Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science

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.

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.