Episode Overview

In episode 158 of This Week in Space titled "Hubble's 35th Birthday," hosts Rod Pyle and Tarek Malik celebrate the enduring legacy of the Hubble Space Telescope. Released on April 25, 2025, the episode delves into significant space-related topics, including potential NASA budget cuts, the discovery of the Hercules Corona Borealis Great Wall, and China's latest advancements in space exploration. The highlight of the episode is an in-depth interview with renowned space scientist and veteran astronaut, Dr. John Grunsfeld, affectionately known as the "Hubble Hugger" for his pivotal role in servicing missions.

NASA Budget Cuts and Administrative Insights

The episode opens with a discussion on the looming threat of substantial budget cuts to NASA, particularly affecting its science and astrophysics programs. Rod Pyle references a report from Space News Today detailing inquiries posed to Jared Isaacman, the incoming NASA Administrator, regarding proposed 50% reductions in the science budget.

Rod Pyle notes, "Jared Isaacman is now on the record. He says a 50% reduction to NASA’s science budget does not, and I quote, appear to be an optimal outcome" (04:37). Isaacman emphasizes his commitment to advocating for strong investments in space science, astrophysics, and Earth science, signaling potential resistance to the proposed cuts. However, uncertainty remains as budget decisions continue to evolve.

Understanding the Hercules Corona Borealis Great Wall

Tarek Malik and Rod Pyle then explore the discovery of the Hercules Corona Borealis Great Wall, the largest known structure in the universe. This colossal supercluster spans approximately 10 million light-years and was originally identified 11 years prior to the episode's release.

Tarek Malik shares his excitement, stating, "This is absolutely crazy... we've been able to refine their observations with ground and space-based instruments... this was one of our most successful science stories of the week" (06:43). The Great Wall's discovery was enhanced through the analysis of gamma-ray bursts, allowing astronomers to better understand its vastness and proximity relative to Earth.

China's Shenzhou 20 Mission to Tiangong Space Station

The hosts also discuss China's ongoing advancements in space exploration, highlighted by the recent launch of the Shenzhou 20 crew to the Tiangong Space Station. This mission marks China's ninth crewed flight, showcasing the country's robust crew rotation capabilities.

Rod Pyle remarks, "This really demonstrates that they have this crew rotation operations fairly well in hand..." (08:26). Additionally, China has signed an agreement to train astronauts from Pakistan, marking the first international astronaut collaboration for the Tiangong program. This development comes at a time when the future of the International Space Station remains uncertain, potentially leading to increased international cooperation in space.

Personal Anecdotes from the Hosts

Amidst the technical discussions, the hosts share personal stories to add a human touch to the episode. Rod Pyle updates listeners on his Labrador mix, Charlie, who recently underwent tumor surgery. Simultaneously, they celebrate Tarek Malik's 48th birthday, reminiscing about his past, including his humorous stint driving a Saturn LS.

In-Depth Interview with Dr. John Grunsfeld

The core of the episode features an insightful interview with Dr. John Grunsfeld, whose extensive career with NASA encompasses roles as an astronaut, chief scientist, and key figure in the servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope.

John’s Journey to NASA and the Astronaut Corps

John Grunsfeld recounts his childhood inspirations, influenced by the burgeoning space program of the 1960s and the scientific accomplishments of figures like Enrico Fermi. His passion for astronomy and physics led him to pursue a career that seamlessly blended scientific research with space exploration.

The Hubble Space Telescope: Deployment and Early Challenges

Reflecting on Hubble's launch, Grunsfeld describes the tense moments during deployment. The initial mission faced critical challenges, including a malfunctioning solar array. He recalls, "Kathy Thornton and Bruce McCandless... were ready to manually crank out the solar arrays, but fortunately, the ground was able to uplink a command..." (18:01). This swift problem-solving ensured Hubble's successful deployment.

Servicing Missions: Engineering Marvels and Spacewalks

Grunsfeld details his experiences during Hubble's servicing missions, emphasizing the complexity and precision required for spacewalks (EVAs). Performing a total of eight spacewalks, he explains the rigorous training involved: "For every hour doing a spacewalk, we trained about 12 hours in the pool... It's probably more like 15, 20 hours for every hour in space" (30:35). He highlights the ingenuity required to modify and utilize tools in the unforgiving environment of space, often improvising with household tools to address unforeseen challenges.

Hubble’s Scientific Legacy and Discoveries

Hubble's contributions to astrophysics are profound. Grunsfeld discusses its role in measuring the universe's expansion, leading to the groundbreaking discovery of dark energy—a mysterious force causing the universe's accelerated expansion. He mentions, "Adam Reese... found that the universe looked like it was accelerating... which led to the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2011" (52:07). Additionally, Hubble has enabled the observation of celestial phenomena dating back to almost the universe's inception, providing invaluable data for astronomers worldwide.

The Future of Space Telescopes and Servicing Capabilities

Looking ahead, Grunsfeld outlines plans for next-generation telescopes such as the Roman Space Telescope and the prospective Habitable Worlds Observatory. He envisions robotic servicing missions as a sustainable model for maintaining and upgrading space-based observatories, ensuring their longevity and scientific relevance. "By 2045, we should have very capable servicing robots... that's what we're thinking. Make it so easy even a robot can do it" (67:42).

Advocacy for NASA's Science Budget

The discussion shifts back to the critical issue of NASA's funding. Grunsfeld passionately argues against significant budget cuts, emphasizing the multifaceted benefits of space science. He states, "Every dollar invested in NASA is about 7 to $9 in GDP... you would invest more in NASA, not less" (56:39). The hosts and Grunsfeld advocate for public engagement, urging listeners to contact their congressional representatives to support NASA's science initiatives.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate the importance of maintaining and advancing NASA's scientific missions. Rod Pyle encourages listeners to stay informed and involved, while Tarek Malik celebrates his birthday amidst the broader discussions of space exploration's future.

Rod Pyle concludes, "If you're watching this podcast, but if you don't call, they don't know and they make decisions based on what their constituents... say is important" (66:32). The episode serves as both a celebration of Hubble's remarkable journey and a rallying call to protect and advance space science for future generations.

Key Takeaways

• Hubble Space Telescope's Enduring Legacy: Celebrating 35 years of groundbreaking discoveries and the critical role of servicing missions in extending its lifespan and capabilities.

• NASA Budget Concerns: Highlighting proposed significant cuts to NASA's science budget and advocating for continued or increased investment to maintain scientific leadership and economic benefits.

• Future of Space Telescopes: Emphasizing the need for next-generation observatories and the potential of robotic servicing to ensure their sustainability and advancement.

• Public Engagement: Urging listeners to actively support NASA by communicating with their congressional representatives to voice the importance of space science.

Notable Quotes

• Rod Pyle on Isaacman's Stance: "Jared Isaacman is now on the record. He says a 50% reduction to NASA’s science budget does not, and I quote, appear to be an optimal outcome" (04:37).

• Tarek Malik on the Great Wall: "This was actually one of our most successful science stories of the week..." (06:43).

• John Grunsfeld on Spacewalk Training: "For every hour doing a spacewalk, we trained about 12 hours in the pool..." (30:35).

• Grunsfeld on Dark Energy Discovery: "Adam Reese... found that the universe looked like it was accelerating... which led to the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2011" (52:07).

• Grunsfeld on NASA Investment: "Every dollar invested in NASA is about 7 to $9 in GDP... you would invest more in NASA, not less" (56:39).

Final Thoughts

Episode 158 of This Week in Space offers a comprehensive look at the Hubble Space Telescope’s illustrious history and its pivotal role in modern astronomy. Through engaging discussions and expert insights from Dr. John Grunsfeld, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges and triumphs of maintaining and advancing one of humanity’s most cherished scientific instruments. The episode also serves as a timely reminder of the importance of supporting space science amidst evolving budgetary landscapes.