The universe is expanding, and so is the space industry! But who's leading this cosmic charge?
Episode 189 of 'This Week In Space' Podcast:
Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik, the dynamic duo of space journalism, bring you an exclusive interview with the legendary Jeffrey Manber, the Newspace Buccaneer. Manber's journey is a testament to the power of private enterprise in space exploration. From developing the first commercial platform for small satellite deployment from the ISS to the groundbreaking Bishop airlock, Manber's ventures have been nothing short of stellar.
But here's where it gets controversial: Manber also founded Nanoracks, a company that standardized satellite deployment, and Starlab, a private space station in the making. These ventures raise questions about the role of private companies in space and their potential impact on the future of space exploration. Is this the dawn of a new era, or a risky venture into the unknown?
Space News Highlights:
- SpaceX's surprising decision to go public has the industry buzzing. What's the motivation behind this move? (https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/12/after-years-of-resisting-it-spacex-now-plans-to-go-public-why/)
- NASA's MAVEN Mars orbiter goes silent on the far side of Mars, leaving scientists in suspense. (https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/nasas-loses-contact-with-maven-mars-orbiter-on-the-far-side-of-the-red-planet)
- 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy' gives fans a taste of teen drama and over-the-top acting. (https://www.space.com/entertainment/space-movies-shows/star-trek-starfleet-academy-clip-shows-off-hammy-acting-and-teen-drama-putting-fans-on-yellow-alert-video)
- Voyager Technologies' Jeffrey Manber profile: A deep dive into the mind of a space entrepreneur. (https://voyagertechnologies.com/team/jeffrey-manber/)
- Dennis Tito: The first space tourist's journey and its implications. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Tito)
- An insightful article on how one CEO is fostering communication between space companies. (https://www.politico.com/story/2019/08/09/space-companies-jeffrey-manber-nanoracks-1453115)
- Bishop Airlock: A closer look at this innovative space technology. (https://voyagertechnologies.com/space-solutions/bishop-airlock/)
- Starlab Space Station: The future of private space stations? (https://voyagertechnologies.com/starlab/)
- Starlab Space: Exploring the company behind the ambitious project. (https://starlab-space.com/)
And this is the part most people miss: You can now launch your very own SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket... well, a model of it! Estes Industries has crafted a stunning 1:100 scale model of the Falcon 9, ready for liftoff from your backyard. This detailed model retails for $149.99, but you can blast off with a 10% discount using the code IN-COLLECTSPACE at checkout. (https://estesrockets.com/product/002161-spacex-falcon-9/)
About 'This Week In Space':
Every Friday, Pyle and Malik guide listeners through the latest space age developments. From the new moon race to SpaceX's Mars ambitions, they leave no cosmic stone unturned. Breaking news, rocket launches, and celestial events are all part of the journey. Subscribe now and join the space exploration conversation!
Meet the Hosts:
- Rod Pyle, an author, journalist, and TV producer, has penned 18 books on space, including 'Space 2.0' and 'Destination Mars'. His TV credits include visual effects work on 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine' and the 'Battlestar Galactica' reboot. (https://www.pylebooks.com/)
- Tariq Malik, Editor-in-Chief of Space.com, has been at the forefront of space journalism for over 18 years. He's an Eagle Scout with the Space Exploration merit badge and a Space Camp veteran. Malik's passion for space is matched only by his commitment to delivering accurate and engaging space news.
The 'This Week In Space' Team:
Space.com's editorial excellence is led by Tariq Malik, with Hanneke Weitering as Editor, and Senior Space Writers Mike Wall, Meghan Bartels, Chelsea Gohd, and Tereza Pultarova. Alexander Cox covers e-commerce, while Senior Producer Steve Spaleta ensures captivating space videos. Diana Whitcroft manages the social media universe. Together, they bring the wonders of space to life, one story at a time.
What are your thoughts on the privatization of space? Are we witnessing the birth of a new space age, or is this a risky endeavor? Share your opinions in the comments below!
