Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science

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.

NASA's Psyche mission's principal investigator, Lindy Elkins-Tanton, shares her emotional experience of watching her team's spacecraft blast off. Jesse Tomlinson and Stephen Watkins from the Eclipse Company discuss their partnership with The Planetary Society and the launch of a new eclipse map for the upcoming 2024 total solar eclipse in North America. The podcast also explores topics like the challenges and successes of space missions, planning eclipse viewing trips, the importance of educating about solar sailing, finding ideal eclipse viewing locations, and rocket launch delays.

Simone Marchi, co-investigator for the Psyche mission, discusses the creative ways their team studies cratering on metallic worlds, including computer modeling and blasting meteorites. They also explore surprise elements when exploring asteroids up close and discuss structural differences in craters on metallic surfaces compared to the moon or Mars.

Data from the now-retired NASA InSight mission suggests that Mars' rotation is speeding up. The InSight RISE instrument's principal investigator, Sebastien Le Maistre, from the Royal Observatory of Belgium, joins Planetary Radio to get into the details. The Planetary Society's Digital Community Manager, Ambre Trujillo, shares her experience observing the October 14 annular solar eclipse and her adventure to the OSIRIS-REx sample return capsule opening at Johnson Space Center. Then, our Director of Government Relations, Jack Kiraly, shares the triumphs of The Planetary Society's in-person Day of Action. Stick around for What's Up with Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, as he shares an asteroid mission-themed random space fact. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-insight-mars-rotationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planetary Radio celebrates the successful return of NASA's OSIRIS-REx sample from asteroid Bennu. Rae Paoletta shares her firsthand experience in Utah, and introduces Mike Puzio, the person who named Bennu. Danny Glavin discusses the next steps for the samples. Excitement builds for studying origins of life on Earth and future missions.

Join Planetary Radio host Sarah Al-Ahmed for part two of her trip to the 2023 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Symposium in Houston, Texas.  You'll hear from Mike LaPointe and John Nelson, the NIAC Program Executive and Deputy Program Executive along with Theresa Benyo (NASA Glenn Research Center), Lynn Rothschild (NASA Ames Research Center), and Javid Bayandor (State University of New York). Stick around for What's Up with Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, to learn more about his favorite science conferences.    Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-niac-part-2 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Planetary Radio host Sarah Al-Ahmed on a trip to the 2023 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Symposium in Houston, Texas. In this jam-packed two-part series, you'll hear Sarah's interviews with the inspiring NIAC fellows who are thinking up the technologies that could change the future of space exploration. In this episode, you’ll hear from Congrui Grace Jin (University of Nebraska, Lincoln), Quinn Morley (Planet Enterprises), Ronald Polidan (Lunar Resources, Inc.), and Edward Balaban (NASA Ames Research Center). Stick around for What's Up with Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, for a discussion about the advances in space exploration during our lifetimes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Louis Friedman, one of the three co-founders of The Planetary Society, joins Planetary Radio to discuss his new book, "Alone but Not Lonely: Exploring for Extraterrestrial Life." The book takes us on a realistic but hopeful reflection on the search for life, from habitable worlds to the technologies that might allow us to explore exoplanets without leaving our stellar backyard. Then stick around for What's Up with Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, as we get his hot take on life in the universe.   Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-alone-but-not-lonely See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.