New Scientist 2026 predictions: Artemis II, lunar bases, GLP-1 pills, LSD trials, and carbon border tariffs

Overview

In this New Scientist episode the hosts look ahead to 2026 predictions across space exploration, medicine and climate policy. The space segment centers on Artemis II launching in 2026 for a ten day mission that loops around the Moon and tests life support, setting the stage for future lunar operations. The discussion also covers ambitious plans for Mars missions, a possible return of humans to the lunar surface with Artemis III, and the emergence of commercial space stations such as Haven One with Haven Two planned for 2030. Beyond the Moon, there is coverage of orbital refueling and potential competition with SpaceX Starship alongside debates about NASA funding and the role of SLS. The episode also surveys medicine and policy developments, including affordable GLP-1 weight loss pills, LSD based anxiety trials, and the EU carbon border tariff aimed at shaping climate action.

Additionally the program touches on the economics and governance of space including private sector participation, international collaboration and how policy tools could accelerate or hinder progress in the year ahead.

Space missions and lunar ambitions in 2026

The hosts describe Artemis II, due in April 2026, as a crewed mission that will loop around the Moon for about 10 days. Four astronauts will be aboard the Space Launch System rocket with the Orion capsule. The mission will begin with two days of Earth orbit, followed by a lunar flyby and a return to Earth splashdown. This flight is framed as a turning point that could enable a permanent human presence on the Moon and possibly pave the way for Artemis III, which would carry astronauts to the lunar surface. Artemis III depends on technologies like SpaceX Starship landers and a large refueling plan in Earth orbit that has not yet been demonstrated, raising questions about schedule and cost.

Mars missions and new space infrastructure

The episode highlights a notable alignment of Earth and Mars, known as the Hohmann transfer window, as a potential opportunity for sending Starship missions to Mars in 2026. These would be uncrewed initially, with significant technical hurdles such as in-orbit refueling. Meanwhile Japan plans to send a Phobos mission for sample return, potentially delivering Martian material back to Earth around 2031. In addition to planetary exploration, there is discussion of commercial space stations, including Vast Haven One with a small crewed configuration that could test life-support and habitat systems, followed by Haven Two around 2030, with the goal of expanding private space habitation and reducing reliance on the ISS beyond its planned 2030 retirement.

Medicine and drug innovation in 2026

The conversation shifts to medicine, focusing on GLP-1 therapies for weight loss. A small molecule GLP-1 drug named Orful glypron could be taken as a pill, potentially lowering production costs and broadening access. The panel notes that while weight loss in trials may be somewhat lower than injected forms like semaglutide, the convenience and cost reductions could expand usage. They discuss patent expirations in certain countries that may enable generic versions and price competition, and mention a broader GLP-1 pipeline including Tripletree and other multi-hormone therapies with substantial weight loss potential, while acknowledging side effects remain a key concern.

Psychedelics and climate policy

The episode also covers the return of LSD into clinical research, with phase 3 trials planned in 2026 to evaluate anxiety reduction. The trials will examine dosing strategies and safety in hundreds of participants and explore how LSD could rewire brain circuits to reduce anxiety in people for whom standard therapies have failed. Finally a climate policy update describes the EU carbon border tariff as a mechanism to level the playing field for decarbonizing industries, with the UK planning a compatible system by 2027 and other countries considering similar approaches. The discussion underscores how pricing carbon through border adjustments could accelerate global climate action and influence industrial policy.

Outlook

Overall the podcast frames 2026 as a year of substantial progress and challenging obstacles across exploration, medicine and policy. Artemis II is presented as a pivotal step toward lunar presence and longer space missions, while Mars exploration and commercial space stations indicate a shifting landscape in spaceflight governance. In medicine, affordable GLP-1 pills and novel compounds could broaden treatment access, and LSD trials may mark a turning point for psychedelic-assisted therapy. On climate policy, border adjustments could reshape global emission strategies and incentivize higher carbon pricing worldwide.