Show notes
The Space Show Presents Jim Muncy, Sunday, 3-10-26Quick Summary:Our discussion focused on NASA’s Artemis program changes and lunar development strategy, with Jim Muncy discussing NASA Administrator Jared’s recent modifications to Artemis missions, including standardizing on the Centaur 5 upper stage and adding an Earth orbit rendezvous mission before lunar landing attempts. The discussion explored how these changes improve odds for a 2028 moon landing, with both HLS providers (SpaceX and Blue Origin) being encouraged to demonstrate their lander systems in Earth orbit by mid-2027. The conversation concluded with a debate about commercial lunar development, where Jim advocated for establishing a commercial lunar base from day one rather than creating a government-built facility, arguing that commercial solutions would drive more economic activity and scientific research on the moon than a government-only approach.Detailed Summary:Jim Muncy discussed NASA Administrator Jared’s recent changes to the Artemis program, including the insertion of a lower orbit rendezvous mission, cancellation of the expiration upper stage and second mobile launch platform, and standardization on a commercial Centaur 5 upper stage. The changes aim to accelerate flight rates and challenge Boeing to demonstrate realistic production capabilities to support lunar base development. Jim noted that while SLS may not be the most affordable solution, the modifications have been generally well-received by the space community, with Gateway likely to be repurposed or replaced.Our guest discussed NASA’s changes to the Artemis program, highlighting Jared’s decision-making process and implementation of new strategies. The discussion covered the cancellation of SLS1D configuration in favor of SLS1A with a new upper stage, as well as plans to accelerate HLS contractors’ development without government micromanagement. Jim noted that while SLS manufacturing could potentially be shut down after Artemis 3, the focus remains on achieving sustainable lunar missions rather than specific hardware elements.The group discussed the odds and timeline for a human moon landing in 2028 following recent changes to the Artemis program. Jim expressed optimism about achieving a lunar landing in 2028, citing the potential for one landing attempt with a human landing system (HLS) prototype in early 2028 and another in late 2028, contingent on accelerating the SLS core production rate to one per year. Our discussion highlighted that while SLS hardware is on track, the main bottleneck remains the development of HLS systems and spacesuits, with some participants noting that inserting an additional Artemis mission could both de-risk the process and help accelerate HLS development by setting shorter-term deadlines for the companies involved.Our discussed the importance of making the lunar base commercial from day one, emphasizing the need to avoid the mistakes made with the Space Shuttle and ISS programs. He proposed creating a “Port Authority for the Moon” that would oversee economic development and maximize user participation, rather than having a government-designed lunar base. James argued that infrastructure and services should be commercially provided, with NASA focusing on defining the actual value proposition for human presence on the moon rather than designing and managing infrastructure. The discussion also touched on the potential reuse of Gateway hardware for lunar surface operations and the need to demonstrate mission capabilities beyond just landing on the moon.Jim discussed the challenges of lunar habitation, arguing that commercial systems should be embraced for moon bases similar to those in low Earth orbit. Dallas mentioned reaching out to a former Boeing manager about providing a habitat for commercial use, though Boeing hasn’t responded yet. James proposed having an authority act as a market maker to assess demand for lunar habitation capabilities based on input from all potential users. David raised concerns about different interests in lunar development, particularly the gap between academic/scientific and commercial interests, to which Jim responded that a commercial approach would likely lead to more human presence and capabilities on the moon than a government-only approach, citing the potential $50 billion in SpaceX investment capital becoming available later this year.Jim discussed the potential for scientists and entrepreneurs to coexist on the moon, arguing that there is no inherent conflict between science and commerce. He emphasized that growing the total resource base through private investment could benefit science budgets and suggested that scientists should be in charge of their own budgets rather than serving as a “fig leaf” for NASA’s engineering programs. Joseph noted that infrastructure could facilitate science funding through grants, similar to other scientific enterprises. David reminded the audience that time was limited for additional questions or comments.We talked about the design of lunar modules, suggesting a collaborative process involving multiple companies and NASA to establish standardized features and potentially granting antitrust exemptions to facilitate industry cooperation. He mentioned that Blue Origin might develop a simplified version of their Blue Moon lander for earlier missions, with iterative improvements leading to more capable versions for lunar landings. James expressed that both SpaceX and Blue Origin have promising paths forward, with mid-2027 as a key milestone for low Earth orbit demonstrations, though he personally believed SpaceX might succeed first due to their earlier start. The discussion also touched on potential military involvement in lunar development and the possibility of commercial activities evolving into orbital data center manufacturing.Muncy discussed his vision for establishing a commercial lunar base where entrepreneurs could test and compete with Earth-launched technologies, particularly orbital data centers. He emphasized the importance of using lunar materials for manufacturing and expressed interest in partnerships between NASA and the nuclear power industry to develop lunar power capabilities. The group also discussed power generation options on the moon, including solar power and nuclear reactors using thorium, with Dallas noting that current power solutions would likely cost around triple digits per kilowatt hour.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 EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223 (Not in service at this time)For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: [email protected] for instructions and access.The Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. 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Don’t miss this segment!Friday, March 20: No program but check Upcoming Show Menu for possible last minute changes | Friday 20 Mar 2026 930AM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonFriday, March 20: No program but check Upcoming Show Menu for possible last minute changesBroadcast 4520: Zoom: Space Show AI User Program | Sunday 22 Mar 2026 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonZoom: By demand this is the program with Space Show Advisors & guests describing their AI usage, how and why.Space Show weekly schedule pending. See Upcoming Show Menu on the right side of our home page, www.thespaceshow.com. The weekly newsletter will be posted on Substack when completed. Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe