Podcast Summary: "This Week in Space 165: Guardians of Space"

Release Date: June 13, 2025
Hosts: Rod Pyle, Tarek Malik
Guest: Colonel Nick Hague, Space Force Guardian and NASA Astronaut

Introduction

In Episode 165 of This Week in Space, titled "Guardians of Space", hosts Rod Pyle and Tarek Malik delve into pivotal space-related topics, spotlighting budgetary impacts on international missions and the evolving role of the Space Force. The episode features a special guest, Colonel Nick Hague, a seasoned Space Force Guardian and NASA astronaut, who shares his unique insights and experiences from his recent mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Key Discussions

1. NASA's Budget Cuts and International Impacts

The episode kicks off with a discussion on NASA's budget request and its ripple effects on global space missions. Rod Pyle highlights concerns raised by the European Space Agency (ESA) regarding three critical missions threatened by budgetary constraints imposed by the Trump administration:

• Gravitational Wave Observatory (LISA)
• Venus Orbiter Vision
• New Athena X-ray Observatory

Rod Pyle (03:11):
"The European Union ESA had a significant meeting this week, and their major concerns center around budget proposals from the Trump administration. Three missions—the Gravitational Wave Observatory LISA, the Venus Orbiter Vision, and the new Athena X-ray Observatory—are at risk. They’re requiring dramatic recovery actions to keep these projects afloat."

The hosts elaborate on the ESA's challenges, including the dissolution of the ExoMars partnership with Russia and the subsequent complications in launching the Rosalind Franklin Mars rover. Rod emphasizes the interconnectedness of NASA's budget decisions with international scientific collaborations:

Rod Pyle (05:04):
"It’s a reminder that the budgetary decisions here in the US significantly impact our international science partners. For example, the Sentinel 6C2 Earth observing mission is also on the chopping block."

2. National Solar Observatory Funding Cuts

Another critical point discussed is the drastic funding cuts to the National Solar Observatory (NSO), specifically impacting the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope. Rod Pyle explains the implications of reducing the NSO's budget from $30 million to $13 million, jeopardizing ongoing and future solar research:

Rod Pyle (06:25):
"The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, the most powerful solar observatory on Earth, is facing severe budget cuts. With only $13 million allocated, down from $30 million, they won’t be able to sustain their science campaigns."

3. Solar Orbiter's First Look at the Sun’s Poles

Shifting to positive developments, the hosts discuss the Solar Orbiter's groundbreaking achievement of capturing direct images of the sun's poles—a first in space exploration:

Rod Pyle (08:03):
"Scientists have obtained the Solar Orbiter’s first close-up images of the sun’s poles. This mission provides unprecedented insight into the sun’s solar cycle, weather, and magnetic fields."

Tarek Malik connects this advancement to the broader context of NASA cutting heliophysics funding, underscoring the importance of such missions for understanding space weather and its potential impact on Earth:

Tarek Malik (10:09):
"Understanding solar weather is crucial because a severe coronal discharge could have catastrophic effects on our technology-dependent society."

4. Preparing for Increased Space Traffic

Colonel Nick Hague joins the conversation to shed light on the growing congestion in low Earth orbit (LEO) and the role of the Space Force in mitigating potential collisions:

Nick Hague (46:57):
"With over 10,000 satellites and 50,000 tracked objects in space, the Space Force plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of missions like those on the ISS by tracking and managing space debris to prevent collisions."

Nick provides a vivid description of the increased satellite traffic from the ISS perspective, emphasizing the importance of the Space Force’s tracking capabilities:

Nick Hague (46:56):
"From the ISS, you can see hundreds of Starlink satellites glinting against the darkness of space, showcasing how crowded our orbital environment has become."

Guest Spotlight: Colonel Nick Hague

Path to the Stars

Colonel Nick Hague shares his journey from the Air Force Academy in Kansas to becoming a NASA astronaut and Space Force Guardian. His passion for space was ignited by the clear, star-filled skies of rural Kansas, fostering a childhood dream of exploration.

Nick Hague (28:17):
"Growing up in Kansas, the lack of light pollution allowed me to gaze at the stars and wonder what lies beyond. This curiosity, combined with a desire to serve my country, led me to a career intertwined with both the military and space exploration."

Nick discusses the rigorous selection process and training that culminated in his missions to the ISS, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of spaceflight.

Space Force and NASA Collaboration

Transitioning from the Air Force to the Space Force in early 2021, Nick underscores the symbiotic relationship between the two entities and NASA:

Nick Hague (32:22):
"Transferring to the Space Force made sense for me as everything I did in the Air Force was related to space. The Space Force provides stability and access to space, enabling NASA to conduct its scientific research seamlessly."

He elaborates on how the Space Force supports NASA’s missions, particularly through maintaining the safety and operability of the ISS by tracking space debris.

Astronaut Experiences and Readaptation

Nick recounts his recent six-month mission on the ISS, detailing the physical and mental challenges of readapting to Earth’s gravity:

Nick Hague (37:48):
"Adaptation to zero gravity happens quickly, but readjusting to Earth's gravity takes time—about a month and a half to two months of physical therapy and reconditioning to regain balance and muscle strength."

He describes the subtle but disorienting effects of returning to Earth, where his subconscious still expected weightlessness, making everyday actions feel unusually heavy at first.

Becoming an Astronaut

Addressing aspiring astronauts and Space Force Guardians, Nick emphasizes the diversity of pathways to space, the importance of a strong STEM education, and the value of perseverance:

Nick Hague (55:55):
"There is no single pathway to becoming an astronaut or a Guardian. A strong STEM education is fundamental, and finding your passion within the vast array of space-related activities can guide your journey. Keep working hard and stay committed."

He also touches on the concept of being "astronaut tough," referring to the mental and emotional resilience required to handle emergencies, such as the rare Soyuz launch abort he experienced:

Nick Hague (61:38):
"During a launch abort, my training kicked in automatically. Compartmentalizing emotions and focusing on procedures were crucial for survival and ensuring the safety of my crewmate."

Closing Remarks

Nick concludes with a heartfelt message about the power of collaboration in space exploration:

Nick Hague (72:18):
"The mission of the ISS and space exploration at large doesn't happen because of one person or one country. It’s the result of a diverse, global team working together to achieve something truly magical for the benefit of humanity."

Conclusion

In this episode of This Week in Space, Rod Pyle and Tarek Malik, alongside Colonel Nick Hague, provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current state of space exploration, the challenges posed by budget cuts, and the critical role of the Space Force in safeguarding our ventures in space. Nick's personal experiences offer a unique perspective on the rigorous demands of astronaut life and the collaborative spirit that drives space missions forward.

Notable Quotes:

• Rod Pyle (03:11):
  "The European Union ESA had a significant meeting this week, and their major concerns center around budget proposals from the Trump administration. Three missions—the Gravitational Wave Observatory LISA, the Venus Orbiter Vision, and the new Athena X-ray Observatory—are at risk."

• Tarek Malik (10:09):
  "Understanding solar weather is crucial because a severe coronal discharge could have catastrophic effects on our technology-dependent society."

• Nick Hague (55:55):
  "There is no single pathway to becoming an astronaut or a Guardian. A strong STEM education is fundamental, and finding your passion within the vast array of space-related activities can guide your journey. Keep working hard and stay committed."

• Nick Hague (72:18):
  "The mission of the ISS and space exploration at large doesn't happen because of one person or one country. It’s the result of a diverse, global team working together to achieve something truly magical for the benefit of humanity."

For more insights and updates on space missions and the role of the Space Force, follow Colonel Nick Hague on Twitter @Spaceforce.com/Astronick and stay tuned to This Week in Space for future episodes.