AI Insight
This Week In Space podcast Episode 221 discusses SpaceX's Starship Flight 13, which successfully deployed next-generation Starlink V3 satellites and unexpectedly remained buoyant in the Indian Ocean for multiple days after surviving atmospheric reentry. The episode also covers NASA's Roman Space Telescope preparation for its August 30 launch, ongoing efforts to save the malfunctioning Swift Space Observatory, Boeing's continued Starliner delays, and India's first successful private orbital launch using Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket.
Why it matters
The Starship's survival demonstrates progress toward SpaceX's goal of creating rapidly reusable spacecraft for deep space missions, though experts warn current heat shield technology may require redesign. The successful private orbital launch in India marks a significant milestone in expanding global commercial space capabilities beyond traditional spacefaring nations.
Understand the Science
On Episode 221 of This Week In Space, Tariq Malik and guest host Rick Jenet of the National Space Society talk about SpaceX’s Starship Flight 13, which deployed new Starlink V3 satellites and stunned viewers when the ship survived reentry intact enough to float in the ocean for days afterward.
They also discuss NASA’s Roman Space Telescope, now just a month from launch, and an in-progress emergency effort to save the ailing Swift Space Observatory using a servicing spacecraft that is itself now experiencing technical trouble. Finally, they look into Boeing’s continued Starliner delays and India’s first successful private orbital launch via Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 rocket. Tune in!
Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.
Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit
Space news of the week
- SpaceX’s Starship megarocket makes the ‘softest splashdown’ ever after launching next-gen Starlink satellites in Flight 13 test
- X: Landing burn and splashdown of Starship on Flight 13
- X: The Starship Recovery team has continued gathering imagery of the vehicle, which is still afloat in the Indian Ocean
- Experts warn current Starship heat shield tech is a “dead end” for rapid reuse
- SpaceX wins $1.6 billion in launch orders for military satellite networks
- ‘It’s going to do things that currently are impossible’: The Roman Space Telescope, NASA’s next great observatory, is ready to launch Aug. 30
- NASA Fuels Roman Space Telescope for Late August Launch
- Actually, Starliner might fly into space this year
- ‘The dawn of a new space era’: Vikram-1, India’s 1st private orbital rocket, aces debut launch
- Should Artemis IV astronauts actually land near the moon’s south pole? Artemis II pilot says the lunar equator might be better
- Astronomers may have discovered the 1st moon outside of our solar system — or is it something weirder?
- A SpaceX rocket will crash into the moon next week, and scientists aren’t sure what to expect
- An ‘almost blood moon’ is coming on Aug. 27 and it’ll be the best lunar eclipse until NYE 2028
- Perseid meteor shower 2026 — When, where and how to see it
Model Falcon 9!
Looking for a telescope to see planets and comets? We recommend the Celestron Astro Fi 102 as the top pick in our best beginner’s telescope guide.
Finally, did you know you can launch your own SpaceX rocket? Model rocket maker Estes’ stunning scale model of a Falcon 9 rocket that you can pick up now. The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99. You can save 10% by using the code IN-COLLECTSPACE at checkout, courtesy of our partners collectSPACE.com.
About This Week In Space
This Week in Space covers the new space age. Every Friday we take a deep dive into a fascinating topic. What’s happening with the new race to the moon and other planets? When will SpaceX really send people to Mars?
Join Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik from Space.com as they tackle those questions and more each week on Friday afternoons. You can subscribe today on your favorite podcatcher.
Source: This Week In Space podcast: Episode 221 — Starship Can Float?