In 1972, the final lunar mission of the Apollo program took place, finally sending a geologist to study the moon up close.

Links and Show Notes:

Our Apollo Episodes:

• Apollo 1
• Apollo 4 & 5
• Apollo 6
• Apollo 7
• Apollo 8
• Apollo 9
• Apollo 10
• Apollo 11
• Apollo 12
• Apollo 13
• Apollo 14
• Apollo 15
• Apollo 16
• Apollo 17

Apollo 17 | NASA

Apollo 17 Mission - Lunar and Planetary Institute

Apollo 17 | National Air and Space Museum

Apollo 17 Flight Journal

Apollo 17 Lunar Surface Journal

Fifty years later, remastered images reveal Apollo 17 in stunning clarity | Ars Technica

NASA Astronaut Group 4 - Wikipedia

Taurus–Littrow - Wikipedia

The Blue Marble - Wikipedia

Tracy's Rock - Wikipedia

Fe, Fi, Fo, Fum, and Phooey - Wikipedia

The Last Man on the Moon (2014) - IMDb

Apollo 17 Command Module - Space Center Houston

js-houston.jpeg">Your Hosts at Johnson Space Center in 2019

In the early morning of November 16, the SLS launched for the very first time.

Links and Show Notes:

Artemis Blog | NASA

Liftoff! NASA’s Artemis I Mega Rocket Launches Orion to Moon | NASA

NASA gets its mojo back with a stunning nighttime launch of the SLS rocket | Ars Technica

NASA's daring Artemis 1 'Red Crew' saved the launch to the moon | Space

The Artemis I Engines - @oz1sej on Twitter

Artemis I releases 10 cubesats, including a Moon lander, for technology and research - NASASpaceFlight.com

Artemis I Map | NASA

NASA’s New Orion Spacecraft Completes First Spaceflight Test | NASA

A press release from December 2014.

The oracle who predicted SLS’s launch in 2023 has thoughts about Artemis III | Ars Technica

Jason and Stephen pop open the hatch to marvel at the JWST's first images, talk about the SLS and wonder what is going on with Russia and the ISS.

Links and Show Notes:

First Images: NASA Reveals Webb Telescope's First Images of Unseen Universe

NASA’s Webb Delivers Deepest Infrared Image of Universe Yet | NASA

NASA’s Webb Reveals Steamy Atmosphere of Distant Planet in Detail | NASA

NASA’s Webb Captures Dying Star’s Final ‘Performance’ in Fine Detail | NASA

NASA’s Webb Sheds Light on Galaxy Evolution, Black Holes | NASA

NASA’s Webb Reveals Cosmic Cliffs, Glittering Landscape of Star Birth | NASA

One week later, astronomers find a galaxy even deeper back in time | Ars Technica

Teams Press Ahead Toward Artemis I Launch in Late August – Artemis

Artemis 1 - Wikipedia

Russia says it plans to withdraw from the International Space Station after 2024 - The Verge

Russian space director’s wild threats could have real implications for the ISS - The Verge

Russia: We’re not leaving the Space Station until our own is ready | Ars Technica

An Out-of-Control Chinese Rocket Is Going to Crash Into Earth Tomorrow

Liftoff #12: The Size of a Refrigerator - Relay FM

In April 1972, the crew of Apollo 16 spent 71 hours on the surface of the moon after a series of technical glitches put their landing in jeopardy. The second of three J-missions, the crew spent nearly three whole days on the surface and completed an EVA on the way home, returning one day earlier than initially planned.

Links and Show Notes:

Our Apollo Episodes:

• Apollo 1
• Apollo 4 & 5
• Apollo 6
• Apollo 7
• Apollo 8
• Apollo 9
• Apollo 10
• Apollo 11
• Apollo 12
• Apollo 13
• Apollo 14
• Apollo 15
• Apollo 16
• Apollo 17

Apollo 16 | NASA

Apollo 16 Flight Journal - Index Page

The Apollo 16 Flight Journal - Apollo 16 Flight Summary

Apollo 16 Lunar Surface Journal

Lunar - Missions - Apollo 16 Mission

Apollo 16 | National Air and Space Museum

APOLLO 16 Grand Prix - Speed Corrected, Sound, Stabilized [HD source] (1972/04/21) - YouTube

The SLS has enjoyed some Florida sunshine but is headed back to the VAB for more work. This time, Stephen and Jason catch up on NASA's new rocket, plus some other news.

Links and Show Notes:

NASA’s next decade: Build a mission to an ice giant | Ars Technica

Planetary Science Decadal Survey: After the… | The Planetary Society

NASA to roll back its mega rocket after failing to complete countdown test | Ars Technica

NASA plans to roll first Artemis moon rocket back to hangar next week – Spaceflight Now

NASA Invites Media to Cover Boeing’s Orbital Flight Test-2 Mission | NASA

For All Mankind: Season 3 - Official Teaser Trailer (2022) Joel Kinnaman, Michael Dorman - YouTube

On this special episode, Stephen and Jason celebrate the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope and talk about the future of the podcast. The short version is that we will no longer be publishing every other week. Moving forward, we'll be recording special episodes as major news warrants.

Links and Show Notes:

Where Is Webb? NASA/Webb

Podcast - Main Engine Cut Off

Days away from (hopefully) the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, Stephen and Jason talk about the hype around the mission, as well as the latest with SLS and Starliner.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

David Nagy on Twitter: "With this, Bigelow's final operational asset on orbit is no longer under their control as the company disolves BEAM is officially a NASA owned module of the ISS as of today..."

Boeing to Move Up Service Modules for Commercial Crew Flight Tests – Commercial Crew Program

Starliner service module for Orbital Flight Test-2 being replaced - SpaceFlight Insider

Roscosmos selects first cosmonaut for commercial crew flights - SpaceNews

Rocket Lab unveils details of new reusable Neutron launcher - The Verge

Artemis I Space Launch System Rollout Delayed to January - SpaceFlight Insider

SLS Booster Fired up to Test Improved Design for Future Artemis Missions – Artemis

Webb Placed on Top of Ariane 5 – James Webb Space Telescope

James Webb Space Telescope: Looking back in time to catch the earliest starlight in creation - 60 Minutes - CBS News

The future of the International Space Station is the topic of a new report, all while the SLS inches closer to its first launch. Also: DART is on its way to a celestial crash and a spacewalk has been delayed thanks to debris from the recent Russian ASAT test.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

NASA postpones ISS spacewalk because of debris - SpaceNews

NASA Provides Update on Webb Telescope Launch – James Webb Space Telescope

JWST undamaged from payload processing incident - SpaceNews

Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) Mission | NASA

NASA wants to defend Earth from asteroids — so it’s slamming a spacecraft into one - The Verge

22-005.pdf">Nasa’s Management of The International Space Station and Efforts to Commercialize Low Earth Orbit (PDF)

How To Deorbit The International Space Station Safely - YouTube

Umbilical hardware arrives for SLS ML-2, runs out of funding - NASASpaceFlight.com

NASA wants to buy SLS rockets at half price, fly them into the 2050s | Ars Technica

NASA to Roll Out Mega Moon Rocket for First Time, Media Invited | NASA

Eric Berger on Twitter: "Update on the engine controller issue affecting one of the four space shuttle main engines that power the SLS..." - Twitter

Give the Gift of Relay FM Membership

Artemis' 2024 lunar landing is officially off the table. Russia has shot one of its own satellites down, leading to emergency procedures being carried out at the ISS.

Yeah, not a great week in space.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• LinkedIn Jobs: Post a job for free by visiting this link.
• The Intrazone, by Microsoft SharePoint: Your bi-weekly conversation and interview podcast about SharePoint, OneDrive and related tech within Microsoft 365.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Not Saying it was Aliens, but 'Oumuamua Probably Wasn't a Nitrogen Iceberg... - Universe Today

Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) | NASA

Practice Makes Perfect: Simulating Separation in Near Zero Gravity | NASA

kamooalewa-asteroid.html">Maybe It's a Lost Piece of the Moon, but Don't Call It a Moon - The New York Times

Crew Dragon lands safely, despite one parachute inflating slowly [Updated] | Ars Technica

NASA’s DART Preps for Launch in First Planetary Defense Test Mission | NASA

Eric Berger on Twitter: "If the review is favorable, this means that there's a pretty reasonable chance that Starship and Super Heavy will make their first orbital launch attempt during the first quarter of 2022."

The Space Review: Resetting Artemis

Blue Origin loses lawsuit against federal government over NASA’s human lunar lander contracts - The Verge

NASA delays Moon landings, says Blue Origin legal tactics partly to blame | Ars Technica

NASA delays ambitious human lunar landing to 2025 - The Verge

NASA will spend $93 billion on Artemis moon program by 2025, report estimates | Space

Russia blows up a satellite, creating a dangerous debris cloud in space - The Verge

Russia may have just shot down its own satellite, creating a huge debris cloud [Updated] | Ars Technica

NASA Administrator Statement on Russian ASAT Test | NASA

Russia acknowledges anti-satellite test, but says it’s no big deal | Ars Technica

The Darkest Timeline Theory on Russia

Ingenuity is flying faster than ever as JWST and SLS inch closer to launch. Then, a look at two different proposed commercial space stations.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Mars helicopter tests higher rotor speed on latest flight - SpaceFlight Insider

Flying on Mars Is Getting Harder and Harder - NASA Mars

NASA’s Juno spacecraft finds just how deep Jupiter’s Great Red Spot goes - The Verge

NASA’s Juno: Science Results Offer First 3D View of Jupiter Atmosphere | NASA

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-3 Launch Delayed from Nov. 3 – NASA’s SpaceX Crew-3 Mission

Tom Marshburn brings extensive spaceflight experience to Crew-3 mission – Spaceflight Now

JWST launch preparations on track - SpaceNews

Teams evaluate Hubble safe mode event, history of telescope leads to JWST - NASASpaceFlight.com

NASA fully stacks the SLS rocket for the first time - Space Explored

NASA announces Artemis I launch window - Space Explored

Inside Artemis 1's complex launch windows and constraints - NASASpaceFlight.com

Nanoracks, Lockheed Martin and Voyager Space plan to launch crewed commercial space station by 2027 | TechCrunch

Blue Origin, Sierra Space, and Boeing announce Orbital Reef - NASASpaceFlight.com

Blue Origin reveals plans for future commercial space station called Orbital Reef - The Verge

of-a-lifetime.html">St. Jude Mission of a Lifetime Podcast

This week, Jason preps a glass of ice water for Stephen and the two discuss recent Starliner updates, the future of the ISS and Lucy.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
• Ladder: Flexible life insurance in minutes.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Hubble Finds Evidence of Water Vapor in One Hemisphere of Europa | NASA

Hubble Finds First Evidence of Water Vapor at Jupiter's Moon Ganymede

Small satellite launcher Astra identifies cause behind strange sideways rocket launch - The Verge

Astra Announces LV0007 Launch Window For The United States Space Force | Astra

Starliner valve investigation continues to focus on moisture interaction with propellant - SpaceNews

NASA Selects First Commercial Destination Module for Space Station | NASA

The Space Review: What is the future of the International Space Station?

space-station-russia.html">Space Station Emergency Prompted by Russian Thruster Firing - The New York Times

Lucy: The First Mission to Jupiter’s Trojans | NASA

Lucy: First Mission to the Trojan Asteroids - YouTube

NASA's Mission to Visit 8 Asteroids, Lucy, Launches on October 16th - Universe Today

Lucy Spacecraft Healthy; Solar Arrays Being Analyzed – Lucy Mission

Lucy’s solar panel hasn’t latched—a problem for a mission powered by the Sun | Ars Technica

Star Trek's William Shatner, Back From Space With a Message | Time

This week, there's news about cubesats, several commercial space programs and more. Then, a look at what is going on at Blue Origin.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• LinkedIn Jobs: Post a job for free by visiting this link.
• Privacy: Smarter payments. Get $5 to spend on your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

$701k Raised for St. Jude!

Downstream - Relay FM

Jason's new podcast!

A Tiny, Inexpensive Satellite Will be Studying the Atmospheres of hot Jupiters - Universe Today

sun-planet.html">This May Be the First Planet Found Orbiting 3 Stars at Once - The New York Times

Blue Origin says ‘Star Trek’ actor William Shatner will fly to space next week – Spaceflight Now

FAA clears Virgin Galactic to resume SpaceShipTwo flights - SpaceNews

space-launch.html">Russian Film Crew Has Arrived at Space Station: Live Updates - The New York Times

NASA likely to move some astronauts off Starliner due to extended delays | Ars Technica

SLS modal testing complete, mass-sim removed - Space Explored

NASA completes umbilical test for SLS Artemis 1 mission - NASASpaceFlight.com

All Artemis I Secondary Payloads Installed in Rocket’s Orion Stage Adapter – Artemis

All Artemis I Secondary Payloads Installed in Rocket’s Orion Stage Adapter – Artemis

SLS modal testing complete, mass-sim removed - Space Explored

NASA completes umbilical test for SLS Artemis 1 mission - NASASpaceFlight.com

Blue Origin ‘gambled’ with its Moon lander pricing, NASA says in legal documents - The Verge

Revealed: The secret notes of Blue Origin leaders trying to catch SpaceX | Ars Technica

Blue Origin has a toxic culture, former and current employees say | Ars Technica

Bezos Wants to Create a Better Future in Space. His Company Blue Origin Is Stuck in a Toxic Past.

Jeff Bezos Faces Worker Complaints at Blue Origin - The Atlantic

NASA has published information about its work with AR, VR and getting sleepy while in a self-driving car. Jason and Stephen talk through the reports, then get into the breaking news of NASA's two new mission directorates.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• LinkedIn Jobs: Post a job for free by visiting this link.
• Privacy: Smarter payments. Get $5 to spend on your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Support the life-saving work of St. Jude

Relay FM Podcastathon for St. Jude (2021) - YouTube

Bonus Balderdash! - YouTube

Inspiration4 - Crew Makes Evening Splashdown, Completing World’s First All-Civilian Orbital Mission to Space

NASA Lab Studies Sleepiness and Use of Automated Systems | NASA

NASA’s Artemis Rover to Land Near Nobile Region of Moon’s South Pole | NASA

moon-viper.html">The Moon Crater Where NASA Will Send Its Viper Rover - The New York Times

Nine Ways We Use AR and VR on the ISS | NASA

NASA Leadership Positions Agency for Future | NASA

NASA to split leadership of its human spaceflight program | Ars Technica

It's a real roller coaster this week, except for the Astra rocket that went ... sideway off the pad. Other stories include Inspiration4, the James Webb Space Telescope and dual-core stars.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
• Privacy: Smarter payments. Get $5 to spend on your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Relay FM for St. Jude 2021

NASA's Perseverance Rover Successfully Cores Its First Rock – NASA’s Mars Exploration Program

NASA’s Perseverance Rover Collects First Mars Rock Sample | NASA

Cosmonauts Find Cracks in the Aging Zarya ISS Module - Universe Today

Russian cosmonauts find new cracks in ISS module | Reuters

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope Has Completed Testing | NASA

Upper stage of Ariane 5 rocket for James Webb Space Telescope launch arrives in French Guiana - Space Explored

Cosmic indigestion: Swallowing a neutron star can cause a star to explode | Ars Technica

Inspiration4 - [object Object]

Netflix: Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space

How It Happened - Podcasts - Axios

of-a-lifetime.html">St. Jude Mission of a Lifetime Podcast

NASA’s big rocket misses another deadline, now won’t fly until 2022 | Ars Technica

tests-for-moon-rocket-help-ensure-safe-travels-on-road-to-space.html">Vibration Tests for Moon Rocket Help Ensure Safe Travels to Space | NASA

FAA grounds Virgin Galactic’s core spaceship pending probe into Richard Branson’s flight - The Verge

Astra LV0006 rocket fails to reach orbit after sliding horizontally off the pad - The Verge

Chris Kemp on Twitter: RE: Astra LV0006

Firefly Alpha failure blamed on premature engine shutdown - SpaceNews

Firefly Alpha FLTA001 - YouTube

Boeing is returning the Starliner capsule to the factory, while Cassini continues to teach us about Saturn from beyond the grave. Then, Stephen and Jason give good and bad news about Artemis.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• LinkedIn Jobs: Post a job for free by visiting this link.
• Privacy: Smarter payments. Get $5 to spend on your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Relay FM for St. Jude 2021

cancer-genome-project.html">Pediatric Cancer Genome Project | St. Jude Research

Inspiration4 - Home

Starliner Returning to Factory to Resolve Valve Issue

NASA, Boeing to Move Starliner to Production Facility for Propulsion System Evaluation – Commercial Crew Program

NASA’s Perseverance to attempt second Mars soil scoop, hoping rocks don’t ‘crumble’ - The Verge

Helicopter Status Updates - NASA Mars

Millennium Space in an experiment de-orbited a satellite in eight months - SpaceNews

Saturn's insides are sloshing around | MIT Technology Review

Orion Spacecraft Goes ‘Shields Up’ for Artemis I – Artemis

piece-of-artemis-ii-flight-hardware-arrives-in-florida.html">First Piece of Artemis II Rocket Hardware Arrives in Florida | NASA

Blue Origin suit stops work on NASA HLS contract with SpaceX - SpaceNews

Nelson: Blue Origin lawsuit adds further delays to Artemis - SpaceNews

Development of spacesuits for Artemis moonwalks lagging – Spaceflight Now

Jason and Stephen are back, catching up on the news. Topics include SLS flight computers, Starliner's continued struggles, the recent incident at the ISS and a lot more.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
• F-Sim Space Shuttle: Try it today for just $4.99.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

NASA’s New Telescope Will Show Us the Infancy of the Universe | The New Yorker

Jaw-dropping remastered NASA photos celebrate Apollo 15's 50th anniversary - CBS News

Apollo Remastered - The ultimate photographic record of humankind's greatest adventure

SpaceX surges Starship work despite FAA environmental review uncertainty - SpaceNews

With a single photo, SpaceX sent a not-so-subtle message to FAA regulators | Ars Technica

Blue Origin | HLS National Team

bezos-lunar-lander-contract.html">Bezos' Blue Origin Loses Challenge to NASA SpaceX Lunar Lander Contract - The New York Times

Jeff Bezos asks NASA for moon lander contract, offers to cover billions in costs | Space

NASA's Perseverance Team Assessing First Mars Sampling Attempt – NASA’s Mars Exploration Program

Space Station Incident Demands Independent Investigation - IEEE Spectrum

Blue Origin successfully completes its first human launch | Ars Technica

Now someone wants to slap a SPACE Tax on Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, et al | TheHill

NASA EGS, Jacobs power up Artemis 1 vehicle to begin system checkouts in the VAB - NASASpaceFlight.com

moon-rocket-flight-software-readied-for-artemis-i-launch.html">NASA Moon Rocket Flight Software Readied for Artemis I Launch | NASA

First CubeSats Aboard for Artemis I Mission – NASA Blogs

stage-adapter.jpeg">Stephen's photo of Orion's stage adapter

Boeing Starliner launch problems more widespread than previously reported - The Washington Post

Starliner delayed again, and its launch window may close soon | Ars Technica

NASA, Boeing Continue to Work Toward Understanding Starliner Service Module Valve Performance Issue – Commercial Crew Program

Test Launch of Boeing's Starliner Delayed Due to Stuck Valves - Gizmodo

NASA’s new space suits are delayed, making a 2024 Moon landing ‘not feasible’ - The Verge

As the first J mission, Apollo 15 marked a new era of broader discovery and scientific work on the lunar surface. David Scott, Alfred M. Worden, James Irwin worked to further our understanding of the moon, and were the center of a bit of a scandal after splashdown.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Links and Show Notes:

Our Apollo Episodes:

• Apollo 1
• Apollo 4 & 5
• Apollo 6
• Apollo 7
• Apollo 8
• Apollo 9
• Apollo 10
• Apollo 11
• Apollo 12
• Apollo 13
• Apollo 14
• Apollo 15
• Apollo 16

Mission Summary: Apollo 15 | NASA

Apollo 15 Flight Journal - Index Page

Apollo 15 Lunar Surface Journal

Lunar - Missions - Apollo 15 Mission

Apollo 15 (AS-510) | National Air and Space Museum

Apollo’s First Lunar Rover, Driven 50 Years Ago - The Atlantic

The Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle

Apollo 15: "Never Been on a Ride like this Before" - YouTube

Tapemeters.html">LM Tapemeters and T/W Indicator

A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts: Chaikin, Andrew, Hanks, Tom: 9780143112358: Amazon.com: Books

Sculpture on the moon: Paul van Hoeydonck’s Fallen Astronaut.

‎The Fallen Astronaut on iTunes

ASF | Astronaut Scholarship Foundation

Jason and Stephen check in on the Hubble's progress to return to normal operation and talk about Russia's upcoming ISS plans. Then, a discussion of billionaires in space and how the Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin missions are changing the world of space travel.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Operations Underway to Restore Payload Computer on NASA's Hubble | NASA

Operations Underway to Restore Payload Computer on NASA's Hubble | NASA

Russia's new Nauka module readied for launch to International Space Station | Space

Cosmonauts decommission old space station docking module in 7-hour spacewalk | Space

ESA - European Robotic Arm

NASA TV to Air Crew Dragon Port Relocation on Space Station | NASA

Eric Berger on Twitter: "Lol. None of the three lander proposals wanted to fly on SLS because it was supremely non-competitive in terms of price. But sure, shackle them to it. That’s how they’re going to compete with SpaceX. Brilliant." / Twitter

An Alabama lawmaker just wants NASA to fly SLS, doesn’t care about payloads | Ars Technica

Richard Branson rides Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo into space - SpaceFlight Insider

Here’s why Richard Branson’s flight matters—and, yes, it really matters | Ars Technica

Blue Origin donates $19 million to space nonprofits ahead of Jeff Bezos' launch | Space

Blue Origin selects 18 year old for first crewed flight - Space Explored

Increasingly, the ULA-Blue Origin marriage is an unhappy one | Ars Technica

Hayley's Lifelong St. Jude Story - YouTube

Jason and Stephen catch up with several commercial space companies before reviewing footage of Zhurong on Mars and talking about the issues currently plaguing the Hubble Space Telescope.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Liftoff on Tumblr

062221a-tide-laundry-detergent-space-station.html">Tide to develop first laundry detergent for astronauts' clothing on space station | collectSPACE

NASA - Astronauts' Dirty Laundry

NASA and Boeing close out recommendations from Starliner review - SpaceNews

OFT-2 Starliner spacecraft fueled in advance of late-July launch - SpaceFlight Insider

Virgin Orbit launches cubesats on second operational mission - SpaceNews

Virgin Orbit suddenly has a viable rocket, so what comes next? | Ars Technica

Blue Origin will fly female aviator Wally Funk, one of the Mercury 13, on 1st crewed launch | Space

13.html">The Mercury 13: The women who could have been NASA's first female astronauts | Space

In a first, black holes feasting on neutron stars have been discovered in deep space - CNET

China’s Zhurong rover returns landing footage and sounds from Mars - SpaceNews

China's Shenzhou 12 spacecraft docks at space station with 3 astronauts | Space

China outlines space plans to 2025 - SpaceNews

June 18, 2021 - Operations Continue to Restore Payload Computer on NASA's Hubble Space Telescope

2021-035.html">Operations Underway to Restore Payload Computer on NASA's Hubble Space Telescope

Operations Underway to Restore Payload Computer on NASA's Hubble | NASA

John Grunsfeld on Twitter: "The team working on #Hubble recovery are masters of engineering and very cautious. I’m optimistic they will succeed." / Twitter

FF Thread on Twitter

After catching up on a couple of present and future robotic missions, Stephen and Jason talk with former astronaut Dr. Ed Lu about his work at the B612 Foundation, which is focused on protecting Earth from large asteroid strikes.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Guest Starring:

Ed Lu

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

europe-envision.html?referringSource=articleShare">Venus Will Have a Fleet of Spacecraft as Europe Adds Orbiter Mission - The New York Times

neptune-venus.html">New NASA Missions Will Study Venus, a World Overlooked for Decades - The New York Times

Then There Were 3: NASA to Collaborate on ESA’s New Venus Mission | NASA

ESA selects revolutionary Venus mission EnVision

NASA’s Perseverance Rover Begins Its First Science Campaign on Mars

Mars helicopter Ingenuity aces 7th flight on the Red Planet | Space

juno-jupiter-ganymede.html?referringSource=articleShare">NASA's Juno Takes Photos of Ganymede, Jupiter's Biggest Moon - The New York Times

See the First Images NASA’s Juno Took As It Sailed by Ganymede | NASA

Core stage for NASA’s Space Launch System mega rocket stacked - SpaceFlight Insider

Backbone of NASA’s Moon Rocket Joins Boosters for Artemis I Mission – Artemis

B612 Foundation

Asteroid Day - UN-sanctioned global awareness campaign

NASA has Approved a Space Telescope That Will Scan the Skies for Dangerous Near-Earth Asteroids - Universe Today

The Tunguska Impact--100 Years Later | Science Mission Directorate

DART Launch Moves to Secondary Window | NASA

Rubin Observatory | Opening a digital window for discovery of the dynamic universe.

It's budget time, and Stephen is here with the numbers. He and Jason are both excited about the final steps before the JWST launches. That, and a bunch of news updates this fortnight!

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Zhurong is Rolling on Mars - Universe Today

APOD: 2021 June 1 - Satellites over Orion

Astronomy Picture of the Day Archive

space-arctic-satellites.html">In Sweden’s Far North, a Space Complex Takes Shape - The New York Times

station-reality-tv-movies.html">Space Station May Host Wave of TV Shows and Films - The New York Times

Webb’s Golden Mirror Wings Open One Last Time on Earth | NASA

ESA - James Webb Space Telescope launch kit

Webb telescope launch date slips again | Ars Technica

Budget Documents, Strategic Plans and Performance Reports | NASA

NASA Administrator Statement on President’s FY 2022 Funding Request | NASA

NASA budget goes all-in on science, stays the course on Moon lander | Ars Technica

Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) | NASA

Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) | NASA

State of NASA Address from Administrator Bill Nelson - YouTube

This fortnight, Jason and Stephen catch up on what NASA's new administrator has been saying about the future of the agency, and China's actions in space, both near and far away.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

rocket-reentry-falling-long-march-5b.html">China's Rocket Debris Landed Near Maldives: Here's What to Know - The New York Times

NASA Administrator Statement on Chinese Rocket Debris | NASA

Rocket Lab’s 20th Electron launch ends in failure with the loss of its payload | TechCrunch

Rocket Lab recovered the first stage from its failed May 15 launch, a silver lining for its reusability program | TechCrunch

China's newly landed Mars rover Zhurong likely to roll into action this weekend | Space

China Lands Rover on Mars – SpacePolicyOnline.com

Senate Committee Approves 2021 NASA Authorization, Requires Second HLS System – SpacePolicyOnline.com

Orion Spacecraft Adorned with Iconic NASA Worm Logo – Artemis

Artemis I Rocket and Spacecraft Receive “Worm” Welcome | NASA

NASA chief Bill Nelson talks rockets, Moon plans, and partnerships - The Verge

Biden space advisers urge cooperation with China - POLITICO

Membership - Relay FM

There's a new boss at NASA, and he already has a mess to deal with in the contested Human Landing System contract with SpaceX, which is seeing success in Texas with Starship testing. Then, an update on Mars missions and a goodbye to Michael Collins.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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A Message from NASA Administrator Sen. Bill Nelson to the NASA Workforce - YouTube

Vice President Kamala Harris to lead National Space Council - CBS News

NASA Suspends HLS Contract With SpaceX – SpacePolicyOnline.com

Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin protests NASA’s $2.9 billion Moon contract with SpaceX - The Verge

Bill Nelson backs NASA decision on lunar lander in confirmation hearing | Ars Technica

Tianhe, the Core of the Chinese Space Station | The Planetary Society

This Is What Legally Happens If An Uncontrolled Rocket Damages Something | The Planetary Society

Skylab (Re-entry and debris) - Wikipedia

SpaceX's Starship SN15 lands successfully! - SpaceFlight Insider

Liftoff #144: Elon Being Elon and the Early Days of SpaceX, with Eric Berger - Relay FM

How Not to Land an Orbital Rocket Booster - SpaceX on YouTube

Ingenuity shifts from technology to operations demo after successful fourth flight - SpaceNews

NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover Extracts First Oxygen From Red Planet – NASA’s Mars Exploration Program

collins-third-man-of-the-moon-landing-dies-at-90.html?referringSource=articleShare">Michael Collins, ‘Third Man’ of the Moon Landing, Dies at 90 - The New York Times

Liftoff #62: Get Out of Low Earth Orbit - Relay FM

Liftoff #103: Apollo 11 - Relay FM

Carrying the Fire: An Astronaut's Journeys - Amazon.com: Books

With its Ingenuity Mars Helicopter's first flight compete, NASA has made history, opening the door to missions beyond landers and rovers. Also: what SpaceX's Human Landing System contract means for the SLS and the future of NASA leadership.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Tuparev Technologies: Learn more about the new FITS Guide now.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

NASA Statement on Nomination of Pam Melroy for Agency Deputy Administrator

Artemis Moonwalkers, Space Station to Use NASA-Industry EVA Services | NASA

NASA and Boeing Targeting August/September for Starliner’s Uncrewed Orbital Flight Test-2 Launch

Crew-2 Flight Readiness Review Begins as Falcon 9 Rocket and Crew Dragon Reach the Launch Complex – Commercial Crew Program

NASA SpaceX Crew-2 ‘Go’ for April 22 Launch – Commercial Crew Program

heart-scott-kelly-nasa.html">An Astronaut's Heart Shrank From Space Travel, Study Finds - The New York Times

Artemis I Core Stage Being Readied for Shipment to Kennedy – Artemis

marine-teams-integral-to-moving-sls-rocket-to-pad.html">NASA Ground, Marine Teams Integral to Moving SLS Rocket to Pad | NASA

Elon Musk’s SpaceX will build NASA’s lunar lander - The Verge

NASA Picks SpaceX to Land Next Americans on Moon | NASA

Eric Berger on Twitter: "For perspective on what "commercial space" means: SpaceX's bid for the entirety of its Human Landing System, $2.9 billion, is about what NASA spends each year on SLS and associated ground systems development."

The Orbital Index | Space: weekly, technical, curated.

NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Succeeds in Historic First Flight – NASA’s Mars Exploration Program

NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter achieves historic powered flight on Mars - The Verge

First Video of NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter in Flight, Includes Takeoff and Landing (High-Res) - YouTube

NASA's Dragonfly Mission to Titan Will Look for Origins, Signs of Life | NASA

This fortnight, Jason and Stephen discuss traffic management at the International Space Station, upgrades to KSC's ground systems in preparation for SLS and the instruments that will fly with Europa Clipper.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Technology Untangled: Join Michael Bird as he untangles innovation through a series of interviews, stories, and analyses with some of the industry’s brightest brains.
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SpaceX rocket debris creates a fantastic light show in the Pacific Northwest sky - The Verge

SpaceX rocket debris lands on man’s farm in Washington - The Verge

SpaceX launches Starship SN11 rocket prototype, but misses landing | Space

Musk says methane leak doomed latest Starship test flight – Spaceflight Now

Photos show pieces of SpaceX's SN11 scattered across Boca Chica after failed landing

Four astronauts took a Dragon for a spin on Monday morning | Ars Technica

NASA, SpaceX Relocate Crew-1 Dragon; More Crewed Flight Preps Continue – Commercial Crew Program

inspiration4.html">A Billionaire Names His Team to Ride SpaceX, No Pros Allowed - The New York Times

SpaceX is adding a glass dome on Crew Dragon for 360 views of space - The Verge

NASA’s Mars Helicopter Survives First Cold Martian Night on Its Own

NASA’s Mars helicopter ready for pre-flight checkouts – Spaceflight Now

25-rocket-engines-return-to-launch-artemis-moon-missions.html">RS-25 Rocket Engines Return to Launch NASA’s Artemis Moon Missions | NASA

Aerojet Rocketdyne has upgraded 16 RS-25 engines,

Under Pressure! New Rainbird System Will Protect Artemis II – Kennedy Space Center

Under Pressure! New Rainbird System Will Protect Artemis II – Kennedy Space Center

NASA Begins Major Assembly of Rocket Stage for First Crewed Artemis Mission – Artemis

NASA’s Europa Clipper Builds Hardware, Moves Toward Assembly | NASA

On the Path Towards Unprecedented Science – NASA's Europa Clipper

Pimm's Cup Cocktail Recipe | Michael Chiarello | Food Network

ESA Science & Technology - JUICE

The SLS has completed a full-length hot fire test and NASA is on the verge of having a new administrator, all while SpaceX continue to move ahead with its Starship testing.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
• Fortnite, from Epic Games: Embrace your wild side in Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 6: Primal.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

LEGO Space Shuttle Discovery debuts as new 2,300-piece set - 9to5Toys

NASA’s new Mars rover is about to spawn a tiny helicopter - The Verge

Starship SN11 returns to pre-launch testing - Super Heavy BN1 rollout to follow - NASASpaceFlight.com

oumuamua-comet.html">Oumuamua: It Came From Another Solar System - The New York Times

NASA Mega Moon Rocket Passes Key Test, Readies for Launch | NASA

NASA has begun a study of the SLS rocket’s affordability [Updated] | Ars Technica

What are the sparks flying at the bottom of SSMEs at the time of launch? - Space Exploration Stack Exchange

NASA has begun a study of the SLS rocket’s affordability [Updated] | Ars Technica

President Biden Announces his Intent to Nominate Bill Nelson for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration | The White House

bill-nelson.html">Biden Nominates Bill Nelson to Lead NASA - The New York Times

Here are five questions we would ask the nominee for NASA administrator | Ars Technica

NASA Commits To Building Mandated Heavy-lift Rocket - SpaceNews

March is here, and it brings with it a lot of space news. On Mars, Perseverance is busy with a lot of firsts, even as Insight says goodbye to an old friend. In Texas, SpaceX keeps churning out test vehicles as the SLS program readies for a second hot fire test. Elsewhere, China and Russia join forces to build a lunar space station.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Tuparev Technologies: Learn more about the new POLIS initiative now.

Links and Show Notes:

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NASA’s Perseverance Drives on Mars’ Terrain for First Time | NASA

Images from the Mars Perseverance Rover - NASA Mars

Location Map for Perseverance Rover - NASA Mars

Octavia E. Butler: NASA names the Perseverance rover's landing spot for the author - CNN

NASA Awards Mars Ascent Propulsion System Contract for Sample Return | NASA

NASA InSight’s ‘Mole’ Ends Its Journey on Mars | NASA

Russia partners with China for lunar space station - The Verge

SpaceX's SN10 Starship prototype lands after epic test launch — but then explodes | Space

SpaceX reveals the grand extent of its starport plans in South Texas | Ars Technica

SpaceX acquires former oil rigs to serve as floating Starship spaceports - NASASpaceFlight.com

Green Run Update: Engineers Repair Valve for Mid-March Hot Fire Test – Artemis

Mammoth Artemis I Rocket Boosters Stacked on Mobile Launcher – Artemis

NASA's new race to put a woman on the moon - 60 Minutes - CBS News

SpaceX Should Build NASA's Rockets Amid $20bn SLS Cost: Ex-NASA Administrator Lori Garver

NASA | Exploration Systems Suppliers in America

Allan McDonald, Who Refused To Approve Shuttle Challenger Launch, Dead At 83 : NPR

Jason and Stephen are joined by Eric Berger to discuss his new book Liftoff, which covers the origins of SpaceX. Eric is the Senior Space Editor at Ars Technica and the book comes out on March 2. The guys also discussed the landing of Perseverance, the Starship test flights and who may be the next NASA Administrator.

Guest Starring:

Eric Berger

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Liftoff: Elon Musk and the Desperate Early Days That Launched SpaceX – HarperCollins

Eric Berger (@SciGuySpace) / Twitter

NASA’s Mars Perseverance Rover Provides First Audio Recording on Mars | NASA

The Insane Engineering of the Perseverance Rover - YouTube

Linux has made it to Mars - The Verge

How NASA Designed a Helicopter That Could Fly Autonomously on Mars - IEEE Spectrum

The FAA is no longer concerned with SpaceX’s Starship SN9 and SN8 - The Verge

Starship SN10 hopeful for launch "this week" - Super Heavy waiting in the wings - NASASpaceFlight.com

A politician who said politicians shouldn’t run NASA wants to run NASA | Ars Technica

Breaking Defense on Twitter on Nelson/Melroy Rumor

Green Run Update: NASA Investigating Valve Performance Before Second Hot Fire – Artemis

NASA sees “reasonable chance” of first SLS launch this year - SpaceNews

On this bonus episode, Jason and Stephen speak with Ron Moore, co-creator, writer and producer of For All Mankind. Topics covered include the challenges writing for a parallel timeline and a bit about episode 1 of the new season after a spoiler warning is given.

Guest Starring:

Ron Moore

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Mars Perseverance Mission Overview | NASA

First Image From Perseverance on Mars - NASA

For All Mankind - Apple TV+

For All Mankind - Apple TV+ Press

For All Mankind: The Official Podcast on Apple Podcasts

For All Mankind - TeeVee - The Incomparable

Jason and Dan on "For All Mankind" - Apple Podcasts

Jason and Stephen are getting back to the news, and talk about Alan Shepard's golf balls, the state of NASA's programs under the Biden administration and what NASA would do if the SLS program were ended. Lastly, they discuss the upcoming Inspiration4 mission.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Remastered images reveal how far Alan Shepard hit a golf ball on the Moon | Ars Technica

Golf on the moon: Apollo 14 50th anniversary images find Alan Shepard's ball and show how far he hit it - BBC Sport

mars-mission-red-planet.html">Mars Mission From U.A.E. to Arrive and Orbit Red Planet - The New York Times

China's Tianwen-1 enters orbit around Mars - SpaceNews

Mission Overview - NASA Mars

Landing Toolkit: Perseverance Rover - NASA Mars

White House says its supports Artemis Program to return to the Moon [Updated] | Ars Technica

NASA delays moon lander awards as Biden team mulls moonshot program - The Verge

NASA to use commercial launch vehicle for Europa Clipper - SpaceNews

NASA Awards Contract to Launch Initial Elements for Lunar Outpost | NASA

So long Senator Shelby: Key architect of SLS rocket won’t seek reelection | Ars Technica

Green Run Update: NASA Proceeds With Plans for Second Hot Fire Test – Artemis

Artemis I Boosters Take Shape – Artemis

Artemis 1 SLS booster stacking nearing completion - SpaceFlight Insider

shift4-first-all-civilian-space-flight.html">St. Jude joins world’s first all-civilian mission to space - St. Jude Inspire | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

SpaceX Planning to Fly First All-Civilian Mission This Year; Two Seats Donated to St. Jude Backers – 512 Pixels

Inspiration4 - Home

Less than a year after the disastrous Apollo 13 mission, the program returned to flight when Alan Shepard, Stuart Roosa and Edgar Mitchell landed on the moon in February, 1971.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Tuparev Technologies: Learn more about the new POLIS initiative now.

Links and Show Notes:

Our Apollo Episodes:

• Apollo 1
• Apollo 4 & 5
• Apollo 6
• Apollo 7
• Apollo 8
• Apollo 9
• Apollo 10
• Apollo 11
• Apollo 12
• Apollo 13
• Apollo 14
• Apollo 15
• Apollo 16
• Apollo 17

Apollo 14 | NASA

Apollo 14 Flight Journal

Apollo 14 Mission Overview - Lunar and Planetary Institute

Apollo 14 (AS-509) | National Air and Space Museum

Apollo 14 | The Planetary Society

NASA Technical Reports: The Apollo Docking system

Don Eyles | Hack the Moon

Don Eyles: Extra! Weird-Looking Freak Saves Apollo 14! - Rolling Stone

Apollo 14 Science Experiments - Lunar and Planetary Institute

Modular Equipment Transporter - Wikipedia

moon-photo-reveals-tracks-tough-apollo-moonwalk.html">New Moon Photo Reveals Tracks from Tough Apollo Moonwalk | Space

How NASA brought color TV to the Moon | Astronomy.com

Acrobat7.pdf">Apollo Television - NASA (PDF)

apollo-14-facts.html">Apollo 14: 'Rookie' Crew and a Famous Golf Ball | Space

Could you really hit a golf ball miles and miles on the Moon? | ScienceBlogs

Apollo 14 - Golf on the Moon - YouTube

Moon tree - Wikipedia

Jason and Stephen start 2021 by picking some things they are looking forward to in what promises to be a very busy year in space.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

NASA’s Webb Telescope Looks Back on 2020 Engineering Milestones | NASA

with-green-run-hot-fire.html">NASA Space Launch System Rocket Proceeding with Green Run Hot Fire | NASA

Landing Toolkit: Perseverance Rover - NASA Mars

Your Guide to Tianwen-1 | The Planetary Society

About EMM | Emirates Mars Mission

Boeing’s Starliner Makes Progress Ahead of Flight Test with Astronauts | NASA

NASA and Boeing Target New Launch Date for Next Starliner Flight Test | NASA

SpaceX - Starship

NASA extends Juno, turning spacecraft into an Io, Europa, and Ganymede explorer | Ars Technica

Staring at Firefly Aerospace’s hot rocket-engine flames in a Texas pasture | Ars Technica

ABL Space Systems tests launch vehicle stage - SpaceNews

Astra came close to achieving what DARPA has sought for two decades | Ars Technica

Blue Origin | Fly With Us

Blue Origin delivers the first BE-4 engine to United Launch Alliance - SpaceNews

NASA's Europa Clipper has been liberated from the Space Launch System | TheHill

First Commercial Moon Delivery Assignments to Advance Artemis | NASA

Virgin Galactic aborts first powered spaceflight from New Mexico spaceport - The Verge

Joe Biden was ‘indebted’ to Stennis in 1985, now he should rename NASA’s space center in Mississippi - Space Explored

Axiom Space plans first-ever fully private human spaceflight mission to International Space Station — Axiom Space

More About the Human Landing System Program | NASA

NASA Names Companies to Develop Human Landers for Artemis Missions | NASA

China to begin construction of space station this year – Spaceflight Now

You get a sample return; you get a sample return; you get a sample return!

In other news: SN8 had a rough landing, SpaceIL is getting back on the horse and NASA has unveiled more Artemis plans.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Tuparev Technologies: Learn more about the new POLIS initiative now.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

asteroid-hayabusa2-woomera.html?surface=home-discovery-vi-prg&fellback=false&req_id=816187530&algo=identity&variant=no-exp&imp_id=492054340">Japan Asteroid Mission Ends With Recovered Capsule in Australian Outback - The New York Times

Japan confirms its asteroid mission returned samples of space rocks - The Verge

Hayabusa 2: JAXA finally discovers the treasures of six years of hard work - Space Explored

moon-landing.html">Watch the Moon Landing of China’s Chang’e-5 Spacecraft - The New York Times

moon-mission.html">China Moon Mission: Watch Chang'e-5 Launch From the Lunar Surface - The New York Times

China's moon rocks are officially on their way to Earth as Chang'e 5 probe leaves lunar orbit | Space

SpaceX flies Starship prototype rocket to highest altitude yet — but doesn’t stick the landing - The Verge

moon-beresheet-2.html">Can Israelis Put Two Landers on the Moon at Once? - The New York Times

Proton (rocket family) - Wikipedia

Green Run Wet Dress Rehearsal Update – Artemis

SLS, Stennis working on colder LOX for next Green Run WDR attempt - NASASpaceFlight.com

iii-science-definition-report-12042020c.pdf">Artemis II Science Definition Team Report (PDF)

Report outlines science goals of first Artemis human lunar landing mission - SpaceNews

At his last Space Council meeting, Mike Pence announces new cadre of lunar astronauts - The Verge

NASA The Artemis Team

Airbus officially hands over first European Service Module to NASA ahead of Artemis I mission - Space Explored

The world is mourning the uncontrolled collapse of the Arecibo observatory, even as China's Chang’e-5 mission is underway to return lunar samples to Earth, which would be a first since the final Apollo mission. Also: an update on the SLS and Orion and a look at what's going on at Roscosmos.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

The Arecibo Observatory Platform Has Collapsed - Universe Today

Deborah Martorell on Twitter — Photos of Collapsed Arecibo

Contact (1997) - IMDb

Rocket Lab declares success in Electron rocket recovery - SpaceNews

Russian spaceport officials are being sacked left and right | Ars Technica

Russia’s replacement for the Proton rocket costs way too much | Ars Technica

NASA Prepares for Next Series of RS-25 Engine Tests for SLS Rocket – Artemis

Component failure in NASA’s deep-space crew capsule could take months to fix - The Verge

Update on Orion Final Assembly and Transfer – Artemis

China Launches Lunar Sample Return Mission – SpacePolicyOnline.com

China launches ambitious mission to bring back samples from the Moon - The Verge

Chang’e-5 successfully lands on moon to collect youngest lunar samples - SpaceNews

Commercial Crew has gotten official with the launch of Crew-1 over the weekend, the start of a six-month expedition on the International Space Station. That and the possibilities of Jim Bridenstine's future. Oh, and kilonovas!

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

NASA Chief Plans To Step Aside Under Biden | Aviation Week Network

Jim Bridenstine is leaving NASA. How should we assess his 30-month tenure? | Ars Technica

Jeff Foust on Twitter: "A reminder that NASA was not “closed up” when President Trump took office..."

NASA's Hubble Sees Unexplained Brightness from Colossal Explosion | NASA

SpaceX Crew-1 Astronauts Continue Journey to Station – Commercial Crew Program

glover-black-astronaut.html">Victor Glover to Be First Black Astronaut on I.S.S. for Extended Stay - The New York Times

Crew-1 Heads to Space Station to Conduct Microgravity Science | NASA

Zac Hall from Space Explored and 9to5Mac joins Jason to discuss the post-election future of NASA (and administrator Jim Bridenstine), the 20th anniversary of the permanent habitation of the International Space Station, a bunch of news about the moon, and OSIRIS-REx taking a bite out of Bennu.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
• Tuparev Technologies: Opportunities for Astronomy Masters or PhD students to work on tools for the 21st Century. Learn more now.

Guest Starring:

Zac Hall

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

SpaceX now targeting Nov. 14 for next astronaut launch | Space

TAG Captured by NavCam 2 - OSIRIS-REx Mission

rex-asteroid.html?referringSource=articleShare">NASA OSIRIS-REX Mission Springs Leak After Touching Asteroid - The New York Times

NASA's OSIRIS-REx Probe Successfully Stows Space-Rock Sample - Scientific American

The case for NASA'S Bridenstine post-Election Day | TheHill

Biden to appoint first female NASA administrator if elected, boost focus on climate change research - Space Explored

Biden’s space policy: One giant leap for climate change - POLITICO

space-station-20-anniversary.html">How the Space Station Became a Base to Launch Humanity’s Future - The New York Times

Expedition 1 and the early International Space Station - SpaceFlight Insider

After 20 years of service, the Space Station flies into an uncertain future | Ars Technica

ISS by the numbers: 20 years of continuous life in space - Space Explored

NASA makes milestone discovery of water molecules on sunlit side of Moon - Space Explored

NASA's high-flying 747 SOFIA behind new discovery about Moon before astronauts return - Space Explored

Intuitive Machines gets selected by NASA to harvest ice on the moon in 2022 - Space Explored

ESA - Angelic halo orbit chosen for humankind’s first lunar outpost

Hurricane Zeta pushes back Space Launch System hot fire test as storm viewed from ISS - Space Explored

Zac Hall - @apollozac on Twitter

Stephen comes with good news about InSight's Mole, and Jason says there probably aren't aliens on Venus. Also: OSIRIS-REx is due for a big day and the space industry in China is heating up.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.

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InSight's 'Mole' is Now Completely buried! - Universe Today

Astronomers Report They've Detected the Amino Acid Glycine in the Atmosphere of Venus - Universe Today

A NASA spacecraft is poised to snag the largest sample of rocks from an asteroid ever - The Verge

NASA selects first human-tended suborbital research payload - SpaceNews

The Worm... Inside the Rotation, Processing… | Flickr

NASA Graphics Standards Manual (PDF)

China’s CASIC reveals five-year plan for reusable spaceplane, commercial space projects - SpaceNews

First launch of Chinese Kuaizhou-11 rocket ends in failure - SpaceNews

US and seven other countries sign NASA’s Artemis Accords to set rules for exploring the Moon - The Verge

Jason and Stephen are joined by Dr. Katie Mack to discuss her book The End of Everything: (Astrophysically Speaking).

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Guest Starring:

Katie Mack

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Katie Mack (@AstroKatie) / Twitter

The End of Everything — Katie Mack, Astrophysicist

The End of Everything: (Astrophysically Speaking) - Amazon Books

Liftoff #51: Dark Matter, with Dr. Katie Mack - Relay FM

20 Macs for 2020 - Relay FM

The recent announcement of phosphine being detected in Venus' atmosphere could have a major effect on future scientific missions, so Jason is excited about space blimps again. Then, Stephen walks through NASA's most recent Artemis roadmap, and the guys discuss what the future of the program could look like if the White House changes hands next year.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Tuparev Technologies: Opportunities for Astronomy Masters or PhD students to work on tools for the 21st Century. Learn more now.
• ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Relay FM for St. Jude 2020

Relay FM Podcastathon for St Jude (2020) - YouTube

Rocket startup Astra’s first orbital launch attempt ends early due to first-stage burn failure | TechCrunch

We Have Liftoff! | Astra

An Update on the Damage to the Arecibo Observatory - Universe Today

NASA releases ISS commercialization plan - SpaceNews

NeXTcube - Wikipedia

Charlie Bolden says the quiet part out loud: SLS rocket will go away | Ars Technica

Bolden talks expectations for Biden’s space policy - POLITICO

Discovery of noxious gas on Venus could be a sign of life - The Verge

planets-microbes-life.html">On Venus, Cloudy With a Chance of Microbial Life - The New York Times

Missions Are Already Being Planned to Figure Out What's Creating the Biosignature on Venus - Universe Today

Could there be life on Venus? | The Planetary Society

life-rocketlab.html">The Search for Life on Venus Could Start With Rocket Lab - The New York Times

Allan Hills 84001 - Wikipedia

NASA Selects 4 Possible Missions to Study Secrets of the Solar System | NASA

Dragonfly's Journey to Titan | NASA

Venera - Wikipedia

EnVision (spacecraft) - Wikipedia

High Altitude Venus Operational Concept (HAVOC)

NASA Publishes Artemis Plan to Land First Woman, Next Man on Moon | NASA

NASA makes push for full funding of Artemis human lunar lander program - SpaceNews

Commercial Lunar Payload Services | NASA

NASA Selects First Science Instruments to Send to Gateway

The End of Everything: (Astrophysically Speaking) by Katie Mack - Amazon

In the Utah desert, Northrop Grumman has tested a full-sized SLS SRB, while the future of work in low-Earth orbit is being debated. On Mars, InSight's troubles continue and 17 billion light years-away, two black holes have collided.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
• eero: The WiFi every home deserves. Get your eero delivered with free next day shipping.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Relay FM for St. Jude

NASA Engineers Checking InSight's Weather Sensors | NASA

Broken Cable Damages Arecibo Observatory | University of Central Florida News

OPINION: Arecibo Observatory should be rebuilt - SpaceFlight Insider

Gerstenmaier warns against ending space station program prematurely - SpaceNews

Bigelow Aerospace lays off entire workforce - SpaceNews

NASA tests a booster that produces 3 million pounds of thrust | Ars Technica

NASA increases cost estimate for SLS development - SpaceNews

Eyes Forward as Artemis Missions Set to Begin Next Year – Artemis

A “bang” in LIGO and Virgo detectors signals most massive gravitational-wave source yet | LIGO Lab | Caltech

hole-astronomy-physics.html">These Black Holes Shouldn’t Exist, but There They Are - The New York Times

It's a busy week on Florida's Space Coast, and supernovas are in the news. Thankfully the two won't cross paths. Neither will Earth and an asteroid the day before Election Day in the United States.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
• eero: The WiFi every home deserves. Get your eero delivered with free next day shipping.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Relay FM for St. Jude

Relay FM - Twitch

August set to end with string of launches from Cape Canaveral – Spaceflight Now

Launch Schedule – Spaceflight Now

ULA to launch Delta 4 Heavy for its 12th mission, four more to go before rocket is retired - SpaceNews

SpaceX flies the same, sooty booster for the sixth time [Updated] | Ars Technica

Sorry but NASA says this small asteroid doesn’t pose a threat to Earth before Election Day - The Verge

News | Tiny Asteroid Buzzes by Earth - the Closest Flyby on Record

Engineers troubleshooting small space station air leak – Spaceflight Now

Unveiling Rogue Planets With NASA’s Roman Space Telescope | NASA

Predictions of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Galactic Exoplanet Survey. II. Free-floating Planet Detection Rates - IOPscience

Warped Space-time to Help WFIRST Find Exoplanets | NASA

state.edu/~pogge/">Richard Pogge's Home Page

Researchers propose a supernova triggered the Late Devonian mass extinction | Ars Technica

star-supernova.html">This Star Looked Like It Would Explode. Maybe It Just Sneezed - The New York Times

Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley have splashed down after their historic mission to the ISS, and SpaceX's finally gotten a Starship test article to hop in Texas and the OSIRIS-REx team is gearing up for their sample return flight. Also: Ceres' bright spots, government contracts and an update on the SLS.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
• Tuparev Technologies: Introducing StarBrush: Modern astronomical imaging tool for everyone.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

NASA Astronauts Safely Back from First Commercial Crew Trip to Station | NASA

Soyuz 23 - Wikipedia

An early version of Starship takes its first tentative steps off Earth | Ars Technica

Starship SN5 150m Hop - YouTube

Martian Night Sky Pulses in Ultraviolet Light

OSIRIS-REx is One Rehearsal Away from Touching Asteroid Bennu | NASA

Air Force to end agreements with Blue Origin and Northrop Grumman, prepares for launch contract protests - SpaceNews

Dwarf planet Ceres is 'ocean world' with salty water deep underground - Reuters

News | Mystery Solved: Bright Areas on Ceres Come From Salty Water Below

heads-to-kennedy-with-artemis-I-rocket-hardware.html">NASA’s Pegasus Heads to Kennedy With Artemis I Rocket Hardware | NASA

Key Connection for Artemis I Arrives at Kennedy | NASA

SLS Green Run test-firing to verify Core Stage design, analysis before first launch - NASASpaceFlight.com

NASA Motor Test Helps Evaluate New SLS Materials – Artemis

Mars 2020 is set to launch in just a few days, and should be followed by the splashdown of the Commercial Crew Demo-2 mission. Elsewhere, Virgin Galactic has shown off the interior of its space tourism craft, and we remember Rene Carpenter.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Save Space Camp | Created by U S SPACE & ROCKET CENTER FOUNDATION

james-webb-space-telescope-delay.html">NASA Delays James Webb Telescope Launch Date, Again - The New York Times

Virgin Galactic unveils the interior cabin of its tourist spaceplane - The Verge

carpenter-dead.html">Rene Carpenter, Astronaut’s Wife Who Broke NASA Mold, Dies at 92 - The New York Times

Top 10 Things to Know for NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 Return | NASA

NASA Announces Astronauts to Fly on SpaceX Crew-2 Mission | NASA

Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover - NASA Mars

sample-return-mission.html">Bringing Mars Rocks to Earth: Our Greatest Interplanetary Circus Act - The New York Times

nasa-science.html">Too Much Mars? Let’s Discuss Other Worlds - The New York Times

There are three missions bound for Mars launching this month, and Jason walks through them each. Then, Stephen gives a NASA budget update and the two get into some space law ... and guidelines.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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How to catch a glimpse of the comet NEOWISE dazzling the skies right now - The Verge

Thierry Legault on Twitter: "Neowise Sunday evening over the Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy..."

Rocket Lab experiences first Electron mission failure since original flight test in 2017 - Space Explored

NASA Updates Planetary Protection Policies for Moon to Mars Missions | NASA

NASA implements changes to planetary protection policies for moon and Mars missions - SpaceNews

NASA and Boeing Complete Orbital Flight Test Reviews | NASA

starliner-nasa.html">Scrutinizing SpaceX, NASA Overlooked Some Boeing Software Problems - The New York Times

Eric Berger on Twitter: "Sounds like there are a lot of "ifs" in Boeing flying its OFT-2 mission this year..."

The UAE’s first interplanetary mission to Mars set for launch - The Verge

Home | Emirates Mars Mission

1.html">Your Guide to Tianwen-1 | The Planetary Society

Mars rover mated with Atlas 5 launcher after teams deal with coronavirus cases – Spaceflight Now

NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter: Attempting the First Powered Flight on Mars - YouTube

NASA's Dragonfly Mission to Titan Will Look for Origins, Signs of Life | NASA

No 12 Percent Increase for NASA As House Appropriators Keep Agency At Current Funding Level – SpacePolicyOnline.com

House CJS Subcommittee Approves FY2021 Bill, But Not Without Dissent – SpacePolicyOnline.com

Congress may allow NASA to launch Europa Clipper on a Falcon Heavy | Ars Technica

This week: black holes doing weird black hole things, a progress report on the SLS and a discussion of how some of NASA's facilities should be renamed.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Tuparev Technologies: Introducing StarBrush: Modern astronomical imaging tool for everyone.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

the-next-canadarm.html">Building the next Canadarm - Canada.ca

NASA developing plans to fly astronauts on suborbital rockets – Spaceflight Now

American Innovations $1 | News Image Library | U.S. Mint

Annie Jump Cannon | American astronomer | Britannica

NASA Names Headquarters After ‘Hidden Figure’ Mary W. Jackson | NASA

Modern Figures | NASA

Campaign to Rename Stennis Space Center Kicks Off – SpacePolicyOnline.com

completes-artemis-sls-structural-testing-campaign.html">NASA Completes Artemis Space Launch System Structural Testing Campaign | NASA

NASA Plans for More SLS Rocket Boosters to Launch Artemis Missions | NASA

Astronomers see first light flare from two distant black holes colliding - The Verge

hole-ligo-gravitational.html">A Black Hole’s Lunch Provides a Treat for Astronomers - The New York Times

The crew of Demo-2 are likely working on orbit until August, while here on the ground, COVID-19 is taking its toll on NASA schedules. Also: a conversation about CLPS and Gateway, as well as NASA's new Director of Human Spaceflight, Kathy Lueders.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Crew Dragon likely to support extended space station stay - SpaceNews.com

demo-2-astronauts-settle-into-space-station.html">SpaceX's 1st Crew Dragon astronauts settle into life at the space station | Space

James Webb Space Telescope will “absolutely” not launch in March | Ars Technica

Mars 2020 launch slips three days - SpaceNews.com

NASA Selects Astrobotic to Fly Water-Hunting Rover to the Moon | NASA

robot-rover-viper-nasa.html">NASA Picks Astrobotic to Carry VIPER Ice-Hunting Moon Rover - The New York Times

Saturn's largest moon is drifting off into space 100 times faster than researchers previously thought - CBS News

Space Force (TV series) - Wikipedia

Somehow I Manage - a podcast from The Incomparable

NASA Awards Northrop Grumman Artemis Contract for Gateway Crew Cabin | NASA

Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) | NASA

Kathy Lueders Selected to Lead NASA’s Human Spaceflight Office | NASA

NASA’s new chief of human spaceflight has a commercial background | Ars Technica

The age of Commercial Crew has arrived, with Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken arriving at the International Space Station safely after riding a Falcon 9 there this weekend. Also: tiny CubeSats can do big things and Tom Cruise may be taking a trip.

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Early SpaceX prototype test ends in fiery explosion, unrelated to NASA astronaut mission – Space Explored

SpaceX’s Starship SN4 launch vehicle prototype explodes after static engine fire test | TechCrunch

SpaceX's Starship explosion explained by Elon Musk

tom-cruise-space-station.html">Risky Business? NASA and Tom Cruise Talk Movie Shoot in Space - The New York Times

News | JPL Mission Breaks Record for Smallest Satellite to Detect an Exoplanet

JPL | CubeSat | ASTERIA

Shannon Walker joins crewed SpaceX mission, launch target later this year – Space Explored

Making history, astronauts ride commercial capsule to space station – Spaceflight Now

“The trampoline is working”—SpaceX returns human spaceflight to America | Ars Technica

053120a-spacex-dragon-tremor-dinosaur-doll.html">SpaceX 'stowaway' revealed by crew as sons' dinosaur toy 'Tremor' | collectSPACE

capture-flag-win.html">Astronauts 'capture the flag' for SpaceX in race to reach space station | collectSPACE

SpaceX Crew Astronauts Get Used to Space Station – Space Station

The Artemis Accords have been unveiled, but will their adoption be hurt by their rollout? Could Starship be more useful as a refueling station than a lander? Jason and Stephen get into these questions and more this fortnight.

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Liftoff on Twitter

Large chunks of a Chinese rocket missed New York City by about 15 minutes | Ars Technica

Perseverance Rover Goes Through Trials by Fire, Ice, Light and Sound | NASA

Rover Cameras - NASA Mars

Op-ed | Toward a coherent Artemis plan - SpaceNews.com

Starlink Discussion National Academy of Sciences | SpaceX

SpaceX to test Starlink “sun visor” to reduce brightness - SpaceNews.com

NASA Artemis Accords

NASA Unveils “Artemis Accords” – SpacePolicyOnline.com

NASA announces international Artemis Accords to standardize how to explore the Moon - The Verge

Outer Space Treaty - Wikipedia

Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act of 2015 - Wikipedia

NASA has unveiled its plans to source a lunar lander for the Artemis program, while Hubble celebrates its 30th anniversary.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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NASA spent a decade and nearly $1 billion for a single launch tower | Ars Technica

NASA will pay a staggering $146 million for each SLS rocket engine | Ars Technica

NASA Names Companies to Develop Human Landers for Artemis Missions | NASA

NASA selects three companies to develop lunar landers - SpaceFlight Insider

Hubble Marks 30 Years in Space With Tapestry of Blazing Starbirth | NASA

Hubble Space Telescope | NASA

The Pillars of Creation | NASA

May seems to be the Month of Commercial Crew! Also: NASA is working from home, an exoplanet may be no more and a look at a future Mars sample return mission.

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How engineers are operating space missions from their homes - The Verge

NASA's Curiosity Keeps Rolling As Team Operates Rover From Home

An Earth-Sized World Orbiting in its Star's Habitable Zone Was Found in Older Kepler Data - Universe Today

exoplanet-asteroid.html">The Case of the Disappearing Exoplanet - The New York Times

comet-2i-borisov-strange-composition-discovery.html">Strange ingredient in interstellar Comet Borisov offers a clue to its origins | Space

neutrino-antimatter-ichikawa-t2k.html">Why the Big Bang Produced Something Rather Than Nothing - The New York Times

NASA DM-2

SpaceX returns to the launch pad, and there are a few things to watch for | Ars Technica

Robert L. Behnken (Colonel, USAF, PH.D.) NASA Astronaut | NASA

Douglas G. Hurley (Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, Ret.) NASA Astronaut | NASA

This is SpaceX’s very first human crew - YouTube

NASA reveals ambitious multi-spacecraft plan to bring a piece of Mars back to Earth | TechCrunch

NASA narrows design for rocket to launch samples off of Mars – Spaceflight Now

In the spring of 1970, NASA launched what would be the third mission to walk on the moon, but almost nothing went to plan, putting the crew in peril until the moment they splashed down.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Links and Show Notes:

Our Apollo Episodes:

• Apollo 1
• Apollo 4 & 5
• Apollo 6
• Apollo 7
• Apollo 8
• Apollo 9
• Apollo 10
• Apollo 11
• Apollo 12
• Apollo 13
• Apollo 14
• Apollo 15
• Apollo 16
• Apollo 17

Apollo 13 | NASA

Apollo 13 Accident

Apollo 13: Home Safe - NASA on YouTube

13-1.html">Apollo Expeditions to the Moon: Chapter 13

Apollo 13 Flight Journal - Index Page

Apollo 13 (AS-508) | National Air and Space Museum

The Recipe for Apollo 13's Disaster | Popular Science

45 years after Apollo 13: Ars looks at what went wrong and why | Ars Technica

Apollo 13: An Accident in Space | The New Yorker

Apollo 13: Houston, We've Got a Problem - YouTube

Apollo 13 Accident - Flight Director Loop Part 1 - YouTube

Your Questions about Apollo 13 Answered by Jerry Woodfill - Universe Today

More of Your Apollo 13 Questions Answered by Jerry Woodfill - Universe Today

031320a-apollo-13-real-time-website.html">Apollo 13 in Real Time website offers new insight into mission, 50 years later | collectSPACE

As it Happened - Apollo 13 "Houston We've Had A Problem" - YouTube

The Apollo 13 Mission and Rescue: How much plutonium was added to the Earth's environment?

Apollo 13 (1995) - IMDb

BBC World Service - 13 Minutes to the Moon

Houston, we have a problem - Wikipedia

Apollo 13: Lovell, Jim, Kluger, Jeffrey - Amazon.com

Apollo 50th on Twitter: "Damage caused to the first car from the fire..."

The Incomparable: Apollo 13

The entire space industry is reeling from effects of the current global pandemic, and NASA remembers Apollo 15 astronaut Al Worden.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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NASA fixes Mars lander by hitting it with a shovel - CNN

NASA targets May for Crew Dragon test flight - SpaceNews.com

SpaceX launches Starlink satellites, misses booster landing for second time - SpaceNews.com

supergiant-star-supernova-1987a-explosion.html">Scientists trace famed 1987 supernova to weird blue supergiant star | Space

life-water.html">Life on the Planet Mercury? ‘It’s Not Completely Nuts’ - The New York Times

NASA and the Coronavirus — Where Things Stand – SpacePolicyOnline.com

Bigelow Aerospace lays off entire workforce - SpaceNews.com

NASA Response Framework (PDF)

NASA is suspending development of its future deep-space rocket during coronavirus pandemic - The Verge

NASA confirms work stoppage on James Webb Space Telescope – Spaceflight Now

mars-2020-rover-perseverance-july-launch-coronavirus.html">NASA's Mars rover Perseverance still on track for July launch despite coronavirus outbreak | Space

How NASA is preparing to launch humans to space as coronavirus pandemic worsens - The Verge

ESA scales down science mission operations amid pandemic

tips-for-handling-isolation-coronavirus.html">Astronauts know how to handle isolation: Here are tips from Scott Kelly, Peggy Whitson and more. | Space

Alfred M "Al" Worden | NASA

Apollo astronaut Al Worden dies at 88 – Spaceflight Now

Remembering Apollo 15’s Al Worden - The Vintage Space - Medium

worden-dead.html">Alfred Worden, 88, Dies; Orbited Moon and Walked in Deep Space - The New York Times

Mars 2020 has a name, Voyager 2 can't call home and SpaceX is doing SpaceX things. Then, results from the initial Starliner investigation and a look at VIPER.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

News | Virginia Middle School Student Earns Honor of Naming NASA's Next Mars Rover

2020-rover-name.html">NASA’s Mars 2020 Rover Gets New, Official Name: Perseverance - The New York Times

2-nasa-deep-space-network.html">When Voyager 2 Calls Home, Earth Soon Won’t Be Able to Answer - The New York Times

DSN Now

Inside Elon Musk’s plan to build one Starship a week—and settle Mars | Ars Technica

SpaceX launches the last flight of its original Dragon cargo capsule - The Verge

NASA Update on Orbital Flight Test Independent Review Team – Commercial Crew Program

NASA still doesn’t know if it wants Boeing to perform another test flight of its passenger spacecraft - The Verge

NASA is Planning to Build a Lunar Rover With a 1-Meter Drill to Search for Water Ice - Universe Today

NASA Asks Commercial Moon Delivery Partners to Fly Rover to Moon | NASA

VIPER | NASA

BBC World Service - 13 Minutes to the Moon - Downloads

Little satellites are helping larger ones, InSight's mole is causing problems, the SLS is slipping and Venus is up for a mission as a Hot Jupiter may be being ripped apart. Just another fortnight of space news!

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Mac Power Users #524: Photographing the Stars, with Andrew Burwell - Relay FM

Mac Observatory

InSight to try to push mole into Martian surface - SpaceNews.com

A Year of Surprising Science From NASA's InSight Mars Mission | NASA

Publications | Science – NASA's InSight Mars Lander

Delay seems likely as parachute problems plague European Mars lander | Ars Technica

bz-boeing-safety-commercial-crew-20200226-bgvthodnjzgmlc36hsxcaopahu-story.html">Boeing didn’t perform full end-to-end test of Starliner - Orlando Sentinel

William Gerstenmaier joins SpaceX, and that’s a really big deal | Ars Technica

1-northrop-grumman-space-junk.html">An Orbital Rendezvous Demonstrates a Space Junk Solution - The New York Times

jupiter-exoplanet-torn-apart-18-hour-year.html">This 'hot Jupiter' alien planet is dancing with death with its 18-hour year | Space

moon-far-side.html">China’s Rover Finds Layers of Surprise Under Moon’s Far Side - The New York Times

sunspots.html">Sunspots and Stranded Whales: A Bizarre Correlation - The New York Times

Final Test of Orion Motor Critical to Astronaut Safety a Success | NASA

SLS debut slips to April 2021, KSC teams working through launch sims - NASASpaceFlight.com

NASA’s next science missions will head for Venus, Io, or Triton - The Verge

One of NASA’s greatest mathematicians, Katherine Johnson, has died | Ars Technica

Liftoff #48: Hidden Figures - Relay FM

montgomery-dead.html">Julius Montgomery, Who Broke a Space-Age Race Barrier, Dies at 90 - The New York Times

Boeing's Starliner issues run deeper than it first appeared, CHEOPS is operation and the Solar Orbiter is on its way to our start. That, and a look at the White House's proposed NASA budget for 2021.

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Ungeniused #98: NACA - Relay FM

NASA Shares Initial Findings from Boeing Starliner Orbital Flight Test Investigation – Commercial Crew Program

Boeing’s Starliner problems may be worse than we thought | Ars Technica

NASA confirms two Boeing Starliner issues would’ve led to spacecraft loss without intervention | TechCrunch

Does NASA Trust Boeing? - The Atlantic

exoplanet-hunting-satellite-first-photos.html">Europe's planet-hunting CHEOPS telescope beams down first image. It's better than expected | Space

Bad Astronomy | First light for the exoplanet hunter mission CHEOPS goes tetrahedral

Solar Orbiter Launch Takes Solar Science to New Heights | NASA

Solar Orbiter | NASA

We are entering the Golden Age of studying our Sun | Ars Technica

News | Voyager 2 Engineers Working to Restore Normal Operations

Liftoff #44: Voyager - Relay FM

Trump administration calls for big budget increases for NASA to fund Moon program - The Verge

White House requests significant NASA budget increase to fund Artemis program - SpaceNews.com

NASA FY 2021 Budget Request (PDF)

Fiscal Year 2020 Budget (PDF)

NASA's budget appears on page 92.

On January 28, 1986, seven astronauts lost their lives aboard the space shuttle Challenger, including teacher Christa McAuliffe. This week, Jason and Stephen talk about the disaster, its causes and how it changed NASA, after discussing the current House NASA Authorization Bill and more.

Links and Show Notes:

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SpaceX releases preliminary results from Crew Dragon abort test – Spaceflight Now

Starliner’s thruster performance receiving close scrutiny from NASA | Ars Technica

Spitzer telescope to be decommissioned after 16 years - SpaceFlight Insider

NASA prepares to shut down Spitzer Space Telescope - SpaceNews.com

directv-satellite-graveyard-orbit.html">A TV satellite is about to explode following 'irreversible' battery damage | Live Science

Doubletree by Hilton Chocolate Chip Cookie First Food Baked in Space | Hilton Press Center

space-cookies-final-baking-results-aroma.html">We finally know what happens when you bake cookies in space | Space

the-moon-a-stepping-stone-or-a-cornerstone.html">Is the Moon a Stepping Stone or a Cornerstone for Mars? | The Planetary Society

House introduces NASA authorization bill that emphasizes Mars over moon - SpaceNews.com

NASA Authorization Bill Update – Administrator Jim Bridenstine

Delta-v - Kindle edition by Daniel Suarez. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Remembering Space Shuttle Challenger | NASA

Teacher in Space Project - Wikipedia

Watch The Challenger Disaster | Prime Video

1986 Space Shuttle Challenger explosion: CNN's live broadcast - YouTube

Rogers Commission Report - Wikipedia

Barbara Morgan - Wikipedia

2020 is here, as are updates on the James Webb telescope and SLS. NASA has inducted some new astronauts and the star Betelgeuse is getting weird.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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james-webb-space-telescope-astrophysics-plans-2020.html">James Webb Space Telescope on Track for March 2021 Launch, NASA Says | Space

tess-exoplanet-habitable-zone-discovery-milestone.html">An Earth-size planet in the habitable zone? New NASA discovery is one special world. | Space

solar-cycle-sun-activity.html">How the Sun's 11-Year Solar Cycle Works | Live Science

sunspot-solar-cycle-begins.html">First New Sunspots in 40 Days Herald Coming Solar Cycle | Live Science

First look at LEGO Ideas International Space Station set (21321) – Jay's Brick Blog

SpaceX continues to blast satellites into orbit as the space community worries - The Verge

Find Starlink

SpaceX In-Flight Abort Test Launch Date Update – Commercial Crew Program

Timer Glitch Means No Space Station Docking for Boeing’s Starliner – SpacePolicyOnline.com

NASA/Boeing Team to Look for Root Cause of Starliner’s Mission Elapsed Timer Issue – SpacePolicyOnline.com

Sierra Nevada explores other uses of Dream Chaser - SpaceNews.com

astronaut-christina-koch-breaks-female-spaceflight-record.html">Astronaut Christina Koch Breaks Record for Longest Space Mission by a Woman | Space

NASA’s Newest Astronauts Ready for Space Station, Moon & Mars Missions | NASA

supernova-betelgeuse.html">Just a Fainting Spell? Or Is Betelgeuse About to Blow? - The New York Times

may-have-been-two-stars.html">Bright Star Betelgeuse Might Be Harboring a Deep, Dark Secret | Live Science

The Incomparable 497 - For All Mankind

2019 is coming to a close, but the news rolls on: NASA is close to having a new budget, Commercial Crew makes another step in the right direction and Jason ends things with a holiday message.

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SpaceX successfully launches and lands its rocket, misses catching its nosecone - The Verge

Vector files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy - SpaceNews.com

Bad Astronomy | Jupiter is still *really* weird: A new monster storm has formed around its south pole

stripes-moon.html">How an Icy Moon of Saturn Got Its Stripes - The New York Times

Cascading parallel fractures on Enceladus | Nature Astronomy

Boeing's Starliner capsule cleared for milestone uncrewed test flight to space station - CBS News

Boeing rolls out Starliner passenger spacecraft ahead of December flight - The Verge

ndaa-space-force-leave.html">House Passes $738 Billion Military Bill With Space Force and Parental Leave - The New York Times

NASA to receive $22.6 billion in fiscal year 2020 spending bill - SpaceNews.com

Artemis Wins Only Lukewarm Support in Final NASA FY2020 Appropriation – SpacePolicyOnline.com

many-exoplanets-discovery-pace.html">Another Day, Another Exoplanet, and Scientists Just Can't Keep Up | Space

The Site Has Been Chosen! Here's Where OSIRIS-REx is Going To Take a Sample from Bennu - Universe Today

rex-nasa-asteroid-bennu.html">NASA’s Osiris-Rex Selects Target Asteroid Landing Site - The New York Times

comet-2i-borisov.html">The Interstellar Comet Has Arrived in Time for the Holidays - The New York Times

Commercial Crew is moving forward, Vikram's crash site has been found, and there's a big black hole in the news. There are also claims of a new particle, but questions surround the announcement.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Launch of first Starliner orbital test flight slips to Dec. 19 – Spaceflight Now

Russia's status as a space power will end with the start of NASA's commercial crew | TheHill

NASA Engineers Are Trying To Figure Out Why It's So Hard To Dig Mars : NPR

NASA spacecraft finds crash site of Indian lunar lander - The Verge

Amateur sleuth helps locate crash site of India’s Vikram moon lander – Spaceflight Now

1969 Chevrolet "Astrovette" Classic Drive - Motor Trend Classic - Motor Trend

The Grand Tour Game Neil Armstrong’s Corvette Full Documentary (Grand Tour Game Chevrolet Corvette) - YouTube

All four RS-25 Shuttle veterans installed into SLS Core Stage - NASASpaceFlight.com

rocket-laboratory-certified-to-test-flight-software-for-artemis-I.html">NASA Certifies SLS Laboratory to Test Flight Software for Artemis | NASA

ESA Commits to ISS Extension, Cooperation on Gateway – SpacePolicyOnline.com

black-hole-disovery-too-big-theories.html">This Newfound Monster Black Hole Is Too Big for Theories to Handle | Space

lunar-reconnaissance-orbiter-outlasts-moon-priorities.html">Old NASA Moon Orbiter Finds New Life for Artemis Lunar Landing Project | Space

This Is Why The 'X17' Particle And A New, Fifth Force Probably Don't Exist

New Boson Claim Faces Scrutiny | Quanta Magazine

Apollo 12 forever lives in the shadow of the mission before it, but it shouldn't. Pete Conrad, Dick Gordon and Al Bean made plenty of their own history, with some terror and plenty of laughs along the way.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Links and Show Notes:

Our Apollo Episodes:

• Apollo 1
• Apollo 4 & 5
• Apollo 6
• Apollo 7
• Apollo 8
• Apollo 9
• Apollo 10
• Apollo 11
• Apollo 12
• Apollo 13
• Apollo 14
• Apollo 15
• Apollo 16
• Apollo 17

Apollo 12 (AS-507) | National Air and Space Museum

Apollo 12 Mission - LPI

Apollo 12: The Pinpoint Mission - YouTube

Apollo 12's Launch Day Sandwiches - YouTube

Apollo 12: The electrifying return to the Moon

Apollo 12 - SCE to AUX - YouTube

What Does "Set SCE To AUX" Mean Anyway - Apollo 12's Lightning Strike Explained - YouTube

What Happened on Board when Apollo 12 was Struck by Lightning - YouTube

12-lightning-strike-twice-launch-video.html">Apollo 12 Was Struck By Lightning Right After Launch ... Twice! (Video) | Space

12-lightning-strike-twice-launch-video.html">Apollo 12 Was Struck By Lightning Right After Launch ... Twice! (Video) | Space

of-apollo-12-lightning-incident.pdf">NASA's Analysis Of Apollo 12 Lightning Incident (PDF)

How Curiosity, Luck, and the Flip of a Switch Saved the Moon Program - VICE

Why Tuna Really Mattered on Apollo 12 - YouTube

Playmates on the Moon - YouTube

The Second Moon Landing Was Much Rowdier - The Atlantic

Down the Ladder

Surveyor 3 - Wikipedia

Commercial Crew continues to grind forward, while InSight struggles to dig on Mars. Then, some SLS upper stage news, reflections on the Galileo probe and a spoiler-free review of "For All Mankind."

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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• eero: Get your WiFi fixed as soon as tomorrow! Free overnight shipping.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Mars InSight's Mole Has Partially Backed Out of Its Hole – NASA’s Mars Exploration Program

At NASA’s request, Boeing will livestream key Starliner test | Ars Technica

Boeing statement regarding CST-100 Starliner pad abort test

Boeing’s Starliner Completes Pad Abort Test for Commercial Crew | NASA

Voyager 2 Illuminates Boundary of Interstellar Space | NASA

rs-25-engine-attached-to-nasa-moon-rocket.html">Second RS-25 Engine Attached to NASA Moon Rocket | NASA

NASA rejects Blue Origin’s offer of a cheaper upper stage for the SLS rocket | Ars Technica

Galileo Orbiter Details

For All Mankind (TV Series 2019– ) - IMDb

Upgrade #270: The Toughest Compare - Relay FM

Which Planet is the Closest? - CGP Grey on YouTube

Insight is back up and running, and the ISS has hosted the first all-female spacewalk. Back here on Earth, NASA is making purchases for Artemis, even as Congress threatens the agency's 2024 plans.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get 3 months free with a 1-year package.
• Moo: Custom business printing and design. Save 15%.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Mars InSight's 'Mole' Is Moving Again – NASA’s Mars Exploration Program

Koch, Meir conclude first all-female spacewalk – Spaceflight Now

Why it took so long for NASA to do the first all-female spacewalk - The Verge

NASA and the Exquisite Boredom of Spacewalking - The Atlantic

Trump just got fact-checked from space, again - The Verge

NASA considering purchase of additional Soyuz seats - SpaceNews.com

NASA names Douglas Loverro new director of human spaceflight operations - CBS News

National Reconnaissance Office - Wikipedia

Trump's Iran Tweet Included Image From Specific Spy Satellite, Amateurs Find : NPR

NASA Commits to Future Artemis Missions With More SLS Rocket Stages | NASA

NASA will award Boeing a cost-plus contract for up to 10 SLS rockets | Ars Technica

A House budget committee has likely killed the 2024 Moon landing | Ars Technica

NASA’s Lucy Mission Clears Critical Milestone | NASA

Lucy: The First Mission to Jupiter’s Trojans | NASA

NASA unveils future Moon spacesuits that should be ready by 2024 - The Verge

Blue Origin teams up with Lockheed Martin and more for human lunar lander design - The Verge

This fortnight: NASA works to get its InSight lander digging again, while the SLS program moves forward with training using a replica core stage and some have suggested Planet 9 may not be a planet at all. Oh, and Elon Musk and Jim Bridenstine have been feisty on Twitter.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Links and Show Notes:

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NASA's Push to Save the Mars InSight Lander's Heat Probe – NASA's InSight Mars Lander

Raw Images | Multimedia – NASA's InSight Mars Lander

Elon Musk, NASA, and the Effort to Return to Orbit - The Atlantic

Jim Bridenstine on Twitter: "My statement on @SpaceX's announcement tomorrow: https://t.co/C67MhSeNsa" / Twitter

Elon Musk on Twitter: "@SciGuySpace For what it’s worth, the SpaceX schedule, which I’ve just reviewed in depth, shows Falcon & Dragon at the Cape & all testing done in ~10 weeks" / Twitter

Elon Musk aims to put SpaceX’s Starship in orbit in six months - The Verge

It looks like SpaceX is now prioritizing Crew Dragon—which is great for NASA | Ars Technica

Hardware arrives in Florida for Crew Dragon in-flight abort test – Spaceflight Now

Blue Origin performs high-altitude test of crew escape motor – Spaceflight Now

SLS Core Stage Pathfinder Exercise | NASA

First Pegasus Barge Arrival of NASA’s Artemis Program | NASA

prepare-teams-for-one-of-a-kind-hardware.html">SLS Rocket Pathfinders Prepare Teams for One-of-a-Kind Hardware | NASA

Space Shuttle Pathfinder - Wikipedia

Dressing for the Job: Spacesuits Prepped for Upcoming Spacewalks | NASA

First of Five Power Upgrade Spacewalks This Month Wraps Up – Space Station

NASA is getting ready for the first all-female spacewalk — again - The Verge

Mary Robinette Kowal on Twitter: "Can we take a moment to talk about optimizing and gender? / Twitter

‘Planet Nine’ may actually be a black hole | Science | AAAS

nine-black-hole.htm">Is Planet Nine Actually a Primordial Black Hole? | HowStuffWorks

This week, Stephen and Jason discuss a recent exoplanet discovery, NASA's ordering of additional Orion capsules and what Jim Bridenstine can do to ensure ARTEMIS is a success, even beyond his tenure.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Relay FM Podcastathon for St. Jude (2019) - YouTube

Relay FM for St. Jude

Astronomers Find Water on an Exoplanet Twice the Size of Earth - Scientific American

No, the Exoplanet K2-18b Is Not Habitable - Scientific American Blog Network

First measurements of 'interstellar comet' - BBC News

Astronomers Chase a Very Eccentric Interstellar Object - The Atlantic

Interstellar comet has a brand-new name - The Verge

NASA is trying to land on the moon. The biggest challenge might be Congress. - The Washington Post

Eric Berger on Twitter: "Got to love the Senate budgeting $300 million for the EUS upper stage NASA says it doesn't need yet..." - Twitter

Senate bill offers $22.75 billion for NASA in 2020 - SpaceNews.com

sections-joined-for-sls-rocket-stage.html">NASA Joins Last of Five Sections for Space Launch System Rocket Stage | NASA

NASA Commits to Long-term Artemis Missions with Orion Production | NASA

NASA taps Lockheed Martin to build six more Orion crew capsules – Spaceflight Now

After 15 years of development, Lockheed wins new cost-plus contract for Orion | Ars Technica

NASA cubesat to test lunar Gateway orbit - SpaceNews.com

Some NASA contractors appear to be trying to kill the Lunar Gateway | Ars Technica

Getting back to the moon requires speed and simplicity | TheHill

Upgrade - Relay FM

The Chandrayaan-2 lander seems to have met its end on the lunar surface as SpaceX inches forward with its Raptor testing program. Then, NASA's plans for commercial lunar landers and how the agency prepares Kennedy for hurricanes.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Support St. Jude

Membership - Relay FM

apparently-crash-lands.html">India's Vikram Spacecraft Apparently Crash-Lands on Moon | The Planetary Society

Communications Lost with Chandrayaan-2 Just Before Landing on Moon – UPDATED – SpacePolicyOnline.com

chandrayaan-2-lander-moon.html">India Says It Has Located Chandrayaan-2 Lander on Moon’s Surface - The New York Times

SpaceX’s Starhopper completes test flight - SpaceNews.com

Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future: Ashlee Vance

NASA Experiments Flying to Moon on Commercial Landers | NASA

NASA Selects Experiments for Possible Lunar Flights in 2019 | NASA

NASA refines plans for Artemis lunar lander - SpaceNews.com

How NASA’s busiest Florida spaceport is preparing for Hurricane Dorian - The Verge

Spaceport survey finds little damage from Hurricane Dorian – Spaceflight Now

NASA - Hurricane Andrew: 15 Years Ago

plan.pdf">Kennedy Space Center Hurricane Plan (PDF)

Vehicle Assembly Building - Wikipedia

The first SLS is taking shape, as are Starhopper and Europa Clipper. Stephen struggles with a name and then Jason introduces a new segment.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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chandrayaan-2-scouts-the-moon-new-photos.html">India's Chandrayaan-2 Spacecraft Scouts the Moon in New Lunar Photos | Space

Europa Clipper's Mission to Jupiter’s Icy Moon Confirmed | NASA

NASA Has Committed to a Rocket for the Europa Mission--and It Won't Be Ready on Time - Scientific American

After a botched docking attempt, Russia delivers a humanoid robot to the space station - The Verge

Russian and U.S. Spaceship Activities Keep Crew Busy – Space Station

aborts-space-station-docking-ms-14.html">Russian Soyuz Spacecraft Carrying Humanoid Robot Aborts Docking at Space Station | Space

РОСКОСМОС on Twitter: Skybot F850

Eris (dwarf planet) - Wikipedia

NASA Administrator Says Pluto Is Still a Planet, And Things Are Getting Heated

SpaceX scrubs Starhopper test flight on Monday evening [Updated] | Ars Technica

Boeing completes first NASA SLS engine section, getting ready for final Core Stage mate - NASASpaceFlight.com

booster-segments-for-nasa-s-artemis-2-mission-completely-cast.html">All Booster Segments for NASA’s Artemis 2 Mission Completely Cast | NASA

NASA Marshall to Lead Artemis Program’s Human Lunar Lander Development | NASA

NASA chief alienates Senators needed to fund the Moon program | Ars Technica

Will NASA’s Artemis Moon Mission Have An All-Female Crew?

Actually, NASA is looking at all options for the Moon—including prizes | Ars Technica

One could fly to Mars in this spacious habitat and not go crazy | Ars Technica

soyuz-spacecraft-air-leak-hole-origin-report.html">Hole That Caused Leak in Russian Spacecraft Possibly Traced to Assembly or Testing: Report | Space

anne-mcclain-refutes-space-crime-claim.html">NASA Astronaut Anne McClain Refutes Space Crime Claim by Spouse as Divorce Details Emerge | Space

The first alleged crime committed in space raises questions about jurisdiction in orbit - The Verge

Space Station's Data Rate Increase Supports Future Exploration | NASA

SpaceIL’s Crashed Spacecraft Spilled Tardigrades on the Moon | WIRED

Chris Johnson on Twitter

Tardigrade - Wikipedia

Stephen and Jason report in after their field trip to Space Center Houston and Johnson Space Center, which included seeing several spacecraft and visiting the restored Apollo Mission Control room.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Space Center Houston | Science and Space Exploration Learning Center

A Trip to Johnson Space Center – 512 Pixels

Where does NASA keep the Moon Rocks? - Smarter Every Day 220 - YouTube

Liftoff on Twitter: "TFW Stephen sees the rocket he’s ...questioned... on the podcast..."

Space Vehicle Mockup Facility

R5 | NASA

International Cooperation | NASA

NASA’s restored Apollo Mission Control is a slice of ’60s life, frozen in amber | Ars Technica

Restoring Apollo Mission Control Center

As 2024 gets closer and closer, NASA is hard at work on SLS and Orion, but is also partnering with several companies to move several projects forward in parallel. Stephen and Jason then mark the passing of NASA's first Flight Director, Chris Kraft.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Liftoff (@liftoffpodcast) / Twitter

SpaceX succeeds with first untethered StarHopper low altitude ‘hop’ test | TechCrunch

A “city-killing” asteroid just zipped by Earth. Why didn’t we see it coming? - Vox

Tunguska event - Wikipedia

NASA Says SLS Green Run Test is a Go – SpacePolicyOnline.com

run-test-paves-way-for-nasa-moon-missions.html">“Green Run” Test Will Pave the Way for Successful NASA Moon Missions | NASA

Vice President Unveils NASA Spacecraft for Artemis 1 Lunar Mission | NASA

Plum Brook Station | NASA

taps-northrop-grumman-lunar-gateway-habitat.html">NASA Taps Northrop Grumman to Build Lunar Gateway Habitation Module | Space

Bigelow Aerospace - Gateway

NASA Announces Industry Partnerships to Advance Moon, Mars Technology | NASA

NASA agrees to work with SpaceX on orbital refueling technology | Ars Technica

drops-orbit-beyond-moon-landing-contract.html">Private Company Orbit Beyond Drops Out of 2020 NASA Moon-Landing Deal | Space

Commercial Lunar Payload Services Update | NASA

Solar Sailing Success: Planetary Society Deploys LightSail 2 - Scientific American

Made in Space wins NASA contract to 3D-print satellite structures in orbit – Spaceflight Now

Christopher Columbus Kraft, NASA’s legendary flight director, has died | Ars Technica

Remembering Chris Kraft | NASA

"Flight: My Life in Mission Control" by Christopher Kraft

50 years ago, humans first set foot on the moon. The work of the crew of Apollo 11 has inspired people for five decades, and their legacy continues to shine on today. In this episode, Stephen and Jason discuss three aspects of the mission that aren’t as well known, including Neil Armstrong’s brush with death in a training exercise, the science performed by the crew during their lunar EVA, and the astronauts’ less-than-glamorous welcome back to Earth.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Links and Show Notes:

Our Apollo Episodes:

• Apollo 1
• Apollo 4 & 5
• Apollo 6
• Apollo 7
• Apollo 8
• Apollo 9
• Apollo 10
• Apollo 11
• Apollo 12
• Apollo 13
• Apollo 14
• Apollo 15
• Apollo 16
• Apollo 17

Apollo 11 Mission Overview | NASA

11.html">Apollo 11 | NASA

Apollo 11 Moon Launch 50th Anniversary | CBS News Special Coverage, live stream - YouTube

50 Years Ago: Armstrong Survives Training Crash | NASA

LLRV Testing Contributed to Apollo 11's Success - YouTube

Neil A. Armstrong Oral History

How Apollo 11's astronauts spent their 22 hours on the moon | Popular Science

Apollo 11 Science Experiments

Apollo 50th on Twitter

Astronauts Didn't Sleep So Well on the Moon - Vintage Space : Vintage Space

Why the Apollo 11 Crew Was Quarantined Upon Return - YouTube

Apollo was NASA’s biggest win — but its legacy is holding the agency back - The Verge

Orion and the Mobile Launch Platform are making progress, InSight's struggles continue and NASA is sending a 8-rotor drone to Saturn's moon Titan.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Links and Show Notes:

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Amazon.com: From the Earth to the Moon (DC/BD) [Blu-ray]

U.S., China plan to meet on civil space in autumn: U.S. official | The Journal Pioneer

Where Does Mars' Methane Go? New Study Provides Possible Answer, with Implications in the Search for Life. - Universe Today

methane-nasa.html">With a Poof, Mars Methane Is Gone - The New York Times

Watch the total solar eclipse streak across Earth in this gorgeous satellite shot – BGR

Apollo's Muse: The Moon in the Age of Photography | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

muse-moon-metropolitan-museum-review.html">The Moon Sits for Its Portrait - The New York Times

orion-capsule-abort-test-flight.html">NASA's Orion Crew Capsule Aces Big Safety Test | Space

Orion Ascent Abort-2 Photos

nasa-launch-abort-test-builds-50-years-astronaut-escape-systems.html">NASA's Launch Abort Test Builds on 50 Years of Astronaut Escape Systems | Space

Common Questions about InSight's 'Mole' – NASA’s Mars Exploration Program

News | NASA's InSight Uncovers the 'Mole'

NASA will fund a revolutionary mission to fly through Titan’s atmosphere | Ars Technica

NASA's Dragonfly Mission to Titan Will Look for Origins, Signs of Life | NASA

Dragonfly: NASA's New Mission to Explore Saturn's Moon Titan - YouTube

NASA’s restored Apollo Mission Control is a slice of ’60s life, frozen in amber | Ars Technica

11-mission-control-nasa.html">NASA Reopens Apollo Mission Control Room That Once Landed Men on Moon - The New York Times

BBC World Service - 13 Minutes to the Moon

The Artemis Budget is becoming more and more real, as NASA promotes the number of companies involved in building its hardware. Elsewhere, ESA is preparing to go to Jupiter with the JUICE robotic mission and Bigelow has big plans for the ISS.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Paying for Artemis: How much will it cost to go back to the moon? - SpaceNews.com

Bridenstine estimates Artemis cost at $20–30 billion - SpaceNews.com

2020-rover-gets-first-wheels-mast.html">NASA's 2020 Mars Rover Gets Its 1st Wheels, and a Mast, Too (Ahoy!) | Space

helicopter-nasa-space-exploration.html">2020 Mars Helicopter Could Open Alien Skies to Exploration | Space

company-helps-build-nasa-moon-rocket-accelerate-moon-missions.html">Michigan Company Helps Build NASA Moon Rocket, Accelerate Moon Mission | NASA

NASA | Exploration Systems Suppliers in America

New report finds NASA awarded Boeing large fees despite SLS launch slips | Ars Technica

NASA’s future Moon rocket will probably be delayed and over budget again - The Verge

Arianespace and ESA announce the JUICE (JUpiter ICy moons Explorer) launch contract – Arianespace

ESA Science & Technology: Science Payload

NASA is opening the ISS to commercial business and more private astronauts - The Verge

Bigelow announces plans for private astronaut flights to space station – Spaceflight Now

Jason and Stephen discuss the debate around Starlink and its impact on astronomy, cover the latest GAO report and talk about the importance of Commercial Moon Landing Services.

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SpaceX says all 60 Starlink satellites functioning so far - SpaceNews.com

Astronomy group calls for urgent action on SpaceX Starlink satellites | New Scientist

spacex-astronomers.html">After SpaceX Starlink Launch, a Fear of Satellites That Outnumber All Visible Stars - The New York Times

Supercomputer to undergo autopsy after returning from the space station - The Verge

nebula-image-spitzer-telescope-ending.html">With End in Sight, Spitzer Telescope Releases Glorious Nebula Images | Space

Exclusive: Space firm founded by billionaire Paul Allen closing operations - sources - Reuters

Tracking Down JoAnn Morgan, a Semi-Hidden Figure of U.S. Space History | Vanity Fair

Potential Exomoon Discovery Sparks Debate - The Atlantic

NASA’s Space Launch System passes key milestone for Moon mission | TechCrunch

milestone-reached-on-complex-large-rocket.html">NASA Reaches New Milestone on Complex, Large Rocket | NASA

JWST and SLS drive up cost and schedule growth on NASA programs - SpaceNews.com

NASA selects companies for commercial Moon landing services - SpaceFlight Insider

BBC World Service - 13 Minutes to the Moon

In May 1969, Tom Stafford, John Young and Gene Cernan took their Apollo spacecraft within 48,000 feet of the lunar service.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Links and Show Notes:

Our Apollo Episodes:

• Apollo 1
• Apollo 4 & 5
• Apollo 6
• Apollo 7
• Apollo 8
• Apollo 9
• Apollo 10
• Apollo 11
• Apollo 12
• Apollo 13
• Apollo 14
• Apollo 15
• Apollo 16
• Apollo 17

50 Years Ago: Apollo 10 to Sort Out the Unknowns | NASA

Apollo 10 | NASA

In Depth | Apollo 10 – NASA Solar System Exploration

APOLLO 10 - NASA History

Apollo 10 (AS-505) | National Air and Space Museum

apollo-10.html">Apollo 10: Lunar Landing Dress Rehearsal | Space

‎Peanuts in Space: Secrets of Apollo 10 on Apple TV

Apollo 10: "Son of a B—!" - Space Artifacts

The floating turd mystery that still haunts NASA - Vox

snoopy-nasa-lost-apollo-10-lunar-module-search.html">The Search for 'Snoopy': Astronomers & Students Hunt for NASA's Lost Apollo 10 Module | Space

10-moon-nasa.html">Why Apollo 10 Stopped Just 47,000 Feet From the Moon - The New York Times

This fortnight: checking in on the SLS' test procedures and the on-going planning to return to the moon in 2024, and then a dose of planetary defense.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Real-time satellite imagery on your desktop with Downlink - Main Engine Cut Off

Downlink – 512 Pixels

Dragon was destroyed just before the firing of its SuperDraco thrusters | Ars Technica

The Hunt for Rocket Boosters in Russia's Far North | WIRED

Andrew Jones on Twitter on Chinese launches

NASA to perform key test of the SLS rocket, necessitating a delay in its launch | Ars Technica

NASA outlines plan for 2024 lunar landing - SpaceNews.com

Facing 2024 deadline, NASA issues a report defending the Lunar Gateway | Ars Technica

Why-Gateway-v5.pdf">"Why Gateway" PDF

The Race to Develop the Moon | The New Yorker

impact-simulation-nasa-planetary-defense-2019.html">What If an Asteroid Was Going to Hit Earth? NASA Will Make Believe This Week | Space

fake-asteroid-impact-hazard-management.html">A Fake Asteroid Headed to Earth Can Really Make You Think | Space

News | NASA, FEMA, International Partners Plan Asteroid Impact Exercise

Planetary Defense Conference Exercise - 2019

Hera adds objectives to planetary defense test mission – NASASpaceFlight.com

Asteroid Impact & Deflection Assessment mission / Hera / Space Safety / Our Activities / ESA

Stephen and Jason talk the news, from blackholes to Beresheet, and spacesuits to backronyms. Then, a bit about the Crew Dragon anomaly.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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loses-falcon-heavy-core-booster-at-sea.html">SpaceX's Center Core Booster for Falcon Heavy Rocket Is Lost at Sea | Space

ir.tdl.org/handle/2346/58495">International Conference on Environmental Systems

New details emerge about Titan's methane lakes - SpaceFlight Insider

ACRONYM: Acronym CReatiON for You and Me (PDF)

GitHub: ACRONYM (Acronym CReatiON for You and Me)

The Incomparable | Turn Left at the Asteroid (Episode 453)

command-doomed-beresheet.html">Software Command to Fix Faulty Sensor Doomed Beresheet | The Planetary Society

David Copperfield’s Secrets - The Technology Behind His Greatest Illusions - Are Locked in a Vault That Just Crash-Landed on the Moon

Did NASA Experiment Survive on Failed Israeli Moon Lander?

Black Hole Image Makes History; NASA Telescopes Coordinate Observation | NASA

Exploring Black Holes | National Science Foundation

Seeing a black hole with half a ton of hard drives - Six Colors

Katie Bouman: The woman behind the first black hole image - BBC News

How to take a picture of a black hole | Katie Bouman - YouTube

The black hole image and Katie Bouman: the sexist backlash against her, explained - Vox

Here’s what we know, and what we don’t, about the Crew Dragon accident | Ars Technica

fi-spacex-crew-dragon-escape-system-fuel-20190423-story.html">SpaceX turned to fast-igniting fuel for its capsule escape system. That could be part of the accident probe - Los Angeles Times

Rocket Lab has a new satellite platform, while methane cycles have been measured on Mars. Elsewhere, NASA continues to work through the details of its new 2024 lunar goal and 2007 OR10 needs a name.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Links and Show Notes:

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SpaceX just fired up the engine on its test Starship vehicle for the first time - The Verge

dwarf-fragment.html">Apocalypse Next? Astronomers Find a Chunk of Planet Around a Distant, Dead Star - The New York Times

Ungeniused #72: The Future of Earth - Relay FM

Rocket Lab unveils Photon smallsat bus - SpaceNews.com

methane-gas.html">Something on Mars Is Producing Gas Usually Made by Living Things on Earth - The New York Times

needs-a-name.html">2007 OR10 Needs a Name! | The Planetary Society

Help Name 2007 OR10

NASA is figuring out how much money it needs to meet a faster lunar return - The Verge

Advisory group seeks role evaluating NASA’s lunar plans - SpaceNews.com

Human Landing System - Ascent Element - Federal Business Opportunities: Opportunities

hole-photo.html">Expected Soon: First-Ever Photo of a Black Hole - The New York Times

hole.html">Opinion | At Long Last, a Glimpse of a Black Hole - The New York Times

SpaceX's 2nd Falcon Heavy to launch Arabsat-6A - SpaceFlight Insider

Vice President Mike Pence has challenged NASA to return to the moon within five years.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Tested Interview with Todd Miller

A Huge Collection of Apollo 11 Press Kits

NASA is no longer planning to conduct its first all-women spacewalk this week - The Verge

It’s unfortunate NASA canceled the all-female EVA, but it’s the right decision | Ars Technica

Mary Robinette Kowal on Twitter: "Let's talk about spacesuits..."

17-018.pdf">NASA Office of Inspector General 2017 Report on SpaceSuits (PDF)

Starhopper progressing toward Static Fire test; Starship/Superheavy updates – NASASpaceFlight.com

NASA TV to Broadcast Fifth Meeting of the National Space Council | NASA

NASA Moon and Mars

Budget of NASA - Wikipedia

neptune-nasa-trident.html">Neptune’s Moon Triton Is Destination of Proposed NASA Mission - The New York Times

The guys talk through a few stories that didn't make Episode 95, including what's going on with Boeing's Starliner and Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser, as well as Bennu's habit of spewing material into space.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Boeing delays by months test flights for U.S. human space program: sources | Reuters

starliner-capsule-test-flight-delays.html">Boeing Delays 1st Test Flight of Crew Capsule to August: Report | Space

Dream Chaser passes latest NASA development milestone - SpaceFlight Insider

rex-update-bennu-ejection.html">OSIRIS-REx sees Bennu spewing stuff into space | The Planetary Society

OSIRIS-REx finds its asteroid is spewing material and is much more rugged than expected - The Verge

Asteroid Bennu has Already Thrown Material off into Space 11 Times Since OSIRIS-REx Arrived - Universe Today

Liftoff #95: The Red Flag - Relay FM

Stephen and Jason get into the details of the proposed 2020 NASA budget, the future of the SLS rocket, then review the film Apollo 11.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Links and Show Notes:

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Commercial Crew Program | NASA

Crew Dragon undocking and departure - YouTube

ESA on Twitter: "Ready to take new @Space_Station crew into space this Thursday at 19:14 GMT (20:14 CET).… "

Zurbuchen Cancels Europa Clipper Instrument Due to Cost Overruns – SpacePolicyOnline.com

NASA: Moon to Mars

NASA unveils $21 billion Trump administration fiscal year 2020 budget request – Spaceflight Now

New White House budget spells trouble for NASA’s SLS rocket | Ars Technica

NASA budget proposal targets SLS - SpaceNews.com

Trump’s NASA budget slashes programs and cancels a powerful rocket upgrade - The Verge

Inside the Making of the Mind-Blowing ‘Apollo 11’ Doc – Rolling Stone

Moonwalk One - Wikipedia

In March 1969, Jim McDivitt, Dave Scott and Rusty Schweickart were the first astronauts to fly the Lunar Module, proving that this vital spacecraft was ready to take a crew to the moon — and help bring them home.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get 3 months free with a 1-year package.
• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Our Apollo Episodes:

• Apollo 1
• Apollo 4 & 5
• Apollo 6
• Apollo 7
• Apollo 8
• Apollo 9
• Apollo 10
• Apollo 11
• Apollo 12
• Apollo 13
• Apollo 14
• Apollo 15
• Apollo 16
• Apollo 17

Apollo 9 | NASA

apollo-9.html">Apollo 9: The Lunar Module Flies | Space

Apollo 9 (AS-504) | National Air and Space Museum

Apollo 9 Flight Journal - Index Page

apollo-9-astronaut-lifechanging-spacewalk-video.html">On Apollo 9, a Jammed Camera Changed Spacewalking Astronaut's Life (Video) | Space

50 Years Ago: The Apollo Lunar Module | NASA

Peeking Inside a Messy Lunar Module - Vintage Space

Neil Armstrong: LM Simulator Crash - YouTube

Jason and Stephen catch up on the news, then talk about the Pioneer and Ranger programs.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• eero: Never think about WiFi again. Get $100 off the ‘Eero base unit and 2 beacons package’, and a year of eero Plus.
• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Kennedy Space Center Honors Day of Remembrance | NASA

The Found Footage That Provides a Whole New Look at the Apollo 11 Moon Landing | Vanity Fair

Apollo 11 (2019) - Official Trailer | First Moon Landing - YouTube

7 Days Out | Netflix Official Site

Eric Berger on Twitter about Commercial Crew

APOD: 2019 February 11 - New Data: Ultima Thule Surprisingly Flat

Article.php?page=20190208">New Horizons' Evocative Farewell Glance at Ultima Thule

NASA puts a key satellite in place for its Mars 2020 mission

MAVEN Spacecraft Shrinking its Orbit to Prepare for Mars 2020 Rover | NASA

Mars One goes bankrupt as reality catches up to the doomed space scam | TechCrunch

one.com/news/press-releases/mars-one-takeover-approved-by-infin-shareholders">Mars One Takeover Approved by InFin Shareholders - Press Releases - News - Mars One

The Pioneer Missions | NASA

Ranger | Science Mission Directorate

This fortnight, Jason and Stephen mark NASA's Day of Remembrance, discuss layoffs at two private space companies and wish for a mission to Uranus.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Links and Show Notes

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

Elon Musk Interview: Why the Starship Is Built of Stainless Steel

SpaceX’s new test rocket topples over thanks to strong Texas winds - The Verge

After Thursday test firing, SpaceX may be a month from commercial crew launch | Ars Technica

After government re-opened, SpaceX sought two Falcon Heavy permits | Ars Technica

Here it is, the high resolution photo of MU69 We've all been waiting for. - Universe Today

Bad Astronomy | How long is a day on Saturn? | SYFY WIRE

Thomas Zurbuchen on Twitter

News | Rover Team Beaming New Commands to Opportunity on Mars

opportunity-rover.html">‘This Could Be the End’ for NASA’s Mars Opportunity Rover - The New York Times

virgin-galactic-layoffs-as-spaceshiptwo-tests-continue.html">Virgin Galactic Lays Off Staff as Test Program Continues

NASA’s 2019 Day of Remembrance Was Postponed, but Remembrances Continue Nonetheless – SpacePolicyOnline.com

Space Mirror Memorial at Kennedy Space Center

Amazon.com: Bringing Columbia Home: The Untold Story of a Lost Space Shuttle and Her Crew eBook: Michael D. Leinbach, Jonathan H. Ward, Robert Crippen: Kindle Store

Amazon.com: Watch The Challenger Disaster | Prime Video

Liftoff #9: The Space Shuttle - Relay FM

China has big plans for the moon and SpaceX has a new test vehicle. Oh, and things got weird with Russia.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Links and Show Notes

Watch a Chinese probe land on the far side of the Moon - The Verge

China’s lunar lander successfully sprouts cotton on the Moon - The Verge

China unveils follow-up lunar exploration missions - Xinhua | English.news.cn

The new space race pits the U.S. against China. The U.S. is losing badly. - The Washington Post

NASA delays SpaceX commercial crew test flight to February - SpaceNews.com

This is SpaceX’s very first human crew - YouTube

s-Johnson-Space-Center-employees-expected-to-13533320.php">NASA's Johnson Space Center employees expected to protest government shutdown Tuesday - HoustonChronicle.com

gazette.com/news/science/2019/01/05/NASA-rescinds-invitation-to-Russian-space-agency-chief-US-sanctions/stories/201901050062">NASA rescinds invitation to Russian space agency chief to visit US after backlash | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Bridenstine and Rogozin speak by phone after canceled visit - SpaceNews.com

spacex-starship-hopper-prototype-elon-musk-update.html">SpaceX's 'Starship' Hopper Prototype Could Make 1st Test Flight in Weeks, Elon Musk Says

spacex-starship-test-vehicle-photo.html">SpaceX Finishes Building 'Starship' Hopper Prototype (Photo)

Susanne Auer 🇪🇺 on Twitter: ""How I look on Tinder vs Real Life" - #SpaceX Rocket Edition… "

fi-spacex-layoffs-20190111-story.html">SpaceX to lay off 10% of its workforce - Los Angeles Times

Eric Berger on Twitter: "Some notes regarding SpaceX cuts..."

Rocket Report: Blue nears flight, India to double up, Musk’s Starship love | Ars Technica

China's latest lunar mission is about to touchdown on the far side of the moon, and New Horizons has completed its flyby of Ultima Thule.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Links and Show Notes

Chang'e-4: China mission primed for landing on Moon's far side - BBC News

waits-for-giant-sls-fuel-tank-to-arrive-in-alabama-for-testing.html">NASA waits for giant SLS fuel tank to arrive in Alabama for testing | al.com

horizons-nasa-pluto-mu69-occultations.html?action=click&module=RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article">Chasing Shadows for a Glimpse of a Tiny World Beyond Pluto - The New York Times

finally-new-horizons-has-a-kbo.html">Finally! New Horizons has a second target | The Planetary Society

Article.php?page=20190101">New Horizons: APL

In December 1968, Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders became the first human beings to travel to the moon, circling our nearest neighbor and making history while doing so.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• eero: Never think about WiFi again. Get $100 off the ‘Eero base unit and 2 beacons package’, and a year of eero Plus.

Links and Show Notes:

Our Apollo Episodes:

• Apollo 1
• Apollo 4 & 5
• Apollo 6
• Apollo 7
• Apollo 8
• Apollo 9
• Apollo 10
• Apollo 11
• Apollo 12
• Apollo 13
• Apollo 14
• Apollo 15
• Apollo 16
• Apollo 17

Apollo 8 | NASA

apollo-8.html">Apollo 8: First Around the Moon

NASA Releases New Earthrise Simulation Video | NASA

moon-space-nasa.html">A First Glimpse of Our Magnificent Earth, Seen From the Moon - The New York Times

Apollo 8: A Story of Christmas Around the Moon - YouTube

ABC's Apollo 8 Launch Coverage - YouTube

Apollo 8 Mission Highlights - YouTube

NASA Technical Note D-7080 (PDF)

Apollo 8 Christmas Message - YouTube

The end of 2018 is proving to be busy: InSight has landed, OSIRIS-REx has rendezvoused with Bennu, SpaceX is breaking records and the CLPS program is here, for what that's worth.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Links and Show Notes

Watch Mars on National Geographic

The HI-SEAS Mars Habitat Is Turning Into a Moon Simulation - The Atlantic

Crewed flights to ISS resume with Soyuz MS-11 launch - SpaceFlight Insider

nasa-astronaut-hague-gets-new-flight.html">NASA Astronaut Nick Hague Gets New Space Assignment After Scary Launch Abort

SpaceX Falcon 9 launches SSO-A multi-sat mission – NASASpaceFlight.com

Singed and sooty, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket still looked brilliant Monday | Ars Technica

NASA Hears MarCO CubeSats Loud and Clear from Mars | NASA

Mars New Home 'a Large Sandbox' | NASA

NASA selects nine companies that will vie to put small landers on the Moon - The Verge

Commercial Lunar Payload Services - CLPS - 80HQTR18R0011R - Federal Business Opportunities: Opportunities

A congressman’s loss clouds the future of two demanding missions to Europa | Ars Technica

There was a false alarm concerning Opportunity, and drama about the SLS' future. That, and a conversation about Rocket Lab and a preview of InSight's landing.

Links and Show Notes

News | Kepler Telescope Bids 'Goodnight' with Final Commands

NASA thought it got a signal from the silent Opportunity rover, but it broke our hearts again – BGR

Elon Musk renames Big Falcon Rocket to ‘Starship’ - The Verge

NASA may retire its new mega-rocket for SpaceX, Blue Origin launchers - Business Insider

NASA’s Europa lander may be in jeopardy after the midterms - The Verge

Rocket Lab performs first commercial launch - SpaceNews.com

lab-launch.html">Rocket Lab’s Modest Launch Is Giant Leap for Small Rocket Business - The New York Times

InSight Mission – NASA's InSight Mars Lander

Videos | InSight Landing on Mars

News | How NASA Will Know When InSight Touches Down

Space Images | Curiosity Spotted on Parachute by Orbiter

Liftoff (@liftoffpodcast) on Twitter

NASA says goodbye to two spacecraft and Stephen and Jason review First Man.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes

We decoded NASA’s messages to aliens by hand - YouTube

to-decode-the-images-on-th.html">How to decode the images on the Voyager Golden Record / Boing Boing

Oct. 27 Gyro Update: NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope Returns to Science | NASA

Hubble Finds Smiling Face in a Hunt for Newborn Stars | NASA

It's Over For Kepler. The Most Successful Planet Hunter Ever Built is Finally out of Fuel and Has Just Been Shut Down. - Universe Today

Liftoff #30: Talking Kepler with Natalie Batalha - Relay FM

TESS Overview

detail.html?id=7275">Dawn Mission | News | NASA's Dawn Mission to Asteroid Belt Comes to End

A Soyuz crew makes an emergency landing after rocket fails | Ars Technica

Russian official says Soyuz rocket failure caused by an errant sensor | Ars Technica

First Man (2018) - IMDb

first-man-movie-buzz-aldrin-controversy.html">Buzz Aldrin Has Some Thoughts About 'First Man' and the Flag

In October 1968, Wally Schirra, Donn Eisele and Walter Cunningham spent 11 days in space working the bugs out of the Apollo spacecraft on its first crewed mission. The vehicle performed perfectly; the crew did not.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
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Links and Show Notes:

Our Apollo Episodes:

• Apollo 1
• Apollo 4 & 5
• Apollo 6
• Apollo 7
• Apollo 8
• Apollo 9
• Apollo 10
• Apollo 11
• Apollo 12
• Apollo 13
• Apollo 14
• Apollo 15
• Apollo 16
• Apollo 17

Apollo 7 (AS-205) | National Air and Space Museum

apollo-7.html">Apollo 7: A Test of Spacecraft and Crew

Apollo 7 Mission Overview - Lunar and Planetary Institute

Apollo 7 - Internet Archive

span.org/video/?308525-1/the-flight-apollo-7"> Apollo 7 | C-SPAN Video

Gemini IX Crew Found 'Angry Alligator' in Earth Orbit | NASA

How Did Head Colds Lead to Mutiny on Apollo 7? - YouTube

Actifed Ad w/ Wally Schirra & Donn Eisele - YouTube

Jason and Stephen discuss the latest Commercial Crew dates, and emerging issues with the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as exomoons and Jason's view of the latest SpaceX launch.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
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Links and Show Notes

SpaceX SAOCOM 1A Launch from Santa Monica on Vimeo

Jason Snell on Twitter: "Nice to take a dog walk and see a space launch… "

asteroid-ryugu-mascot-lander-mission-ends.html">RIP, MASCOT: Hopping Lander Meets Its End on Asteroid Ryugu

Cassini’s last discoveries: Saturn’s innermost ring rains dust - Vox

October 05, 2018 | Science

NASA’s Commercial Crew Program Target Test Flight Dates – Commercial Crew Program

First Orion service module ready for shipment to the U.S. - SpaceNews.com

The Orion spacecraft may carry more than NASA missions to the Moon | Ars Technica

hubble-space-telescope-safe-mode-gyroscope-failure.html">Hubble Space Telescope Apparently in 'Safe Mode' After Gyroscope Failure

Wayne Hale on Twitter: "To repair Hubble you need a trained repair crew in a mid high LEO with a spacecraft...

Canada offers help for Hubble - The Globe and Mail

mars-rover-curiosity-activates-backup-brain.html">Curiosity Rover Activates Backup 'Brain' on Mars

Astronomers may have discovered the first moon ever found outside our Solar System - The Verge

From a Californian satellite and the retirement of the Delta II to Hayabusa and Opportunity updates, it's been a busy couple of weeks. Plus, a review of Hulu's The First.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes

mars-rover-opportunity-mro-photo.html">Silent Opportunity Mars Rover Spotted from Space (Photo)

announces-California-plan-to-launch-13230706.php?t=5d4d9c9992">Brown announces California plan to launch satellite to track climate change - SFChronicle.com

Trump administration sees a 7-degree rise in global temperatures by 2100 - The Washington Post

NASA Launching Advanced Laser to Measure Earth’s Changing Ice | NASA

Watch the end of an era as the last flight of a Delta II takes off - The Verge

Leftover Delta 2 rocket to go on display at Kennedy Space Center – Spaceflight Now

Engineers say goodbye to society-changing Delta 2 rocket – Spaceflight Now

What It Feels Like To Get Hit By Falling Space Junk

Ungeniused - Relay FM

Military’s primary launch provider picks Blue Origin’s new engine for future rocket - The Verge

Japan successfully lands two small rovers on asteroid Ryugu - SpaceFlight Insider

ryugu-photos.html">Hayabusa2 Lands Two Rovers on Asteroid Ryugu - The New York Times

HAYABUSA2@JAXA on Twitter: "Rover-1B succeeded in shooting a movie on Ryugu’s surface! The movie has 15 frames captured on September 23, 2018 from 10:34 - 11:48 JST. Enjoy ‘standing’ on the surface of this asteroid! [6/6]… https://t.co/UzMGiDzFO2"

Meet Yusaku Maezawa, the first private passenger to take SpaceX’s BFR around the moon | TechCrunch

Watch The First Online at Hulu

Recent space news is all weird: Elon Musk's questionable podcast appearance, NASA looking into selling naming rights on its hardware, and a leak on the ISS.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
• eero: Never think about WiFi again. Use code LIFTOFF for free overnight shipping.

Links and Show Notes

new-horizons.html?rref=collection%2Fcolumn%2Ftrilobites">NASA’s New Horizons Spacecraft Takes First Picture of Distant Rock It Will Visit - The New York Times

The Air Force is determining ‘the appropriate process’ for Elon Musk smoking pot - The Verge

Joe Rogan Experience #1169 - Elon Musk - YouTube

SpaceX BFR Interplanetary Spaceship To Have First 'Hopping' Tests In Late 2019

em-3-gateway.html">Orion's third flight will haul two pieces of a space station to lunar orbit | The Planetary Society

NASA updates Lunar Gateway plans – NASASpaceFlight.com

Watch NASA test Orion's parachutes by dropping it from a plane

Product placement may help power NASA’s next big space mission - The Verge

Bradley Chubb's Gameday Jacket

Chubb's endorsement deal means candy bars and a dope jacket | Mile High Sports

Ungeniused #60: The Cola Wars and New Coke - Relay FM

Ungeniused #61: The Coca-Cola Company - Relay FM

((Charles Fishman)) on Twitter: Eye of Florence via GOES16

Kristen Walbolt on Twitter: Florence Rainfall

NASA on Twitter: Trouble Brewing in the Atlantic

NASA on Twitter: Florence from ISS

Leak detected on International Space Station, crew in no danger - SpaceFlight Insider

How was the exact location of the recent ISS air leak found? - SpaceFlight Insider

Russian space chief vows to find “full name” of technician who caused ISS leak | Ars Technica

News | Martian Skies Clearing over Opportunity Rover

NASA says it wants to save the Mars Opportunity rover, but some close to the mission doubt it - The Verge

NASA is inching toward crewed flights, with its Mobile Launcher Platform coming together and cis-lunar Gateway plans coming together, all while SpaceX and Boeing races to complete its crewed hardware. Elsewhere, Spitzer celebrates 15 years in space and OSIRIS-REx has spotted its target.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Links and Show Notes

Support Liftoff with a Relay FM Membership

One step closer: SpaceX installs crew access arm in lead up to first crewed flights - SpaceFlight Insider

SLS mobile launch platform to go on the move this week – Spaceflight Now

Orion elements coming together for EM-1 – NASASpaceFlight.com

NASA’s planning to send people back to the Moon’s surface in about a decade - The Verge

News | 15 Years in Space for NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope

News | 15 of Spitzer's Greatest Discoveries From 15 Years in Space

NASA’s asteroid-sampling spacecraft spies its target for the first time - The Verge

NASA's cosmic blunder: the Apollo 11 sample bag that went to the Moon in 1969 ended up at a public auction

The Parker Solar Probe is on its way to study our sun, as New Horizons is exploring what is at the outmost reaches of its influence on the solar system.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

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Links and Show Notes

📡 Become a Relay FM Member! 📡

NASA assigns astronauts to first commercial crew missions - SpaceNews.com

Astronomers discover a nearby free-range planet with incredible magnetism | Astronomy.com

Parker Solar Probe | NASA

Parker Solar Probe

NASA successfully launched a spacecraft that will study the Sun’s atmosphere - The Verge

parker-solar-wind-nasa-probe.html">NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Is Named for Him. 60 Years Ago, No One Believed His Ideas About the Sun. - The New York Times

Liftoff #6: The Sun - Relay FM

What goes around, comes around: The James Webb Telescope, water on Mars and the Space Force are all back in the news.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• eero: Never think about WiFi again. Use code LIFTOFF for free overnight shipping.

Links and Show Notes

Why NASA is struggling to get its most powerful space telescope off the ground - The Verge

James Webb Space Telescope: Who Should Pay for Mistakes? - The Atlantic

NASA - Ten Inventions Created for James Webb Space Telescope Approved

water-on-mars-really.html">Liquid Water on Mars! Really for Real This Time (Probably) | The Planetary Society

Saturn and Mars Make Closest Approaches in 2018 | NASA

Radar evidence of subglacial liquid water on Mars | Science

NASA weighs delaying WFIRST to fund JWST overrun - SpaceNews.com

Trump’s Space Force Will Have to Wait - The Atlantic

Pentagon not waiting for Congress to create space force: report | TheHill

Eight Logos for Trump’s Space Force, From Milton Glaser and More - Bloomberg

Trump’s Space Force Will Have to Wait - The Atlantic

Pentagon not waiting for Congress to create space force: report | TheHill

Eight Logos for Trump’s Space Force, From Milton Glaser and More - Bloomberg

Amazon.com: The Calculating Stars: A Lady Astronaut Novel eBook: Mary Robinette Kowal: Kindle Store

Jason and Stephen are joined by Emily Lakdawalla to discuss her new book, The Design and Engineering of Curiosity: How the Mars Rover Performs Its Job.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Guest Starring:

Emily Lakdawalla

Links and Show Notes

The Design and Engineering of Curiosity: How the Mars Rover Performs Its Job

Emily's new book about the Curiosity rover.

Emily Lakdawalla (@elakdawalla) | Twitter

Snapshots from Space | The Planetary Society

The New Screen Savers 160 Ancient Organic Matter Found on Mars

Mars 2020 Rover

Jason and Stephen talk about President Trump's call for a Space Force, then Opportunity's struggle against a Martian dust storm and Peggy Whitson's retirement from NASA.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• eero: Never think about WiFi again. Use code LIFTOFF for free overnight shipping.

Links and Show Notes

McMoon: How the Earliest Images of the Moon Were so Much Better than we Realised – World of Indie

Lunar Orbiter Image Recovery Project (LOIRP) Overview

Bridenstine emphasizes partnerships with industry to achieve NASA goals - SpaceNews.com

President Donald J. Trump is Achieving a Safe and Secure Future in Space

Trump: ‘We are going to have the Space Force’ - SpaceNews.com

How Exactly Do You Establish a Space Force? - The Atlantic

Eric Berger on Twitter: "More from Scott Pace on the Trump administration's priorities in space with regard to national security.… "

News | Opportunity Hunkers Down During Dust Storm

News | NASA Mars Rovers Braving Severe Dust Storms

NASA Encounters the Perfect Storm for Science – NASA’s Mars Exploration Program

Astronaut Peggy Whitson retires from NASA - SpaceFlight Insider

Silver Snoopy award - Wikipedia

Jeff Bezos, Planet 9 and China's space station plans are all in the news, then Stephen and Jason remember Alan Bean and Donald Peterson.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
• StoryWorth: A new way to bring the family together.

Links and Show Notes

apollo-4-images.html">The curious case of the Apollo 4 Earth images | The Planetary Society

Jeff Bezos and his Blue Origin space venture go all in on the moon – GeekWire

Jeff Bezos details his moon colony ambitions | TechCrunch

Where Is ‘Planet Nine’ Already? - The Atlantic

China just invited the world to its space station | Ars Technica

fi-virgin-galactic-20180529-story.html">With a successful second powered flight, Virgin Galactic could take paying customers to space in a year

Alan Bean Family Obituary Statement | NASA

Aviator, Apollo Astronaut, Artist: Alan Bean passes away at 86 - SpaceFlight Insider

Liftoff #17: Space Stations: Totally Not Obsessed - Relay FM

Skylab 3 - Wikipedia

NASA Remembers Shuttle Astronaut Don Peterson | NASA

Spacewalk During Maiden Voyage of Shuttle Challenger | NASA

Jason talks about launching from the west coast of the United States, then Stephen takes the new SLS SEGMENT out for a spin before they discuss black holes.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code LIFTOFF at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes

mars-cubesat-earth-moon-photo.html">Tiny, Mars-Bound Satellite Snaps Its First Image of Earth and the Moon

NASA's planet-hunting TESS spacecraft snaps its first photo

wolfe-pyrotechnic-nonfiction-writer-and-novelist-dies-at-88.html">Tom Wolfe, 88, ‘New Journalist’ With Electric Style and Acid Pen, Dies - The New York Times

Schedule for First SLS Core Stage Still Sliding – NASASpaceFlight.com

Liftoff #20: The Lifecycle of our Sun: Like a M&M - Relay FM

state.edu/~pogge/Ast162/Unit3/blackholes.html">Lecture 20: Black Holes

Black Holes: Crash Course Astronomy #33 - YouTube

Black Holes & Time Warps: Einstein's Outrageous Legacy (Commonwealth Fund Book Program) Reprint, Kip Thorne, Stephen W. Hawking - Amazon.com

Interstellar (2014) - IMDb

InSight is headed to Mars, the SLS Segment has a name, and Jason and Stephen read Into the Black, by Rowland White.

This episode of Liftoff is sponsored by:

• StoryWorth: A new way to bring the family together.

Links and Show Notes

NASA cancels lunar rover, shifts focus to commercial moon landers – Spaceflight Now

NASA's InSight Mars Lander - NASA Mars

Why NASA is launching a spacecraft to Mars to feel the planet as it rumbles - The Verge

Instruments | InSight - NASA Mars

JPL | Cubesat | MarCO

Into the Black: The Extraordinary Untold Story of the First Flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia and the Astronauts Who Flew Her: Rowland White, Richard Truly: 9781501123634: Amazon.com: Books

into-the-black-book-first-space-shuttle-flight.html">'Into the Black': Book Recounts Untold Story of 1st Space Shuttle Flight

STS-1 Columbia Cargo Bay - Missing Tiles