100 episodes

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.

New episodes posted every Friday.

This Week in Space (Audio‪)‬ This Week in Space

    • Science
    • 4.5 • 85 Ratings

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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.

New episodes posted every Friday.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    A New Volcano on Mars! - Dr. Pascal Lee's Journey to Uncover a Volcanic Colossus

    A New Volcano on Mars! - Dr. Pascal Lee's Journey to Uncover a Volcanic Colossus

    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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    • 59 min
    Nukes in Space - Starship's Next Launch Date, Solar Eclipse Ahead, and Voyager 1 in Peril?

    Nukes in Space - Starship's Next Launch Date, Solar Eclipse Ahead, and Voyager 1 in Peril?

    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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    • 49 min
    Riding to Space on Virgin Galactic - Odysseus on the Moon, Air Leak on ISS, Crew-8 Launch When?

    Riding to Space on Virgin Galactic - Odysseus on the Moon, Air Leak on ISS, Crew-8 Launch When?

    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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    • 53 min
    Moonshots, Falling Satellites & Starships! - Odysseus Lands, New Glenn Rollout, JWST Discovery

    Moonshots, Falling Satellites & Starships! - Odysseus Lands, New Glenn Rollout, JWST Discovery

    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. The discovery showcases the use of AI to analyze vast amounts 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

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    • 58 min
    Inside NASA With Pam Melroy - NASA Deputy Administrator, Former Astronaut, and Shuttle Commander

    Inside NASA With Pam Melroy - NASA Deputy Administrator, Former Astronaut, and Shuttle Commander

    We all think we know what NASA's up to, but there's nothing like hearing their plans directly from the top. This week, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, who is also a former astronaut, commander of the space shuttle, and US Air Force test pilot, joins us for a very special episode. We discussed the recently announced delays to the Artemis lunar landing program, NASA's long-term goals on the Moon, the overall trajectory of human spaceflight, Pam's favorite memories of her time in space, and — perhaps our favorite moment — her "gentle" rejoinder to a male pilot who hadn't had much experience flying with "ladies"! Be sure to join us for this exclusive interview.

    Headlines:

    Members of Congress made the claim that Russia is developing a new anti-satellite weapon with a possible nuclear component. Could possibly be used to knock out satellites and crucial infrastructure like GPS and communications. Raises concerns and questions about the future of the peaceful exploration of space.
    Private lunar lander Intuitive Machines 1 launched successfully, carrying NASA payloads to the Moon's south pole. Marks ongoing progress in partnerships between NASA and commercial companies for robotic Moon exploration.
    NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft may be nearing the end of its operational life after 45+ years in space. Experiencing technical issues communicating with Earth due to its outdated systems. A remarkable achievement and inspiration nonetheless.
    Main Topic: Interview with NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy

    Melroy provides an overview of her role as Deputy Administrator, overseeing operations and execution of the Administrator's priorities.
    Discusses being inspired by Apollo and space exploration from a young age. Combined backgrounds in planetary science, test piloting, and astronaut experience inform her work.
    Emphasizes NASA's long-term vision for sustained human presence and exploration throughout the solar system, using the Moon as a proving ground.
    Explains how NASA is currently defining infrastructure requirements for Moon bases, pressurized rovers, communications, and more. International partnerships are expanding.
    Highlights the importance of Artemis missions for testing and maturing capabilities needed for Mars and beyond. Balancing technical challenges and schedule.
    Notes the convergence of robotic and human exploration seen with new commercial lunar landers supporting future astronaut missions.
    Reflects on personal highlights of seeing all aspects of space technology come together during spaceflights, and about the culture enabling teams to solve problems.
    Discusses the increase in opportunities for women now and in the future. Focusing on your goals and being part of the team.
    Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

    Guest: Pam Melroy

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    • 48 min
    Attempt No Landing There - The Mission of Europa Clipper

    Attempt No Landing There - The Mission of Europa Clipper

    The moons of the outer solar system have become one of the primary targets of robotic exploration. Previous probes have detected what might be warm, salty oceans below the ice crusts of Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's Europa. NASA's Europa Clipper will soon be bound for that cold, mysterious world. And Erin Leonard, a project scientist on that mission, joins us to discuss what to expect and what the hopes for life miles below the ice might be. Join us for this exciting look at one of the most compelling bodies in the outer solar system!

    Headlines:

    JPL Layoffs: Discussion on the recent layoffs at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, attributing them to budget constraints and cuts to the Mars sample return mission.
    AX-3 Mission Recap: Overview of the AX-3 mission's achievements, including its status as the longest private mission to the ISS and its all-European crew.
    Renaissance Astronomy Text: Analysis of a Renaissance-era astronomy book that may contain hidden messages, offering a unique glimpse into historical views of the cosmos.
    Main Topic: Europa Clipper Mission

    Mission Overview: Erin Leonard explains her role in the Europa Clipper mission, emphasizing collaboration between scientists and engineers to bridge communication gaps.

    Path to Europa Clipper: Leonard shares her academic journey and how it led her to work on the Europa Clipper mission.
    Europa's Habitability: Discussion on what makes Europa a compelling target for life search in the solar system, including its subsurface ocean and salt content.
    Technical Challenges: Insights into the engineering feats required to design a spacecraft capable of surviving Jupiter's intense radiation environment.
    Scientific Instruments: Overview of the Europa Clipper's comprehensive suite of scientific instruments designed to study Europa's ocean, ice shell, and more.
    Potential for Life: Speculation on the conditions beneath Europa's ice shell and the mission's potential to discover signs of life.
    Launch Plans and Expectations: Confirmation of the Europa Clipper's scheduled launch in October on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.
    Through engaging dialogue and expert commentary, this episode provides a thorough exploration of the Europa Clipper mission's objectives, challenges, and the broader implications for our understanding of life in the universe.

    Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

    Guest: Erin Leonard

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

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    • 1 hr 4 min

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5
85 Ratings

85 Ratings

david.whittenberg ,

Great podcast for space enthusiasts

This podcast is great for anyone interested in space. They have great guest and the host are are exceptional. The space jokes at the beginning of each episode at terrible though :-)

F53GH4 ,

Episode 94, 2024 Look Ahead

Drop the personal attacks on companies taking this country into the future (Rod), and stick to reporting the facts. Defending Blue Origin’s technical approach (the company whose main product blew up after several launches) and criticizing SpaceX for their approach (“We don’t just want to toss them up and see if they explode”, Rod) is childish and naive. One more episode like this and you’ll lose another listener. No wonder the show is suffering.

Blizzard1s2d ,

Fun and factual, two actual Space Journalists

Great show, and family friendly from the obligatory space dad jokes to the friendly ribbing. Great guests and guest hosts, actual experts in their field like a famous meteorite hunter or former NASA bigwigs. I particularly learned a lot from the critical, practical look at the business prospects of the space launch companies and the space internet companies. (We’ve already seen some of the predicted consolidation.) The “what happens when you die in space” episode with someone who actually worked on that with NASA was gruesome and funny.

PS The This Week In Tech Network has the best audio in the podcast business — AND the best video!! — this podcast is also available in video on YouTube or you can get it in the whole TWIT Network Video feed.

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