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!
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.
Challenges of Nuclear Waste Management at Sellafield
Sellafield in Cumbria is the site tasked with processing and storing the highest volume of radioactive material in Europe, presenting significant challenges related to nuclear waste management. The facility is struggling to find sustainable long-term storage solutions as it approaches capacity, highlighting the urgency of developing permanent waste disposal methods. Experts emphasize the need to secure a geological disposal facility to ensure the safe containment of nuclear waste for thousands of years, avoiding potential environmental contamination. As the site continues to operate while addressing these issues, a structured approach to retrieve and safely store legacy waste is crucial for future safety.
Innovative Messaging for Future Generations
The complexity of communicating the dangers of buried nuclear waste to future civilizations raises intriguing questions about effective long-term messaging. Traditional signage may not suffice since languages and symbols can become obsolete over millennia, necessitating innovative approaches to convey warnings. The integration of cultural narratives, such as Indigenous storytelling, demonstrates the potential for passing down wisdom and knowledge across generations. Engaging artists and scientists to create multifaceted communication strategies may help ensure that future populations understand the significance of radioactive sites long after the original markers have faded.
Today incredible images were beamed around the world of civilians walking in space – for the very first time.
All eyes were on businessman Jared Isaacman and engineer Sarah Gillis as they ventured outside a Space X capsule.
But is this an historic space exploration milestone - or just a very exciting holiday for a billionaire? We'll find out more from the BBC’s own expert space-watcher Jonathan Amos.
Also this week, we visit Sellafield which processes and stores more radioactive material per square metre than any other site in Europe. But it is getting full.
So where is our nuclear waste going to go in future? As the UK searches for a new potential site, we look at the science of what we do with nuclear waste and why.
We’ll also delve into the fascinating world of nuclear semiotics. How can we communicate the dangers of nuclear waste to people living 100,000 years from now?
Presenter: Vic Gill
Producers: Sophie Ormiston & Gerry Holt
Editor: Martin Smith
Studio manager: Cath McGhee
Production Co-ordinator: Andrew Rhys Lewis
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode