Saturday, April 4, 2026
Special Edition: Back to the Moon – And Beyond
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NASA’s Artemis II mission is officially underway — marking the first crewed journey around the moon in more than 50 years.
In this episode, astrophysicist David Alexander breaks down why this moment is so significant, what’s different this time around, and how it could shape the future of space exploration, from building a sustainable presence on the moon to eventually sending humans to Mars.
Plus, the risks involved, the role of private companies, and why it all matters here on Earth.
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Guest: David Alexander
David Alexander is a Professor of Astrophysics at Rice University, where his research focuses on heliophysics and exoplanet physics. He also serves as Director of the Rice Space Institute, where he has worked to strengthen collaboration between the Rice research community, NASA, and partners across the local, national, and international aerospace industry.
He has served on numerous professional committees, including the NASA Advisory Council’s Heliophysics Subcommittee. He is a former elected member of the Board of Directors of the American Astronautical Society and served as Chair of the inaugural Aerospace and Aviation Industry Committee of the Greater Houston Partnership until December 2022. He is a cofounder and former inaugural co-Chair of the Scotland International Space Advisory Committee within the GlobalScot program.
In 2021, he was appointed by the Mayor of Houston to the board of directors of the Houston Spaceport Development Corporation, and was renewed in 2023 for a second term. More recently, he was appointed to the Executive Committee of the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium (TARSEC) and named a Faculty Scholar at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
Alexander’s honors include the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, recognition as a Kavli Frontiers Fellow by the National Academy of Sciences, appointment as a GlobalScot by the Scottish Government, and international distinctions including an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and Chevalier of the Order of National Merit from France.
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