly, a nuclear-powered helicopter mission to Saturn's moon Titan, set to launch in 2028 and arrive in 2034
• New images from the Perseverance rover reveal the crash site of the Ingenuity helicopter on Mars, showing scattered debris and broken rotor blades
• NASA continues to study the Orion spacecraft's heat shield, which experienced more erosion than expected during the Artemis 1 mission, raising concerns for future crewed missions

Main Topic: Mars Sample Return Mission

• Leonard David expresses frustration with NASA's recent announcement of significant cost increases and delays for the Mars Sample Return mission
• NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated that the current estimated cost of $11 billion is too high and called for innovative ideas from industry and academia to reduce costs and accelerate the timeline
• They discuss the scientific importance of returning Martian samples to Earth but question whether the current approach is the most effective way to search for life on Mars
• Leonard suggests that advancements in miniaturized instruments could allow for more comprehensive life detection experiments directly on the Martian surface, reducing the need for sample return
• The conversation touches on the potential for international collaboration and competition in Mars exploration, with China, Japan, and Russia planning their own missions
• Rod highlights the critical role of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Mars exploration and expresses concern about the potential loss of expertise if the MSR mission is scaled back or cancelled
• The TWiS crew concludes by emphasizing the need for a clear, sustainable strategy for Mars exploration that balances scientific objectives, technological capabilities, and budgetary realities

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Leonard David

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Eclipse Wrap-Up & More Favorite Space Places

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

For full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/106

Unless you've been living under a rock or in Barstow, you probably know all about the solar eclipse on Monday. Rod will be going to Austin, likely to be staring at ever-darkening clouds, and Tariq will be headed to the eclipse path in the Northeast. Where will you be? On today's episode, we're talking to astronomer and meteorologist Joe Rao about the solar eclipse of 2024--what is it, where the moon's shadow cross Earth, how can you maximize what you see (or don't see), and how to view partial phases safely. This last bit is important, and we're going to give you an earful about "solar safety"--the effects of improper viewing can be catastrophic. And, of course, Rod's bringing a terrible eclipse-oriented space joke! Join us.

Headlines:

• Chinese Space Debris Sighting: China's Shenzhou-15 crew capsule's orbital module made an uncontrolled reentry, lighting up the skies over California without prior warning.
• Space Junk Hits a Florida Home: A story of a mysterious cylinder, believed to be part of a NASA battery pallet jettisoned from the ISS, crashing through a Florida man's home, illustrating the unpredictable nature of space debris re-entry.
  

Main Topic: The Solar Eclipse of 2024

• Introduction to Joe Rao: Introduction of Joe Rao, his background, and his excitement for the upcoming eclipse, his 14th total solar eclipse viewing.
• Eclipse Overview: Joe provides an in-depth look at the upcoming solar eclipse, discussing its path across North America, from Mexico through the United States to Canada, and highlighting its significance compared to past eclipses.
• Viewing Tips: Discussion on safe viewing practices, including the importance of using certified eclipse glasses and other methods to safely observe the eclipse without damaging one's eyes.
• Weather Considerations: Joe offers advice on how to choose the best viewing locations based on weather patterns and suggests resources for last-minute location adjustments to avoid cloud cover.
• Personal Stories and Plans: Tariq shares his plans to view the eclipse with his family, emphasizing the personal significance and communal aspect of experiencing such a rare event.
• Final Thoughts and Advice: The episode wraps up with Joe stressing the unparalleled experience of witnessing a total solar eclipse firsthand, urging listeners not to miss the opportunity to be in the path of totality.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Joe Rao

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Ecuador's Space Ambitions With Robert Aillon

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Robert Aillon

For full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/104

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• zscaler.com/zerotrustAI
• joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT

Last week's test flight of SpaceX's Starship--its third so far--was a mixed bag. The successful launch, ascent, staging, and testing of propellant transfer and the cargo bay door were all brilliant, yet both vehicles were destroyed before completing their planned trajectories, and the upper stage didn't make it into orbit (though it did reach "orbital velocity," according to Elon). So what's the real story on this test flight? When will the next one be? How close is SpaceX to routine launches of Starship, and when might it be ready to land NASA astronauts on the moon? And finally--an interstellar Starship, really Elon? Space.com ace reporter Mike Wall--that's Dr. Mike Wall to you--joins us with the details.

Headlines:

• Soyuz Rocket Pad Abort: A rare occurrence where a Soyuz rocket's launch to the ISS was aborted due to a power issue, highlighting the reliability and challenges of space launches.
• Boeing Starliner's Crew Test: An update on Boeing's Starliner, poised for its first crewed test flight, marking a significant milestone in commercial spaceflight.
• Chandra Space Telescope Funding Cuts: Discussion on budgetary decisions impacting the Chandra X-ray Observatory, reflecting on the challenges of sustaining long-term space science missions.

Main Topic - SpaceX's Starship Developments:

• Starship's Third Test Flight: Starship's third fully stacked test flight on March 14th was the most successful to date, achieving significant milestones but still facing challenges with stage separation and atmospheric reentry.
• Technical Challenges and Innovations: Discussions on Starship's design choices, such as its stainless steel construction and the choice of methane as fuel, showcasing the innovative approaches to overcoming space travel challenges.
• NASA's Artemis Program and Starship: NASA's reliance on Starship for future lunar landings underlines the spacecraft's importance in returning humans to the Moon and potentially beyond.
• The Business Case for Mars: Speculation on how SpaceX plans to finance its Mars colonization ambitions, including the role of commercial and military contracts, point-to-point Earth transportation, and the potential market for Mars travel.
• Potential for Interstellar Travel: Elon Musk's ambitious vision for Starship's future, including interstellar missions, underscores the long-term goals of SpaceX's space exploration efforts.

Get Mike's book "Out There": https://amzn.to/3PBrQlY

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Mike Wall

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

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Sponsors:

• zscaler.com/zerotrustAI
• wix.com/studio

Thought you knew all about Mars? Think again. Despite thousands of people poring through thousands of images from a flock of Mars orbiters over the decades, Dr. Pascal Lee and his associates found intriguing features in a region of complex terrain between Mars' Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system, and the western extent of Valles Marineris, the largest canyon. First, he spotted a relict glacier, covered with volcanic ash, and in a single day, realized he'd found a recently active volcano not previously identified--and how was this missed? Pascal will fill us in on the gritty details. This exciting discovery has wide-ranging implications, including the possibility of finding life nearby. Join us for this first-anywhere media reveal of the newest major feature on the Red Planet!

Headline: SpaceX's Starship Test Flight

• SpaceX conducted its third test flight of the Starship and Super Heavy launch system, successfully reaching orbital speed but losing both vehicles during re-entry
• The Starship reached orbital velocity and performed several test objectives, including a Starlink satellite dispenser demonstration and in-vehicle propellant transfer
• The test flight, while not perfect, represents a significant step forward for SpaceX's Mars ambitions, though there is still a long way to go before Starship is ready for crewed missions

Main Topic: Dr. Pascal Lee's Discovery of a Giant Volcano on Mars

• Dr. Lee and his team discovered a previously unknown volcano on Mars, measuring 450 km (280 miles) in diameter and rising 9,000 meters above the surrounding terrain
• The volcano, located in the Noctis Labyrinthus region near Valles Marineris, has been hiding in plain sight since the Mariner 9 mission in 1971
• The discovery was made while studying a nearby glacier, which is likely related to the volcanic activity in the area
• The volcano's heavily eroded state suggests a long history of activity, with evidence of recent eruptions and the potential for ongoing activity
• The presence of a glacier and potential for residual heat make this site a compelling target in the search for extant life on Mars
• Dr. Lee proposes this location as an ideal site for future human exploration, offering access to both ancient and potentially modern life on Mars
• The discovery highlights the importance of volcanic regions on Mars for understanding the planet's geological history and potential for harboring life
• Dr. Lee and his team have submitted the name "Noctis Mons" for the newly discovered volcano, pending approval from the International Astronomical Union (IAU)

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Pascal Lee

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Russia is building a secret nuclear-powered space weapon, but what does that mean for the rest of us? In this episode, Tariq Malik is joined by Space.com's Brett Tingley to discuss the recent reports and delve into the history of nuclear weapons and reactors in space, the existing international treaties governing weapons of mass destruction in orbit, and the growing militarization of space by Russia, China, and the United States. Malik and Tingley also cover the week's top headlines, including SpaceX's upcoming Starship orbital launch attempt and NASA's continuing struggles to revive the Voyager 1 spacecraft.

Headlines:

• SpaceX sets March 14th as tentative date for Starship's third test flight, pending final launch license approval from the FAA
• NASA's Voyager 1 probe, launched in 1977 and now in interstellar space, continues to experience significant computer glitches that mission controllers are struggling to diagnose
• The next Great North American Solar Eclipse is just one month away, with the path of totality crossing from Mexico through the central and northeastern US on April 8th

Main Topic: Potential Russian Nuclear Space Weapons

• Recent reports from US officials suggest Russia may be developing a new nuclear-powered anti-satellite weapon or electronic warfare platform
• The weapon likely wouldn't pose an immediate threat, but highlights the growing militarization of space and potential for a new arms race
• Nuclear power has long been used in space, from radioisotope thermoelectric generators on probes like Voyager to plans for nuclear propulsion
• The 1967 Outer Space Treaty bans placing WMDs in orbit, but has some gray areas and lacks robust enforcement mechanisms
• The US, Russia, and China have all demonstrated anti-satellite capabilities in recent years, from missiles to lasers to mini-satellites with robotic arms
• There are also growing concerns over military interest in cislunar space and the Moon as another "high ground" to be contested
• While there are more pressing threats than space-based nuclear weapons, the situation reflects deteriorating international relations and the need for updated treaties

Host: Tariq Malik

Guest: Brett Tingley

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It's safe to say we all would love a chance to fly to space, but there's wanting to reach space and then ACTUALLY launching into space. This week, as we hit Episode 100, we welcome back Dr. Alan Stern of the Southwest Research Institute to tell us exactly what it's like to fly on a private spaceplane. Alan, a planetary scientist and principal investigator of NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto and beyond, launched on a suborbital spaceflight in November 2023 on Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity space plane. He'll dish on what that experience is like, what it promises for future space science, and more. We also discussed Intuitive Machines' private Odysseus moon lander's farewell, a new air leak on the International Space Station, and when SpaceX may launch its Crew-8 mission to the ISS.

Headlines:

• Odysseus Moon Lander Incident: Intuitive Machines' lander successfully touched down on the moon but tipped over and broke a leg upon landing. Despite this mishap, the mission achieved many firsts and exceeded expectations.
• International Space Station (ISS) Air Leak: An update on a minor but increasing air leak in the Russian segment of the ISS, detailing efforts to pinpoint and fix the leak to ensure crew safety.
• SpaceX Crew-8 Mission Delays: Overview of the delayed SpaceX Crew-8 mission to the ISS, due to weather concerns and scheduling conflicts with the Odysseus moon lander launch.

Main Topic: Dr. Alan Stern's Virgin Galactic Flight

• Dr. Alan Stern's Background: Stern recounts his lifelong passion for space exploration, his involvement in over 30 NASA and European Space Agency missions, and his recent suborbital spaceflight with Virgin Galactic.
• The Experience of Spaceflight: Stern describes the flight as the best workday ever, detailing the rocket's ascent, time in microgravity, and the camaraderie among the crew. He also mentions successfully completing all nine objectives of the flight.
• Future of Commercial Spaceflight: Discussion on the potential of commercial spaceflight to transform space science by making suborbital and orbital missions more accessible and affordable. Stern emphasizes the importance of human-led experiments in space and predicts a future where booking a spaceflight could be as common as booking an airline ticket.
• Risk and Reward of Space Travel: Stern shares his perspective on the risks associated with space travel, comparing it to the early days of aviation and expressing optimism for the future safety and normalization of space exploration.
• New Horizons Update: Alan talks on the New Horizons extended mission to study Kuiper Belt objects through 2028/2029. The Kuiper Belt structure itself continues to reveal its vast scale.

Host: Tariq Malik

Guest: Alan Stern

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What a year it's been so far! This week, Tariq and Rod look at some of the top headlines for 2024. So far, we've had a partially successful private lunar landing--the first for the United States since 1972--massive satellites hurtling out of orbit, more news on SpaceX's upcoming Starship activity, what's up with Blue Origin and New Glenn, the weirdest quasar story ever, and there's gold in them stars, says the James Webb Space Telescope. And we're just getting 2024 started! Join us for our deep dive into the headlines.

• The top story is the successful landing of the Odysseus lunar lander by Intuitive Machines on the moon's south pole, the first private spacecraft to do so. They discuss the mission's payloads, the last-minute fix using NASA's navigation system when their own failed, and the implications for future lunar operations.
• They cover the uncontrolled reentry of the defunct European ERS-2 satellite over the Pacific Ocean and how dealing with space junk has evolved.
• Varda Space Industries made history by successfully landing their private space capsule via parachute after seven months in orbit, a first and step towards autonomous in-space manufacturing.
• Exciting updates on SpaceX's Starship development - they may launch up to 9 missions in 2024 and are expanding infrastructure, targeting early to mid-March for the third launch of Starship.
• Blue Origin rolled out their New Glenn rocket to the pad for fit checks, inching towards a test flight this year.
• The farthest quasar yet has been discovered, called J0529-4351, with a brightness of 500 trillion Suns and a massive disk 7 light years wide. Showcases improving AI analysis of astronomical data.
• Using James Webb, astronomers directly observed heavy elements like gold being created for the first time in merging neutron stars. Proves long-standing theories on cosmic origins of heavy metals.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

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