Did you know it might have snowed on the Moon? Not just water ice, but carbon dioxide too! This mind-blowing revelation is just one of the fascinating topics explored in Episode 186 of This Week In Space, featuring Dr. Jim Green, NASA's former chief scientist. But here's where it gets even more intriguing: this discovery could rewrite our understanding of the Moon's history and its potential for supporting life. Join hosts Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik as they delve into this and other captivating space stories, including the triumphant launch and recovery of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, the challenges faced by Chinese taikonauts aboard the Tiangong space station, and the latest delay in SpaceX's Artemis III lunar landing program. And this is the part most people miss: the implications of snow on the Moon extend far beyond a cool scientific fact—they could hint at a more dynamic and habitable lunar past than we ever imagined.
Space News of the Week
- China's Shenzhou 20 astronauts returned to Earth on a different spacecraft after discovering cracks in their own, raising questions about the risks of space debris. Could this be a wake-up call for better space traffic management?
- Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket successfully landed its booster for the first time after a flawless Mars ESCAPADE launch for NASA. What does this mean for the future of reusable rockets?
- Comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) dramatically split into three pieces after a close encounter with the Sun. Is this a common fate for comets, or something more unusual?
- Water on the Moon? New research and simulations are shedding light on the Moon's origin and its surprising water reserves. But how did it get there, and what does it mean for future lunar missions?
- NASA's VIPER rover is set to explore the Moon's South Pole, thanks to Blue Origin. Will it uncover more secrets about the Moon's icy past?
- Untouched Apollo 17 samples from 1972 are finally being opened, offering a glimpse into the Moon's violent origins. What clues might they hold about our celestial neighbor's tumultuous history?
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About This Week In Space
This Week In Space is your go-to podcast for all things space exploration. Every Friday, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik dive deep into the latest developments in the new space age. From the race to the Moon and Mars to breaking news on rocket launches and skywatching events, they cover it all. Subscribe today on your favorite podcatcher and stay up-to-date with humanity's journey beyond Earth.
Meet the Hosts
Rod Pyle, author, journalist, and Editor-in-Chief of Ad Astra magazine, brings a wealth of knowledge with 18 books on space history and exploration. His background in television production and visual effects adds a unique perspective to the show.
Tariq Malik, Editor-in-Chief of Space.com, has been at the forefront of space journalism for 18 years. An Eagle Scout with a passion for space exploration, Tariq has reported on everything from human spaceflight to zero-gravity fires.
Controversial Question: With the discovery of snow on the Moon, should we reconsider our plans for lunar colonization? Could the Moon's icy past make it a more viable candidate for human settlement than we thought? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear your take!
