THIS WEEK IN SPACE

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This Week in Space (Audio)

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The new space age is upon us, and This Week in Space leaves no topic untouched. Every Friday, join Editor-in-Chief of Ad Astra magazine, Rod Pyle and Managing Editor of Space.com, Tariq Malik as they explore everything related to the cosmos. You can join Club TWiT for $10 per month and get ad-free audio and video feeds for all our shows plus everything else the club offers...or get just this podcast ad-free for $5 per month. New episodes posted every Friday.

  1. 6 HR AGO

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

    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 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 audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

    57 min
  2. You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    6 HR AGO ·  BONUS

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing Still Thinking About Your Ex? (Use This 2-Step Reset to Stop the Spiral for Good!) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty You know that moment after a breakup when you find yourself going back to their photos. Not all of them, just the best ones. The trips, the laughs, the versions of you that felt happiest together. And before you even realize it, it starts to feel like you lost something perfect. This is about that moment. The quiet spiral where you begin to question your decision, wondering if you made a mistake, where the relationship in your memory starts to feel better than it actually was. Jay breaks down what’s really happening there. Your mind is editing the past, holding onto the highlights while slowly letting go of the reasons it didn’t work. The arguments, the doubts, the patterns that hurt you all start to fade. So what you’re missing isn’t the full relationship. It’s a curated version of it. Jay unpacks why heartbreak can feel so overwhelming. It’s not just emotional, it’s biological. Your brain responds to the loss like withdrawal, craving the connection it got used to, which is why checking their profile or replaying old conversations can feel almost impossible to resist. Even deeper than that, Jay explains how breakups often tap into something older, patterns of attachment, fears of being left, or the need to feel chosen. When you think you’re missing them, part of what you’re really feeling is the loss of security, identity, and the version of yourself that existed in that relationship. In this episode you'll learn: How to Stop Romanticizing Your Ex How to Break the Late-Night Thought Spiral How to Let Go Without Losing Yourself How to Resist the Urge to Check Their Socials How to Heal Without Reaching Out How to Rebuild Your Identity After a Breakup If you’re in that space right now, missing them, questioning everything, going back and forth in your mind, just know this: what you’re feeling is real, but it doesn’t mean the story you’re telling yourself is true. It means you cared, you attached, and now you’re learning how to let go.  With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe  Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast  What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 02:20 The Version You Miss Isn’t the Whole Truth 07:29 Why Your Mind Rewrites the Past 10:46 The Hidden Patterns That Break Relationships 12:29 What You’re Really Grieving 17:22 The Real Work of Letting Go 19:32 #1: No Contact Rule 21:07 #2: The Full Picture Exercise 22:01 #3: Interrupt the Spiral  23:38 #4: Rebuild Your Identity 26:09 #5: Grief is Grief See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. 8 MAY

    Astronauts for America - The Best of the Best Speak Out

    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 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 audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: outsystems.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit Melissa.com/twit

    1hr 10min
  4. 1 MAY

    Lander, Lander, Who's Got a Lander - Will SpaceX or Blue Origin Touch Down First?

    Lander, lander... who's got a lander? With NASA planning orbital tests of the Artemis landers in 2027 and a crewed landing in 2028, the pressure is on for SpaceX and Blue Origin to make good on their Human Landing System contracts. Who's actually going to put American astronauts back on the Moon first? This week's episode digs into the high-stakes race between the companies, surfacing new details and doubts about whether either lander will be ready in time. Both have to fly into Earth orbit, refuel multiple times, and perform robotic test landings on the moon (in addition to the Artemis III rendezvous and docking tests) before NASA can land astronauts on the moon — and they need to get it all done by 2028. We talk to Space.com's senior space guy, Mike Wall, about the risks and realities of the new space race to the moon. Headlines: Artemis 2 Astronauts Tour White House and Late Night Shows Private Company Plans Asteroid Rendezvous with Apophis NASA's Artemis Moon Lander Readiness and Delays Main Topic: Lunar Landers and Artemis Program Artemis 4 Moon Landing Delays and Timeline Uncertainty SpaceX Starship vs. Blue Origin Blue Moon: Designs and Progress Technical Hurdles: Life Support, Refueling, and Descent Systems Starship's Role as Lander, Cargo Hauler, and Potential Space Station Alternative Blue Origin's Test Schedule Impacted by Launch Mishap International Lunar Landers: China's Upcoming Missions Lunar Surface Infrastructure, Moon Bases, and Resource Rights Legal Uncertainty Around Moon Land Rights and Exclusion Zones Artemis Momentum, Funding, and Political Support Long-Term Prospects for Sustained Human and Robotic Lunar Presence Hosts: Rod Pyle and 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 audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: helixsleep.com/space

    1hr 6min
  5. 24 APR

    What, This Again? - Attempted Cuts to the NASA Budget

    As you have doubtless heard, the White House has once again proposed drastic budget cuts of about 24% for NASA's 2027 budget. It's deja vu all over again for us, as we followed an almost identical story last year. And as with last year, Congress has signaled the new budget to be DOA. This time, however, we had a NASA administrator in the seat when this budget arrived and he said he could work with it—despite a near halving of the NASA science budget and proposed cancellation of well over 50 science missions, many already successful and returning great science after the bulk of the program has been paid for. We invited Jenniter Vaughn, the CEO of The Planetary Society, onto the show to discuss. Headlines: Blue Origin's New Glenn 3 Rocket Fails Key Mission Despite Successful Landin Discovery of Possible Hidden Moons Around Uranus in Planetary Rings Hubble Space Telescope Celebrates Its 36th Year in Orbit Main Topic: NASA Science Budget Crisis and Advocacy with Planetary Society CEO Jennifer Vaughn Jennifer Vaughn's Journey to Leading the Planetary Society Deep Cuts Proposed for NASA's Science Budget and Widespread Opposition Congressional Pushback and Ineffectiveness of Copy-Paste Budget Proposals Risks to Active and Developmental NASA Missions if Funding Slashed Brain Drain and Damage from Funding Instability at NASA and Partner Institutions Importance of Public Advocacy and Opportunities to Take Action Prospects and Cautions for New NASA Leadership Amid Budget Challenges Broader Impact on US Space Leadership, Innovation, and Long-Term Planning Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Jennifer Vaughn 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 audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

    1hr 1min
  6. 17 APR

    I Want to Believe - When We Meet the Aliens

    What happens next when science can confidently announce the discovery of an alien life form? Whether it's a fully functioning civilization or a lowly Martian microbe, the implications are vast. Dr. Brianne Suldovsky of Portland State University has studied this mostly ignored question and come up with some interesting conclusions--and, like the best science, more questions. How this can best be communicated in an age of mistrust in large institutions and science is a vexing one, and the conversation looked at it from a variety of angles. And--it was fun. Join us! Headlines: Artemis 2 Heat Shield Passes Inspection Despite Social Media Panic SpaceX Nears Version 3 Starship Launch After Delays New Naked-Eye Comet and Lyrid Meteor Shower Viewing Tips Main Topic: Communicating the Discovery of Extraterrestrial Life Lack of Research on Public Communication of Alien Life Discoveries Religious Backgrounds and How They Shape Views on Science and Space Public Trust, Misinformation, and Institutional Perception Challenges Risks, Uncertainties, and Ethics in Announcing Life Discoveries What Happens if Private Companies Discover Alien Life First Measuring Public Beliefs: the Extraterrestrial Belief Scale and Conspiracies Religious, Psychological, and Societal Impacts of Alien Life Announcements Direct Public Involvement in Decisions About Contacting Alien Life Navigating AI, Social Media, and Pattern Recognition in Spreading Space News Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Brianne Suldovsky 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 audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

    1hr 3min
  7. 10 APR

    All About Artemis - The Brilliance of Artemis 2

    This week's episode is devoted to the flight of Artemis II. From the spectacular, on-time launch to the lunar flyby to reentry preparation, we chart all the major events of the mission. Some are technical and scientific--the interest in the small meteoritic impacts on the lunar farside and the spectacular solar eclipse witnessed by the crew—and some are more human interest, such as the messages to the crew from Apollo moonwalker Charlie Duke and the posthumous message from Apollo 8/13 astronaut Jim Lovell, to the very emotional moment where the crew named a crater after Reid Wiseman's recently deceased wife, Carroll. It's a humdinger of a show packed with facts and relevant discussion. Join us! Main Topic: The Artemis II Mission Rod & Tariq Share Launch Site and Newsroom Experiences Spacecraft Amenities: The Ongoing Space Toilet Saga On-the-Ground Reporting at Kennedy and Johnson Space Centers Inside the Orion Capsule: Size, Crew Life, and Design Spectacular Launch: Countdown, Liftoff, and Astronaut Impressions Cameras and Tech: Photo Gear and Laser Communications on Artemis 2 Smoothest Crewed Launch Beyond Earth Orbit in Over 50 Years Life Aboard Orion: Living Space, Exercise, and Hygiene Challenges Emotional Moments: Naming Lunar Craters and Tribute to Crew Family Wakeup Calls from Apollo Astronauts—Legacy Meets Next Generation Crew Lunar Flyby: Scientific Observations and Lunar Impact Flashes Capturing Rare Sights: Earthset, Night Views, and Eclipses from Moon Orbit Presidential Call: Communications Hiccups and Political Overtones Return and Splashdown: Heat Shield Concerns, Recovery Procedures, and Records Set Reflections on Budget Constraints, Press Facilities, and NASA Operations Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik 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 audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Melissa.com/twit threatlocker.com/twit

    1hr 14min
  8. 3 APR • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    A New NASA - Artemis 2 Firsthand, and Isaacman Shakes up NASA!

    We've seen NASA go through a lot of drama this year, and recently, some remarkable changes have been announced under the new administrator, Jared Isaacman. We're taking a deep dive into what's changed, what's the same, and what to expect. But first: Tariq and Rod are in Houston monitoring the Artemis 2 mission, which launched flawlessly on Wednesday. It's been a thrill since launch day, which Tariq saw in Florida, and shows no sign of slowing. We're bringing it to you from the field, so strap on in and join us! Headlines: Artemis 2 Launched This Week! Challenges Hit Artemis 2 After Launch: Toilet Problems and Personal Computing Issues Artemis 2 Crew Prepares for Lunar Flyby and Science Activities NASA Faces Another Budget Cut for 2027 Main Topic: New NASA, Artemis Overhauls, and Future Missions NASA Reshuffles Artemis 3–5: Landings Delayed, Missions Reassigned SLS Development Locked; Vulcan Centaur 5 Upper Stage Selected Aggressive Timeline for 29 Moon Missions and 22 Landings in Next Decade Push for Moon Bases by 2032 with $20 Billion Investment Gateway Lunar Station Put on Ice; Hardware Repurposed for Moon Base and Mars Surprise Nuclear-Powered Mars Mission Announced for 2028 New Mars Helicopter Fleet to Debut as Part of Skyfall Payload Shift Away from Private Space Stations; NASA to Build New Core Module NASA Workforce Hit by Layoffs, Launches New NASA Force Hiring Initiative Geopolitics, China's Role, and Space Race 2.0 Narrative (Video of Artemis 2 Launch Courtesy of Space.com) Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik 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 audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: helixsleep.com/space

    1 hr

About

The new space age is upon us, and This Week in Space leaves no topic untouched. Every Friday, join Editor-in-Chief of Ad Astra magazine, Rod Pyle and Managing Editor of Space.com, Tariq Malik as they explore everything related to the cosmos. You can join Club TWiT for $10 per month and get ad-free audio and video feeds for all our shows plus everything else the club offers...or get just this podcast ad-free for $5 per month. New episodes posted every Friday.

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