This Week in Space (Audio)

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!

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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

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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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It's a question that rivals the meaning of life itself: which is better, Star Trek or Star Wars? Of course, they are very different, and that's really the core of it--one is a sweeping fantasy adventure incorporating the "Hero's Journey," while the other is a science fantasy wrapped around a morality play. In the end, we love them both. But there is a bit of cultural (and perhaps generation) divide here, and someone has to put Tariq in his place. Join us for this civilization-shattering conversation!

Headlines:

• NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft, now 12.8 billion miles from Earth, had to shut down its plasma science instrument due to power constraints. The instrument was the last of its kind still functioning on either Voyager spacecraft.
• United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched its second Vulcan Centaur rocket, despite an apparent nozzle failure on one of the solid rocket boosters. The rocket carried a mass simulator in place of the delayed Dream Chaser spaceplane.
• The Sun unleashed an X9.05 solar flare, the strongest directed at Earth since 2017. The resulting coronal mass ejection (CME) could potentially trigger intense auroras visible at lower latitudes this weekend.

Main Topic - Star Trek vs. Star Wars:

• Rod and Tariq share their personal experiences with both franchises, discussing their first encounters with Star Trek and Star Wars and how the franchises have evolved.
• They compare the intellectual aspects of both universes, with Star Trek often focusing on morality plays and Star Wars being more of a fun, fantasy-driven space opera.
• The hosts discuss the acting in both franchises, highlighting standout performances and the impact of certain characters and actors.
• They examine the iconic spaceships from each universe, noting that Star Trek ships like the Enterprise are more recognizable and have had a more significant cultural impact compared to Star Wars ships, with the exception of the Millennium Falcon.
• Rod and Tariq argue that Star Wars has had a more significant impact on popular culture, while Star Trek has been more influential in inspiring real-life space exploration and scientific careers.
• They conclude that both franchises have their merits and have played essential roles in getting people excited about space and science fiction.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

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NASA's planetary exploration program is in trouble. The Mars Sample Return program is verging on cancellation, and the VIPER mission to the moon already has been. Both are critical precursors to human exploration of these places, as Dr. Jim Bell of Arizona State University will tell us. We need to know more about the surface of Mars--with direct, in-the-lab studies of Mars rocks--and we certainly need to understand where the volatiles--another name for water and other resources of value--are on the moon. And, if you're the US government, you'd like to do both before China does--which is likely not far off. Does it matter who achieves these things first? And specific to the US, what role might private companies and individuals play in the drama?

Headlines:

• SpaceX's Crew-9 mission is set to launch two astronauts to the International Space Station on Saturday, September 28th, with the primary objective of bringing back the Starliner astronauts who have been on the station for an extended period.
• A Seattle-based company, Iradian Aerospace, has unveiled plans for a new reusable orbital spaceplane that will utilize a revolutionary two-mile-long sled launch system.
• Earth is set to temporarily capture a small asteroid, 2024 PT5, which will remain in close proximity to our planet from September 29th to November 25th, providing scientists with an opportunity to study a near-Earth asteroid up close as it performs a de-facto flyby.

Main Topic - Discussion with Dr. Jim Bell:

• Jim Bell discusses his early fascination with space exploration, inspired by the Apollo missions and Carl Sagan's acclaimed 1980s series "Cosmos," which led him to pursue a career in planetary science.
• The decadal survey process is explained, highlighting how it helps align the scientific community's priorities with NASA's mission planning and funding decisions.
• The challenges faced by the Mars Sample Return mission are discussed, with Jim expressing optimism that NASA will find a way to overcome the current budgetary hurdles and complete this groundbreaking mission.
• The cancellation of the VIPER lunar rover mission is addressed, with the hosts and guest emphasizing the importance of this mission for future human exploration of the Moon and the need for more transparency in NASA's decision-making process.
• Jim shares his perspective on the increasing involvement of commercial space companies in planetary exploration, stressing the importance of developing sustainable business models to ensure the long-term viability of these ventures.
• The conversation touches on the balance between NASA's priorities, such as the Artemis program, and the funding allocated to robotic scientific missions, with Jim highlighting the need for better communication and collaboration between the human spaceflight and robotic exploration divisions of NASA.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Jim Bell

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Devon Island, a polar desert in the High Arctic, is one of the most convincing Mars analogs on Earth. That's why Pascal Lee built his NASA-affiliated research base there. On this episode he returns to discuss his summer field work, Martian volcanoes, and to discuss possible alternatives to NASA's plans for the Artemis lunar base.There's a lot to know, and he brings deep passion—and some controversy—to the conversation!

Headlines:

• Polaris Dawn mission success: The crew completed the first-ever commercial spacewalk, with all four members exposed to the vacuum of space.
• SpaceX FAA dispute: The company faces potential fines of $630,000 for alleged launch violations, leading to a heated exchange between SpaceX and the FAA.
• Mars volcano discovery: Researchers found evidence of a 1000-mile wide magma plume under Olympus Mons, raising questions about potential volcanic activity on Mars.

Main Topic - Lunar Exploration and Artemis Program:

• Dr. Pascal Lee's summer research at the Haughton-Mars Project Field Station: The team tested drilling equipment for future lunar missions and explored the use of drones for Mars helicopter simulations.
• Critique of current Artemis program strategy: Dr. Lee argues that focusing on sortie missions to the South Pole is premature and potentially counterproductive.
• Alternative base location proposal: Clavius Crater is suggested as a more suitable site for a lunar base, offering scientific value and better logistics.
• Water extraction challenges: Dr. Lee discusses the complexities and uncertainties surrounding water ice extraction at the lunar South Pole.
• Starship as a water delivery system: The potential for using SpaceX's Starship to deliver large quantities of clean water to the Moon is explored.
• Importance of establishing a fixed base: Dr. Lee emphasizes the need for a stable infrastructure to support long-term lunar exploration and science.
• Power concerns for lunar bases: The limitations of solar power are discussed, with nuclear power suggested as a more viable option for long-term operations.
• International competition considerations: The episode touches on how other countries' lunar ambitions might influence NASA's plans.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Pascal Lee

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Starliner is back and, by all accounts, could have returned with its crew had it been necessary. However, with NASA's "safety forward" approach prevailing, the spacecraft landed uncrewed on September 6, three months after it docked with the International Space Station. Now, the work begins to try to solve the problems- largely software changes, dealing with balky thrusters, and helium leaks- so that the Starliner Crew 1 can fly next year. But how did we get here? What's NASA's take on the latest Starliner mission? And, perhaps above all, how will Boeing approach the program moving ahead? We'll bring you the latest and greatest--and fear not, we have Tariq here to keep us fair--on what's going on with Boeing's Starliner CST-100 spacecraft.

Headlines
• For the first time, a commercial crew flew above low Earth orbit on SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission, setting records for the highest spaceflight by female astronauts and the first commercial spacewalk by anyone.
• The FAA says it won't clear SpaceX's Starship Flight 5 from Boca Chica, Texas until November due to environmental concerns, frustrating SpaceX as they aim to conduct orbital refueling tests and prepare for lunar missions.

Starliner's Return and Future
• Boeing's Starliner spacecraft finally returned on September 6th, three months after it launched, facing challenges such as thruster overheating, and in some cases outright fgailure, and a GPS dropout during reentry.
• Rod and Tariq discuss the cultural differences between Boeing and SpaceX, with SpaceX embracing a more iterative, failure-tolerant approach that allowed them to innovate faster.
• They debate whether Boeing's traditional aerospace culture and cost-cutting measures contributed to Starliner's issues and examined the effects of the company's lack of transparency during the mission.
• Despite the challenges, Starliner demonstrated its ability to survive an extended mission and NASA remains confident that Boeing will fly out its Commercial Crew contract.
• The future of Starliner may involve private missions to upcoming commercial space stations, but standardizing spacesuits across different spacecraft will be crucial for crew safety.
• While Starliner faced setbacks, Rod and Tariq emphasize the importance of having multiple crew transportation systems to ensure continuous access to space.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

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