Space podcast discussion: Episode 175 - Augmented Intelligence in the Cosmos

In this week's episode of "This Week In Space", hosts Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik delve into the exciting new race to the moon and other planets.

Tariq Malik, the Editor-in-Chief of the website since 2019 and a veteran of space news and science reporting for 18 years, shares insights from his extensive career. With a background in journalism, degrees from the University of Southern California and New York University, and a passion for space exploration, Tariq has presented our website stories on major networks such as CNN, Fox News, NPR, and more.

The episode features an in-depth discussion on crew-AI interaction in flight procedures and emergencies. Dr. Christina Maher, a researcher from NASA's Johnson Space Center, was the guest of honour. Her recent study, conducted in the HERA (Human Exploration Research Analog) habitat simulation, revealed unexpected results that could shape the future of space missions.

The HERA habitat simulator, a crucial part of NASA's preparations for long-duration space missions, was also a key focus of the discussion. The episode explored how this facility is helping to understand and improve crew interactions and trust with AI systems in space.

Meanwhile, China is making significant strides towards landing astronauts on the moon by 2030. Recent tests have indicated that they may return astronauts to the moon before the United States.

In other news, SpaceX's Starship Mars rocket successfully completed its 10th test flight, marking another milestone in space exploration. For those interested in owning a piece of space history, the Falcon 9 model retails for $149.99, and a 10% discount can be obtained using the code IN-COLLECTSPACE at checkout. A scale model of a Falcon 9 rocket is also available from Estes, and it can be launched for an exciting at-home space experience.

For beginners looking to explore the cosmos from their own backyard, the Celestron Astro Fi 102 is recommended as the top pick for a beginner's telescope.

Lastly, the origin of the 'Wow! signal' from space, a mysterious radio burst detected in 1977, might have been identified. Stay tuned for more updates on this intriguing discovery.

Tariq Malik, an Eagle Scout and a Space Camp veteran, has also experienced zero-gravity conditions firsthand while reporting on zero-gravity fires aboard the "vomit comet". His adventures in space exploration continue to inspire and educate audiences worldwide.

Don't miss out on the latest episode of "This Week In Space" every Friday on the website.