Astronomy Cast Full Raw Feed · Fraser Cain & Dr. Pamela L. Gay

Ep. 738: Looking Ahead to 2025

·1 hr 3 min·5 clips

Why has T Corona Borealis, a star expected to explode, defied predictions and captivated astronomers?

This episode features hosts Fraser Cain and Dr. Pamela Gay discussing anticipated space events and missions for 2025. Fraser Cain is the publisher of Universe Today, and Dr. Pamela Gay is a senior scientist at the Planetary Science Institute and director of CosmoQuest. The hosts express anticipation for whether the recurrent nova T Coronae Borealis will finally erupt after failing to do so in 2024. They highlight the planned 2025 commissioning and start of science operations for the Vera Rubin Observatory, which will image the southern sky every three days. Key 2025 events include flybys of Mars by the Europa Clipper and Hera missions in March and a Lucy asteroid flyby on April 20. Multiple Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) landers from companies like Intuitive Machines and Firefly Aerospace are scheduled to attempt Moon landings in 2025. The hosts discuss the critical need for successful test flights of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket and progress on SpaceX's Starship, particularly for orbital refueling demonstrations. Rocket Lab's planned first test launch of its partially reusable Neutron rocket is also noted. A surprising insight is that the recurrent nova T Coronae Borealis not erupting on schedule is considered scientifically interesting, suggesting potential stellar evolution changes. Pamela Gay explains her concern that delays in large rocket programs could impact NASA's science budget if human spaceflight costs escalate. The hosts mention that the Gaia mission will end data collection in early 2025, with its final data releases expected in 2026 and 2030. They note that the Parker Solar Probe's final close solar encounter is scheduled for December 12, 2025. The episode also points out visible astronomical events for 2025, like Venus and Jupiter appearing close together in August. A memorable moment involves the hosts debating why companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin faced Clean Water Act violations related to launch pad systems. The tone is conversational and educational, blending expert commentary with casual banter between the hosts. The style is informative yet relaxed, featuring insider perspectives on space industry developments. This episode would appeal to space enthusiasts eager for a preview of upcoming missions, telescope operations, and rocket tests. Listeners seeking deep technical analysis or those uninterested in mission scheduling and industry news might choose to skip it.

As heard by us

A candid spaceflight check-in that keeps its focus on engineering reality.

The episode starts in a live, slightly messy register, with audio fixes, headphone trouble, and stream housekeeping getting sorted before the conversation settles in.

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Why you'd press play

You want a candid 2025 spaceflight forecast with one especially skeptical Rocket Lab Neutron check-in.

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