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

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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

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Lander, lander... who's got a lander? With NASA planning orbital tests of the Artemis landers in 2027 and a crewed landing in 2028, the pressure is on for SpaceX and Blue Origin to make good on their Human Landing System contracts. Who's actually going to put American astronauts back on the Moon first? This week's episode digs into the high-stakes race between the companies, surfacing new details and doubts about whether either lander will be ready in time. Both have to fly into Earth orbit, refuel multiple times, and perform robotic test landings on the moon (in addition to the Artemis III rendezvous and docking tests) before NASA can land astronauts on the moon — and they need to get it all done by 2028. We talk to Space.com's senior space guy, Mike Wall, about the risks and realities of the new space race to the moon.

Headlines:

• Artemis 2 Astronauts Tour White House and Late Night Shows
• Private Company Plans Asteroid Rendezvous with Apophis
• NASA's Artemis Moon Lander Readiness and Delays

Main Topic: Lunar Landers and Artemis Program

• Artemis 4 Moon Landing Delays and Timeline Uncertainty
• SpaceX Starship vs. Blue Origin Blue Moon: Designs and Progress
• Technical Hurdles: Life Support, Refueling, and Descent Systems
• Starship's Role as Lander, Cargo Hauler, and Potential Space Station Alternative
• Blue Origin's Test Schedule Impacted by Launch Mishap
• International Lunar Landers: China's Upcoming Missions
• Lunar Surface Infrastructure, Moon Bases, and Resource Rights
• Legal Uncertainty Around Moon Land Rights and Exclusion Zones
• Artemis Momentum, Funding, and Political Support
• Long-Term Prospects for Sustained Human and Robotic Lunar Presence

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Mike Wall

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As you have doubtless heard, the White House has once again proposed drastic budget cuts of about 24% for NASA's 2027 budget. It's deja vu all over again for us, as we followed an almost identical story last year. And as with last year, Congress has signaled the new budget to be DOA. This time, however, we had a NASA administrator in the seat when this budget arrived and he said he could work with it—despite a near halving of the NASA science budget and proposed cancellation of well over 50 science missions, many already successful and returning great science after the bulk of the program has been paid for. We invited Jenniter Vaughn, the CEO of The Planetary Society, onto the show to discuss.

Headlines:

• Blue Origin's New Glenn 3 Rocket Fails Key Mission Despite Successful Landin
• Discovery of Possible Hidden Moons Around Uranus in Planetary Rings
• Hubble Space Telescope Celebrates Its 36th Year in Orbit

Main Topic: NASA Science Budget Crisis and Advocacy with Planetary Society CEO Jennifer Vaughn

• Jennifer Vaughn's Journey to Leading the Planetary Society
• Deep Cuts Proposed for NASA's Science Budget and Widespread Opposition
• Congressional Pushback and Ineffectiveness of Copy-Paste Budget Proposals
• Risks to Active and Developmental NASA Missions if Funding Slashed
• Brain Drain and Damage from Funding Instability at NASA and Partner Institutions
• Importance of Public Advocacy and Opportunities to Take Action
• Prospects and Cautions for New NASA Leadership Amid Budget Challenges
• Broader Impact on US Space Leadership, Innovation, and Long-Term Planning

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Jennifer Vaughn

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What happens next when science can confidently announce the discovery of an alien life form? Whether it's a fully functioning civilization or a lowly Martian microbe, the implications are vast. Dr. Brianne Suldovsky of Portland State University has studied this mostly ignored question and come up with some interesting conclusions--and, like the best science, more questions. How this can best be communicated in an age of mistrust in large institutions and science is a vexing one, and the conversation looked at it from a variety of angles. And--it was fun. Join us!

Headlines:

• Artemis 2 Heat Shield Passes Inspection Despite Social Media Panic
• SpaceX Nears Version 3 Starship Launch After Delays
• New Naked-Eye Comet and Lyrid Meteor Shower Viewing Tips

Main Topic: Communicating the Discovery of Extraterrestrial Life

• Lack of Research on Public Communication of Alien Life Discoveries
• Religious Backgrounds and How They Shape Views on Science and Space
• Public Trust, Misinformation, and Institutional Perception Challenges
• Risks, Uncertainties, and Ethics in Announcing Life Discoveries
• What Happens if Private Companies Discover Alien Life First
• Measuring Public Beliefs: the Extraterrestrial Belief Scale and Conspiracies
• Religious, Psychological, and Societal Impacts of Alien Life Announcements
• Direct Public Involvement in Decisions About Contacting Alien Life
• Navigating AI, Social Media, and Pattern Recognition in Spreading Space News

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Brianne Suldovsky

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This week's episode is devoted to the flight of Artemis II. From the spectacular, on-time launch to the lunar flyby to reentry preparation, we chart all the major events of the mission. Some are technical and scientific--the interest in the small meteoritic impacts on the lunar farside and the spectacular solar eclipse witnessed by the crew—and some are more human interest, such as the messages to the crew from Apollo moonwalker Charlie Duke and the posthumous message from Apollo 8/13 astronaut Jim Lovell, to the very emotional moment where the crew named a crater after Reid Wiseman's recently deceased wife, Carroll. It's a humdinger of a show packed with facts and relevant discussion. Join us!

Main Topic: The Artemis II Mission

• Rod & Tariq Share Launch Site and Newsroom Experiences
• Spacecraft Amenities: The Ongoing Space Toilet Saga
• On-the-Ground Reporting at Kennedy and Johnson Space Centers
• Inside the Orion Capsule: Size, Crew Life, and Design
• Spectacular Launch: Countdown, Liftoff, and Astronaut Impressions
• Cameras and Tech: Photo Gear and Laser Communications on Artemis 2
• Smoothest Crewed Launch Beyond Earth Orbit in Over 50 Years
• Life Aboard Orion: Living Space, Exercise, and Hygiene Challenges
• Emotional Moments: Naming Lunar Craters and Tribute to Crew Family
• Wakeup Calls from Apollo Astronauts—Legacy Meets Next Generation
• Crew Lunar Flyby: Scientific Observations and Lunar Impact Flashes
• Capturing Rare Sights: Earthset, Night Views, and Eclipses from Moon Orbit
• Presidential Call: Communications Hiccups and Political Overtones
• Return and Splashdown: Heat Shield Concerns, Recovery Procedures, and Records Set
• Reflections on Budget Constraints, Press Facilities, and NASA Operations

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

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We've seen NASA go through a lot of drama this year, and recently, some remarkable changes have been announced under the new administrator, Jared Isaacman. We're taking a deep dive into what's changed, what's the same, and what to expect. But first: Tariq and Rod are in Houston monitoring the Artemis 2 mission, which launched flawlessly on Wednesday. It's been a thrill since launch day, which Tariq saw in Florida, and shows no sign of slowing. We're bringing it to you from the field, so strap on in and join us!

Headlines:

• Artemis 2 Launched This Week!
• Challenges Hit Artemis 2 After Launch: Toilet Problems and Personal Computing Issues
• Artemis 2 Crew Prepares for Lunar Flyby and Science Activities
• NASA Faces Another Budget Cut for 2027

Main Topic: New NASA, Artemis Overhauls, and Future Missions

• NASA Reshuffles Artemis 3–5: Landings Delayed, Missions Reassigned
• SLS Development Locked; Vulcan Centaur 5 Upper Stage Selected
• Aggressive Timeline for 29 Moon Missions and 22 Landings in Next Decade
• Push for Moon Bases by 2032 with $20 Billion Investment
• Gateway Lunar Station Put on Ice; Hardware Repurposed for Moon Base and Mars
• Surprise Nuclear-Powered Mars Mission Announced for 2028
• New Mars Helicopter Fleet to Debut as Part of Skyfall Payload
• Shift Away from Private Space Stations; NASA to Build New Core Module
• NASA Workforce Hit by Layoffs, Launches New NASA Force Hiring Initiative
• Geopolitics, China's Role, and Space Race 2.0 Narrative

(Video of Artemis 2 Launch Courtesy of Space.com)

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

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