Extravagant Changes at NASA!

In the thrilling Episode 168 of "This Week In Space," hosts Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik dive into a whirlwind of captivating space news, aptly dubbed the "Survivor: NASA" edition!

NASA has just appointed Sean Duffy, a former congressman and reality TV star, as its interim administrator. But with that change come massive budget uncertainties: NASA may face a staggering 25% cut, or it could see funding levels soar to heights not seen since the 1960s! Alongside these changes, the agency is under pressure to slash approximately 2,000 senior positions, raising eyebrows about the future of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and sparking debates over Texas’s quest to claim the Smithsonian's space shuttle.

Major Headlines Making Waves!

This week’s headlines are nothing short of pulse-pounding!

- NASA’s new chief, Sean Duffy, transitions from reality TV to the challenges of space exploration.

- More than 2,000 senior employees at NASA face layoffs as part of the agency's restructuring.

- President Trump’s signing of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" includes an allocation of $85 million to move the iconic space shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian to a new home in Texas, leading to a fiery debate on the ethics of this transfer.

- Astronomers have made headlines by declaring the newly discovered interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is likely the oldest comet ever observed!

- The upcoming Axiom Mission 4 is shaping up to be a game-changer in space travel.

- NASA is considering shipping only cargo on the next Starliner mission, hinting at potential delays in crewed flights.

- The James Webb Space Telescope is celebrating three fascinating years in orbit with a stunning image dubbed the 'toe beans' of the Cat's Paw Nebula!

Exciting Telescope Insights!

For space enthusiasts, the Celestron Astro Fi 102 is our top pick for beginners looking to catch a glimpse of planets and comets.

Launch Your Own Rocket!

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Join the Conversation!

"This Week In Space" is your go-to podcast for traversing the new space age and understanding what’s happening in the race to return to the moon, explore Mars, and beyond. Tune in every Friday with Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik from Space.com for weekly deep dives and the latest in rocket launches, skywatching events, and much more! Don't miss out; subscribe to stay in orbit with space news!