Part 1 — Before You Listen
💡 When you're done, check your answers using the Show answers button at the bottom of the page.
About the No Agenda Show
No Agenda is a twice-weekly podcast hosted by Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak — two veteran media professionals who analyse news, politics, and media narratives. Episodes are long-form, unscripted conversations built around real clips from news broadcasts.
About this segment
In this clip, Adam and John react to a series of NBC news reports about NASA's ambitious plan to build a permanent base on the moon. They debate the cost, the science, and whether the whole project will ever actually happen.
Key context: NASA's Artemis programme has been working to return humans to the moon. In May 2026, NASA announced a phased plan to build a moon base — called "Operation Moonbase" — starting with robotic missions and working towards a permanent crewed facility by the early 2030s. The project is estimated to cost $20 billion over seven years.
Section A: Key Vocabulary
Study these words and phrases before listening.
| Word / Phrase | Meaning (in natural English) | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| lunar economy | a system of business, trade, and resources based on activities on the moon | Scientists believe a lunar economy could develop once we start mining materials from the moon. |
| helium-3 | a rare form of helium gas found in large amounts on the moon, potentially useful as a fuel source | Helium-3 could one day power fusion reactors, making it one of the moon's most valuable resources. |
| aneutronic fusion | a type of nuclear fusion that produces very little or no harmful radiation | Helium-3 is attractive as a fuel because it enables aneutronic fusion, meaning fewer radioactive by-products. |
| uncrewed | describes a spacecraft or mission that has no human crew on board | The first phase will involve sending uncrewed robotic missions to scout the lunar surface. |
| autonomous | able to operate independently without human control | The rovers have autonomous capability, allowing them to navigate the moon's surface without a pilot. |
| psy-op | a planned effort to influence people's beliefs or emotions, often through media or propaganda | John suspects the pro-Russia social media content is a psy-op designed to change public opinion. |
| lease sale | a government auction where companies bid for the right to drill or mine on public land | The new lease sales have already brought billions of dollars into the Treasury. |
| enduring presence | a permanent or long-lasting involvement in a place, rather than a short visit | NASA's goal is to establish an enduring presence on the moon, not just a one-time landing. |
| micrometeorites | tiny pieces of rock or metal from space that travel at high speed and can damage structures | A moon base would need protection from micrometeorites, which shower the lunar surface constantly. |
| propellant | a substance used to power a rocket or other vehicle by creating thrust | Manufacturing propellant on the moon could allow future missions to travel further into space. |
Section B: Predict
Before listening, write your predictions.
1. NASA says it wants to build a moon base to develop a "lunar economy". What do you think this means? What resources or activities might make the moon economically valuable?
2. Do you think spending $20 billion on a moon base is a good use of public money? What arguments might people make for and against?
3. Adam and John are known for being sceptical of mainstream media. How do you think they will react to an official NASA press briefing?
Part 2 — While You Listen
Section A: First Listening — Main Ideas
Listen once and choose the best answer.
1. What is NASA's stated main long-term goal beyond building a moon base?
2. How does John Dvorak respond to NASA's plans?
3. According to the "Book of Knowledge", what is the current main use of helium-3 on Earth?
4. What does Adam Curry compare NASA's $20 billion budget to?
Section B: Second Listening — Details
Listen again and answer with specific information from the clip.
-
According to NASA, in what year are astronauts expected to first begin living and working on the moon?
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What are the two main dangers or risks that a moon base would need to deal with? Name both.
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What does John say about the Artemis 4 mission? What does he predict will happen?
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Why does the NASA administrator say manufacturing propellant on the moon is important for a future Mars mission?
Background: The Artemis Programme
Artemis is NASA's programme to return humans to the moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972. Artemis II (mentioned in the clip) sent four astronauts around the moon in early 2026 without landing. Artemis III is intended to be the first crewed lunar landing. Artemis IV would follow with more complex surface missions.
The "South Pole" of the moon is a target because it contains water ice in permanently shadowed craters. This ice could be converted into drinking water and rocket propellant.
Part 3 — Vocabulary in Context
Section A: Fill in the Gaps
Use the words from the word bank to complete the sentences. Change the form of the word if needed.
- The first phase of the mission will use __________________ rovers to map the terrain before any astronauts arrive.
- Scientists believe __________________ could be extracted from the lunar surface and used as fuel for fusion reactors.
- The government has been holding __________________ on public lands, raising billions for the Treasury.
- Without enough __________________, the rocket would never be able to leave the moon's surface.
- NASA's ultimate ambition is to establish an __________________ human presence on the moon, not just a series of short visits.
- The __________________ spacecraft carried no crew — only sensors and a small robotic arm.
- The base's outer walls were reinforced to protect against __________________, which strike at enormous speed.
- If the concept of a __________________ ever becomes reality, the moon could become the next frontier for international business.
Section B: Language Focus — Hedging and Certainty
What is hedging language?
In the clip, speakers use hedging language — words and phrases that soften claims and show uncertainty. Compare these examples from the segment:
Original (hedged)
"I suspect we'll see a growth in their oil imports."
Unhedged version
"We will see a growth in their oil imports."
The hedged version sounds more honest and professional. It shows the speaker is aware they might be wrong. You will hear this constantly in academic, political, and business English.
Rewrite these sentences to make them sound more cautious. Use the word(s) in brackets.
1. "Helium-3 will revolutionise global energy production." (might)
2. "Building a moon base is the right thing to do." (could argue)
3. "The Artemis 4 mission will be delayed." (I suspect / likely)
Discussion question: Why do politicians and scientists often use hedging language in public speeches? Is it a sign of honesty or weakness? Give your opinion with an example.
Part 4 — Discussion
Discuss these questions with a partner or small group. Use evidence from the clip and your own ideas.
- I think Adam's point suggests that...
- One could argue that investing in space exploration is actually...
- The tension between short-term needs and long-term goals is similar to...
- A strong argument in favour of spending public money here is...
- On the other hand, critics like John might say...
- I think the key question is whether...
- Scepticism can be valuable because...
- However, without a degree of optimism, societies might never...
- History gives us examples of both — for instance...
- The name of a project matters because...
- A good example of powerful branding in history or politics is...
- Compared to NASA's choice, a more effective approach might have been...
- I believe reaching Mars is / is not a priority because...
- The argument for government funding is that...
- The case for private companies leading this effort is...
Part 5 — Writing Task (Optional)
Choose ONE task — write 150–200 words
Task A — Report
Write a short factual summary of NASA's moon base plans as if you were writing a news article. Include: what the plan is, the timeline, the cost, and the main goal.
Task B — Opinion
Do you think your country should contribute to an international moon base project? Write a short opinion piece giving your view with at least two supporting reasons.
Task C — Analysis
Compare the way Adam and John discuss the moon base to how the NBC journalist presents it. What differences do you notice in tone, vocabulary, and the assumptions each side makes about the audience?