This Week in Space 217

Since 1958, the United States has been part of the spaceflight adventure, and since the mid-1960s has led in just about any category that counts. In this episode, we discuss the progression of American space efforts, review which flights launched or landed on July 4, and relive some of our very favorite US space missions of all time!

"Headlines:
• NASA’s Swift Boost Mission Aims to Rescue Swift Space Telescope
• Astronomer Avi Loeb Tapped to Chair White House UAP Panel
• Celebrating 30 Years of the Film Independence Day

Main Topic: 250 Years of America in Space
• American Flags Across the Solar System
• Origins of the Space Age: Operation Paperclip and the V2 Legacy
• Explorer 1 and Early U.S. Satellite Achievements
• Mariner and Viking Missions: Mars Exploration Milestones
• Key American Firsts in Human Spaceflight
• Apollo Landings and Moonwalk Milestones
• Skylab and Its Legacy as America’s First Space Station
• The Rise of Reusable Rockets: Space Shuttle, Blue Origin, and SpaceX
• Private Spaceflight and Tourism: From Dennis Tito to Jared Isaacman
• Curiosity, Pathfinder, and Other Mars Rovers as Iconic U.S. Achievements
• Reflections on Favorite Missions and the Future of U.S. Space Leadership"    

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• Transcripts: This Week in Space 217 Transcript

Links

• NASA launches rescue mission to save Swift space telescope from burning up in Earth's atmosphere
• The Harvard astronomer dubbed Trump’s chief alien hunter starts by assuming UFOs human-made
• 'Independence Day' at 30: Roland Emmerich & Dean Devlin talk blowing up the White House and crafting a true sci-fi classic (interview)
• Flag Day – Flying High: The Stars and Stripes in Space
• America at 500: Where will we be in space in 2276?