Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science

Guest Knicole Colón, deputy project scientist for exoplanet science for JWST, discusses the discovery of methane and carbon dioxide on exoplanet K2-18 b, potentially transforming our search for extraterrestrial life. They explore the limitations of the Hubble Space Telescope, the promising capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope, variations in composition and characteristics of the exoplanet, and the potential for life on sub-neptunes.

India's space program has evolved from practical programs to symbolic feats of spaceflight. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ambitious plans for Indian space stations and lunar missions. The podcast explores India's history, motivations, and ambitions in space. It discusses India's focus on meeting social needs and its growth in parallel with the economy. The episode also delves into India's Mars Orbiter Mission, its collaboration with Israel, and its increasing commitment to commercial and human spaceflight.

Chris Glein, lead scientist at Southwest Research Institute, joins to discuss the discovery of phosphorus on Enceladus, its implications for the search for life, abundance of phosphorus on Enceladus, Cassini spacecraft's exploration of potential habitability and possibility of life on Enceladus, proposed mission Enceladus Lifefinder, importance of studying natural geological experiments on Insolidus, significance of studying Enceladus and interconnectedness of Earth, Enceladus, and exoplanets, and discussion on learning from Martian samples and sulfur dioxide clouds on Venus.

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.