JPL, the NPS of NASA

23/07/2024 48 min

Listen "JPL, the NPS of NASA"

Episode Synopsis

This week Iain and Beagle discuss old news, new news, and things that aren't news! For starters we provide some updates into what happened during Starlink 9-3, freak out about an asteroid that's way too close for comfort, and have a debate about whether free launch service is a good idea (Hint: It's not! -Iain (It totally is. -Beagle)). Dragon gets its very own "pimp my ride" type upgrade.
VIPER gets canned, Astra went private, and we say good riddance to Bill Weber!
Oh, and Beagle has a giggle fit about a rock named Innocent Bystander.

Falcon 9 updates: https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/07/16/spacex-requests-public-safety-determination-for-return-to-flight-for-its-falcon-9-rocket/
Firefly Leadership switch-up: (1) https://payloadspace.com/firefly-aerospace-investigates-ceos-alleged-inappropriate-relationship/
(2) https://fireflyspace.com/news/leadership-change-at-firefly/
New ESA mission to Apophis: https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Planetary_Defence/Introducing_Ramses_ESA_s_mission_to_asteroid_Apophis
PLD offering FREE launch services on first two Miura 5 flights: https://spacenews.com/miura-5-spark-programme-presented-by-pld-space-offering-free-access-to-first-two-miura-5-flights-to-promote-space-innovation/
Dragon de-orbit vehicle: https://x.com/SpaceX/status/1813632705281818671
VIPER gets canned (RIP): https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-ends-viper-project-continues-moon-exploration/
IM-2 landing site: https://www.intuitivemachines.com/post/intuitive-machines-finalizes-landing-site-for-sold-out-im-2-lunar-prospecting-mission
Astra goes private: https://astra.com/news/closing-private/
Curiosity finds sulfur: https://www.nasa.gov/missions/mars-science-laboratory/curiosity-rover/nasas-curiosity-rover-discovers-a-surprise-in-a-martian-rock/
SpaceX gets more money: https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/3844604/
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