The Fourcast ‘Even worse than you imagine’ - what Artemis II launch was really about
Apr 2, 2026
Gabriel Elefteriu, a space power policy expert, and Libby Jackson, a human spaceflight and public engagement specialist, unpack Artemis II. They discuss lunar bases, resource prospects, China’s steady rise, commercial firms reshaping space power, legal limits of the Outer Space Treaty, and the risks of militarisation and debris. Short, strategic, and forward-looking takes on who will control orbit.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Toilet Fan Glitch Showed Mission Testing Reality
- Artemis II detected a faulty toilet fan early in the mission and crews fixed it, showing practical systems testing matters.
- Libby Jackson recounts the toilet fan failure and why functioning toilets are mission-critical on crewed flights.
China Follows A Methodical Space Strategy
- China pursues space through disciplined milestone-based plans rather than a Cold War style race narrative.
- Gabriel Elefteriu describes China's clear timelines, funding discipline and a strategic aim to be preeminent in space by 2049.
Russia Is No Longer A Leading Lunar Player
- Russia’s space capability has waned; war and funding shortfalls limit its lunar role despite partnerships with China.
- Libby Jackson says Russia still services ISS but lacks resources to meaningfully join China's lunar plans now.