Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science

Members of The Planetary Society staff revisit some of 2023's most exhilarating moments and groundbreaking discoveries in space this week on Planetary Radio. Kate Howells, Public Education Specialist, announces the winners of The Planetary Society's Best of 2023 awards. Jack Kiraly, Director of Government Relations, shares the strides made in space advocacy. Then Rae Paoletta, Director of Content and Engagement, and Mat Kaplan, Senior Communications advisor and former host of Planetary Radio, return to break down their favorite space moments of the year. Stick around until the end for What's Up with Bruce Betts, the Chief Scientist of The Planetary Society, as he looks forward to the next year of space science and exploration. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-looking-back See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The head of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab's Space Exploration Sector, Bobby Braun, and other key individuals give an update on NASA's Dragonfly mission to Saturn's moon Titan. They discuss the mission's progress, design challenges, operational details, and the excitement of exploring a distant world without maps or GPS. The podcast also includes a lighthearted conversation about popular names and random space facts.

Sometimes, when you want to learn more about other worlds, all you have to do is step out your door. Mat Kaplan, Planetary Radio's creator and former host, takes us on an adventure with planetary geologist Kirby Runyon as they tour New Mexico, U.S.'s varied geology and compare it to other worlds. They'll explore the dunes of White Sands National Park, the Mars-like geology of Kilbourne Hole, and the rocks in the Carrizozo Lava flow. Then Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, and host Sarah Al-Ahmed discuss the most otherworldly places they've been in this week's What's Up. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-astrogeologic-expedition See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benjamin Fernando from the University of Oxford discusses the largest marsquake ever recorded by NASA’s InSight Mars lander. The podcast explores the international effort to determine the quake's cause. Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, and host Sarah Al-Ahmed also share their earthquake experiences.

Discussion on whether the Space Shuttle was a policy failure, analyzing its goals versus reality, design choices, and lack of support. Examining the motivations, troubles, uncertainty, and criticism of the program. Exploring challenges faced, trade-offs made, and impact on NASA. Exploring financial aspects and questioning if they can be considered policy failures.

Hal Levison and Simone Marchi, principal and deputy principal investigators of NASA's Lucy mission, discuss the surprising discovery of a moon during the spacecraft's first asteroid flyby. They delve into the challenges faced during solar array deployment, unexpected findings, and the importance of accurate data collection. The podcast also covers insights into the structure of asteroid Dinkinesh, the presence of craters on celestial objects, and studying the oldest objects for planet formation insights. Plus, they touch on the smell of space stations and measuring degrees of latitude.

Deep Sky, a newly released IMAX documentary, tells the emotional and hopeful story of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Nathaniel Kahn, an Oscar-nominated filmmaker and the director of Deep Sky, joins Planetary Radio this week to discuss the film's decade-long creation process and the magic of JWST images on the big screen. Then Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, joins for What's Up and a new random space fact. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-deep-skySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steven Smith, an Education Specialist from NASA's STEM Program, discusses unique opportunities for students in the lead-up to humanity's return to the Moon. The podcast covers projects and challenges available to students, the importance of STEM education, diversity and representation, various STEM programs for different age groups, COVID-19 adaptations, and collaboration in the astrophysics community. They also touch on potential scientific discoveries from Moon and Mars samples, support for Mars sample return mission, and clarification about conditions on Venus surface.

Authors Zach and Kelly Weinersmith discuss the complexities and risks involved in human settlement on Mars, including ethical implications and international cooperation. They also explore the challenges of sending humans to Mars and the societal considerations. The podcast highlights the need for careful consideration and mindful approaches in space colonization.

NASA's Mars Sample Return mission has faced significant challenges and mismanagement, leading to a potential doubling of its total cost to $10 billion and a delay until 2030. The independent review board identified management failures, unexpected design complexities, and external events as contributing factors. The podcast explores the recommendations for fixing the project and ensuring a successful return of samples. The importance of in-person advocacy and public engagement in space science is also discussed, along with the challenges and shortcomings of the Mars Sample Return mission. Unity, communication, and reconsidering the approach to space missions are highlighted as key factors for success.