Podcast Summary: This Week in Space 161: The TWiS Comedy Hour!
Release Date: May 16, 2025
Hosted by: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik
Platform: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)
Episode Overview
In a special comedic edition of This Week in Space, hosts Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik blend the latest space news with a hearty dose of humor. From failed rocket launches to interstellar spacecraft updates, the duo navigates the cosmos of current events with wit and insight.
1. Gilmore Space’s Failed Orbital Launch
Timestamp: [05:35] - [07:45]
Rod and Tariq discuss Gilmore Space, an Australian company aiming to achieve the nation's first orbital commercial launch. Despite multiple delays, the company faced a setback when their Aris rocket prematurely separated its payload fairing on the pad in northeastern Australia.
Key Points:
- Payload Details: The payload, humorously reported as "a bunch of Vegemite," remained unharmed.
- Technical Issue: An unexpected trigger caused the payload fairing to detach without fuel being loaded, preventing a disaster.
- Future Plans: Gilmore Space intends to investigate the electrical or hardware malfunction to prepare for the next launch attempt.
Notable Quote:
Rod Pyle [06:33]: "Vegemite? I mean, what a way to signal the aliens. We don't deserve to continue living."
2. NASA Budget Cuts and the Potential Cancellation of SLS and Orion
Timestamp: [07:45] - [19:47]
The hosts delve into the recent "skinny budget" proposed for NASA, suggesting the cancellation of the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion capsule. This decision has sparked debates about the future of NASA's Artemis program and the broader implications for U.S. leadership in space exploration.
Key Points:
- Artemis Program Impact: The potential cancellation could mark Artemis 3 as the last human mission to the moon.
- Political Reactions: Congressional districts reliant on NASA's budget oppose the cuts, leading to possible legislative stalemates.
- Expert Opinions: Eric Berger from Ars Technica provides an in-depth analysis of the situation, highlighting conflicts between the Office of Management and Budget and NASA's space science goals.
- Future Strategies: Possible revival of the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) model to leverage commercial partnerships for lunar and Mars missions.
Notable Quotes:
Rod Pyle [08:50]: "We're racing China back to the moon with an expensive launch system and capsule, yet considering pivoting to Mars without reliable commercial partners is very worrisome."
Tariq Malik [18:02]: "An open letter from advisory committee chairs warns that these budget cuts are 'eating the seed corn' of NASA's space science."
3. Voyager 1 Thrusters Activation
Timestamp: [14:22] - [17:07]
A significant update on Voyager 1 reveals that NASA successfully activated the spacecraft's backup roll thrusters, which hadn't been used since 2004. This maneuver ensures Voyager 1 can maintain its orientation towards Earth, facilitating ongoing data transmission from interstellar space.
Key Points:
- Technical Achievement: Overcoming concerns about fuel line pressure and corrosion to reactivate the thrusters.
- Mission Importance: Ensures Voyager 1 continues to send valuable scientific data despite being 48 years old and 15 billion miles away.
- NASA’s Praise: Rod refers to the effort as a "miracle save," attributing the success to NASA JPL's chief engineer.
Notable Quote:
Tariq Malik [16:52]: "It's like ensuring your road trip car is in top shape before you head out—Voyager is getting the ultimate check-up."
4. Intuitive Machines' Lunar Mission Updates
Timestamp: [25:20] - [31:03]
Intuitive Machines faces challenges with their lunar lander, Athena, which experienced landing issues due to unexpected lighting conditions and telemetry problems. The company aims to rectify these issues for their upcoming mission, IM-3, slated for Q1 2026.
Key Points:
- Landing Issues: Athena's crash attributed to unforeseen lighting and communication glitches.
- Future Plans: Intuitive Machines plans to reinforce landing systems and adjust flight protocols for the next attempt.
- Market Competition: Emphasis on the competitive landscape with SpaceX's emerging Starship capabilities posing concerns.
Notable Quote:
Rod Pyle [29:16]: "SpaceX's Starship hasn't even successfully landed on the moon yet, and we're already considering Mars pivots—it's a bit of a head scratcher."
5. SpaceX’s Starship Test Flight and Elon Musk’s Upcoming Mars Plans
Timestamp: [25:25] - [31:03]
Rod and Tariq anticipate SpaceX's upcoming Starship test flight, hoping for a successful orbital mission. Elon Musk is set to outline updated Mars colonization plans during a pre-launch talk.
Key Points:
- Test Flight Details: Reflight of the test flight 7 first-stage booster, with expectations to reach orbit.
- Elon Musk's Speech: Scheduled for June 21st, focusing on Mars game plans and Starbase Texas developments.
- Regulatory Challenges: ProPublica highlights the UK's request to the FAA to adjust flight path clearances to protect territories like the Virgin Islands from potential debris.
Notable Quote:
Rod Pyle [29:55]: "They're aiming for 100% reusability, but with cryogenics boiling away and tight launch schedules, it's a logistical nightmare waiting to happen."
6. China’s Orbital Computing Satellites Initiative
Timestamp: [37:23] - [41:06]
China has launched its first batch of 12 orbital computing satellites as part of a broader plan to deploy 2,800 such units. This initiative, a collaboration between the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and Alibaba, aims to support AI-driven applications with high bandwidth capabilities.
Key Points:
- Technical Specifications: Each satellite offers up to 100 gigabits per second of bandwidth via laser communication.
- Strategic Implications: Positions China at the forefront of space-based AI computing, potentially outpacing Western counterparts.
- Security Concerns: Inclusion of instruments like the cosmic X-ray polarimeter raises questions about dual-use technologies for defense.
Notable Quote:
Rod Pyle [38:49]: "This puts China in the front seat for big AI, and with their advancements, it's both impressive and a bit scary."
7. SpaceX’s Starlink Achieves Profitability
Timestamp: [41:32] - [43:18]
SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service has reached profitability, generating an estimated $11.8 billion in revenue for 2024. This marks a significant milestone as Starlink surpasses SpaceX's space transportation business in earnings.
Key Points:
- Revenue Milestone: First time Starlink outperformed launch services, including crewed missions with NASA.
- Satellite Expansion: With over 4,000 satellites deployed, Starlink continues to lead the market despite competition from Amazon's Kuiper project.
- Future Growth: Ongoing deals, such as new contracts in the Middle East, bolster Starlink's market dominance.
Notable Quote:
Rod Pyle [41:41]: "SpaceX's business model with Starlink is clearly working, and they're setting the pace in space-based internet despite Amazon's efforts to catch up."
8. NASA’s Viper Lunar Rover on Hold
Timestamp: [44:53] - [47:19]
NASA's Viper lunar rover, intended for prospecting water ice on the moon's south pole, faces delays due to integration issues with its designated lander. The agency is exploring alternative strategies to salvage the mission amidst rising costs and logistical challenges.
Key Points:
- Mission Objective: To excavate and analyze water ice deposits, crucial for sustainable lunar habitation and fuel production.
- Integration Challenges: Initial plans with Astrobotic’s lander fell through, leading to uncertainty about the rover's future.
- Financial Implications: The aborted mission incurred sunk costs totaling approximately $450 million, prompting NASA to seek innovative solutions.
Notable Quote:
Rod Pyle [47:19]: "It's like trying to keep a halftime payroll when the main game isn’t on—shortsighted and disappointing for lunar exploration."
9. Solar Flares and Auroras Observed
Timestamp: [50:07] - [55:57]
A massive solar flare emanating from sunspot AR4087 unleashed an X2.7 flare towards Earth, leading to spectacular auroral displays reaching as far south as New Jersey and Texas. Additionally, the Perseverance Rover captured the first visible light auroras from the surface of Mars, marking a significant milestone in extraterrestrial atmospheric studies.
Key Points:
- Solar Activity: Strong coronal mass ejections (CMEs) accompanying the flare resulted in enhanced northern and southern lights.
- Mars Observation: Perseverance Rover's imaging confirmed the presence of auroras on Mars, providing new opportunities for research and future astronaut observations.
Notable Quotes:
Rod Pyle [51:57]: "Auroras on Mars mean that future astronauts could enjoy cosmic light shows just like we do here on Earth."
10. Virgin Galactic's Fleet Update
Timestamp: [56:33] - [62:35]
Virgin Galactic has paused its flights to develop a new fleet of spacecraft, the Spaceship Delta, aiming to increase flight frequency and passenger capacity. The company plans to commence initial flights and passenger services by mid-2026, aligning with their goal to become cash-positive.
Key Points:
- Fleet Development: Transition from Spaceship Two to the more robust Spaceship Delta to enable twice-weekly flights.
- Financial Strategy: Moving towards profitability by reopening ticket sales in early 2026 with adjusted pricing models.
- Market Position: Despite delays, Virgin Galactic maintains its commitment to commercial space tourism amidst competition from SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Notable Quote:
Rod Pyle [60:45]: "Selling tickets in batches with variable pricing indicates a flexible and potentially lucrative strategy to revive space tourism."
11. Comedy Interludes and Listener Jokes
Throughout the episode, Rod and Tariq intersperse their discussions with space-themed jokes, enhancing the comedic atmosphere. Notable humorous exchanges include:
-
Rod: "Why did the Mars Rover apply for psychotherapy?"
-
Tariq: "Because it had abandonment issues."
-
Listener Joke: "Why was the rocket scientist late? Because he had no comet meant."
These light-hearted moments provide a balance to the technical and often serious nature of space discussions.
12. Conclusion and Future Episodes
As the episode wraps up, the hosts announce upcoming events and encourage listener engagement. They preview their next episode featuring astronaut Nick Hague and tease additional space insights and humorous content.
Notable Quote:
Rod Pyle [67:28]: "Thanks everybody for sticking with us for this whole hour full of terrible jokes and our meandering experiences."
Final Thoughts
This Week in Space 161: The TWiS Comedy Hour! offers a blend of critical space news and engaging humor, providing listeners with both information and entertainment. From the challenges faced by emerging space companies to significant achievements in space exploration, Rod and Tariq deliver a comprehensive and enjoyable episode for space enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
Notable Quotes Summary:
- Rod Pyle [06:33]: "Vegemite? I mean, what a way to signal the aliens. We don't deserve to continue living."
- Rod Pyle [08:50]: "We're racing China back to the moon with an expensive launch system and capsule, yet considering pivoting to Mars without reliable commercial partners is very worrisome."
- Tariq Malik [14:22]: "It's like ensuring your road trip car is in top shape before you head out—Voyager is getting the ultimate check-up."
- Rod Pyle [47:19]: "It's like trying to keep a halftime payroll when the main game isn’t on—shortsighted and disappointing for lunar exploration."
- Rod Pyle [51:57]: "Auroras on Mars mean that future astronauts could enjoy cosmic light shows just like we do here on Earth."
- Rod Pyle [60:45]: "Selling tickets in batches with variable pricing indicates a flexible and potentially lucrative strategy to revive space tourism."
- Rod Pyle [67:28]: "Thanks everybody for sticking with us for this whole hour full of terrible jokes and our meandering experiences."
Audience Takeaway:
This episode is a must-listen for those interested in the latest developments in space exploration, the financial dynamics of space companies, and the interplay between scientific progress and regulatory challenges. Coupled with humor, Rod and Tariq provide an accessible and entertaining overview of the current state of space affairs.