Episode Summary
Jared Isaacman, the billionaire entrepreneur, philanthropist, and private astronaut, took on Capitol Hill this week in his second confirmation hearing as President Trump's pick for NASA's next leader. Here's what it could mean, plus: A Russian cosmonaut got kicked off a SpaceX flight for allegedly trying to steal spacecraft secrets, China's 1st reusable rocket Zhuque-3 reached orbit, but crashed and burned (and exploded) during landing, and Russia accidentally wrecked the only launch pad it has for astronauts with Thanksgiving's new ISS crew launch.
Headlines:
Russian Cosmonaut Pulled from SpaceX Crew 12 Mission over Alleged Incident at SpaceX HQ
Russian Soyuz Launch Pad Damaged After Thanksgiving Crew Mission, Threatening Future Flights
China's Land Space Rocket Nearly Sticks First Reusable Launch and Landing—Explodes on Return
Scientists Find Time Passes Faster on Mars Than Earth, Thanks to Relativity
Main Topic: Jared Isaacman's Bid to Become NASA Administrator
Isaacman Returns for Second Senate Confirmation Hearing After Trump Re-Nominates Him
Controversy Over SpaceX Ties, Conflict of Interest, and Elon Musk's Influence
Bipartisan Support from Astronauts, Industry, and Lawmakers Highlights Isaacman's Appeal
Project Athena Leaked: Isaacman's Vision for NASA and Debate on Earth Science Outsourcing
Congressional Drama Over Artemis Funding, Gateway, and the US-China Race to the Moon
Questions Around Space Shuttle Discovery's Possible Move to Houston
Anticipation Builds for Senate Vote and NASA's Need for Stable Leadership Ahead of Artemis 2
Host: Tariq Malik
Guest: Mike Wall
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