Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science

Lauren Mc Keown, a postdoctoral fellow at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, discusses her experiences recreating Martian araneiform terrain, also called Mars spiders, in the lab. Latif Nasser, the co-host of Radiolab, also joins Planetary Radio to share how you can cast your vote to name a quasi-Moon of Earth. Then Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, looks at a different type of seasonal feature on Mars, recurring slope lineae, in What’s Up. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-mars-spidersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For over half a century, space advocates and presidents alike have tried to recreate the JFK moment of calling on the country to send a man to Moon — but is this a mistake? The classic book Spaceflight and the Myth of Presidential Leadership argued that it is, and by focusing on presidential power alone advocates set up these initiatives to fail.  However, in the decades since its publication, presidential authority has dramatically expanded. In this episode, we examine this tension: Did the success of Apollo create a false expectation about the role of presidential leadership in spaceflight? How can a president most effectively set new long-term goals for NASA? Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/myth-of-presidential-leadership  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil deGrasse Tyson, renowned astrophysicist and director of the Hayden Planetarium, teams up with Casey Dreyer, Chief of Space Policy at the Planetary Society. They dive into the rich 45-year legacy of the Planetary Society and the evolution of space exploration, touching on Viking and Voyager missions. The discussion navigates the nomination of Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator and the implications for future missions. The hosts also reflect on Venus's climate and the innovative rise of Cubesats in education, making space science more accessible.

Sarah Al-Ahmed, the host of Planetary Radio, marks her 100th episode with a look back at the defining moments of the past 100 weeks of space exploration. We'll revisit previous Planetary Radio interviews, including the launch of ESA's Juice mission to the icy moons of Jupiter with project scientist Olivier Witasse. Danny Glavin, the co-investigator for NASA's OSIRIS-REx, shares his thoughts after the triumphant return of samples from asteroid Bennu. Lindy Elkins-Tanton, principal investigator for NASA's Psyche mission, reflects on her team's mission to explore a metallic asteroid. Then, Bob Pappalardo, project scientist for Europa Clipper, discusses the mission's intense brush with Hurricane Milton before blasting off to unlock the secrets of a potentially habitable ocean world. We close out the show with Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, for What's Up. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-one-hundred-weeks  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United Arab Emirates Space Agency is working on its next ambitious spacecraft, the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt. It will visit seven asteroids, ultimately rendezvousing with Justitia, the reddest object in the main asteroid belt. We'll get an update on their team's progress from Mohsen Al Awadhi and Hoor Al Hazmi, the director and science team lead for the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt. Then, our chief scientist at The Planetary Society, Bruce Betts, joins host Sarah Al-Ahmed for What's Up and a new random space fact.  Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-uae-asteroid-belt  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Casey Dreyer, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society, discusses the implications of the recent U.S. elections on NASA’s funding and priorities. Jack Kiraly, Director of Government Relations, shares insights on budget cuts leading to layoffs at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. They highlight the need for strong advocacy and grassroots engagement to support space science funding amidst political changes. The conversation also delves into the interplay between political dynamics and NASA's future, stressing the significance of bipartisan cooperation for ongoing space exploration.

Morgan Cable and Hiro Ono from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory join Planetary Radio to discuss the Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS) robot concept, a snake-like AI-enabled device designed to navigate the vents of Enceladus. This technology could tell us more about the habitability of Enceladus' subsurface ocean. But first, Kate Howells, The Planetary Society's public education specialist, shares how you can participate in The Planetary Society Best of 2024 Awards. Stay tuned for Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, for What's Up and a new Random Space Fact about Enceladus. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-eels  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spaceport Nova Scotia, Canada’s first commercial launch site, represents a significant step forward for the Canadian space industry. This week, we learn what this spaceport can do for the country's exploratory aspirations and international cooperation with Steve Matier and Sasha Jacob, the CEO and Chairman of Maritime Launch Services. Then Bruce Betts joins me for What's Up and a new random space fact. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-spaceport-nova-scotiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Norm Augustine, an aerospace industry veteran and chair of key studies on space policy, discusses alarming findings from the 'NASA at a Crossroads' report. He highlights NASA's workforce and infrastructure challenges and its struggle to compete with commercial space firms. Augustine emphasizes the urgent need for strategic long-term investments to revitalize NASA's capabilities. The conversation explores how budget cuts and management restructuring jeopardize mission goals, necessitating a renewed focus on sustainable planning and technological advancements.

In this engaging discussion, Adeene Denton, a research scientist specializing in giant impacts, shares her insights into the mysterious heart-shaped feature of Pluto. The conversation explores whether Sputnik Planitia might hide a subsurface ocean beneath its icy surface. Denton elaborates on the intriguing role of oblique impacts in planetary formation and how they shape geological features. The talk is complemented by Bruce Betts, who rounds up the significant impacts across our Solar System, leaving listeners fascinated by the complexities of Pluto and beyond.