The full Talking Space team gathers around the microphone once more to share their thoughts and reactions to the Artemis II lunar flyby and how the 10-day mission was perceived back on Earth, especially those who seldom think about NASA. The panel examines next steps for the Artemis program, reviews highlights from NASA’s recent Ignition event, weighs whether a new space race with China is underway, and considers what the future may hold given the implications of the 2027 NASA Budget.

Australia has the capabilities to be a major space sector player, but lacks a cohesive national space policy. Isobel Haddow of The Space Industry Association and our resident space-policy expert, Dr. Kat Robison, crafted a brief for the United States Studies Center outlining the situation and what practical steps Australia can take. Dr. Robison discusses the highlights of her work and the panel debates the ramifications.

VIDEO: Via NASA: Artemis II Highlights

VIDEO: Via NASA: Crew Welcome Home Event

Via X: Post by Reid Wiseman Mark Ratterman referenced

Additional Post by Dr. Kat Robison for the Australian Institute of International Affairs published 29 April, 2026 " The US is Intentional About its Space Program. We Should Be Too."

Host This Week: Mark Ratterman

On the panel this week: Dr. Kat Robison, Heather Smith, Gene Mikulka