On Episode 152 of This Week In Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik host Dr. Robert O'Brien, Director of the Universities Space Research Association's Center for Space Nuclear Research, for a fascinating deep dive into nuclear propulsion technology for space exploration.
They discuss the history, current developments, and future potential of nuclear electric and nuclear thermal propulsion systems, which could revolutionize our ability to explore Mars and beyond — both robotically and with human crews.
Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.
Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit
Space news of the week
- SpaceX Crew-10 rescue mission launch Friday evening
- NASA Layoffs
- Saturn officially has 128 more moons
- Blood Worm Moon Lunar Eclipse!
- Relativity names Eric Schmidt as CEO as it updates Terran R development
- Dr. Robert O'Brien
- Center for Space Nuclear Research
- Universities Space Research Association
- Dr. Robert O'Brien's Background
- Idaho National Laboratory
- Media Resources Space Nuclear Propulsion
- Nuclear Rockets
- To the End of the Solar System: The Story of the Nuclear Rocket
- NERVA
- A.I. Sparks Nuclear Fusion Rocket Breakthrough – Pulsar Fusion Begins Construction of the Largest Practical Nuclear Fusion Rocket Engine Ever Built
- Project Orion Nuclear Propulsion - 1950s Tests | Unclassified Video
- Project Orion Nuclear Pulse Rocket
- Nuclear Pulse Propulsion: Gateway to the Stars
- SyFy's 'Ascension' Takes 1960s Nuclear Spaceship Idea to the Stars
Model Falcon 9!
Looking for a telescope to see planets and comets? We recommend the Celestron Astro Fi 102 as the top pick in our best beginner's telescope guide.
Finally, did you know you can launch your own SpaceX rocket? Model rocket maker Estes' stunning scale model of a Falcon 9 rocket that you can pick up now. The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99. You can save 10% by using the code IN-COLLECTSPACE at checkout, courtesy of our partners collectSPACE.com.
About This Week In Space
This Week in Space covers the new space age. Every Friday we take a deep dive into a fascinating topic. What's happening with the new race to the moon and other planets? When will SpaceX really send people to Mars?
Join Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik from Space.com as they tackle those questions and more each week on Friday afternoons. You can subscribe today on your favorite podcatcher.
