This Week in Space (Audio‪)‬ This Week in Space

For decades we've seen images of huge glass domes on the moon and Mars, but the reality of building settlements off-Earth is likely to look much different. This week we're joined by Evan Jensen of ICON Build, a company that, in just a few years, has created housing across Texas via 3D printing. Now, in association with NASA, they are also investing heavily in researching how to 3D print habitats on the moon and one day Mars. It isn't easy working in a vacuum--water freezes and evaporates instantly, and any other materials you need must be transported there. ICON has some unique processes they are testing in their large vacuum chambers, and the results are truly fascinating. Join us for a look into the future of living on other worlds!

Headlines:

- NASA has selected SpaceX for a $843 million contract to de-orbit the International Space Station (ISS) around 2030

- ISS astronauts took shelter after a Russian satellite exploded, creating over 100 pieces of shrapnel

- Boeing's Starliner capsule faces an indefinite delay in its return from the ISS due to technical issues

Feedback:

- Listener Tim Lazaroff suggests two space-themed songs by the group Lord of the Lost

- Rod Pyle addresses inquiries about the decision to de-orbit the ISS, explaining the aging technology and high maintenance costs

Main Topic: 3D Printing for Construction on Earth and Beyond with Evan Jensen

- ICON's founders started the company in 2018 to push the limits of 3D printing technology for construction

- ICON has completed several projects, including the House of Phoenix and a 3D-printed neighborhood in Texas

- Project Olympus aims to use 3D printing for construction on the Moon and Mars, utilizing in-situ resources

- On the Moon, ICON plans to use a laser-directed energy deposition system to melt and solidify lunar regolith

- Challenges of lunar construction include the unsuitability of water in the concrete mix, extreme temperatures, and the need for robotic systems

- ICON is developing lunar regolith simulants and testing robotic systems in their "Moon Box" facility

- Mars construction may involve more traditional materials, but thermal energy deposition could still be viable

- ICON's Vitruvius AI architecture model allows users to design homes based on their preferences and needs

- The company's ultimate goal is to use robotics, automation, and AI to help solve the global housing crisis on Earth while enabling a sci-fi future of extraterrestrial habitation

Host: Rod Pyle

Co-Host: Isaac Arthur

Guest: Evan Jensen

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In the world of space podcasts, the Space and Things podcast is a keeper (along with ours, of course). The brainchild of Emily Carney, founder of the Space Hipsters on Facebook, and singer/songwriter Dave Giles, Space and Things brings us some premiere guests in the space sector. Subjects are always compelling, and as we well know, that takes work. We'll dive into the intricacies of creating--and maintaining--a quality space podcast and the success of Emily's Facebook group, the Space Hipsters, now 62,000 members strong.

Headlines:

- Boeing's Starliner mission extended to June 26th for further testing of thrusters and leaks before undocking and landing at White Sands Space Harbor (no, the astronauts are not "stuck" in space)

- Rocket Lab achieves 50th launch of their Electron rocket, reaching the milestone faster than SpaceX's Falcon 9 and other major launch providers

- June 24th marks the first full moon of summer, also known as the Strawberry Moon

Main Topic: Interview with Emily Carney and Dave Giles from Space and Things Podcast:

- Space and Things podcast focuses on space and its intersection with art, popular culture, and other unique aspects, with over 200 episodes released

- Emily and Dave share their personal space experiences, including Emily's childhood memories of watching Space Shuttle launches and Dave's visit to the Kennedy Space Center

- The podcast features a diverse range of guests, including astronauts, their children, historians, and space enthusiasts, covering topics beyond the typical space discussions

- Emily discusses her Facebook group, Space Hipsters, which has grown to over 62,000 members and aims to create an inclusive community for space enthusiasts

- The importance of space fan clubs in providing a sense of belonging and a platform for space enthusiasts to connect and share their passion

- The guests discuss their dream podcast guests, with Emily choosing Gerard O'Neill and Dave selecting Tom Hanks and Jim Lovell

- Emily and Dave express their eagerness to participate in commercial spaceflight if given the opportunity

- The episode concludes with a discussion on the best space-themed songs, with the hosts and guests sharing their personal favorites

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guests: Emily Carney and Dave Giles

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We see the sun every day as it rises and sets... it's one of the few constants in life. But it's a very dynamic body, throwing minor temper tantrums regularly. As it happens, we're at the peak of its 11-year cycle of activity and there's a lot going on! Dr. Alex Young, the Associate Director for Science in the Heliophysics Science Division at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, joins us to talk about the sun, solar activity cycles, the recent solar storms that have given us auroras and some communications blackouts, the science from the Parker solar probe, and much more. Don't take the friendly Mr. Sun for granted--join us for this fascinating episode!

Headlines:

NASA's accidental broadcast: A simulated medical emergency on the International Space Station was mistakenly aired for 8 minutes, causing brief panic before clarification.
Spacewalk canceled: Just before a planned spacewalk, NASA canceled the event citing spacesuit discomfort, with few details provided.
Voyager 1 update: The spacecraft is now sending back data from all four of its working instruments, a remarkable feat for the 47-year-old probe.
Remembering Bill Anders: The Apollo 8 astronaut, known for the iconic Earthrise photo, passed away at 90 after a private plane crash.
Main Topic - Our Friendly Mr. Sun:

Heliophysics defined: Dr. Young explains that heliophysics studies the sun's atmosphere and its interactions with Earth and the solar system.
Solar activity cycle: Currently near solar maximum, the sun is exhibiting increased sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections.
Space weather impacts: Solar activity can affect technology, causing communication disruptions, satellite damage, and even power grid outages.
Solar observation: A variety of spacecraft monitor the sun, including NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory and NOAA's GOES satellites.
Parker Solar Probe: This groundbreaking mission is providing unprecedented data about the sun's corona and solar wind.
Solar magnetic field: The sun's magnetic field flips every ~11 years, which can lead to increased solar activity during the transition.
Carrington Event: This 1859 solar storm remains the benchmark for extreme space weather, causing telegraph systems to catch fire.
Sun in pop culture: Rod, Tariq, and Dr. Alex Young discuss depictions of the sun in science fiction, separating fact from fiction.
Solar research: Dr. Young shares his current work on the statistics of large solar events and improving science communication.
Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: C. Alex Young

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Well, we waited, we waffled, and we joked... but Boeing's Starliner finally made good! Seven or so years after their projected crewed flight date, the second provider of crew delivery to the International Space Station finally succeeded in sending two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, to the ISS. Despite a few problems with (sigh) valves, helium tanks, and thrusters, the mission appears to be going swimmingly. Then, just a day later, SpaceX launched a Starship on a fourth test flight with spectacular results--and may be ready for another test launch within a few weeks. All good news this week, and it feels like newspace just picked up a lot of steam. Join us!

Headlines:

China's Chang'e-6 mission successfully collected up to 2,000 grams of lunar samples from the far side of the moon and launched them back to Earth.
The Hubble Space Telescope faces gyroscope issues, prompting NASA to use only one gyroscope to extend its lifespan until around 2035.
A lava tube discovered on Mars near the Arsia Mons extinct volcano could potentially shelter future human habitats or host microbial life.
A new star, "Blaze Star" T Coronae Borealis, may appear in the night sky between now and September, becoming the first visible nova since 1946.
Main Topic - Starliner and Starship:



Boeing's Starliner successfully launched, rendezvoused, and docked with the International Space Station, despite some thruster and cooling system issues.
The mission marks the first time in decades that astronauts have launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on an Atlas V rocket.
Starliner's reusability and cost per seat are compared to SpaceX's Crew Dragon and Russia's Soyuz spacecraft.
SpaceX's Starship completed a successful test flight, with the Super Heavy booster and Starship vehicle performing well despite some heat shield damage during reentry.
The hosts discuss the progress and challenges of Starship development, including the recent cancellation of Yusaku Maezawa's "dearMoon" mission.
SpaceX's rapid launch cadence and plans for mass-producing Starship vehicles and engines are highlighted, along with the company's vision for catching Super Heavy boosters with the "Mechazilla" launch tower.
Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

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In this episode of This Week in Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik discuss the latest updates on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, the potential for aurora sightings due to increased solar activity, and China's ambitious lunar exploration program with returning guest Mike Wall, Spaceflight Editor at Space.com. The conversation focuses on China's upcoming Chang'e 6 mission, its capabilities, and the implications of China's growing presence on the Moon. The hosts also touch upon the nationalistic aspects of the new space race between the United States and China.

Headlines:

Boeing's Starliner update: The spacecraft is ready for launch on June 1st, despite recent issues with parachutes, wiring, and helium leaks.
Venus Exploration: Japan's Akatsuki probe, currently the only active mission at Venus, has lost contact with JAXA. However, NASA, ESA, and private companies like Rocket Lab are planning future missions to explore the planet.
SpaceX Dragon capsule debris found in North Carolina: A piece of the trunk, about the size of a small coffee table, was discovered on a hiking trail.
Increased solar activity may lead to Aurora sightings: A giant sunspot has returned, and its intense activity could trigger powerful Aurora displays.
Main Topic - China's Lunar Ambitions and the New Space Race:

Chang'e 6 Mission: China is set to launch the Chang'e 6 mission to the far side of the moon's southern polar region, with the goal of returning samples. The mission is part of China's ambitious lunar exploration program.
International Collaboration: Although US-China collaboration is limited, Chang'e 6 includes contributions from France, Italy, Sweden, and Pakistan.
Future Chinese Lunar Missions: China plans to launch Chang'e 7 in 2026, featuring an orbiter, rover, and a hopping robot, and Chang'e 8 in 2028, which will attempt 3D printing using lunar regolith.
Artemis Accords and the Outer Space Treaty: As China and the US both aim to establish a presence on the moon, questions arise about territorial claims and the enforcement of the Outer Space Treaty.
Space Race Rhetoric: Both the US and China have engaged in nationalistic rhetoric regarding their lunar ambitions, with concerns about China's potential to claim exclusive rights to lunar resources.
Scientific Significance: Despite the geopolitical tensions, Chang'e 6 and future missions from both nations have the potential to greatly advance our understanding of the moon and its environment.
Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Mike Wall

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This week we've invited JPL's Chief Engineer Emeritus, Rob Manning, back to discuss Mars exploration and, in particular, Mars Sample Return. As we discussed in episode 107, that project is in a bit of trouble. Rob was the Chief Engineer of every Mars rover up through Perseverance and the overall Chief Engineer on Perseverance, and he has some unique insights on how we have explored Mars, why it matters, and what the future holds... especially with regard to returning samples to Earth. Join us!

Headlines:

NASA held a press conference to explain the latest delays with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which stem from issues with a helium leak and concerns about the reaction control thrusters that could lead to a loss of redundancy during reentry
The European Space Agency's Euclid Space Telescope returned its first science images, providing stunning new views of galaxies never seen in such detail before to help unlock the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy
Main Topic - Mars Exploration and Sample Return:

Rob Manning recounts his extensive experience with Mars exploration at JPL, from the Sojourner rover and Pathfinder lander in the 90s to the currently operating Curiosity and Perseverance rovers
Curiosity confirmed the past presence of water on Mars, while Perseverance is collecting carefully selected rock samples to eventually be returned to Earth
The Mars Sample Return mission would bring pristine samples back to Earth for in-depth study, but is an extremely complex and costly endeavor facing budget challenges and potential delays
Rob explains why returning samples is so critical - context is key and current meteorite samples have been altered by their journey to Earth, whereas carefully selected samples could reveal much more about Mars' history and potential for life
Challenges for Mars Sample Return include the large size of the lander, the need for new parachute and guidance technologies, and planetary protection requirements to prevent contaminating Earth
NASA currently has no plans for additional Mars missions beyond sample return, and faces a potential loss of institutional knowledge as a "quiet period" approaches, highlighting the need to maintain momentum in Mars exploration
Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Rob Manning

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