This Week in Space 156: Rocket Blast – Detailed Summary

In the 156th episode of TWiT.tv's "This Week in Space," titled "Rocket Blast," hosts Rod Pyle and Tarek Malik engage in an in-depth discussion with Dr. Phil Metzger from the University of Central Florida. Released on April 11, 2025, the episode covers a range of topics, including the confirmation hearings for NASA’s new administrator, the challenges of rocket plumes during lunar and Martian landings, private spaceflights featuring celebrities, the visibility of a new comet, and significant budget cuts to NASA's science programs.

1. NASA Administrator Confirmation Hearings

Overview: The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the recent confirmation hearings for Jared Isaacman, President Donald Trump's nominee for NASA Administrator. Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4 and a billionaire, is humorously dubbed "Space Jesus" by Dr. Metzger due to his influential role and substantial private funding.

Key Points:

• Senator Ed Markey’s Scrutiny: Senator Ed Markey repeatedly questioned Isaacman about Elon Musk's involvement in his appointment, seeking clarity on potential conflicts of interest.

  [05:48] Phil Metzger: "Jared said it was a meeting between me and the President."

• Isaacman’s Responses: Isaacman consistently reiterated that his meeting was solely with President Trump, avoiding direct confirmation of Elon Musk's presence.

  [06:06] Rod Pyle: "He didn't have detailed discussions with Elon Musk at all."

• Concerns About Independence: The persistent questioning highlights concerns about Musk’s influence over NASA’s new leadership and the potential for biases in space policy and operations.

  [07:26] Phil Metzger: "Maybe a good preparation for being NASA administrator is the fact that his private air force plays the adversary in the war games."

Conclusion: While there are lingering concerns about Isaacman’s ties with Elon Musk, both hosts express cautious optimism about his potential to lead NASA independently and effectively.

2. Rocket Plumes and Lunar/Mars Landing Challenges

Overview: Dr. Metzger elucidates the significant challenges posed by rocket plumes during landings on the Moon and Mars. His research focuses on how these exhaust plumes can damage nearby habitats and equipment, drawing parallels to historical missions.

Key Points:

• Historical Incidents: Referring to Apollo 12’s landing near Surveyor 3, Dr. Metzger explains how rocket plumes caused extensive sandblasting, damaging the spacecraft’s equipment.

  [32:49] Tarek Malik: "We did on Apollo 12, land 160 meters from the Surveyor 3 spacecraft...sandblasted the Surveyor."

• Modern Observations: The discussion touches on recent Mars missions, such as Curiosity and Perseverance, where unexpected plume effects led to equipment damage, validating Dr. Metzger’s concerns.

  [38:34] Rod Pyle: "They finally saw the gravel all over Curiosity...because seeing really drives it home."

• Blue Origin’s Starship Launch: Highlighting a recent Starship test launch by Blue Origin, Dr. Metzger describes how debris was propelled at high velocities, causing unintended environmental impacts like sandstorms.

  [39:35] Phil Metzger: "We measured that the height of the splashes, they were as tall as a six-story building."

Conclusion: The conversation underscores the necessity for innovative engineering solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of rocket plumes, ensuring the safety and sustainability of future lunar and Martian habitats.

3. Blue Origin's Shepard Flight with Celebrities

Overview: The hosts discuss Blue Origin’s upcoming New Shepard flight, which features high-profile passengers such as pop star Katy Perry and CBS News’s Gayle King. This mission marks the first all-female crew since the 1960s and has sparked public debate.

Key Points:

• Crew Composition: The flight includes accomplished women like Aisha Bowe (a former NASA astrophysicist), Carrie Anne Flynn (a filmmaker), and Amanda Wynn (an activist), alongside Katy Perry.

  [15:01] Rod Pyle: "Katy Perry is going to space...It's gonna happen this time."

• Public Reaction: There has been significant backlash regarding the perceived extravagance of sending celebrities to space amid economic hardships, with figures like Olivia Munn criticizing the mission.

  [17:22] Phil Metzger: "It's very strange...the backlash is severe."

• Mission Details: The flight is brief, lasting approximately 10 minutes, emphasizing the uniqueness of the event without significantly straining space resources.

  [17:34] Phil Metzger: "A Blue Origin New Shepard flight is completely private and independent and doesn't tie up any of that."

Conclusion: While the mission aims to promote space tourism and inspire public interest, it also raises questions about the appropriateness and economic feasibility of such endeavors in challenging times.

4. Visibility of New Comet Swan C 2025 F2

Overview: The episode spotlights Comet C 2025 F2 Swan, discovered on March 29th by Ukrainian skywatcher Vladimir Dnepro. This comet is expected to be visible to the naked eye this weekend.

Key Points:

• Visibility Conditions: Although not the brightest, the comet is best viewed under dark skies before it becomes predominantly visible in the southern hemisphere.

  [18:21] Rod Pyle: "It's a brand new comet...best weekend to look for it."

• Astrophotography: Enthusiasts are encouraged to capture images, though visibility requires optimal conditions due to the comet's distance of approximately 89 million miles at its closest point.

  [19:50] Phil Metzger: "It's pretty exciting...let me know what it looks like because I haven't seen a comet forever."

Conclusion: The emergence of Comet Swan promises an exciting viewing opportunity for astronomers and space enthusiasts, highlighting ongoing celestial discoveries.

5. Dr. Phil Metzger’s Work and UCF’s Initiatives

Overview: Dr. Phil Metzger discusses his role at the Stephen W. Hawking Center for Microgravity Research and Education at the University of Central Florida, as well as the co-founding of Swamp Works—a hub for innovative space technologies.

Key Points:

• Stephen Hawking Center: Established to promote public interest in space and support research in microgravity, continuing Hawking’s vision of democratizing space exploration.

  [21:33] Tarek Malik: "You can find me on Twitter...Stephen Hawking center at UCF."

• Swamp Works: An innovation lab within NASA’s Kennedy Space Center focusing on developing technologies for mining, manufacturing, and constructing on planetary surfaces.

  [24:45] Tarek Malik: "Swamp Works is now focused on developing technologies for mining, manufacturing, construction in space..."

• Democratizing Space: Dr. Metzger emphasizes the importance of equitable participation in space settlement to ensure a balanced and sustainable expansion into space.

  [22:12] Tarek Malik: "Help democratize space, get more people invested in space so that people all around the world have equity in the process of settling space..."

Conclusion: Dr. Metzger’s initiatives aim to foster innovation and inclusivity in space exploration, laying the groundwork for future sustainable and democratic space industries.

6. Building Lunar Infrastructure

Overview: The conversation explores various methods for constructing landing pads and other infrastructure on the Moon, addressing the challenges posed by rocket plumes and the lunar environment.

Key Points:

• Construction Techniques: Techniques such as microwave sintering, polymer binding, rock bed formation, and 3D printing are discussed as potential methods for building durable lunar structures.

  [46:44] Rod Pyle: "I put a bowl in the microwave...got a bowl of literal lava."

• Innovative Experiments: Dr. Metzger shares anecdotes from laboratory experiments demonstrating the feasibility and unexpected results of these construction methods.

  [48:26] Rod Pyle: "I put a bowl in the microwave...got a bowl of literal lava."

• Robotic Construction: Emphasis on the role of robotics in efficiently constructing and maintaining lunar infrastructure amidst environmental challenges.

  [44:08] Tarek Malik: "Developing technologies for mining, manufacturing, construction in space..."

Conclusion: Effective lunar infrastructure construction is critical for sustainable habitation and operations, requiring innovative engineering solutions to overcome environmental and logistical challenges.

7. Future of Space Industry and Mining

Overview: Dr. Metzger discusses the potential for mining and industrial activities on the Moon, advocating for surface mining over underground operations due to the Moon’s unique geological conditions.

Key Points:

• Surface vs. Underground Mining: Surface mining is preferred due to the lack of geological recycling on the Moon, which makes underground mining more complex and less feasible.

  [52:22] Phil Metzger: "Nothing is safe, including the Goddard Space center...pressing issues."

• Industrial Supply Chains: The importance of establishing robust supply chains off Earth to support future space missions and industrial operations.

  [53:13] Tarek Malik: "We need to move industry off the planet as much as possible...to unburden our planet."

• Economic Viability: Discussion on the long-term economic benefits and challenges of establishing a space-based industry, including the need for sustainable business models and governmental support.

  [53:13] Tarek Malik: "Once you get a supply chain in space...it's going to be easily economically viable."

Conclusion: Establishing a lunar industrial base is essential for the future of space exploration and economic sustainability, necessitating strategic planning and international collaboration.

8. Helium-3 Mining on the Moon

Overview: The episode touches on the prospects of helium-3 mining on the Moon, a potential fuel source for future fusion reactors, and the evolving business case supporting its economic viability.

Key Points:

• Helium-3 Potential: Helium-3 is considered a valuable resource for fusion energy, with companies like Magna Petra exploring its extraction from lunar soil.

  [64:10] Phil Metzger: "You've talked a bit about the idea of industry on the moon...Helium-3."

• Market Dynamics: The anticipated rise in demand for helium-3 due to advancements in quantum computing and other technologies could make lunar extraction more economically feasible.

  [64:49] Phil Metzger: "It's going to increase the demand for helium..."

• Skepticism and Optimism: While skepticism remains regarding the concentration and extraction costs, evolving market demands and technological advancements are shifting perspectives towards a more optimistic outlook.

  [65:00] Tarek Malik: "I know the people at Magna Petra are super smart...business landscape is constantly changing."

Conclusion: Helium-3 mining holds significant potential for future energy solutions, with evolving market demands potentially driving its economic viability and making lunar extraction a lucrative endeavor.

9. NASA's Science Budget Cuts

Overview: The episode concludes with a critical analysis of the reported severe budget cuts to NASA’s science programs, particularly targeting Earth science, and the long-term implications for American scientific leadership.

Key Points:

• Scope of Cuts: Reports indicate a proposed 50% reduction in NASA’s science budget, with an inordinate focus on Earth science sectors.

  [67:37] Phil Metzger: "Cuts are coming 50% across various areas..."

• Implications: Dr. Metzger warns that reducing funding for science undermines America’s global leadership in technology and innovation, which has been a cornerstone of its success since World War II.

  [69:39] Tarek Malik: "Science has been the thing that's made America unique...It's a real mistake."

• Overhead and Compliance Issues: The proposed cuts also target overhead costs, which are essential for managing complex scientific operations, further jeopardizing research integrity and compliance.

  [69:39] Tarek Malik: "The real overhead rate is literally about 100%...universities can't operate with 10% indirect costs."

Conclusion: Cutting NASA’s science budget poses a significant threat to technological advancement and international competitiveness, highlighting the need for sustained investment in scientific research and innovation.

Conclusion

Rod Pyle and Tarek Malik wrap up the episode by highlighting ongoing and future initiatives in space research and infrastructure, encouraging listeners to engage with upcoming events like the International Space Development Conference. They also promote their online presence, urging audiences to join Club Twit and stay connected through various platforms.

[72:46] Rod Pyle: "Thank you, Phil. I'm so glad we're able to get you on..."

[72:54] Phil Metzger: "Take care and see you next week."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Phil Metzger: "We just had a confirmation hearing...I like to call Space Jesus." – [04:31]
• Phil Metzger: "Maybe a good preparation for being NASA administrator is the fact that his private air force plays the adversary in the war games." – [07:26]
• Tarek Malik: "We did on Apollo 12, land 160 meters from the Surveyor 3 spacecraft...sandblasted the Surveyor." – [32:49]
• Phil Metzger: "We measured that the height of the splashes, they were as tall as a six-story building." – [39:35]
• Rod Pyle: "Katy Perry is going to space...It's gonna happen this time." – [15:01]
• Phil Metzger: "It's very strange...the backlash is severe." – [17:22]
• Tarek Malik: "Help democratize space, get more people invested in space so that people all around the world have equity in the process of settling space..." – [22:12]
• Phil Metzger: "Science has been the thing that's made America unique...It's a real mistake." – [69:39]

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing readers with a clear understanding of the topics discussed, key insights, and the perspectives shared by the hosts and guest.