Three Weeks of Space: Melanin Shields, Iron Rain, Lunar Bases and More

Ready to embark on a cosmic journey that will reshape your understanding of the universe? Prepare to be captivated by our latest Space Week episode where we're exploring some of the most recent and eye-opening developments in our solar system and beyond. From SpaceX's record-breaking launches and the Hack-a-Sat 4 event, to the mind-boggling concept of using melanin as a radiation shield in space, we've got it all covered.
Picture this: A lunar base in the 2030s. Sounds like a science fiction novel, right? But, it's a real ambition of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). We'll navigate through the labyrinth of challenges and requirements that this mission entails, and unpack the potential of nuclear reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) in powering this endeavor. Transitioning, we'll discuss a fascinating startup called AstroScale, whose mission is aimed at solving the Kessler Syndrome - a potential threat to space orbits.
But, our cosmic journey wouldn't end there. We'll traverse through the mysteries of the gas giant WASP 76B, the infant protostar Fu-Ori, and six speed-racing stars that are rewriting our knowledge of the Milky Way. Wrapping up, we'll discuss the need for innovative propulsion systems to further our cosmic explorations, and revisit the life cycle of galaxies. Get ready, fellow space enthusiasts, for a thrilling ride across the cosmos!