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BBC Inside Science

The first civilian spacewalk

Oct 10, 2024
In this discussion, Jonathan Amos, BBC science correspondent, sheds light on the groundbreaking first civilian spacewalk by Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis. Is it history or a billionaire’s joyride? Claire Corkill tackles nuclear waste management challenges at Sellafield, emphasizing urgent need for safe storage solutions. Ellie Carpenter introduces the concept of nuclear semiotics, exploring how to warn future generations about nuclear dangers. It's a riveting dive into space exploration and the complexities of radioactive waste management!
28:05

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The first civilian spacewalk signifies a pivotal moment in space exploration, raising questions about accessibility and the commercialization of space travel.
  • The urgent need for sustainable nuclear waste disposal solutions highlights challenges in managing radioactive materials while effectively communicating dangers to future generations.

Deep dives

Historic Spacewalk by Civilians

The first privately funded spacewalk marked a significant milestone in civilian space exploration, featuring businessman Jared Isaacman and fellow astronaut Sarah Gillis stepping outside a SpaceX capsule. This event raises questions about the future of space travel and whether it represents a genuine advancement in exploration or merely an extravagant experience for the wealthy. The approach of developing a more manufacturable and accessible spacesuit is aimed at enabling more individuals to participate in space activities, potentially paving the way for broader public engagement in space exploration. With plans for missions to the Moon and Mars, the necessity for affordable and functional spacesuits becomes paramount to accommodate the anticipated increase in space travelers.

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