Poor Mars. After a warm, wet childhood, the planet dried out and became cold and arid. And why? Mostly because it lost most of its atmosphere, scraped away by solar radiation. NASA's Maven mission studied the phenomenon of atmospheric loss for years, but has now gone silent. Enter Mars ESCAPADE—the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers—twin orbiters that will study the loss of Martian atmosphere more closely than ever before. The mission has been executed at a budget price. was largely built by industry upstart Rocket Lab, and launched on a New Glenn rocket. It will arrive at Mars in 2028, but we're giving you an early look at why it's an important and, frankly, very cool mission.

Headlines:

• SpaceX Unveils Starship V3 Launch Plans
• NASA Details Artemis 3 Earth Orbit Mission Updates
• Psyche Probe Performs Mars Gravity Assist for Asteroid Mission

Main Topic: ESCAPADE Mars Mission—Twin Satellites to Study Atmospheric Loss

• Introducing ESCAPADE: Twin Orbiters for Studying Mars' Upper Atmosphere
• Explaining Why Mars Loses Its Atmosphere and Comparative Planetology
• Stereo Measurements: Scientific Advantages of Two Orbiters Over One
• How ESCAPADE's Orbits and Science Campaigns Are Structured
• Rocket Lab and Commercial Partnerships Expand Mission Flexibility
• Unique Launch Timing and Innovations in Trajectory Planning
• Early Data from ESCAPADE's Mission and Earth's Magnetotail
• Onboard Cameras to Capture Mars Auroras and Possibly Earth-Moon Portraits
• Extended Mission Possibilities and Future Science Goals
• The Role of Space Weather and Mars' Magnetic Field in Atmospheric Loss
• Implications for Future Mars Missions, Technology, and Human Exploration

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Robert Lillis

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

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When one ponders the diet of Mars-bound astonauts, oysters don't often come to mind... but they should. As it turns out, the plucky bivalves have much to offer space voyagers, including water filtration and a ready source of protein. Jacob Scoccimerra, formerly of Nanoracks and now with Monolith Space, initiated a research project with students from the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, to design, build, and operate a closed-circuit, automated support environment for oysters in a simulated space analog. It's a fascinating discussion that may leave you hungry.

Headlines:

• SpaceX IPO Filing Reveals Company Finances
• NASA Opens JPL Operations to New Bidders, Eyes Management Shakeup
• Viral Cardboard Star Wars Fan Film Gets a Nod
• SpaceX Announces Crypto Billionaire's Planned Mars Flyby on Starship

Main Topic: Oysters in Space – Bioregenerative Life Support and Student Research

• Jacob Discusses Monolith Space and Roots in Chemical Engineering
• Origins and Environmental Role of Oysters in Water Filtration
• Applying Aquatic Organisms to Space-Based Life Support Systems
• Harrisburg University Student Collaboration and Prototype Development
• Technical and Biological Challenges of Running Aquatic Habitats in Space
• Educational Outcomes and Cross-Disciplinary Engineering Experience
• Potential Earth Applications and Insights for Aquaculture Industry
• Broader Prospects for Bioregenerative Systems in Space (e.g., other aquatic species, food sustainability)

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Jacob Scoccimerra

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Many of us grew up idolizing astronauts as the best of the best that America—and other nations—have to offer. After leaving NASA, many of them go on to relatively routine careers in business or academia, but some stay "on mission" and continue striving to improve the human condition. The 100-plus astronauts behind Astronauts for America, led by Garrett Reisman and Steve Lindsey—a Democrat and Republican—have decided to speak out about their concerns for our democracy. As the nonprofit's website says, "Astronauts For America is a nonpartisan organization of former NASA astronauts who have sworn to defend the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to science, evidence-based decision-making, public service, and the rule of law." Reisman and Lindsey join us for this important episode.

Headlines:

• Pentagon Releases Official UFO Files Online
• James Webb Space Telescope Directly Observes Nearby 'Super Earth'
• Curiosity Rover's Wheels Show Severe Wear on Mars
• Curiosity Rover Gets Its Robotic Arm Stuck on a Martian Rock

Main Topic: Astronauts for America—Combatting Political Polarization

• Group of 100+ Retired Astronauts Form Nonpartisan Organization
• Mission to Counter Extreme Partisanship and Foster Civil Discourse
• Oath to Uphold the Constitution Drives Their Advocacy
• Experiences in Space and Military Inform Their Approach
• Emphasis on Data, Science, and Rule of Law in National Debate
• Concerns Over Erosion of Democratic Norms and Civic Trust
• Civil Rights, Political Violence, and Challenges in Congress Prompt Action
• Organization Seeks to Educate, Engage the Public, and Partner with Other Groups
• Launch of Voter Scorecards Based on Constitutional Values, Not Policy Positions
• Call for Informed Citizen Participation and Election Integrity Initiatives

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guests: Garrett Reisman and Steve Lindsey

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

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