Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Agustina Vergara Cid and Mike Mazza discuss the launch of Artemis II and the future of space exploration.
Topics covered:
• [0:00] Intro
• [0:44] The cultural reaction the launch of Artemis II
• [3:22] Why it took 50 years to go back to lunar space
• [8:50] The reactions to the achievements of private space companies
• [17:16] How NASA is slowing down progress in space
Mentioned in the discussion were Mike Mazza’s articles “Freedom to Launch: How Deregulation Created a Space Renaissance,” [new-ideal.aynrand.org/p/freedom-to-launch-how-deregulation?utm_source=publication-search] “Space Renaissance: How Freedom Created Progress in the Space Industry,” [new-ideal.aynrand.org/p/space-renaissance-how-freedom-created] and “NASA’s Plan to Impede Space Commercialization.” [new-ideal.aynrand.org/p/nasas-plan-to-impede-space-commercialization]
This episode was recorded on April 2, 2026.
Image Credit: Chip Somodevilla / via Getty Images
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ARI is funded by donor contributions. You can support our work by becoming an ARI Member or making a one-time contribution: ari.aynrand.org/donate
Explore these ideas further! ARI's online publication, New Ideal, explores pressing cultural issues from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism: newideal.aynrand.org
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******
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Visit ARI’s website for more about our content and programs: ari.aynrand.org
In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Agustina Vergara Cid and Mike Mazza discuss the launch of Artemis II and the future of space exploration.
Topics covered:
• [0:00] Intro
• [0:44] The cultural reaction the launch of Artemis II
• [3:22] Why it took 50 years to go back to lunar space
• [8:50] The reactions to the achievements of private space companies
• [17:16] How NASA is slowing down progress in space
Mentioned in the discussion were Mike Mazza’s articles “Freedom to Launch: How Deregulation Created a Space Renaissance,” [new-ideal.aynrand.org/p/freedom-to-launch-how-deregulation?utm_source=publication-search] “Space Renaissance: How Freedom Created Progress in the Space Industry,” [new-ideal.aynrand.org/p/space-renaissance-how-freedom-created] and “NASA’s Plan to Impede Space Commercialization.” [new-ideal.aynrand.org/p/nasas-plan-to-impede-space-commercialization]
This episode was recorded on April 2, 2026.
Image Credit: Chip Somodevilla / via Getty Images
Subscribe to ARI’s YouTube channel to make sure you never miss a video:
youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AynRandInstitute
Download or stream free courses on Ayn Rand’s works and ideas with the Ayn Rand Institute app:
– App Store itunes.apple.com/us/app/ayn-rand-university/id1452535178?mt=8
– Google Play play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aynrandu
ARI is funded by donor contributions. You can support our work by becoming an ARI Member or making a one-time contribution: ari.aynrand.org/donate
Explore these ideas further! ARI's online publication, New Ideal, explores pressing cultural issues from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism: newideal.aynrand.org
******
Keep in Touch! Sign up to receive email updates from ARI: aynrand.org/signup
Follow ARI on Twitter: twitter.com/AynRandInst
Follow ARI on Facebook: facebook.com/AynRandInstitute
Follow ARI on Instagram: instagram.com/aynrandorg
Subscribe to the ARI Live! podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ayn-rand-institute-live/id1440399458
******
Join an upcoming virtual or in-person event: ari.aynrand.org/events
Visit ARI’s website for more about our content and programs: ari.aynrand.org
