Topic: Nasa Russia

NASA is investigating Boeing's Starliner project after a second software glitch was discovered that could have caused a "catastrophic failure" during re-entry. While SpaceX continues its parallel project, the U.S. remains dependent on Russian engines and vehicles to transport astronauts to the International Space Station. The competition between Boeing and SpaceX is described as "heating up" despite these technical setbacks.

Russia and China have signed a five-year agreement to collaborate on lunar and deep space exploration, satellite systems, and space debris research. The partnership aims to return humans to the moon, potentially challenging NASA's dominance. There is speculation on whether commercial entities like Elon Musk's SpaceX will be permitted to sell services to this alliance.

Russia announces plans to cut its staff on the International Space Station, raising concerns about the long-term maintenance of the facility. The hosts discuss the U.S. dependency on Russian Soyuz vehicles for transporting astronauts. They speculate on the eventual deorbiting of the station and the potential for private entities like Elon Musk's SpaceX to fill the void in low-earth orbit operations.

NASA officials are reportedly lobbying Congress to lift sanctions on Russian RD-180 rocket engines, which power the Atlas rockets used in the U.S. space program. The United States currently lacks the infrastructure to replicate the sophisticated tungsten welding and engine technology provided by the Russians.

The hosts discuss Chevron's $10 billion fracking license in Ukraine and the possibility of directional drilling into Russian gas fields. They also investigate reports of NASA cutting ties with Russia over the Ukraine crisis, noting that the International Space Station remains the sole exception to the suspension of cooperation.

Russia announces talks with the US and Europe to establish a manned research base on the moon. The hosts view this as a "limited hangout" disclosure, claiming that secret moon bases have likely existed for years and the public is only now being prepared for the information.

Russian scientists warn that the asteroid Apophis could strike Earth sooner than NASA's 2030s prediction. The hosts suggest NASA is being untruthful about the threat and argue that government resources should be redirected from global warming initiatives toward planetary defense against near-Earth objects.