This Week In Space — Episode 188: Could Jared Isaacman Lead NASA?

This Week In Space — Episode 188

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

On Episode 188 of This Week In Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik examine the high-profile second Senate confirmation hearing for Jared Isaacman — the billionaire entrepreneur, philanthropist and private astronaut — who is President Trump's nominee to lead NASA. The hosts explore what Isaacman's potential leadership could mean for U.S. civil space policy and international competition in space.

Top Stories Covered

Cosmonaut Removed From Crew-12: The episode discusses reports that a Russian cosmonaut was removed from SpaceX's Crew-12 flight after allegedly violating national security rules. The hosts consider the potential security and diplomatic ramifications.

China's Zhuque-3 Reusable Rocket: China's first reusable Zhuque-3 rocket reached orbit on its debut flight but exploded during the landing attempt, burning up in a dramatic failure that underscores the technical challenges of reusable launchers.

Russian Launch Pad Mishap: A separate segment covers an accident at a Russian launch site that damaged the only pad currently certified for crewed launches, prompting questions about how soon Russia can return crews to the International Space Station.

Senate Hearing Highlights

The show reviews testimony from Isaacman in which he urged senators that the United States must beat China back to the Moon, warning that a strategic misstep could allow China to gain an enduring advantage in lunar exploration. Lawmakers pressed him about private-sector influence on national space policy; one senator asked whether SpaceX CEO Elon Musk was present during relevant discussions. The hosts also relay a lawmaker's statement that Isaacman pledged to relocate the Space Shuttle Discovery to Houston if confirmed as NASA administrator.

Gear And Hobby Corner

For hobbyists and newcomers to astronomy, the hosts recommend the Celestron Astro Fi 102 as a top beginner telescope for viewing planets and comets. They also highlight a launchable scale model of a Falcon 9 rocket from Estes, priced at $149.99, with a 10% discount available using the code IN-COLLECTSPACE via CollectSPACE partners.

Listen And Subscribe

This Week In Space dives into the new space age every Friday, examining the race to the Moon, plans for human missions, and prospects for destinations like Mars. Subscribe on your preferred podcast platform or visit the show's page to listen ad-free with Club TWiT.

Links: Subscribe to This Week In Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space — ad-free episodes available with Club TWiT.