Open Lines Discussion, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026Quick SummaryOur program focused on space industry developments and future missions, including discussions about Artemis III, SpaceX’s priorities, and various private sector lunar missions planned for 2026. The group explored space technology advancements, investment trends, and launch cost reduction possibilities, while also addressing challenges in pharmaceutical pricing and international space cooperation. The conversation concluded w...
Open Lines Discussion, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
Quick Summary
Our program focused on space industry developments and future missions, including discussions about Artemis III, SpaceX’s priorities, and various private sector lunar missions planned for 2026. The group explored space technology advancements, investment trends, and launch cost reduction possibilities, while also addressing challenges in pharmaceutical pricing and international space cooperation. The conversation concluded with updates on space missions and budget concerns for 2026, as well as discussions about UAP evidence and plans to expand the show’s reach through streaming and social media promotion.
Early on we discussed space solar power and its potential applications, including AI data centers in space. Bill mentioned his connection to Virtus Solus, a space-based solar power company, and shared their recent announcement of a 97% efficiency rate for their rectenna. The conversation then shifted to Artemis III, with David expressing concern about delays hindering progress towards 2028 goals. Joseph provided an update on Artemis III hardware development, noting that while the SLS is far along in integration, both the Blue lander and Starship are still in early stages. The group also discussed the challenges and requirements for Starship refueling tests, with Joe expressing doubt about meeting timelines due to multiple technical hurdles.
Our Wisdom Team discussed the Artemis program’s goal of returning Americans to the moon by 2028, as outlined in a recent executive order. They debated the feasibility of meeting this timeline, considering the technical limitations of SpaceX’s launch frequency and the need for reliability improvements. The conversation touched on the potential for multiple launch platforms and the possibility of using Starship for refueling missions. David raised concerns about the need for a decision on whether to stick with the current program or make changes, while Bill and others expressed worries about the timeline and the pressure on NASA management to meet it. We also discussed the executive order’s mention of establishing initial elements of a permanent lunar outpost by 2030 and the potential for using nuclear reactors on the moon.
SpaceX’s priorities were discussed by Doug noting that while Mars is SpaceX’s top priority, lunar development is a secondary focus. Joseph highlighted that once Starship achieves reusability, it could significantly increase launch capacity to 20,000 tons annually, with a target launch for in-orbit refueling and docking by Q3 or Q4 2023. The discussion also covered multiple private sector lunar missions planned for 2026, including Blue Origin’s Mark 1 lander carrying the Viper rover, and the potential for commercial satellite communications to provide cellular service in underserved regions.
The Wisdom Team talked about satellite positioning systems, particularly in Japan, where 4 out of 7 satellites must be visible over Japan at any given moment for non-GPS positioning. They explored potential business opportunities in space, including semiconductor manufacturing, medical products, and solar panels, though Joe noted that space manufacturing capabilities are not yet advanced enough to support these ideas. John Jossy shared that venture capital is primarily flowing to low Earth orbit companies, with recent large rases by companies like Stoke Space ($510 million) and Impulse Space ($300 million), while lunar ventures receive less attention.
Later we discussed the state of space technology and investment, with Joe noting that venture capital investment in space has increased significantly, leading to companies raising hundreds of millions of dollars. They debated the potential for launch cost reductions, with Joseph suggesting that a factor of three reduction could be possible, though not necessarily reaching the extremely low costs Elon Musk has proposed for Starship. The conversation touched on the separate tracks of government programs like Artemis and commercial space development, with Bill and Joseph agreeing that these developments are largely independent. David raised questions about the incentives for launch companies to significantly reduce costs, given the current profitability of launches, and the group discussed the potential for new low-cost launchers, including a Chinese Starship-like vehicle, though its market impact in the West remained uncertain.
The team talked about the challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies due to pressure to lower drug prices, contrasting this with the lack of similar pressure on commercial launch services. They also talked about recent repairs to the ISS, where Russian cosmonauts successfully sealed leaks using a patented sealing agent. The conversation concluded with a discussion about international space cooperation, particularly highlighting India’s growing space program and its potential for future partnerships with Western countries.
In addition, we discussed several space industry developments, including SpaceX’s potential Mars mission and the status of various space vehicles. John Jossy shared information about SpaceX’s planned Mars mission, while the group expressed uncertainty about the future of Boeing’s capsule and Dream Chaser. They also discussed the transition of Tory Bruno from ULA to Blue Origin, and the potential implications for ULA’s future. Bill provided an update on the Starliner program, noting that the next flight would be cargo-only in April, with crewed missions not expected until late 2026 or early 2027.
As we were nearing the end of the program, various space missions and budget concerns for 2026 were mentioned. They talked about a private Rocket Lab mission to Venus in collaboration with MIT, scheduled for summer 2026. Bill provided updates on U.S. Venus missions, noting that the Senate version of the budget would preserve both Venus missions, while the House version funds the Mars sample return. The group also discussed the status of the NASA SBIR program, which has not been reauthorized for 2026, though ongoing projects from prior awards can continue. David expressed frustration about the lack of credible evidence regarding UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) claims, questioning why the topic remains so mysterious and unsubstantiated.
The group discussed the challenges and secrecy surrounding UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) evidence and the potential for public disclosure, with John Hunt suggesting that classified information might be harder to prove than assumed. David expressed skepticism about the truthfulness of statements and emphasized the need for tangible evidence to gain public trust. The conversation also touched on the popularity of UFO topics in media, with Joseph suggesting that increased discussion of UAPs could boost listener numbers. The conversation ended with plans to explore options for streaming Zoom programs on YouTube and promoting the show on social media to reach a broader audience.
Special thanks to our sponsors:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless Entertainment
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