PEP with Chas and Dr Dave

LIAR, LIAR, CEASE ON FIRE! PEP with Chas & Dr Emma Shortis (Ep 255, 10 April)

Apr 10, 2026
Guest
Emma Shortis
Dr Emma Shortis, historian and director of international and security affairs at the Australia Institute, provides sharp analysis on Iran, nuclear risks, and space policy. Conversations jump from brinkmanship and ceasefire politics to dissecting a ten-point Iran plan. Then they celebrate Artemis II’s humane moments while debating moonbase strategy and NASA funding.
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INSIGHT

Artemis II Proved Orion Crew Survival and Momentum

  • Artemis II tested crew survivability aboard Orion and achieved near-flawless performance, demonstrating a path toward a moon landing by 2028.
  • The mission's success provided PR momentum and boosted NASA's bid to preserve funding for crewed exploration.
ANECDOTE

Toilet Trouble Humanised Orion Mission

  • Emma recounted a minor Artemis II issue: a broken toilet that sparked public curiosity and discussion about daily life in space.
  • The anecdote humanised the mission and highlighted mundane but relatable engineering challenges in crewed flights.
INSIGHT

Artemis Crew Diversity Becomes Global Symbol

  • Emma noted the Artemis mission's symbolic diversity—female crew member, international astronaut—contrasted with exclusionary politics back home.
  • Space missions offer a visible demonstration that international cooperation and diverse crews can inspire global optimism.
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