Alan Stern

Alan Stern, a renowned planetary scientist and leader of NASA’s New Horizons mission, shares thrilling insights from his recent suborbital flight. He dives into the clash between government and private space ventures, emphasizing the rapid innovation in commercial space activities. Stern discusses the unfortunate budget cuts threatening NASA's future missions. He also explores the significance of ongoing extraterrestrial research and the potential for inspiring future generations in STEM through space exploration.

"Chasing New Horizons" features Alan Stern and David Grinspoon, sharing insights on the New Horizons spacecraft mission to Pluto. They discuss the challenges of obtaining funding, naming the planet, and the incredible excitement surrounding the Pluto flyby. The podcast also dives into Pluto's fascinating features and the development of software for spacecraft hibernation.

Join Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice in a lively debate with Alan Stern on Pluto's planethood. Explore the New Horizons mission to Pluto, Trojan asteroids, Kuiper Belt mysteries, celestial terminology, and the historical context of Pluto's discovery and classification.

Alan Stern, Principal Investigator on New Horizons mission, discusses Pluto's surprising geologic activity. Insights on predatory bacteria's defense mechanisms. Scientists spending Christmas in the lab. DNA analysis reveals ancient human history and population structures.

Dr. Alan Stern, leader of NASA's mission to Pluto, talks about the progress and surprises of the New Horizons mission. The podcast also discusses the time travel adventure to witness the launch and invites listeners to participate in a New Horizons quiz.