This Week in Space (Audio)

TWiS 218: Which Way to the Moonbase? - With Dr. Pascal Lee

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:30:00 PDT

We've been hearing a lot about NASA's new moonbase plans, and they are ambitious. Starting with Artemis V (so far), the US plans to begin preparations for a permanent base situated in the south polar regions of the moon. Details are somewhat fluid, but one thing stands out: the poles are likely to be the most challenging places to set up shop in an already hostile environment. Planetary scientist Dr. Pascal Lee joins us to discuss moonbase siting options and why the poles may not be the best choice at first.

Headlines:

China Demonstrates Impressive Rocket Landing and Catch Mechanism
New Horizons Probe Awakens to Transmit Deep Space Data
Wally Funk, Last of the "Mercury 13," Passes Away
West Coast Rocket Launch Alert: SpaceX Falcon 9 Visual Spectacle

Main Topic: Moon Base Strategy and Location Debate

History and Evolution of U.S. Moon Base Plans
NASA's New Multi-Phase Moon Base Timeline and Missions
Strategic and Logistical Challenges of South Pole Moon Bases
Arguments for a Centralized, Benign Location for Moon Infrastructure
Commercial and International Partnership Models for Lunar Operations
Role of Robotics and AI in Moon Exploration and Prospecting
Lessons from Antarctic Base Logistics Applied to the Moon
Potential for Tourism and Commercial Development on the Lunar Surface

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Pascal Lee

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TWiS 217: America in Space - 250 Years of Bold Firsts & Our Favorite Missions!

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:45:00 PDT

Since 1958, the United States has been part of the spaceflight adventure, and since the mid-1960s has led in just about any category that counts. In this episode, we discuss the progression of American space efforts, review which flights launched or landed on July 4, and relive some of our very favorite US space missions of all time!

"Headlines:
• NASA's Swift Boost Mission Aims to Rescue Swift Space Telescope
• Astronomer Avi Loeb Tapped to Chair White House UAP Panel
• Celebrating 30 Years of the Film Independence Day

Main Topic: 250 Years of America in Space
• American Flags Across the Solar System
• Origins of the Space Age: Operation Paperclip and the V2 Legacy
• Explorer 1 and Early U.S. Satellite Achievements
• Mariner and Viking Missions: Mars Exploration Milestones
• Key American Firsts in Human Spaceflight
• Apollo Landings and Moonwalk Milestones
• Skylab and Its Legacy as America's First Space Station
• The Rise of Reusable Rockets: Space Shuttle, Blue Origin, and SpaceX
• Private Spaceflight and Tourism: From Dennis Tito to Jared Isaacman
• Curiosity, Pathfinder, and Other Mars Rovers as Iconic U.S. Achievements
• Reflections on Favorite Missions and the Future of U.S. Space Leadership"

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

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TWiS 216: Dark Matter Intelligence - With Physicist Dr. Daniel Whiteson

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:00:00 PDT

We've had endless conversations about aliens and first contact--but what if a conversation with other intelligences is beyond our scope? Dr. Daniel Whiteson, particle physicist at CERN's Large Hadron Collider and professor at UC Irvine, joins us to explore less conventional thoughts on first contact. We look at the challenges of communicating with extraterrestrial intelligences, potential difficulties of communicating via non-terrestrial mathematics and physics, and the possibility that extraterrestrials might actually be terrestrial... but existing as denizens of the dark energy universe. One might be sitting in your lap right now! Join us for the far-ranging discussion.

Headlines:

Boeing's Troubled Starliner Spacecraft Faces Further Setbacks and Delays
NASA Perseverance Rover Finds Promising Clues of Ancient Life on Mars
NASA Space Telescope Faces Fiery Descent, Mission Planned to Save It

Main Topic: Dark Matter, Particle Physics, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

UC Irvine's Dr. Daniel Whiteson Discusses Path into Space Science and Particle Physics
Exploring Nontraditional Signals for Alien Communication Beyond Radio Waves
The Mystery of Ultra-High Energy Particles and Speculation on Artificial Cosmic Rays
Challenges of Detecting, Interpreting, and Interacting with Alien Intelligence
Implications of Dark Matter for Hidden Civilizations and Parallel Existence
Complexities in Communicating with Truly Alien Life and Human-Centric Scientific Assumptions

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Daniel Whiteson

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TWiS 215: Disclosure Day - With Dr. David Brin

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 15:00:00 PDT

If you've seen "Disclosure Day" or "Age of Disclosure," you're going to want to join us for this fascinating discussion with famed bestselling sci-fi/sci-fact author Dr. David Brin. Long known for his universe-spanning visions, storytelling skills, and occasionally contrarian viewpoints, this episode will not disappoint! Our discussion ranged from reactions to Spielberg's "Disclosure Day" to why people believe in AI and more. This week's guest co-host is ace science journalist Susan Karlin.

Headlines:

Spielberg's "Disclosure Day" Premieres to Mixed Reviews
Alien Lore and the Evolution of Sci-Fi Tropes
Comparing Modern and Classic Alien Invasion Films
NASA's NIAC Program and Cutting-Edge Space Concepts
UFO Conspiracies and Cultural Obsessions

Main Topic: Spielberg's "Disclosure Day" and the Alien Narrative

Film critiques: Plot, character arcs, and visual effects
Overused tropes in government conspiracy stories
Modern alien movies compared to classics like Independence Day and Close Encounters
Recurring alien mythologies and sci-fi's role in cultural reflection
Exploration of why UFO conspiracy theories persist
Insights from David Brin on skepticism, evidence, and hidden truths
Connections drawn between UFO lore and folklore about elves and fairies
Examination of AI's parallels to alien encounters, danger, and self-accountability

Host: Rod Pyle

Co-Host: Susan Karlin

Guest: Dr. David Brin

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TWiS 214: Moon Man - With Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:30:00 PDT

There are NASA Administrators, and then there are NASA Administrators—all are very accomplished individuals, but some stand out for their unique backgrounds and on-the-job successes, and Jim Bridenstine is one of the latter. Entering service as the new NASA Administrator in 2017 with a background as a Navy pilot, Congressman, and museum director, he was an unconventional choice, and faced some headwinds in the appointment—but Jim turned out to be exceptional in the job, especially given the state of NASA when he took it on. Join us to hear his experiences with our favorite space agency and what he's doing today.

Headlines:

SpaceX Shatters Records with Largest IPO Ever
NASA Faces Backlash Over Artemis 3 Diversity
Scientists Propose Magnetosphere Shield Against Solar Storms

Main Topic: Jim Bridenstine & Quantum Space

Jim Bridenstine's Unconventional Path to NASA Leadership
Overcoming Political Challenges as NASA Administrator
Launch and Evolution of the Artemis Moon Program
Securing Bipartisan Support and Budget for Artemis
Reflections on Artemis 2 Success and Artemis 3's Challenges
The Need for a Robust Lunar Lander Solution
NASA's Global Influence and Soft Power
The Role of Private Investment in Space Exploration
Bridenstine's Leadership at Quantum Space
Quantum Space's Ranger Spacecraft and Military Space Tech
National Security and Distributed Satellite Architectures
Small Satellites and Future Space Warfare
Quantum Space's Move to Go Public via SPAC
Vision for Moon Bases and Lunar Resource Utilization
Geopolitics of the New Moon Race and First Mover Advantage
Quantum Space's Ambitions in Cislunar and Lunar Operations

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Jim Bridenstine

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TWiS 213: Live From ISDC With Gerry Griffin - NASA Flight Director Breaks Down the Realities of Spaceflight

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 16:15:00 PDT

Recorded live from the International Space Development Conference in McLean, Virginia, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik are joined by Apollo legend and former Johnson Space Center director Gerry Griffin. Griffin takes us on a journey through his extraordinary career, from his appointment as a flight director in the wake of the Apollo 1 fire, through the audacious decision to send Apollo 8 around the moon, all the way to the nail-biting rescue of Apollo 13. We also venture behind the scenes of Ron Howard's Apollo 13 film, where Griffin reveals the real story behind some of Hollywood's most famous dramatic liberties. It's a rare, firsthand account of the golden age of human spaceflight — from one of the few people who was there for all of it.

Headlines:

Space Station Faces Recurring Air Leak Crisis

Main Topic: Jerry Griffin's Legacy in Space Exploration

Transition from Fighter Pilot to Mission Control
Gemini and Apollo Era Engineering Breakthroughs
The Apollo 1 Fire: Lessons and Safety Changes
Fast-Tracking from Apollo 7 to Apollo 8 Lunar Orbit
Insights From the Apollo 11 Moon Landing
Apollo 13 Crisis Management Onscreen and in Reality
The Evolution and Importance of Mission Control Teams
Reflections on NASA's Culture and Training Through Decades
Preparing Future Generations for Artemis and Beyond

(Note: Apologies for the video flickering that occurs in the podcast.)

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Gerry Griffin

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TWiS 212: Kabooms, Starship, and a Moon Base - What New Glenn's Explosion Means for NASA's Moon Base

Fri, 29 May 2026 16:00:00 PDT

What a wild week in space news! We were all set to discuss Starship Test Flight 12 and NASA's recent press conference updating their lunar base plans, when on Thursday night, Blue Origin lost a New Glenn rocket on the pad during a static test. The explosion appears to have severely damaged the launch structure, LC36, along with the loss of the rocket. Fortunately, there were no casualties. But this does throw NASA's schedule for returning American astronauts to the moon into question, given that the agency had recently signaled their choice of Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander for Artemis 4 in 2028. It's now a toss-up between the US and China, with the competition hotter--and closer--than ever. And of course, we'll still discuss Starship and the latest lunar base plans! Space.com's Mike Wall joins us.

Headlines:
• Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Explodes During Static Fire Test
• Manhattanhenge Aligns City Streets with the Sunset

Main Topic: NASA's Artemis Moon Base and Lunar Exploration Plans
• SpaceX Starship Flight 12 Performance and Booster Mishap Investigation
• Starship's Role in Artemis and Competitive Moon Race with China
• Moon Base Contract Awards: Landers, Rovers, and Robotics
• National Security and Legal Implications of Lunar "Territory"
• China's Push for a 2030 Lunar Landing and US Response Strategy

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Mike Wall

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TWiS 211: Oysters in Space - With Jacob Scoccimerra of Monolith Space

Fri, 22 May 2026 14:30:00 PDT

When one ponders the diet of Mars-bound astonauts, oysters don't often come to mind... but they should. As it turns out, the plucky bivalves have much to offer space voyagers, including water filtration and a ready source of protein. Jacob Scoccimerra, formerly of Nanoracks and now with Monolith Space, initiated a research project with students from the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, to design, build, and operate a closed-circuit, automated support environment for oysters in a simulated space analog. It's a fascinating discussion that may leave you hungry.

Headlines:

SpaceX IPO Filing Reveals Company Finances
NASA Opens JPL Operations to New Bidders, Eyes Management Shakeup
Viral Cardboard Star Wars Fan Film Gets a Nod
SpaceX Announces Crypto Billionaire's Planned Mars Flyby on Starship

Main Topic: Oysters in Space – Bioregenerative Life Support and Student Research

Jacob Discusses Monolith Space and Roots in Chemical Engineering
Origins and Environmental Role of Oysters in Water Filtration
Applying Aquatic Organisms to Space-Based Life Support Systems
Harrisburg University Student Collaboration and Prototype Development
Technical and Biological Challenges of Running Aquatic Habitats in Space
Educational Outcomes and Cross-Disciplinary Engineering Experience
Potential Earth Applications and Insights for Aquaculture Industry
Broader Prospects for Bioregenerative Systems in Space (e.g., other aquatic species, food sustainability)

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Jacob Scoccimerra

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TWiS 210: ESCAPADES at Mars - Dr. Robert Lillis of the Mars ESCAPADE Mission

Fri, 15 May 2026 15:00:00 PDT

Poor Mars. After a warm, wet childhood, the planet dried out and became cold and arid. And why? Mostly because it lost most of its atmosphere, scraped away by solar radiation. NASA's Maven mission studied the phenomenon of atmospheric loss for years, but has now gone silent. Enter Mars ESCAPADE—the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers—twin orbiters that will study the loss of Martian atmosphere more closely than ever before. The mission has been executed at a budget price. was largely built by industry upstart Rocket Lab, and launched on a New Glenn rocket. It will arrive at Mars in 2028, but we're giving you an early look at why it's an important and, frankly, very cool mission.

Headlines:

SpaceX Unveils Starship V3 Launch Plans
NASA Details Artemis 3 Earth Orbit Mission Updates
Psyche Probe Performs Mars Gravity Assist for Asteroid Mission

Main Topic: ESCAPADE Mars Mission—Twin Satellites to Study Atmospheric Loss

Introducing ESCAPADE: Twin Orbiters for Studying Mars' Upper Atmosphere
Explaining Why Mars Loses Its Atmosphere and Comparative Planetology
Stereo Measurements: Scientific Advantages of Two Orbiters Over One
How ESCAPADE's Orbits and Science Campaigns Are Structured
Rocket Lab and Commercial Partnerships Expand Mission Flexibility
Unique Launch Timing and Innovations in Trajectory Planning
Early Data from ESCAPADE's Mission and Earth's Magnetotail
Onboard Cameras to Capture Mars Auroras and Possibly Earth-Moon Portraits
Extended Mission Possibilities and Future Science Goals
The Role of Space Weather and Mars' Magnetic Field in Atmospheric Loss
Implications for Future Mars Missions, Technology, and Human Exploration

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Robert Lillis

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TWiS 209: Astronauts for America - The Best of the Best Speak Out

Fri, 08 May 2026 15:30:00 PDT

Many of us grew up idolizing astronauts as the best of the best that America—and other nations—have to offer. After leaving NASA, many of them go on to relatively routine careers in business or academia, but some stay "on mission" and continue striving to improve the human condition. The 100-plus astronauts behind Astronauts for America, led by Garrett Reisman and Steve Lindsey—a Democrat and Republican—have decided to speak out about their concerns for our democracy. As the nonprofit's website says, "Astronauts For America is a nonpartisan organization of former NASA astronauts who have sworn to defend the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to science, evidence-based decision-making, public service, and the rule of law." Reisman and Lindsey join us for this important episode.

Headlines:

Pentagon Releases Official UFO Files Online
James Webb Space Telescope Directly Observes Nearby 'Super Earth'
Curiosity Rover's Wheels Show Severe Wear on Mars
Curiosity Rover Gets Its Robotic Arm Stuck on a Martian Rock

Main Topic: Astronauts for America—Combatting Political Polarization

Group of 100+ Retired Astronauts Form Nonpartisan Organization
Mission to Counter Extreme Partisanship and Foster Civil Discourse
Oath to Uphold the Constitution Drives Their Advocacy
Experiences in Space and Military Inform Their Approach
Emphasis on Data, Science, and Rule of Law in National Debate
Concerns Over Erosion of Democratic Norms and Civic Trust
Civil Rights, Political Violence, and Challenges in Congress Prompt Action
Organization Seeks to Educate, Engage the Public, and Partner with Other Groups
Launch of Voter Scorecards Based on Constitutional Values, Not Policy Positions
Call for Informed Citizen Participation and Election Integrity Initiatives

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guests: Garrett Reisman and Steve Lindsey

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