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This Week in Space (Audio)

TWiT
NASA
Spacex
Artemis Program
Mars
Starship
Space Exploration
Moon
International Space Station
Mars Sample Return
Artemis II
China
Blue Origin
Boeing Starliner
James Webb Space Telescope
Star Trek
Mars Exploration
Voyager 1
Boeing
Aftershock II
Artificial Intelligence

The new space age is upon us, and This Week in Space leaves no topic untouched. Every Friday, join Editor-in-Chief of Ad Astra magazine, Rod Pyle and Managing Editor of Space.com, Tariq Malik as they explore everything related to the cosmos.

You can join Club TWiT for $10 per month and get ad-free audio and video feeds for all our shows plus everything else the club offers...or get just this podca... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes224Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
AstronomyScienceTechnology

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Artwork for This Week in Space

Latest Episodes

Hold onto your phasers, but it's been 60 years since Star Trek's debut, and the franchise is still going strong. For 40 of those years, Mike Okuda, working with a gifted team that included his wife Denise, has been central to the look, feel, and subs... more

Capitalism—and a strong profit motivation—has driven enterprise for centuries. Two notable examples are the East India Company and the US transcontinental railroad, and the various tycoons who built it. In neither case, by today's standards, were the... more

The mitigation of orbital debris is an increasingly serious problem that has not gotten enough attention, but this is changing. Commercial companies are addressing orbital debris, and one of them, KMI Space, has flown its experiments aboard the Inter... more

It has been said that the Moon is a harsh mistress, and nowhere is this more apparent than at the lunar south pole. That is, however, where the Artemis program is headed, and we need to figure out how to best explore the region. Dr. David Kring of th... more

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Recent Guests

Michael Okuda
Graphic artist and scenic art supervisor known for Star Trek visuals
Star Trek franchise
Episode: TWiS 227: TrekMania - Michael Okuda Talks LCARS, Easter Eggs, and Sci-Fi Innovation
Dr. Rainer Zitelmann
Author and historian specializing in economic history and space capitalism
Author of New Space Capitalism
Episode: TWiS 226: Who Owns the Moon? - Capitalism and Property Rights in Space
Adam Kall
Co-founder of KMI Space, focused on relocation in space
KMI Space
Episode: TWiS 225: Get a Grip! - New Technologies for Orbital Salvage
David Kring
Principal Scientist for Lunar Programs at USRA; Director of NASA Space Imagery Center, University of Arizona
Universities Space Research Association
Episode: TWiS 224: The Science of Artemis - What We'll Do on the Moon
Scott Pace
Director, Space Policy Institute, George Washington University
George Washington University
Episode: TWiS 223: The Lunar Domain - Our Future on the Moon with Dr. Scott Pace
Rich Edwards
Space.com contributor; author of How to Invade Earth in 22 Easy Steps
Space.com
Episode: TWiS 222: How to Invade Earth in 22 Easy Steps - With Rich Edwards
Penny Boston
Astrobiologist; former Director of NASA Astrobiology Institute
NASA Astrobiology Institute / Carlsbad Caverns National Monument / New Mexico Tech
Episode: TWiS 220: First on Mars - The 50th Anniversary of Viking 1
Pascal Lee
Planetary scientist, geologist, and artist
Mars Institute; Ames Research Center; Devon Island project
Episode: TWiS 220: First on Mars - The 50th Anniversary of Viking 1
Daniel Whiteson
Professor of Physics and Astronomy at UC Irvine
UC Irvine
Episode: TWiS 216: Dark Matter Intelligence - With Physicist Dr. Daniel Whiteson

Hosts

Rod Pyle
Editor-in-Chief of Ad Astra Magazine; has been a longtime host and guide for This Week in Space, with deep involvement in space history, public outreach, and media collaborations.
Tariq Malik
Managing Editor at Space.com; co-host and guide for episodes, bringing industry insights, news synthesis, and expert guest coordination.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 284 ratings
  • Good Podcast

    Like it even better after reading the MAGA snowflake reviews who can’t handle hearing anything that doesn’t support their MAGA doctrine.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lex576
    United States3 months ago
  • Please don’t eat while your talking. 🤦‍♂️

    Seriously, gross

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    jaysurf
    United States5 months ago
  • Great

    Toujours hâte au prochain épisode!!! Thanks guys!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Pierre Quebec
    Canada7 months ago
  • Informative and entertaining

    Rod and Tariq put on an entertaining show full of informative stories and interesting guests. I’ve enjoyed tuning in for years. To all the reviews complaining about the so-called political nature of this show please grow up. I listen to podcasts for information and often opinions other than mine talk to a mirror if you only want to hear what you already know. Keep up the great work guys.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    eyeintheskytn
    United Statesa year ago
  • Episode 178, "Tell it to the Mountain," was not about space

    This Week in Space is usually very good, but this episode went down a political rabbit hole. Some episodes touch on national politics, but they stick to relevant topics (e.g., NASA budget, administration priorities). This episode fell off the wagon with a political wanna-be spouting about the 1st Amendment, Texas politics and other topics unrelated to space. I couldn't finish the episode. I'm not going to unsubscribe - yet. Hopefully this is a single aberration. If it happens again, count me out... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    BL Commuter
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise the show for delivering space news with expert guests and engaging banter.
Many listeners describe the hosts as knowledgeable and entertaining, with strong storytelling and historical context.
Some reviews critique perceived political bias and off-topic rants; others defend the space-focused content and humor.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#9
United States/Science/Astronomy
Apple Podcasts
#158
United States/Science
Apple Podcasts
#12
Canada/Science/Astronomy
Apple Podcasts
#12
United Kingdom/Science/Astronomy
Apple Podcasts
#174
United Kingdom/Science
Apple Podcasts
#237
Canada/Science

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

TWiS 227: TrekMania - Michael Okuda Talks LCARS, Easter Eggs, and Sci-Fi Innovation
Q: How did you approach designing the LCARS interface to be both functional and iconic?
I aimed for a strong sense of organization that communicates relationships between elements even at a distance. The design uses colored groupings, flow, and a clear hierarchy so users intuitively understand the system, which also allowed for subtle Easter eggs as the crew interact with it.
TWiS 224: The Science of Artemis - What We'll Do on the Moon
Q: Why are mobility assets emphasized for the Artemis program?
Mobility dramatically increases scientific productivity and expands the range of traverse science, reducing risk and enabling crews to reach diverse geologic targets efficiently.
TWiS 224: The Science of Artemis - What We'll Do on the Moon
Q: What makes the lunar South Pole region attractive for Artemis science?
Its unique combination of near-continuous sunlight, access to volatiles like water ice, and the potential for in-situ resource utilization make it a practical and scientifically rich area for sustained human and robotic exploration.
TWiS 223: The Lunar Domain - Our Future on the Moon with Dr. Scott Pace
Q: What do you think about the off-ramp for the Space Launch System and the direction being set by Isaacman and NASA?
There has to be a gradual transition that preserves capabilities while enabling new approaches. An efficient cadence, in-space propulsion options, and a clearer long-term plan with milestones are essential, along with more transparent analysis and data to justify decisions.
TWiS 223: The Lunar Domain - Our Future on the Moon with Dr. Scott Pace
Q: Scott, what are your current priorities and concerns regarding NASA and US space efforts when you look at what's going on?
The policy framework is in good shape, but the implementation is now the main challenge. We need to focus on execution, embrace international and commercial participation, and ensure stability across administrations by aligning enduring national interests with a sustainable policy.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Week in Space

What is This Week in Space about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A space-focused show that blends breaking aerospace news with policy, exploration, and big-picture strategy. Across recent episodes, topics include Artemis and lunar infrastructure, Starship and commercial space activity, Mars exploration, planetary protection, and close looks at how government priorities intersect with private industry. Humor and accessible storytelling sit alongside deep dives with policy experts, astronauts, and researchers, making complex space issues feel tangible for professionals and enthusiasts alike. A notable edge is the duo's veteran journalism perspective and frequent guests who bring historical context, technical depth, and practical implications for the future of space activity. Potential listeners will likely... more

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Which podcasts are similar to This Week in Space?

These podcasts share a similar audience with This Week in Space:

1. Main Engine Cut Off
2. Off-Nominal
3. Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science
4. Universe Today Podcast
5. Space Nuts: Astronomy Insights & Cosmic Discoveries

How many episodes of This Week in Space are there?

This Week in Space launched 5 years ago and published 224 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on This Week in Space?

Recent guests on This Week in Space include:

1. Michael Okuda
2. Dr. Rainer Zitelmann
3. Adam Kall
4. David Kring
5. Scott Pace
6. Rich Edwards
7. Penny Boston
8. Pascal Lee

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