Today on AirTalk, we discuss NASA's decision to open the International Space Station to private astronauts; a group of young people who are suing the U.S. government over climate change; and more.
NASA Allows Private Business To Use International Space Station
NASA announced Friday that it will open the International Space Station to private astronauts, with the first visit as early as next year.
The round-trip ticket will cost an estimated $58 million. And accommodations aboard the orbiting outpost will run about $35,000 per night, for trips of up to 30 days long. Private astronauts would be able to stay at the ISS for up to 30 days.
NASA had previously prohibited any commercial use or for-profit research at the space station. This marks a step towards full privatization of the ISS, with the Trump Administration planning to withdraw all federal funding to space station in 2025. Prospective travelers would get to the space station via SpaceX Crew Dragon or Boeing CST-100 spacecraft, both of which are private spacecrafts, yet to be tested in outer space.
With files from the Associated Press.
We reached out to NASA for an interview request. They have not responded by air time.
Guests:
Thomas Roberts, program manager and research associate at the Aerospace Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank
Tom Jones, former NASA Astronaut & a Planetary Scientist; Jones flew on four space shuttle missions to Earth orbit; the last in 2001 included three spacewalks to install the American Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station
Youths’ Climate Change Lawsuit Against US Government Could Still Go To Trial
A lawyer for young people who are suing the U.S. government over climate change says federal energy policy “puts children in harm’s way” and denies them the constitutional rights to life, liberty and property.
Attorney Julia Olson urged three judges from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to let the young people’s lawsuit move forward. The judges heard arguments for Juliana v. United States on Tuesday in Portland but aren’t expected to rule right away.
A U.S. Justice Department lawyer previously argued that the plaintiffs wrongly want the courts to direct energy policy instead of elected officials. The Obama and Trump administrations have tried to get the lawsuit dismissed since it was filed in 2015.
It asks the courts to declare federal energy policy that contributes to global warming unconstitutional. We get the latest on the case and discuss legal challenges.
With files from the Associated Press
Guests:
Julia Rosen, science reporter for the Los Angeles Times writing from Portland, Ore.; she tweets at
Philip L. Gregory, a lead attorney representing the plaintiffs
Donald Kochan, law professor at Chapman University where his expertise includes Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, and Natural Resources & Environmental Law
FilmWeek: 'Dark Phoenix,' 'The Secret Life of Pets 2,' 'Late Night' and more
Larry Mantle and KPCC film critics Tim Cogshell, Christy Lemire and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases.
"Dark Phoenix" in wide release
"The Secret Life of Pets 2" in wide release
"The Last Black Man in San Francisco" at the ArcLight Hollywood & The Landmark
"Late Night" at the ArcLight Hollywood & The Landmark
“The Frame’s” John Horn spoke with the star of the film Emma Thompson about her role. You can hear the interview at KPCC.org/theframe
"Too Late To Die Young" at the Laemmle Music Hall
"Pavarotti" at the ArcLight Hollywood & AMC Century City
"Papi Chulo" at the AMC Sunset
"Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation" at Landmark's Nuart Theatre
“The Frame’s” John Horn spoke with the director and co-writer of the film Barak Goodman earlier this week. You can hear the interview at KPCC.org/theframe
"The Lavender Scare" at the Laemmle Music Hall
CRITICS' HITS:
Tim: 'The Last Black Man in San Francisco' & 'Too Late To Die Young'
Christy: 'Papi Chulo' & 'Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation'
MIXED FEELINGS
Christy: 'Late Night'
Charles: 'Pavarotti' & 'The Lavender Scare'
MISSES
Charles: 'The Secret Life of Pets 2'
Tim: 'Dark Phoenix
Guests:
Charles Solomon, film critic for KPCC, Animation Scoop and Animation Magazine
Christy Lemire, film critic for KPCC, RogerEbert.com and co-host of the ‘Breakfast All Day’ podcast; she tweets
Tim Cogshell, film critic for KPCC, Alt-Film Guide and CineGods.com; he tweets