Here's the Scoop Spheres of Influence: Trump Flexes on Iran & Artemis II Orbits the Moon
Apr 6, 2026
Tom Costello, NBC space correspondent who covers NASA missions, and Courtney Kube, NBC national security reporter on military and intelligence matters. They discuss the risky rescue of downed U.S. airmen and high-stakes negotiations with Iran. They also cover Artemis II’s far-side lunar flyby, crew photography, and the challenges facing NASA’s budget and lunar plans.
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Low Tech Weapon Changed The Battlefield
- The F-15E was downed by a single shoulder-fired missile, highlighting how low-tech weapons can change modern air warfare.
- Courtney Kube noted one person with a shoulder missile in the desert accomplished what large forces could not, underlining asymmetric vulnerability.
Mass Aircraft Deception During Rescue
- The U.S. used deceptive aerial maneuvers with 155+ aircraft to distract Iranian forces during the Saturday rescue.
- They sent swarms to seven locations to pull attention away from the actual weapons systems officer's location.
CIA Located The Second Missing Airman
- The CIA played a hands-on role in the rescue, with operatives on the ground and the agency finding the second missing airman.
- Courtney Kube said the CIA provided communications and located the second airman after days missing.