Tariq is back from the Far East and bursting with space news! This week we'll look at the passing of Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell, potential re-tasking of NASA's Juno probe from Jupiter to the interstellar interloper, 3I/Atlas--Avi Loeb wants it, of course--the third launch of ULA's Vulcan rocket, Artemis 2 lunar flyby updates, Virgin Galactic's new spaceplane (can they ever make a profit?), a proposed Pluto orbiter--with a planned mission of 50 years--and much more, on This Week in Space!

Headlines:

• Remembering Apollo 13's Jim Lovell
• ULA's Vulcan Rocket Hits New Milestone With Powerful Launch
• Could Juno Chase an Interstellar Visitor?
• NASA Eyes Pluto Orbiter Mission Persephone
• Virgin Galactic Preps Next-Gen Delta Spaceplane
• Strange "Helmet" Rock Spotted on Mars
• Artemis II Orion Capsule Fuels Up for 2026 Launch

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

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If we're ever to make Mars a second home, we have some serious housekeeping to do... as in a total renovation. The Red Planet has little atmosphere, no radiation shielding, and some seriously toxic soil. How can we make it more Earthlike... and should we? Dr. Erika Alden DeBenedictis joins us to discuss how terraforming might work, how it could be done in decades instead of millennia, and the questions surrounding the ethics of changing another planet to suit humanity's needs. We say it's a trailer park of a planet, but the best bet for human expansion. Dr. Rick Jenet is this week's co-host. Join us for the conversation!

Headlines:

• NASA aims to place a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030, competing with China's similar plans for the Moon.
• NASA's planned commercial space stations are facing delays. As ISS retirement nears, the U.S. risks losing its foothold in low-Earth orbit within the coming years.
• SpaceX hits 100 launches in 2025, dominating global orbital launch activity and enabling rapid rocket reuse.

Main Topic: High-Speed Terraforming of Mars

• Guest Dr. Erika Alden DeBenedictis shares new, biotech-driven concepts for terraforming Mars much faster than traditional proposals.
• Dr. DeBenedictis shares a modern understanding of Mars' past and present environment, including radiation, toxic perchlorate-laced soil, and thin atmosphere.
• Discussion on the importance and challenges of Mars Sample Return for accurate soil and resource analysis.
• Modern synthetic biology as a tool for creating microbes tailored for Martian soil and future terraforming.
• A step-by-step outline by Dr. DeBenedictis on building a breathable Mars atmosphere via engineered photosynthetic microbes, engineered atmospheric warming, and greenhouse construction.
• Exploration of the ethical considerations and philosophical implications of turning Mars into a habitable "garden," weighing preservation versus transformation.
• Dr. DeBenedictis makes a case for Martian settlement, terraforming technology, and legal and resource challenges for commercial space expansion.
• And Dr. DeBenedictis' vision for Mars' future as a unique, partially Earth-like biosphere with new opportunities in planetary stewardship and human adaptation of the planet.

Host: Rod Pyle

Co-Host: Fredrick (Rick) Jenet

Guest: Dr. Erika Alden DeBenedictis

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The United Nations has mediated conflicts since its founding in 1945. That domain of involvement extended into space in 1967 with the Outer Space Treaty. Today, their role is increasingly active with more and more nations entering space and the private sector getting into the game. The US's space-related branches, UNOOSA (the UN Office of Outer Space Affairs) and COPUOUS (UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space), are busy. Many years ago, the National Space Society gained permanent UN observer status, which is much less passive than the name sounds. The organization has addressed the committees on more than one occasion and is working to influence the policy for space flight positively. Dr. Rick Jenet has been instrumental in these efforts and joins us in explaining the landscape of newspace, international space efforts, and the organization's future initiatives.

Headline

• Space Shuttle Discovery Controversy: Rod and Isaac discuss the proposed $85 million move of the Space Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian to Houston, plan that faces obstacles from the Smithsonian, which holds the rights to the shuttle.

Main Topic: UNOOSA & Dr. Rick Jenet

• The National Space Society's UN Observer Status: Dr. Jenet explains that the NSS gained permanent observer status at the UN in 2001. The NSS uses this privilege to inform delegates by providing research and presentations.
• UNOOSA and COPUOS Explained: Dr. Jenet clarifies that UNOOSA organizes the Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). While UNOOSA maintains a registry of space objects, COPUOS is the body of 104 member states that develops legal frameworks.
• Outer Space Treaty of 1967: Dr. Jenet talks about the Outer Space Treaty, a global treaty dating back to the Cold War era that governs how state actors behave in space. He that the treaty's language on property ownership is being re-examined due to the rise of commercial space activities.
• Space Traffic Management and Orbital Debris: Dr. Jenet highlights that discussions on space traffic management and orbital debris are in their early stages. These discussions focus on basic tenets like coordination and information sharing.
• Lunar Activities and Resource Utilization: The development of policies for lunar exploration and resource extraction is also an area of new activity. UNOOSA's "Action Team for Lunar Activities Consultation," with co-chairs from Romania and Pakistan, coordinates the future of humanity's return to the moon by aligning different national initiatives.
• The "Regulation Sandbox" Concept: Dr. Jenet discusses the "regulation sandbox" concept, where existing regulations for an area with commercial potential, for example a lunar ice deposit, are set aside for a limited time to allow a new set of rules to be tested. This concept could be applied more boradly to space launch or ISRU.
• Why the Public Should Care: Dr. Jenet emphasizes that the public should care about these efforts because these high-level discussions will lead to international laws governing the behavior of all actors in space, including private companies and entrepreneurs. Early awareness of these frameworks will be less painful for startups later on.

These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/171

Host: Rod Pyle

Co-Host: Isaac Arthur

Guest: Fredrick (Rick) Jenet

Powering spacecraft, especially out in the dark, cold outer solar system, is a huge challenge. There are limits to how large solar panels can be, and they are not very efficient in the weak sunlight beyond Mars. For decades, choice flagship NASA missions have used RTGs--radioisotope thermoelectric generators--to fill this need. From the experiments on the Apollo missions to the Viking Mars landers, Galileo to Jupiter, Cassini to Saturn, and the twin Voyagers, RTGs have provided decades of power for space exploration. From Plutonium to Americium, nuclear elements provide years and years of heat that can be converted into electricity. Dr. Rob O'Brien is the Director of the Center for Space Nuclear Research for the Universities Space Research Association and has specialized in RTGs for decades. It's a fascinating dive into atomic space batteries!

Headlines

• The End of the Universe is Nigh (in 33 Billion Years): New dark matter discoveries suggest an earlier end to the universe, leading to a humorous discussion about bucket list items.
• August 2nd "Solar Eclipse": Rumors of an August 2nd, 2025, total solar eclipse are false; the next one on that date is in 2027 that won't darken the entire world, but will be the longest one of the century.
• Mother Earth 2.0 (L98-59f): Discussion of exoplanet L98-59f, 35 light-years away, and its potential habitability despite orbiting a red dwarf with a 23-day year.
• NASA Budget Concerns: Senate and House pushback against proposed cuts to NASA's 2026 science mission budget is discussed, with calls to preserve vital research.
• Mass Exodus at NASA: Senior NASA staff, including scientists and engineers, are reportedly leaving due to budget cuts, raising concerns about future capabilities.

Main Topic - Dr. Robert O'Brien & RTGs (Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators)

• Understanding RTGs: Dr. O'Brien explains RTGs convert heat from radioactive decay into electricity using the Seebeck effect.
• Early Use of RTGs in Space: The first US public RTG demonstration was on President Eisenhower's desk, and the first space use was the US Navy's Transit 4A satellite in 1961.
• RTGs on Mars and Deep Space Missions: RTGs power Mars landers and rovers (Viking, Curiosity, Perseverance), and deep space missions like Voyager, Galileo, and Cassini, providing long-term power in harsh environments.
• Fission Reactors vs. RTGs: RTGs suit small systems and backup power, while fission reactors are better for high-power needs of human expeditions.
• Plutonium-238 Production Challenges: The scarcity of plutonium-238 is due to its production requiring nuclear reactors and past moratoriums on reprocessing.
• Americium-241 as an Alternative: Americium-241, abundant in spent fuel and now accessible due to lifted moratoriums on reprocessing, is a viable alternative for powering missions despite lower energy density.
• Americium in Smoke Detectors and Safety: Americium's safe use in smoke detectors is highlighted, while acknowledging the hazards of working with nuclear materials.
• Public Perception and RTG Safety: Discussion covers historical atomic energy perceptions, from early toys to environmental concerns, emphasizing rigorous engineering and safety measures like ablative and impact-resistant casings for RTGs.
• Recovery of

These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/170

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Robert O'Brien

Sixty years ago this week, the Mariner 4 probe sped past Mars, the first to succeed in this then-brash undertaking. The technology was unbelievably primitive, yet effective, sending back 22 low-resolution video frames of the Red Planet. On that day, the wee hours of July 15 at JPL in Pasadena, the Mars of the romantics died. What had long been viewed as a slightly colder, somewhat drier, near-twin of Earth ended up having just a trace of an atmosphere and looked more like the moon--bone dry and pummelled by craters. Rob Manning, JPL's Chief Engineer Emeritus, joins us for this look back at that mission and the first images returned of another planet from space.

Headlines

• Apollo-Soyuz 50th Anniversary: Rod and Tariq marked 50 years since the historic Apollo-Soyuz docking, a significant event for international cooperation in space.
• Starliner: Boeing's Starliner won't fly again until early 2026, with good odds that it will be an uncrewed flight.
• Mars Meteorite on Earth: Tariq shared his awe-inspiring experience viewing the largest piece of Mars on Earth, a 54-pound meteorite discovered in 2023 that recently sold for $5.3 million.

Main Topic - The 60th Anniversary of Mariner 4

• Rob Manning, JPL Chief Engineer Emeritus: Rob Manning joins the host to discuss his extensive career working on most of NASA's Mars missions.
• Mariner 4's 60th Anniversary: The show's discussion highlighted the 60th anniversary of Mariner 4, which was America's first successful spacecraft to Mars.
• The "Death" of Mars: Mariner 4's images shattered romantic notions of Mars, revealing a cratered, arid planet with a thin atmosphere.
• Mariner 4's Camera Technology: Rob Manning detailed the technical challenges involved in adding a Vidicon tube TV camera to Mariner 4, emphasizing the difficulties in managing data size and ensuring functionality in space.
• Hand-Colored Mars Image: Scientists famously hand-colored Mariner 4's first black and white digital image.
• Mariner 4 Scientific Discoveries: Key scientific findings from Mariner 4 included the discovery of Mars' extremely thin atmosphere, roughly 1% the density of Earth's, and the absence of a strong global magnetic field.
• Challenges of Martian Landings: Rob underscores the extreme difficulty of landing on Mars due to its thin atmosphere, which rendered early concepts like glider landings impractical and dangerous.
• Legacy of John Casani: Rob praises the recently passed John Casani, Mariner 4's manager, for his pivotal role in advocating for the camera's inclusion and inspiring innovation at JPL.
• "Properly Paranoid" Approach: Rob discussed the concept of being "properly paranoid" in space engineering, stressing the importance of meticulous testing and proactive risk mitigation for high-stakes missions.

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Rob Manning

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Welcome to the "Survivor: NASA" edition! This week, Tariq and Rod jump into the headlines, and boy are there a lot of them! NASA has a new interim administrator: former Congress member, reality TV star, and Fox News commentator Sean Duffy. NASA's budget may still be cut by 25%, or it might be increased to more than they have seen since the 1960s in adjusted dollars. At the same time, NASA is under orders to cut as many as 2000 mostly senior-level positions, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory could be headed for new management, and will Houston be able to grab the Smithsonian's space shuttle as specified in the Big Beautiful Bill? Join us and find out!



Headlines

• NASA Budget Battles: Rod and Tariq delved into the ongoing debate on Capitol Hill regarding NASA's budget, with the Senate seeking more funding than the Trump administration's proposed cuts.
• Trump Administration's NASA Policies: They discussed the perplexing approach of the Trump White House, which initiated the Artemis lunar program but simultaneously proposed significant budget reductions.
• New Interim NASA Administrator: The surprising appointment of Sean Duffy, the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, as the new interim NASA Administrator was a key topic, prompting questions about his background and suitability, as well as the ability to run two departments at once--each of which requires great attention.
• Mass Exodus of NASA Senior Staff: A Politico report highlighted that over 2,000 senior-level employees are leaving NASA due to job cuts and early retirements, raising concerns about a brain drain.
• JPL Management Review: Concern over a review of JPL's management by Caltech, which has historically operated the center, potentially impacting its unique culture.
• Controversial Space Shuttle Discovery Move: The "Big Beautiful Bill" included an $85 million allocation to move space shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian to Houston, a plan met with skepticism regarding logistics and cost.
• Interstellar Comet 3I/Atlas: The discovery of 3I/Atlas, the third interstellar object identified in our solar system, was discussed, with early data suggesting it's an ancient, water-ice-rich comet, possibly much older than the solar system.
• Vera Rubin Telescope and Interstellar Object Research: The new Vera Rubin Telescope is already making significant discoveries, including 2,000 new asteroids in just three weeks, and is investigating 3I/Atlas.
• No Pacific Rocket Landing Pads: The Air Force has decided to cancel plans for experimental rocket landing pads on Johnston Atoll in the Central Pacific, citing environmental concerns.
• Supreme Court Decision on Government Firings: A recent Supreme Court decision has broadened the Trump administration's ability to conduct mass firings of government contractors and federal employees.
• Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) Update: The private Axiom-4 mission, commanded by Peggy Whitson and carrying India's first astronaut to the ISS, is scheduled to undock soon.
• Starliner 1 to be Cargo-Only Flight: Reports from Space News indicate that Boeing's Starliner 1 flight, now slated for early 2026, might be configured as a cargo-only mission.
• James Webb Space Telescope's Third Anniversary: The James Webb Space Telescope is celebrating its third year

These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/168

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

This week, we're joined by AJ Gemer of Lunar Outpost, a fast-moving company innovating in cislunar technology. This includes mini-rovers, crewed lunar rovers, and all kinds of instrumentation that will enable lunar exploration, development, and in-situ resource development. AJ talked about the company, their many projects, their relationship with NASA, and the future of lunar exploration and the role of commercial companies moving ahead. Join us!

Headlines:

• Space Burial Goes Awry - A prototype capsule carrying cremated human remains successfully reached orbit but crashed into the Pacific Ocean when its parachute failed to deploy, resulting in an unintended burial at sea for the Celestis payload aboard The Exploration Company's test mission
• Daytime Fireball Strikes Georgia - A rare bright meteor visible during daylight hours punched through a house roof in Georgia, with meteorite fragments found in the living room; the fireball was tracked at 30,000 mph and may be linked to the Daylight Beta Taurid meteor shower
• Axiom-4 Mission Success - After multiple delays totaling 28 hours due to ISS issues, the Axiom-4 crew successfully docked with the space station, bringing the first astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary to the ISS, led by veteran commander Peggy Whitson

Main Topic: Lunar Outpost's Moon Mobility Solutions

• Company Overview - Lunar Outpost is pioneering commercial lunar mobility services with rovers of various sizes, positioning itself as the leader in planetary surface mobility from their Colorado headquarters
• MAPP Rover on Lunar Voyage 1 - Despite the Intuitive Machines lander tipping over, Lunar Outpost's MAPP rover survived the landing and operated for 2.7 hours, validating all key subsystems and achieving TRL 9 status while carrying Nokia's 4G LTE communication system
• Testing Philosophy - The company emphasizes rapid iteration with multiple rover launches per year rather than traditional single high-value missions every 6-8 years, using Earth analogs, including a 1,000-acre Colorado test facility with statistically representative lunar terrain
• Eagle LTV Design - Unveiled at Space Symposium, the lunar terrain vehicle features a sci-fi-inspired aesthetic that's both beautiful and functional, developed with partners including General Motors, Goodyear, MDA Space, and Leidos
• Commercial Applications - The LTV will operate autonomously between Artemis missions, serving commercial customers for payload delivery, sample collection, and infrastructure development, with plans for tens to hundreds of vehicles creating a "work truck for the moon" fleet
• Upcoming Missions - Lunar Voyage 2 (launching early 2025) will carry NASA-funded science instruments to the lunar equator, followed by additional commercial missions and Australia's first moon rover nicknamed "Roo-ver"
• HIPPO Rover - A 1,000+ kg mobile ISRU (in-situ resource utilization) processing plant capable of extracting, refining, and compressing lunar resources for storage and transport
• Mars Aspirations - While focused on the moon, Lunar Outpost sees pathways to Mars operations, noting that the Martian environment is somewhat less challenging than the harsh lunar day-night cycles
• Team Heritage - AJ Gemer brings experience from multiple planetary

These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/167

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Andrew (AJ) Gemer

Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik broadcast live from the National Space Society's International Space Development Conference in Orlando, discussing the latest Starship explosion, missing universe matter discoveries, and answering listener questions about space camp experiences, astronaut communications, and the future of space exploration.

Headlines

• Starship Explosion Investigation - SpaceX's 10th Starship prototype exploded during a static fire test, likely due to a composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV) failure, causing extensive damage to the test stand and potentially delaying future launches
• Missing Universe Matter Found - Scientists discovered that about a third of the universe's baryonic matter (regular matter we can touch) exists in gossamer tendrils connecting galaxy clusters, solving a long-standing cosmic mystery
• Black Hole AI Controversy - Nobel laureate Reinhard Genzel questions whether AI-generated black hole models are accurate, as the AI processes noisy data that human scientists would typically filter out
• Blue Origin NS-33 Launch - Six private citizens prepare for Blue Origin's next New Shepard flight, including a married couple, a philanthropist beekeeper, and other entrepreneurs
• Summer Solstice Reminder - The official start of summer arrives June 21st, bringing longer days in the Northern Hemisphere and opportunities for stargazing despite shorter nights

Main Topic: Listener Q&A

• Space Camp on a Budget - Advice for experiencing space camp affordably, including shorter adult programs, visiting during off-peak seasons, and exploring local affiliated programs
• Astronaut Family Communications - ISS crew members stay connected with their families through internet protocol phones for video calls, scheduled contact times, email access, and social media posting capabilities
• Starship Development Concerns - Discussion of SpaceX's timeline challenges, with multiple recent failures potentially impacting NASA's 2027 moon landing goals and opening opportunities for competitors like Blue Origin
• International Space Cooperation - Analysis of whether ESA, India, or China might step up to fill gaps left by NASA budget cuts, particularly for missions like the cancelled VIPER lunar rover
• Finding Real Spacesuits - Options for trying on authentic spacesuits include Space Camp, NASA touring events with glove boxes, and specialized companies offering suit experiences
• The NASA Budget Crisis - Conversation about the proposed NASA budget cuts and their potential impact on American space leadership, with China potentially landing humans on the moon before the U.S. returns

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

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Space is rapidly becoming a critical domain for so much of 21st-century living. Banking, transport across the sea and land, agriculture, and dozens of other things we take for granted all depend on satellites, and tracking them to avoid collisions. Nick Hague is a NASA astronaut and the first U.S. Space Force Guardian to launch to the International Space Station in that role, and we invited him to talk to us about the Space Force, living on the ISS, his frightening abort on a Soyuz rocket in 2018, how the Space Force tracks orbital objects, and much more. He's a very accomplished guy who makes it all sound routine—and we suspect, for him, it is. Join us for this very special interview.



Headlines

• European Space Agency Programs Threatened by NASA Budget Cuts: The European Space Agency (ESA) reveals three key missions are significantly threatened by proposed NASA budget reductions, requiring "dramatic recovery actions."
• Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover in Jeopardy: The ESA's Rosalind Franklin Mars rover faces its second major setback as its U.S. launch partner is no longer included in the current budget, leaving the rover without a ride.
• U.S. as an "Unreliable Partner": Rod and Tariq discuss concerns about the U.S. being perceived as an unreliable partner due to repeated withdrawals from international space partnerships.
• National Solar Observatory Funding Cuts: The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, the most powerful solar observatory, faces drastic funding cuts that could prevent effective science operations.
• First Look at the Sun's Poles by Solar Orbiter: Scientists using the ESA's Solar Orbiter have obtained the first direct images of the sun's poles to study its cycle, weather, and magnetic field.
• Geomagnetic Storm & Auroras: Tariq notes a coronal mass ejection is expected to buffet Earth on Saturday, potentially causing visible auroras during the podcast recording.
• Who Will Lead NASA? Potential Administrator Candidates: Politico Space's newsletter highlights potential candidates for the next NASA administrator, sparking discussion on the agency's future leadership.

Main Topic

• Colonel Nick Hague: Colonel Nick Hague, Space Force Guardian and NASA astronaut, joins the show to discuss his background, path to NASA, and recent ISS experiences.
• Nick Hague's Path to Space & Service: Colonel Hague shares his journey from stargazing in Kansas to his interwoven military and space exploration career, starting with the Air Force, joining NASA in 2013, and transferring to the Space Force in 2021.
• Test Pilot Training School & Astronaut Capabilities: Colonel Hague explains how test pilot school develops critical skills highly applicable to astronaut duties and space operations despite not being a direct requirement.
• Readaptation After Space Flight: Colonel Hague describes adapting to Earth's gravity after six months in space, noting challenges in regaining balance and strengthening muscles, requiring months of physical therapy.
• Subconscious Mind & Gravity: He shares that after prolonged zero gravity, the subconscious mind still expects that objects will float, making everyday actions on Earth feel strange.
• First Space Force Guardian to Launch Full Mission: Colonel Hague discusses the personal honor of being the first
• Space

These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/165

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Nick Hague

What a wild week it's been for NASA. With drastic budget cuts looming—pending any action by Congress—then comes the sudden and unexpected pulling of Jared Isaacman for the role of NASA Administrator, with no replacement named. Then came the very public split between President Trump and Elon Musk, and a flurry of furious Twitter/X and Truth Social postings, aimed at each other with razor-sharp edges. And finally, the proposed and drastic cuts to NASA outreach and education budgets, slimming them to nearly nothing. These are strange and concerning times for America's space agency, a premier global brand and icon of peaceful American prowess. We turned to Casey Dreier, the Chief of Space Policy for The Planetary Society, who has been quite vocal in his concern, for context. These are critical times for spaceflight, so you won't want to miss this episode!

Headlines

• Trump and Musk "Bromance" Ends: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik discuss the public falling out between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, which included Trump's threats to cancel SpaceX contracts and Musk's counter-accusations regarding the Jeffrey Epstein files.
• Commercial Crew Program and Boeing's Starliner: Tariq Malik highlights the critical role of SpaceX's Dragon in NASA's commercial crew program, especially given Boeing's Starliner delays, making NASA dependent on SpaceX for U.S. independent access to space.
• Japanese ispace Lunar Lander Failure: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik discuss the second failed attempt by the Japanese company ispace to land its Hakuto-R lunar lander on the moon, losing the European Space Agency's mini-rover, called Tenacious, in the process.
• Speculation on SpaceX Nationalization: The hosts discuss online speculation, including from Steve Bannon, about the possibility of the U.S. government nationalizing SpaceX, and Elon Musk's subsequent de-escalation.
• LAUNCH Act: Rod Pyle introduces the bipartisan LAUNCH Act, aimed at streamlining licensing for commercial space companies to encourage more rocket launches with faster approvals.
• Senate Reconciliation Bill: Tariq Malik and Rod Pyle discuss Senator Ted Cruz's Senate reconciliation bill, which proposes to restore funding for the Space Launch System (SLS), increase NASA's budget by $10 billion, and fund Artemis 4 and 5, missions previously targeted for alternate architectures.
• 60th Anniversary of First U.S. Spacewalk: The hosts commemorate Ed White's historic spacewalk during the Gemini 4 mission in 1965 and discuss anecdotes and lingering questions surrounding the event.
• Definition of an Astronaut/Spacewalker Debate: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik briefly touch on the ongoing debate about what defines an "astronaut" or "spacewalker," given varying definitions and commercial spaceflight.
• Tribute to Marc Garneau: The hosts pay tribute to Marc Garneau, Canada's first astronaut, who passed away at 76, highlighting his career with the Canadian Space Agency and his later political career.

The Dark Age of NASA Science

• The Planetary Society's Mission: Space policy expert Casey Dreier provides an overview of the Planetary Society, its founding by Carl Sagan, its independence from government and corporate funding, and its projects like the Lightsail 2.
• Catastrophic NASA Budget Proposal: Casey Dreier

These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/164

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Casey Dreier