This Week in Space (Audio)

It's the holidays! This week, we are joined by producer Anthony and our old pal Ant Pruitt to celebrate and discuss a wide variety of topics, from first space memories to our favorite space toys to what spaceflight means to each of us. It's a warm "family reunion" you won't want to miss! Join us for some holiday cheer, and Tariq's "Tiny Tim" moment...

Headlines:
• NASA's Parker Solar Probe to make its closest approach to the sun on Christmas Eve 2024, flying within 3.8 million miles and withstanding temperatures up to 2,500°F to study the sun's behavior and dynamics
• Christmas and Hanukkah to be celebrated on the same day in 2024, with astronauts on the ISS enjoying the holidays and connecting with their families on Earth, continuing a 50-plus year tradition
• A potential partial shutdown is looming for the U.S. government, which could impact NASA and limit public outreach during the Parker Solar Probe's close approach to the sun

Main Topic - Space Memories and Space Toys:
First Space Memories:
• Tariq recalls building paper rockets with his mother and launching them on a friend's farm
• Ant shares his first space memories from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and the Challenger disaster
• Anthony mentions playing with Lego space sets sent by his aunt from Denmark
• Rod remembers listening to a Gemini mission on the radio at the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra lounge where his father worked and being captivated by Apollo 8's mission to orbit the moon and reading of Genesis on December 24, 1968

Favorite Space Toys:
• Rod shares memories of his ca. 1965 Big Loo Moon Robot and Major Matt Mason action figures, discussing the evolution of space toys in the 1960s
• Tariq reminisces about his Transformers Omega Supreme toy and a paper tab and slot space shuttle and carrier aircraft model
• Ant recalls his Transformers Skywarp toy and the appeal of its counterpart, Thundercracker
• Anthony talks about playing the video game Escape Velocity on his family's iMac computer
• The group discusses the joys and challenges of building model rockets, with Rod and Tariq sharing stories of their experiences
• Tariq shows off his new pre-built Estes space shuttle model rocket, comparing it to the more challenging build-it-yourself kits

The Importance of Space Exploration:
• Ant questions the allocation of resources for space exploration while critical issues on Earth remain unaddressed
• Rod counters by highlighting the technological, educational, and inspirational benefits of space programs, as well as the economic returns on investment, and the cultural importance of exploration
• The group discusses the potential impact of SpaceX's Starlink satellite constellation on global connectivity and the debate surrounding its sustainability and alternatives
• Rod emphasizes the distinction between Elon Musk's ambitious Mars colonization plans and NASA's more measured approach to exploration
• The TWiS crew wishes everyone a happy holiday and Merry Christmas

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guests: Ant Pruitt and Anthony Nielsen

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Many of us flew model rockets as young people, but USC Rocket Propulsion Lab takes amateur rocketry to a whole new level--in this case, 470,000 feet! Meet Dr. Dan Erwin and student Ryan Kraemer, who, along with a very talented team of other undergrads, built and flew Aftershock II, a 14-foot, 330-pound "amateur" rocket that flew out of the Nevada desert and into the record books. It's a fun episode that will leave you wishing that your university had a club that was half this cool!

Headlines:
• Mars Ingenuity helicopter lives on after a hard landing, and may last another 20 years as a weather station and fixed camera
• Geminid meteor shower peaks this weekend, but the full moon may wash out fainter meteors
• NASA releases Moon to Mars architecture review with 12 new white papers covering various needs and capabilities for lunar and Mars missions
• Mysterious drones continue to be spotted over New Jersey and other parts of the U.S., with no clear explanation

Main Topic - USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory:
• Dr. Daniel Erwin discusses the lab's founding in 2004 by student Ian Whittinghill, with the goal of being the first student group to reach space
• The lab's rockets have evolved over 20 years, with their current vehicle, Aftershock II, reaching an altitude of 470,000 feet (90 miles) and breaking the 20-year-old amateur rocketry record
• Ryan Kraemer explains how their rockets differ from amateur rockets, with a focus on continuity and optimization of design over the years
• The lab formulates its own solid propellant, which is mixed and cast under professional supervision due to safety concerns
• Discussing the bureaucratic requirements for high-altitude launches, including FAA permits and Bureau of Land Management approvals
• The lab's plans for the future include further optimizing rocket performance, developing smaller rockets capable of reaching space, and offering payload slots for scientific research
• Dr. Erwin emphasizes the valuable hands-on experience students gain through the lab, making them highly sought after by the aerospace industry
• Ryan Kraemer shares his personal journey and passion for rocketry, leading to his upcoming job at SpaceX
• The hosts and guests discuss the thrilling atmosphere surrounding the record-breaking launch and the dedication of the student team
• The show concludes with information on how to support the USC Rocket Propulsion Laboratory and get involved as a student or donor.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guests: Dr. Dan Erwin and Ryan Kraemer

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This week, we're covering a broad swath, from President-Elect Trump's shocking choice for NASA Administrator to new delays for the Artemis lunar program to UFOs/UAPs! And for such an adventure, we turn to Leonard David, the most seasoned space reporter and journalist out there. Trump's pick for NASA, billionaire and private astronaut Jared Isaacman, came as a surprise to space watchers, and his name was not just missing from the shortlist but from *any* list making the rounds. However, he is widely supported and should bring renewed energy to the space agency. Then, after discussing yesterday's NASA press conference about Artemis--in which more delays were announced (no surprise to any of us)--we talk to Leonard about recent disclosures about UFO/UAP government records and the overall consideration of why people think they walk among us (and if they do, Musk is probably one of them).

Headlines:

• Jared Isaacman Nominated as NASA Administrator
• Artemis II Mission Delayed, Artismis III mission pushed to mid-2027.
• And Tariq defends his creative choice of words to compare different sizes of asteroids.

Main Topic: Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP)

• Shift from UFO to UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena)
• Discussion about potential alien visitation
• Concerns about public perception and societal impacts
• Need for more rigorous scientific approach to UAP research
• Calls for NASA and National Science Foundation funding
• Skepticism about current congressional hearings and government disclosure
• Potential for document declassification under the incoming Trump administration.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Leonard David

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On this week's episode, Tariq and I speak with Scott Tibbitts, a dynamic and engaging space entrepreneur who spun $7 of hardware store parts into a 150-person, multimillion-dollar space company making tech for NASA that allowed deep space probes, starting with the Cassini mission to Saturn, to operate in the harsh environment of the outer solar system. Scott's tiny actuator replaced expensive, failure-prone explosive squibs with a device that could be tested (you can't really test something that goes *bang*), cycled, and tried again if it didn't work the first time. And it all started with his work at a water heater company and a few dozen cold calls that ended with one to NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab. There's much more to this story--including some intriguing advice for entrepreneurs--but you'll have to tune in to learn more! See you there.

Get "From the Garage to Mars" (Amazon Affiliate): https://amzn.to/3CPUgVw

Headlines:
• SpaceX successfully launches Starship test flight number six, despite not catching the Super Heavy booster
• The FAA releases a new draft environmental assessment, potentially allowing SpaceX to increase Starship launches to 25 per year
• Blue Origin completes its ninth crewed spaceflight with the NS-28 mission, carrying the 100th woman to fly to space

Main Topic - From the Garage to Mars with Scott Tibbitts:
• Tibbitts discusses his background and the role of fun and human connection in his life and work
• The origin story of Tibbitts' space company, Starsys, which began with a $7 invention using a copper tube and wax
• Tibbitts' cold call to NASA/JPL that led to the company's first contract and the development of a novel, non-explosive actuator for spacecraft
• The importance of testing and demonstrating the reliability of space hardware, as exemplified by Starsys' record of 3,500 devices in space with zero failures
• Tibbitts' experience fostering a unique company culture at Starsys, balancing the need for reliability with a focus on fun, family, and celebrating both successes and failures
• The role of intuition and "gut feelings" in entrepreneurship and how Tibbitts has learned to trust and follow these intuitive nudges
• The challenges faced by modern space startups, including the pressure from venture capital investors and the difficulty of hiring experienced space talent
• Tibbitts' advice for entrepreneurs: focus on customer discovery and product discovery, and "stop doing what you suck at" by focusing on your strengths and finding partners to complement your weaknesses

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Scott Tibbitts

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Kepler's Legacy With Dr. Jason Steffen

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Jason Steffen

For full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/137

At this point, can anyone compete with SpaceX? Love him or hate him, Elon Musk and his cadre of very talented employees and partners have built the most remarkable launch service in history, increasing the US launch rate from a handful to over 100 per year in less than a decade. Eric Berger--Senior Space Editor at Ars Technica and author of "Liftoff" and "Reentry," two books about Musk and SpaceX--joins us. We discuss the rise of SpaceX, Musk's future in US politics and the market, and what to expect from SpaceX in the next decade. We also look at the possible competitors to SpaceX's dominance in the market. Join us!

Get "Reentry" (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4fe4f5s

Headlines:
- The 2024 US presidential election results are in, with Donald Trump set to become the 47th President. Trump has shown a keen interest in space, name-dropping Elon Musk, SpaceX, and Starlink during his victory speech.
- SpaceX conducted its first ISS reboost mission using a Dragon cargo ship, showcasing a new capability for the company.
- NASA issued a statement addressing tabloid rumors about astronaut Sunita Williams' health, affirming that all astronauts aboard the ISS are in good health and undergo routine medical evaluations.

Main Topic - SpaceX Ascendant:
- The Trump administration is expected to embrace SpaceX's Starship vision, potentially fast-tracking the company's progress by reducing regulatory hurdles.
- SpaceX has a significant lead in the space industry, with no other company having achieved reusable rocket technology. The closest competitors are Blue Origin and Chinese companies, which are still years behind.
- The US government has become increasingly reliant on SpaceX for launches, satellite internet, and the Artemis program, with no viable alternatives currently available.
- SpaceX's success can be attributed to Elon Musk's relentless drive and vision to make humanity a multi-planetary species, as well as the company's willingness to take risks and innovate.
- Starship is seen as the key to making widespread space access possible, with the potential to drastically reduce the cost of space travel and enable missions to Mars.
- The future of space exploration is uncertain, with the potential for significant changes under the new administration and Elon Musk's growing influence as an advisor to the President.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Eric Berger

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On this episode, we take a look at how the space workforce of the future will be educated and, perhaps more importantly, engaged with Dr. Rick Jenet of Expanding Frontiers. Located in Brownsville, Texas, just a stone's throw away from SpaceX's Starbase, expanding Frontiers works with underprivileged communities to bring them into 21st-century space-related trades and to encourage individual entrepreneurship. Dr. Jenet has a fascinating history as well, attending MIT as an undergraduate and earning his PhD in astrophysics from Caltech, then progressing through his work at various places, including NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, before founding Expanding Frontiers. Join us!

Headlines:
- Voyager 1 spacecraft uses backup radio system from 1977, and last utilized in 1981, to phone home after a recent glitch
- China aims to conduct a Mars sample return mission before NASA, potentially launching in 2028
- Boeing considers selling its space division, excluding SLS contracts, as part of a restructuring effort

Main Topic - The Spacer Pipeline with Dr. Fredrick Jenet:
- Dr. Jenet's journey from MIT and Caltech to founding Expanding Frontiers in South Texas
- The importance of giving back to the community and fostering a culture of innovation
- Stargate: The first building at SpaceX's Boca Chica facility, a collaboration with Dr. Jenet's team
- Expanding Frontiers' programs for students and aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Space Entrepreneur Summer Academy: Introducing high school students to space entrepreneurship
- Space Settlement Design Tournament: Industry simulation for students to design space settlements
- Space Coders: Internship program focused on coding for space industry projects
- Tech Trek: Developing programming for entrepreneurs working on space-related technology
- Expanding Frontier Space Tech Pitch Competition: Showcasing startups utilizing NASA technology
- The role of funding from local, state, and federal sources, as well as sponsorships, in sustaining non-profit organizations like Expanding Frontiers
- Future plans for Expanding Frontiers, including the development of a space innovation corridor from Brownsville to Houston
- The importance of continued support and funding for programs that promote STEM education and entrepreneurship in the space industry

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Fredrick (Rick) Jenet

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Many of us have visited the various displays of space shuttles around the US, and it's always a spectacular sight. The shuttle orbiter was huge, and seeing in any configuration is inspirational. Notably, the California Science Center is completing a display of the Endeavor in a launch configuration, which is unique among shuttle installations. But the very first shuttle mockup ever constructed will soon go on public display in its birthplace in Southern California, the city of Downey. This is where North American Rockwell, the builder of all the shuttles, was located until they were absorbed by Boeing decades ago. It was in the Rockwell facility that the first wood-and-aluminum mockup of the shuttle was built, and it's been stored until this day under the control of the Columbia Memorial Space Center. Of special interest: besides its uses as a technical simulator, this mockup was what closed the deal between NASA and Rockwell to build the shuttles and inspired many in Congress to support the program. The museum's Executive Director and President, Ben Dickow, joins us to talk about this magnificent, full-sized shuttle mockup, its history, and future plans.

Headlines:
• SpaceX's Crew-8 mission returned to Earth after a record-breaking 235 days in space, but one crew member remains in the hospital for additional medical checks
• Boeing's Intelsat satellite broke up in geosynchronous orbit, creating around 5,000 pieces of space debris, posing potential long-term threats to other satellites
• India announced plans for Chandrayaan-4, a lunar sample return mission targeting the Moon's south pole in 2027-2028
• Chinese company Deep Blue Aerospace aims to start offering space tourist flights by 2027 on a suborbital rocket and capsule that resembles a hybrid of SpaceX's Dragon and Blue Origin's New Shepard

Main Topic - Interview with Ben Dickow:
• The Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey, California houses Inspiration, a full-scale wooden mock-up of the space shuttle built by Rockwell International in 1972
• Inspiration was used as an engineering tool and to help secure the shuttle contract for Rockwell, impressing both NASA and Congressional leaders who visited
• The mock-up features highly detailed interiors, including a crew cabin, flight deck, and cargo bay
• After being mothballed for years, Inspiration was recently moved to the Columbia Memorial Space Center for display in a new building
• Southern California will soon have the first and last space shuttles on display, with Inspiration in Downey and Endeavour in Los Angeles
• Ben emphasizes the importance of preserving the shuttle's history and using it as an educational tool to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists
• The emotional power of seeing a space shuttle up close and the human stories behind its creation are key to the exhibit's impact

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Ben Dickow

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This week, we're taking a broad look at the progress of America's Artemis lunar landing program, space science in general, and the challenges to Western space plans posed by a fast-rising Chinese space program. Joining us is the uniquely qualified Dr. Greg Autry--the Associate Provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy at the University of Central Florida, visiting Professor at Imperial College London, former NASA transition team member, and author of "Red Moon Rising." We'll also highlight the recent launch of SpaceX's Starship and the amazing catch of the booster by the Mechazilla Launch tower, Michael Bloomberg's recent article condemning the slow progress of the Artemis program, and this weekend's Orionids meteor shower!

Headlines:
- SpaceX's successful Starship flight test 5, featuring the Super Heavy booster's impressive catch by the "Mechazilla" tower
- Michael Bloomberg's critical op-ed on the SLS rocket and the Artemis program, highlighting delays and overspending
- The upcoming Orionids meteor shower, peaking on October 21st, 2024, and the Hunter's Moon, the biggest supermoon of the year

Main Topic - The State of the US Space Program with Greg Autry:
- Greg's lifelong passion for space was ignited by watching Apollo missions as a child; he later got involved in the commercial space industry and served on the NASA transition team in 2016
- US human spaceflight is in both the best and worst of times - there is bipartisan support for Artemis and returning to the Moon, but the program is behind schedule and over budget on almost every element
- Lack of top-level political leadership and sense of urgency compared to the Apollo era is hurting Artemis' progress; the US needs a leader willing to provide direction and funding, and hold people accountable
- Competition with China could help spur the US, but the public may not be as motivated as during the Cold War; still, it's important for the US to get back to the Moon first to initiate fair use of resources
- Artificial intelligence will play a critical role in future space operations, especially on Mars and the Moon; AI can enable more flexible and capable spacecraft
- The US needs to rebuild its aerospace manufacturing and production workforce to execute ambitious space goals; STEM education and hands-on skills are lacking
- In 10 years, Autry hopes to see a diverse on-orbit ecosystem with compatible, specialized vehicles; regular Moon missions laying the groundwork for resource extraction; and an influential space tourism industry
- He believes that a dual-track lunar architecture with both Starship and a more conventional system for redundancy would be wise; Starship is great but very complex with many potential failure points, especially in a lunar mission that requires multiple refueling flights and a crewed SLS launch in close timing
- Greg is the Associate Provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy at the University of Central Florida and is standing up new academic programs to train the next generation of commercial space workforce
- His book "Red Moon Rising" examines the history of the space industry, China's space ambitions, and the current state of play - an engaging read for anyone interested in space

Get "Red Moon Rising": https://amzn.to/3YxmJab

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Greg Autry

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This week, we're diving deep into some really clever and cutting-edge tech for Martian habitats... made from fungus! Dr. Lynn Rothschild of the NASA Ames Research Center has been working for years on how mushroom mycelia might be utilized as a habitat-building resource. It's quite fascinating--the organic material can be used to make bricks, to create shaped structures, and even to create an "astropharmacy" to supply certain compounds needed by the crew of a Mars excursion! And it is sufficiently enticing that NASA's NIAC innovation program has given her no less than five grants (which are not easy to get!) to study the possibilities. Join us for this really engaging and blue-sky conversation!

Headlines:
• ISS has been experiencing a slow air leak, increasing from 0.2 pounds per day to 3.7 pounds per day, causing concern for NASA's Office of the Inspector General
• Jupiter's Great Red Spot has been shrinking and "pulsing" over time, as observed by the Hubble Space Telescope, with scientists predicting it will eventually stabilize as a smaller, circular storm
• A rare G4-class solar storm triggered widespread auroras visible at much lower latitudes than usual, with NOAA issuing warnings to protect power grids and communication systems

Main Topic - Living in Martian Mushrooms:
• Dr. Rothschild explains synthetic biology as creating something new with biology, either by altering existing organisms or creating new ones from scratch
• The concept of using fungal mycelium for off-world habitats originated from a student project to create a biodegradable drone body
• Mycotecture involves growing habitats and structures using mycelium, which can bind various materials like sand, regolith simulant, and wood chips
• The properties of mycelium-based materials can be tuned by adjusting the substrate and post-processing, ranging from styrofoam-like to hardwood-like consistencies
• Dr. Rothschild's vision for a stable off-world habitat includes using cyanobacteria to process atmospheric gases and minerals, which would then feed the fungi used in construction
• Cross-contamination concerns on Mars are addressed, with the lack of liquid water on the surface making it unlikely for introduced organisms to thrive
• Additional applications of mycelium-based technology include biomining, water filtration, and even food production
• Dr. Rothschild also discusses the Astro Pharmacy project, which aims to develop an on-demand drug production system for astronauts
• While these technologies have significant potential for Earth-based applications, developing them for space allows for more freedom to explore revolutionary ideas without existing infrastructure constraints

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Lynn Rothschild

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