Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science

Triumph and turmoil: Artemis II and the renewed fight to save NASA science

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0000

The Artemis II crew has returned home safely after a historic 10-day journey around the Moon, the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years. In this episode, we celebrate some of the mission's most extraordinary moments: the record-breaking Flight Day 6 when Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen traveled farther from Earth than any humans in history, a breathtaking solar eclipse observed from lunar orbit, meteorite impact flashes spotted on the lunar surface, and a deeply personal crater dedication that moved the world.

But the triumph comes with turbulence. Just days after launch, the White House released a Presidential Budget Request proposing a 47% cut to NASA's science budget — threatening 84 missions and nearly half of NASA's science portfolio. Jack Kiraly, director of government relations at The Planetary Society, and Ari Koeppel, AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow, join host Sarah Al-Ahmed to break down what's at stake and what's being done about it. Plus, Chief Scientist Bruce Betts joins for this week's What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-artemis-ii-save-nasa-science

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Artemis II launches to the Moon

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Four astronauts — Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen — are on their way around the Moon, on a journey that will take them farther from Earth than any human has gone before. This week on Planetary Radio, we bring you the sounds of launch day and the voices of the people who lived it.

You’ll hear from the engineers who built the spacecraft, including Mark Tobias, chief engineer at Northrop Grumman, Jan-Henrik Horstmann, European Service Module team leader at ESA, and Debbie Korth, deputy manager of NASA's Orion Program. U.S. Representative Mike Haridopolos and Senator and former astronaut Mark Kelly share their perspectives from the ground. Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk reflects on what it means for Canada to have one of their own heading to deep space for the very first time. NASA Chief Exploration Scientist Jake Bleacher and Lisa Carnell, director of Biological and Physical Sciences at NASA's Science Mission Directorate, break down some of the research happening on this mission. NASA astronaut Steve Bowen shares what it feels like to watch a crew launch knowing exactly what they're about to experience. And Joel Kearns, NASA's deputy associate administrator for exploration, reflects on what this moment means for the future of human spaceflight.

Plus, Planetary Society Science Editor Asa Stahl and Digital Community Manager Ambre Rose Trujillo, share what it was actually like to be there on launch day. And Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts joins us for What's Up, with a look at what we've learned about the Moon since the Apollo era.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-artemis-ii-launch

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Space Policy Edition: Return to Launch — Cape Canaveral's unlikely history

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0000

What makes Cape Canaveral the center of U.S. spaceflight? The answer is a fascinating mix of geography, military strategy, Cold War politics, and a fair amount of historical accident.

In this episode of the Space Policy Edition of Planetary Radio, host Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, sits down with Stephen C. Smith, author and writer behind the Substack The Space Pundit, to discuss his book Return to Launch: Florida and America's Space Industry. A longtime Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex communicator and Merritt Island resident, Smith brings a unique perspective to the story of how a remote Florida peninsula became the gateway to the Cosmos.

The conversation spans the full arc of Cape Canaveral's history, from captured Nazi V-2 rockets fired off a concrete slab in 1950, the Apollo era's dramatic economic boom and bust, and the rise of commercial spaceflight. Along the way, Smith and Dreier explore why Mexico's president inadvertently shaped U.S. launch site selection, how eminent domain built a spaceport, and what Space Florida did to help break the region's cycle of economic dependence on government programs.

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Artemis II’s AVATAR and a sungrazing comet

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Artemis II is the first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17, and riding alongside the crew is one of the most ambitious biology experiments ever sent to space. It's called AVATAR, short for A Virtual Astronaut Tissue Analog Response: tiny organ chips grown from the astronauts' own cells, flying the same trajectory around the Moon, exposed to the same deep-space radiation and microgravity as the crew themselves. Lisa Carnell, director of NASA's Biological and Physical Sciences Division, explains what this experiment could mean for the future of human exploration.

Then, Alain Maury, asteroid hunter and Planetary Society Shoemaker Near-Earth Object grant recipient, tells the story of how his MAPS survey in Chile's Atacama Desert spotted a faint, fuzzy object that turned out to be something extraordinary. C/2026 A1 (MAPS) is a sungrazing comet now falling toward the Sun on a path that will bring it within 162,000 kilometers (100,000 miles) of the solar surface on April 4th. If it survives that encounter, it could become one of the most spectacular comets in decades.

And finally, Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts joins us for What's Up, including how to spot the comet yourself, if it makes it through.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-avatar-and-sungrazer

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The astronaut health experiments of Artemis II

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Artemis II is about more than getting four humans to the Moon and back. It's an opportunity to gather data on human health in deep space that we haven’t had in over 50 years.

This week, we’re joined by Steve Platts, chief scientist of NASA's Human Research Program, who walks us through the suite of human health experiments flying aboard Artemis II, from the ARCHER wearable sensors tracking crew health and team dynamics, to dry saliva swabs measuring stress hormones. Then Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, helps us make sense of NASA's Ignition Day, a major press event held on March 24 in which the agency unveiled sweeping changes to its lunar exploration plans and beyond.

And we close with Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, in our weekly What's Up, where we explore one of the stranger phenomena in human spaceflight, the flashes of light astronauts sometimes see when cosmic rays pass through their eyes.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-astronaut-health-experiments-artemis-ii

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Book Club Edition: The Giant Leap: Why Space is the Next Frontier in the Evolution of Life

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Join us for an awe-inspiring conversation with astrobiologist and astronomer Caleb Scharf as he eloquently makes the case for "dispersal," the nearly inevitable advance of life and humanity across our solar neighborhood. From the book: "The idea of Dispersal is one where the sheer scale and scope of life’s future extension into the solar system profoundly changes things: not because of some new (and unlikely) cultural enlightenment from within but because of what the enormous expanse of space will do to dilute and change our species and all others.” Adam Frank says of the book, “If we can make it through the many crises of the next century, then the Solar System and the stars beyond await us. In The Giant Leap, Caleb Scharf demonstrates how becoming a true space-faring species is more than just humanity’s future.”

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/book-club-caleb-scharf

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The 18th European Space Conference: Dreaming of European boots on the Moon

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Humanity is going back to the Moon, and Europe is already playing a critical role in making it happen. This week, Planetary Radio brings you voices straight from the 18th European Space Conference in Brussels, Belgium, where more than 2,000 of the world’s top space leaders gathered to shape the future of European space exploration.

We begin with conference co-organizer Tomas Dimitrov of Logos and Business Bridge Europe, who sets the stage for the conversations ahead. From there, we hear from European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad, and Germany’s Federal Space Minister Dorothee Bär.

We also take you inside the Moonlight Initiative panel, bringing you the full conversation as scientists and engineers from ESA, NASA, and industry lay out their vision for building GPS and communications infrastructure around the Moon, and wrestle with what it will really take to support a permanent human presence there.

Then, Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts joins us for What’s Up to tackle one of the most fascinating and unexpected challenges of lunar exploration: what time is it on the Moon?

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-european-space-conference

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Starman: Looking back on a life exploring the Solar System

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Gentry Lee spent nearly five decades at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and in that time he helped shape some of the most ambitious missions in the history of space exploration. A new documentary, “Starman,” chronicles his career and the big question that runs through it: is there life beyond Earth? Lee worked on every NASA mission to land on Mars, helped Carl Sagan bring the Universe to living rooms around the world with “Cosmos,” and oversaw dozens of active missions as Chief Engineer for the Solar System Exploration Directorate at JPL. Few people have had a front-row seat to the Space Age quite like him.

In this episode, host Sarah Al-Ahmed sits down with Gentry at Planetary Society headquarters just one day after his retirement from JPL. He reflects on the colleagues who shaped him, the missions that changed our understanding of the Solar System, and why the search for life beyond Earth remains the most profound endeavor humanity has ever undertaken.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-starman

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Space Policy Edition: Is there really a space race between the US and China?

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Is the United States really in a new space race with China? Or is that framing missing the bigger picture?

In this Space Policy Edition of Planetary Radio, Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, sits down with Patrick Besha, former NASA strategic advisor on China, to explore the realities behind China’s rapidly advancing space program. They discuss how China’s political system shapes its long-term space strategy, why the rhetoric about a “space race” may be misleading, and how competition between the United States and China in space is likely to unfold over the coming decades.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/spe-us-china-space-race

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Artemis update: NASA reshapes the road back to the Moon

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000

NASA has announced a major restructuring of the Artemis program, reshaping the roadmap for returning humans to the Moon.

At a February 27 press conference, agency leadership addressed the rollback of Artemis II following post–wet–dress–rehearsal testing and unveiled significant changes to upcoming missions, including shifting Artemis III from a planned lunar landing to a low-Earth-orbit rendezvous and integrated systems test. In this episode, you’ll hear remarks from NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Lori Glaze, Moon to Mars program manager and acting associate administrator for NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate. They explain what happened with Artemis II and why NASA is changing course.

Then, host Sarah Al-Ahmed is joined by Jack Kiraly, director of government relations at The Planetary Society, and Ari Koeppel, AAAS science and technology policy fellow, to unpack the political and strategic forces behind this shift and what it means for the future of lunar exploration.

In What’s Up, Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, looks back at Apollo 9, the Earth-orbiting mission that proved the Lunar Module could operate independently before NASA attempted a lunar landing.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-artemis-update

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Did an impact trigger cryovolcanism on Umbriel?

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Could a single ancient impact have briefly transformed one of the Solar System’s darkest moons into a cryovolcanic world?

When Voyager 2 flew past Uranus in 1986, it captured the only close-up images we have of Umbriel, a heavily cratered, charcoal-dark satellite long considered geologically inactive. But one feature stands out: a bright ring inside the 131-kilometer-wide Wunda crater.

In this episode, Sarah Al-Ahmed speaks with Adeene Denton, NASA postdoctoral program fellow at the Southwest Research Institute, about her team’s new study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets. Using shock physics simulations, Denton and her colleagues reconstruct the impact that formed Wunda crater to determine what Umbriel’s interior must have been like at the time. Their modeling explores whether impact-induced cryovolcanism can explain the bright deposits observed on the crater floor.

Then, in What’s Up, Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, joins Sarah to break down one of the key mechanisms that keeps icy moons from freezing solid, tidal heating driven by orbital resonance.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-cryovolcanism-on-umbriel

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Book Club Edition: Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts’ latest for kids

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

They informed and entertained together throughout the first 20 years of Planetary Radio. Listen in as the Society’s chief scientist and book club edition host Mat Kaplan share the mic once again for a delightful conversation about Dr. Betts’ two new space books for young people. “Are We Alone?” introduces the search for life across the Universe, while “The Size of Space” collects many of Bruce’s brilliant and hilarious ways to cut our Solar System down to human size.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/book-club-bruce-betts

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A new chapter at The Planetary Society: Jennifer Vaughn becomes CEO

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

This week on Planetary Radio, we mark a major leadership transition at The Planetary Society. Host Sarah Al-Ahmed sits down with Bill Nye, outgoing chief executive officer and newly appointed chief ambassador of The Planetary Society, and Jennifer Vaughn, incoming chief executive officer and former chief operating officer, for a candid conversation about this long-planned transition. Together, Bill and Jenn reflect on how the organization, under their shared leadership, grew into the world’s largest and most effective nonprofit dedicated to advancing the scientific exploration of space.

Then, Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, joins Sarah for What’s Up. They discuss an upcoming planetary alignment on and around February 28, 2026.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-jennifer-vaughn-ceo

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Where did Earth’s water come from? Clues hidden in Apollo Moon dust

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Where did Earth’s water come from? In this episode of Planetary Radio, we explore how scientists are answering that question by studying a remarkably well-preserved record of the early Solar System: lunar samples brought back by the Apollo missions. Host Sarah Al-Ahmed is joined by Tony Gargano, postdoctoral fellow at the Lunar and Planetary Institute with the University Space Research Association and a research affiliate at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Gargano studies lunar rocks and regolith to understand how planets form, evolve, and acquire key ingredients like water over time. By analyzing subtle chemical fingerprints preserved in Apollo-era lunar regolith, his work helps constrain how much water meteorites could have brought to Earth and what that means for our planet’s path to habitability.

The episode also features a short bonus segment with actor George Takei, recorded at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures during a screening of “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.” Takei reflects on the enduring legacy of “Star Trek,” its influence on generations of scientists and explorers, and why he is excited about humanity’s return to the Moon in the Artemis era. He connects science fiction’s hopeful vision of the future with the real science helping us understand our origins today.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-earth-water-apollo-moon-dust

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Space Policy Edition: What a NASA Authorization bill actually does

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

What does a NASA authorization bill actually do, and why does it matter? In this episode of Space Policy Edition, we dig into one of the most misunderstood but powerful tools Congress uses to shape the future of U.S. space exploration.

Host Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, is joined by Jack Kiraly, the Society’s director of government relations, for a deep dive into how NASA authorization bills work, how they differ from appropriations, and why they can have decades-long consequences for science missions, human spaceflight, and planetary defense. The discussion also reflects on a major recent win for space advocates: Congress’s bipartisan decision to protect NASA science funding.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/spe-what-is-a-nasa-authorization-bill

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Europa’s quiet seafloor

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

What if Europa’s seafloor isn’t alive with activity after all?

This week on Planetary Radio, host and producer Sarah Al-Ahmed explores new research that reframes how scientists think about one of the Solar System’s most intriguing ocean worlds.

Sarah is joined by Paul Byrne, associate professor of earth, environmental, and planetary sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. Paul is the lead author of a new study suggesting that the seafloor beneath Europa’s global ocean may be geologically quiet today, potentially lacking the hydrothermal activity often associated with habitable environments on Earth. Together, they discuss how scientists investigate places we can’t yet observe directly and why Europa remains a compelling world to explore regardless of what we find.

Then, Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, joins us for What’s Up to explain why Saturn’s moon Enceladus shows strong evidence for active hydrothermal vents beneath its icy crust, offering a fascinating contrast between two ocean worlds.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-europas-quiet-seafloor

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Artemis II and III: The science that brings us back to the Moon

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Humans are preparing to return to the Moon. On this episode of Planetary Radio, host Sarah Al-Ahmed is joined by Kelsey Young and Noah Petro, two of the scientists helping turn humanity’s return to the Moon into reality.

Kelsey Young is a research space scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and serves as the Artemis Science Flight Operations Lead. She also leads the Lunar Observations and Imaging Campaign for Artemis II, defining what astronauts will observe, document, and study as they fly around the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years.

Noah Petro is the lab chief of the Planetary Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Laboratory at NASA Goddard and the former Project Scientist for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. He also serves as the Project Scientist for Artemis III, helping shape the science behind humanity’s first lunar footsteps of the 21st century.

Together, they discuss how Artemis II and Artemis III build on decades of lunar science, how astronauts are being trained to observe the Moon like geologists, and why the Moon’s south pole is such a compelling destination for future exploration.

Then, we wrap up with What’s Up, where Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, shares the story of the first and so far only professional geologist to walk on the Moon.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-artemis-ii-and-iii

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NASA science saved: Inside the 2026 budget victory

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

After months of uncertainty, NASA science has been spared from the largest proposed budget cuts in the agency’s history. In this episode of Planetary Radio, host Sarah Al-Ahmed unpacks how Congress moved to restore near-full funding for NASA science and what that victory really means for missions, researchers, and the future of space exploration.

Sarah is joined by Jack Kiraly, director of government relations at The Planetary Society, and Ari Koeppel, an AAAS science & technology policy fellow at The Planetary Society, to break down what passed in the FY 2026 budget, why the details matter, and how bipartisan support helped protect science programs across planetary science, astrophysics, Earth science, and heliophysics.

The conversation also takes an honest look at the costs of the past year, from lost jobs and disrupted missions to shaken morale, and why rebuilding NASA’s scientific workforce will take time, even after this hard-won win. We also look ahead to what comes next as the FY 2027 budget process begins, and why sustained public engagement remains essential to protecting space science.

Plus, Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, joins us for What’s Up, where we discuss the recent early return of astronauts from the International Space Station, what’s known about the situation, and what it means for station operations.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-nasa-science-saved

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Book Club Edition: The Little Book of Aliens by Adam Frank

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Famed astrophysicist and science communicator Adam Frank shares his sense of wonder and humor in a live conversation about his excellent new book, “The Little Book of Aliens.” Join Adam and host Mat Kaplan as they explore the origin of life, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, and whether all those UFO sightings are worthy of deeper investigation.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/book-club-adam-frank

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IMAP and the shape of the heliosphere

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Our Solar System is wrapped in a vast, invisible bubble created by the Sun, a protective region that shields Earth and the planets from much of the radiation that fills our galaxy. But until recently, scientists have only had rough sketches of what this boundary looks like and how it behaves.

In this episode of Planetary Radio, host Sarah Al-Ahmed is joined by David McComas, professor of astrophysical sciences at Princeton University and principal investigator of NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) and Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) missions, along with Matina Gkioulidou, a heliophysicist at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, former IMAP-Ultra instrument lead, and current IMAP project scientist and co-investigator.

Now stationed at the Sun–Earth L1 Lagrange point, IMAP uses 10 instruments to study the heliosphere — the region where the solar wind collides with material from interstellar space. The mission does this by tracking energetic neutral atoms, particles that travel in straight lines from distant regions of the heliosphere, allowing scientists to map areas of space that spacecraft can’t directly sample.

McComas and Gkioulidou explain how IMAP builds on the legacy of Interstellar Boundary Explorer, what makes this mission different, and why understanding the Sun’s influence across space matters not just for fundamental science, but for space-weather forecasting and protecting technology and astronauts closer to home.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-imap

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Voyager and the heliopause: Exploring where the Sun gives way to the stars

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

What does it really mean to enter interstellar space, and what have we learned since humanity first crossed the invisible boundary between our Sun and the stars?

In this episode of Planetary Radio, we explore the science of the heliosphere and the realm beyond with Linda Spilker, project scientist for the Voyager mission at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Drawing on decades of experience with the twin spacecraft, Spilker shares how Voyager reshaped our view of the Solar System’s outer frontier, from the nature of the heliopause to the unexpectedly rich structure of the local interstellar medium.

We unpack what Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 have taught us about charged particles, magnetic fields, and cosmic rays beyond the Sun’s protective bubble, and why those measurements have upended earlier ideas about where the Solar System truly ends. Spilker also reflects on the mission’s extraordinary longevity, the ingenuity required to keep the spacecraft communicating across the vastness of space, and what Voyager’s legacy means for future journeys between the stars.

Then, in What’s Up, Bruce Betts, chief scientist at The Planetary Society, places Voyager in context, showing how long-lived missions shape the bigger picture of space science and why observing longer can lead to some of our most profound discoveries.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-voyagers-and-the-heliopause

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Space Policy Edition: Change for the Sake of Disruption at NASA

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Marcia Smith, the founder and editor of Space Policy Online, joins the show and revisits a conversation we had one year ago, recorded just weeks before the second Trump administration took office. That episode, “The Challenges of Change at NASA,” explored the institutional and political roadblocks to radical change at the U.S. space agency.

A lot has happened since that show, including DOGE, mass staff departures, a draconian budget cut proposal, a dramatic shift toward sending humans to Mars, and the rapid departure of 20% of NASA's workforce.

But at the end of the year, much remains the same. The SLS and Orion programs continue unchanged, with funding locked in through 2032. The humans-to-Mars policy has effectively vanished; returning U.S. astronauts to the Moon, to stay, is again centered within civil space policy. NASA's science missions, though still facing a serious budgetary threat, have not gone away.

So, did we see real change at NASA? And to what end? Or was it merely disruption masquerading as change?

Marcia Smith and host Casey Dreier revisit their original analysis and discuss what they got wrong, what they got right, and what surprised them about 2025 in civil space policy.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/spe-2025-a-year-of-disruption-and-change-at-nasa

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Looking back: Space exploration in 2025

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

As 2025 comes to a close, Planetary Radio looks back on a year that reshaped space exploration, through stunning discoveries, major milestones, unexpected challenges, and the people who carried science forward through it all.

In this episode, Sarah Al-Ahmed, host and producer of Planetary Radio, is joined first by Kate Howells, public education specialist at The Planetary Society, to share results from The Planetary Society’s Best of 2025 campaign and the newly released 2025 Year in Pictures edition of The Planetary Report. They discuss the images, missions, and accomplishments voted on by the global space community, and how space imagery continues to inspire curiosity, connection, and hope.

Then, Sarah sits down with Mat Kaplan, senior communications advisor, Asa Stahl, science editor, and Ambre Trujillo, digital community manager at The Planetary Society, for a wide-ranging conversation about the defining space exploration stories of 2025.

The episode closes with Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, in What’s Up, where he looks ahead to what’s coming in 2026.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-looking-back-space-exploration

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Looking back: Space policy and advocacy in 2025

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

2025 was one of the most consequential years for space policy in modern U.S. history.

In this special year-in-review episode, Planetary Radio takes a deep dive into what happened behind the scenes in U.S. space policy and advocacy as NASA faced unprecedented proposed cuts to its science programs. With nearly half of NASA’s science budget at risk, dozens of missions threatened, and months of leadership uncertainty at the agency, this year became a defining moment for the future of space science.

Sarah Al-Ahmed is joined by Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, Jack Kiraly, director of government relations, and Ari Koeppel, an AAAS science & technology policy fellow, to unpack how this crisis unfolded and how scientists, space advocates, and lawmakers responded. Together, they explore how public advocacy helped shift the conversation in Congress.

Plus, in What’s Up, Chief Scientist Bruce Betts explains why stability matters so much for space science and what’s at stake when long-term missions are disrupted.

This is the first of two special year-end episodes. Next week, Planetary Radio will look back at what humanity accomplished in space exploration in 2025, from new missions and discoveries to milestones across our Solar System and beyond.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-looking-back-space-policy-and-advocacy

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Book Club Edition: MOONS: The Mysteries and Marvels of our Solar System by Kate Howells

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

It was such a delight to feature work by our own Kate Howells in The Planetary Society’s member book club. We keep Kate busy as our public education specialist, but she found time to write about many of her favorite natural satellites in this richly illustrated edition. Join her and book club host Mat Kaplan for a journey taking us from our own Moon, past Europa, Titan, and many more, and out across a galaxy that is no doubt full of worlds circling other worlds.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/book-club-kate-howells

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Galileo at 30: How a mission transformed our understanding of Jupiter

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Thirty years ago, NASA’s Galileo spacecraft became the first mission to orbit Jupiter, opening a new chapter in our exploration of the outer Solar System. Over eight years around Jupiter, Galileo transformed how we understand Jupiter and its moons, revealing a powerful and dynamic planetary system, uncovering evidence for oceans hidden beneath icy worlds, and reshaping the search for life beyond Earth.

To mark the 30th anniversary of Galileo’s orbital insertion, scientists, engineers, historians, and advocates gathered at the California Institute of Technology for a special symposium: Galileo at 30. In this episode of Planetary Radio, host Sarah Al-Ahmed takes you inside that celebration. You’ll hear how Galileo survived seemingly impossible challenges, how its team adapted when things went wrong, and how its discoveries reshaped planetary science.

You’ll hear from key voices in Galileo’s story, including historian Erik Conway, project manager Bill O’Neil, magnetometer principal investigator Margaret Kivelson, Europa Clipper Project Scientist Bob Pappalardo, and Dragonfly mission Principal Investigator Elizabeth “Zibi” Turtle, along with reflections from many others whose lives and careers were shaped by this remarkable mission.

Together, they tell the story of Galileo not just as a spacecraft, but as a shared human effort, one whose legacy continues to guide exploration today.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-galileo-at-30

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Space Policy Edition: The Moral Case for Space Science

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Why do we explore space, and why does science matter in the first place?

In this Space Policy Edition rerun, Planetary Society Chief of Space Policy Casey Dreier revisits a deeply influential 2020 conversation with philosopher and ethicist J. S. Johnson-Schwartz, author of The Value of Science and Space Exploration. As debates over NASA’s budget and the future of space science continue to resurface, this conversation remains strikingly relevant.

Dr. Johnson Schwartz makes a compelling philosophical case that science itself is not merely useful or beneficial, but a moral obligation. Beyond economic returns, technological spinoffs, or national prestige, the pursuit of knowledge has intrinsic value, and public space agencies play a critical role in representing that shared human interest.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/the-moral-case-for-space

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Inside the 2025 Mars Society Convention

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

The 2025 International Mars Society Convention convened at the University of Southern California this October for three days of passionate discussion about humanity’s future on the red planet. Speakers explored science, policy, technology, AI, synthetic biology, and the long-term path toward becoming a multi-planet species.

In this episode, Mat Kaplan, senior communications adviser at The Planetary Society, shares his conversations with speakers and guests at the Convention. We hear from Robert Zubrin, founder of The Mars Society, who delivered a fiery call to protect NASA’s science programs in the face of unprecedented budget cuts. Humphrey “Hoppy” Price, Chief Engineer for NASA’s Robotic Mars Exploration Program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, updates us on the future of Mars Sample Return and new mission architectures. Keynote speaker Dex Hunter-Torricke, a longtime communications leader for SpaceX, Meta, and other major tech organizations, reflects on AI’s promise and peril, and why Mars remains a beacon of hope for humanity’s future.

Biologist and technologist Tiffany Vora, vice president for innovation partnerships at Explore Mars, and Erika DeBenedictis, biologist and founder of Pioneer Labs, reveal breakthroughs in synthetic biology and engineered microbes that could help future Martians survive. Steve Benner, chemist and founder of the Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution (FfAME), revisits the Viking lander experiments and makes a provocative case that we may have found Martian life nearly 50 years ago.

Architect Melodie Yashar, CEO of AENARA and a pioneer in 3D-printed habitat research, shares progress in additive construction on Earth and Mars. James Burk, executive director of The Mars Society, discusses advocacy, analog research stations, and the organization’s expanding international footprint.

Finally, we meet Sasha, a 13-year-old presenter whose enthusiasm offers a bright glimpse of the next generation of explorers.

We wrap up the show with What’s Up with Bruce Betts, chief scientist at The Planetary Society, with a discussion of perchlorates in the Martian soil.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-mars-society-convention

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ESCAPADE begins its journey to Mars

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

NASA’s twin ESCAPADE spacecraft have finally launched on their journey to Mars. Designed to study how the solar wind interacts with Mars’ patchy magnetic fields and drives the loss of its atmosphere, ESCAPADE is NASA’s first dual-spacecraft mission to the Red Planet and a major milestone for the SIMPLEx program’s small, low-cost planetary explorers. The mission began its voyage aboard Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket after several weather and space weather delays, marking the vehicle’s first science launch.

We begin with Ari Koeppel, AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow and Space Policy Intern at The Planetary Society, who was at Cape Canaveral for the prelaunch activities. Ari shares what it was like to navigate repeated scrubs and even a powerful solar storm, along with the emotional experience of watching a spacecraft carrying an instrument he helped build begin its voyage to Mars.

Next, we are joined by Dr. Rob Lillis, ESCAPADE’s Principal Investigator and Associate Director for Planetary Science at UC Berkeley’s Space Sciences Laboratory. Rob explains how ESCAPADE aims to unravel Mars’ complex space environment using two coordinated orbiters, why its measurements are key to understanding atmospheric escape, and how its innovative trajectory made the mission possible after the loss of its original rideshare opportunity.

Finally, Dr. Bruce Betts, Chief Scientist of The Planetary Society, returns for What’s Up to talk about why Mars produces aurora even without a global magnetic dynamo.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-escapade

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Smart Girl Dumb Questions: Casey Dreier answers why space is worth it

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0000

This week on Planetary Radio, we’re sharing a special conversation from our friends at the Smart Girl Dumb Questions podcast. Host Nayeema Raza sits down with The Planetary Society’s Chief of Space Policy, Casey Dreier, to explore one of the most common questions in space exploration: Why does space matter, and is it really worth the cost?

Casey breaks down how space exploration impacts daily life, from GPS and weather forecasting to cutting-edge technologies and scientific discoveries that could reshape our future. Together, Nayeema and Casey unpack the big ideas behind NASA’s ~$25 billion budget at a moment when U.S. national priorities are shifting.

Stick around after the interview for a special U.S. Thanksgiving-week edition of What’s Up with Chief Scientist Bruce Betts.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-smart-girl-dumb-questions

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Book Club Edition: The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze that Captured Turn-of-the-Century America by David Baron

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0000

There was a time when almost everyone, from Alexander Graham Bell to the Wall Street Journal, believed there was a supremely intelligent civilization on Mars, one that was probably trying to talk to Earthlings. Most of this belief could be traced to an amateur astronomer and charismatic speaker named Percival Lowell. David Baron tells this story in “The Martians: The True Story of an Alien Craze that Captured Turn-of-the-Century America,” the product of seven years of research into this strange chapter of history. He shares many of the most surprising, fascinating, and very entertaining details, including much that had been lost to history, in this book club conversation with Mat Kaplan.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/book-club-david-baron

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Epic Spaceman: Making cosmic scale human

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0000

When his filmmaking career stalled during the pandemic, Toby Lockerbie turned to the one place that had never stopped inspiring him: the Universe. With no background in visual effects, he taught himself the tools needed to transform complex space science into cinematic stories using everyday objects and beautifully crafted visuals to make the Cosmos feel human. His channel, Epic Spaceman, now reaches millions and has earned multiple Webby Awards for its innovative approach to visualizing scale, awe, and accessible science.

This week on Planetary Radio, Toby joins host Sarah Al-Ahmed to discuss the creation of Epic Spaceman, how visual metaphors can change how we understand the Universe, and why awe remains one of the most powerful tools for science communication.

Then we welcome Bruce Betts back for What’s Up, where we reflect on the end of the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Akatsuki mission to Venus.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-epic-spaceman

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The Planetary Society goes to TwitchCon 2025

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0000

The Planetary Society heads to TwitchCon 2025 to explore how scientists and educators use livestreaming to share the excitement of discovery. We begin with Moohoodles, one of Twitch’s pioneering space science streamers and co-host of the live panel “The Planetary Society: Space, Time, and You.” She explains how she built a thriving community around astrobiology and space exploration long before Twitch even had a Science & Technology category.

Then we share moments from the panel, featuring a special video message from Bill Nye, CEO of The Planetary Society, and highlights of how livestreaming helps inspire new audiences to look up. At the Science & Technology Meet and Greet, Sharkg33k and Paleontologizing explain how their streams connect life on Earth to exploration beyond our planet.

Later, Jack Kiraly, The Planetary Society’s Director of Government Relations, joins the show for a Space Policy Update on Jared Isaacman’s renomination as NASA Administrator, examining what it could mean for the agency’s leadership and direction.

The episode wraps up with What’s Up with Bruce Betts, The Planetary Society’s chief scientist, celebrating the third anniversary of the end of the LightSail 2 mission and sharing a new random space fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-twitchcon

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Space Policy Edition: Should a (potential) biosignature revive Mars Sample Return?

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0000

In 1996, a controversial claim of fossilized life in a Martian meteorite ignited a golden age of Mars exploration. Nearly 30 years later, a potential biosignature detected by the Perseverance rover at Jezero Crater has sparked…nothing, not even a formal effort to revive the beleaguered robotic Mars Sample Return project. Why did the claims surrounding the Allan Hills meteorite (which were ultimately rejected) kick off 25 years of unprecedented robotic exploration of the Red Planet? And why did the discovery at Cheyava Falls fail to ignite the same level of interest? Lou Friedman, former Executive Director of The Planetary Society and longtime proponent of Mars Sample Return, joins the show to contrast these to tipping points of Mars exploration, and argues why space scientists should seize this discovery to push for a scientific future at the Red Planet.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/spe-lou-friedman-on-msr-and-tipping-point-events

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Do Aliens Speak Physics?

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0000

If we ever meet intelligent extraterrestrials, will we even be able to talk about physics? Physicist Daniel Whiteson of UC Irvine and cartoonist Andy Warner join Sarah Al-Ahmed to explore one of science’s strangest and most profound questions: if alien civilizations exist, would their understanding of the Universe look anything like ours?

Their new book, “Do Aliens Speak Physics?”, discusses the nature of knowledge itself, asking whether math and physics are truly universal, or if even our most “objective” truths are shaped by our human perspective. Together, they consider what it would take to communicate with alien intelligence and how humor and illustration can make those big cosmic ideas feel surprisingly down-to-Earth.

Then, stick around for What’s Up with Bruce Betts, as we discuss how difficult it is to explain physics to humans, let alone extraterrestrial life.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-do-aliens-speak-physics

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Ripples on the Cosmic Ocean

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

What happens in space doesn’t stay in space. Historian Dagomar Degroot joins Planetary Radio host Sarah Al-Ahmed to explore how shifting solar cycles, volcanic eruptions on Venus, Martian dust storms, and even mistaken sightings of lunar forests have influenced life, science, and society on Earth. His new book, “Ripples on the Cosmic Ocean: An Environmental History of Our Place in the Solar System,” reframes the Solar System as part of our cosmic environment, one that has shaped humanity’s past and will define our future.

Then, Planetary Society Director of Government Relations Jack Kiraly updates us on the latest developments in space policy, including the ongoing search for NASA’s next administrator and proposed changes to the Artemis program’s launch vehicles. And stick around for Bruce Betts, The Planetary Society’s chief scientist, in What’s Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-ripples-on-the-cosmic-ocean

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2025 NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium: Part 2 — Hopping robots and the search for exoplanet magnetospheres

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

In this second installment of Planetary Radio’s coverage from the 2025 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, host Sarah Al-Ahmed highlights more of the technologies presented by the NIAC fellows.

Mary Knapp of MIT Haystack Observatory shares her team’s Great Observatory for Long Wavelengths project, a space-based radio array designed to detect magnetic fields around distant exoplanets. Michael Hecht, also from MIT Haystack Observatory and principal investigator for the MOXIE experiment on NASA’s Perseverance rover, discusses Exploring Venus with Electrolysis, a concept that could turn Venus’s dense atmosphere into fuel for long-duration flight and exploration. Benjamin Hockman from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory introduces two projects: Gravity Poppers, tiny hopping probes that could map the interiors of asteroids and comets, and his team’s concept for a Venus balloon observatory. Finally, Justin Yim from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign presents LEAP, a legged robot designed to hop through the icy plumes of Saturn’s moon Enceladus in search of clues to its hidden ocean.

Then stay tuned for What’s Up with Dr. Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-niac-symposium-part-2

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Book Club Edition: Space Craze by Margaret Weitekamp

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

The American fascination with spaceflight and what we might find out there began long before any human left Earth. It’s Dr. Margaret Weitekamp’s job to collect, document, and preserve the cultural artifacts that display our deep attraction to all things spacey. Her book, Space Craze, explores how these objects, ranging from 1930s Flash Gordon ray guns to Mercury space capsule cookie jars, have represented our Earthbound fears and hopes. She joined the Society’s space-crazed Mat Kaplan for a live and lively conversation.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/book-club-margaret-weitekamp

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2025 NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium: Part 1 — Lunar glass and starshades

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Each year, NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts program (NIAC) funds visionary ideas that could shape the future of space exploration. In this first of two episodes from the 2025 NIAC Symposium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, Planetary Radio host Sarah Al-Ahmed introduces some of the concepts presented at this year’s event.

You’ll hear from Martin Bermudez and Josh Simpson from Skyeports LLC. Bermudez is the company’s CEO and principal investigator for the LUNGS Project, and Simpson is a glass artist and co-investigator. Together, their team is exploring how to build glass-blown lunar habitats from melted Moon dust. You’ll also meet Christine Gregg, research engineer at NASA’s Ames Research Center, who’s developing architected metamaterials to stabilize giant space structures. And finally, John Mather, Nobel laureate and senior astrophysicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, shares his team’s work on an inflatable starshade that could help us see Earth-like worlds around distant stars.

Then stick around for What’s Up with Dr. Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-niac-symposium-part-1

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A Day of Action to save NASA science

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

On October 6, 2025, hundreds of space advocates from across the United States joined The Planetary Society and 20 partner organizations on Capitol Hill to deliver one clear message: protect NASA’s science budget.

We begin with Ari Koeppel, AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow and Space Policy Intern at The Planetary Society, who shares why this moment matters for scientists facing uncertainty about their future. Then Britney Schmidt, planetary scientist at Cornell University and member of The Planetary Society’s Board of Directors, calls in from Washington, D.C., to share what it’s like on the ground as hundreds of advocates come together to defend the future of space science.

Next, we take you to the press conference on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, featuring Bill Nye, CEO of The Planetary Society, Representative Glenn Ivey of Maryland’s 4th District, Marcel Agüeros, president-elect of the American Astronomical Society, and Brandon Jones, President of the American Geophysical Union. Together, they urge Congress to restore NASA’s science funding and maintain the United States' leadership in discovery.

We close with Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, reflecting on the power of grassroots advocacy and what comes next for the Save NASA Science campaign.

Finally, in What’s Up, Bruce Betts, The Planetary Society’s chief scientist, joins host Sarah Al-Ahmed to look ahead, exploring the great mysteries we could solve in the coming years if we continue to invest in space science.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-day-of-action-for-nasa-science

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Space Policy Edition: China’s growing space science ambitions

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

If the United States is indeed in a space race with China, then we cannot abandon space science. That’s the claim made by Maxwell Zhu and The Planetary Society’s chief of space policy, Casey Dreier, in a recent op-ed in Payload Space. Their piece contrasted the growing ambitions of China’s coming space science program against the draconian cuts proposed by the White House in 2026. The results are stark: where China is pursuing new missions, the United States is abandoning them. Casey and Maxwell explore why this is the case, whether China sees this investment as part of a competition at all, and the structural challenges of integrating space science into a geopolitical context.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/maxwell-zhu-on-chinas-space-science-ambitions

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Perseverance finds potential biosignatures in Jezero Crater

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

NASA’s Perseverance rover has made one of its most intriguing discoveries yet in Jezero Crater. A rock sample called Sapphire Canyon, drilled from the Bright Angel formation, contains unusual chemical and mineral patterns that may be potential biosignatures.

We begin with remarks from Morgan Cable, research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and co–deputy principal investigator of the PIXL instrument on Perseverance, in a video released alongside NASA’s September 10, 2025 announcement. Then, host Sarah Al-Ahmed speaks with Joel Hurowitz, associate professor of geosciences at Stony Brook University and deputy principal investigator of the PIXL instrument on Perseverance, who is also the lead author of the new Nature paper detailing the findings. Hurowitz explains how textures nicknamed "poppy seeds" and "leopard spots" connect organic carbon with minerals like vivianite and greigite, and why these could represent some of the most compelling evidence yet for ancient microbial life on Mars.

Finally, in this week’s What’s Up, Bruce Betts, The Planetary Society’s chief scientist, joins Sarah to explore earlier moments in the history of Mars exploration when tantalizing hints of life sparked scientific and public excitement.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-perseverence-biosignatures

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Bill Nye: A star in Hollywood, a voice for NASA

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Bill Nye, CEO of The Planetary Society, has officially joined the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In this episode, we speak with Bill about what this rare honor means to him and to science communication. Then, we take you inside the star ceremony in Los Angeles, where friends and fans, including Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, paid tribute to his legacy. From there, we shift to Washington, D.C., where NASA faces the threat of deep budget cuts. Planetary Society Chief of Space Policy Casey Dreier and Director of Government Relations Jack Kiraly share the latest updates as we prepare for the upcoming Day of Action. We close with Bruce Betts and What’s Up, reflecting on the unexpected adventures that come with working in space science.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-bill-nye-star

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Book Club Edition: Cosmos Award–winning author Dava Sobel

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Only six people have received The Planetary Society’s Cosmos Award for Outstanding Public Presentation of Science. We were honored to present it to author and historian Dava Sobel in May of 2025. She has created a brilliant library of books that illuminate the lives and work of great scientists, many of whom have been under-appreciated. Each of Dava’s works is also overflowing with the wonder of science and discovery. It’s no wonder we decided to feature Dava and her books in the Society book club. That month-long celebration was capped by a live, online interview conducted by Dava’s friend and fan Mat Kaplan. Here’s that conversation.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/book-club-dava-sobel

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A cosmic travel guide: 111 Places in Space That You Must Not Miss

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Pack your cosmic suitcase. This week on Planetary Radio, host Sarah Al-Ahmed is joined by Mark McCaughrean, astronomer, science communicator, and former Senior Advisor for Science & Exploration at the European Space Agency, to talk about his new book, “111 Places in Space That You Must Not Miss.” Part of the popular “111 Places” travel series, the book transforms the guidebook format into a tour across the Solar System and beyond, from Apollo landing sites on the Moon to Europa’s hidden oceans, and even the afterglow of the Big Bang.

Mark shares highlights from the book, stories from his career on missions like Hubble, Rosetta, and the James Webb Space Telescope, and reflections on how science and imagination come together to inspire exploration.

And in this week’s What’s Up, Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts joins Sarah to talk about his brand-new children’s books, “The Size of Space” and “Are We Alone?,” part of our growing series with Lerner Publishing Group.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-111-places-in-space

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International Observe the Moon Night 2025

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000

This week on Planetary Radio, we look forward to International Observe the Moon Night on October 4, 2025. Host Sarah Al-Ahmed speaks with Staci Horvath, outreach coordinator for NASA’s Solar System Exploration Division at Goddard Space Flight Center and director of International Observe the Moon Night, and Theresa Summer, astronomy educator at the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, about the history of the event, how it connects people around the world, and the many ways you can participate.

We also hear from Kate Howells, public education specialist at The Planetary Society, about her new book, “Moons: The Mysteries and Marvels of Our Solar System,” which combines striking space images and original illustrations to showcase the surprising diversity of moons in our Solar System.

And Chief Scientist Bruce Betts joins Sarah for What’s Up with tips for observing the Moon and other wonders in the night sky.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-international-observe-the-moon-night

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Space Policy Edition: Does the rise of Elon mean the decline of NASA?

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000

NASA, the crown jewel of 20th-century technocratic liberalism, was the first to land humans on the Moon but now depends on SpaceX for its access to space. Atlantic writer Franklin Foer believes this reflects a diminishment of national capability and that NASA was inadvertently responsible for its own decline. He traces this transformation from a collective pursuit of higher values to a more individualistic — and idiosyncratic — motivation based on utility and extraction, and ties it to a larger trend in American politics over the past 50 years. Along the way, Frank and host Casey Dreier discuss if Elon Musk is the antithesis of Carl Sagan, the tensions between individualism and collectivism in American politics, and the role of the romantic ideal in the symbolism of space exploration.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/franklin-foer-on-nasas-decline

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Uranus revealed: Solving the ice giant’s heat mystery

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000

For decades, Uranus has puzzled scientists. Unlike the other giant planets, Voyager 2’s 1986 flyby suggested the ice giant emitted no excess heat. Now, thanks to new analyses of Voyager data, decades of ground-based and space-based observations, and refined models, scientists have confirmed that Uranus does radiate more heat than it receives from the Sun.

Host Sarah Al-Ahmed speaks with atmospheric scientist Michael Roman (Assistant Professor at the Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez in Chile) about his team’s new study showing Uranus emits around 12.5% more energy than it absorbs. Together, they explore what this means for our understanding of Uranus’s atmosphere, its bizarre seasonal cycles, the planet’s violent past, and why these findings strengthen the case for a future flagship mission to the Solar System’s overlooked ice giants.

Stick around for What’s Up with Bruce Betts, Planetary Society chief scientist, for a look at Uranus’ newly discovered moon and a new random space fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-uranus-energy-balance

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Esports and space: BASILISK’s quest for “Science Victory”

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000

BASILISK, the first esports organization dedicated to promoting science, has teamed up with The Planetary Society and Caltech’s Institute for Quantum Information and Matter to bring the banner of “Science Victory” to gamers around the world. Their roster includes world champions in StarCraft II, chess, Magic: The Gathering, and fighting games, all united by a shared mission to inspire the next generation of scientists. Joining us to talk about this unique collaboration is Kyle Hill, award-winning science communicator and BASILISK’s head of science education and outreach. Kyle shares how his career in science communication led him from YouTube into the world of professional gaming, where science and play are coming together in powerful new ways. Then, stick around for What’s Up with Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, as we share our favorite space-themed video games and a new random space fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-basilisk

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Silicate clouds and a dusty ring: JWST looks at YSES-1

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000

In 2020, the YSES-1 system became the first directly imaged multiplanetary system around a Sun-like star. It features two giant exoplanets orbiting a star just 16 million years old. Now, the James Webb Space Telescope is revealing new insights into these distant worlds. Host Sarah Al-Ahmed speaks with Kielan Hoch, Giacconi Fellow at the Space Telescope Science Institute and principal investigator of the JWST program that captured these observations, and Emily Rickman, ESA science operations scientist at STScI and member of the JWST Telescope Scientist Team for coronagraphy. They explore what makes this system so unusual, including a dusty circumplanetary disk around YSES-1b and high-altitude silicate clouds in the atmosphere of YSES-1c.

Later in the show, Bruce Betts joins for What’s Up to talk about how future telescopes like the Habitable Worlds Observatory could help us image smaller, colder, and older planets.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-yses-1

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Book Club Edition: Exploring the Overview Effect with Frank White

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Author Frank White has interviewed well over 100 astronauts. Almost all of them report the sense of awe they experienced as they looked down or back at Earth, and how deeply this has affected their understanding and appreciation of our planet and the Cosmos. It’s what author Frank White calls The Overview Effect. Frank joined Planetary Society Senior Communications Adviser Mat Kaplan for a deep conversation about the ideas he shares in his book of the same name, now in its fourth edition. Here’s a great introduction to the Universe-spanning yet very personal ideas Frank has shared.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/book-club-frank-white

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A “Star Trek” future: Your place in space

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000

What do “Star Trek,” space advocacy, and the fight to save NASA science have in common? In this episode of Planetary Radio, we share a special panel recorded live at STLV: Trek to Vegas 2025, featuring Robert Picardo, actor and Planetary Society board member who played the Emergency Medical Hologram on ”Star Trek: Voyager,” and Tim Russ, actor, telescope enthusiast, and Voyager’s Lt. Tuvok. They’re joined by Andrew Pauly, director of marketing at The Planetary Society, and Ambre Trujillo, the Society’s digital community manager, for a conversation about how science fiction inspires real-world space exploration — and how fans can take action to protect it.

Later in the episode, Jack Kiraly, director of government relations at The Planetary Society, discusses the recent wave of NASA employee departures and what it could mean for the future of space science. Then, in What’s Up, our Chief Scientist Bruce Betts reflects on the end of NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer mission.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-a-star-trek-future

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3I/ATLAS: The third interstellar object ever found

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Just three interstellar objects have ever been detected in our Solar System, each arriving from the depths of interstellar space. In this episode, we explore the latest: 3I/ATLAS, a newly discovered interstellar comet first spotted on July 1, 2025.

Bryce Bolin, research scientist at Eureka Scientific, joins host Sarah Al-Ahmed to share what makes this object special. As one of the few astronomers who has studied all three known interstellar objects—1I/ʻOumuamua, 2I/Borisov, and now 3I/ATLAS—he offers unique insight into how these rare visitors expand our understanding of planetary systems beyond our own.

We also check in with Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, for a look at the upcoming ESA and JAXA’s Comet Interceptor mission, which may one day chase down a future interstellar comet.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-3i-atlas

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Space Policy Edition: Is this the moment for in-space nuclear power?

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000

The 2020s will be a decisive decade for in-space nuclear power. So argues Dr. Bhavya Lal, whose new report reframes the conversation around a simple idea: power, not propulsion, is nuclear's most immediate and disruptive capability. Power is what enables humans to stay and build on distant locales; without an abundance of it, she warns, we will never be more than visitors. But in an era of super heavy-lift capability, does this vision still require a nuclear solution, or can we simply brute-force our future in space with cheaper alternatives? Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/bhavya-lal-space-nuclear-power

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The science of sleep in space

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000

How do astronauts get quality sleep in space? Erin Flynn-Evans, director of the Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory at NASA Ames Research Center, joins Planetary Radio to explore how her team studies sleep, fatigue, and circadian rhythms to keep astronauts healthy and mission-ready. She shares how her team translates sleep science into actionable strategies for NASA crews, and how a chance job as a sleep technician led her on a path to spaceflight research.

Later in the show, Casey Dreier, The Planetary Society’s chief of space policy, and Jack Kiraly, our director of government relations, provide a quick update on NASA’s budget and what it means for the agency’s future. Then, Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, joins us for What’s Up to explore how and why our robotic spacecraft sometimes need to power down and rest.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-sleep-in-space

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New Horizons: Celebrating a decade since the Pluto flyby

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000

On July 14, 2015, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft made its historic flyby of Pluto, transforming our understanding of this distant world. Ten years later, we’re celebrating that iconic moment and the mission that made it possible.

We begin with Alan Stern, principal investigator of the New Horizons mission, who reflects on the mission’s origins, its most surprising discoveries, and what comes next as New Horizons continues its journey through the Kuiper Belt.

Then we check in with Adeene Denton, NASA postdoctoral program fellow at the Southwest Research Institute, who just returned from the “Progress in Understanding the Pluto System: 10 Years After Flyby” conference held at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Adeene shares highlights from the event, which brought together scientists to explore new results from New Horizons, JWST, Hubble, and ground-based observatories on Pluto, Charon, and the broader Kuiper Belt.

Finally, Planetary Society Director of Government Relations Jack Kiraly joins us with a major update on the ongoing fight to protect NASA science from devastating budget cuts.

And don’t miss What’s Up with our Chief Scientist, Bruce Betts. We’re talking Arrokoth, the most distant Kuiper Belt object New Horizons visited after Pluto.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-new-horizons-pluto-flyby-10th-anniversary

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Book Club Edition: Andy Weir and Project Hail Mary

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:55:00 +0000

Author Andy Weir was as shocked as anyone when The Martian became a top bestseller novel in the US. He repeated that achievement with his equally mind-blowing science fiction masterpiece Project Hail Mary. Former Planetary Radio host Mat Kaplan welcomed Andy in April of 2023 for the first livestreamed author conversation in The Planetary Society's member book club. Now, with the film version of Project Hail Mary approaching, we’re proud to begin making these insider interviews available to Planetary Radio listeners. We’ll post them on the third Friday of each month. Join us as we talk with Andy about his obsession with getting the science right while his reluctant and unlikely hero attempts to save humanity from a deep space scourge.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/book-club-andy-weir

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Mat Kaplan’s first flight in zero-G

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000

What happens when scientists, students, space communicators, and refugee engineers float together in zero gravity? Former Planetary Radio host Mat Kaplan joins a remarkable group of flyers aboard a Zero-G flight organized by Space for Humanity. You’ll hear from participants and mentors including Emily Calandrelli, Sian Proctor, and Roxy Williams, as well as Space for Humanity Executive Director Antonio Peronace and Zero-G CEO Kevin Sproge. Together, they share how a few moments of weightlessness offered a powerful shift in perspective. We explore the mission to make space more inclusive, the awe of the “overview effect,” and what it means to carry that inspiration back down to Earth. Then, Bruce Betts joins us for What’s Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-mat-kaplan-zero-g

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First images from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has shared its first public images, revealing millions of galaxies, stars, and asteroids in stunning detail. Stephanie Deppe, astronomy content strategist at Rubin Observatory, joins us to explain what makes these images so revolutionary, how the observatory works, and what’s coming next as Rubin prepares for its ten-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time.

Later in the show, we reflect on the life and legacy of the observatory’s namesake, Vera Rubin, the groundbreaking astronomer who provided the first convincing evidence of dark matter. Jess Soto, STEM Strategies Coordinator at Mount Wilson Observatory and creator of Science Women Shirts, reflects on Rubin’s efforts to open up opportunities for women in space science.

Then we close out the show with Bruce Betts in our regular What’s Up segment, featuring the discovery of a brand-new interstellar object, 3I/ATLAS, the third known object to travel through our Solar System from interstellar space.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-first-images-rubin-observatory

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Space Policy Edition: Are Democrats falling behind on space policy?

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Have Democrats ceded leadership in space policy? That’s what Mary Guenther believes. She’s the Director of Space Policy at the Progressive Policy Institute and the author of an editorial that claims Democrats have ceded their leadership. She traces the party’s arc from Obama-era reforms to recent data showing that Democrats introduced a third fewer space bills than Republicans in recent years, and proposes ways that the party should embrace this forward-looking field while tying it to their core issues of job creation, supply chains, and climate science.

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Space science and the Artemis Accords: Highlights from the 2025 H2M2 Summit

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Recorded at the 2025 Humans to the Moon and Mars Summit (H2M2) in Washington, D.C., this episode features two powerful conversations about the future of human space exploration. Hosted by Mat Kaplan, senior communications adviser at The Planetary Society, these panel discussions explore the scientific and diplomatic foundations guiding humanity’s journey beyond Earth.

The first panel, Space Science: A Vital National Interest, features James Green, former NASA chief scientist and chair of the Explore Mars advisory board, James Garvin, chief scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Britney Schmidt, astrobiologist and associate professor at Cornell University, and John Mather, Nobel Prize–winning astrophysicist and senior scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope. They discuss how space science drives innovation, strengthens U.S. national priorities, and deepens our understanding of the universe, especially in the face of proposed funding cuts.

In the second panel, Artemis Accords: International Collaboration in Deep Space, Mike Gold of Redwire, Marc Jochemich of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Adnan Mohammad Alrais of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, and Sohair Salam Saber of The Hague Institute for Global Justice explore how diplomacy and shared values are shaping global participation in lunar exploration. The conversation also highlights the Washington Compact, an effort to bring shared values and responsible behavior in space to commercial companies and other non-governmental organizations.

We wrap up the show with a new What’s Up segment with Bruce Betts, where we talk about what could happen if the Gateway lunar space station is canceled, and how that would impact humanity’s dreams for Mars.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-H2M2

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Space Policy Edition: NASA’s 2026 budget

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Alicia Brown from the Commercial Space Federation and Brittany Webster from the American Geophysical Union join the show to discuss NASA’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal, which aims to slash the agency’s funding by nearly 25%, cut science by 47%, and reduce staffing to levels not seen since 1960.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/fy2026-nasa-budget-discussion

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The Giant Magellan Telescope takes its next big step

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0000

The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) is poised to become one of the most powerful ground-based observatories ever built. On June 12, 2025, the U.S. National Science Foundation announced that the GMT will enter its Major Facilities Final Design Phase, bringing it one step closer to full construction. This week on Planetary Radio, host Sarah Al-Ahmed speaks with Rebecca Bernstein, Chief Scientist for the Giant Magellan Telescope Organization and astronomer at the Carnegie Institution for Science, about the groundbreaking technology behind GMT and how it will transform our understanding of the Cosmos.

Later in the show, Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, returns to discuss his new op-ed in Space News on the White House’s controversial Mars plan, and why a bold vision without political consensus is unlikely to succeed.

As always, we wrap up with What’s Up with Bruce Betts, chief scientist at The Planetary Society.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-gmt

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The human stories behind the science: Dava Sobel receives the Cosmos Award

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Few writers have captured the wonder of science through storytelling as powerfully as Dava Sobel. In this episode, we celebrate her remarkable career and her recent honor as the recipient of The Planetary Society’s 2025 Cosmos Award for Outstanding Public Presentation of Science. Mat Kaplan, senior communications advisor at The Planetary Society, sits down with Sobel for a conversation about the human lives behind great scientific discoveries, from Galileo and Copernicus to the women of the Harvard Observatory and Marie Curie’s lab.

Later in the show, Jack Kiraly, our director of government relations, joins us with an encouraging update on our public advocacy campaign to save NASA science. And don’t miss What’s Up with Bruce Betts, where we reflect on the role of science communicators and share a fresh Random Space Fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-cosmos-award

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Making space matter: A space journalist’s journey

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0000

What does it take to turn a love of space into a global career in science journalism? Sarah Cruddas has done just that. With a background in astrophysics and a passion for storytelling, she’s become a leading voice in space media, covering rocket launches, interviewing astronauts, and writing books that bring the Cosmos down to Earth. In this episode, Sarah shares her path from the U.K. to the front lines of space communication and why she believes storytelling is essential to the future of exploration. She also reflects on the challenges of breaking into the field, the power of listening, and how space can unite people across the globe. Plus, Bruce Betts joins us for What’s Up, where we talk about what makes a great space journalist.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-making-space-matter

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Space Policy Edition: What does NASA need with an economist?

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Former NASA Chief Economist Akhil Rao explains why NASA needs economic expertise to navigate the complex—and often misunderstood—market forces that will determine the success or failure of its private partnerships. As NASA relies ever more on commercial companies to enable its own exploration efforts, it is imperative, Rao believes, to provide clear-eyed perspectives that highlight the challenges and solutions required to reach success. And why NASA puts itself at risk for pursuing faith-based program investments after dissolving the strategy and economics team at the agency a few months ago.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/space-economy-akhil-rao

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The dark age of NASA science? Analyzing the FY 2026 budget proposal

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0000

The White House has released its Fiscal Year 2026 congressional budget justification for NASA, and the implications are staggering. If enacted, this proposal would slash NASA’s science program funding by nearly half, cancel dozens of active and upcoming missions, and reduce the agency’s workforce by one-third. Sarah Al-Ahmed is joined by Jack Kiraly, The Planetary Society’s director of government relations, to examine what’s in the nearly 500-page document, what it means for the future of space science and exploration, and how advocates can still act to save NASA science.

Then, in What’s Up, Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts shares insights on China’s newly launched asteroid sample return mission, Tianwen-2. The spacecraft will rendezvous with near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa, offering new scientific opportunities amidst a moment of global uncertainty in space exploration.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-FY-2026-budget-proposal

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Volcanic worlds across the Solar System

Wed, 28 May 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Volcanoes aren’t just an earthly phenomenon. They’re found all across the Solar System. In this compilation episode of Planetary Radio, we explore volcanic and geothermal activity on planets, moons, and distant dwarf planets. You’ll hear from Rosaly Lopes, Nick Schneider, Rae Paoletta, Robbie Herrick, Scott Hensley, and Christopher Glein as they share insights into everything from lava flows on Venus and eruptions on Io to the mysterious heat signatures of icy bodies like Eris and Makemake. This journey spans over 20 years of Planetary Radio, featuring interviews hosted by both current host Sarah Al-Ahmed and founding host Mat Kaplan.

Then, our Chief Scientist, Dr. Bruce Betts, returns for What’s Up and shares new findings from NASA’s Juno mission, which recently completed close passes by Jupiter’s volcanic moon, Io.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-volcanic-worlds

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Space science under fire: Your questions answered

Wed, 21 May 2025 15:00:00 +0000

As debates over NASA's future heat up, questions about the value of space exploration are popping up everywhere. This week on Planetary Radio, we're tackling the tough questions head-on with The Planetary Society's staff, including Casey Dreier, chief of space policy, and Ambre Trujillo, digital community manager. They break down the biggest misconceptions about space science, public versus private investment, and why exploration still matters in an ever-changing world.

Then Jack Kiraly, director of government relations, joins us for a space policy update. We discuss the growing movement to save NASA science, how community action is ramping up, and what’s happening behind the scenes on Capitol Hill.

And in What's Up with Bruce Betts, we explore some of the most recent NASA spinoffs, technologies developed for space that are making life better here on Earth.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-space-science-under-fire

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Kosmos 482: The Soviet-era Venus probe that fell to Earth

Wed, 14 May 2025 15:00:00 +0000

This week on Planetary Radio, we explore the decades-long journey of Kosmos 482, a Soviet-era Venus probe that spent 53 years orbiting Earth before its dramatic return on May 10, 2025. Ben Fernando, a postdoctoral researcher in seismology and planetary science at Johns Hopkins University, joins us to explain the history of Kosmos 482 and how seismology and acoustic sensors are helping scientists detect and locate objects impacting Earth. Then Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, joins us for What's Up, where we look back at the largest human-made objects ever to crash back to Earth.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-kosmos-482

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TOI-270 d: Unveiling the secrets of a sub-Neptune

Wed, 07 May 2025 15:00:00 +0000

TOI-270 d is revealing secrets about the most common type of planet in our galaxy, sub-Neptunes. Sarah Al-Ahmed is joined by planetary geochemist Chris Glein from the Southwest Research Insitute to discuss his team’s new analysis of its atmosphere, using data from JWST and insights from Earth analogs. Then, The Planetary Society’s Director of Government Relations, Jack Kiraly, breaks down the historic budget cuts proposed for NASA in the U.S. President’s “skinny” budget request, including a 47% reduction to its science program funding. We close out with Bruce Betts and What’s Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-toi-270-d

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Space Policy Edition: How NASA remembers—and forgets

Fri, 02 May 2025 15:00:00 +0000

No one person knows how to build a spaceship. Dr. Janet Vertesi has seen this firsthand. She’s spent years embedded in NASA science teams, not as a participant, but as an observer. She’s a sociologist who studies the team dynamics of NASA missions. She is alarmed at the prospect of indiscriminate firings at the agency, and at the potential loss of institutional knowledge that won’t easily be rebuilt.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/spe-janet-vertesi-on-threats-to-nasas-group-brain

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From backyard telescopes to global reach: AstroKobi and the power of short-form space videos

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000

How does someone go from stargazing in a rural Australian backyard to inspiring millions around the world about space science? This week, Sarah Al-Ahmed sits down with Kobi Brown, better known as AstroKobi, to explore how his passion for the Cosmos and a knack for short-form storytelling launched his science communication career. They discuss the evolution of space outreach in the digital age, the power of social media to ignite curiosity, and how a new generation of space communicators is reshaping the way we connect with the Universe.

You'll also hear the latest space policy update from Jack Kiraly, director of government relations at The Planetary Society, including developments affecting NASA’s science programs and the confirmation process for a new NASA administrator. We close out the show with What’s Up with Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, and a discussion of direct imaging of exoplanets.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-astrokobi

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Celebrating 45 years of The Planetary Society at the Cosmic Shores Gala

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Join us aboard the historic RMS Queen Mary for a celebration of The Planetary Society’s 45th anniversary. In this special episode of Planetary Radio, we bring you highlights from our Cosmic Shores Gala, where members, scientists, space advocates, and special guests came together to honor the past and look boldly to the future.

You’ll hear from CEO Bill Nye, Board President Bethany Ehlmann, Executive Director Jennifer Vaughn, founding Executive Director Lou Friedman, and Congresswoman Judy Chu, with actor and Planetary Society board member Robert Picardo as our master of ceremonies.

And of course, we close with Chief Scientist Bruce Betts in this week’s What’s Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-cosmic-shores-gala

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Passback budget breakdown: A 47% cut to NASA science

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000

NASA’s science programs are facing the largest proposed budget cut in more than 40 years. This staggering 47%reduction could cancel missions, waste billions in U.S. taxpayer investments, and unravel decades of discovery. In this episode of Planetary Radio, host Sarah Al-Ahmed is joined by Casey Dreier, The Planetary Society’s Chief of Space Policy, and Jack Kiraly, Director of Government Relations. Together, they break down what the “passback” stage of the federal budget process means for NASA, which missions and programs are in jeopardy, and how you can help push back. Later in the show, Chief Scientist Bruce Betts joins us for a reflective What’s Up as we explore the science that could be lost and why it still deserves to be saved.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-passback-budget-breakdown

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Why is Mars red? A new clue to the history of habitability in Martian dust

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000

For decades, scientists hypothesized that Mars’ reddish color came from hematite, an iron oxide thought to have formed through dry oxidation after Mars lost its water. But new research suggests the story is more complex—and more watery—than we once imagined.

In this episode, planetary scientist Adomas (Adam) Valantinas from Brown University joins host Sarah Al-Ahmed to discuss his team’s discovery that Mars’ iconic red dust is likely dominated not by hematite but by a hydrated mineral called ferrihydrite. This subtle but significant shift in understanding could reshape what we know about Mars’ climate history and its potential for past habitability.

Then, Sarah and Bruce Betts, Planetary Society chief scientist, revisit one of the most famous Martian discoveries: Opportunity’s hematite-rich “blueberries,” which also told a compelling story about water on the Red Planet.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-why-is-mars-red

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Space Policy Edition: Lies, Damned Lies, and Space Data

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000

The space sector is data-rich but insight-poor. Jack Kuhr, head of research at Payload Space, joins the show to unpack how business, budgeting, and performance data—not spacecraft science—can shape investments, drive growth, and influence policy. Is there a data crisis in the space industry? What gets measured, what gets missed, and how does that shape the decisions we make about space? Kuhr shares his approach to surfacing the real story behind the numbers—and why clarity, context, and narratives matter.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/lies-and-space-data

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Live from Washington, D.C.: The future of space politics

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Join Sarah Al-Ahmed and Casey Dreier for a special live recording of Planetary Radio at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C., immediately following The Planetary Society’s Day of Action. In this episode, we explore the complex geopolitical landscape NASA faces as it works toward returning humans to the Moon and exploring other worlds. With growing influence from commercial space companies, potential budget cuts, and changes in committee leadership, this pivotal moment in space exploration is shaping NASA’s future.

We’re joined by Bill Nye (CEO, The Planetary Society), Nancy Chabot (Chief Scientist, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory), Rep. George Whitesides (Representative, CA-27), Rep. Judy Chu (Co-chair, Congressional Planetary Science Caucus, Representative, CA-28), and Antonio Peronace (Chief Executive, Space for Humanity). Together, we explore how evolving national priorities, key lawmakers, and the rapid growth of the commercial space sector could reshape U.S. space policy, potentially redefining the motivations that have driven space exploration since the Apollo era.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-live-from-dc

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The Other Moonshot: The untold stories of Apollo’s Black engineers in Los Angeles

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:00:00 +0000

The Apollo program put humans on the Moon, but behind that historic achievement were engineers whose stories have gone largely untold. In this episode, “LA Made: The Other Moonshot” host Joanne Higgins joins Planetary Radio to share the powerful history of Charlie Cheatham, Nate LeVert, and Shelby Jacobs, three Black engineers in Los Angeles who helped make Apollo possible while navigating racism and exclusion. We discuss how their technical brilliance shaped the space program, why their stories were left out of the history books, and how telling them now can help create a more equitable space community for the future.

Plus, Casey Dreier checks in from Washington, D.C., during The Planetary Society’s Day of Action, where advocates from across the U.S. gathered to support NASA science. And in What’s Up, Bruce Betts and Sarah explore the Apollo-era technologies still in use today.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-the-other-moonshot

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The Mars Innovation Workshop

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:00:00 +0000

We take you inside the Mars Innovation Workshop, hosted at the SETI Institute’s headquarters and produced by Explore Mars. Planetary Society Senior Communications Advisor Mat Kaplan shares highlights from the event, exploring how cross-disciplinary collaboration is shaping the future of Mars exploration and creating solutions for challenges here on Earth.

Meanwhile, major changes are happening at NASA. In a move that has raised concerns in the space community, NASA leadership has dissolved key advisory offices, including the Office of the Chief Scientist and the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy. Jack Kiraly, our director of government relations, explains what these cuts mean for the agency’s future and why space advocates should be paying attention.

Then Bruce Betts shares his favorite Mars innovations and a new Random Space Fact, in this week’s What’s Up!

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-mars-innovation-workshop

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An extinction-level event for NASA science

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:00:00 +0000

NASA's science missions have transformed our understanding of the Universe, from breathtaking images of deep space to robotic explorers on Mars. But now, a reported 50% cut to NASA's science budget threatens to shut down missions, halt discoveries, and devastate the future of space exploration. This week, Casey Dreier and Jack Kiraly from The Planetary Society's space policy team break down the fight ahead, explain why these cuts would be catastrophic, and explain how you can take action before they become part of the official presidential budget request. Then, Science Editor Asa Stahl joins us to discuss the power of grassroots advocacy and Planetary Society members' impact in defending space science over the past 45 years. Plus, Bruce Betts returns for What's Up with a celebration of Lunar PlanetVac and a look ahead to this week's lunar eclipse.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-extinction-level-event-for-nasa-science

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Space Policy Edition: Locke, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (in space)

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:30:00 +0000

Philosopher Rebecca Lowe joins us to explore how the ideas of classical liberalism can provide fresh insight into humanity’s activities in space. Our conversation explores the philosophical tensions between individual freedom and societal good, the instrumental and intrinsic value of space activities, and the uniquely accessible nature of space science and exploration. From a novel approach to lunar property rights and the opportunities to support human flourishing, Lowe offers a thought-provoking vision of how philosophical traditions can inform our cosmic ambitions.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/classical-liberalism-in-space

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Breaking down Bennu: OSIRIS-REx finds life’s building blocks in asteroid sample

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission has returned pristine samples from asteroid Bennu to Earth, and the early results are remarkable. Sample analysts have confirmed the presence of abundant organic compounds, nitrogen-rich material, and evidence of past liquid water, all key ingredients that could help us understand the role asteroids played in delivering the building blocks of life to Earth. This week, we’re joined by Scott Sandford, co-investigator on OSIRIS-REx and a research scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Center. He explores the first two sample analysis papers published by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx team. Then, Bruce Betts joins us for What’s Up, where we look back at humanity’s history of sample return missions.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-OSIRIS-REx-sample

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Genesis: The sample return mission that fell to Earth and still succeeded

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Twenty years ago, NASA’s Genesis spacecraft returned to Earth carrying precious samples of the solar wind, only to crash-land in the Utah desert. But that wasn’t the end of the mission. Amy Jurewicz, Assistant Research Professor Emeritus at Arizona State University and former project scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for the Genesis team, takes us inside the mission’s highs and lows, from its Apollo-inspired origins to its contributions to cosmochemistry and space weather. We discuss what this mission taught us about future sample returns, spacecraft protection, and long-term human spaceflight beyond Earth’s magnetosphere. Then Bruce Betts, Planetary Society chief scientist, joins for What’s Up and a look back at the history of sample returns.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-genesis

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Astronaut Hayley shares her brave adventure

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0000

From IV drips to rocket ships, Hayley Arceneaux has been on a journey. She joins Planetary Radio to discuss her memoir “Wild Ride” and her newly released kid's book “Astronaut Hayley's Brave Adventure,” which tell the story of how her experiences with childhood cancer at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital set the stage for her journey to space aboard SpaceX's Inspiration4 mission. Then, Planetary Society Chief Scientist, Bruce Betts, talks about the g-forces experienced during astronaut training in What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-astronaut-hayleys-brave-adventure

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Near-Earth Asteroid 2024 YR4 and NASA under a new administration

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0000

The internet is buzzing about Asteroid 2024 YR4, currently ranked as the highest-threat asteroid in our skies. But is it really cause for concern? Our Public Education Specialist, Kate Howells, breaks down the facts. Then, we shift from potential impacts to stunning space imagery as Finn Burridge from the Royal Observatory Greenwich shares how astrophotographers worldwide can participate in the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition. Finally, our space policy experts, Casey Dreier and Jack Kiraly, discuss how the new Trump administration has impacted NASA in its first weeks. Stick around for What’s Up with Bruce Betts, as he explains how we assess asteroid threats using the Torino Impact Hazard Scale.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-2024-YR4-and-a-new-administration

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Space Policy Edition: Mars Sample Return, but at what (fixed) price?

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 15:30:00 +0000

Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck joins the show to unpack his company’s bold, $4-billion fixed-price plan to bring Martian samples home, why he believes commercial partnerships can unlock new frontiers in planetary science, and his “soft spot” for interplanetary exploration. Then, Richard French — former JPL engineer and now VP of Business & Strategy at Rocket Lab — provides deeper insight into their proposed Mars Sample Return architecture, explaining how a single, vertically integrated team could cut costs and secure mission success. And yes, we get an update on the status of their Venus mission, too.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/can-rocketlab-save-msr

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Kiss-and-capture: The dance of Pluto and Charon

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0000

How did Pluto meet its largest moon, Charon? Many have speculated that Charon formed in an impact, but traditional models of planetary formation have struggled to explain many of the quirks of this system. This week, Adeene Denton, a research scientist at the University of Arizona, shares her team's new paper that suggests a "kiss-and-capture" may solve this mystery. Then Bruce Betts, The Planetary Society's chief scientist, discusses contact binaries in our Solar System and shares a new Random Space Fact in What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-pluto-kiss-and-capture

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The Edward Stone Voyager Exploration Trail

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0000

This week on Planetary Radio, we celebrate the enduring legacy of Ed Stone, the longtime project scientist for NASA’s Voyager mission and former director of JPL. Mat Kaplan, senior communications advisor at The Planetary Society, takes us to the unveiling of the Dr. Edward Stone Voyager Exploration Trail at JPL, where we hear from past and present JPL leaders, Voyager mission team members, and Ed Stone’s family. Plus, we kick off the episode with the much-anticipated launch of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket and wrap up with What’s Up, as Bruce Betts explores the rare planetary configuration that made Voyager’s Grand Tour possible.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-ed-stone-trail

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Does It Fly? Putting science in entertainment to the test

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0000

This week, we discuss how to examine the science behind our favorite TV shows and movies with the co-hosts of the "Does It Fly?" podcast, Hakeem Oluseyi and Tamara Krinsky. Produced by Roddenberry Entertainment, "Does It Fly?" takes an expert approach to breaking down the science of popular media, from lightsabers to Dune's stillsuits. Hakeem brings his astrophysics expertise, while Tamara provides her media industry insights as they join Planetary Radio to explore where science and fiction intersect. Stick around for What's Up with Bruce Betts and this week's Random Space Fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-does-it-fly

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Revisiting K2-18 b: JWST finds a lead in the search for life on a mysterious exoplanet

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0000

This week we revisit one of the most remarkable exoplanet discoveries of 2024 with the help of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). JWST detected signs of methane and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of K2-18 b. Knicole Colón, the deputy project scientist for exoplanet science for JWST, explains how this discovery could reshape our search for life beyond Earth and teach us more about the enigmatic class of exoplanets known as sub-Neptunes. Stick around for What's Up with Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-jwst-new-lead-in-search-for-life

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Emily Calandrelli becomes the hundredth woman in space

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0000

This week, we celebrate a remarkable milestone as Emily Calandrelli, also known as “the Space Gal,” becomes the 100th woman to venture into space. Emily shares her experiences on the Blue Origin voyage, what she took to space, and how motherhood influenced her reaction to seeing Earth from space. Then Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts joins for What's Up and a list of fun things to do in zero-g.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-100th-woman-in-space

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Space Policy Edition: The Challenges of Change at NASA

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0000

How does change happen within NASA, and what prevents it? Marcia Smith, founder of Space Policy Online, joins the show to discuss the opportunities and pitfalls faced by incoming presidential administrations and how NASA has—and hasn’t—changed over the decades. Will Artemis be reimagined? Will public-private partnerships introduce more risk than reward? And is change even the right default attitude to take?

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/change-and-continuity-at-nasa-with-marcia-smith

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The Planetary Society’s 45th anniversary with Bill Nye

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio kicks off The Planetary Society's 45th anniversary year with CEO, Bill Nye. Bill reflects on the organization's first forty-five years and what humanity has learned about space in that time. Then, Chief Scientist Bruce Betts joins in for the first What's Up and Random Space Fact of 2025.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-45th-anniversary

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Looking back on 2024

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0000

The Planetary Society team reviews the best space moments of 2024, from the China National Space Administration's return of samples from the far side of the Moon to the triumphant launch of NASA's Europa Clipper mission. Kate Howells (Public Education Specialist) shares the winners of The Planetary Society's Best of 2024 awards. Then, Mat Kaplan (Senior Communications Advisor), Ambre Trujillo (Digital Community Manager), and Asa Stahl (Science Editor) team up for a rundown of the year's highlights. We close out 2024 with Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, as he shares his last random space fact of the year.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-looking-back

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Mars “spiders” recreated in the lab

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0000

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-spiders

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Space Policy Edition: The Myth of Presidential Leadership

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0000

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

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StarTalk with Bill Nye and Neil deGrasse Tyson

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0000

We take you to Planetary Society headquarters, where Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist and host of StarTalk, interviews Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye about the organization's 45-year history of empowering the world's citizens to advance space science and exploration. Then, we share an update on the incoming Trump administration's proposed pick for the next NASA Administrator, Jared Isaacman. Planetary Society Chief of Space Policy, Casey Dreier, and Director of Government Relations, Jack Kiraly, give us the details. We close out with Bruce Betts as he discusses the Van Allen belts and shares a new random space fact in What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-startalk

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A hundred weeks in space exploration

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0000

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

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Seven worlds, one mission: The United Arab Emirates aims for the asteroid belt

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0000

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

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What does the U.S. election mean for NASA?

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Presidential elections in the United States don’t just shape the country’s future — they set the course for space exploration. This week, Casey Dreier, the chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, analyzes what the incoming Trump administration could mean for NASA’s funding, human spaceflight, and its Science Mission Directorate. Meanwhile, budget cuts have triggered another round of layoffs at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Jack Kiraly, Planetary Society director of government relations, explains why it happened, and what U.S. residents can do to help. Plus, Bruce Betts is back with What's Up and another fascinating Random Space Fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-election-nasa

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EELS: AI-enabled snake robots and the search for life on Enceladus

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0000

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

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Spaceport Nova Scotia

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0000

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-scotia

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Space Policy Edition: NASA at a Crossroads

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Norm Augustine, the distinguished aerospace industry veteran behind numerous influential studies, joins the show to discuss “NASA at a Crossroads,” the new report that raises alarm bells for NASA’s workforce, infrastructure, and technology capabilities.

Augustine, who chaired an expert committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, came to the conclusion that NASA is on an unsustainable path, and has underinvested in its enabling workforce and physical infrastructure for decades.

The solutions put forth by this report committee will require years of effort from NASA, Congress, and subsequent presidential administrations. Which path NASA decides to take, however, may not be known for years to come.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/spe-nasa-at-a-crossroads

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Splat or subsurface ocean? The mysterious positioning of Pluto’s heart

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +0000

This week, we investigate the mysteries of Pluto's iconic heart-shaped feature. We explore recent research on the origins of the Sputnik Planitia region and what it can tell us about whether or not the dwarf planet has a subsurface ocean. Our guest, Adeene Denton from the University of Arizona, discusses her team's work investigating oblique impact basins, or "splats," and their implications for planetary formation. Then Bruce Betts, chief scientist at The Planetary Society, joins host Sarah Al-Ahmed for a roundup of the most significant impacts in our Solar System in What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-pluto-splat

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Europa Clipper blasts off: How the mission team weathered Hurricane Milton

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +0000

NASA's Europa Clipper mission launched on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, embarking on a journey to explore Jupiter's icy moon, Europa. This week, Planetary Radio welcomes Bob Pappalardo, the mission's project scientist, who recounts the team's dramatic encounter with Hurricane Milton before their triumphant launch. Plus, get a sneak peek at The Planetary Society's upcoming collaboration with StarTalk as Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist and director of the Hayden Planetarium, visits The Planetary Society's headquarters. As always, Bruce Betts wraps up with What's Up, featuring a beautiful member-submitted poem and an intriguing random space fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-europa-clipper-blasts-off

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Internships, conferences, and grad school: A space student's guide

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +0000

This week, Planetary Radio offers advice for students pursuing higher education in space-related fields. Elizabeth Koenck, a Zed Factor Fellow, shares how her internship at The Planetary Society has helped her pursue a future in space policy. Sara Miller, the organizer of AbGradCon and a Ph.D. candidate at Cornell, discusses how to best leverage conferences and build community. Then, Briley Lewis, a recent Ph.D. graduate at UCLA and a correspondent at STARtorialist, will teach you how to survive grad school. Stick around for What's Up with Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, as he shares more about The Planetary Society's new book series for kids.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-space-students-guide

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Clipper’s champions: Space advocates and the fight for a mission to Europa

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Jupiter's moon Europa is one of the most promising targets in the search for life. The Planetary Society and space advocates around the world fought to make Europa Clipper a reality. This week, we learn more about the tumultuous history of the mission with Casey Dreier, our chief of space policy. Mat Kaplan, senior communications adviser, gives an update on the successful launch of the European Space Agency's Hera mission and the delayed launch of Europa Clipper due to Hurricane Milton. Then, Bruce Betts, chief scientist at The Planetary Society, discusses two opportunities to view comets in the October sky in What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-clippers-champions

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Space Policy Edition: The space policies of a Harris Administration

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Lori Garver, former NASA Deputy Administrator, joins the show to discuss the potential space policy priorities of a Harris Administration. We explore Harris’ interests in her role as head of the National Space Council, the major issues facing NASA, and Garver’s thoughts on the evolution of Elon Musk, whom she championed during her tenure at NASA in an effort to kickstart the commercial space industry.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/harris-admin-space-policy-preview

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Return to Dimorphos: Looking forward to the Hera launch

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +0000

We look forward to the Oct. 7 launch of the European Space Agency's Hera spacecraft with Michael Küppers, project scientist for the mission. Then Ambre Trujillo, our digital community manager at The Planetary Society, lets you know how to celebrate Europa Clipper by joining NASA's Runway to Jupiter style challenge. We'll close out with Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, and a discussion of the potential future meteor shower caused by the DART impact in What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-hera-launch

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2024 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium: Part 2 - Stellar imaging and looking for life while mining water on Mars

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +0000

We return to the 2024 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Symposium for part two of our coverage. Astronaut and NIAC external council member Mae Jemison honors Lou Friedman, the co-founder of The Planetary Society, for his contributions to the space community and the NIAC program. Then Kenneth Carpenter from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and his colleagues pitch their plan for an Artemis-enabled Stellar Imager. Steven Benner from the Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution and his team tell us about their plan for an add-on to large-scale water mining operations on Mars to screen for introduced and alien life. We close out with Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, in What's Up, as we celebrate LightSail 2 being announced as one of the winners of this year's Gizmodo Science Fair.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-niac-part-2

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2024 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium: Part 1 - Human hibernation and swarming Proxima Centauri

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Join us on a journey to the 2024 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Symposium. We'll hear from the teams behind two NIAC projects that could help us study distant planets and potentially reach them ourselves. Marshall Eubanks from Space Initiatives, Inc. and his colleagues will introduce us to their concept for a swarm of laser sailing pico spacecraft that could travel interstellar distances. Then Ryan Sprenger from Fauna Bio Inc. joins us to discuss how hibernation could help humans reach other worlds. Then, our chief scientist, Bruce Betts, joins us for What's Up and a new random space fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-niac-part-1

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Chasing auroras with the Aurora Guy

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +0000

We are near solar maximum, a time in the solar cycle when our Sun is most active. That means more sun spots, coronal mass ejections, and auroras on worlds across our solar system. This week, Vince Ledvina, also known as the Aurora Guy, joins Planetary Radio to discuss the science behind the northern and southern lights and what they can tell us about our Sun, our planet, and worlds across our galaxy. Then Bruce Betts joins in for What's Up, a chat about global magnetic fields on terrestrial worlds and a new random space fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-aurora-guy

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Space Policy Edition: The Space Policy of a Second Trump Administration

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Dr. Greg Autry, who served on Trump’s NASA transition team in 2016 and was nominated for the position of NASA CFO in 2020, joins the show to discuss the space policy issues facing a potential second Trump administration in 2025. We discuss the role of competition versus cooperation in space exploration, how space politics have changed since Trump’s first term, and what major issues at NASA must be faced by the next presidential administration.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/space-policy-issues-second-trump-term

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Europa in reflection: A compilation of two decades

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +0000

With less than two months to go until the highly anticipated launch of NASA's Europa Clipper mission, we take a look back at over twenty years of Planetary Radio episodes about Jupiter's most intriguing moon. You'll hear from Elizabeth 'Zibi' Turtle, planetary scientist at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, Bob Pappalardo, project scientist for Europa Clipper, and many more, as we reflect on all of the dreams and science it took to make the upcoming mission a reality. Then, Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, joins in for What's Up as host Sarah Al-Ahmed gears up for next week's NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts symposium.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-europa-in-reflection

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Ramses and rockets: Commercial space adventures and the race to Apophis

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Get up to speed on the latest in commercial space news. Mat Kaplan, the senior communications advisor for The Planetary Society, returns with an update on the fate of the Boeing Starliner astronauts, the imploding and exploding adventures of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, and a brief look forward to SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission. Asa Stahl, our science editor, shares the good news about the European Space Agency's Ramses mission, which hopes to rendezvous with asteroid Apophis before its closest approach to Earth in 2029. Then our public education specialist, Kate Howells, shares some tips on how to deal with space rocks in her new article, "What would happen if we nuked an asteroid?" We end our show with What's Up with Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, and a new random space fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-ramses-and-rockets

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Crickets and gastrodiplomacy: The future of space food

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +0000

As we look to build a more sustainable human presence in space, we will need to find new and innovative ways to feed our travelers. This week, we hear from Team Insecta, a group of Canadian students exploring crickets as a viable source of space food. Newton Campell Jr., a member of The Planetary Society's board of directors and co-founder of Heritage Space Food, discusses gastrodiplomacy and the importance of representation in space food. Then we close out with What's Up with Bruce Betts and a look at one of The Planetary Society's STEP grant-winning projects studying the complexities of growing plants in space.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-crickets-and-gastrodiplomacy

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An Earthling’s guide to the "Moons Symphony"

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio takes a melodic adventure to the Ravinia Festival in Illinois, USA, for the public premiere of the "Moons Symphony." Mat Kaplan, senior communications advisor at The Planetary Society, speaks with a panel of amazing guests, including members of the Europa Clipper, Dragonfly, and Cassini teams, about the discoveries that inspired the music. Then, Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, marks the end of the 2024 Summer Olympics with a random space fact in What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-moons-symphony

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Hide and seek with Planet 9

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +0000

A ninth planet may be lurking in our Solar System out beyond Neptune. Caltech's Mike Brown and Konstantin Batygin join us to discuss their new paper, the latest evidence for Planet 9, and why they believe their hunt may soon be over. Then, Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, joins us for What's Up and an Olympic-themed random space fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-hide-and-seek-planet-9

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Space Policy Edition: Do we need a philosophy of space exploration?

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Why do we explore space? This is not an easy question to answer. Yet policy expert G. Ryan Faith believes there is value to be had in communal engagement with this question. While easy answers may elude us, the act of defining our values and goals in space can help avoid common pitfalls and dead ends in our exploration efforts, ensuring a continued commitment to space for generations to come.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/spe-philosophy-of-space-exploration-ryan-faith

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Possible biomarkers: Perseverance rocks the Tenth International Conference on Mars

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +0000

NASA's Perseverance rover has made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars: a sample that may hold evidence of ancient microbial life. This week, we visit the Tenth International Conference on Mars, where you'll hear from several Mars scientists, including Caltech's Ken Farley, Perseverance project scientist, Meenakshi Wadhwa and Brandi Carrier, the principal scientist and lead sample integrity scientist for Mars Sample Return at NASA JPL. We'll also discuss the recent cancellation of NASA's VIPER lunar mission with our director of government relations, Jack Kiraly. Before we go, we'll turn to Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society for What's Up, as he shares a new cometary random space fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-tenth-mars

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Victory for VERITAS

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Fans of Venus were saddened in late 2022 to learn that one of NASA's upcoming Venus missions, VERITAS, was defunded, but with the help of space advocates, the mission is now back on. Darby Dyar, the deputy principal investigator for VERITAS, returns triumphantly to Planetary Radio to share the story. We also take a look at the new U.S. House of Representatives budget request for NASA and how it will impact programs like Artemis and Mars Sample Return with Casey Dreier, our chief of space policy. We'll close out our show with Olympic cheer as Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, shares a new random space fact in What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-victory-for-veritas

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The penguin, the egg, and the asteroid collision in Beta Pictoris

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +0000

We celebrate the second anniversary of the James Webb Space Telescope's (JWST) science operations with Christine Chen, associate astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute. She describes the observatory's newest beautiful image, a close-up of two interacting galaxies called the Penguin and the Egg. Then, she tells us more about her team's recent findings in the Beta Pictoris system, where clearing dust indicates a recent and powerful asteroid collision. We also go back to the early solar system with Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, discussing the massive collisions that shaped our place in space in What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-penguin-egg-and-asteroid

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Meet Roo-ver and The Planetary Society’s new board member

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +0000

The Planetary Society introduces the newest member of its board of directors this week on Planetary Radio. Newton Campbell Jr., the director of the Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE) Consortium, discusses his career journey, AI in space, and Australia's first lunar rover, the Roo-ver. But first, we go to Washington D.C., U.S.A., where our director of government relations, Jack Kiraly, recently held a briefing for Congressional staffers. Jack discusses the event and the efforts to boost funding for NASA in the coming fiscal year. Then, Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, shares a new galactic space fact in What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-meet-roo-ver

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Space Policy Edition: NASA and the American South

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Every major NASA center built after the agency’s inception is located in the American South. Why? Dr. Brian Odom, NASA’s chief historian, joins the show to explore the relationship between NASA and the South, how politics and geography led to this focus, and why NASA’s expansion during the Apollo era was likened to a second reconstruction of a previously rural and underdeveloped region of the United States.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/spe-nasa-and-the-american-south

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Fifty-five hundred worlds and counting: The astonishing diversity of exoplanets

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Scientists have discovered over 5,500 exoplanets, but they’re just getting started. We dive into the stunning variety of exoplanets beyond our Solar System with Jessie Christiansen, the project scientist for the NASA Exoplanet Archive. But first, The Planetary Society's science editor, Asa Stahl, shares more about the upcoming Habitable Worlds Observatory, a cutting-edge space telescope designed to hunt for worlds that could harbor life. We also give an update on the International Space Station with our senior communications advisor, Mat Kaplan. Stick around for What's Up with Bruce Betts as we discuss the advances in exoplanet detection and share a new Random Space Fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/fifty-five-hundred-worlds-and-counting

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An asteroid bash and an asteroid smash

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Every year on June 30, the space community observes Asteroid Day, the anniversary of the Tunguska blast. Markus Payer, Asteroid Foundation Chair, joins us to talk about this year's Asteroid Day festivities. We also get an update on the results of the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) with Terik Daly, a planetary scientist and the Planetary Impact Laboratory manager at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. He’ll tell us more about the aftermath of DART’s smashing encounter with asteroid Dimorphos. Then Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, discusses what The Planetary Society’s asteroid-hunting grant winners have been up and in What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-asteroid-bash-smash

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A big year for heliophysics and Parker Solar Probe

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Our Sun is nearing the most active part of its solar cycle. This week, we explore recent solar activity and discoveries from NASA's Parker Solar Probe with Nour Rawafi, the mission's project scientist. But first, we honor the life and legacy of Ed Stone, the former director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the longtime project scientist of the Voyager mission. We close out our show with Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, in What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-parker-solar-probe

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The nova and the naming contest

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Last week was a big one for commercial space. Our senior communications advisor, Mat Kaplan, discusses the first crewed Boeing Starliner test and SpaceX Starship launch. Then Asa Stahl, our science editor, lets you know how to observe the upcoming nova in Corona Borealis. RadioLab's Latif Nasser returns to Planetary Radio with a new public naming contest for a quasi-moon of Earth. Then, we dive into some naming conventions for space objects in What's Up with our chief scientist, Bruce Betts.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-nova-and-naming-contest

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Space Policy Edition: Is Human Spaceflight a Religion?

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Holy texts and salvation ideology. Saints and martyrs. True believers and apostates. This isn’t a religion — this is human spaceflight. So says Roger Launius, NASA’s former Chief Historian, in his 2013 paper Escaping Earth: Human Spaceflight as Religion. For the start of our ninth year of the Space Policy Edition, Dr. Launius joins the show to discuss the ways in which human spaceflight exhibits characteristics commonly seen in modern religions, how his thesis has evolved in the past decade with the rise of Elon Musk and his view of Mars as humanity’s salvation, and how exploring secular activities through a religious lens can be instructive in understanding their adherents and support.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/spe-human-spaceflight-as-religion

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Accidental astronomy

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Astronomical and planetary science discoveries often unfold in strange and serendipitous ways. We discuss the delightfully unpredictable nature of space discoveries with Chris Lintott, author of the upcoming book "Accidental Astronomy: How Random Discoveries Shape the Science of Space." Then, Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, gives us a new way to think about the scale of our Solar System in What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-accidental-astronomy

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International integration: The path from the Moon to Mars

Wed, 29 May 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Every year, Explore Mars hosts the Humans to Mars Summit, a gathering of people from around the world who want to advance human exploration of the Red Planet and beyond. This week on Planetary Radio, we share a conversation from the summit about integrating NASA and its partners as humanity looks to build a permanent and sustainable human presence on Mars. You'll hear from Mat Kaplan (The Planetary Society's senior communications advisor) and representatives of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the European Space Agency (ESA), the United Arab Emirates Space Agency (UAESA), and the commercial space industry. Then, we'll check in with Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, for What's Up and a new random space fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-h2m-international-integration

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Bot battles and space dreams

Wed, 22 May 2024 15:00:00 +0000

As humanity aims to explore new frontiers in space, the need for good roboticists has never been greater. Robotics leagues and competitions offer a gateway into the field, connecting aspiring engineers with a vibrant community where enthusiasts can learn to accomplish their space dreams. Kelly Biderman, the CEO of Havoc Robotics, joins Planetary Radio to share how the National Havoc Robot League helps to prepare the next generation of space engineers. Then we hear from Florence Pouya, the former captain of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team, as she shares her insights with our senior communications adviser, Mat Kaplan, during their time at the Humans to Mars Summit in Washington, D.C. Stick around for What's Up with Bruce Betts and a new random space fact.

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Day of Action 2024: The Planetary Society goes to Washington

Wed, 15 May 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Every year, passionate space advocates from the United States travel to Washington, D.C., to ensure that their vision for the future of space exploration gets the funding and support it needs. Nearly 100 advocates gathered this year on Monday, April 29, 2024, to call for increased funding and better support for NASA's groundbreaking science programs. This week on Planetary Radio, we'll share what happened during this year's Day of Action and why it matters. You'll hear from members of The Planetary Society staff, space advocates from across the United States, and various congresspeople, including the co-chairs of the Congressional Planetary Science Caucus, Representatives Don Bacon and Judy Chu. We close out our show with Bruce Betts for What's Up and a new random space fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-day-of-action

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TARDIS Talk: Space, Time, and “Doctor Who” with Russell T. Davies

Wed, 08 May 2024 15:00:00 +0000

This week on Planetary Radio, we celebrate the longest-running science fiction show in history, “Doctor Who.” We explore how this iconic series has influenced the scientific community and look forward to the new season of the show with Russell T. Davies, the past and present showrunner of “Doctor Who.” Then, space fans from around the world share how the show has impacted their lives and space careers. We close out with Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, as we discuss what we would do with a time machine in What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-tardis-talk

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Space Policy Edition: The power of the lunar sublime

Fri, 03 May 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Should policymakers spend more time looking — really looking — at the Moon? Chris Cokinos thinks so. He is the author of the new book, Still As Bright: An Illuminating History of the Moon, from Antiquity to Tomorrow, which explores the role of our nearest celestial neighbor in culture, art, and our dreams of space exploration over the course of human history. It’s about the power of looking and seeing something beyond what you’d expect.

But the conversation goes beyond that. We discuss the role of the sublime in our everyday lives, how to find beauty in the quotidian, the role of language in conveying the beauty and power of space, and even why he thinks landing cremains on the Moon is disrespectful.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/the-moon-still-as-bright-chris-cokinos

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Europa Clipper’s message in a bottle

Wed, 01 May 2024 15:00:00 +0000

NASA's Europa Clipper mission is almost ready for its historic trip to the Jovian system. Merc Boyan, a visual storyteller at The Planetary Society, takes us into the clean room at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to speak with team members about the spacecraft. Then Bob Pappalardo, project scientist for Europa Clipper, visits The Planetary Society headquarters in Pasadena, CA, to share the story of the mission's vault plate, humanity's next collection of messages to another world. Bruce Betts, the Planetary Society chief scientist, closes out this week's show in What's Up, discussing his favorite messages from Earth.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-europa-clipper-message-in-a-bottle

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Eclipse-O-Rama

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse passed over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This week on Planetary Radio, we take a trip to The Planetary Society’s Eclipse-O-Rama festival in Fredericksburg, Texas, where hundreds gathered to witness totality. We share the reactions of festival attendees along with snippets from the talks given by special guests at the event, including Bill Nye, the CEO of The Planetary Society, Bethany Ehlmann, president of The Planetary Society and principal investigator for the NASA Lunar Trailblazer mission, and Bee Hayes-Thakore, Vice President of Marketing at Kigen and member of The Planetary Society's board of directors. Tim Dodd, better known as the Everyday Astronaut, and Bob Pflugfelder, popularly known as Science Bob, share their experiences. Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, tells us about the solar features people may have seen during the eclipse in What's Up. Then we get an update on the Mars Sample Return mission with Casey Dreier, The Planetary Society's chief of space policy, and Jack Kiraly, our director of government relations.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-eclipse-o-rama

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Tabletops and telescopes: NASA’s RPG and the hunt for habitable worlds

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000

This week on Planetary Radio, we explore "The Lost Universe," NASA's first tabletop role-playing game, with Christina Mitchell, a senior multimedia specialist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, U.S.A. Then, we'll shift our gaze from the mythical to the methodical with Amaury Triaud, an astronomer from the University of Birmingham in the U.K. He and his colleagues have found a new method for potentially detecting liquid water on the surfaces of terrestrial exoplanets. We close out with our chief scientist, Bruce Betts, for What's Up and a new random space fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-tabletops-and-telescopes

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Radiolab helps name a quasi-moon of Venus

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Sometimes, misunderstandings can spark beautiful adventures. This week on Planetary Radio, we explore the story behind the naming of Zoozve, a quasi-moon of Venus, with Latif Nasser, co-host of Radiolab. He shares how a typo on a space poster led the Radiolab team on an epic quest to convince the International Astronomical Union to name this quirky space object. Then, Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, pops in for What's Up and a discussion of some of the things asteroid hunters have found lurking in our Solar System.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-radiolab-helps-name-a-quasi-moon

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Space Policy Edition: Real and Acceptable Reasons for Space Exploration

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Former NASA Administrator Mike Griffin joins the Space Policy Edition to discuss his notable 2007 speech outlining the tension between so-called “real” and “acceptable” reasons for space exploration.

“Acceptable” reasons for space exploration are logical, policy-friendly justifications such as workforce development, technology spinoffs, and STEM engagement. They are quantifiable and dispassionate — the Vulcans of arguments.

However, Griffin argues that the essence of humanity's drive to explore space is the “real” reasons, which are intuitive, emotional, and grand. They have value but are hard to quantify. These include the innate human desire for competitiveness, curiosity, and the urge to leave lasting legacies through monumental achievements.

Why do we have this dichotomy? What in the system itself prefers acceptable reasons over real reasons? And how can we leverage the relative strengths of both systems to be better space advocates?

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/mike-griffin-real-and-acceptable-reasons-for-space-exploration

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Syzygy science: Discoveries made during total solar eclipses

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio marks its last show before the Apr. 8 total solar eclipse with a look back at discoveries made during totality. Planetary Society science editor Asa Stahl shares why solar maximum is excellent for eclipse observing but potentially scary for Earth. Then Jeff Rich, outreach coordinator at the Carnegie Science Observatories in Pasadena, CA, joins Planetary Radio to discuss how total solar eclipses have contributed to our understanding of the Sun and beyond. Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, closes the show with What's Up and a chat about the ways that Einstein's general relativity impacts humanity and our technology.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-syzygy-science

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Eclipse Tips: A guide to safe observing and astrophotography

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will sweep across North America. Ron Benner, the President of the American Optometric Association, joins Planetary Radio to share safety tips to protect your eyes during partiality. Then, astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy gives helpful advice about observing solar eclipses using telescopes and cameras. We close the show with our chief scientist, Bruce Betts, as he discusses The Planetary Society's new eclipse book for kids, "Casting Shadows," and the upcoming Eclipse-O-Rama festival in Texas, U.S.A.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-eclipse-tips

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The asteroid hunter

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Behind every space mission is a tale of hard work, love, and perseverance. Dante Lauretta, the principal investigator for NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, joins Planetary Radio to share stories from his new book, "The Asteroid Hunter." Then Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, looks back at the Shoemaker-Levy 9 impact on Jupiter and answers a question from our audience in What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-the-asteroid-hunter

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Tales of totality: The adventures of an eclipse chaser

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000

The countdown is on! With less than a month until the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, Planetary Radio is buzzing with anticipation. This celestial event will sweep across Mexico, the United States, and Canada, promising a spectacular view to millions. Jim Bell, a professor from the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University and former president of The Planetary Society's Board of Directors, will share captivating tales from his global eclipse-chasing journeys. But before diving into the cosmic wonders, we'll bring you the latest updates on the proposed US Presidential Budget. The Planetary Society's space policy experts, Casey Dreier and Jack Kiraly, will explain what this budget proposal means for NASA's funding and future projects. Then, the great Bruce Betts will pop in for What's Up as host Sarah Al-Ahmed looks forward to high-fiving him in person at The Planetary Society's upcoming Eclipse-O-Rama event in Texas, U.S.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-eclipse-chasing

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Geothermal activity on the icy dwarf planets Eris and Makemake

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0000

A team co-led by the Southwest Research Institute has made a groundbreaking discovery, revealing evidence of hydrothermal or metamorphic activity on the icy dwarf planets Eris and Makemake in the Kuiper Belt. The lead author of this research, Chris Glein, joins Planetary Radio to explain. But our journey doesn't stop there. We dive into the newly reformed US Planetary Science Caucus with The Planetary Society's top space policy experts, Casey Dreier and Jack Kiraly. Our senior communications adviser, Mat Kaplan, celebrates a monumental achievement in space exploration — the successful landing of Intuitive Machine's Odysseus spacecraft on the lunar surface. And don't miss the latest installment of What's Up with Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, as he shares a new random space fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-eris-and-makemake

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Space Policy Edition: The ahistorical era of commercial lunar exploration

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0000

The successful landing of IM-1 on the Moon ushered in a new era of commercial lunar exploration, one that has little to no historical precedent. The future, still highly uncertain, is rich with promise for what commercial payload deliveries can provide. There will be new and more frequent science opportunities, lower-cost access for national and non-state actors, and, potentially, a path to a sustainable presence on the lunar surface. Dr. Matt Shindell, science historian and curator of the planetary exploration collection at the Smithsonian Institution, joins the show to discuss the unique historical moment we find ourselves in, and how planetary exploration has evolved and could continue to evolve on and around the Moon.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/ahistorical-era-of-clps

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The legacy of Red Rover Goes to Mars

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Over two decades ago, an innovative partnership between The Planetary Society, NASA, and LEGO created the Red Rover Goes to Mars program. Today, we reflect on the program's remarkable achievements with our chief scientist, Bruce Betts. We're also joined by two extraordinary people whose lives were forever changed by their experiences as student astronauts in the program during their high school years. Courtney Dressing, an associate professor in the Department of Astronomy at the University of California, Berkeley, and Abigail Fraeman, the deputy project scientist for NASA's Curiosity Rover at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, share their inspiring journeys through the program and beyond. Then Bruce Betts returns to share more of LEGO's involvement in space exploration and a new random space fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-red-rover-goes-to-mars

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OSIRIS-REx becomes APEX

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0000

After NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft's successful sample retrieval from asteroid Bennu, it's onto its next adventure as OSIRIS-APEX, the Apophis Explorer. Scott Guzewich, deputy project scientist for APEX, joins Planetary Radio to discuss the next steps for the mission as we count down to asteroid Apophis’ flyby of Earth in 2029. Then Bruce Betts, The Planetary Society’s chief scientist, pops in for What's Up and a look at other multi-world missions.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-osiris-apex

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The Space Race: Honoring the first African-American space explorers

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0000

This week on Planetary Radio, we take a peek behind the scenes at National Geographic's new documentary, “The Space Race,” which celebrates the triumphs and struggles of the first African-American space pioneers and astronauts. Co-directors Diego Hurtado de Mendoza and Lisa Cortés, space pioneer Ed Dwight, and astronaut Leland Melvin join us to discuss the film. But first, Casey Dreier, The Planetary Society's chief of space policy, and Jack Kiraly, our director of government relations, give an update on the U.S. budget gridlock that caused the recent layoff of hundreds of people at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Twitch streamer Moohoodles joins the show later to talk about her upcoming stream with Planetary Radio, and we close out with What's Up with Bruce Betts and a new random space fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-space-race

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Exploring solar eclipses through time

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0000

This week on Planetary Radio, we delve into the evolution of humanity's relationship with one of our planet's most awe-inspiring phenomena: total solar eclipses. Ed Krupp, the director of Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, will share insights from the fascinating field of archaeoastronomy. We'll explore how cultures throughout history have interpreted and imbued solar eclipses with meaning. We'll also introduce The Planetary Society's latest addition, Asa Stahl, our new science editor. Then Bruce Betts, The Planetary Society's chief scientist, shares a new random space fact and his experience with historic astronomical sites.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-solar-eclipses-through-time

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Space Policy Edition: Space isn’t black — it’s grey

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0000

It’s a policy paper episode! Laura Delgado López joins the show to break down “Clearing the Fog: The Grey Zones of Space Governance” by Jessica West and Jordan Miller. Grey zones are harmful or disruptive space activities that fall short of provoking a military response — ideally. But the ambiguity, by its nature, could generate unplanned escalation and conflict.

What are these grey zones, and why do they exist? What are their consequences to humanity, even for those in nations not actively pursuing spaceflight? And by what means can we reduce the uncertainty and, therefore the risk to space operations at Earth and beyond?

Laura Delgado López has worked in space policy in the Washington, D.C., area for nearly 15 years and is currently a visiting fellow with the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where she researches and writes on international space cooperation in Latin America. She selected this episode’s paper, which can be accessed for free at the Centre for International Governance Innovation’s website.
Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/grey-zones-in-space-governance

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The 20th landing anniversary of Spirit and Opportunity

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

January marks 20 years since NASA’s twin Mars rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, touched down on the surface of the red planet. Matt Golombek, project scientist for the Mars Exploration Rover Project, joins Planetary Radio to celebrate. But first, the countdown to the next great American total solar eclipse continues. Kate Howells, The Planetary Society’s public education specialist and Canadian space policy adviser, explains why this periodic alignment of our Earth, Moon, and Sun is more rare on the scale of the Universe than you might think. Stick around for What’s Up with Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, as we honor the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter and the Mars missions that made it possible.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-20th-anniversary-spirit-and-opportunity

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Blazing a trail to the Moon

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

We're celebrating lunar missions and the space advocacy that helps make them happen this week on Planetary Radio. Casey Dreier and Jack Kiraly, chief of space policy and director of government relations at The Planetary Society, update you on our next Day of Action in Washington, D.C. Kate Howells, our public education specialist, shares the triumph and challenges of the Japanese space agency's SLIM lunar lander, as Japan becomes the fifth nation to make a successful soft landing on the Moon. We begin our coverage of the upcoming 2024 total solar eclipse in Mexico, the United States, and Canada on April 8th with Bethany Ehlmann, the president of our board of directors and the principal investigator of NASA's upcoming Lunar Trailblazer mission. She joins us for a mission update and a look at how eclipses affect spacecraft near the Earth and Moon. We'll top off this lunar celebration with Bruce Betts, our Chief Scientist and everyone's favorite master of random space facts, as he shares some history about an iconic Apollo image.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-blazing-a-trail-to-the-moon

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What’s hidden inside planets?

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Venture into the hearts of worlds and uncover how we study planetary interiors this week on Planetary Radio. Sabine Stanley, professor of planetary physics at Johns Hopkins University and author of the new book "What's Hidden Inside Planets?" discusses some of the amazing things that lie under the surfaces of the worlds in our Solar System. But first, Mat Kaplan, senior communications advisor at The Planetary Society, gives an update on the first Commercial Lunar Payload Services mission and the timeline for NASA's Artemis program. We close out this show with Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, as he shares information on our new book, "Casting Shadows: Solar and Lunar Eclipses with The Planetary Society."

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-whats -hidden-inside-planets

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JWST finds a new lead in the search for life on a mysterious exoplanet

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

This week on Planetary Radio, we're diving into one of the most remarkable new exoplanet discoveries with the help of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). JWST has detected signs of methane and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of K2-18 b. This discovery could reshape our search for life beyond Earth and teach us more about the enigmatic class of exoplanets known as sub-Neptunes. Our guest, Knicole Colón, is the deputy project scientist for exoplanet science for JWST. She'll fill us in on all of the details. Stick around for What's Up with Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-jwst-new-lead-in-search-for-life

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Space Policy Edition: India’s growing space ambitions

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

The history of India’s space program is, in many ways, the inverse of that of the US and Russia. While the two superpowers were outpacing each other in space spectaculars in their early decades, India — which began its space program around the same time in 1963 — prioritized practical programs by developing its own launch capability and launching satellites for weather, communications, and regional positioning systems. It is only in the 21st century that India began embracing the more symbolic feats of spaceflight, first with its launches of robotic spacecraft, including the Chandrayaan series and the Mars Orbiter Mission, and now by establishing its own human spaceflight program.

Buoyed by the success of Chandrayaan-3, as well as recognizing increasing competition with China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ambitious plans for Indian space stations and lunar missions in the coming decades.

UK-based space writer Gurbir Singh, who literally wrote the book on the Indian space program, aptly titled The Indian Space Programme: India’s Incredible Journey from the Third World towards the First, joins the show to help us understand the history and motivations behind these achievements and India’s growing ambitions in space.

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Revisiting the discovery of phosphorus on Enceladus

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

This week on Planetary Radio, we are revisiting one of the biggest recent headlines in planetary science, the detection of Phosphorus in the oceans of Saturn’s moon Enceladus. Phosphorus is a key ingredient for life on Earth, and this discovery marks the first time it has been found in an ocean off of Earth. Chris Glein, a lead scientist at the Southwest Research Institute, joins us to discuss the discovery and its implications for the search for life. Then Bruce Betts returns for What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-revisiting-phosphorus-on-enceladus

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Looking back on 2023

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000

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

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Dragonfly soars to final design phase

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000

NASA's Dragonfly mission to Saturn's moon Titan has been authorized to proceed with work on final mission design and fabrication, known as Phase C. This week on Planetary Radio, we get an update on the mission's progress and new timeline. You'll hear from Bobby Braun, head of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab's Space Exploration Sector, Elizabeth (Zibi) Turtle, the principal investigator for Dragonfly, and Ken Hibbard, mission systems engineer for the spacecraft. If that doesn't convince you that Dragonfly is one of the most epic things humanity has attempted to date, stick around for What's Up with Bruce Betts as he shares even more reasons for us to explore Titan.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-dragonfly-final-design-phase

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An astrogeologic experience with Kirby Runyon

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000

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

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The mystery of the largest marsquake ever recorded

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000

What caused the largest marsquake ever recorded? Benjamin Fernando, a post-doctoral fellow from the University of Oxford, joins Planetary Radio this week to talk about the 4.7-magnitude marsquake recorded by NASA’s InSight Mars lander and the international effort it took to pinpoint the cause of the quake. Then Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, and host Sarah Al-Ahmed chat about their earthquake experiences and share a fresh Random Space Fact in this week's What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-largest-marsquake

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Space Policy Edition: Was the Space Shuttle a policy failure?

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Was the Space Shuttle a successful program? In many ways, yes: it endured for 30 years, launched hundreds of astronauts into space, and built the International Space Station. But, according to the goals of lower costs, rapid reusability, and reliability NASA stated at its conception, the Space Shuttle program was a failure. In this new recurring feature on SPE, Jack and Casey read through a classic paper in space policy and discuss its arguments, its conclusions, and whether the paper stands up to this day.

Read along with us and suggest future episodes in our Planetary Society online member community.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/space-shuttle-policy-failure

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Lucy's first asteroid flyby reveals a surprise moon

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +0000

On Nov. 1, 2023, NASA's Lucy spacecraft, which is on a mission to investigate Jupiter's Trojan asteroids, made its first flyby of asteroid Dinkinesh. Hal Levison and Simone Marchi, the mission's principal and deputy principal investigators, join Planetary Radio to discuss the asteroid rendezvous and the surprising discovery of Dinkinesh's moon. Stick around for What's Up with Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, as he digests the discovery.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-lucys-first-asteroid-flyby

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Deep Sky: A JWST IMAX experience

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +0000

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-sky

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NASA’s STEM program looks to the Moon

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Steven Smith, an Education Specialist from NASA's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (or STEM) Program, joins Planetary Radio to share some of the unique opportunities available for students in the lead-up to humanity's return to the Moon. Then Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, pops in for What's Up and a new random space fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-nasa-stem

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A City on Mars

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Can we build permanent human settlements in space? It might be more complex than you think. Kelly and Zach Weinersmith join Planetary Radio this week to discuss their new book, "A City on Mars: Can We Settle Space, Should We Settle Space, and Have We Really Thought This Through?" Then Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, and host Sarah Al-Ahmed chat about some of the most significant challenges humanity might face as we build habitats beyond Earth.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-a-city-on-mars

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Space Policy Edition: What went wrong with Mars Sample Return

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000

NASA’s Mars Sample Return mission was supposed to be lean, fast, and focused — no extra science instruments, no dedicated communications systems, and launching in 2026. But the effort has foundered under its own complexity and mismanagement. MSR’s total cost is likely to double to $10 billion or more and not launch until 2030 at the earliest. This month’s guest, Orlando Figueroa, chaired an independent review board which recently evaluated this project and identified management failures, unexpected design complexities, and external events such as the war in Ukraine as contributing to MSR’s difficulties. We review the board’s conclusions and recommendations for how NASA can fix MSR’s problems and ensure a successful return of the samples already selected by the Perseverance rover. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/spe-what-went-wrong-with-msr

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Psyche and Eclipse Company blast off

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000

On October 13, 2023, NASA's Psyche mission's principal investigator, Lindy Elkins-Tanton, watched her team's spacecraft blast off on its voyage to explore a metallic asteroid. She joins Planetary Radio this week for an emotional retelling of that day. Then Jesse Tomlinson and Stephen Watkins from the Eclipse Company tell us about their partnership with The Planetary Society and the launch of their new eclipse map for the upcoming 2024 total solar eclipse in North America. Stick around for What's Up with Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, as we muse about the space moments that spark wonder.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-psyche-and-eclipse-company

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Simulating Psyche: Modeling craters on a metallic world

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 15:00:00 +0000

NASA's Psyche mission launched on Oct. 13, 2023 on a journey to explore its namesake, the metallic asteroid Psyche. Simone Marchi, co-investigator for the Psyche mission, joins Planetary Radio to share the creative ways their mission team is working to understand cratering on metallic worlds, including everything from computer modeling to blasting metallic meteorites with projectiles. The Planetary Society's Public Education Specialist Kate Howells will discuss the Japanese Space Agency's newest moon mission, SLIM. Then, Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, will share his experiences with crater modeling and a fresh random space fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-craters-on-psyche

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InSight's revelation on Mars’ rotation

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 15:00:00 +0000

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-rotation

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Celebrating the OSIRIS-REx sample return

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:00:00 +0000

On September 24th, NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft triumphantly delivered a sample from asteroid Bennu to Earth. Rae Paoletta, the Director of Content and Engagement at The Planetary Society, joins Planetary Radio to recount her firsthand experience of the sample's return in Utah. She introduces us to Mike Puzio, the young man who named asteroid Bennu, and his father, Larry Puzio. Then Danny Glavin, the co-investigator for OSIRIS-REx, shares the next steps for the asteroid samples and the spacecraft. Stick around for What's Up with Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, as we digest this huge moment in space history.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-osiris-rex-sample-return

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2023 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium: Part 2

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:00:00 +0000

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

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2023 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium: Part 1

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +0000

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.

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Alone but not lonely with Louis Friedman

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 13:00:00 +0000

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

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Io and Voyager 2: Lost oceans and found signals

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +0000

This week on Planetary Radio, we're traveling back in time to uncover the luminous infancy of Jupiter and its impact on its enigmatic moon, Io. Carver Bierson, a postdoctoral researcher at Arizona State University, tells the tale of how Jupiter's radiant beginnings might have turned Io from a water-rich moon into a world with lakes of lava. You'll also hear from two legendary figures of space exploration, Voyager project manager Suzanne Dodd and Voyager project scientist Linda Spilker, as they delve into the endeavor to reestablish contact with the iconic Voyager 2 spacecraft with our senior communications advisor, Mat Kaplan. And don't miss "What's Up" with our chief scientist, Bruce Betts, as he answers a question from our Planetary Society member community.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-lost-oceans-and-found-signals

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Subsurface oceans: The hidden potential of Earth-like exoplanets

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Lujendra Ojha, assistant professor at Rutgers University, joins Planetary Radio to discuss how subsurface liquid water on exoplanets orbiting red dwarf stars could increase the likelihood of finding habitable worlds beyond our Solar System. Then we check in with Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, for What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-subsurface-oceans

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A new algorithm finds its first potentially hazardous asteroid

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0000

A next-generation asteroid discovery algorithm, HelioLinc3D, has successfully identified its first potentially hazardous asteroid. Mario Jurić and Ari Heinze from the University of Washington join Planetary Radio to discuss the upcoming Vera Rubin Observatory and how their team's new asteroid detection algorithm can help defend our world. The Planetary Society editorial director, Rae Paoletta, marks the successful landing of the Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO's) Chandrayaan-3 mission on the Moon. Then Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, pops in for What's Up and a conversation about space dreams.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-algorithm-potentially-hazardous-asteroid

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The slow evolution of Europa

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Jupiter's moon Europa is one of the most exciting locations in our Solar System in the search for life, but a crust of ice guards the secrets of its potential subsurface ocean. This week, Kevin Trinh from Arizona State University joins Planetary Radio to discuss his research into Europa's formation history and the consequences for the moon's habitability. The Planetary Society's senior editor, Jason Davis, looks forward to the upcoming total solar eclipse in 2024. Then Bruce Betts joins in for What's Up and a cometary random space fact.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-europa-slow-evolution

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JWST detects water vapor in a planet-forming disk

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0000

A team of researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope (or JWST) has made the first detection of water vapor in the inner region of the protoplanetary disc that is already forming worlds. Giulia Perotti and Thomas Henning from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Germany join Planetary Radio to discuss their team's research on PDS 70 and what it can tell us about the formation of planets like Earth. The Planetary Society's most recent intern, Ariel Barreiro, reflects on her summer working with The Planetary Society, and Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, pops in for What's Up and a conversation about terminator zones.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-water-vapor-in-a-planet-forming-disk

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Mars Life Explorer: The search for extant life on the red planet

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Many missions are working to understand Mars' past habitability, but could there still be microbial life on the red planet today? This week on Planetary Radio, we discuss the proposed Mars Life Explorer mission with Amy Williams, assistant professor of geology at the University of Florida. Then Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, pops in for What's Up and a celebratory conversation about reestablishing contact with the beloved Voyager 2 spacecraft.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-mars-life-explorer

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Space Policy Edition: Why lunar exploration must be of enduring national interest

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Scott Pace, the prior executive secretary of the National Space Council, discusses why Artemis is of strategic value to U.S. national interests — and why the Moon is unique as a destination to drive global space exploration. Casey also discusses the latest congressional budgets news and what it means for NASA’s Mars Sample Return program. Note: the Space Policy Edition will go on hiatus for two months and return in November 2023.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/lunar-exploration-enduring-national-interest

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Subsurface granite on the Moon? The anatomy of a lunar hot spot

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0000

A decades-old lunar mystery gets an update in this week's Planetary Radio. Matt Siegler from the Planetary Science Institute shares his team's surprising findings about the granite formation that might lie beneath Compton-Belkovich, a thorium-rich hot spot on the far side of the Moon. Ambre Trujillo, Planetary Society Digital Community Manager, gives an update on the new member community app Space Trivia Contest, and Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, shares What's Up in the night sky.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-subsurface-granite-on-the-moon

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An essential ingredient for life in the oceans of Enceladus

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Phosphorus, a key ingredient for life on Earth, has been detected in the ocean of Saturn's moon Enceladus. This discovery marks the first time phosphorus has been found in an ocean off of Earth. Chris Glein, a lead scientist at the Southwest Research Institute, joins Planetary Radio to talk about the discovery and its implications for the search for life. Then Bruce Betts shares what's up in the night sky this week.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-phosphorus-in-enceladus

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Mars' Axial Tilt: A Key to Gully Formation

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0000

The gullies of Mars may appear similar to water-carved channels on Earth, but their formation is more complex than meets the eye. Caltech's Jay Dickson joins Planetary Radio to discuss the planet’s changing axial tilt and the consequences of Martian climate change. Then Bruce Betts shares the beautiful dance of planets in the upcoming night sky and the reflections of the oldest person to ever travel to space.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-mars-gullies

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Comparing the rivers of Earth, Mars, and Titan

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Get ready for a journey across the rivers of our Solar System in this week's Planetary Radio. Sam Birch, an assistant professor at Brown University, explores what we know about the alluvial rivers of Earth, Mars, and Saturn’s moon Titan. Stay tuned for the What's Up segment with Bruce Betts and the last question in our on-air space trivia contest.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-rivers-of-earth-mars-and-titan

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Space Policy Edition: What’s Going on with: Congress, MSR, and ?

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0000

We check in on the congressional budget process for NASA, Mars Sample Return’s spiraling cost growth, and the impending end of the regulatory holiday for human commercial space launch companies. Jack Kiraly, director of government relations for The Planetary Society, joins host Casey Dreier to provide the latest insight and analysis on these issues. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/summer-2023-congressional-status

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Humans to Mars by the 2030s? NASA Associate Administrators weigh in

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0000

It's going to take a lot of collaboration to get humans to Mars, but we're up for the challenge. This week on Planetary Radio, Mat Kaplan, senior communications adviser at The Planetary Society, takes us to the 2023 Humans to Mars Summit in Washington, D.C. We'll share his conversation with three NASA Associate Administrators, Nicola Fox, James Free, and James Reuter about the international, commercial, and robotic collaboration it will take to put the first humans on the Red Planet. Then Bruce Betts and Sarah Al-Ahmed share What's Up in the night sky and a chance to win a grab bag of prizes in one of our last space trivia contests.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-humans-to-mars

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2Fast 2Curious: Finding the source of the fast solar wind

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Some solar mysteries, like the origin of the fast solar wind, can only be solved by getting up close and personal with the Sun. James Drake from the University of Maryland joins Planetary Radio this week to talk about the latest results from NASA's Parker Solar Probe as it soars closer to our star than any spacecraft in history. We share what to look forward to in the night sky and a Parker Solar Probe-themed question in our space trivia contest.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-fast-solar-wind

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The disappearing act of Saturn's young rings

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Saturn's rings are so young that they may have formed when dinosaurs walked the Earth. Richard Durisen, a Professor Emeritus of Astronomy from Indiana University Bloomington, and Paul Estrada, a Research Scientist at NASA Ames Research Center, join Planetary Radio to discuss their research on the surprisingly recent formation of Saturn's rings and why they are disappearing over time. Then Bruce Betts and host Sarah Al-Ahmed share what's in the upcoming night sky and chat about creepy-crawly constellations. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-saturn-young-rings

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The oldest organic molecules in the known Universe

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Justin Spilker and his colleagues at Texas A&M University have detected the oldest and most distant organic molecules in the known Universe using the James Webb Space Telescope. Justin joins Planetary Radio to talk about the discovery and what it means for our understanding of star formation in the early Universe. We also share what to spot in the night sky this week and pay homage to the first women in space in this week’s What’s Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-oldest-organic-molecules

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Starstruck with Sarafina El-Badry Nance

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Sarafina El-Badry Nance joins Planetary Radio to discuss her new book, Starstruck: A Memoir of Astrophysics and Finding Light in the Dark. We share a beautiful poem about exploration that will soon be on its way to Europa and let you know how you can put your name on the upcoming Europa Clipper mission. Then we check in with Bruce Betts for What's Up and an update on this week's night sky.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-starstruck

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Space Policy Edition: The policy implications of active SETI

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Would meeting an extraterrestrial civilization be good or bad for humanity? Astronomer Dr. Jacob Haqq Misra argues that knowing the outcome in advance is fundamentally impossible, which results in a range of policy implications. Should we camouflage Earth's technosignatures or pour money into perhaps the most transformative event in human history? Should we fear the dark or embrace the unknown?

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-spe-policy-implications-of-active-seti

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The Science You’ve Enabled

Wed, 31 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000

The Planetary Society has just announced the latest awards in its Science and Technology Enabled by the Public (STEP) Grant program. With regular host Sarah Al-Ahmed on vacation, Mat Kaplan returns to introduce the principal investigator for a project that will prepare us to grow food on the Moon and Mars. Another PI and his team plan to analyze extreme life in super salty lakes. Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts heads the STEP Grant program. He’ll give us an overview, and a quick look at the satisfying success of the previous projects. Stick around as Mat joins Bruce for this week’s What’s Up. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-step-grant-principal-investigators

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Exoplanet enigma: Unpacking the discovery of a "forbidden" planet

Wed, 24 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000

This week on Planetary Radio, Shubham Kanodia, the lead on a paper about a so-called“forbidden planet,” TOI 5202 b, joins us to talk about this strange world and why it's upending our understanding of planetary formation. Then Bruce Betts and Sarah Al-Ahmed will team up for What's Up, a look back at this week in space history, and a preview of the upcoming night sky. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-forbidden-planet

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Inspiring the next generation through space education

Wed, 17 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode of Planetary Radio, we're honoring the educators who inspire young, curious minds to explore the marvels of the Cosmos. We’ll speak with guests from The Planetary Academy, the Griffith Observatory School Program, and Mt. Wilson's STEM Education program, all of whom are paving the way for the next generation of space enthusiasts and explorers. Then we'll check in Bruce Betts for What's Up so you know what to watch for in the upcoming night sky.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-inspiring-the-next-generation

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The case for saving VERITAS

Wed, 10 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000

NASA's VERITAS mission to Venus is currently on an indefinite hold. Darby Dyar, Deputy Principal Investigator for the mission, joins Planetary Radio to share the human story behind the spacecraft. She provides an insightful overview of the mission's background, its intended scientific contributions, and how listeners can help advocate for the mission. Then Bruce Betts guides us through upcoming night sky events and looks forward to asteroid Apophis' close flyby of Earth in 2029.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-the-case-for-saving-veritas

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Space Policy Edition: SpaceX's Starship vs. the environment, with Eric Roesch

Fri, 05 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Prior to Starship's inaugural launch, environmental policy expert Eric Roesch was outspoken about the possibility of catastrophe. As the rocket launched, it kicked up massive clouds of dust and decimated its launchpad, scattering large chunks of concrete into delicate marine and coastal sanctuaries nearby. Eric blames both SpaceX and its regulatory body, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), for allowing the company to skirt responsibility in its environmental reporting and mitigating its impact on its surrounding wilderness. He joins the show to discuss the proper role of environmental regulations, why he believes the FAA was irresponsible in approving SpaceX's launch licenses, and how you can simultaneously protect the environment and local wildlife while still pursuing an ambitious path to space.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/space-policy-edition-spacexs-starship-vs-the-environment-with-eric-roesch

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Adventures at the 2023 Planetary Defense Conference

Wed, 03 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio creator Mat Kaplan shares a look behind the scenes at the 2023 Planetary Defense Conference in Vienna, Austria. You’ll hear exclusive interviews with planetary defense specialists from around the planet as they gather to push the boundaries of asteroid and comet deflection technologies. Stick around for What’s Up with Bruce Betts, an update on the night sky, and a look forward to the upcoming Eta Aquarid meteor shower.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-planetary-defense-conference

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Juice mission liftoff: A new era of icy moon exploration begins

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Join us as we celebrate the successful launch of the European Space Agency's Juice mission! Our special guest, project scientist Olivier Witasse, shares the thrilling details about the launch and the next steps for this groundbreaking mission to explore Jupiter’s icy moons. We'll also recap the inspiring events of last week's Planetary Society Digital Day of Action, where space enthusiasts and advocates united to make an impact on the future of space exploration. Don't miss our resident astronomer, Bruce Betts, as he guides us through the upcoming night sky in What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-juice-mission-liftoff

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Under Alien Skies with Phil Plait

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Phil Plait, the Bad Astronomer, joins Planetary Radio to discuss his new book, “Under Alien Skies: A Sightseer’s Guide to the Galaxy.” The book takes the reader on an imaginary journey to 10 spectacular locations in space and shares the strange and beautiful experience visitors would have if they could witness it for themselves. Stick around after the break for What’s Up with Bruce Betts and a chance to win a copy of “Under Alien Skies” in our space trivia contest.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-under-alien-skies

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Yuri’s Night: For all SpaceKind

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Join us as we delve into the heart of LA's 2023 Yuri's Night party, a celebration commemorating Yuri Gagarin's pioneering 1961 voyage into space. We'll bring you exclusive interviews and insights from a stellar lineup, including Star Trek cast members, NASA's Jet Propulsion Labs Director Laurie Leshin, and astronaut Jessica Watkins. Together, they'll celebrate the future of space exploration and what it means to be SpaceKind. Don’t miss our What’s Up segment for the latest stargazing opportunities and info on the upcoming rare hybrid eclipse on April 20th.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-yuris-night

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Space Policy Edition: The motives behind NASA's billions — Jean Toal Eisen on how Congress funds the final frontier

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000

For over a decade, Jean Toal Eisen drafted legislation directing billions of dollars to NASA as senior staff on the Senate Appropriations Committee. She joins the show to unveil the crucial roles played by committee staff like herself, how decisions and priorities are made behind closed doors, and the motivations and drivers of the people who control the fates of billions of dollars of taxpayer funding for the U.S. space program.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/how-congress-funds-the-final-frontier

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Two Years of Hope: Celebrating the Emirates Mars Mission

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of a truly inspiring space mission - the United Arab Emirates' Hope probe, which has spent two amazing years orbiting Mars! Our guest, Mohsen Al Awadhi, Director of the Space Missions Department at the UAE Space Agency, shares insights into the mission's journey and teases the next exciting chapter: observing Mars' mysterious moon, Deimos. We're also counting down to the launch of the European Space Agency's highly anticipated JUICE mission, set to explore the enigmatic moons of Jupiter. We update you on NASA's VERITAS mission to Venus and share how you can contribute to the campaign to save this crucial exploratory mission. We'll wrap up the episode with our favorite stargazer, Bruce Betts, who'll guide us through a sneak peek at the upcoming night sky in What's Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-two-years-of-hope

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Volcanic Venus? New insights from vintage data

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Is Venus hiding volcanic secrets beneath its shroud of clouds? Robbie Herrick and Scott Hensley, the minds behind a new paper on recent potential volcanic activity on Venus, join Planetary Radio to discuss their discovery and what it means for the future of Venusian exploration. Then we turn to the night sky with our resident stargazer, Bruce Betts, for What's Up and our space trivia contest.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-volcanic-venus

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Getting psyched for Psyche

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 15:00:00 +0000

NASA’s Psyche mission to explore a metallic asteroid will launch later this year. Lindy Elkins-Tanton, the principal investigator for Psyche, joins Planetary Radio to share the mission’s status and look forward to the wonders that await when the spacecraft reaches its heavy metal target. We also keep you updated on exciting news from Venus, and let you know what to catch in the upcoming night sky in What’s Up.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-getting-psyched-for-psyche

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Universal Harmonies: Sonifying images for science and accessibility

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Kim Arcand from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory joins Planetary Radio to share her team’s new album “Universal Harmonies.” It’s a beautiful collection of sonified observations taken by the space telescope that aims to make space images more accessible to people with low or no vision. The Planetary Society team celebrates the release of their new member community app and shares an update on the Boeing Starliner. Stick around for a chance to win a vinyl version of “Universal Harmonies” in this week’s space trivia contest.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-universal-harmonies

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Looking back on Voyager’s 45th Anniversary

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio’s creator Mat Kaplan guest hosts for this look back at the Jet Propulsion Lab’s celebration of the 45th anniversary of the Voyager mission. Stick around for his conversation with Ann Druyan, creative director for the Golden Record carried by the probes. Mat and Bruce Betts reunite for this week’s What’s Up and space trivia contest.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-voyager-45th-anniversary

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Space Policy Edition: The Tricky Ethics of Space Settlement

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Humanity is on the cusp of attempting permanent settlement on other worlds. But who gets to go? How will we govern ourselves or enforce laws off Earth? How can you have property rights, labor rights, or even individual rights when the very air you breathe is limited and potentially controlled by your employer? Dr. Erika Nesvold, astrophysicist and author of the new book “Off-Earth: Ethical Questions and Quandaries for Living in Outer Space” explores the ethical challenges facing our species as it dips its toe into living beyond our home planet.

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The Canadian Lunar Rover with Peter Visscher

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 16:00:00 +0000

In this week’s episode, Director of Canadensys West Peter Visscher fills us in on the upcoming Canadian lunar rover. Visscher has been working on the rover for years. Bruce Betts also returns to the show for another installment of What's Up. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-canadian-lunar-rover-peter-visscher

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Martian rock collecting: From meteorites to Mars Sample Return

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Exciting updates to the plans to return samples from Mars to Earth are underway. Meenakshi Wadhwa, principal scientist for Mars Sample Return at NASA JPL, shares what we have learned from our studies of Martian meteorites and fills us in on the upcoming Mars Sample Return missions. Stick around for our review of the night sky and a look back at this week in space history in What’s Up with Bruce Betts.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-martian-rock-collecting

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Are we alone? The search for alien technosignatures

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +0000

A new volunteer science project to search for alien technosignatures has launched! Jean-Luc Margot and Megan Li from UCLA join us to share the exciting debut of their Planetary Society STEP Grant-funded SETI project on Zooniverse. Our public education specialist Kate Howells reflects on the tenth anniversary of the Chelyabinsk Meteor Event, and don’t miss your chance to win a comfy Planetary Society beanie in this week’s Space Trivia Contest. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-are-we-alone-seti

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More on Mars’ Watery History

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Mars expert Tanya Harrison shares the details on some of the newest discoveries about Mars’ history, including the discovery of an impact crater thought to be linked to a megatsunami in Mars’ ancient ocean and the discovery of opals, a water-rich gem, in Gale Crater. Stick around for What’s Up as we let you know what to look for this week in the night sky. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-more-on-mars-watery-history

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Space Policy Edition: The White House's Matt Daniels on the U.S.'s New Cislunar Strategy

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +0000

For the first time in history, the White House laid out a national policy for science and technology in the vast expanse of cislunar space. This policy is not just for NASA — it's an all-of-government approach to establish the infrastructure and capabilities to enable a multitude of national and private actors to reach for the Moon and its environs. Dr. Matt Daniels of the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy chaired the group that defined this new strategy; he joins the show to discuss the strategy, its ambitions, and implications for the future of lunar exploration and development.

Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/us-new-cislunar-strategy

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JWST confirms its first exoplanet

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +0000

The James Webb Space Telescope has confirmed the discovery of its first exoplanet. Jacob Lustig-Yaeger, one of the leads on the team that made the detection, joins us to discuss the details. We share info on the Juno mission to Jupiter's next flybys of Io, let you know how to spot the "green comet" visiting our part of the Solar System, and provide insights on the night sky in What's Up. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-JWST-confirms-its-first-exoplanet

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Juno Journeys to Jupiter’s Moons

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Dive into the latest discoveries about Jupiter’s moons Ganymede, Europa, and Io with Scott Bolton, the principal investigator for NASA’s Juno mission. We share analysis of the data collected by the spacecraft and look forward to upcoming exploratory missions to Jupiter’s moons from ESA and NASA. Stick around for this week’s What’s Up and our space trivia contest. Discover more: at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-juno-journeys-to-jupiters-moons

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Martian Mic Drop

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Jason Achilles, a musician who partnered with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to help put one of the first microphones on Mars, shares his journey and the joy of listening to the sounds of Mars. We also highlight an upcoming opportunity to view comet 2022 E3 (ZTF). Stick around for more on the night sky and our space trivia contest with What’s Up. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-Martian-mic-drop

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Celebrating NASA’s Artemis I mission to the Moon

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Jeremy Graeber, the assistant launch director at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, joins us to recount his experience on the night of Artemis I’s historic launch. We celebrate the success of the mission and share a short segment about The Planetary Society’s new Space Life Goals list. Bruce Betts pops in to share more about this week in space history and what to keep an eye out for in the night sky in this week’s What’s Up. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-celebrating-artemis-1

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Space Policy Edition: JPL Director wants "every brain" to have the chance to work in space exploration

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0000

After the delay of the Psyche mission, an independent review board faulted management and workforce problems at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory as one of the causes. This month we feature the JPL Director, Dr. Laurie Leshin, to discuss what the lab is doing in response to these critiques, how NASA can compete with the private sector for top talent, and why our society needs to improve the diversity of its workforce to ensure every brain possible can work in space exploration.

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Planetary Radio stories with Mat Kaplan

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0000

New host Sarah Al-Ahmed bids a fond farewell to Mat Kaplan, Planetary Radio’s former host, with a heartwarming compilation of messages from fans, followed by a special interview with Mat about his two decades as creator and producer of the show. Be sure to catch Sarah and Bruce Betts in this week’s What’s Up as they share a special gaming-themed trivia question. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-stories-with-mat-kaplan

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Planetary Society All-Stars Review the Year in Space

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0000

It’s Mat Kaplan’s last episode as host of Planetary Radio. He has gathered several of his colleagues to celebrate an outstanding year across the Solar System and beyond. New host Sarah Al-Ahmed sticks around to join Bruce Betts and Mat for her first What’s Up appearance, including listeners’ suggestions for what Mat should take on next! Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-year-in-space-review

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Artemis 1 Orion capsule comes home, and the best of Planetary Radio

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Host Mat Kaplan returned to Naval Base San Diego to greet the return of the Artemis 1 Orion spacecraft aboard the USS Portland. Stay with us for a collage of entertaining excerpts of 10 of the very best Planetary Radio episodes produced over the last two decades. Incoming host Sarah Al-Ahmed points to a new article about the JWST’s stunning infrared image of Neptune. Don’t miss Mat serenading Bruce Betts in this week’s What’s Up! Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-best-of-planetary-radio-orion-capsule-recovery

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One Last Blast: Author of ‘The Martian’ Andy Weir with JPL Chief Engineer Rob Manning

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0000

A rollicking conversation with two of the most entertaining, most creative Planetary Radio guests across our 20-year history about the role of creativity in space and life. Andy Weir’s “The Martian” and “Project Hail Mary” have been New York Times number one bestsellers. Rob Manning oversees all engineering operations at the Jet Propulsion Lab, and knows as much as any human being about how to land on the red planet. Sarah Al-Ahmed helps Mat Kaplan celebrate the success of Artemis 1, while Bruce Betts receives his 20th anniversary gift from Mat! Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-rob-manning-andy-weir

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Scientist and Hubble Repairman John Grunsfeld

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0000

John Grunsfeld didn’t just ride the Space Shuttle into orbit five times. He accumulated two-and-a-half days of spacewalk time as he worked on the Hubble Space Telescope. The former NASA associate administrator returns to Planetary Radio for a very personal conversation with Mat Kaplan. We’ll also attend a screening of the great new documentary, “Goodnight Oppy” about the Mars Exploration Rovers. Sarah Al-Ahmed celebrates the 50th anniversary of the last Apollo moon mission, and Bruce Betts continues that theme with the new space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-john-grunsfeld-goodnight-oppy

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Space Policy Edition: NASA's Economic Impact with Alex MacDonald and Joshua Drucker

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0000

NASA supports nearly 340,000 jobs spread throughout every state in the union, generates billions of dollars of tax revenue, and invests in critical high-tech, high-skilled workers. But how do we know this? A new report, prepared by a team at the University of Illinois Chicago and sponsored by NASA's Chief Economist, provides the sound economic analysis behind understanding the immense benefit of the U.S. space program. We dive into how this analysis is done, how to interpret the results, and why this information is critical for developing good space policy. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/nasa-economic-impact-macdonald-drucker

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A Happy 20th Anniversary for Planetary Radio

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Join our celebration with Planetary Society chief executive officer Bill Nye, Society co-founder Louis Friedman, and chief operating officer Jennifer Vaughn. Incoming Planetary Radio host Sarah Al-Ahmed calls our attention to several of the Society’s biggest accomplishments in 2022, and Bruce Betts shares not-so-random space facts about our public radio show and podcast. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-planetary-radio-20th-anniversary

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Giving the University of Arizona Mirror Lab a spin

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0000

It has been on host Mat Kaplan’s bucket list for years. Join him for a tour of the cavernous Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab at the University of Arizona, where the mirrors for the Giant Magellan Telescope or GMT are being spun into reality. Want your own GMT? You might win a model kit when Bruce Betts delivers this week’s What’s Up space trivia quiz. Stumped by what to get that space nerd in your life? Check out The Planetary Society’s gift guide! Mat and Sarah Al-Ahmed share their favorite suggestions. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-buell-jannuzi-ua-mirror-lab

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Voyager Mission Project Scientist Linda Spilker

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0000

She has been heard on Planetary Radio more than any other guest. Linda Spilker returns in her new role as the Voyager project scientist, following the legendary Ed Stone’s half-century in that job. Linda provides an update on the interstellar journey. The Planetary Society’s LightSail 2 may be only hours from the end of its very successful mission. LightSail Program Manager Bruce Betts makes a special up-front appearance to prepare us for this milestone. And incoming Planetary Radio host Sarah Al-Ahmed introduces The Planetary Academy, a terrific new opportunity for young explorers. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-linda-spilker-voyager

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Space Policy Edition: What the Congressional Midterms Means for Space Science

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Next year a new class of elected officials will enter Congress and usher in changes to the political focus and leadership of key space and science committees. Dr. Bethany Johns, the deputy director of Public Policy for the American Astronomical Society, joins the show to discuss how her organization is preparing for the change, what issues they intend to focus on, and how the scientific community can engage with members of both parties to ensure continued investment in U.S. scientific capability. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/bethany-johns-midterms

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Ann Druyan wishes you a happy Sagan Day

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0000

November 9 would have been our co-founder Carl Sagan’s 88th birthday. His professional and life partner, Ann Druyan, returns with a love story — the love between two people that encompassed the Cosmos and had to be shared. Sarah Al-Ahmed will tell us about two missions to Venus. Sarah, too, was inspired by Dr. Sagan. The theme continues with Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts in this week’s What’s Up segment. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-ann-druyan-sagan-day

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Space Policy Edition Bonus: Q&A with Casey Dreier and Bill Nye

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 15:00:00 +0000

While we wait for the result of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, enjoy this special bonus episode of Space Policy Edition featuring The Planetary Society's Chief Advocate and CEO answering dozens of space policy questions submitted by our members. These twice-annual policy briefings are moderated by Mat Kaplan, and are an exclusive benefit for Planetary Society members. Want to submit questions next time? Join us at planetary.org/join Our regular Space Policy Edition episode will be published next Friday, November 11, after the U.S. midterm elections.

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DART smacked an asteroid! So what’s next in planetary defense?

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 15:00:00 +0000

The success of the Double Asteroid Redirection Test was just one more step toward protecting our world from wayward asteroids and comets. NASA Planetary Defense Officer Lindley Johnson, and Kelly Fast, the agency’s near-Earth object observation program manager, return to our show for a discussion of where we go from here. Sarah Al-Ahmed will tell us about an article that locates the water on and under Mars, while Bruce Betts gets us ready to enjoy the upcoming total lunar eclipse. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-johnson-and-fast-pdco

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Meet the new Planetary Radio host! (and enjoy a beer with a cosmologist)

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Join host Mat Kaplan as he proudly introduces the person who will take on the show he created 20 years ago. Then we’ll join astrophysicist Brian Keating at a joyful gathering of cosmologists who hope to reveal secrets of the Universe through the new Simons Observatory. You might win Brian’s new book about thinking like a Nobel Prize winner in the What’s Up space trivia contest. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-introducing-new-host

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Eyes on the Sky: Spacewatch and the Catalina Sky Survey

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 15:00:00 +0000

The University of Arizona in Tucson hosts two of the most successful asteroid searches on our planet. Together, they have discovered, tracked, and characterized tens of thousands of objects, many of which could pose a threat to Earth. Listen to back-to-back, in-person conversations with the leaders of both efforts. Then we’ll jump to the ever-watchful Bruce Betts for this week’s installment of What’s Up. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-spacewatch-and-catalina-sky-survey

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Innovate! NASA’s leading-edge fellows share their amazing projects

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Mat Kaplan once again hosted the live webcast from the annual NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts or NIAC symposium. He presents a speed dating sample of highlights. How about a Mars habitat grown from mushrooms? A lunar farside radio telescope built by robots? Or a kilometer-long space station launched by a single rocket? We’ll also join Planetary Society chief scientist Bruce Betts for another What’s Up scan of the night sky and more. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-2022-niac-projects

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Space Policy Edition: The Geopolitics of a Successful SETI Detection

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 15:00:00 +0000

What would nation-states do in response to a signal from an alien intelligence? Would they compete for status and control of the message, or hope to gain some technological advantage from its contents? Or would the world shrug its shoulders and move on? Professor Jason Wright, Director of the Penn State Extraterrestrial Intelligence Center, joins the show to discuss a new paper proposing a more nuanced and positive view of world behavior given a potential SETI detection, and how the most likely message we receive may be more ambiguous than we imagine. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/geopolitical-seti-jason-wright

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Grounded: The director of the SOFIA flying observatory looks back

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 15:00:00 +0000

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) made its last flight on Sept. 30, 2022. Astronomer Margaret Meixner was onboard as the huge telescope built into a 747 aircraft ended its observations of the universe. Margaret joined us earlier that day to celebrate the great successes of this unique instrument and its team. You may win a signed CD copy of “The Moons Symphony” in the new What’s Up space trivia contest! There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-sofia-margaret-meixner

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Bull’s-eye! DART impacts Dimorphos, and we meet space image artist and processor Judy Schmidt

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +0000

They did it! The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft scored a direct hit on Dimorphos. We’ve got the thrilling last moments before impact, followed by an exclusive, triumphant conversation with DART Coordination Lead Nancy Chabot. Then we’ll go from spectacular success to spectacular beauty as we meet extraordinary space image processor and artist Judy Schmidt. Bruce Betts salutes the DART mission with this week’s space trivia contest. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-chabot-dart-impact-report-and-judy-schmidt

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Countdown to DART: Will We Move an Asteroid?

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +0000

We are less than a week from the DART spacecraft’s impact on asteroid moonlet Dimorphos as this episode is published. Mission Coordination Lead Nancy Chabot gives us a status update and a preview of what to expect during the September 26 encounter. Watching the smackdown from a few kilometers away will be LICIACube. Simone Pirrotta, program manager for the Italian Space Agency’s little cubesat, tells us about his high hopes. We’ll also visit NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab to hear the exciting announcement of organics discovered and collected by the Perseverance rover on Mars. All this and a new What’s Up space trivia contest. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-dart-impact-preview-nancy-chabot

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It’s Not Just NASA: Space Agency Leaders at the Artemis 1 Launch Attempt

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +0000

More than 100,000 came to the Kennedy Space Center hoping to see Artemis 1 head for the Moon on August 29. Among them were leaders of the European Space Agency (ESA), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and the Italian Space Agency (ASI). They sat down with Mat Kaplan for conversations about the international collaboration behind the Artemis program, along with some of the other brilliant successes they have achieved. We also celebrate the 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s speech that set the United States on course for the Moon. There’s a JWST T-shirt waiting for the winner of the new What’s Up space trivia contest. And there’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-esa-dlr-asi-leaders

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Countdown to Artemis, The Return to the Moon

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Come with us to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center for our special coverage of the first attempt to launch the giant Space Launch System rocket toward the Moon. You’ll hear astronaut Thomas Pesquet, “Everyday Astronaut” Tim Dodd, NASA Associate Administrator Thomas Zurbuchen, and much more. Then take your best shot at winning the Artemis 1 prize package in this week’s space trivia contest. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-artemis-1-launch-special-coverage

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Space Policy Edition: Mike Gold on Crafting the Artemis Accords

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +0000

As we wait for the launch of Artemis 1, we explore the Artemis Accords: a shared set of principles for exploring space, signed now by more than twenty nations. The accords outline a set of peaceful behaviors and shared values, including the open sharing of scientific data, safe disposal of orbital debris, commitments to mutual aid, and practices for using space resources and preservation. Mike Gold, former Associate Administrator of Space Policy and Partnerships at NASA, helped draft these accords and joins the show to share why they're important, how they came together, and the immense practical benefit of having global norms in space. Casey and Mat also discuss the context and meaning of the Artemis 1 mission following their visit to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/artemis-accords-mike-gold

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The Voyager Mission: A 45th Anniversary Celebration

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Join us at the Jet Propulsion Lab for the celebration of the two Voyager spacecrafts’ 45-year journey across the solar system and beyond. Stick around for a stimulating conversation with Ann Druyan, creative director for the Golden Record carried by the probes. The Voyager theme continues in this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-voyager-45th-anniversary-ann-druyan

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Pieces of Mars: How We’ll Get Them to Earth

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000

We now know the rough outline of how NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) expect to get the samples collected by Perseverance off Mars and into labs on Earth. Mars Sample Return Program Manager Richard Cook of JPL will take us through the intricate and audacious steps required. The plan now includes two Mars helicopters! Trickster Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, provides the surprising answer for his latest space trivia question. Apollo 11 was not the first liftoff from another world! There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-richard-cook-mars-sample-return

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A Venus Phosphine Scoop! The Return of Jane Greaves

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Astronomer Jane Greaves and her worldwide team have had quite a ride. It has been two years since the Cardiff University professor announced evidence of phosphine in the atmosphere of Venus. Many scientists were and still are skeptical, but Jane is back with more data, including some that she shares with us first. She and Mat talk about what this could mean. Phosphine-belching Venusian penguins are very unlikely, but we want your artists’ concepts of them! That’s in addition to yet another space trivia contest from Bruce Betts. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-jane-greaves-more-venus-phosphine

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Comets Stink! The Chemical Zoo Found at Comet Chury

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Scientists have used data collected by an exquisitely sensitive instrument on the European Space Agency’s Rosetta probe to find a stunning collection of complex organic molecules at the comet known as Chury. The findings are an important step toward understanding the origin of our solar system and life on Earth. Bruce Betts will continue the cometary commentary with this week’s Random Space Fact. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-hanni-altwegg-wampfler-chury

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Space Policy Edition: Lori Garver on Bringing Change to NASA

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000

As NASA’s deputy administrator, Lori Garver fought to cancel the Constellation program and shift NASA to use commercial partnerships in spaceflight. She failed at the first but succeeded at the second. She joins the show to discuss the lessons she learned from her time at NASA, key strategies for bringing change to a reticent bureaucracy, and the ways in which NASA should serve the nation and the public. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/lori-garver-bringing-change-to-nasa

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Citizen Science: Join the search for Martian clouds

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0000

NASA Jet Propulsion Lab scientists Armin Kleinboehl and Marek Slipski lead a new project that is recruiting thousands of citizen explorers. They explain to host Mat Kaplan how this massive effort may help us finally understand how the once plentiful Martian surface water disappeared. Then we look back to the dawn of science as Bruce Betts closes out our latest What’s Up space trivia contest. And there’s a meteor shower around the corner! There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-cloudspotting-on-mars

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New Jet Propulsion Lab Director Laurie Leshin

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +0000

She is only the tenth director of JPL, and the first woman to hold the position. It’s a homecoming for Laurie Leshin who got her PhD at Caltech, the operator of JPL on behalf of NASA. Laurie talks about her priorities for the lab, and how excited she is about the missions already underway and those to come. Planetary Society chief advocate Casey Dreier analyzes Russia’s announcement that it will withdraw from the International Space Station. Casey also shares his love of “Contact.” The classic science fiction film based on Carl Sagan’s novel has just celebrated its 25th anniversary. Bruce Betts will join us for another tour of the night sky and more in What’s Up. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-jpl-director-laurie-leshin

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Science from the Moon, and former NASA chief scientist Jim Green looks back

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Host Mat Kaplan leads with a special announcement. Then we spend a fascinating hour with the former director of NASA’s Planetary Science division and retired chief scientist Jim Green, who reports on a recent workshop that explored the potential of radio telescopes on the Moon’s farside. He also shares anecdotes from his long history of space science and NASA service. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-james-green-lunar-science

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The JWST: An Awesome New Window on the Universe Opens Wide

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Have you seen them? Five spectacular images have given us a taste of what’s ahead from the James Webb Space Telescope. Bill Nye will share his reactions after we hear excerpts from NASA’s image revealing event on July 12. We’ll then talk with astrophysicist Tom Greene of the NASA Ames Research Center. Tom has hundreds of hours on the new space telescope to examine planets circling other stars. Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts will add his thoughts during What’s Up as he offers a space trivia question that ties the JWST to a long lost fast food hamburger. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-jwst-image-reveal-greene-nye

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A Hero of the New Space Age: Lori Garver and Escaping Gravity

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +0000

No one deserves more credit for enabling the new era of commercial space development than former NASA deputy administrator Lori Garver. That includes the commercial crew program that brings astronauts to and from the International Space Station. Mat welcomes Lori back for a conversation about her excellent new memoir that tells the inside story of this achievement. You’ll get the chance to win “Escaping Gravity” in this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-lori-garver-escaping-gravity-book

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Space Policy Edition: Pathfinder and the Birth of the Discovery Program

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +0000

It’s the 25th anniversary of the Pathfinder Mars mission and Sojourner, the first rover on the Red Planet. Historian Michael Neufeld joins the show to put this path blazing mission in context as the start of NASA’s low-cost Discovery mission line. There have been 12 Discovery missions over the past 25 years, with two Venus missions now in development. Why did Discovery succeed when other attempts to reign in costs failed? What drove NASA’s readiness to experiment with new ways of building spacecraft? And how did an embarrassing loss for JPL push the lab to change its approach to planetary exploration? We’ll answer these and other questions as we explore the history of one of NASA’s most successful programs. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/michael-neufeld-discovery-program

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Asteroid Day! Earth Plays Defense

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0000

We Earthlings are making progress toward defending our planet from near-Earth objects, which is reason enough for the annual Asteroid Day celebration. Co-founder Danica Remy tells us what to expect, while Detlef Koschny, acting head of the European Space Agency’s Planetary Defence Office, reviews ESA’s expanded efforts. Planetary Society chief scientist Bruce Betts oversees the Society’s deep involvement before he shows us the current night sky. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-danica-remy-detlef-koschny-planetary-defense

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Sail on! Bill Nye and others celebrate LightSail 2’s three years in space

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0000

The Planetary Society’s LightSail 2 rocketed into orbit three years ago. Society CEO Bill Nye, chief operating officer Jennifer Vaughn, and LightSail program manager Bruce Betts join Mat Kaplan for a look at the long road to this award-winning mission, the current status of the spacecraft, and what’s ahead. Society editorial director Rae Paoletta provides a sneak peek at the June Solstice edition of The Planetary Report, and digital community manager Sarah Al-Ahmed shares highlights of the just-completed meeting of the American Astronomical Society. Take your shot at winning Bruce’s new book about the solar system in this week’s What’s Up segment. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-lightsail-2-third-anniversary-nye-betts-vaughn

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Portrait of a Scientist: A Conversation with Psyche mission leader Lindy Elkins-Tanton

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Lindy Elkins-Tanton’s wonderful new memoir is titled, “A Portrait of the Scientist as a Young Woman.” Host Mat Kaplan talks with Lindy about this sometimes harrowing, often heroic, and adventurous chronicle of her path toward leadership of the Psyche asteroid mission. This new conversation follows their brief encounter in a Jet Propulsion Lab clean room that we presented last May. Your chance to win Lindy’s book arrives in this week’s What’s Up segment with Bruce Betts. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-lindy-elkins-tanton-portrait-of-the-scientist-book

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Planetary Radio at the Humans to Mars Summit

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Join host Mat Kaplan in Washington D.C. for conversations with outstanding presenters at the first in-person Humans to Mars Summit in three years. You’ll hear from Inspiration 4 astronaut Sian Proctor, chief engineer for NASA’s robotic exploration program “Hoppy” Price, and the designer of award-winning Martian homes. NASA deputy administrator and former space shuttle commander Pam Melroy delivered a brilliant keynote. Then Bruce Betts tells us about the new STEP Grant opportunity from The Planetary Society. Hear and discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-2022-humans-to-mars-summit

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Space Policy Edition: Inside the Planetary Science Decadal Survey Process with Bethany Ehlmann

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Caltech planetary scientist and Planetary Society president Bethany Ehlmann was a key player in the creation of the recently released recommendations that may guide solar system exploration for years to come. SPE host Casey Dreier talks with her about the process and approach that led to this influential document. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/bethany-ehlmann-decadal-survey

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Planetary Radio Live in London: The Moons Symphony

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Host Mat Kaplan has returned from the UK and the recording of The Moons Symphony by the London Symphony Orchestra. You’ll hear excerpts from our Planetary Radio Live show celebrating this intersection of art and science with composer Amanda Lee Falkenberg and three distinguished planetary scientists. It was produced at Imperial College London before a live audience. Hear and discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-planetary-radio-live-moons-symphony

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Cassini’s Dramatic End: A Planetary Radio Reprise

Wed, 25 May 2022 15:00:00 +0000

With Mat Kaplan in London for Planetary Radio Live, we bring back one of the most moving events in the history of our show. The Cassini orbiter plunged into Saturn in the early hours of September 15, 2017. Hundreds gathered to mark the end of this remarkable voyage, including former NASA chief scientists Jim Green, John Grunsfeld and Ellen Stofan. Mat talked with them and many others on that memorable morning. Then we’ll check in with Bruce Betts for a brand new What’s Up. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-cassini-eom-reprise

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Life, the Universe and Britney Schmidt

Wed, 18 May 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Our in-depth, fascinating conversation with Cornell University professor Britney Schmidt touches on how we’ll recognize life when we find it elsewhere, her sub-ice exploring robotic submarine, why we need an even bigger space telescope, and the best place for ice cream at Cornell. Planetary Society chief scientist Bruce Betts goes Hollywood with this week’s space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-britney-schmidt

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Perseverance Perseveres: A Mars rover update from Ken Farley

Wed, 11 May 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Perseverance, the Mars 2020 rover, has begun an exciting new phase of its mission. Project scientist Ken Farley tells us why the ancient river delta it has entered is so enticing and intriguing. Ken also salutes Ingenuity, the Mars Helicopter, as we look forward to the day when samples of the Red Planet are sent to Earth. What role did the Wright brothers, those pioneers of powered flight, contribute to the Apollo and space shuttle programs? Bruce Betts has the answer in What’s Up. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-ken-farley-perseverance

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Space Policy Edition: How Russia's Invasion of Ukraine Has Changed Space, with Mariel Borowitz

Fri, 06 May 2022 15:00:00 +0000

It's not just the ISS partnership — commercial satellites, international cooperation, and managing space debris may all be impacted by the war in Ukraine. Professor Mariel Borowitz, an expert in international space policy and space sustainability, joins the show to discuss the immediate consequences, potential policy changes, and lessons the global community is learning from the conflict. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/mariel-borowitz-ukraine-invasion-space

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Heavy Metal: An encounter with the Psyche spacecraft

Wed, 04 May 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Psyche is a 279 kilometer-wide (173 mile-wide) hunk of metal in space. Psyche is also a magnificent spacecraft that will soon head toward its namesake in the asteroid belt. Host Mat Kaplan recently visited the JPL clean room where the probe was in final preparation for launch. You’ll hear conversations with mission leaders including principal investigator Lindy Elkins-Tanton and project manager Henry Stone. We’re fresh out of metal asteroids at The Planetary Society, but you might win the rubber variety in this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-Psyche-mission-elkins-tanton

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The End of Astronauts?

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Do we need to send humans into space? Won't robots soon be smart enough and capable enough to do this dangerous work for us? These and other questions are explored by Martin Rees, Britain's Astronomer Royal, and astrophysicist/science author Donald Goldsmith in their thought-provoking new book, "The End of Astronauts: Why Robots are the Future of Exploration." They present their arguments in this week’s show. Then we climb Mount Kaplan with Bruce Betts to learn who has won the weekly space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-goldsmith-rees-end-of-astronauts

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Yuri’s Night: Join the party!

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Host Mat Kaplan joined the Los Angeles celebration of humanity becoming a spacefaring species. He talked with the Yuri’s Night founders and others under the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The much-anticipated Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey was issued as we finished this week’s show. Planetary Society senior space policy adviser Casey Dreier will give us a brief overview of its recommendations. We’ll close with Bruce Betts and your chance to win a r-r-r-rubber asteroid in the space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-yuris-night

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Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 15:00:00 +0000

“Never panic early” is both Fred Haise’s motto and the title of his new memoir. Join us for a wonderful hour of stories about the Moon mission that almost didn’t make it home, along with Fred’s memories of the early days of the space shuttle, the International Space Station and much more. You’ll also have the chance to win a copy of his book when Bruce Betts arrives for What’s Up. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-fred-haise-never-panic-early

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Space Policy Edition: NASA's 2023 Budget Request

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 15:00:00 +0000

The Biden administration is proposing $26 billion for NASA next year, with significant increases benefiting the Artemis program, Mars Sample Return and Earth Science missions. But not everything is good news: NEO Surveyor and Mars Ice Mapper are both slated for significant cuts, and inflation may take a bite out of any increases NASA would receive on paper. With Congress facing elections in the fall, how likely is it that NASA will get this funding? What consequences will this have on Planetary Society priorities? And what does this mean for the future of exploration? Chief Advocate Casey Dreier and host Mat Kaplan are joined by The Planetary Society's Chief of D.C. Operations, Brendan Curry, to explore NASA's next big budget. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/nasa-budget-request-brendan-curry

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Neptune Odyssey: why we need to visit an ice giant

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Recommendations made in the 2023-2032 Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey will be revealed on April 19. One of the 11 design studies commissioned for the survey explores a flagship mission to Neptune. The Neptune Odyssey project engineer is Brenda Clyde. Her colleague, Kirby Runyon, is the project scientist. They’ll take us inside this exciting concept and remind us of why an ice giant orbiter is long overdue. Even Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan were surprised by the answer to this week’s space trivia contest. You’ll hear it and more in What’s Up. Hear and discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-brenda-clyde-kirby-runyon-neptune-odyssey

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X-raying the universe with Martin Weisskopf

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 15:00:00 +0000

He helped invent X-ray astronomy more than 50 years ago. Martin Weisskopf still leads the field as project scientist for the spectacular Chandra X-ray Observatory and principal investigator for the brand new Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer or IXPE. He’ll help us zero in on the most energetic and enigmatic objects in the cosmos. NASA’s fiscal year 2023 budget proposal has just been unveiled. Chief advocate Casey Dreier will break it down. We’ll close with the first words from the Moon in this week’s What’s Up. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-martin-weisskopf-xipe-x-ray-astronomy

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Legendary Space Physics Pioneer Margaret Kivelson

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 15:00:00 +0000

At 93, Margaret Kivelson is still at the center of space science and policy. In this charming conversation she shares anecdotes about her early life, how she entered the new field of space physics and some of her groundbreaking work, including discovery of convincing evidence for a saltwater ocean under the ice on Jupiter’s moon Europa. Bruce and Mat offer another great prize from Chop Shop in this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-margaret-kivelson

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Planetary Radio Special Edition: The Voyager Golden Record by Twenty Thousand Hertz

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 15:46:00 +0000

We are honored to offer you this outstanding episode of one of our favorite podcasts. Twenty Thousand Hertz reveals the stories behind the world's most recognizable and interesting sounds. Here they present the Voyager Golden Record carried by those beloved spacecraft that have departed our solar system on a journey to the stars. We hope you'll enjoy it as much as we have. We'll be back with a regular episode of Planetary Radio every Wednesday.

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Meet the first STEP Grant awardees

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 03:07:00 +0000

Citizen scientists will soon have another opportunity to become part of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, and an innovative project will use a subtle effect of sunlight to learn about near-Earth objects. These are the projects funded in the first round of The Planetary Society’s Science and Technology Empowered by the Public (STEP) grant program. We’ll meet the awardees after Society chief scientist Bruce Betts provides an overview. Bruce returns for this week’s What’s Up and the space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-first-step-grant-awardees

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Water, water everywhere with Bethany Ehlmann

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Planetary scientist Bethany Ehlmann has co-authored a paper presenting evidence that liquid surface water flowed on Mars as much as a billion years more recently than previously thought. That’s an extra billion years for possible life to have formed and thrived. We’ll also join Planetary Society editor Rae Paoletta as she explores water worlds throughout our solar system in a new article. Another great prize awaits the winner of the What’s Up space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-bethany-ehlmann-mars-water

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Space Policy Edition: Why are outer planets missions so expensive?

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +0000

It's the 50th anniversary of Pioneer 10, the first spacecraft to the outer planets. Pioneers 10 and 11 were scrappy, low-cost endeavors that blazed the path for future exploration. But the future has been expensive: outer planets missions are some of the priciest planetary probes in history. Can we get back to a pioneering spirit and increase the frequency of outer planet exploration? To find out, we talk with Mark Wolverton, author of “The Depths of Space: The Story of the Pioneer Probes,” and Scott Bolton, principal investigator for Juno, the most affordable Jupiter mission in decades. Casey and Mat also discuss the dynamic and tragic situation in Ukraine, and its implications for space. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/pioneer-10-and-11-bolton-wolverton

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5,000 worlds and counting: the success of TESS

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Michelle Kunimoto was one of Forbes magazine’s 30 Under 30 in science. Now she leads the most successful search for exoplanets that relies on data delivered by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite or TESS. She shares this fast-growing catalog of worlds in her first Planetary Radio conversation. Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan also kick off a new series of great prizes in the What’s Up space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-michelle-kunimoto-tess

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Astrobiologist David Grinspoon on life, the universe and everything

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Astrobiologist, planetary scientist, author and science communicator David Grinspoon has just been named a lifetime fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He returns to Planetary Radio for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of our search for life across the solar system and beyond. We also learn what it was like to grow up in a home visited regularly by Carl Sagan and Isaac Asimov. Plus, get out your pencils and calculators! Bruce Betts delivers another cosmic arithmetic challenge in the space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-david-grinspoon

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Saving the world one telescope at a time: The Shoemaker NEO grant winne

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +0000

The Planetary Society has awarded another eight Gene Shoemaker near-Earth object grants to outstanding amateur astronomers and observatories around the world. We’ll meet recipients from Chile, Croatia and the United States after chief scientist Bruce Betts tells us about the program. Bruce will then return with Mat Kaplan for yet another What’s Up tour of the sky and a new space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-shoemaker-neo-awards

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The weather on brown dwarfs, and worlds on the eve of destruction

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Astrophysicists Sam Grunblatt and Johanna Vos are colleagues at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Sam’s team has discovered giant worlds that are about to be devoured by their expanding stars, while Johanna has detected weather on brown dwarfs, those plentiful worlds that are bigger than planets but smaller than stars. Later, Bruce Betts takes the Olympics beyond the edge of our solar system with this week’s space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-grunblatt-vos-brown-dwarfs-giant-worlds-near-end

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Space Policy Edition: JWST and the politics of mega-science (with Robert Smith)

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Robert Smith shares the story of how the astronomical community decided upon the JWST as the follow-up to the Hubble Space Telescope, the coalition politics required for mega-projects like Hubble and JWST, and how that dynamic shapes modern science. Dr. Smith holds a Ph.D. in the history and philosophy of science from the University of Cambridge. He is a professor at the University of Alberta. His book, The Space Telescope: A Study of NASA, Science, Technology, and Politics, was released in 1989. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/robert-smith-jwst-big-science

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Nobel laureate John Mather: The promise of the James Webb Space Telescope

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +0000

The JWST’s instruments have been turned on. Now begins the months-long preparation for observations that will reveal our universe as never before. 2006 Nobel Prize for Physics laureate John Mather is the senior project scientist for the new telescope. He shares his hope for what’s to come and a look back at how this mighty instrument came to be. He and Mat Kaplan also take a deep dive into the origin of the cosmos. Bruce Betts says early risers have a treat waiting for them in the predawn sky. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-john-mather-jwst

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Worlds of snow and ice

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +0000

From Venus to Pluto, our solar system contains a myriad of planets, moons and other bodies whose surfaces are covered in snow and ice made of water and other exotic stuff. Saturn’s moon Enceladus is among the most intriguing. Colin Meyer, Jacob Buffo and their associates have modeled its ice and the plumes that emanate from the moon’s south pole. These geysers may not originate in the ocean deep below. Planetary Society editor Rae Paoletta is also fascinated by the worlds with ice-like deposits and activity. Bruce Betts keeps us out there with a Titanic random space fact and a new space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-meyer-buffo-enceladus-plumes

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Curiosity rolls on: Mars Science Laboratory project scientist Ashwin Vasavada

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +0000

We are approaching the 10th anniversary of Curiosity’s arrival in the Red Planet’s Gale crater. The rolling laboratory is still making profound discoveries as it reveals beautiful vistas and closeups. Project scientist Ashwin Vasavada shares some of the most significant finds in the last year. We’re deep into winter in the northern hemisphere, making Orion, Mat Kaplan’s favorite constellation, hard to miss in the night sky. Bruce Betts tells us there’s much more to see in this week’s What’s Up. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-ashwin-vasavada-curiosity-update

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We have touched the Sun: The Parker Solar Probe’s triumph

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +0000

The Parker Solar Probe dipped within the corona on its eighth encounter with our star. It found phenomena that have surprised and delighted heliophysicists, and it captured a movie that is one of the greatest space videos ever. We’ll talk about these and more with Nicola “Nicky” Fox, director of NASA’s Heliophysics Division, and Nour Raouafi, the mission’s project scientist. Get out your calculators! Winning the new space trivia contest will require some basic arithmetic. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-fox-raouafi-parker-solar-probe

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Space Policy Edition: What We're Watching in 2022

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +0000

New rockets, new legislation, and a new direction for planetary exploration are just some of the major events happening in space in the coming year. D.C. Operations Chief Brendan Curry returns to the show to explore these and other issues that will shape the next decade of space exploration and occupy The Planetary Society's advocacy and policy team in 2022. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-preview-curry-dreier

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Return to the Moon: Spacesuits and preparing for splashdown in the Pacific

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 16:00:00 +0000

NASA’s Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon for the first time since 1972. We visit Naval Base San Diego to board the USS John P. Murtha, the ship that may recover the uncrewed Artemis 1 Orion capsule when it returns from the Moon this year. Next, Daniel Kopp of ILC Dover tells us about work underway to create the next moonsuit. Every Apollo moonwalker wore an ILC Dover spacesuit, as do most of the astronauts who go outside the International Space Station. What’s Up? That’s the question chief scientist Bruce Betts answers each week. Explore more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-ilc-dover-moonsuit-navy-orion-recovery-exercise

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A good year for space: Planetary Society all-stars review 2021

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Mat Kaplan and six Planetary Society colleagues review a year full of accomplishments, firsts and exciting discoveries. Society CEO Bill Nye opens the show with a celebration of the James Webb Space Telescope’s launch. Next is a round robin discussion with Jason Davis, Casey Dreier, Kate Howells, and Rae Paoletta. We close with Bruce Betts’ recap of the LightSail 2 mission right after he offers a new What’s Up space trivia contest. Explore more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2021-year-in-review.

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Discovering Mars with Jim Bell and William Sheehan

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Space historian William Sheehan and planetary scientist Jim Bell have written a fascinating history of humankind’s at least 5,000-year relationship with the Red Planet. “Discovering Mars” is filled with anecdotes about the people who have revealed Mars. The chronicle includes Mars helicopter Ingenuity’s flights and then looks to the future of exploration. Someone will win the book in Bruce Betts’ latest What’s Up space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2021-discovering-mars-book-bell-sheehan

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JWST is ready for launch and amazing science

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +0000

The James Webb Space Telescope will begin its mission of discovery as soon as Dec. 24. René Doyon, Heidi Hammel and Mike McElwain join us for a conversation about what it may reveal from our solar system to the edge of the universe. Doyon is principal investigator for the telescope’s NIRISS imaging spectrograph, Hammel is vice president for science at the Association of University for Research in Astronomy (AURA) and McElwain of the Goddard Space Flight Center is the JWST Observatory project scientist. What do chief scientist Bruce Betts and a horse have in common? Find out in the What’s Up space trivia contest. There’s always more to explore at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2021-jwst-pre-launch-rene-doyon-heidi-hammel-mike-mcelwain

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A conversation with the director of “Don’t Look Up”

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +0000

The plot of the great new movie “Don’t Look Up” is driven by a giant comet speeding toward Earth and the scientists who want to divert it. Adam McKay directed this dark comedy. He and real-life planetary defense expert Amy Mainzer talk with Mat Kaplan about the science, the scientists, and much more. Then a group of Planetary Society colleagues share their thoughts about the film. Fans of Dr. Seuss will find something special in this week’s What’s Up with Bruce Betts. There’s always more to explore at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2021-adam-mckay-amy-mainzer-dont-look-up

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Space Policy Edition: Astronomy Goes Big, with Heidi Hammel

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +0000

The search for biosignatures on hundreds of exoplanets is the top goal for U.S. astronomers. That's the conclusion from the new, once-per-decade report from the National Academy of Sciences: Pathways to Discovery. In it, the field of astrophysics is analyzed and prioritized: establishing the major scientific questions, the tools to answer them, and how to best engage the human talent necessary to enable our continued investigation of the cosmos. Dr. Heidi Hammel, astronomer, Vice-President for Science at the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, and Vice President of The Planetary Society joins us to discuss the new results and what it means for the future of astronomy. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/heidi-hammel-astrophysics-decadal

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Discovering life elsewhere: How can we be sure?

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Is it life? NASA chief scientist Jim Green and Mary Voytek, leader of the agency’s astrobiology program, are two authors of a paper that calls for a system or scale that will allow scientists and others to evaluate the validity and importance of evidence that points to life elsewhere in the solar system or across the galaxy. Planetary Society communications strategy adviser Kate Howells shares our gift list for the space fan in your life, while Bruce Betts takes us across the night sky toward a new space trivia contest. There’s more to explore at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2021-jim-green-mary-voytek-astrobiology-scale

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Into the anthropocosmos with Ariel Ekblaw

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Ariel Ekblaw and her Space Exploration Initiative colleagues believe we are at the cusp of interplanetary civilization. They are building the tools, environments and knowledge that will speed the transition and solve problems on Earth. Ariel has published Into the Anthropocosmos, a beautiful celebration of SEI’s fifth anniversary that presents many of its innovative projects. Someone will win a copy of the book in the new What’s Up space trivia contest. There’s more to explore at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2021-ariel-ekblaw-mit-space-exploration-initiative

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The DART asteroid impact mission begins, with Nancy Chabot

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 14:45:00 +0000

DART coordination lead Nancy Chabot and the rest of the Double Asteroid Redirection Test team will see their spacecraft rocket toward asteroids Didymos and Dimorphos in a few days. She returns to Planetary Radio with a preview of the mission and its difficult challenge. Planetary Society editor Rae Paoletta takes us on a brief tour of the solar system’s volcanoes, and a special guest joins Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan for What’s Up. There’s more to explore at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2021-dart-launch-nancy-chabot

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Spacecraft communications and navigation with Badri Younes

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Badri Younes says that a spacecraft that can’t communicate or find its way is worthless. He leads SCaN, NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation program, which manages resources like the agency’s Deep Space Network. SCaN is also preparing for a future that relies on optical communication and possibly even quantum computing. Younes takes us on an audio tour of SCaN’s work that extends beyond our solar system. There’s more to explore at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2021-badri-younes-nasa-scan

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Space Policy Edition: We're entering a new era of planetary defense (with Lindley Johnson)

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 15:00:00 +0000

The first in-space test of asteroid deflection technology, DART, launches this month. Lindley Johnson, NASA's planetary defense coordination officer, joins the show to talk about how this mission represents a new era for the agency's Planetary Defense program, and how it took nearly 25 years to convince policymakers, international partners, and even NASA that asteroid detection and deflection is an important use of taxpayer dollars. Casey and Mat also highlight the new Astrophysics decadal survey report and the federal ruling against Blue Origin in its effort to secure funding for its lunar lander. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/lindley-johnson-dart-planetary-defense

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Sarah Al Amiri and the new UAE mission to the asteroid belt

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 15:00:00 +0000

The chair of the United Arab Emirates space agency returns with news of an ambitious mission to explore seven asteroids. Sarah also shares the latest science from the Emirates Mars Mission Hope orbiter. The Planetary Society’s Kate Howells invites you to vote for the best space images and more from 2021. And we’ve got two space trivia contest winners to announce in the new What’s Up with Bruce Betts. There’s more to explore at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2021-sarah-al-amiri-uae-asteroid-mission

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Sally Ride: Revisiting our 2005 conversation

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Host Mat Kaplan has wanted to reshare his first conversation with the great Sally Ride for years. Sally talks about women in space, the loss of space shuttle Challenger, and her devotion to sharing the wonders of science with young girls through Sally Ride Science. Planetary Society editor Rae Paoletta takes us to Jupiter’s Great Red Spot. Is it shrinking? We also celebrate the return of the space trivia contest. There’s more to explore at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2021-2005-sally-ride-interview

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Amazing Technology at the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio host Mat Kaplan interviewed NIAC Fellows about their revolutionary projects as part of the 2021 virtual symposium. You’ll hear highlights including how we might grow structures on the Moon and Mars from fungi, and solar sails that will pass excruciatingly close to the Sun before they zoom out of our solar system. We’ll also check in with Society chief scientist Bruce Betts for another What’s Up. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2021-2021-niac-symposium

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Leaders of the Lucy asteroid mission

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 15:00:00 +0000

A delightful, exclusive conversation with principal investigator Hal Levison, deputy principal investigator Cathy Olkin and deputy project systems engineer Mike Sekerak on the eve of Lucy’s launch toward the asteroids that share Jupiter’s orbit. Don’t miss the cameo appearance by Ringo Starr! Bruce Betts offers another What’s Up space trivia contest with an extended deadline. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2021-lucy-levison-olkin-sekerak

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Why didn’t Dawn land on dwarf planet Ceres?

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 15:00:00 +0000

It started with a question from a listener. The answer comes from Dawn mission chief engineer and mission director Marc Rayman. Marc also tells us about his new job as chief engineer for mission operations and science at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and shares his love of space exploration with Mat. LightSail 2 is still going strong! Program manager Bruce Betts opens this week’s What’s Up segment with a mission status report. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2021-mark-rayman-dawn-ceres

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Space Policy Edition: NASA's Congressional Logjam

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 15:00:00 +0000

A polarized U.S. Congress is juggling nearly half a dozen pieces of major legislation, several of which face time-sensitive deadlines that, if missed, could create significant disruption for major NASA programs. Brendan Curry, The Planetary Society's Chief of D.C. Operations, reports on the view from inside the beltway, and helps us understand how the current logjam of legislation could impact or delay NASA policymaking. Casey and Mat address NASA's major reorganization of its human spaceflight program and how scuba is a cheaper alternative to space tourism. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/brendan-curry-fall-dc-update

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Mars Beckons: The 2021 Humans to Mars Summit

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Mars all-stars gathered online for September’s annual Humans to Mars summit produced by Explore Mars. Planetary Radio host Mat Kaplan moderated three intriguing panels with participants including leaders from space agencies throughout the world. Then we hear about the 19th century’s biggest telescope in this week’s What’s Up segment with Bruce Betts. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2021-humans-to-mars-summit-excerpts

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The Wonderful: a new documentary about the International Space Station

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Clare Lewins has created a film that takes us inside the lives of people who have lived and worked on the International Space Station. Cady Coleman is one of the featured astronauts in this beautiful, intimate and very affecting documentary. Planetary Society contributor Jatan Mehta tells us about South Korea’s plans for a lunar orbiter with an amazing camera. Bruce Betts returns with yet another space trivia contest and a quick tour of the night sky. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/the-wonderful-film-clare-lewins-cady-coleman

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The Case for a Return to Enceladus

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Morgan Cable of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is lead author of a paper that makes a compelling argument for a mission to Saturn’s small but dynamic moon Enceladus. She and her stellar co-authors believe it is among the best and easiest places in our solar system to look for evidence of life. Morgan has also been involved with the synthesis of organic crystals that could exist on Titan. What would they mean for possible biological activity on that big moon? Bruce Betts shares his excitement about the current night sky in What’s Up. https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/morgan-cable-enceladus-titan-co-crystals

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An ESCAPADE to Mars, on the cheap

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 15:00:00 +0000

NASA hopes to radically reduce the price tag for exploring Mars with a mission called ESCAPADE. Principal investigator Rob Lillis and his team will send two small probes to the Red Planet in 2024 for less than $80 million. They will work with orbiters already circling Mars to answer deep questions about the evolution of that world’s formerly thick atmosphere and the effects of solar radiation. Then we’ll check in with Planetary Society chief scientist Bruce Betts for another What’s Up. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/robert-lillis-escapade-mars

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Space Policy Edition: The cultural rituals of space advocacy, with Linda Billings

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Communication is culture, says Dr. Linda Billings, an expert in social science and space outreach. So what culture is summed by the types of space advocacy that call for pioneering, colonization and conquest of nature? Linda talks about the importance of language and context when advocating for space, and how we should consider other cultural values and frameworks for effective public engagement. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/linda-billings-space-advocacy-culture

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Liquid Water Under the Martian Polar Ice? Maybe Not

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 15:00:00 +0000

It was one of the most exciting planetary science announcements in 2018: Radar from an orbiting spacecraft might have found large pools of liquid water under the Martian south pole. But good science doesn’t end with first conclusions. Jeffrey Plaut and Isaac Smith are among the researchers who have found that a form of clay may better explain these reflections. We also talk with The Planetary Society’s Rae Paoletta about the Earth-like worlds found across our corner of the galaxy. Your chance to win the coveted Planetary Society rubber asteroid returns in this week’s What’s Up. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/jeffrey-plaut-isaac-smith-mars-polar-clay

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Europa Clipper Sails Toward Launch

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Jupiter’s moon Europa hides a vast water ocean under a protective layer of ice. The Europa Clipper mission will send a powerful orbiter to investigate. Mission system manager L. Alberto (Al) Cangahuala tells us about the great strides made toward a planned 2024 launch and the challenges ahead. Bruce Betts faces one of the greatest challenges for any parent: getting a new college freshman installed in a distant university. Our chief scientist takes a break from the preparation to share the night sky and a new space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/al-cangahuala-europa-clipper-update

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Cassini, Voyager and beyond with Linda Spilker

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Cassini project scientist Linda Spilker is back to describe how data from the Saturn mission that ended four years ago is behind new, trailblazing science. Linda has also rejoined the team behind NASA'S Voyager mission that is celebrating important anniversaries. She closes with convincing arguments for missions to Saturn’s moon Enceladus and the ice giants Uranus and Neptune. Bruce Betts gets on the Cassini train with this week’s space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/linda-spilker-cassini-voyager-outer-planets

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How Perseverance drives itself around Mars

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 15:00:00 +0000

NASA’s Perseverance is driving farther and faster than any previous Mars rover, thanks to its advanced AutoNav system. Vandi Verma, the mission’s chief engineer for robotics at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, takes us inside the speedy, six-wheeled robot for a look at its marvelous mechanics and software. Vandi also describes the complex process of sample collection. There’s a high-flying surprise for Bruce Betts in the space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/vandi-verma-perseverance-autonav-sample-collection

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Space Policy Edition: Mars via the Nuclear Option

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 14:59:59 +0000

Can nuclear propulsion fundamentally transform our ability to send humans to Mars? Bhavya Lal, a policy and nuclear engineering expert now working at NASA, helped write a new report on the topic for the National Academies of Sciences. She joins the show to talk about the advantages of various types of nuclear propulsion, the engineering and policy challenges that face them, and the role of government versus the private sector in developing and deploying transformational technologies. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0804-2021-spe-bhavya-lal-nuclear-propulsion

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Alan Stern Says It’s Time for Suborbital Science

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 15:00:00 +0000

An experiment rode next to Richard Branson when he rocketed to the edge of space on Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo last month. Planetary scientist Alan Stern says we’ve begun a new era of affordable space research thanks to this vehicle and Blue Origin’s New Shepard. Alan also delivers an update on the New Horizons mission, including a new, definitive collection of everything we’ve learned about Pluto. Then it’s Olympic gold for Bruce Betts in our weekly What’s Up segment. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/alan-stern-suborbital-science-new-horizons-update

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Andy Chaikin on Apollo 15 and the lessons of Apollo

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Apollo 17 commander Gene Cernan said of Andy Chaikin’s book A Man on the Moon, “I’ve been there. Chaikin took me back.” Andy returns to help us mark the 50th anniversary of Apollo 15 and the first use of the Lunar Rover. He also talks with Mat about what the Artemis generation should learn from Apollo, how astronauts have evolved, the challenge of putting humans on Mars, and much more. Bruce Betts picks up the Apollo 15 theme with this week in space history. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/andy-chaikin-apollo-15-and-more

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Amy Mainzer and a New Asteroid-Hunting Space Telescope

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 15:00:00 +0000

We may finally get the powerful telescope we’ve needed to find almost all of the near-Earth objects that are big enough to destroy a city. University of Arizona professor Amy Mainzer leads the NEO Surveyor project. She returns to Planetary Radio with the full story. Blue Origin’s Jeff Bezos and three colleagues rode a rocket that briefly put them in space. We’ll hear from Bezos and 82-year-old Wally Funk. The pilot and former astronaut candidate is now the oldest person to have reached space. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/amy-mainzer-neo-surveyor

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We’re Going Back to Venus

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Sue Smrekar and Jim Garvin woke up in June to some of the best news a planetary scientist can receive. Their complementary missions to Venus had just been given the green light by NASA. The VERITAS and DAVINCI principal investigators return to Planetary Radio for a celebration of this announcement and a deep dive into their spacecraft and the mysteries of Earth’s broiling-hot sister world. Bruce Betts adds yet another Venusian mystery when he offers this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/sue-smrekar-veritas-jim-garvin-davinci

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Visiting the James Webb Space Telescope

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 06:30:00 +0000

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope is expected to be 100 times as powerful as its predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope. We talk with three leaders of the effort to build, launch and deploy it as soon as November of this year. These conversations were recorded on the other side of a window facing the Northrop Grumman clean room in which technicians were putting the finishing touches on the observatory. Bruce Betts salutes Webb with a special What’s Up Random Space Fact. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/jwst-vila-ochs-robinson

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Space Policy Edition: The Pentagon's UFO Report, Featuring Sarah Scoles

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 15:00:00 +0000

The Pentagon finally released its hotly-anticipated briefing on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena. As expected, it provided little new information, saying only that there were a number of unexplainable observations. Sarah Scoles, author of the book They Are Already Here, that examines the culture and motivations behind ufology, joins the show to provide critical context. Why did it come about? What are the motivations of the people who pushed for its release? And how should we approach extraordinary claims with little information? Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0702-2021-spe-sarah-scoles-pentagon-ufo-report

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Finding Life by Looking for Complexity

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 15:00:00 +0000

University of Glasgow chemist Lee Cronin and his collaborators have developed a new way to detect life. Their "assembly theory" could give us a reliable method for recognizing life or evidence of past life based on the complexity of molecules in any environment. The Planetary Society’s Rae Paoletta shares our favorite images of Saturn’s rings with Mat. Bruce Betts reveals which star takes up more of Earth’s night sky as he resolves another What’s Up space quiz. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/lee-cronin-assembly-theory

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The Pearly Clouds of Mars

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Want to see wild colors on Mars? Look up! Planetary scientist Mark Lemmon studies planetary atmospheres at the Space Science Institute. He marvels at the images taken by Mastcam on the Curiosity rover of shimmering iridescent clouds high above the Martian surface. The Planetary Society’s Kate Howells looks back at the 1998 blockbuster movies that got a lot more people thinking about the near-Earth object threat. A few clouds won’t keep Bruce Betts from sharing his latest What’s Up look at the night sky. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/mark-lemmon-mars-clouds-and-dust

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Amateur Astronomers Saving the World

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 15:00:00 +0000

The Planetary Society has awarded more than 60 Shoemaker near-Earth object grants to astronomers around the world, enabling them to discover, track, and characterize thousands of asteroids. We’ll hear from two of these dedicated observers. The Society’s Rae Paoletta takes us to Venus where three new spacecraft will help answer big questions. Senior space policy adviser Casey Dreier helps us think about UFO claims. Chief scientist Bruce Betts offers a new What’s Up space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/shoemaker-neo-awardees-venus missions

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Experimental Cosmologist Brian Keating

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 15:00:00 +0000

How did the universe begin? Why do galaxies look the way the do? Can we see the vanishingly dim light of undiscovered worlds in the Kuiper Belt? These are some of the questions that drive Simons Observatory director Brian Keating. He also thinks deeply about the existential challenges faced by young scientists and how the Nobel Prize for Physics should be reformed. We’ll spend a fascinating hour with Brian after we visit his lab with fellow physicists James Benford and Paul Davies. Planetary Society chief scientist Bruce Betts joins us for an up-front What’s Up segment. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/brian-keating-simons-observatory-cosmology-nobel

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Space Policy Edition: NASA's 2022 Budget Request Says "Yes"

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 15:27:00 +0000

President Joe Biden's new budget proposal for NASA is very good, supporting nearly every major Planetary Society priority. It would fund science at record levels, maintain Artemis' 2024 lunar landing date, and make major investments in technology and education. Casey and Mat break down the details and discuss what's next for NASA as Congress takes up this request. They also explore the decision to fund two missions to Venus. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0604-2021-spe-venus-missions-biden-budget-request

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Mighty Jupiter Revealed

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Scott Bolton leads the Juno mission that has been orbiting and revealing Jupiter for five years. NASA has granted an extension that will keep the spacecraft exploring till 2025. Scott shares some of the most exciting recent science, and closes with the surprising tale of his first encounter with planetary scientist and Planetary Society founder Carl Sagan. Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts continues our Jovial theme and prepares us for an annular solar eclipse. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/scott-bolton-juno-update

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The New Great Space Observatories

Wed, 26 May 2021 15:00:00 +0000

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine will soon issue the Astro2020 Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey. It will rank four major proposals for exciting, expensive new space-based telescopes. Astrophysicist Grant Tremblay joins us to explain why all four competing instruments have been grouped as The New Great Observatories, hoping to repeat the marvelous success of a quartet of previous telescopes: Hubble, Spitzer, Chandra and Compton. Then we’ll join Bruce Betts on board the International Space Station for a space trivia contest about one of its commanders. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/grant-tremblay-new-great-observatories

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Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Project Manager MiMi Aung

Wed, 19 May 2021 15:00:00 +0000

The tiny Mars Helicopter Ingenuity has flown into our hearts. Project manager MiMi Aung and her team may have made it look easy, but Aung explains why it was anything but. Bruce Betts has tips for viewing the upcoming total lunar eclipse. Planetary Radio t-shirts are back as prizes in the space trivia contest! And we’ve got space headlines from The Downlink, our weekly newsletter. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/mimi-aung-ingenuity-update

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Defenders of Earth on Planetary Radio

Wed, 12 May 2021 15:00:00 +0000

The 2021 Planetary Defense Conference brought together the leading scientists, policymakers and other experts who are working to protect our planet from near-Earth objects (NEOs). The Planetary Society welcomed six of these heroes to a special virtual gathering in late April. You’ll hear their progress reports on this week’s show. One is our own Bruce Betts! He’ll stick around for a NEO-packed edition of What’s Up. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2021-pdc-public-event

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Space Policy Edition: How Starship at the Moon Brings NASA Closer to Mars

Fri, 07 May 2021 15:00:00 +0000

In a surprise move, NASA chose SpaceX's Starship as the sole winner of its 3 billion-dollar human lunar lander development contract. Within days, Blue Origin and Dynetics filed official protests, forcing NASA to delay the award. Casey and Mat discuss how this selection, if it stands, is a smart move for a space agency that is serious about a true "Moon-to-Mars" program. Should we stop thinking about SpaceX as a scrappy startup and instead treat it as the world's leading aerospace company? Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0507-2021-spe-bill-nelson-spacex-lunar-lander

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Author Andy Weir and Project Hail Mary

Wed, 05 May 2021 15:00:00 +0000

It is always such fun to welcome back Andy Weir. The author of The Martian and Artemis has just published his most entertaining and inventive novel yet. Project Hail Mary gives an unlikely protagonist the job of saving humanity. Andy also shares his thoughts about the Mars helicopter Ingenuity, his hopes for NASA, and his low opinion of “the goldilocks zone” for life. Someone will win the book in Bruce Betts’ space trivia contest. We also introduce new Planetary Society editor Rae Paoletta. She has written about the mysteries of lightning on Jupiter. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/andy-weir-project-hail-mary

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A Conversation with Kyoto Prize Recipient James Gunn

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 15:00:00 +0000

There is no Nobel prize for astronomy, so the Kyoto Prize for Astronomy and Astrophysics may be the highest international recognition an astronomer can receive. Princeton University professor of astronomy Jim Gunn is the most recent recipient. Jim recently joined Mat Kaplan for a deep conversation about the wonder and beauty of deep space, about the Sloan Digital Sky Survey that Jim co-created and led, and much more. Is there an asteroid with Mat Kaplan’s name on it? That question is at the heart of the new space trivia contest from Bruce Betts. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/james-gunn-sdss

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Is ‘Oumuamua a Piece of a Pluto-Like Planet? And Ingenuity’s First Flight on Mars

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 15:00:00 +0000

We begin with a thrilling recap of the successful first flight of NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter on Mars. Then we meet two researchers who have come up with a fascinating explanation for the first interstellar object discovered as it passed through our solar system. Rock out with Planetary Society chief scientist Bruce Betts as we discover the ‘80s band that made a hit out of the first Space Shuttle flight. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/steven-desch-alan-jackson-oumuamua

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The High Frontier: A New Documentary About Gerard K. O’Neill

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Physicist and space pioneer Gerard K. O’Neil gathered a community of followers as he led planning for vast, magnificent human settlements in space. Guests Dylan Taylor, Will Henry and Ryan Stuit have produced an inspiring, feature-length tribute to O’Neill that stars space luminaries including Jeff Bezos, Frank White, Lori Garver, Rick Tumlinson, and many others. Then Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan are joined by a special listener guest on What’s Up. Hear and discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/high-frontier-film-dylan-taylor

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The First Space Shuttle Pilot: Bob Crippen on the 40th Anniversary of STS-1

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Pilot Bob Crippen and Commander John Young became the first astronauts to fly a Space Shuttle into orbit on April 12, 1981. Crippen tells host Mat Kaplan about that mission and shares many more stories from his adventurous life. Mat was standing on the dry lake bed in the California desert when STS-1 returned to Earth. Planetary Society senior space policy advisor Casey Dreier brings additional perspective to this anniversary, and it’s a space poetry festival when Bruce Betts arrives with this week’s What’s Up segment. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/bob-crippen-40th-shuttle-anniversary

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Space Policy Edition: Biden Names His NASA Administrator

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Bill Nelson, former Senator from Florida, congressional astronaut, and father of the Space Launch System, will likely be NASA's next administrator. Casey Dreier and Mat Kaplan also discuss The Planetary Society's global Day of Action, which saw hundreds of Society members meet with elected officials in Washington D.C., along with the news that the National Space Council will continue, and the 40th anniversary of the first Space Shuttle launch, with new budget data. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0402-2021-spe-day-of-action-bill-nelson-nomination

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NASA’s TESS Exoplanet Mission Finds Over 2,000 Possible New Worlds

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 15:00:00 +0000

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) team has just announced more than 2,200 new exoplanet candidates. Natalia Guerrero of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology manages these discoveries and still finds time to write plays, collaborate on musical performances and host radio shows that dig into the deeper meaning of our expanding universe. The Venusian phosphine debate continues! Space journalist Nancy Atkinson provides an update. Bruce Betts returns to expand our knowledge of the night sky and present a new space trivia contest in What’s Up. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/natalia-guerrero-tess-2200-exoplanet-candidates

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The Perseverance Rover and a Great First Month on Mars

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Deputy project scientists Katie Stack Morgan and Ken Williford are living on Mars time and living for Mars. We get an update from them on the work of the Mars 2020 rover. Perseverance is already accomplishing terrific science after just 5 weeks on the Red Planet. Katie and Ken also tell us what’s ahead, including launch of Mars helicopter Ingenuity. Then it’s checkmate as Bruce Betts makes his next move across the night sky in What’s Up. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/katie-morgan-ken-williford-perseverance-first-month

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Return From Ryugu: The Hayabusa2 Leader on His Mission’s Success

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Hayabusa2 project manager Yuichi Tsuda and his team learned a lot from Hayabusa1, Japan’s troubled-though-successful mission that returned a sample from asteroid Itokawa. Now they are celebrating the recovery of a much larger sample from a different world: asteroid Ryugu. Dr. Tsuda joins Mat Kaplan for a fascinating, exclusive conversation about the mission’s 5-billion-kilometer journey and the great science to come. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/yuichi-tsuda-hayabusa2

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InSight’s Mole: A Martian Science Odyssey

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Troy Hudson and a brilliant international team created a device that would hammer its way below the surface of Mars. Mars had other ideas. The Jet Propulsion Lab engineer and scientist returns to tell us the heroic tale of the InSight lander’s Heat Flow and Physical Properties Package, also known as the mole. Stay with us for a tour of the current night sky and a new space trivia contest from Bruce Betts. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/troy-hudson-insight-mole

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Space Policy Edition: SpaceX's Early, Desperate Days (with Eric Berger)

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 16:00:00 +0000

The SpaceX of today reuses rockets and launches people into space. But 15 years ago, the future of the company was in doubt as its Falcon 1 rocket repeatedly failed to reach orbit. Eric Berger, Senior Space Editor at Ars Technica, joins the show to discuss his new book, Liftoff, which chronicles these early, formative years of the company in which it nearly collapsed. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0305-2021-spe-eric-berger

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Spinoffs: How NASA Technologies Benefit Life on Earth

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Cleaning up water pollution, inventing inexpensive ventilators for hospitals, turning waste plastic into sidewalks, and making baby formula more nutritious—these and thousands of other innovations have come directly from research and development for space exploration. NASA technology transfer program executive Daniel Lockney takes us on a tour of Spinoff 21, the agency’s fascinating new report. Bruce Betts reminds us that a spin past Venus is sometimes the best way to head to far more distant worlds. That’s the inspiration for this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest. There’s much more to hear and discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/dan-lockney-nasa-spinoff-21

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Touchdown! The Sights and Sounds of Perseverance on Mars

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 16:00:00 +0000

The Mars 2020 rover is on Mars. We have collected the most thrilling moments from the landing and the revelations that followed, including the first sounds recorded on the Red Planet. Bill Nye congratulates the entire Perseverance team and explains why this audacious mission is so important. Then Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan welcome special guests as they read the winners of the What’s Up Mars poetry contest. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/perseverance-landing-highlights

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Planetfest ’21: To Mars and Back Again

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 16:00:00 +0000

The Planetary Society’s Planetfest ’21 celebrated Mars and the newest visitors to the Red Planet. Mat Kaplan shares some of his Planetfest conversation with Andy Weir, author of The Martian. We also sit down with the leader of the United Arab Emirates’ Hope mission that entered Mars orbit a few days ago. Planetary Society contributing editor Andrew Jones provides an update on China’s Tianwen-1 spacecraft that arrived within hours of Hope. We’ll also join preparations for the landing of NASA’s Mars 2020 rover Perseverance as we hear a media briefing from mission leaders. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/planetfest-andy-weir-omran-sharaf-andrew-jones

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The Big Book of Mars: Our Obsession with the Red Planet

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Mars has commanded our attention and stimulated our imaginations for millenia. Now, as 3 more spacecraft arrive, we talk with author Marc Hartzman about his new book that documents the fascination and fancy generated by the Red Planet. Planetary Society Chief Advocate Casey Dreier gives us a taste of the Society’s recommendations for the Biden administration regarding space exploration. Bruce Betts provides one more opportunity to win a Planetfest ’21 t-shirt! There’s more to discover, including a link to Planetfest ’21, at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/marc-hartzman-big-book-of-mars

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Space Policy Edition: The Big Picture on U.S. Science Funding

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Matt Hourihan is perhaps the world's most knowledgeable expert in how the U.S. government funds basic science and development activities. He joins the show to talk about the big picture of where the money goes, how the focus has changed over time, and the consequences of budget cuts to critical science investments. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0205-2021-spe-matt-hourihan

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A Cosmic Odyssey: Decades of Discovery at the Palomar Observatory

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Astronomer Linda Schweizer spent countless hours interviewing the explorers who revolutionized astronomy through observations made at California’s Palomar Observatory. She tells their fascinating stories and shares their science in her new book Cosmic Odyssey: How Intrepid Astronomers at Palomar Observatory Changed our View of the Universe. Attention space poets! You might win a Planetfest ’21 t-shirt as Mat and Bruce invite your best efforts in the new What’s Up contest. Hey, it could be verse! There’s more to discover, including a link to Planetfest ’21, at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0203-2021-linda-schweizer-cosmic-odyssey

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‘Oumuamua: Avi Loeb says it may have been artificial

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Could the first object shown to have originated outside our solar system be a light sail built by an alien civilization? That’s the very controversial hypothesis put forward by distinguished Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb in his new book Extraterrestrial. The book is about much more than ‘Oumuamua, and so is Avi’s conversation with Mat Kaplan. Bill Nye pays tribute to a fallen member of The Planetary Society’s space family, and the biggest coincidence in the history of Planetary Radio surfaces during What’s Up.There’s more to discover, including a link to Planetfest ’21, at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0127-2021-avi-loeb-extraterrestrial

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7 More Minutes of Terror: Perseverance Arrives at Mars

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 16:00:00 +0000

The 2020 Mars Rover will reach the Red Planet on February 18th after many months in the relative quiet of space. It will then undergo a true trial by fire as it descends to the surface. Jet Propulsion Lab systems engineer and his colleagues hope it will arrive as successfully as its sister Curiosity did in 2012. He tells host Mat Kaplan what to expect. Planetary Radio listeners prove once again that they are awesome as they go to amazing and unnecessary lengths (oops!) to answer the space trivia quiz. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0120-2021-gregory-villar-perseverance-edl

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Space Policy Edition: A Mob at the U.S. Capitol

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 16:00:00 +0000

This is not your normal episode of the Space Policy Edition, but these are not normal times. The centuries-old U.S. tradition of the peaceful transfer of power ended on 6 January 2021, as a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol building during the certification of the electoral college vote, leaving 5 dead. Hours later, more than one hundred members of Congress voted to object to the certified electoral results of Arizona and Pennsylvania. Jared Zambrano-Stout, former congressional staffer and chief of staff of the National Space Council, joins the show to help process these events. We’ll return to our usual space policy content in February. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0115-2021-spe-jared-zambrano-stout

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A Symphony for 7 Moons

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Composer Amanda Lee Falkenberg has created The Moons Symphony. You’ll hear excerpts from each of its 7 movements. They are inspired by and evoke 7 of our solar system’s smaller, unique worlds. Joining Amanda are her advisors and friends, artist and International Space Station astronaut Nicole Stott and Cassini mission project scientist Linda Spilker. Bruce Betts arrives with a new space trivia question based on a visitor to one of these moons. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0113-2021-moons-symphony-falkenberg-spilker-stott

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Solar Cruiser: A Giant Sail Prepares for Space

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 16:00:00 +0000

It is many times larger than any previous solar sail, and it will pave the way for even bigger spacecraft propelled by light. Solar Cruiser principal investigator Les Johnson tells us about his latest project and looks to humanity crossing the gulfs of interstellar space. Stellaris: People of the Stars is a collection of science fact and fiction co-edited by Les. Mat and Bruce offer a copy in the new What’s Up space trivia contest. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0106-2021-les-johnson-solar-cruiser

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Planetary Society All-Stars Review 2020 Space Milestones

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 16:00:00 +0000

Chief Scientist Bruce Betts, Editorial Director Jason Davis, Chief Advocate and Senior Space Policy Advisor Casey Dreier, and Communications Strategy and Canadian Space Policy Advisor Kate Howells join host Mat Kaplan for our annual look back at the closing year’s accomplishments in space exploration. They also predict 2021’s biggest events on the final frontier. A very cool prize awaits the winner of the new What’s Up space trivia contest. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/1230-2020-2020-review-betts-davis-dreier-howells

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Astronaut Stephanie Wilson Might Walk on the Moon

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 16:00:00 +0000

Engineer and astronaut Stephanie Wilson was a toddler when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin visited the Moon. She may someday almost literally walk in their footsteps. Stephanie is one of 18 astronauts--9 women and 9 men--chosen for the Artemis Team. We also welcome back Cassini-Huygens project scientist Linda Spilker for another update on the discoveries still being made thanks to that flagship mission. Linda also looks ahead toward more missions in the outer solar system. Did you catch the great conjunction? Mat and Bruce did, and they’ll talk about it in What’s Up. There’s more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/1223-2020-stephanie-wilson-artemis-linda-spilker

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What Do You Need to Make Martian Oxygen? MOXIE!

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 16:00:00 +0000

Mike Hecht is in charge of the MOXIE experiment on NASA’s Perseverance rover, arriving on Mars in February. The tiny device will test our ability to turn the Red Planet’s plentiful carbon dioxide into oxygen. Someday a scaled-up version may make the oxidizer that will get astronauts back to Earth. Mike also helps lead the groundbreaking Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration that captured the first image of a black hole. Want to win a Planetary Society baseball cap? Your opportunity arrives with What’s Up. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/1216-2020-mike-hecht-moxie

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Welcoming a New Leader, and China on the Final Frontier

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 16:00:00 +0000

Carl Sagan was first in the job. Now it has been handed to Caltech planetary scientist Bethany Ehlmann. We’ll talk with the Planetary Society’s new president about her Moon mission and more. Society CEO Bill Nye and president emeritus Jim Bell also join in. Then we welcome back China space program expert Andrew Jones for an update on the nation’s lunar sample return effort and a survey of many other missions and developments. The new Planetary Society baseball cap will go with a great new book about the Apollo program to the winner of a new space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/1209-2020-ehlmann-transition-nye-bell-andrew-jones

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Space Policy Edition: Operation Moonglow and the Global Impact of Apollo

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Apollo was seen as a triumph of, not for, all mankind, argues Dr. Teasel Muir-Harmony, author of the new book Operation Moonglow: A Political History of Apollo. She joins the show to talk about how this was not an accident, but the outcome of a carefully managed public relations campaign by the United States to promote its interests abroad. Discover more here. https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/1202-2020-spe-teasel-muir-harmony

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Observatory Director Francisco Córdova on the Devastating Loss of Arecibo

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 16:00:00 +0000

The 900-ton instrument platform suspended high above the giant Arecibo dish crashed downward in the early morning hours of December 1st. Host Mat Kaplan had recorded a conversation with the leader of the observatory just hours before the disaster. You’ll hear it here, along with a reflection on the magnificent radio telescope by Bill Nye, and further comments by Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts. We’ve also got space headlines and a brand-new prize for a brand-new space trivia contest. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/1202-2020-francisco-cordova-loss-arecibo-observatory

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More Moon Water and an Update from Venus on Our 18th Anniversary!

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +0000

We celebrate 18 years of Planetary Radio with two great features and 10 personal questions for host Mat Kaplan from Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts. Astronomer Jane Greaves is back with an update on the phosphine gas detected above Venus. Then we find water right out under the Sun on our own Moon. Research leader Casey Honnibal tells us how her team found it using the SOFIA telescope on a 747. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/1125-2020-greaves-phosphine-honnibal-lunar-water

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Revealing Mars From Above, and Crew Dragon is Go!

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +0000

Jeffrey Plaut and Richard Zurek are the project scientists for two of the most successful and long-lived Mars missions. Their orbiters, Mars Odyssey and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, are still delivering great science, even after 19 years above the Red Planet for Odyssey. We’ve also condensed the first 29 hours of the first operational Crew Dragon mission into 98 thrilling seconds. You’ll get a chance to win The Spacefarer’s Handbook in this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/1118-2020-crew-dragon-odyssey-mro

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Space Policy Edition: NASA's Post-Election Landscape

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 19:00:00 +0000

The United States' 2020 elections are over. What do the results mean for NASA in the years ahead? To help answer that question, we welcome back Brendan Curry, The Planetary Society's Chief of D.C. Operations. Join us as we review the changes in Congress and the White House that will impact the direction of the U.S. space program. Explore more here. https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/1002-2020-spe-brendan-curry-election-review

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A Rogue World Wanders as PlanetVac Heads for the Moon and Mars

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +0000

In a jam-packed episode, we’ll talk to a discoverer of a distant, lonely planet that wanders the galaxy, and then turn to plans to send a radically-simple sample collection system to the Moon and Mars’ moon Phobos. Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye will add his congratulations for the PlanetVac team. We’ve also got a signed copy of Bill’s latest book for the winner of the new What’s Up space trivia contest. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/1111-2020-poleski-rogue-planet-zacny-planetvac

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A Return to Asteroid Mining, and Digging Into Space Ethics with Joel Sercel

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +0000

At least two ambitious, smart asteroid mining companies have gone bust. Joel Sercel makes the case that his new effort comes at a much better time, and with a better approach. He’ll also share his audacious plan for mining water on the Moon, along with his concerns regarding humanity’s spread across the solar system. Can we avoid the mistakes made in past eras of exploration and expansion? You’ve got one more chance to win your own asteroid—a small, rubber one—in this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/1104-2020-joel-sercel

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A Deep Dive into Asteroid Bennu With Dante Lauretta

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 15:00:00 +0000

We are joined by the leader of the OSIRIS-REx mission that sampled an asteroid last week. Dante reveals just how brilliantly successful the encounter was, and describes preparations for the journey back to Earth. Space journalist Nancy Atkinson tells us about Orbilander, a mission that would orbit and then descend to Saturn’s moon Enceladus in a search for life. Space headlines from The Downlink and our weekly visit with Chief Scientist Bruce Betts round out this week’s show. Explore more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/1028-2020-dante-lauretta-osiris-rex

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We Have Sampled an Asteroid! And the Search for Life Above Venus

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 15:00:00 +0000

OSIRIS-REx has done it! We have special coverage of the spacecraft’s successful collection of a sample from asteroid Bennu. Then we talk with Jane Greaves, leader of the team that found evidence of phosphine gas in the atmosphere of Venus. Has this put us on the road to discovery of life above that hellish world? Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan offer a copy of Beyond Earth’s Edge: The Poetry of Spaceflight in the new space trivia contest. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/1021-2020-jane-greaves-venus-phosphine

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Beyond Earth’s Edge: A Celebrity Space Poetry Jam!

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Beyond Earth’s Edge: The Poetry of Spaceflight is the new and outstanding collection of poems edited by Julie Swarstad Johnson and Christopher Cokinos. They’ll join us to hear poems in the collection read by Bill Nye, Robert Picardo, Sasha Sagan, astronauts, scientists and others. Bruce Betts looks away from the night sky long enough to pen his own poetic contribution. We’ve also got space headlines from The Downlink, and a new space trivia contest. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/1014-2020-poetry-johnson-cokinos

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Protectors of Earth! (and Other Worlds)

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Protecting worlds like Earth and Mars from microscopic invaders carried by human and robot visitors was just one of the scores of topics covered at this year’s Humans to Mars summit. Mat Kaplan moderated a panel featuring planetary scientist and New Horizons mission principal investigator Alan Stern, NASA associate administrator Mike Gold, and NASA planetary protection officer Lisa Pratt. Planetary Society digital editor Jason Davis shares the fascinating 40-year timeline that can be found in the Society’s September equinox edition of The Planetary Report, and Mars shines bright in our What’s Up segment. Great links and more are at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/1007-2020-h2m-planetary-protection-panel

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Space Policy Edition: Divining Biden's Space Policy with Jeff Foust

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 18:00:00 +0000

A month before the U.S. election Joe Biden's campaign has yet to state its goals for space and NASA. We asked Jeff Foust, one of the best space reporters in the business, to help us piece together a working model of a potential Biden Administration space policy. We comb through the available evidence, combining insights from Biden's history in the Senate, his 8 years as vice president, and current activities in the Democratic House of Representatives and party platform to create a prediction of what might be the same, and what might differ from the Trump Administration's approach to NASA. Explore more here. https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/1002-2020-spe-jeff-foust

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Exploring the Cosmos With Heidi Hammel and AURA

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 15:00:00 +0000

AURA, the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, is the organization that oversees operation of many of our world’s most powerful telescopes, including the Hubble Space Telescope. Veteran astronomer and planetary scientist Heidi Hammel is its Vice President for Science. Listen to her passionate argument for exploration by ground and space-based instruments and what they may tell us about ourselves. Only one cat has gone to space! You might win a tribute to that feline in the new What’s Up space trivia contest. Links and more are at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0930-2020-heidi-hammel-aura

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A Fond Farewell: Solar System Specialist Emily Lakdawalla

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Emily Lakdawalla was on the very first episode of Planetary Radio, and has been heard on hundreds since then. The planetary evangelist returns for a conversation like no other. Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye shares his thoughts after we hear from Emily. Got Mars? Bruce Betts tells us it’s brighter than Jupiter in the evening sky. He’ll tell you where to look during What’s Up. Much more of Emily can be heard at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0923-2020-emily-lakdawalla-farewell-nye

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Have We Found Evidence of Life on Venus?

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 15:00:00 +0000

An international team has detected phosphine gas in the clouds above Venus. Naturally-produced phosphine on Earth is created by anaerobic bacteria. We’ll listen to portions of the media briefing at which this result was announced. Then we’ll get perspective on the find from the Planetary Society’s Casey Dreier. Astrophysicist and Venus atmosphere expert Javier Peralta will share his reaction and a big find of his own on our nearest planetary neighbor. Links and more are at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0916-2020-venus-phosphine-discovery-casey-dreier

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Space Policy Edition: The Moon-to-Mars Strategy, with Dr. Scott Pace

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 18:00:00 +0000

How spacefaring nations prioritize funding can be just as important, if not more so, than the capabilities of the commercial sector, says Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar, President and CEO of the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration. She joins the show to talk how these complement each other, and why the SLS and Orion programs deserve support along with work by companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin. Mat and Casey also catch up on the dizzying amount of space news in July, including important progress on NASA’s budget from the U.S. House of Representatives. Explore more here. https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0911-2020-spe-scott-pace

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A Planetary Mystery is Solved, and it’s Bill Nye’s Anniversary!

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 15:00:00 +0000

JPL’s Marc Rayman, former Dawn mission director, reveals the secrets of those bright spots on dwarf planet Ceres. First though we celebrate Bill Nye’s 10th anniversary as CEO of The Planetary Society. Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Vaughn is followed by the Science Guy himself. And there’s a Nye invention at the heart of this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest. Links and more are at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0909-2020-marc-rayman-ceres-bill-nye-jennifer-vaughn-10th-anniversary

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The Sirens of Mars Call to Us

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Georgetown University planetary scientist Sarah Stewart Johnson has written a beautiful book that chronicles our long quest for life on the Red Planet. That search may finally be reaching a climax with the new Perseverance rover and the beginnings of sample return. A copy of The Sirens of Mars will go to the winner of yet another What’s Up space trivia contest. In a nice coincidence, Bruce Betts will tell us where to find a brilliantly bright Mars in the night sky. Links and more are at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0902-2020-sarah-stewart-johnson-sirens-of-mars

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Katie Mack and The End of Everything

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Known as Astrokatie to her 370 thousand Twitter followers, astrophysicist and cosmologist Katie Mack has written a funny, fantastic guide to the end of the universe. The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking) explores five major scenarios for the big finish of the cosmos that scientists currently consider to be possible. We’ll award a copy of Katie’s book to the winner of this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest. Links and more are at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0826-2020-katie-mack-end-of-everything

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Make Room! Worlds May Crowd Some Habitable Zones

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Newly-published research led by Stephen Kane finds room for as many as 6 habitable zone planets around some stars. Why then is Earth on its own? The UC Riverside planetary scientist and astrobiologist will explain. Host Mat Kaplan is not prepared in the least for the latest space trivia contest question posed by Planetary Society chief scientist Bruce Betts. Do you read The Downlink? The Planetary Society’s great newsletter includes space headlines we review. Links and more are at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0819-2020-stephen-kane-habitable-zone-worlds

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Another Ray Gun Heads for Mars. We Hear It Working.

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 15:00:00 +0000

First there was ChemCam on Mars rover Curiosity. Now, SuperCam is on its way to the Red Planet aboard Perseverance. We’ll talk with principal investigator Roger Wiens about the new and improved, laser-firing instrument that delivers rock spectra and other science from a distance. SuperCam’s microphone will finally let us listen to the Martian wind and more. Mastcam-Z is right next to SuperCam on the Perseverance mast. You’ve turned it into great acronyms that we’ll share in What’s Up. Links and more are at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0812-2020-roger-wiens-supercam-mars-microphone

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Space Policy Edition: Why the SLS is a National Asset, and Why That Matters

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 18:00:00 +0000

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Crew Dragon Triumphant, and a Planetary Society Founder Remembers

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Astronaut and former SpaceX director of space operations Garrett Reisman returns to help us celebrate and appreciate the just-completed first crewed mission by a Crew Dragon capsule. Then we settle in with Planetary Society Emeritus Executive Director Lou Friedman for great stories from his new memoir, Planetary Adventures: From Moscow to Mars. Chase Chief Scientist Bruce Betts down the rotating black hole and get ready for the Perseid meteor shower in this week’s What’s Up. Great links and more are at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0805-2020-reisman-crew-dragon-friedman-planetary-adventures

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Hope Leads the Way to Mars

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 15:00:00 +0000

An exclusive conversation with science lead Sarah Al Amiri and project director Omran Sharaf of the Emirates Mars Mission. Their Hope orbiter is now on its way to the red planet. NASA Associate Administrator Thomas Zurbuchen has praise for the Emirates mission and looks forward to the beginning of the Perseverance rover’s own journey. Are you as good as NASA at creating acronyms? Take your best shot in the new What’s Up contest, as Bruce Betts waves farewell to comet NEOWISE. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/0729-2020-amiri-sharaf-emm-hope

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A Mars Mission Begins, a Comet Exits, and the Future of Planetary Science

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 15:00:00 +0000

The United Arab Emirates Hope spacecraft has begun its journey to Mars. We’ll join a virtual launch party attended by mission leaders, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, National Air and Space Museum director Ellen Stofan and others. Comet NEOWISE is still putting on a show! Learn more about it from NEOWISE principal investigator Amy Mainzer, NASA planetary defense officer Lindley Johnson and JPL scientist Emily Kramer. Our own Casey Dreier provides an overview of three far-sighted white papers submitted as part of the new planetary science decadal survey. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0722-2020-hope-mission-comet-neowise-white-papers.html

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3 Billion Years Ago: Was Mars Alive?

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Perseverance, NASA’s 2020 rover, leaves for the Red Planet in just days. Deputy project scientist Ken Williford tells us how it will look for signs of past life where there was once a Martian lake. He’ll also take us through his Jet Propulsion Lab facility where scientists are learning how to recognize the evidence of long ago biology here on Earth. Comet NEOWISE is still lighting up the northern hemisphere sky. Bruce Betts knows where to find it. We’ve also got great new prizes for the space trivia contest. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0715-2020-ken-williford-perseverance.html

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To Pluto and Beyond with Alan Stern

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 15:00:00 +0000

It has been 5 years since the New Horizons probe revealed beautiful, surprising Pluto, and 18 months since it showed us the odd little body now known as Arrokoth. Principal Investigator Alan Stern shares the latest science, and tells us what the spacecraft is up to now as it races toward the edge of our solar system. Have you seen the new comet? Bruce Betts tells you where and how to look in this week’s What’s Up. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0708-2020-alan-stern-new-horizons.html

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Space Policy Edition: A Trillion-Dollar Space Economy?

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 18:00:00 +0000

Dr. Bhavya Lal joins the show to discuss the size of the space economy, where it's going, and how the term itself can mean many different things to many different people. In a world filled with breathless claims about trillion-dollar economies, we dive down into the fundamental assumptions about space commerce, its potential for growth, and the pitfalls of motivated thinking in the hyper-optimistic space community. Learn more about this month’s topics through links on the show page. https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/space-policy-edition-51.html

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Jim Bell Sends New Eyes to Mars

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Mastcam-Z is the main camera system that will soon leave for Mars as part of the Perseverance rover. Mastcam-Z Principal Investigator Jim Bell is back to tell us about what the most powerful set of eyes to reach the surface of the Red Planet may show us. Planetary Society Solar System Specialist Emily Lakdawalla explores four sample return missions headed out across our solar system. The Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient Greek computing device, anchors this week’s What’s Up segment with Bruce Betts. And someone will win one of Jim Bell’s books in the new space trivia contest. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0701-2020-jim-bell-mastcam-z.html

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China on the Final Frontier

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Low Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, even Neptune and the edge of the solar system--China’s ambitious plans for space exploration and development are laid out by Planetary Society contributing editor and Chinese space program expert Andrew Jones. Jason Davis provides a brief overview of what’s in the June Solstice edition of The Planetary Report, now available for free. And it’s time to give away ice cream on What’s Up! Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0624-2020-andrew-jones-china-space-program.html

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LightSail 2: A Year of Solar Sailing

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 15:00:00 +0000

The LightSail 2 team and 50,000 supporters around the world will celebrate the little spacecraft’s first anniversary on orbit in a few days. Planetary Society Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Vaughn remembers the long road to this accomplishment. LightSail Program Manager Bruce Betts and LightSail Project Manager Dave Spencer tell us what we’ve learned over the last year and look to the future of solar sailing. Dave also reveals his exciting new job at the Jet Propulsion Lab. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0617-2020-light-sail-2-betts-spencer-vaughn.html

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Staying Alive in Space

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Keeping humans alive and well in space is hard enough. How will this be accomplished on a 3-year journey to Mars and back? Paragon President and CEO Grant Anderson shares the great progress we’ve made and the remaining challenges. Astronauts headed for the Red Planet may not need ice cream to stay alive, but will life be worth living without it? You may win a pint of Ben & Jerry’s moooony new flavor and a Netflix Space Force spoon to eat it with in this week’s space trivia contest. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0610-2020-grant-anderson-life-support.html

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Space Policy Edition: NASA’s Gamble Pays Off

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 18:00:00 +0000

SpaceX's Crew Dragon safely carried 2 astronauts to the ISS, nearly a decade after NASA made a huge bet on commercial partnerships to solve a problem of access to the space station. Casey and Mat explore how NASA gained the political will to fundamentally re-imagine its relationship with the private sector. Will it spur a new market for sending humans into space? Chief of D.C. Operations Brendan Curry offers an update on Congress and the outlook for NASA's major programs in a period of unrest and uncertainty. Learn more about this month’s topics through links at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/space-policy-edition-50.html

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Crew Dragon Thrills While Mars Chills

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 15:00:00 +0000

This episode opens with a special message about The Planetary Society’s response to recent news, followed by a period of silence that marks the unjust loss of George Floyd and other black men and women. In our regular coverage, we celebrate the successful launch and arrival of the Crew Dragon spacecraft at the International Space Station. Then it’s off to Mars with planetary scientist Edgard Rivera-Valentin. Learn more at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0603-2020-edgard-rivera-valentin-mars-brines-crew-dragon.html

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Celebrating 30 Years of Hubble with Astronaut John Grunsfeld

Wed, 27 May 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Former astronaut and NASA Associate Administrator John Grunsfeld is often called the Hubble Repairman. He made three space shuttle trips to the space telescope to repair and upgrade it. Now he looks back over three decades of science, beautiful images, and inspiration delivered by the HST. Rubber asteroids are back, and you might win one in the new What’s Up space trivia contest. Great links, including to Mat Kaplan’s live interview with John Grunsfeld, are at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0527-2020-john-grunsfeld-hubble-30th.html

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Crew Dragon Deep Dive with Astronaut Garrett Reisman

Wed, 20 May 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Engineer and former astronaut Garrett Reisman spent four months on the International Space Station before moving to SpaceX. Ten years of work at the company are about to climax when a Crew Dragon capsule carries astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the ISS. Garrett shares his excitement and inside knowledge about the mission and the groundbreaking spacecraft. We’ve also got headlines from The Downlink, and a night sky update as part of this week’s What’s Up. Great links, including the Crew Dragon ISS manual approach simulation app, are at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0513-2020-garrett-reisman-crew-dragon.html

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Looking for Life in Alien Oceans

Wed, 13 May 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Jet Propulsion Lab astrobiologist Kevin Hand has just written Alien Oceans: The Search for Life in the Depths of Space. Kevin and Mat explore these seas and whether they may have nurtured organisms with no connection to life on Earth. You may win a copy of Kevin’s excellent book in this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest with Bruce Betts. Take an even deeper dive at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0513-2020-kevin-hand-alien-oceans.html

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The Crew Dragon Countdown Begins, With Former NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver

Wed, 06 May 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Lori Garver may have been the strongest advocate of commercial space development in her days at NASA. Now one of that program’s greatest goals is about to achieved with the flight of American astronauts to the International Space Station in a Crew Dragon spaceship. The Planetary Society’s Jason Davis previews what to expect from the SpaceX Demo-2 mission. Also, headlines from The Downlink, and Venus shining bright in What’s Up with Bruce Betts. Learn more about Lori Garver and the Crew Dragon mission at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0506-2020-lori-garver-dm2-commercial-space.html

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Space Policy Edition: Our Moral Obligation to Explore Space

Fri, 01 May 2020 18:00:00 +0000

Are we morally obligated to pursue space exploration? What ethical considerations should we consider when creating space policy? Philosopher James Schwartz joins the show to address these questions and talk about his new book, The Value of Science in Space Exploration. Learn more about this month’s topics through links on the show page. https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/space-policy-edition-49.html

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Life on Mars: Joining the Quest with Penny Boston and Jim Green

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Mat Kaplan recently hosted the first of a series of Explore Mars live and interactive events. NASA astrobiologist Penelope Boston and NASA Chief Scientist James Green joined him for a thrilling conversation about the search for life on the Red Planet, and what may happen if or when we find it. The comet may be a bust, but Bruce Betts tells us there’s still plenty to see in the current night sky. Mat and Bruce also talk about the first ever What’s Up Live! See the live Mars discussion and explore our other topics at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0429-2020-life-on-mars-penny-boston-jim-green.html

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The Royal Astronomical Society at 200

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 15:00:00 +0000

“The object of THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY shall be the encouragement and promotion of Astronomy, Solar-System Sciences, Geophysics and closely related branches of science.” That’s what you’ll find on the website of the RAS. Its mission has changed little in the two centuries since it was founded by some of Britain’s leading scientific minds. Don’t miss the UK Poet Laureate’s poem in honor of the RAS at the end of this week’s episode. We also offer a tribute to the late Margaret Burbidge, one of the 20th century’s greatest astronomers. Learn and explore more at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0422-2020-ras-200th-margaret-burbidge.html

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NASA Administrator James Bridenstine Returns

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 15:00:00 +0000

We talk with NASA’s leader about how the agency is meeting the challenge of the pandemic. He looks forward to the future with confidence as he offers updates on projects including the Perseverance Mars rover, the Artemis Moon program, and the effort to send U.S. astronauts to the International Space Station on U.S. commercial crew vehicles. Planetary Society Chief Advocate Casey Dreier marks the 50th anniversary of Apollo 13 and introduces us to his remarkable new planetary exploration budget dataset. What’s Up also celebrate the “successful failure” of Apollo 13 as Bruce Betts tours the night sky and presents a new space trivia contest. Learn and explore more at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0415-2020-nasa-admin-james-bridenstine.html

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The Slime Mold and the Universe

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 15:00:00 +0000

How could a lowly slime mold help researchers understand the distribution of dark matter and galaxies across the cosmos? Joseph Burchett and Oskar Elek of the University of California Santa Cruz will tell us about their team’s groundbreaking work. Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan announce the first live and interactive What's Up segment is coming on April 23rd. The guys provide their usual assortment of space oddities in this week’s regular segment. Learn and explore more at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0408-2020-slime-mold-universe.html

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Space Policy Edition: Our Equinox Space Policy Briefing

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 18:00:00 +0000

The coronavirus pandemic reminds us that everything we do in space depends on what we do here on Earth. The impacts on space exploration are being felt already, with more challenges yet to come. The policy team at The Planetary Society, including CEO Bill Nye, recently provided a members-only live briefing to share our analysis of the impacts and to take questions about our work and the future. We share excerpts from that briefing with you on this month's episode. Learn more about this month’s topics through links on the show page. https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/space-policy-edition-48.html

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The Next 10 Years: Continuing our Solar System Tour

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Our survey of the solar system in anticipation of the next planetary science decadal survey continues with Mars, the big outer planets, and the smaller bodies that share the neighborhood. Three more great scientists share their looks ahead. Staying responsibly stuck at home is easier when you can look up at a gorgeous night sky. Bruce Betts is here to help with another fun edition of What’s Up and a Random Space Fact or two. Learn and explore more at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0401-2020-next-10-years-part-2.html

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The Next 10 Years…An Introduction to the Decadal Survey

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Preparations at NASA are underway for creation of the next planetary science decadal survey, a roadmap intended to guide exploration of our solar neighborhood from 2023 to 2032. Six scientists, each considering a different world or class of objects, will share their thoughts and hopes. The Planetary Society’s Emily Lakdawalla offers fun and fascinating science education suggestions for housebound families. Some lucky (?) listener will be getting a special message from Bruce and Mat if he or she wins the new What’s Up space trivia contest. Learn and explore more at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0325-2020-next-10-years.html

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Building Our Future on Mars

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 15:00:00 +0000

How will we build the structures, roads and landing pads humans will someday need on Mars? Civil engineer Peter Carrato has been building grand structures on Earth for decades. He says the skills we’ve learned over thousands of years are well-suited for the much more challenging Martian environment. Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye the Science Guy returns with a message of care, hope and vision for our troubled times. And a bacon asteroid is just one of the absurdities Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan discover on the way to a new What’s Up space trivia contest. Learn and explore more at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0318-2020-pete-carrato-mars-civil-engineering.html

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The Return of Cosmos and Ann Druyan

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 15:00:00 +0000

Cosmos: Possible Worlds is the third season of the beautiful, groundbreaking television series helmed by the late Carl Sagan’s widow and partner, Ann Druyan. Ann returns to tell us about the show and her new companion book of the same name. You might win a hardcover copy in this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest. The equinox edition of The Planetary Report has arrived! Planetary Society Editorial Director Jason Davis provides an overview. Learn more on week’s show page: https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0311-2020-ann-druyan-cosmos.html

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Space Policy Edition: NASA's 2021 Budget Request Brings Billions

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 19:00:00 +0000

It's officially budget season! NASA's fiscal year 2021 budget request is out, and it proposes billions of dollars of new funding for Project Artemis. But not every program is so lucky: the WFIRST space telescope, two Earth Science missions, two Mars missions, and NASA's STEM engagement program are slated for cancellation. Why is Artemis growing and science shrinking? Will Congress let those cuts happen? The Society's Chief of D.C. Operations, Brendan Curry, joins Casey Dreier and Mat Kaplan to break down the details and political headwinds facing NASA funding in the coming year. Learn more about this month’s topics through links on the show page. https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/space-policy-edition-47.html

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African Eyes Look to the Cosmos

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 16:00:00 +0000

One people, one sky. That motto belongs to Astronomers Without Borders. Its founder and retired leader, Mike Simmons, recently brought a guest to Planetary Society headquarters. Olayinka Fagbemiro is with the Nigerian space agency and also heads Astronomers Without Borders in her nation. Emily Lakdawalla tells us about four exciting planetary science missions that are currently competing for selection by NASA. Bruce Betts tells us about the search for 100 earths as he also asks us to find a citizen of Middle Earth in space. Learn more and enter the contest at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0304-2020-fagbemiro-simmons-awb-nigeria.html

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The Search for 100 Earths

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 16:00:00 +0000

Yale astronomer Debra Fischer has spent decades hunting for exoplanets. Now she leads the 100 Earths project that includes the Lowell Observatory and astrophysicist Joe Llama. Debra and Joe join us for a conversation about this search for worlds that could be like our own. There’s big space news in this week’s edition of The Downlink at the top of the show, and Bruce Betts takes us on his weekly tour of the night sky, though it’s the pre-dawn sky that may hold the most wonder. Try your hand at the space trivia contest! Learn more and enter the contest at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0226-2020-debra-fischer-joe-llama-100-earths.html

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Life=Matter+Information: Paul Davies and the Demon in the Machine

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 16:00:00 +0000

Physicist, cosmologist, astrobiologist and author Paul Davies’ new book explores what he believes to be the defining quality of life on Earth and perhaps elsewhere. He talks about this and much more in a special, extended conversation. Paul’s book is one of the prizes in the new What’s Up space trivia contest. Learn more and enter the contest at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0219-2020-paul-davies-demon-in-machine.html

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Another Goldilocks World and the Space Telescope That Discovered It

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 16:00:00 +0000

The planet has the less than romantic name TOI 700 d, but its discovery has generated passion among those searching for another Earth, including Emily Gilbert. The graduate student is lead author of a paper about the new world. TESS, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, played a key role in its discovery. MIT planetary scientist and astrophysicist Sara Seager returns to tell us about this powerful tool and more. We also visit with the leader of NASA heliophysics research as she awaits launch of the Solar Orbiter. Look out! The rubber asteroids are back on What’s Up! Learn more and enter the contest at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0212-2020-tess-toi700d-seager-gilbert.html

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Space Policy Edition: Is the Moon a Stepping-Stone or a Cornerstone for Mars? (with Laura Seward Forczyk)

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 19:00:00 +0000

A new bill from the House of Representatives threatens to upend NASA's Artemis program and refocus the space agency on sending humans to Mars by 2033. Space policy expert Laura Seward Forczyk joins the show to share her critiques of this proposed legislation and what it would mean for NASA's human spaceflight program. Learn more about this month’s topics through links on the episode page. https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/space-policy-edition-46.html

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A Great Space Observatory Goes Dark: The Legacy of Spitzer

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 16:00:00 +0000

The Spitzer Space Telescope, one of NASA’s four great space observatories, was decommissioned on January 30. Mat Kaplan celebrates its discoveries and legacy with three leaders of the mission in this special extended episode. Mars has a supporting role in the new Star Trek: Picard streaming series. Planetary Society Solar System Specialist Emily Lakdawalla says the Red Planet never looked better! And you’ll have a chance to win a great new book about the Spitzer Space Telescope in this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest. Learn more and enter the contest at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0205-2020-spitzer-legacy-carey-hunt-werner.html

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Mighty Jupiter Revealed

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 16:00:00 +0000

It’s more massive than all the other planets combined. In nearly four years at Jupiter the Juno spacecraft has returned science that is revolutionizing our understanding of this gigantic world. Principal investigator Scott Bolton shows us the mysterious cyclones at its poles and that famously persistent red spot. Casey Dreier says the United States House of Representatives has proposed legislation that is at odds with NASA’s current Moon and Mars plans. John Flamsteed almost discovered Uranus! Bruce Betts will tell us where he went wrong in this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest. Learn more and enter the contest at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0115-2020-scott-bolton-juno.html

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The Coming Descent to Asteroid Bennu

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 16:00:00 +0000

After a year of circling close to near-Earth asteroid Bennu, the OSIRIS REx spacecraft is almost ready to dip down and collect a surface sample for return to labs on our home planet. Principal Investigator Dante Lauretta prepares us for this exciting event and shares the great science already accomplished. Editorial Director Jason Davis stops by with a report on the successful test by SpaceX of its Crew Dragon escape system. Are we finally about to see astronauts using it to reach the International Space Station? Learn more and enter the weekly What’s Up space trivia contest at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0122-2020-dante-lauretta-osiris-rex.html

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The MILO Institute: Opening the Solar System for Exploration by All

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 16:00:00 +0000

Planetary scientist and bestselling author Jim Bell is joined by space entrepreneur Lon Levin to tell us about the MILO Institute, a new collaboration by Arizona State University, Lockheed Martin and other organizations that hopes to make robotic exploration of our solar system much more accessible. Solar System Specialist Emily Lakdawalla takes us to the newly-discovered habitable zone world that’s a mere 100 light years from Earth. What’s Up becomes the new home for space jokes! Learn more and enter the contest at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0115-2020-jim-bell-lon-levin-milo.html

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Space Policy Edition: Houston, We Have a Space Force (with Brian Weeden)

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 19:00:00 +0000

Legislation signed by President Trump in December formally established the 6th branch of the U.S. armed services, the first such expansion in 72 years. What exactly will the new Space Force do? How big of a deal is this? What does this mean for the militarization of space? Dr. Brian Weeden from the Secure World Foundation joins the show to help us answer those questions. Learn more about this month’s topics through links on the episode page. https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/space-policy-edition-45.html

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In the Clean Room With the Mars 2020 Rover

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 16:00:00 +0000

Put on your bunny suit! You’re invited to join Mat Kaplan and Emily Lakdawalla in the Jet Propulsion Lab clean room with the Mars 2020 rover. You’ll hear JPL Director Michael Watkins and some of the engineers who have built the robotic explorer that will collect samples for eventual return to Earth. The What’s Up space trivia contest asks you to look for rhymes among our solar system’s many moons. Learn more and enter the contest at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0108-2020-Mars-2020-rover-clean-room.html

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Planetary Society All-Stars Look Back at 2019 and Ahead to 2020

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 16:00:00 +0000

Happy new year in space! Editorial Director Jason Davis, Chief Advocate Casey Dreier and Solar System Specialist Emily Lakdawalla join Mat Kaplan for a review of 2019’s biggest news from the final frontier. Our experts then turn to the promise of 2020 for Mars exploration, humans in space and much more. The theme continues as Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts adds his highlights in a special What’s Up segment. Got a great joke that combines space and the new year? You might win this week’s contest! Learn more and enter the contest at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2020/0101-2020-looking-back-looking-forward.html

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What’s Next for Mars Exploration?

Wed, 25 Dec 2019 16:00:00 +0000

The Red Planet is slowly revealing its deepest secrets, but there’s much more to learn. The biggest mystery is whether it has ever been home to life. Caltech and JPL planetary scientist Bethany Ehlmann lays out the path ahead in a fascinating conversation. The holiday night sky is alive with stars, planets and even a meteor shower. Bruce Betts will tell all in What’s Up. Our last episode of the year opens with space exploration headlines from the Planetary Society’s news digest, The Downlink. Learn more and enter the space trivia contest at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/1225-2019-bethany-ehlmann-mars.html

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Meet the Planetary Society’s Newest Asteroid Hunters

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 16:00:00 +0000

Six amateur astronomers and small observatories around the world have just been named as the recipients of the 2019 Eugene Shoemaker Near Earth Object grants. You’ll meet an Italian who watches the skies in Sicily and a Minnesota high school teacher who remotely operates a telescope in Texas. Chief scientist Bruce Betts will tell us why the Society has proudly awarded this funding for 22 years. He’ll return for this week’s What’s Up. We’ve also got space exploration headlines from The Downlink. Learn more and enter the space trivia contest at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/1218-2019-shoemaker-neo-winners.html

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The Creators of The Expanse

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 16:00:00 +0000

Season 4 of The Expanse is about to begin on Amazon Prime. Host Mat Kaplan visits with the authors of the eight novels (so far) that are the basis of this outstanding hard science fiction series that begins with humankind having become a spacefaring species that spans the solar system. We’ve also got space headlines from The Downlink. Bruce Betts celebrates more recognition for the Planetary Society’s LightSail project in this week’s What’s Up. https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/1211-2019-the-expanse-authors.html

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Space Policy Edition: The Biggest Policy Moments of the Decade (with Marcia Smith)

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 19:00:00 +0000

As the 2010s come to a close, Marcia Smith, the founder of Space Policy Online, rejoins the show to explore the most significant and impactful space policy decisions of the 2010s. Mat and Casey also discuss the recently-approved European Space Agency budget, and what it means for planetary defense and Mars sample return efforts. Learn more about this month’s topics through links on the episode page. https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/space-policy-edition-44.html

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A Toast to Alcohol in Space

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 16:00:00 +0000

They are not for everyone, but there’s no doubt that alcoholic beverages have been part of human culture for as long as there has been human culture. And there’s no reason to think booze won’t follow us across the solar system. Host Mat Kaplan talks with Chris Carberry about his comprehensive and eye-opening book, Alcohol in Space: Past, Present and Future. The December Solstice edition of The Planetary Report has just been published online. Editor-in-chief Emily Lakdawalla provides an enticing overview of its contents. We’ve also got headlines from The Downlink, and a glance at the crowded night sky in What’s Up. Learn more at: https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/1204-2019-chris-carberry-alcohol.html

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Seeking the Killer Space App with Space Tango

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 16:00:00 +0000

Organizations are using the microgravity environment of the International Space Station to develop unique new products. One of them is Kentucky-based Space Tango. We’ll meet its chairman and co-founder and the woman who manages its Tangolab. Also, a NASA rep who works with these pioneers. Time magazine has named the Planetary Society’s LightSail its aerospace invention of the year! Society CEO Bill Nye is grateful to all who have been part of the project. Bruce Betts provides a solar sail update at the top of this week’s What’s Up, and wishes Mat a happy 17th anniversary of Planetary Radio. Learn more and go inside Space Tango at: https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/1127-2019-space-tango.html

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Space Books and Gifts for Space Kids of all Ages

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 16:00:00 +0000

Our own Emily Lakdawalla, Planetary Society senior editor and book lover, shares her 2019 list of space books for everyone, from infant to adult. She also presents a list of cool space gifts recommended by scientists and engineers. Bruce Betts provides a tantalizing tease for what could be a brief but massive shower of meteors. And there’s much more to look for in the fall sky. You’ll find links to the complete lists of Emily’s recommended space books and gifts at: https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/1120-2019-lakdawalla-books.html

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A Passionate Conversation with Carolyn Porco

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 16:00:00 +0000

The outspoken planetary scientist who led the Cassini imaging team finally sits down with Mat Kaplan for a revealing, fun conversation. We also talk with astronomer Jay Pasachoff while he watches tiny Mercury crawl across the face of the Sun. Chief scientist Bruce Betts was in the Planetary Society parking lot enjoying the November 11th transit of Mercury. He joins us from there for What’s Up. Learn more about this week’s guest and topics at: https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/1113-2019-carolyn-porco.html

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Our Mysterious Sister: Venus

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 16:00:00 +0000

Astrophysicist Javier Peralta takes us deep into the thick, fast-moving clouds of the world that is still called Earth's sister by some. Venus is slow to reveal its secrets. Jason Davis helps us celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 12. The Planetary Society wants to hear your space goals, accomplishments and dreams! And Bruce Betts reveals the identity of the first gourmet in space. Space headlines from The Downlink, too. Learn more about this week’s guest and topics at: https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/1106-2019-javier-peralta.html

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Space Policy Edition: How a Report Can Move Mountains

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 18:00:00 +0000

How can a simple report—just words on a page—lead to creation of a spacecraft? We explore how a 2019 report on the need for a dedicated, space-based telescope to find threatening near-Earth asteroids motivated NASA to pursue that very mission. We speak with Dr. Jay Melosh, planetary scientist and chair of the National Academies committee behind that report, on how it came together and how the process works behind the scenes. We also check on NASA's budget process in Congress and news from the International Astronautical Congress in Washington, D.C. More resources about this month’s topics are at https://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/space-policy-edition-43.html

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Finding Wonder and Meaning in a Book by Carl Sagan’s Daughter

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 15:00:00 +0000

Bill Nye says of Sasha Sagan’s new book, “Sagan finds the meaning of life everywhere—with her family, around the world, and especially among the stars of the cosmos. Read her work; you’ll have a deeper appreciation for your every step, every bite, and every breath.” Mat Kaplan talks with Sasha about For Small Creatures Such as We, and later joins Bruce Betts to offer the book in the new What’s Up space trivia contest. Learn more about this week’s guest and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/1030-2019-sasha-sagan.html

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How Long Was Mars Wet?

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 15:00:00 +0000

Planetary scientist Briony Horgan and her team want to know how long liquid water flowed on the surface of the Red Planet before that world froze. Long enough for life to appear and thrive? New work comparing Earth’s extremes may have provided clues. There’s gas in space, and some of it is inside astronauts. Bruce Betts shares the uncomfortable truth in this week’s What’s Up. Also, space headlines from The Downlink. Learn more about this week’s guest and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/1023-2019-briony-horgan.html

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NASA’s Home for the Bleeding Edge: The 2019 NIAC Symposium

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 15:00:00 +0000

The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts program gathers its “fellows” each year to share what they’ve learned about some of the most fascinating science and engineering imaginable. Mat Kaplan visits with Program Executive Jason Derleth and seven leaders of funded studies. Astronaut Mae Jemison also attended and returns to Planetary Radio. Cosmonaut Alexei Leonov passed away last week at 85. He is remembered and praised by space historian John Logsdon. All this, headlines from The Downlink, and Bruce Betts! Learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/1016-2019-niac-symposium-leonov.html

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Space Policy Edition: Happy Fiscal New Year!

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 18:00:00 +0000

October 1st kicked off federal fiscal year 2020—a day that should also have kicked off a new budget for NASA. But Congress has not funded the space agency yet, instead passing a temporary stopgap measure to keep the government open until November 21st. Brendan Curry, The Planetary Society's Chief of D.C. Operations, joins the show to discuss the latest political developments in Washington, good news for planetary defense, and how the funding delay could spell trouble for the space agency's 2024 lunar goal. More resources about this month’s topics are at http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/space-policy-edition-42.html

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Nobel Prize Winner Michel Mayor…and More

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 15:00:00 +0000

Astronomer and astrophysicist Michel Mayor has just been awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize for physics. Listen to Mat’s 2016 conversation with this revered scientist, the first to discover an exoplanet. The Beresheet mission’s Yoav Landsman recently visited Planetary Society HQ and spent a few minutes catching up with Mat. And Society Editorial Director Jason Davis introduces The Downlink, our weekly digest of planetary news. Bruce Betts takes us to a moon of Uranus to find the melancholy Dane. Learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/1009-2019-michel-mayor-yoav-landsman.html

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How to Defend Your Planet

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 15:00:00 +0000

Planetary scientist Vishnu Reddy studies space objects ranging from satellite debris to planet-killing asteroids. He shares the status of our effort to avoid the fate of the dinosaurs in a conversation with host Mat Kaplan. Did you know fruit flies were first in space? That’s just one of the random space facts you’ll absorb in this week’s What’s Up segment with Bruce. Learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0925-2019-vishnu-reddy-planetary-defense.html

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Ad Astra: The Movie!

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 15:00:00 +0000

Brad Pitt sets out across the solar system to save Earth in the new space epic. Host Mat Kaplan enjoys a far-reaching conversation with the co-screenwriter of Ad Astra that touches on the film’s meaning, the mythic journey of its protagonist, its spectacular images, and where it strays from known science. Registration for the Planetary Society’s 2020 Day of Action in Washington DC is open! Chief Advocate Casey Dreier has the lowdown. You might win a beautiful, rotating MOVA Earth globe in this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest. Hey! That’s LightSail 2 floating above our pale blue dot. Learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0925-2019-2019-ethan-gross-ad-astra.html

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How to Build a Starship: The 2019 Starship Congress

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 15:00:00 +0000

The biannual Starship Congress attracts starry-eyed believers in humankind’s destiny among the stars. We talk with several of them about their ideas for technologies and science that may help pave the way. Science fiction author David Brin dropped by the Congress and spends a few fun and speculative minutes with us. The September Equinox edition of The Planetary Report is ready for all to read. Editor Emily Lakdawalla gives us a sneak peek. The Milky Way has at least 54 satellite galaxies? Who knew? Bruce Betts, that’s who. Learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0918-2019-2019-starship-congress.html

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The Unexpected Space Center: Los Alamos National Laboratory

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 15:00:00 +0000

This US research center has been part of more than 200 space missions, but it’s not a NASA facility! The Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico gave the Voyager spacecraft their power sources, is building nuclear generators for future Martians, and accidentally invented the field of High Energy Astrophysics. That’s just some of what we’ll learn from Lab historian Alan Carr and longtime Lab astrophysicist Ed Fenimore. The Planetary Society’s Jason Davis has the latest news about India’s lunar lander, while Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan go where no acronym has gone before. Learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0911-2019-carr-fenimore-los-alamos.html

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Space Policy Edition: Why Apollo Ended (with John Logsdon)

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 20:44:22 +0000

As NASA struggles to return humans to the Moon by 2024, it's worth asking: why did it stop in the first place? Space historian John Logsdon joins the show to discuss the politics behind the decision to abandon the Moon in 1972. Casey and Mat also discuss the proposal to offer a $2 billion prize for sending humans back to the Moon and establishing a base there, and why that's not good public policy. More resources about this month’s topics are at http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/space-policy-edition-41.html

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A Comet’s Legacy, and a Helicopter is Ready for Mars

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 15:00:00 +0000

First we return to JPL for an update on the Mars Helicopter that has just been attached to the belly of the 2020 Mars Rover. Then it’s across the pond for a review of the amazing science coming from the Rosetta mission that spent years exploring comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. We wrap things up with another What’s Up view across the solar system and beyond. Learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0904-2019-balaram-helicopter-rubin-tubiana-rosetta.html

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What Will You Send to the Moon?

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:00:00 +0000

Astrobotic is one of several companies that are building small, robotic landers to take commercial payloads to the surface of the Moon. With a new contract from NASA to support his company’s work, CEO John Thornton looks forward to touching down in 2021. Senior editor Emily Lakdawalla can’t wait for the Europa Clipper to reach Europa, one of Jupiter’s ocean moons. Who doesn’t want more cow bell? Chief scientist Bruce Betts gets his share as he helps us explore the current night sky in What’s Up. Learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0828-2019-john-thornton-astrobotic.html

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NASA’s Red Planet Rick and Putting Humans on Mars

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 15:00:00 +0000

Rick Davis is the perfect person to co-lead NASA’s Mars Human Landing Sites Study. No one is more devoted to putting human bootprints on the Red Planet. He returns to Planetary Radio for this inspiring and informative conversation about our progress. Bruce Betts leads off What’s Up with another brief LightSail 2 update. The Planetary Society’s solar sailing cubesat continues to raise its orbit. Learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0821-2019-rick-davis-humans-on-mars.html

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Reflections of Humanity in a Spacesuit for Moonwalkers

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 15:00:00 +0000

Host Mat Kaplan in a long and fascinating conversation with Nicholas de Monchaux, author of Spacesuit: Fashioning Apollo. This great book is about much more than creation of the suits that allowed humans to walk and work on the Moon. Jason Davis shares pointers on looking for LightSail 2 overhead, while Bruce Betts provides a solar sail update in this week’s What’s Up. And you might win a Planetary Radio t-shirt! Learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0814-2019-spacesuit-nicholas-de-monchaux.html

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Planetary Radio Live at Science Museum Oklahoma

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 15:00:00 +0000

Join Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye and host Mat Kaplan as they visit Oklahoma City’s outstanding public science museum. You’ll meet University of Oklahoma researchers who are exploring Mars and learning how solar systems form across the universe. And we’ll hear about the Sooner state’s huge role in our exploration of the final frontier. Learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0807-2019-planetary-radio-live-science-museum-oklahoma.html

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Planetary Radio Live with Bill Nye at Science Museum Oklahoma

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 15:00:00 +0000

Join Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye and host Mat Kaplan as they visit Oklahoma City’s outstanding public science museum. You’ll meet University of Oklahoma researchers who are exploring Mars and learning how solar systems form across the universe. And we’ll hear about the Sooner state’s huge role in our exploration of the final frontier. Learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0807-2019-planetary-radio-live-science-museum-oklahoma.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition: The Home Front During Apollo (with Emily Margolis)

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 18:00:00 +0000

Did the public support Project Apollo? Dr. Emily Margolis joins the show to explore the domestic politics and cultural impact of the space age throughout the 1960s. Despite the success of the lunar landings, there was more opposition to Apollo than we generally remember. Chief Advocate Casey Dreier also provides an update on some important developments in the U.S. Congress on the eve of their August recess—including some potentially good budget news for NASA. More resources about this month’s topics are at http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/space-policy-edition-40.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Helicopter for Mars and a Major LightSail Announcement

Wed, 31 Jul 2019 19:00:00 +0000

It will be the first flying machine on another world. Mars Helicopter Project Manager MiMi Aung shares her plans. There’s big news about The Planetary Society’s LightSail 2! You’ll hear it from embedded reporter Jason Davis and from LightSail Program Manager Bruce Betts, along with Bruce’s regular What’s Up look at the night sky. Learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0731-2019-mars-helicopter-lightsail-2-success.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Ready to Sail! LightSail 2 Deploys its Silvery Wings

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 15:00:00 +0000

Join us as the little cubesat successfully unfurls its solar sail. You’ll hear from members of the LightSail 2 mission team on the morning of July 23, 2019, when the critical command was sent to the spacecraft. Then we’ll congratulate Kris Zacny of Honeybee Robotics on the selection by NASA of the radically-simple PlanetVac sample collection system for a trip to the Moon. Learn more about both of this week’s topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0724-2019-lightsail2-deployment-kris-zacny-planetvac.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Apollo 11 and the Woman Who Helped Get It Home

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 15:00:00 +0000

Poppy Northcutt was a pioneer—the first woman to work as an engineer in Apollo Mission Control. The program she helped to create got the astronauts back to Earth. Fifty years later, she sits down with Mat Kaplan for a look back. They are joined by JPL planetary scientist Rosaly Lopes who was inspired to become a STEM professional by Poppy. You’ll also hear Apollo moonwalkers Buzz Aldrin and Charlie Duke at a 50th anniversary celebration, along with Casey Dreier’s introduction to The Planetary Society’s comprehensive Apollo at 50 resource. And we’ll get a LightSail 2 update from Bruce Betts. Learn more about all of this week’s topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0717-2019-poppy-northcutt-apollo.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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We’re Sending a Flying Machine to Titan

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 15:00:00 +0000

NASA has given the go-ahead for Dragonfly, a flying rotorcraft that will explore Saturn’s mysterious moon Titan. Mission Principal Investigator Elizabeth “Zibi” Turtle helps us celebrate. Troy Hudson tells us about the ongoing effort to rescue the Mole on Mars lander InSight. And Bruce Betts provides the latest on LightSail 2’s attempt to sail on the light of the sun. Learn more about all of this week’s topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0710-2019-troy-hudson-zibi-turtle-ls2.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition: Why Apollo Happened (with Roger Launius)

Fri, 05 Jul 2019 18:00:00 +0000

Half a century has passed since Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin imprinted humanity's first footsteps upon another world. Apollo 11 was the culmination of a decade's worth of fervent activity in which the United States marshaled resources and manpower at a pace not seen outside of warfare. Space historian Dr. Roger Launius joins the show to explain why Apollo happened the way it did, how a moonshot briefly became a solution to a national security problem, and why it is unlikely to happen again. Casey Dreier also provides a space policy update. More resources about this month’s topics are at http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/space-policy-edition-39.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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LightSail Takes Flight!

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 15:00:00 +0000

A giant SpaceX Falcon Heavy lifted off in the early hours of June 25th. One week later, the LightSail 2 solar sail was released to begin its epic mission. You’ll join the thrilling launch, meet LightSail team members and leaders of other missions, and get a solar sail update in this very special episode. You’ll also get the chance to win an ISS Above system in the What’s Up space trivia contest! Learn more about all of this week’s topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0703-2019-light-sail-2-launch.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The News From Saturn-With Linda Spilker

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 15:00:00 +0000

It has been many months since the great Cassini spacecraft plunged into Saturn’s atmosphere and fiery death. Yet the mission lives on as the reams of data and images reveal much more of this beautiful world, its rings and its moons. Project Scientist Linda Spilker is back with Mat to provide a fascinating update. We close with Bruce Betts and and a What’s Up segment that anticipates the mission of LightSail 2. Learn more about all of this week’s topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0626-2019-cassini-update-spilker.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Flight by Light: A LightSail 2 Mission Preview

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 15:00:00 +0000

The day is almost here. With the launch of a Falcon Heavy rocket, The Planetary Society will begin its mission to prove that a tiny, orbiting spacecraft can be propelled by the light of the Sun. Society Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Vaughn provides a passionate history of our efforts and reviews the opportunities for everyone to get involved. Then LightSail Program Manager Bruce Betts and Digital Editor Jason Davis will dig into this amazing mission and spacecraft. Society CEO Bill Nye will make the basics of solar sailing fun in his special presentation, right after this week’s What’s Up segment. Learn more about all of this week’s topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0619-2019-lightsail-2-preview.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Quasars and Quanta: Exploring Einstein’s Quantum Riddle

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 15:00:00 +0000

Even though his own work led to it, Albert Einstein never cared for quantum mechanics concepts like entanglement, which he called “spooky action at a distance.” While there’s no doubt it is real, could something even more mysterious be hiding under it? We’ll talk with three eminent physicists and physicist/science fiction author David Brin about the Nova documentary on this subject. Planetary Society Chief Advocate Casey Dreier analyzes President Donald Trump’s recent tweet about the Moon and Mars, and Senior Editor Emily Lakdawalla introduces a new edition of The Planetary Report, now available to all. You can learn more about all of this week’s topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0612-2019-quantum-riddle.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition: The Soviet Moonshot (with Asif Siddiqi)

Fri, 07 Jun 2019 18:00:00 +0000

The U.S. won the space race in July of 1969 with the success of Apollo 11. But was the Soviet Union even racing? How close were they to beating the United States to the Moon? Soviet space historian Dr. Asif Siddiqi discusses the other side of the space race as we kick off our multi-part series of interviews celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first Moon landing. Planetary Society Chief of Washington Operations, Brendan Curry, also joins the show to catch up on the latest news about the White House proposal to return to the Moon by 2024. More resources about this month’s topics are at http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/space-policy-edition-38.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Starchaser: Extraordinary Astronomer Jay Pasachoff

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 15:00:00 +0000

Jay Pasachoff visits Planetary Society headquarters for a conversation about the latest edition of his and Alex Filippenko’s monumental textbook The Cosmos. But that’s just the start of a discussion that explores solar astronomy, art and science, the history of astronomy and Jay’s nearly 60-year history of total solar eclipse observations. The Planetary Society’s LightSail 2 may look like LightSail 1, but Jason Davis tells us there are important differences between these spacecraft, beginning with their missions. What’s Up brings another opportunity to win Alan Stern’s great book, Chasing New Horizons in the space trivia contest. You can learn more about all of this week’s topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0529-2019-jay-pasachoff.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Sharing a Passion for Mars at the Humans to Mars Summit

Wed, 29 May 2019 15:00:00 +0000

This year’s Humans to Mars Summit in Washington DC once again ended with a panel of Martian all-stars talking about their hopes for a future that includes the Red Planet. Planetary Radio host Mat Kaplan leads the inspiring and entertaining discussion. Emily Lakdawalla shows us the beautiful, sunlit clouds of Mars, while this week’s What’s Up segment gives Mat the job of singing the answer to our latest space trivia quiz. You can learn more about all of this week’s topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0529-2019-2019-h2m-closing-panel.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Talking with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine

Wed, 22 May 2019 15:00:00 +0000

The former Oklahoma congressman and Navy aviator stepped into the leadership role barely a year ago. Now he wants to see humans back on the Moon by 2024 as a vital stepping stone to Mars. Join us for a wide-ranging conversation about this ambitious plan and much more. Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts continues the countdown to launch of LightSail 2 before he takes us across the heavens in What’s Up. You can learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0522-2019-2019-jim-bridenstine.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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BONUS: Introducing Science Rules! with Bill Nye

Fri, 17 May 2019 18:00:00 +0000

Host Mat Kaplan has a special announcement to share about Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye. The Science Guy is on a mission to change the world— one phone call at a time. On his new podcast, Science Rules!, he tackles the curliest questions on just about anything in the universe. Perhaps you’ve wondered: Should I stop eating cheeseburgers to combat climate change? How often should I really be washing my pillowcase? Can I harvest energy from all those static-electricity shocks I get in the winter? Science Rules! Is out NOW - find it in your favorite podcast app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Last Visit With LightSail 2 at the Cubesat Developers Workshop

Wed, 15 May 2019 15:00:00 +0000

Mat Kaplan visits Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for a last, clean room visit with LightSail 2, the Planetary Society’s solar sailing cubesat. While there, Mat also talked to attendees at the Cubesat Developers Workshop, including the creator of the tiny “Pocket Rocket” engine for small spacecraft. LightSail2 is now at the Air Force Research Lab for launch preparation, as we hear from Bruce Betts in this week’s What’s Up. You can learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0515-2019-2019-lightsail2-cubesat-developers.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Live Defends Planet Earth!

Wed, 08 May 2019 15:00:00 +0000

Leaders of the global effort to avoid a catastrophic Near Earth Object impact gathered at the 2019 Planetary Defense Conference. On the evening of May 1st, The Planetary Society partnered in an exciting PDC public event at the University of Maryland College Park. Presentations by Society CEO Bill Nye and NASA Chief Scientist Jim Green were followed by Planetary Radio Live. Join Mat Kaplan and his outstanding guests who are trying to save the world. The evening rolled on through a live version of What’s Up with Bruce Betts.You can learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0508-2019-2019-pdc-planetary-radio-live.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition: Lessons From the Moonshot That Never Was-With Mark Albrecht

Fri, 03 May 2019 17:47:00 +0000

Thirty years ago, Dr. Mark Albrecht led the National Space Council when President George H.W. Bush announced the Space Exploration Initiative, an ambitious effort to send humans to the Moon and then on to Mars. Political divisions and a budget-busting cost estimate grounded the effort before it ever got off the ground. A new NSC is attempting to implement a new lunar plan from the Trump Administration. Can the lessons of a failed moonshot help today's lunar ambitions succeed? More resources about this month’s topics are at http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/space-policy-edition-37.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Skies of Super-Earths and Mini-Neptunes

Wed, 01 May 2019 15:00:00 +0000

There appear to be more mini-Neptunes (also known as Super Earths) across our galaxy than any other type of planet. Hannah Wakeford wants to learn if some of them support life, and she’s doing this by exploring their skies. Curiosity, the Mars Science Laboratory rover, has reached an exciting and critical part of its mission of discovery. Senior editor Emily Lakdawalla provides an update. The beautiful Pasadena Public Library hosted Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan for a special afternoon that included recording this week’s What’s Up. You can learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0501-2019-hannah-wakeford-mini-neptunes.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Lucy in the Sky With Asteroids

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 15:00:00 +0000

A rare alignment of planets and other objects will enable the solar-powered Lucy spacecraft to examine seven asteroids, six of which are among the thousands of Trojan asteroids that orbit ahead of and behind Jupiter. The mission team, include Hal Levison, Cathy Olkin and Mike Sekerak, hope to unlock secrets of our solar system’s origin through these ancient artifacts. Planetary Society correspondent Andrew Jones helps us celebrate China’s Space Day with an update on the Chang’e 4 lunar mission. The space trivia contest returns as just one cog in the universe-spanning machine called What’s Up. You can learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0424-2019-lucy-levison-olkin-sekerak.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Triumph of a Failed Moon Landing

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 15:00:00 +0000

The Beresheet lunar lander failed in the last few kilometers of its descent to the Moon. Two days later we learned that its team would try again. Deputy Mission Director Yoav Landsman is back with an inspiring and revealing look behind the scenes. Planetary Society Digital Editor Jason Davis looks forward to the launch of LightSail2 now that a second SpaceX Falcon Heavy has enjoyed spectacular success. And your guide to the busy night sky is provided by Bruce Betts. Special program note: Catch Mat Kaplan on the Discovery Channel documentary about Beresheet, Return to the Moon, Sunday, April 21st at 11:00am Eastern. You can learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0417-2019-yoav-landsman-beresheet.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Celebrating Yuri’s Night with Legendary Astronaut Story Musgrave

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 15:00:00 +0000

The Los Angeles celebration of Yuri’s Night came six days early this year. It attracted hundreds of space party animals, along with celebrities like Bill Nye and Story Musgrave. Host Mat Kaplan talked with both under the wing of space shuttle Endeavour. Jason Davis is counting down to Space IL’s attempt to soft land Beresheet on the Moon. “Where We Are” is a great new visual feature of the Planetary Society. Emily Lakdawalla introduces us to it. There’s a lot to see in the night sky! Get a What’s Up preview from Bruce Betts. You can learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0410-2019-yuris-night-musgrave.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition: T-minus Five Years and Counting

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 18:00:00 +0000

Can NASA return astronauts to the Moon by 2024? Vice President Mike Pence shocked the space community by announcing this ambitious new goal just weeks after the Trump Administration proposed a half-billion dollar cut to the space agency. Is the Administration fed up with the mounting delays to the Space Launch System rocket? How seriously should we take this declaration? Is it even possible given budget cuts and political dysfunction? Brendan Curry, Chief of Washington Operations for The Planetary Society, joins the show to explore these questions.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Ice Worlds, Landing on the Moon and Blasting an Asteroid

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 15:00:00 +0000

When will we return to Uranus and Neptune? Planetary scientist Amy Simon explains why a mission to the so-called ice giants is a high priority as she tells us about these mysterious, blue worlds. Planetary Society Digital Editor Jason Davis takes us through what promises to be a very busy month in space, with the launch of the second Falcon Heavy, a moon landing by Israel’s Beresheet probe, and how Hayabusa2 will blow a hole in asteroid Ryugu, complete with sound effects. Then join us for another round of What’s Up in the Solar System. Learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0403-2019-amy-simon.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Dunes, Walnut Shells, Alien Impostors and Other Worlds: A Visit with Sarah Hörst

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 15:00:00 +0000

A very special, extended conversation with Johns Hopkins University planetary scientist Sarah Hörst is capped by a tour of her fascinating lab. That’s where Sarah and her team simulate decidedly un-Earthlike atmospheres and more. Emily Lakdawalla has returned from this year’s Lunar and Planetary Science Conference with news from around the solar system. Caffeine! It’s on Saturn’s moon Titan AND in the espresso made on the International Space Station! More about the latter in What’s Up. Learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/03027-2019-sarah-horst.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Bill Nye and Planetary Radio Live at Extreme STEAM

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 15:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio Live goes on stage at the first ever Fairplex Extreme STEAM Festival in Pomona, California. Host Mat Kaplan and Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye are joined by four young space scientists and engineers in front of hundreds of families. Chief Scientist Bruce Betts is also on hand for a live edition of What’s Up. The Amoeba People perform the Planetary Radio theme, along with their tribute to Carl Sagan. Learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/03020-2019-planetary-radio-live-extreme-steam.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Boosters, Breakthroughs and Budgets: Canada and the US Look Toward Space

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 15:00:00 +0000

The last few days have seen developments that will shape the space exploration plans of Canada and the USA. The Planetary Society’s Kate Howells is a member of Canada’s Space Advisory Board. She reviews the nation’s new space policy. Planetary Society Chief Advocate Casey Dreier takes us through highlights of the just-released NASA budget proposal from the White House. He also looks back at the Day of Action that brought citizen space advocates to Capitol Hill. Bruce Betts smells the coffee on the International Space Station in What’s Up. We close with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine’s passionate message for the Day of Action volunteers. Learn more about this week’s guests and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/03013-2019-howells-dreier-bridenstine.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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China on the Final Frontier

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 16:00:00 +0000

With missions like Chang’e 4 on the far side of the Moon, China has firmly established itself as a leader in space exploration. Space journalist Andrew Jones helps us explore the nation’s ambitious near and long-term plans. Emily Lakdawalla says Mars lander InSight’s Mole has hit an obstacle, while Jason Davis shows us how Japan’s Hayabusa2 has blasted asteroid Ryugu for a sample and celebrates the SpaceX Crew Dragon. Chief Scientist Bruce Betts gets a polite dressing down from an impeccable source. Learn more about this week’s guest and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0306-2019-andrew-jones-china.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition: When a (Space) Cowboy Came to Washington

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 19:00:00 +0000

Historian John Logsdon discusses his new book, Ronald Reagan and the Space Frontier. It explores the legacy of the 40th president’s major space policy decisions. We look at four major topics: early efforts at commercializing space, the survival crisis for planetary exploration, the Space Shuttle, and the decision to build the space station. Casey also shares good news about NASA's newest budget and how a battle between rocket companies could spell trouble for NASA's Lucy mission. More resources to explore this month’s topics are at http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/space-policy-edition-35.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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An Israeli Lander Launches Toward the Moon

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 16:00:00 +0000

Non-profit SpaceIL’s Beresheet is on its way to the Moon. Only China, the Soviet Union and the United States have safely landed there before. Host Mat Kaplan talks with SpaceIL Senior Systems Engineer Yoav Landsman, while MaryLiz Bender hears from a team member who attended the launch. Digital editor Jason Davis shares news about Hayabusa2’s successful touchdown on an asteroid. Want a rubber asteroid? You’ve got another chance to win one on this week’s What’s Up with Bruce Betts. Learn more about this week’s guest and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0227-2019-yoav-landsman-spaceil.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Fond Farewell to Spirit and Opportunity

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 16:00:00 +0000

The Mars Exploration Rover mission was declared complete on February 13, 2019. On the very next day, MER Project Manager John Callas and Deputy Project Scientist Abigail Fraeman came to Planetary Society headquarters for an extended and emotional conversation with Mat Kaplan and Emily Lakdawalla. They talked about the beloved rovers and the women and men of the team that has guided them for so many years. What’s Up offers another opportunity to win a coveted rubber asteroid as we learn about the night sky and more. Learn more about this week’s guest and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0220-2019-mer-callas-fraeman-lakdawalla.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Watching the Births of Solar Systems

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 16:00:00 +0000

Radio telescopes are delivering stunning images that, in some cases, current optical telescopes can’t equal. Witness the 20 beautiful protoplanetary disks imaged by the DSHARP team using the ALMA radio telescope in Chile. The diversity of these proto-solar systems is astounding. Principal investigator Sean Andrews will tell us how the pictures were created, and why they are surprising and delighting astronomers. Senior editor Emily Lakdawalla is literally looking back on objects around our own solar system. She tells us how backlit images reveal their secrets. The rubber asteroids have returned! You can win one in this week’s space trivia contest. Learn more about this week’s guest and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0213-2019-sean-andrews-dsharp-protoplanetary.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The DART Mission: Learning How to Swat Dangerous Asteroids

Wed, 06 Feb 2019 16:00:00 +0000

Why did the dinosaurs die? Because they didn’t have a space program! The upcoming DART mission will test our best thinking about how we may someday deflect a Near Earth Object that is speeding toward fiery Armageddon on Earth. Nancy Chabot of the JHU Applied Physics Lab is the mission’s Coordination Lead. The Curiosity rover has reached an exciting new region of Mars. Senior Editor Emily Lakdawalla will give us the lowdown. The night sky is full of treasures according to Bruce Betts. Join Bruce and Mat for this week’s What’s Up. Learn more about this week’s guest and topics at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0206-2019-nancy-chabot-dart.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition: Should the U.S. be in a space race with China?

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 19:00:00 +0000

China's space program notched an impressive "first" last month when its Chang'e 4 spacecraft landed on the far side of the Moon. The U.S. space program, in contrast, was in the midst of an extended shutdown. Some observers expect China's growing space capability and lunar ambitions to trigger a new space race. Not Dr. Roger Handberg, Professor of Political Science at the University of Central Florida. He discusses how the current geopolitical situation differs from the Cold War standoff between two superpowers, and how we shouldn't expect dollars to flow back to the U.S. space program as a consequence of China's space successes. Cooperation, or even friendly competition, is a much more likely outcome than a new space race. More resources to explore this month’s topics are at http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/space-policy-edition-34.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Where Do We Come From? The Origin of Life

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 16:00:00 +0000

Astrobiology is the discipline that explores the origin of life in the universe, and whether life exists anywhere other than Earth. It’s an increasingly exciting field according to University of Washington Research Associate Michael Wong. Mike reviews the current thinking and provides some of the chemical basis for life as we know it, and possibly as we don’t know it. Planetary Society Senior Editor Emily Lakdawalla explains why we don’t see stars in many images of bodies across the solar system, while Society CEO Bill Nye marks the end of the US government shutdown that has hampered so much science. Five more winners will receive copies of First Man in this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest. Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0130-2019-michael-wong-life-origin.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Asteroid Bennu’s Visitor From Earth

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 16:00:00 +0000

Spacecraft OSIRIS REx is now orbiting a 260-meter asteroid named Bennu. Principal investigator Dante Lauretta returns to tell us what has already been learned, and to preview the excitement that is still to come, including the probe’s descent to the surface for collection of a pristine sample. Want one of five Blu-ray copies of First Man, the movie about Neil Armstrong? Consider entering this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest that also offers Dante Lauretta’s two great board games about space exploration and astronomy. Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0123-2019-dante-lauretta-osiris-rex.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition: Shutdown

Fri, 18 Jan 2019 19:00:00 +0000

In a government shutdown seemingly without end, we bring you two stories from individuals directly impacted by the crisis. NASA scientist and union representative Lee Stone discusses the missed paychecks, loss of science, and lasting negative consequences to the public sector scientific workforce. Rob Hoyt, CEO of Tethers Unlimited, a small business in Washington state that was forced to lay off 20% of its workforce due to unpaid NASA contracts, describes the impact on contractors that may never see repayment or reimbursements. The Planetary Society has a petition to end the shutdown. More resources to explore this month’s topics are at http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/space-policy-edition-33.html\Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Flying the Skies of Saturn’s Moon Titan

Wed, 16 Jan 2019 16:00:00 +0000

Imagine soaring over what may be the solar system’s most Earth-like world, if you ignore the chill. If funded, the nuclear electric-powered Dragonfly will do exactly this. Principal Investigator Elizabeth “Zibi” Turtle shares her enthusiasm. Emily Lakdawalla reports on Chang’e 4, China’s pioneering lander and rover on the far side of the Moon. Bruce and Mat answer a question that had no answer till New Horizons flew by Ultima Thule days ago. That’s part of this week’s What’s Up. Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0116-2019-elizabeth-turtle-dragonfly-clipper.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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New Horizons Flyby: Join the Celebration!

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 16:00:00 +0000

Join us at the Applied Physics Lab in Maryland for the New Horizons encounter with the most distant object ever visited. You’ll meet mission leaders, friends and even a rock and roll star as we dive deep into this triumph of exploration. Then Bruce Betts helps us prepare for the total lunar eclipse. Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0109-2019-new-horizons-ultima-apl.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Mission to Earth: OSIRIS-REx

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 16:00:00 +0000

Why do so many spacecraft that are headed across our solar system turn their instruments back to Earth during flybys? OSIRIS-REx was no exception. The answers come from mission scientist Vicky Hamilton. She has also written about the topic in The Planetary Report. Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye helps us ring in the new year, while Bruce Betts leads the first What’s Up of 2019 with exciting news about the night sky. Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2019/0102-2019-vicky-hamilton-osiris-rex.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Countdown to Ultima: Alan Stern and New Horizons

Wed, 26 Dec 2018 16:00:00 +0000

The New Horizons spacecraft will reach faraway Kuiper Belt object 2014 MU69 in the first minutes of 2019. Will the body informally known as Ultima Thule be as mysterious and exciting as Pluto? We’ll hear from the mission’s Principal Investigator, Alan Stern. Senior Editor Emily Lakdawalla takes us through 2018’s biggest planetary science and exploration moments. The coolest asteroid defense stickers in the solar system could be yours if you win the new What’s Up space trivia contest. Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/1226-2018-alan-stern-new-horizons.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Earthrise! The 50th Anniversary of Apollo 8

Wed, 19 Dec 2018 16:00:00 +0000

This is the 50th anniversary of the most audacious space mission in history. Apollo 8 blazed a path for the first moon landing seven months later, and gave a troubled nation reason for hope and pride. Author Robert Kurson has written Rocket Men as a tribute to--and chronicle of—the mission and the people who made it happen. The new edition of The Planetary Report is now available to all, according to Senior editor Emily Lakdawalla. Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts also celebrates Apollo 8 in this week’s What’s Up. Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/1219-2018-robert-kurson-apollo-8.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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At the Space Settlement Summit With Former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 16:00:00 +0000

He led NASA for eight years, but not till he had flown on four Space Shuttle missions and enjoyed a long military career. Charlie Bolden talks with Mat about his time at the space agency and where we’re headed on the final frontier. Space station designer Al Globus says a city in space may be much easier to achieve than was thought. Planetary Society Senior Editor Emily Lakdawalla has news about five planetary science missions. Mat has a surprise for Bruce Betts and more great prizes for the space trivia contest. Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/1212-2018-bolden-space-settlement-summit.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition: Canada's Uncertain Future in Space (with Kate Howells)

Fri, 07 Dec 2018 19:00:00 +0000

Canada was the third country in history to launch a satellite into space, but now lags in its space ambitions, capability, and spending. What happened? Kate Howells, who serves on the Canadian Space Advisory Board, joins the podcast to talk about the challenges facing Canada's future in space and how the nation needs to do a better job of communicating the benefits of space exploration to its citizens. Casey and Mat also look at the latest machinations of the U.S. congress, which has yet to fund NASA for 2019 and is rapidly running out of time to do so. More resources to explore this month’s topics are at http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/space-policy-edition-32.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Last Week, Mars. This week, An Asteroid Called Bennu.

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 16:00:00 +0000

The InSight lander has only just arrived on Mars. Now, OSIRIS REx has reached asteroid Bennu after traveling through deep space for a year and a half. We’ll talk with the Planetary Society’s Jason Davis about this mission that will bring a sample of Bennu back to Earth after it has learned all it can over the next 19 months. We’ll also hear from the young student who gave the asteroid its name. Then we’ll return to the Red Planet for a conversation with the leader of the InSight mission, Bruce Banerdt. We’ve got very special prizes for this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest. Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/1205-2018-osiris-rex-bruce-banerdt-insight-pi.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Great Day for Space Explorers: The Landing of InSight

Wed, 28 Nov 2018 16:00:00 +0000

Join 1,000 anxious yet thrilled space fans at Caltech for our live InSight landing party. You’ll meet Mat Kaplan’s onstage experts and check in with Bill Nye and Emily Lakdawalla at the Jet Propulsion Lab. Then we’ll hold our breath as the spacecraft hurtles down through the Martian atmosphere in its seven minutes of terror, climaxing in a glorious touchdown on the Red Planet. This is a very special episode. Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/1128-2018-insight-landing-event.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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We Know Where the 2020 Rover Will Look for Martian Life

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 16:00:00 +0000

NASA announced on November 19th that the multi-billion dollar 2020 Mars rover will land in Jezero crater, where it will begin the search for the signature of past life. The selection process took five years, and Briony Horgan of Purdue University was part of it all. She joins us to talk about this exciting and enticing target on the Red Planet. Planetary Society Senior Editor Emily Lakdawalla prepares us for the much more imminent Mars landing of InSight. Orion in the northern hemisphere’s night sky can only mean winter is coming. Just ahead of it is a new What’s Up segment from Bruce and Mat. Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/1121-2018-briony-horgan-2020-rover-jezero.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition: After the Midterms—Looking Ahead with Marcia Smith

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 19:00:00 +0000

The counting continues as we publish this month’s special episode, with a handful of seats in the US Senate and House still up for grabs. But with the Democratic takeover of the House assured, and several longtime space advocates turned out, change is certainly coming. Dealing with the nation’s huge deficit also threatens NASA’s budget. Planetary Society Chief Advocate Casey Dreier welcomes back space policy expert Marcia Smith for an insider’s look at the aftermath and what may be ahead. More resources to explore this month’s topics are at http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/space-policy-edition-31.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Moon Mission 3D from Queen Guitarist Brian May and David Eicher

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 16:00:00 +0000

You haven’t seen the best pictures from the Apollo era and other great space achievements till you’ve seen them in 3D. Queen guitarist and astrophysicist Brian May is also mad about stereoscopic imagery. He worked with this week’s guest, Astronomy Magazine Editor-in-Chief David Eicher, to create this beautiful new book that contains 150 startling 3D images, along with clear 3D glasses. A copy of Moon Mission 3D will go to the winner of the new What’s Up space trivia contest. Also, Planetary Society Digital Editor Jason Davis introduces SpaceIL’s lunar lander, heading for the moon in 2019. Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/1114-2018-eicher-moon-mission-3d.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Where Do We Come From? – Exploring the Origins of Life Lab

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 16:00:00 +0000

They may be the most important questions in all of science: Where do we come from? Are we alone? Researchers Ralph Pudritz and Maikel Rheinstadter are working on these puzzles with their new Planetary Simulator, possibly edging toward the natural creation of self-replicating molecules. Bruce Betts’ new book, Astronomy for Kids, is just one of the prizes offered in this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest. Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/1107-2018-pudritz-rheinstadter-origins.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Celebrating Kepler

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 15:00:00 +0000

The Kepler mission has ended. Listen to highlights of the October 30th media briefing that included the father of the fantastically successful planet finder, William Borucki. Then catch the thoughts of Planetary Society editors and commentators Jason Davis and Emily Lakdawalla. Director of Space Policy Casey Dreier explores what’s at stake in the US November 6th midterm election. And we’ll give away another copy of Bruce Betts’ Astronomy for Kids in a spooky edition of What’s Up. Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/1031-2018-kepler-celebration.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Sailing to an Asteroid on the Light of the Sun

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 15:00:00 +0000

LightSail 2 is not the only solar sail in the universe. NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the Jet Propulsion Lab are preparing to send NEA Scout on a long, light-propelled journey to a near Earth asteroid. Principal Investigator Les Johnson shares his excitement about this interplanetary cubesat. Emily Lakdawalla reports in from southern France following the successful start of the BepiColombo mission to Mercury. Don’t know a primorial from a primordial? No worries. Bruce Betts will throw both into the soup as he ladles out a new space trivia contest. Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/1024-2018-les-johnson-nea-scout.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Back to Saturn for Brand New Cassini Science

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Our most frequent guest returns with exciting, just-published research enabled by the 20-year mission’s enormous success. Linda Spilker has served as Cassini Project Scientist for 8 years, and was Deputy Project Scientist for the previous 13. You’ll also get the chance to win Bruce Betts’ great new intro to astronomy book in this week’s space trivia contest. Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/1017-2018-linda-spilker-cassini-science.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Celebrating Astronomy Day with the Giant Magellan Telescope

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Happy Astronomy Day, October 13, 2018! We salute humankind’s long history of stargazing by checking in on what will be our planet’s largest telescope. Patrick McCarthy is an astronomer and a leader of the Giant Magellan Telescope project. He returns with a report on the instrument’s status, followed by a fascinating tour of the GMT facility. The MASCOT spacecraft has successfully completed its brief mission at asteroid Ryugu. Emily Lakdawalla provides an overview. And the space trivia contest has returned to What’s Up. See pics of our GMT visit and learn much more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/1010-2018-patrick-mccarthy-gmt.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition: How NASA Came to Be

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 18:00:00 +0000

Happy 60th, NASA. In celebration of the space agency’s birthday, we do the audio equivalent of pulling out NASA’s baby book and explore its origin story. Though legislation creating the space agency developed in the wake of Sputnik, it was built upon a rapidly changing relationship of the government to fundamental research and development in the decade before. We follow the threads of what makes NASA NASA, as well as how, in its early years, NASA looked quite different than the agency we know today. We also discuss the current bill that partially funds the U.S. government and provides temporary funding for NASA and other agencies through December of 2018. More resources to explore this month’s topics are http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/space-policy-edition-30.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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John Logsdon on the Dawn of the Space Age

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 15:00:00 +0000

The Dean of space policy, John Logsdon, returns with stories and a new book of original documents that shaped the US space program from the birth of NASA to SpaceX. Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye reports in from this year’s International Astronautical Congress in German, while Senior Editor Emily Lakdawalla wraps up a working tour of New Zealand. Then join Bruce and Mat for this week’s What’s Up. Learn and hear more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/1003-2018-john-logsdon-outer-space-exploration-book.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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SpaceX Builds a Big Falcon Rocket

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 15:00:00 +0000

A mostly SpaceX episode as the ambitious company provides updated details regarding its huge new rocket and introduces its first astronauts. Mat Kaplan shares more from the company’s headquarters, while Planetary Society Digital Editor explains and explores the BFR. Jason also celebrates the successful landing of two asteroid “rovers” from Japan’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft. And we’ll tell you What’s Up in the night sky as we offer another space trivia contest. Learn and hear more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0926-2018-jason-davis-spacex.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Return to Fiery Mercury With BepiColombo

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Elsa Montagnon is Spacecraft Operations Manager for the European/Japanese mission leaving for our solar system’s innermost planet very soon. She joins us to talk about the long journey ahead. Elsa also has the cover article in the brand new edition of The Planetary Report, the Planetary Society’s once exclusive magazine that is now available to everyone online, according to its editor, Emily Lakdawalla. Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye is happy for a very happy Elon Musk. The leader of SpaceX just introduced his paying customer for a trip around the moon in 2023. All this, and What’s Up! Learn and hear more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0919-2018-elsa-montagnon-bepicolombo.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Opportunity, Phone Home!

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 15:00:00 +0000

The dust is settling on the Red Planet. Is the remaining Mars Exploration Rover about to rise and shine after three months of slumber? MER Project Manager John Callas returns with a realistic yet hopeful assessment. He also tells us what Opportunity will be asked to do after we hear from her. Planetary Society Senior Editor Emily Lakdawalla returns with a preview of China’s next two missions to the Moon, one of which will make the first-ever farside landing. How close is the nearest black hole? We’ll get the answer as Bruce and Mat explore the night sky in this week’s What’s Up. Learn and hear more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0912-2018-john-callas-opportunity.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition: Did NASA Ace its Midterms? With Special Guest Louise Prockter

Fri, 07 Sep 2018 18:00:00 +0000

We talk with planetary scientist and Lunar and Planetary Institute Director Louise Prockter, who co-led creation of a new report evaluating the performance of NASA's planetary science division. This comes five years after the release of the influential decadal survey. Given the massive budget cuts over the past few years, how did NASA do? Where do these reports come from and who puts them together? Why are they important? All will be answered in this month’s SPE! We also look into the report-within-a-report on the status of the robotic Mars Exploration Program, and find some recommendations that appear to have been inspired by a 2017 Planetary Society report. More resources to explore this month’s topics are http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/space-policy-edition-29.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Big Science, Big Rocket at the Marshall Space Flight Center

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Mat Kaplan’s Huntsville, Alabama trip wraps up with a tour of the historic and history-making Marshall Space Flight Center. Join him at the control center for research underway on the International Space Station, under a tent where a critical component of the Space Launch System rocket is getting finishing touches, in a conversation about the Fermi spacecraft’s search for the universe’s biggest explosions, and with the Center’s Associate Director for Technical efforts. Then wrap up with Bruce Betts and the anniversaries of one fictional and one factual explorer of deep space. Learn and hear more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0905-2018-marshall-center.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space, Rockets, and a Senatorial Encounter in Huntsville, Alabama

Wed, 29 Aug 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Host Mat Kaplan begins a two-episode visit to Huntsville and the Marshall Space Flight Center, recorded this week at the US Space and Rocket Center with astronaut Don Thomas, 94-year-old Apollo engineer Alex McCool, and Alabama Senator Doug Jones. Bruce Betts sets us on a search for the nearest black hole in this week’s What’s Up space trivia contest. Learn and hear more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0829-2018-huntsville-doug-jones.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Pluto Occults! Join Us on the Mountain

Wed, 22 Aug 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Pluto passed in front of a star on the evening of August 14. Mat Kaplan joined pro and amateur astronomers on a mountain to observe this rare event. It may reveal more about the dwarf planet’s tenuous atmosphere and other properties. Everyone hopes that Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity will phone home when the waning worldwide Martian dust storm allows the robot to charge its batteries. Digital Editor Jason Davis tells us about the online mistake that had some fans believing it had already happened. And it will be “raining fire in the sky” when Bruce Betts drops another What’s Up segment. Learn more here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0822-2018-franck-marchis-pluto-occultation.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Giving Mysterious Venus the Love (and Science) She Deserves

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 15:00:00 +0000

We have so much to learn about Venus, says JPL scientist Sue Smrekar. What we learn will help us understand our own world and Mars. Sue joins us this week to make a great case for a new Venus orbiter. The Parker Solar Probe has begun its exciting journey to “touch the Sun.” Our MaryLiz Bender talks with mission leaders before and after the launch. Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan have two great space trivia contests to wrap up right after they take us on another What’s Up tour of the solar system and back through the history of space exploration. Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0815-2018-sue-smrekar-venus-parker-solar-probe-launch.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Dark Energy’s Co-Discoverer and the Leader of Chinese Space Science

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 15:00:00 +0000

It has been 20 years since we learned the expansion of the universe is accelerating due to the mysterious force called dark energy. Saul Perlmutter shared the Nobel Prize in Physics because of his contributions. Now he shares his thoughts with us. Also at this year’s COSPAR Assembly in Pasadena was the Director General of China’s National Space Science Center, Wang Chi. Have you played with Eyes on the Solar System? JPL’s Kevin Hussey conceived of the NASA Eyes app that will take you across the solar system and beyond. And you’ll hear Planetary Society co-founder Carl Sagan’s message to the Martians in our future. That’s right after this week’s What’s Up. Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0808-2018-saul-permutter-wang-chi-nssc.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition: Destination…Mars? Contradictions and Principles

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 18:00:00 +0000

The Senate just held a hearing on NASA's efforts to send humans to...Mars? A week later, the same committee advanced legislation to extend the life of the International Space Station to 2030, six years beyond the current end-date and two years beyond the current hardware safety ratings. Does that extension undermine efforts to get to Mars? What about the Moon? Casey and Jason also introduce The Planetary Society's new principles for human spaceflight, which provide a framework by which the organization will evaluate plans for human exploration. More resources to explore this month’s topics are http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/space-policy-edition-28.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Diving Into That Lake on Mars

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Our world was rocked by last week’s announcement of good radar evidence for a liquid water “lake” under the Red Planet’s south pole. Senior Editor Emily Lakdawalla introduces us to the story that is then taken up by two of host Mat Kaplan’s favorite Martians. The Goddard Space Flight Center’s James Garvin headed NASA’s Mars exploration program, while NASA Ames astrobiologist Chris McKay co-founded the Mars Underground more than 35 years ago. Look up! Mars is still close by, and the Perseid meteor shower is around the corner. Bruce Betts gives us the What’s Up lowdown. Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0801-2018-garvin-mckay-mars-lake.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Hayabusa2 Reaches a Dark Diamond in Space

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Japan’s Hayabusa2 is just 6 kilometers from asteroid Ryugu as it prepares to snatch samples of the space rock for return to Earth. ISAS/JAXA Director General and former Hayabusa Mission Project Manager Hitoshi Kuninaka joins us for a conversation about the spacecraft and what’s ahead. Then we hear from Hansjörg Dittus of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) about the German/French lander called MASCOT that was carried to Ryugu by Hayabusa2. Emily Lakdawalla is the new editor of the Planetary Society’s distinguished magazine, The Planetary Report. Bruce Betts explains how to get the most out of a lunar eclipse and the closest Mars has come to Earth for many years. We also give you an extra week to enter the space trivia contest! Learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0725-2018-kuninaka-dittus-hayabusa2.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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An African Observatory Hunts Killer Asteroids

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 15:00:00 +0000

One of the Planetary Society’s 2018 Shoemaker Near-Earth Object grants has gone to astronomers searching the sky from a mountaintop in the North African nation of Morocco. Observer Michel Ory tells us about their work. Tim Spahr ran the Minor Planet Center for many years. He has moved from that worldwide coordinator for asteroid and comet discoveries to NEO Sciences LLC, and served once again as chair of the Shoemaker NEO judging committee. Wait till you hear what poor Yuri Gagarin had for lunch as he orbited Earth. That’s just one thing you’ll learn from this week’s What’s Up segment. Hear complete interviews and learn more at: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0718-2018-spahr-ory-shoemaker-neo.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Something Old and Something New: Exciting Research on the International Space Station

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Sextants have helped sailors find their way across oceans for centuries. Now one is onboard the International Space Station so that astronauts can learn to find their way across the solar system even if other technologies fail. Reaching the ISS on the same supply mission was the Cold Atom Lab. It may achieve the lowest temperatures in the universe, helping to unlock cosmic secrets. Every naked eye planet is visible! Bruce Betts will tell you where to look in What’s Up. Learn more about all our topics and hear extended interviews: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0711-2018-sextant-and-cold-atom-lab-on-iss.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition: Space Force! With Special Guest Brian Weeden

Fri, 06 Jul 2018 18:00:00 +0000

The President recently ordered the creation of Space Force—but what does that mean? What are the implications for militarization of space? National security expert Dr. Brian Weeden joins the show to explain the announcement. Weeden also breaks down Space Policy Directive #3, which directs the Department of Commerce to begin tracking space debris and other potential dangers to spacecraft in Earth orbit. Casey, Jason and Mat take a detour to discuss the James Webb Space Telescope's latest breach, which delays the launch until March of 2021. More resources to explore this month’s topics are athttp://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/space-policy-edition-27.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Dwarf Planet Ceres Thrills as a Dying Visitor Closes In

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Ceres is the queen of the asteroid belt. Her first Earthly visitor is nearing its last days in spectacular style. Dawn Mission Director and Chief Engineer Marc Rayman returns with stunning images taken from just 35 kilometers or 22 miles above the dwarf planet, and a preview of the spacecraft’s last days. Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts has a summer guide to the night sky, looks back in space exploration history and delivers another Random Space Fact. He and Mat Kaplan also have a new space trivia question for listeners. Learn more about all our topics this week: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0704-2018-marc-rayman-dawn-ceres.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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It’s Asteroid Week with NASA’s Planetary Defense Officer

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 15:00:00 +0000

The dinosaurs regret their lack of a space program. 200 million years later, humans are gearing up to defend themselves from a species-ending rock. The many challenges involved are addressed in a new strategic action plan created by sixteen agencies of the US government. NASA’s Planetary Defense Officer, Lindley Johnson, and his associate, Kelly Fast, take us inside the plan. Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye the Science Guy applauds the growing worldwide attention to Near Earth Objects. By the time you read this Hayabusa2 will have reached asteroid Ryugu. Senior editor Emily Lakdawalla has a mission update. And Bruce Betts is all over Asteroid Week in a new What’s Up segment.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Kathryn Sullivan, Space Dentistry and More at the International Space Development Conference

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Freeman Dyson wasn’t the only space star at the ISDC. Mat talks with former astronaut and NOAA Administrator Kathryn Sullivan, leaders of the Cassini mission, innovative students and an expert on dental care in space. Keep flossing! Planetary Society Director of Space Policy Casey Dreier has the latest budget info from Washington and tells us about Space Policy Directive-3. Bruce and Mat have picked the name for the supermassive black hole that lurks at the center of the Milky Way galaxy. Who has won? Learn more about all our topics this week: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0620-2018-isdc.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Conversation with Freeman Dyson

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 15:00:00 +0000

There’s so much more to Freeman Dyson than the Dyson Sphere. The mathematician, physicist, futurist and author is one of the greatest and most original minds of our era. He has much to say to Mat Kaplan about the future of space exploration and humanity in this week’s show. NASA has announced two exciting papers based on discoveries by Curiosity, the Mars Science Laboratory Rover. Emily Lakdawalla has the straight story. And we’ve got one more signed copy of “Chasing New Horizons” to give away in this week’s new space trivia contest. Learn more about Freeman Dyson and everything else we cover here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0613-freeman-dyson.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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It’s Rocket Science: Testing PlanetVac in the Mojave Desert

Wed, 06 Jun 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Join Mat Kaplan in California’s Mojave Desert for special coverage of not one but two rocket flights and a real world test of PlanetVac, the innovative, radically simple way to collect surface samples from other worlds. PlanetVac replaced one foot of a Masten Space Systems Xodiac rocket for back-to-back hops across a test site. We also talk with Masten CEO Sean Mahoney. Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts also made the trip. He’ll also open a super massive contest for PlanRad listeners in our What’s Up segment. See images and video of the PlanetVac Xodiac flight test and learn more here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0606-planetvac-xodiac-test.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition: Space Policy Directive 2—This Time it's Commercial

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 18:00:00 +0000

President Trump just signed a new space policy directive targeting the regulations surrounding commercial spaceflight. Casey Dreier, Jason Davis and Mat Kaplan dive into the implications of the new directive and what it means for the relationship between government and space. They also break down all of the good news in the House's new funding bill for NASA, and highlight NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine's turnaround on climate change. More resources to explore this month’s topics are at http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/space-policy-edition-26.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Sacred Place: The National Air and Space Museum with Ellen Stofan

Wed, 30 May 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Planetary geologist Ellen Stofan has just become Director of the most popular museum in the United States. The NASM protects and shares the greatest collection of space and aviation treasures on Earth. Mat Kaplan talks with the former NASA Chief Scientist about her new job and how the museum serves to inspire and inform millions each year. Senior editor Emily Lakdawalla prepares us for an exciting encounter between Japan’s Hayabusa 2 spacecraft and asteroid Ryugu. Harry Potter fans, rejoice! Bruce Betts corrects his correction of an astronomical observation by Harry and his classmates. We also offer another signed copy of Chasing New Horizons: Inside the Epic First Mission to Pluto. Learn more about this week’s topics and see images here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0530-ellen-stofan-nasm.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Chasing New Horizons to Pluto with Alan Stern and David Grinspoon

Wed, 23 May 2018 15:00:00 +0000

The New Horizons mission was a triumph, revealing Pluto as an utterly unique and beautiful world. But the mission first had to survive challenge after challenge, fighting to be developed, meeting a nearly impossible launch deadline, and then narrowly avoiding disaster when it was barely a week from its destination. The entire dramatic tale has now been told by Principal Investigator Alan Stern and his co-author, astrobiologist David Grinspoon. They join Mat Kaplan to talk about their book, Chasing New Horizons—Inside the Epic First Mission to Pluto. A signed copy of the book will go to the winner of this episode’s space trivia contest. Emily Lakdawalla has returned from an international gathering of Mercury scientists with a special report. The Planetary Society’s Senior Editor also marks the launch of a Chinese lunar orbiter. Learn more about this week’s topics and see images here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0523-stern-grinspoon-chasing-new-horizons.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Why Mars? We’ve Got the Answers

Wed, 16 May 2018 15:00:00 +0000

The great adventure awaits! Mat Kaplan hosts an entertaining panel discussion at the 2018 Humans to Mars Summit in Washington DC. Eight guests provide their diverse and inspiring reasons for humans to visit the Red Planet. Bruce Betts later joins Mat to explore the Demon Star. Learn more about this week’s topic and see images here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0516-h2m-why-mars-panel.htmlGuests include: Filmmaker Nicholas Agnew, creator of Seat 25Consultant Jeff Bingham, former NASA Associate Administrator for Legislative AffairsJim Garvin, Chief Scientist, Goddard Space Flight CenterJanet Ivey, Emmy award-winning creator of Janet’s Planet“Astronaut Abby” Abigail HarrisonKeri Kukral, Raw Science and the Raw Science Film FestivalSaralyn Mark, MD, iGiant founder and presidentArtemis Westenberg, Explore Mars president, director and co-founderLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Amy Mainzer: Asteroid Hunter

Wed, 09 May 2018 15:00:00 +0000

After taking over 10 million images of more than 30,000 solar system objects, the NEOWISE mission is finally in its last months. Principal Investigator Amy Mainzer returns with an update on this phenomenal success and a look ahead toward a much more powerful asteroid and comet hunter called NEOCam. It’s not just about defending our planet. We are learning the origin story of Earth and other worlds. Bruce Betts also shares a story or two, along with a new space trivia contest, in this week’s What’s Up segment. Learn more about this week’s topic and see images here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0509-amy-mainzer-neowise.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition: A Commercial Future for the Space Station?

Fri, 04 May 2018 17:00:00 +0000

After announcing it intends to divest from the International Space Station in 2025, NASA quietly released a new report on its transition plans, laying out a series of principles that will set the future of U.S. astronauts in low-Earth orbit. Can a private entity really take over the space station? Where did this idea come from anyway? Will there be new commercial space stations in the near future, and will they serve NASA's needs? Also, the confirmation of Jim Bridenstine as NASA Administrator. More resources to explore this month’s topics are at http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/space-policy-edition-25.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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All Shook Up: The InSight Mission to Mars

Wed, 02 May 2018 15:00:00 +0000

No mission to Mars has done what InSight will do. The lander’s spectacularly sensitive instruments will use the Red Planet’s heat and marsquakes to reveal its deep interior while also revealing secrets of other rocky worlds like our own Earth. Principal Investigator Bruce Banerdt came to Planetary Society headquarters barely a week before launch for a long and fascinating conversation. Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye says the European Space Agency’s Gaia spacecraft has mapped our galaxy as never before. Bruce Betts will help us explore a bit of the Milky Way in this week’s What’s Up segment. Learn more about this week’s topics and see images here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0502-bruce-banerdt-insight.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Live! – Celebrating Curiosity on Mars

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Join us for an utterly fascinating live conversation with Emily Lakdawalla about her brand new book, The Design and Engineering of Curiosity: How the Mars Rover Performs Its Job. Also joining us at Caltech were Curiosity Project Scientist Ashwin Vasavada and JPL Research Scientist Abigail Fraeman. Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan close out the evening with a live edition of What’s Up, including the space trivia contest. Learn more about this week’s topics and see images here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0425-2018-planetary-radio-live-lakdawalla-book-curiosity.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Yuri’s Night 2018!

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Host Mat Kaplan once again attends the worldwide party for space. Join him at the Los Angeles celebration under Space Shuttle Endeavour. You’ll hear conversations with astronauts Nicole Stott and Anousheh Ansari, Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides, Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye the Science Guy and others. Then test your space history and trivia knowledge with Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts. Learn more about this week’s topics and see images here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0418-2018-yuris-night.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Visiting the Earth-Like Worlds of TRAPPIST-1

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 15:00:00 +0000

We have begun to understand the composition of worlds that are hundreds of trillions of kilometers from Earth. Astronomer Nikole Lewis is co-leader of a team that has used the Hubble Space Telescope to do this with the four Earth-like planets circling a star called TRAPPIST-1. Host Mat Kaplan talks with Digital Editor Jason Davis about a new probe designed to discover thousands of additional exoplanets. Want to win a Planetary Radio t-shirt? Answer this week’s space trivia question posed by Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts. Learn more about this week’s topics and see images here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0411-nikole-lewis-trappist-worlds.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition: Lori Garver on what a NASA Administrator (and Deputy) actually does

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 17:00:00 +0000

Lori Garver, former Deputy Administrator of NASA, talks with Casey about what the Deputy and Administrator jobs are like day-to-day, how decisions actually get made at the top, and why the current lack of confirmed leadership hurts the space agency. Casey, Space Policy Advisor Jason Callahan and Planetary Radio host Mat Kaplan also review the great news about the NASA budget, and reveal the possible fallout from the further delay in launch of the James Webb Space Telescope.More resources to explore this month’s topics are at http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/space-policy-edition-24.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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AI, Space, and Humanity’s Future—A Conversation with David Brin

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 15:00:00 +0000

The multi-award winning science fiction author, futurist and speaker returns to Planetary Radio for a wide-ranging conversation about robots and humans in space, empathetic artificial intelligences, how we can survive the Singularity and much more. Emily Lakdawalla recaps an astrobiology session at the just-completed Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. There’s a great new book from National Geographic Kids waiting for the winner of the new What’s Up space trivia contest. Learn more about this week’s topics and see images here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0404-david-brin-ai-space.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Space Station Crashes to Earth

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 15:00:00 +0000

By the time you hear this week’s episode, China’s Tiangong-1 may have spectacularly re-entered our planet’s atmosphere, raining metal on an unpredictable location. The Aerospace Corporation’s Bill Ailor, an expert on space debris, tells us there’s little to worry about, but bigger challenges are ahead in low Earth orbit. Bruce Betts also has his mind on the small space station. Emily Lakdawalla is back from the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference with much news to share. NASA finally has a budget for the year already underway! Casey Dreier breaks it down.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Stephen Hawking: Spaceflight Pioneer!

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 15:00:00 +0000

He is known for his breakthrough physics and popularizing of science, but Dr. Hawking also wanted to fly in space. Erik Viirre led the medical team that helped Stephen experience weightlessness. He says the adventure helped open the possibility of spaceflight for many more people. Planetary Society co-founder Louis Friedman and Society CEO Bill Nye share their memories of the great physicist. Bruce Betts doesn’t let a bad cold get in the way of the What’s Up segment. Learn more about this week’s topics and see images here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0321-stephen-hawking-zero-g.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Amateur Astronomers Work To Save Earth From Asteroids!

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Seven astronomers have been selected to receive Shoemaker NEO (Near Earth Object) grants from the Planetary Society. They and their observatories span the planet. We’ll meet an American and an Australian. Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts provides an overview of the grant program and later returns for this week’s edition of What’s Up. The Planetary Society’s Kate Howells reports on the outlook for space funding in Canada’s newly-released federal budget. She and Society CEO Bill Nye also met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Learn more about this week’s topics and see images here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0314-shoemaker-newo-2018-winners.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Visiting the Birthplace of PlanetVac

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 16:00:00 +0000

Space is hard. Sample collection and return is harder still. That’s why the radically-simplified PlanetVac system from Honeybee Robotics is so intriguing. Join Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts and host Mat Kaplan on a tour of Honeybee that includes a PlanetVac demo. Bruce returns for this week’s What’s Up jaunt around the night sky. Planetary Society Digital Editor Jason Davis share big news about the LightSail 2 solar sail and the next SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch. Learn more about this week’s topics and see images here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0307-planetvac-honeybee-tour.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #23 - Blitzing Congress: Planetary Society volunteers visit Capitol Hill

Fri, 02 Mar 2018 18:00:00 +0000

Society members from 21 states descended on the U.S. capitol for a "blitz" of 178 meetings in two days. Casey and special guest Matt Renninger explain why that is such an important activity, and blitzers Leah and Stefanie Griffith share their story of coming to Washington to speak for space. More resources to explore this month’s topics are at http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/space-policy-edition-23-blitzing-congress.htmlLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Experience A Message From Earth - Inspired by the Voyager Golden Record

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 06:00:00 +0000

It has been 40 years since Carl Sagan and others shared the best of humanity with the stars. A new online multimedia project has been created as a 21st century homage to the Golden Record.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Eyes of a New Mars Rover: Mastcam-Z

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Mat Kaplan attended a meeting of the science team for the zoom lens camera that will be atop the Mars 2020 rover mast. Planetary Scientist Jim Bell tells us how this new system will show us the Red Planet as we’ve never seen it before.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition Special: The 2019 President’s Budget Request Unveiled

Fri, 16 Feb 2018 06:00:00 +0000

As promised, Casey Dreier and Jason Callahan are back with a special review of the just-released FY 2019 President’s Budget Request (PBR) for NASA. It contains good news, bad news and odd news. What is likely to stand? What will Congress ignore, going its own way? NASA’s new lunar ambitions, Mars Sample Return, WFIRST and more hang in the balance. Let the debate begin.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A New Congressional Caucus Backs Planetary Science

Wed, 14 Feb 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Republican Randy Hultgren and Democrat Derek Kilmer celebrate formation of the new bipartisan, bicameral caucus of US representatives and senators. They have united behind exploration of our and other solar systems. Bill Nye shares his eye and ear witness account of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch and landing. The new What’s Up space trivia contest takes its inspiration from the Tesla Roadster now on its way to Mars.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space, SETI, the Singularity and Shostak

Wed, 07 Feb 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Where is everybody? That was the question physicist Enrico Fermi asked when he wondered why we hadn’t yet met ET. What will happen if we do? Will humans lose the will to explore?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #21: Bill Nye and the State of the Union

Fri, 02 Feb 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye attended the State of the Union address on January 30th, he also spent the day meeting with sixteen different members of Congress to promote science on Capitol Hill. In this special abbreviated show, Casey Dreier and Mat Kaplan welcome their colleague Matt Renninger, who joined Bill on Capitol Hill, to discuss the goals of The Planetary Society and the reasons why it was important for Bill to attend.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Going to Sea to Sail Through Space: Orion Ocean Recovery Testing

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Join Mat Kaplan on a visit to Naval Base San Diego and the USS Anchorage, the amphibious ship that has just completed a round of Orion spacecraft recovery testing and practice.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Living in Space!

Wed, 24 Jan 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Mat Kaplan talks with participants in the National Space Society’s recent Space Settlement Summit about human destiny in space.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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It’s a Hard Rain on Titan

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 06:00:00 +0000

A computer model based on our best data about Saturn’s cloud-shrouded moon says that torrential liquid methane pounds the surface far more frequently than previously expected. Sean Faulk and Jonathan Mitchell of UCLA explain.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Mysterious Tabby’s Star, With Tabby Herself

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:00:00 +0000

It may not host an alien “megastructure” but Tabby’s Star still guards many mysteries of science. Astronomer and astrophysicist Tabetha “Tabby” Boyajian leads the worldwide team that is revealing this strange light in the sky.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #20: Looking back on the year in space policy. Also, your questions!

Fri, 05 Jan 2018 06:00:00 +0000

It’s the space policy guys’ turn to look back at a year that saw great achievements in space. Were they matched by events in Washington DC?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Looking Back, Looking Forward with the Planetary Society All-Stars

Wed, 03 Jan 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Mat’s first-ever four-way conversation with Jason Davis, Casey Dreier and Emily Lakdawalla reviews the biggest 2017 events in space exploration and provides their predictions of what to look for in the new year.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Flowing Water on Mars? Not So Much

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 06:00:00 +0000

Mars scientists dubbed them recurring slope lineae or RSLs. They sure looked like evidence of liquid water flowing down hillsides and ridges on the Red Planet. New research led by USGS Planetary Geologist Colin Dundas says otherwise.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Exploring the Latest Planetary Science Discoveries With Emily Lakdawalla

Wed, 20 Dec 2017 06:00:00 +0000

A holiday edition of Planetary Radio welcomes the Planetary Society’s Senior Editor back from the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union. Emily reports on amazing developments in planetary science she discovered at the huge conference.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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President Trump Sets Course for the Moon

Wed, 13 Dec 2017 06:00:00 +0000

On December 11th President Donald Trump signed a memorandum that firmly points the US space effort toward the Moon, but without providing many details. Planetary Society Director of Space Policy Casey Dreier fills in some of the gaps left by this executive directive.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Visitor From the Stars: ‘Oumuamua

Wed, 06 Dec 2017 06:00:00 +0000

The first confirmed interstellar visitor to our solar system is a needle-shaped asteroid given the Hawaiian name ‘Oumuamua. Karen Meech leads the team that is learning as much about it as possible before it leaves our neighborhood, never to return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #19: When did the private space age begin? Much earlier than you think.

Fri, 01 Dec 2017 06:00:00 +0000

Elon Musk. Jeff Bezos. Richard Branson. These are the names we tend to associate with the current era of private space exploration. But what about John Quincy Adams, James Lick, or Charles Yerkes? Space economist and historian Dr. Alex MacDonald joins us to discuss his book, "The Long Space Age," which chronicles the history of private investment in U.S. space exploration all the way back to the 18th century.
Jason and Casey also discuss the consequences of the House GOP tax plan, which could raise taxes on thousands of graduate students. Also, the coming budget showdown and possible consequences for NASA projects.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Bob Richards of Moon Express

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 06:00:00 +0000

Moon Express Founder and CEO Bob Richards shares an inspiring vision for a return to the Moon. It includes introduction of a sophisticated line of robotic spacecraft, the first of which may make a soft landing next year.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Canada Rises…And So Does the Sun

Wed, 22 Nov 2017 06:00:00 +0000

Canada has a new Space Advisory Board, and The Planetary Society’s Kate Howells is a member.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Honorable Adam Schiff: Another Congressional Space Enthusiast

Wed, 15 Nov 2017 06:00:00 +0000

Congressman Adam Schiff’s California district includes the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He is as enthusiastic a fan of the final frontier as you are likely to find under the capitol dome in Washington D.C.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Andy Weir’s New Novel Puts a City on the Moon

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 06:00:00 +0000

The author of #1 bestseller "The Martian" is back with "Artemis," a superbly-researched, rollicking adventure in the first city on the Moon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #18: Jim Bridenstine vs. the Senate and First Meeting of the National Space Council

Fri, 03 Nov 2017 05:00:00 +0000

The likely next Administrator of NASA, Jim Bridenstine, appeared before a somewhat skeptical Senate committee to defend his nomination. Casey and Jason recap the hearing and assess Congressman Bridenstine’s chance of moving forward.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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André Bormanis and Emily Lakdawalla on Life, the Universe and Everything

Wed, 01 Nov 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Join us for a wide-ranging, salon-style conversation about space exploration, science, art and more. Mat’s guests are astronomer, television producer/writer and former Star Trek science advisor André Bormanis and Planetary Society Senior Editor Emily Lakdawalla.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Searching for ET With Pete Worden

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Are we alone? The nearly sixty-year effort to answer that question has gotten a big boost from the Breakthrough Initiatives, funded by Yuri Milner and led by former NASA Ames Research Center director Pete Worden, who is our guest this week.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Pamela Gay and the Image Detective

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Astronomer Pamela Gay tells us how anyone can work with images of Earth taken by astronauts, turning them into terrific scientific resources.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Dawn: Ten Years of Exploration

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Dawn Mission Director and Chief Engineer Marc Rayman helps us salute the ion-engine powered spacecraft that first orbited asteroid Vesta in the main asteroid belt and then moved to dwarf planet Ceres, revealing two fascinating worlds.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #17: The 75th Anniversary of the Rocket Age, with Dr. Michael Neufeld

Fri, 06 Oct 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Fifteen years before Sputnik, on a bright 1942 afternoon in northern Germany, a thundering machine of metal and fire pierced the sky, ultimately touching the edge of space for the first time in history. It opened a new era of opportunity and terror with rocket technology. Dr. Michael Neufeld joins us discuss the significance of this test and how it happened.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Australia Gets Serious About Space

Wed, 04 Oct 2017 05:00:00 +0000

The Australian government announced that it would create a national space agency at the 68th annual International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide. We’ll talk with IAC 2017 CEO Brett Biddington about what this means for his country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Celebrating Cassini…Live!

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 05:00:00 +0000

More than 1,100 fans of the just-completed 20-year mission to Saturn joined us for a live tribute.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Long Live Cassini!

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Join us at JPL and Caltech on the bittersweet morning the Cassini spacecraft plunged into Saturn.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Science Fiction Greats on Humanity’s Destiny in Space

Wed, 13 Sep 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Robert Zubrin of the Mars Society talks with Gregory Benford, David Brin, Geoffrey Landis and Larry Niven about terraforming Mars, the origin of life, the drive to explore and more.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Sailing on the Light of the Sun With Lou Friedman

Wed, 06 Sep 2017 05:00:00 +0000

The co-founder and Executive Director Emeritus of The Planetary Society returns for a conversation about the allure of sailing through space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #16: NASA's Flagship Missions: Are They Worth It?

Thu, 31 Aug 2017 18:00:00 +0000

The multi-billion dollar, multi-decade Cassini mission is about to end. A new report tries to answer an important question: are flagship science missions like Cassini worth the effort and expense?

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Planetary Radio Live on the Eve of the Eclipse

Wed, 30 Aug 2017 05:00:00 +0000

With hours to go before the Great American Eclipse, nine outstanding guests joined host Mat Kaplan for Planetary Radio Live in front of 1,100 rowdy eclipse and space science fans.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Cassini Project Scientist Linda Spilker’s Last Appearance Before the Grand Finale

Wed, 23 Aug 2017 05:00:00 +0000

It’s the Grandest Finale. The spectacular Cassini mission’s exploration of Saturn will end on September 15th when the spacecraft plunges into the planet. Cassini Project Scientist Linda Spilker is back with one last mission update.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Ed Stone and Forty Years of Voyager in Space

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 05:00:00 +0000

It is most space fans’ favorite planetary science mission, and with good reason. We visit with the man who has been in charge of Voyager mission science for more than four decades.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Dark Energy Attracts? Astrophysicists Jason Rhodes and Alina Kiessling

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 05:00:00 +0000

JPL astrophysicists Alina Kiessling and Jason Rhodes were brought together by their fascination over the mystery of dark energy. They talk with Planetary Radio about their research and the many missions they are contributing to, including WFIRST, a unique new space telescope.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #15 – Congressman Rick Larsen, Could Russia Exit the ISS?

Fri, 04 Aug 2017 05:00:00 +0000

New U.S. sanctions against Russia have reignited speculation that global politics could undermine cooperation in the International Space Station. Could Russia cut off rides for US astronauts to the ISS? Later, Casey Dreier joins Spark Science host Dr. Regina Barber Degraaff for a conversation with U.S. Congressman Rick Larsen, Democratic representative of Washington state’s 2nd District. We also check in on NASA's 2018 budget, which is currently moving through the Senate. Did they provide funding for a new Mars orbiter?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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An Eye on the Sun (In the Middle of a Lake)

Wed, 02 Aug 2017 05:00:00 +0000

The world’s most powerful solar telescope has just been renamed for the man responsible for its creation. We’ll meet astrophysicist and helioseismologist Phil Goode, and we’ll enjoy a tour of the Goode Solar Telescope.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Live! Living on Mars

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Will humans live, work and thrive on Mars? What challenges must be met before we can become Martians? On July 20th, the anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Mat Kaplan welcomed an outstanding panel of experts for conversation in front of a Pasadena, California audience.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Emily Lakdawalla on the Last Orbits of Cassini

Wed, 19 Jul 2017 05:00:00 +0000

The Cassini Mission has less than two months to go before it ends with a spectacular plunge into the beautiful ringed world. Planetary Society Senior Editor Emily Lakdawalla has prepared a guide to the last orbits by the historic spacecraft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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20 Years on Mars with Matt Golombek

Wed, 12 Jul 2017 05:00:00 +0000

When the Pathfinder lander reached Mars 20 years ago it began a Martian renaissance that has never paused. JPL scientist Matt Golombek was the mission’s Project Scientist. He looks back and to the future of our explorations at the Red Planet.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #14 – Ice Giants and Ocean Worlds Beckon

Fri, 07 Jul 2017 05:00:00 +0000

A new report builds the case for long overdue returns to Uranus and Neptune, while another proposal calls for exploration of the many bodies in our solar system that hide vast water oceans. Jason Callahan, Casey Dreier and Mat Kaplan dive into the troubled waters that determine which planetary science missions will get the limited funds available.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Cosmic Voyage with Astronomer Sandra Faber

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Veteran astronomer and cosmologist Sandra Faber has just been awarded the Gruber Prize for Cosmology, honoring more than forty years of pioneering work. She talks with Mat Kaplan on this week’s show.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Happy Asteroid Day!

Wed, 28 Jun 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Asteroid Day, June 30th, marks the anniversary of the great Tunguska impact that leveled a Siberian forest. It reminds us that a Near Earth Object can destroy a city or even a civilization. Former Minor Planet Center Director Tim Spahr reviews our efforts to find and understand these bodies.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Thomas Edison, Eclipse Chaser!

Wed, 21 Jun 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Former NPR science reporter David Baron discusses the stories of men and women who made their way across the American West to view and document the total solar eclipse of 1878.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Julie Webster and the Art of Spacecraft Endurance

Wed, 14 Jun 2017 05:00:00 +0000

How do you keep a dazzlingly complex spacecraft in good health after 20 years in space? That’s the challenge for Julie Webster and her team of engineers supporting the Cassini mission at Saturn.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Spectacular Jupiter!

Wed, 07 Jun 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Have you seen its stunning image of Jupiter’s south pole? The Juno orbiter is surpassing expectations and delivering surprising science. Scott Bolton, the mission’s Principal Investigator, is back with a thrilling report.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #13 – The 2018 Budget Proposal and Is Mars Exploration in Retrograde?

Fri, 02 Jun 2017 05:00:00 +0000

The Trump Administration released its proposed FY2018 budget just days ago. Casey Dreier, Jason Callahan and Mat Kaplan dive deep into what this controversial plan means for NASA and how it has been received by Congress.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Buzz Aldrin and Other Martians

Wed, 31 May 2017 05:00:00 +0000

He walked with Neil Armstrong on the moon, but that may not be his greatest legacy. Buzz Aldrin was joined by other space stars at the recent Humans To Mars Summit.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Human Spaceflight: Coming Back to America

Wed, 24 May 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Astronauts may soon ride on US rockets and in US spaceships for the first time since the last Space Shuttle flight. Jon Cowart of NASA is working with SpaceX toward the first launch of a Dragon spacecraft with humans on board.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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NASA Leaders on Getting Humans to Mars

Wed, 17 May 2017 05:00:00 +0000

The human journey to the Red Planet is long and hard, but Mat’s conversation with three NASA Associate Administrators at the Humans to Mars Summit was filled with cautious optimism.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Visiting Worlds Fantastic with Bonnie Buratti

Wed, 10 May 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Veteran Jet Propulsion Lab planetary scientist Bonnie Buratti talks with Mat about the wonder of our solar neighborhood that she explores in "Worlds Fantastic, Worlds Familiar—A Guided Tour of the Solar System."Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #12 – Is Space Policy Stagnant? With Special Guest Marcia Smith

Fri, 05 May 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Moon or Mars? Should NASA depend on private companies? What’s the goal of human spaceflight? These questions were debated three decades ago, yet are just as relevant today. Does that mean space policy is stagnant?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Be There! The Great American Eclipse

Wed, 03 May 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Our ongoing coverage of preparation for the Great American Eclipse takes us to Southern Illinois University Carbondale where a huge celebration is planned.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Bill Nye Saves the World…With Space

Wed, 26 Apr 2017 05:00:00 +0000

It was a big week for the Science Guy, and for science. Bill Nye served as honorary co-chair of the March for Science in Washington DC. His new Netflix series, Bill Nye Saves the World, premiered the next day. Two of the show’s thirteen episodes are devoted to space science and exploration. Bill talks about all this in a special conversation with Mat Kaplan.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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McDonald Observatory and the Quest for Dark Energy

Wed, 19 Apr 2017 05:00:00 +0000

The University of Texas at Austin’s observatory is high in the hills of west Texas. In this special episode, Mat Kaplan joins the tens of thousands who visit it each year. The occasion was the dedication of the vastly upgraded Hobby-Eberly Telescope, third largest on Earth.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Aerospace Corporation President and CEO Steve Isakowitz

Wed, 12 Apr 2017 05:00:00 +0000

The Aerospace Corporation has been innovating since 1960. Now it’s headed by a former leader of “New Space” company Virgin Galactic. President and CEO Steve Isakowitz talks about the evolving culture of the space industry.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #11 – Big Science and a Skinny Budget

Fri, 07 Apr 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Whether it’s discovering gravity waves, curing cancer or building a space station, the biggest science challenges increasingly require investments that are beyond what private industry can afford and collaborations that include many nations. Casey, Jason and Mat look at the history of big science and the outlook for future efforts. The team also reviews the 2018 budget proposed for NASA by the Trump Administration, and shares other space policy news from Washington.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Mars’ Atmosphere…Lost in Space!

Wed, 05 Apr 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Mars was once a warm and wet world. Then its dense, protective atmosphere mostly vanished. Learning why was one of the greatest mysteries in planetary science. The answer has just been delivered by the MAVEN orbiter.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Nancy Atkinson’s Incredible Stories from Space

Wed, 29 Mar 2017 05:00:00 +0000

The longtime editor of outstanding online space news source Universe Today has just written about nine robotic missions of exploration in "Incredible Stories From Space: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Missions Changing Our View of the Cosmos." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Ready for Space: LightSail 2 Update

Wed, 22 Mar 2017 05:00:00 +0000

The Planetary Society’s LightSail 2 solar sail spacecraft is ready to be packed away for its ride to orbit on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. Mat Kaplan checks the mission’s status with team members.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Great American Eclipse—Be Part of It!

Wed, 15 Mar 2017 05:00:00 +0000

It’s coming! Will you be in the path of totality? Astronomers Without Borders President Mike Simmons says be there if you can.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Hope for Pluto—Should We Re-Redefine Planets?

Wed, 08 Mar 2017 06:00:00 +0000

Planetary geologist Kirby Runyon is lead author of an abstract that proposes a new, geophysical definition of what a planet is.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #10 - Special Guest Laura Delgado Lopez, SpaceX to the Moon, looming budget cuts

Fri, 03 Mar 2017 06:00:00 +0000

Laura Delgado Lopez from the Harris Corporation joins us to talk about the growing number of countries getting into the space business, particularly in Latin America. Casey, Jason, and Mat also take stock of SpaceX's plans to send humans around the Moon in 2018, and how the newly-announced Trump budget cuts could hurt NASA.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Worlds of TRAPPIST-1

Wed, 01 Mar 2017 06:00:00 +0000

The discovery of seven, Earth-sized planets in a nearby solar system was announced last week. Astrophysicist and planetary scientist Sara Seager joins us to share her excitement about this find that includes three planets in the habitable zone.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Live: Near Earth Objects—The Killer Asteroid Threat

Wed, 22 Feb 2017 06:00:00 +0000

Leaders of the quest to find, understand and protect ourselves from the asteroids and comets called Near Earth Objects gathered with host Mat Kaplan for a live conversation about this existential threat from space.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Nazis in Space? Rod Pyle’s Amazing Stories of the Space Age

Wed, 15 Feb 2017 06:00:00 +0000

Rod Pyle reveals bizarre yet fascinating space projects of the past in his new book. Pyle also exposes previously classified information about missions and spacecraft you thought you knew.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Earth Microbes! Welcome to Mars

Tue, 07 Feb 2017 06:00:00 +0000

University of Arkansas grad student Rebecca Mickol and her team have demonstrated that some Earth bacteria can survive in the extremely thin atmosphere of Mars. Could Martian bacteria thrive under the same conditions?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #9 – Congress Plots New Space Legislation Amid Trump’s Tumultuous First Two Weeks

Mon, 06 Feb 2017 06:00:00 +0000

It’s still too early to say where the Trump Administration will take NASA, but there are a few hints. Congress is not waiting. Casey, Jason and Mat review a draft of the space agency’s authorization bill and a separate act that asks NASA to lay out its plans for humans to reach Mars.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Final Countdown at Saturn

Tue, 31 Jan 2017 06:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio’s most frequent guest, Project Scientist Linda Spilker, returns with another update on the Cassini mission that is approaching its grand finale.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Ice, Snow and Lava: Exploring Antarctica’s Mount Erebus

Tue, 24 Jan 2017 06:00:00 +0000

Earth’s southernmost active volcano may also be its most remote. Rosaly Lopes and Michael Carroll recently spent a few frigid days on the slopes of Antarctica’s Mount Erebus. What they learned may help us understand volcanos on other worlds.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Chief Scientist Ellen Stofan Leaves NASA

Tue, 17 Jan 2017 06:00:00 +0000

For well over three years, planetary scientist Ellen Stofan has worked directly with NASA Administrator Charles Bolden to help coordinate and expand the myriad science efforts by the agency. We talk with her as she ends this remarkable tenure.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Ben Miller Says The Aliens are Coming!

Tue, 10 Jan 2017 06:00:00 +0000

We are joined by British physicist turned comedian and actor Ben Miller, author of The Aliens are Coming! The Extraordinary Science Behind our Search for Life in the Universe.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #8 - A Transition "Trumpdate", 2016 in Review, and Answering Your Questions

Thu, 05 Jan 2017 06:00:00 +0000

After an opening update on the presidential transition, Casey, Jason and Mat share their nominees for the biggest space exploration events of 2016. Then they take on fascinating questions submitted by listeners. You’ll also hear the surprising early announcement of NASA’s next Discovery missions.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Little Rocket Company Shoots for the Moon

Tue, 03 Jan 2017 06:00:00 +0000

CEO Randa Milliron introduces us to Interorbital Systems, which wants to put your payload in orbit for as little as $8,000. Can they do it?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Marvelous Martian MAVEN

Tue, 27 Dec 2016 06:00:00 +0000

MAVEN, the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution orbiter, has gone a long way toward solving the mystery of the Red Planet’s missing water and air. The University of Colorado’s Nick Schneider says it is also revealing gorgeous clouds, auroras and glowing skies.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Art That Captures the Beauty and Science of Space

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 06:00:00 +0000

Marilynn Flynn, Simon Kregar and Rick Sternbach are masters of space art. They talk about how their work furthers science and captures the imagination.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Giant Telescope and Remembering John Glenn

Tue, 13 Dec 2016 06:00:00 +0000

Space historian John Logsdon remembers American hero John Glenn. Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye was a big fan of the Friendship 7 astronaut—less so the new Star Wars movie. Then we get an update on the Giant Magellan Telescope from Patrick McCarthy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Running Before the Sun: Astronomer Jay Pasachoff

Tue, 06 Dec 2016 06:00:00 +0000

No one is more excited about eclipses than famed solar astronomer and author Jay Pasachoff. He looks forward to the total solar eclipse in August of 2017.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #7 - The Trump Administration: What Can We Expect for Space?

Fri, 02 Dec 2016 06:00:00 +0000

The SPE team reviews the outlook for human spaceflight, planetary science, Earth observation and much more under the upcoming Trump administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Leading the Search: Bill Diamond of the SETI Institute

Tue, 29 Nov 2016 06:00:00 +0000

The SETI Institute is about much more than the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence. President and CEO Bill Diamond of the Institute explains.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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To Mars! With National Geographic

Tue, 22 Nov 2016 06:00:00 +0000

The National Geographic Channel’s “Mars” miniseries has begun. Mat Kaplan attended a kickoff for the ambitious docudrama last summer. You’ll hear from series technical advisor Bobby Braun, author of “The Martian” Andy Weir, Cosmos creator Ann Druyan and more.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Pluto and Titan and Iran, Oh My!

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 06:00:00 +0000

Back to the annual meeting of the AAS Division for Planetary Sciences this week, where Mat Kaplan visited with experts on worlds of ice including Titan and Pluto, with a side trip to the dunes of Iran.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Inside Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo

Tue, 08 Nov 2016 06:00:00 +0000

Host Mat Kaplan traveled to California’s Mojave Desert for a tour of Virgin Galactic’s The Spaceship Company, where the second SpaceShipTwo was built and is undergoing flight tests. TSC Executive VP Enrico Palermo was his guide.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #6: Election 2016! Where Do Clinton and Trump Stand on Space?

Fri, 04 Nov 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Just in time for election day in the USA, we take stock of the major candidates' space policies (as far as they go), comparing statements and policy op-eds put out by both campaigns. We also look at the broader implications and challenges of the coming Presidential transition for NASA.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Matt Taylor Rocks Rosetta

Tue, 01 Nov 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Mat Kaplan talks with Matt Taylor, the Rosetta Project Scientist, just two weeks after the spacecraft touched down on 67/P.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Alan Stern and a Triumph at Pluto

Tue, 25 Oct 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Alan Stern of the New Horizons mission to Pluto and beyond was in Pasadena for the annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society’s Division for Planetary Sciences. He joined Mat Kaplan for a very special conversation down the street at Planetary Society HQ.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Charley Kohlhase and the Greatest Voyage

Tue, 18 Oct 2016 05:00:00 +0000

How did the Voyager spacecraft manage to weave their magnificent way through the outer planets of our solar system? Mission Design Manager Charley Kohlhase led the team that crunched the numbers to select the best possible trajectory from 10,000 candidates.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Trekkin’ Across the Universe With Andrew Fazekas

Tue, 11 Oct 2016 05:00:00 +0000

The Night Sky Guy, Andrew Fazekas, talks about his beautiful new, Star Trek-inspired guide to the real wonders of astronomy.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #5: The U.S. Senate takes on the politics of Mars

Fri, 07 Oct 2016 05:00:00 +0000

We take a deep dive into new space legislation working its way through the US Senate. It embraces Mars and NASA's big rocket. But Elon Musk and SpaceX just announced an ambitious new plan to colonize Mars. Does this upset the political establishment? Or will they find a cold reception in the halls of Congress? Also, where does science fit into the politics of space?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Farewell Rosetta!

Tue, 04 Oct 2016 05:00:00 +0000

The European Space Agency’s magnificent Rosetta mission ended last week as the spacecraft gently touched down on the comet it has revealed.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Rocket Road Trip!

Tue, 27 Sep 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Planetary Society Digital Editor Jason Davis returns with the story of the ten-day trek across the South he just completed with two Society colleagues.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Cassini at Saturn: The Final Year

Tue, 20 Sep 2016 05:00:00 +0000

The great Cassini spacecraft has a year to go before it plunges into the ringed planet. Project Scientist Linda Spilker returns with more amazing mission science.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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OSIRIS-REx: The Voyage to Bennu Begins, With Dante Lauretta

Tue, 13 Sep 2016 05:00:00 +0000

In two years a Near Earth Asteroid now known as Bennu will have a visitor from Earth. OSIRIS-REx Principal Investigator Dante Lauretta reports on his mission’s successful launch.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Spinoffs! Sharing NASA Technology

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 05:00:00 +0000

In its nearly five decades, NASA has created or improved thousands of technologies, processes and innovations. Dan Lockney is in charge of making sure these solutions are found and utilized by industries and others in need.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #4: Near Earth Asteroids—Why we go, how we find them, and maybe mine them

Fri, 02 Sep 2016 05:00:00 +0000

In honor of OSIRIS-REx—NASA’s newest asteroid mission—we explore the policy and history of near-Earth Objects: why NASA explores them, how the government plans to find and defending the planet, and the how policy can keep up with ambitious plans to mine asteroids.
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The Pale Red Dot: A Planet Called Proxima b

Tue, 30 Aug 2016 05:00:00 +0000

The announcement was made just days ago. Co-discoverer Michael Endl tells us about the discovery of a roughly Earth-mass planet orbiting in the habitable zone of the closest star to our own.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Could the Soviet Union Have Won the Space Race?

Tue, 23 Aug 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Space historian and policy expert John Logsdon joins Mat Kaplan for a fascinating conversation about how the US could have lost the race to the moon.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Sailing the Canyons of Titan

Tue, 16 Aug 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Steep canyons on Saturn's moon Titan are filled with liquid methane. That's the discovery just announced by an international team of Cassini scientists, including Alex Hayes.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Subcontractors: Making Space Happen

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 05:00:00 +0000

You may never hear their names, but there are thousands of small to medium-sized companies without which space exploration and development wouldn’t happen.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #3: Plutonium-238, Europa via SLS, Cost of the Next Mars Rover Rises

Fri, 05 Aug 2016 05:00:00 +0000

In our third episode, we debate the risks and rewards of tying the future of a Europa mission to the fate of NASA's massive Space Launch System rocket. Also, NASA just announced that the next Mars rover will cost $2.4 billion—$900 million more than initially thought. But the mission is not considered over budget. Why not? Lastly, the U.S. just generated 50 grams of Plutonium-238, the largest amount in nearly thirty years. We celebrate the successful effort to create this critically important, though highly toxic, power source for deep space spacecraft.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Interstellar Dreams Turn Real

Tue, 02 Aug 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Philip Lubin and his former student Travis Brashears have had quite a year. Their bold plan to send tiny probes to nearby stars is now supported by NASA and the Breakthrough Starshot $100 million dollar initiative. Hear their amazing story.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Anatomy of a Rover—Getting Down to Mars

Tue, 26 Jul 2016 05:00:00 +0000

It takes a lot of terrific components to create a successful spacecraft like Curiosity, the Mars Science Laboratory. We’ll visit JPL to learn about the Terminal Descent Sensor radar that will once again help land a rover on the Red Planet.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Eagle Has Landed: Remembering Neil Armstrong

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 05:00:00 +0000

We celebrate the 47th anniversary of the first moon landing with the reprise of a conversation with author and NBC space reporter Jay Barbree about his trusted friend Neil Armstrong.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Juno Reaches Jupiter!

Tue, 12 Jul 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Return with us to the evening of July 4, 2016 and the exciting arrival at Jupiter of the Juno orbiter. You’ll hear the moment of successful orbital insertion. Several of the mission’s key contributors reveal how Juno accomplished this feat, along with what they hope the spacecraft will tell us about the giant planet.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Fighting for Space: Former NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver

Tue, 05 Jul 2016 05:00:00 +0000

She has spent most of her life working toward a bright future for humanity in space, and Lori Garver has lost none of her passion. She visited the Planetary Society for a wide-ranging conversation with Mat Kaplan.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #2: Why Juno? Why Jupiter? Why Now?

Fri, 01 Jul 2016 05:00:00 +0000

This month Jason Callahan, Casey Dreier and Mat Kaplan ask whether the Moon vs. Mars human destination debate makes sense, highlight a new report on the science potential of CubeSats by the National Academies, and explain how a thrilling planetary science mission like Juno gets a thumbs up from NASA.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Extra: Shining a Million Watt Flashlight on an Asteroid

Tue, 28 Jun 2016 05:00:00 +0000

PlanRad’s celebration of Asteroid Day (June 30th) continues as we call UCLA grad student Adam Greenberg at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Countdown to Jupiter

Tue, 28 Jun 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Juno will enter Jupiter orbit on July 4th. Mat Kaplan talks with the mission’s Principal Investigator, Scott Bolton at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Bill Nye helps prepare us for this exciting encounter and the science that will follow.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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OSIRIS REx: Ready for a Voyage to Bennu

Tue, 21 Jun 2016 05:00:00 +0000

OSIRIS-REx will launch toward Near Earth Asteroid Bennu soon. In an early celebration of Asteroid Day, mission leader Dante Lauretta tells us how learning about asteroids may teach us about our own origins, and help us avoid a cataclysmic impact.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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JunoCam, The People’s Jupiter Camera

Tue, 14 Jun 2016 05:00:00 +0000

The Juno spacecraft will enter orbit at Jupiter on July 4th. It carries a camera that will send back spectacular images from just above the swirling clouds of that mighty planet. Planetary scientist Candy Hansen will tell us how we can help decide what it will view.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Chris McKay, Larry Niven and Andy Weir at the Contact Conference

Tue, 07 Jun 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Space art and science fiction joined science fact at the 2016 Contact Conference in Sunnyvale, California. We talk with three well-known visionaries.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Policy Edition #1: How We Got Here: Human Spaceflight at the End of the Obama Era

Fri, 03 Jun 2016 05:00:00 +0000

In the premiere of this new monthly series we briefly examine the latest move by the House of Representatives in the game of NASA's budget and then discuss what Lockheed Martin's new "Mars Base Camp" proposal takes from The Society's Humans Orbiting Mars workshop. Our featured discussion takes a deep dive into the story of President Obama's impact on human spaceflight--how NASA ended up with a mixed program of commercial systems and big government programs.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Getting Humans to Mars

Tue, 31 May 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Three NASA leaders talk with host Mat Kaplan about the progress we're making toward leaving footprints on the Red Planet.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Big Test for LightSail 2

Tue, 24 May 2016 05:00:00 +0000

The Planetary Society’s solar sail spacecraft was in the middle of a critical test as we spoke with the Society’s Bruce Betts and Jason Davis.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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NASA’s Science Leader John Grunsfeld

Tue, 17 May 2016 05:00:00 +0000

John Grunsfeld closes our coverage of the Space Foundation’s 32nd annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. We also meet the leaders of the New Generation Space Leaders Program.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Dream Chaser: The Return of the Spaceplane

Tue, 10 May 2016 05:00:00 +0000

We’re back at Space Symposium for a conversation with SNC’s Mark Sirangelo, leader of that company’s effort to build the Dream Chaser. We’ll also hear a few moments of Bill Nye’s session at the annual gathering as he hosted Bernard Foing and Amy Mainzer.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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At Space Symposium With the Leader of the European Space Agency

Tue, 03 May 2016 05:00:00 +0000

The annual Space Symposium in Colorado is a must-attend event for space leaders from around the world. Our coverage begins with United Arab Emirates Space Agency Director General Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, and then moves to ESA Director General Jan Woerner and Chief Scientist Bernard Foing.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Death Valley Conversation About Life, The Universe and Everything With Tyler Nordgren and Jill Tarter

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Beautiful Death Valley National Park was the setting for a fascinating conversation with famed SETI researcher Jill Tarter and celebrated astronomer, artist and photographer Tyler Nordgren.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Exploring Europa and Mining Asteroids at Yuri’s Night

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Our special coverage from the Los Angeles Yuri’s Night party continues with Chris Lewicki of Planetary Resources along with Bob Pappalardo and Boback “Mohawk Guy” Ferdowsi who are preparing an orbiter for Jupiter’s ocean world Europa.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Celebrating Yuri’s Night 2016 with Astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti

Tue, 12 Apr 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Happy Yuri’s Night! We’re partying under Space Shuttle Endeavour in the first of two shows featuring interviews from the worldwide celebration of space. Star Trek’s Robert Picardo will talk about his new video newsletter, the Planetary Post, and we’ll visit with Samantha Cristoforetti, who returned last June from 200 days aboard the International Space Station.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Michel Mayor, Discoverer of the First Extrasolar World

Tue, 05 Apr 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Michel Mayor and his team rocked the astronomy world with their 1995 announcement, but this modest man says it was a discovery whose time had come.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Ashwin Vasavada, Leader of Scientists Roving Mars

Tue, 29 Mar 2016 05:00:00 +0000

The new Mars Science Laboratory Project Scientist is not new to the mission. Ashwin Vasavada has worked on the Curiosity rover since 2004.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Live: All These Worlds…

Tue, 22 Mar 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Our live conversation about “Planet 9” and the amazing diversity of our solar system, featuring Konstantin Batygin and Mike Brown of Caltech, Senior Editor Emily Lakdawalla, Bill Nye the Science Guy and Cassini Project Scientist Linda Spilker.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Neil Gehrels and WFIRST—A Space Telescope for the 2020s

Tue, 15 Mar 2016 05:00:00 +0000

NASA has given the go-ahead for creation of the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope. It might help reveal the nature of dark energy and point the way to life among the stars.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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HERA Heroine Julielynn Wong and Printing Medical Tools in Deep Space

Tue, 08 Mar 2016 06:00:00 +0000

Julielynn Wong came directly from her 30-day long HERA IX deep space simulation to our microphone. We talk with her about the experience, and her progress toward 3D medical device printing solutions for astronauts and Earthbound humans.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Interstellar Dreams: Kim Stanley Robinson’s “Aurora”

Tue, 01 Mar 2016 06:00:00 +0000

Famed science fiction author Kim Stanley Robinson is back with Aurora, a cautionary tale about just how difficult interstellar travel may be.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Exploring Saturn With Cassini

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 06:00:00 +0000

Cassini Mission Project Scientist Linda Spilker returns with the latest discoveries at the beautiful ringed planet, its moons and its rings.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Extra: Our Space Policy Experts Analyze NASA's Proposed 2017 Budget

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 06:00:00 +0000

Casey Dreier, the Planetary Society's Director of Space Policy, and Jason Callahan, the Society's Space Policy Advisor, talk with Mat Kaplan about the just-released "President's Budget Request" for the fiscal year starting in October of 2016.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Zero-G With OK Go!

Tue, 16 Feb 2016 06:00:00 +0000

OK Go has gone where no band has gone before to make a music video. Mat talks with Damian Kulash and Tim Nordwind about the hazards, thrill and promise of making art in free fall.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Extra: LightSail Update

Tue, 09 Feb 2016 06:00:00 +0000

The Planetary Society's Bruce Betts and Jason Davis join host Mat Kaplan for a status report on LightSail 2, the Society's next solar sail, now being prepared for launch as soon as late this year.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planet 9 From Outer Space!

Tue, 09 Feb 2016 06:00:00 +0000

Mike Brown and Konstantin Batygin fully expect a new and undemotable ninth planet will be found in the outer reaches of the solar system. The Caltech researchers talk about their findings and much more.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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NASA’s New Planetary Defense Office

Tue, 02 Feb 2016 06:00:00 +0000

Lindley Johnson has just been named NASA's first Planetary Defense Officer. He's joined on this week's PlanRad by astronomer Kelly Fast, the new manager of the Near Earth Object Observation Program.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Civilizations Among the Clustered Stars?

Tue, 26 Jan 2016 06:00:00 +0000

New research indicates that globular clusters—collections of up to a million stars—could provide stable environments for life, along with opportunities for interstellar civilizations. Lead author Rosanne Di Stefano joins us to explain.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Marc Rayman’s Dawn Mission Update

Tue, 19 Jan 2016 06:00:00 +0000

The Dawn Mission Chief Engineer Marc Rayman returns for another report on the ion-engine powered mission, now orbiting 240 miles above dwarf planet Ceres in the Asteroid Belt.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Master of the Moon Rocks: NASA Astromaterials Curator Francis McCubbin

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 06:00:00 +0000

Francis McCubbin is the new Astromaterials Curator at NASA's Johnson Space Center, where the priceless collection includes the Apollo moonrocks. Join host Mat Kaplan's visit.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Ad Astra Builds “The Martian’s” Rocket Engine

Tue, 05 Jan 2016 06:00:00 +0000

Mat Kaplan visits the Ad Astra Rocket Company in Texas where they are perfecting the VASIMIR electric rocket engine. Emily Lakdawalla has created a comprehensive timeline tracing missions throughout the solar system. Bill Nye salutes Planetary Society colleagues who gathered to record a Planetary Radio Extra year in review conversation. The new year’s sky is chock full of planets according to Bruce Betts.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Extra: Ad Astra Rocket Company Audio Tour

Tue, 05 Jan 2016 06:00:00 +0000

Ad Astra's Mark Carter took Planetary Radio Host Mat Kaplan on a great tour of the company's facility in mid-November of 2015. Space and science geeks are going to love this mostly unedited audio recording. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Extra: Planetary Society Experts 2015 Review

Tue, 05 Jan 2016 06:00:00 +0000

Bruce Betts, Jason Davis, Casey Dreier and Emily Lakdawalla gather with Mat Kaplan for a fascinating and informative Planetary Radio Extra year-in-review roundtable discussion.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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2015: A Great Year for Space Exploration

Tue, 29 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Our year-end review features the “best of 2015” lists from Jason Davis, Casey Dreier, Emily Lakdawalla and Bill Nye the Science Guy. What’s Up offers planets, a comet, and a nice prize package for the space trivia contest.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Extra: Casey Dreier on the 2016 NASA Budget

Tue, 22 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Mat Kaplan sits down with our Director of Advocacy, Casey Dreier, for a discussion of NASA's 2016 budget.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Congressman John Culberson on a Good Day for Space

Tue, 22 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

The newly-approved federal budget includes great news for fans of space exploration and development. Texas Congressman John Culberson led the fight for a Europa mission, the SLS rocket, commercial crew and more. He tells us why on this week’s show.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Field Test: Planetary Deep Drill

Tue, 15 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Drilling through many meters of ice to Europa’s ocean or to the pristine sub-surface layers of Mars will be hard. The Planetary Deep Drill prototype has shown that it may be a practical approach. Join Mat Kaplan and Planetary Society colleagues at the field test site deep in California’s desert.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Journey to Space

Tue, 08 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Journey to Space is both a new and spectacular IMAX movie and an exciting, hands-on exhibition at the California Science Center. We learn about both this week.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Tiny Explorer Called Twinkle

Tue, 01 Dec 2015 06:00:00 +0000

A small but talented UK team is building Twinkle, a small spacecraft with a big mission—exploring the atmospheres of planets orbiting other stars.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Movers and Shakers at SpaceCom Expo

Tue, 24 Nov 2015 06:00:00 +0000

We join 1,600 space entrepreneurs and visionaries in Houston, and talk with Boeing, XCOR, Johnson Space Center Director Ellen Ochoa and more.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Solar System Revelations, and the World’s Biggest Telescope Threatened?

Tue, 17 Nov 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Emily Lakdawalla returns from the annual Division for Planetary Sciences meeting with big news from around the solar system. Then we talk with science journalist Traci Watson about the departure of the great Arecibo radio telescope’s Director and the funding challenge that could shut down the observatory.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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From Mars to the Stars With Lou Friedman

Tue, 10 Nov 2015 08:00:00 +0000

The founding Executive Director of the Planetary Society has just written “Human Spaceflight: From Mars to the Stars,” an optimistic view of humanity’s future in the solar system and beyond. Bill Nye shares his admiration for his predecessor, Lou Friedman. Emily Lakdawalla is ready for the 2015 Division of Planetary Science conference. The What’s Up space trivia contest once again offers your chance to win Bill Nye’s personalized greeting on your voicemail.

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A 35th Anniversary Party With Neil Tyson!

Tue, 03 Nov 2015 06:00:00 +0000

It was a grand night at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. CEO Bill Nye led the Planetary Society’s 35th anniversary party with guests including Neil deGrasse Tyson and Deputy NASA Administrator Dava Newman. We present a very brief sampling of the celebration.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Conversation with Andy Weir of “The Martian”

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 05:00:00 +0000

“The Martian” has won universal acclaim from scientists, astronauts, NASA, science fiction fans, and people who thought they weren’t science fiction fans. Mat Kaplan talks with the author about his harrowing, uplifting, amazingly detailed and realistic tale.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Pluto Amazes!

Tue, 20 Oct 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Hal Weaver is a very happy Project Scientist. His New Horizons spacecraft has shocked his fellow researchers with magnificent images and data. He shares the excitement this week.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Big Rockets and Little LightSails

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Digital editor Jason Davis is a lucky guy. He follows and reports on human spaceflight progress, as well as the progress of the LightSail solar sail, which is about a year from its next flight.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Imaging Hot Young Jupiters

Tue, 06 Oct 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Franck Marchis is on the team that has delivered an actual image of a young, hot world about 100 light years from Earth. We talk with him on the 20th anniversary of the first exoplanet discovery.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Humans Orbiting Mars!

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Scott Hubbard and John Logsdon led the Humans Orbiting Mars Workshop last spring. They return with Casey Dreier as the report on that workshop is released to the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Zibi Turtle and a Mission to the Ice Giants

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 05:00:00 +0000

They are the most neglected planets in our solar system, but that status may be changing. Planetary scientist Elizabeth “Zibi” Turtle celebrates NASA’s announcement that it will study a mission to Uranus or Neptune.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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OSIRIS-REx Readies for Asteroid Bennu

Tue, 15 Sep 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Dante Lauretta heads the most ambitious mission to an asteroid ever mounted. With one year left till launch, he returns to Planetary Radio with an update.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Flying High on SOFIA

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio returns to SOFIA, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, but this time we fly in the giant 747 turned telescope platform. It was a night to remember.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Zooming In On Mars With Mastcam-Z

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio talks with Jim Bell and Justin Maki, leaders of the development team for the most advanced camera ever planned for the surface of Mars.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Right Site: Choosing A Landing Spot on Mars

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 05:00:00 +0000

The 2020 Mars Rover may be years away, but determining where it will land is already a hot topic among scientists and engineers. Many of the former gathered in early August for a site selection workshop. We talk with Co-Chair and Mars veteran Matt Golombek, JPL astrobiologist Lindsay Hays, and Ken Edgett of Malin Space Science Systems.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Living Under the Sea With NASA Aquanaut David Coan

Tue, 18 Aug 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Mat Kaplan talked with engineer and NEEMO Expedition 20 team member David Coan while he was hard at work with astronauts and other engineers living in the Aquarius undersea habitat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Extra: Checking in on NASA's Budget with the Planetary Society's Director of Advocacy Casey Dreier

Tue, 18 Aug 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Mat Kaplan sits down with our Director of Advocacy, Casey Dreier, for a deep dive into current space policy.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A New Era For SETI Research: More on the Breakthrough Initiatives

Tue, 11 Aug 2015 05:00:00 +0000

We follow last week’s conversation with Ann Druyan about the $100 million funding of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence by visiting with two of the scientists who will do the work: Dan Werthimer of UC Berkeley and Karen O’Neil of the Green Bank Telescope.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Ann Druyan and the Breakthrough SETI Initiatives

Tue, 04 Aug 2015 05:00:00 +0000

The Breakthrough Initiatives will pump $100 million into the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence in the next 10 years, vastly expanding humanity’s quest to learn if it has company in the universe. Among the leaders of this brave new project is Cosmos creator Ann Druyan. Join us for a special, extended conversation with Ann.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Royal Observatory, Greenwich and the Quest for Longitude

Tue, 28 Jul 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Come with us on a visit to the home of the prime meridian for a conversation with the curator of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich about the race to create a practical means for determining longitude.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Live at the New Horizons Pluto Encounter

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Join our live audience for highlights of an amazing evening, featuring Jim Bell, Bruce Betts, Mike Brown, Emily Lakdawalla, Linda Spilker, and Bill Nye the Science Guy.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Small, Distant World: Kepler 138b

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 05:00:00 +0000

SETI Institute scientist Jason Rowe returns to tell us about the smallest exoplanet so far that has had its size and mass determined. Jason also talks with Mat about our ever-expanding knowledge of these worlds that circle faraway stars.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Emily Lakdawalla’s Pluto Preview

Tue, 07 Jul 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Two visits with the Planetary Society Senior Editor this week, as Emily first provides an update on the Rosetta comet mission and then returns with an extended look ahead at the New Horizons Pluto encounter next week.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Saving the Planet: Voices From the Planetary Defense Conference

Tue, 30 Jun 2015 05:00:00 +0000

We’ve already brought you Planetary Radio Live from the 2015 PDC near Rome, Italy. Now you’ll hear a small sampling of the scientists, engineers, policymakers and media experts who spent five days considering how humanity will respond to a potentially disastrous threat. Bruce Betts celebrates the great Jupiter-Venus conjunction in What’s Up. Bill Nye and Emily Lakdawalla return next week.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Exploring the Seas of Earth and Other Worlds

Tue, 23 Jun 2015 05:00:00 +0000

We return to the beautiful Aquarium of the Pacific in southern California for a fascinating conversation about ocean science. What we learn down here is furthering our research around the solar system. William Patzert, Jerry Schubel and Steven Vance join Mat Kaplan on stage. Emily Lakdawalla tells us what Curiosity, the Mars Science Laboratory rover, has been doing lately. Bruce Betts is keeping his eye on converging Jupiter and Venus.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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LightSail Triumphant! A Mission Press Conference

Tue, 16 Jun 2015 05:00:00 +0000

After a roller coaster ride that included a maddening eight-day silence, the LightSail test mission finally achieved all of its major goals. Leaders of the mission team gathered on June 10th to take questions from the media, and share their thoughts and emotions with the general public. Today’s show presents highlights of that briefing. Emily Lakdawalla is seeing things on Pluto, and she’s not alone. Bruce Betts takes Mat Kaplan on a walk in space during this week’s What’s Up segment.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Cassini Update AND LightSail Spreads its Wings!

Tue, 09 Jun 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Cassini Project Scientist Linda Spilker, returns with another update on the magnificent mission at Saturn. You’ll also hear Bill Nye and the moment when LightSail began to deploy its solar sail.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Chris Carberry and Getting Humans to Mars

Tue, 02 Jun 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Explore Mars revealed the 2015 Humans to Mars Report at a recent conference in Washington. CEO Chris Carberry gives us a quick tour of this inspiring assessment of what it will take to get more than robots to the Red Planet.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Launch of LightSail

Tue, 26 May 2015 05:00:00 +0000

This special edition takes you behind the scenes on May 20, 2015 as LightSail is lifted into orbit. You’ll hear the thrilling launch, meet key team members as they prepare for the big moment, and hear a special status report from Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Spiraling Closer to Ceres With the Dawn Mission’s Marc Rayman

Tue, 19 May 2015 05:00:00 +0000

It’s the biggest dwarf planet between here and Pluto, and it has a new permanent resident. The Dawn spacecraft is orbiting Ceres in the asteroid belt, revealing it as never before. What are those bright spots anyway? We spend time with Dawn’s Chief Engineer and Director, Marc Rayman.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Alan Stern and the Rise of Pluto

Tue, 12 May 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Humankind’s arrival at Pluto is barely two months away. The science and images have already started to flow from New Horizons, according to the mission’s Principal Investigator, Alan Stern. Alan returns to Planetary Radio this week.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Sean Solomon on the Climactic End of the MESSENGER Mission to Mercury

Tue, 05 May 2015 05:00:00 +0000

We open with the countdown to destruction—the MESSENGER spacecraft’s impact on Mercury ended its spectacularly successful mission. Principal Investigator Sean Solomon joins us immediately after this big finish.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Countdown to LightSail: An Update

Tue, 28 Apr 2015 05:00:00 +0000

The road to space has been a rocky one for most spacecraft, and LightSail is no different. Challenges remain even with the May 20th launch of a test mission approaching. Embedded LightSail reporter Jason Davis checks in with the latest news.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Saving the Planet at the Planetary Defense Conference

Tue, 21 Apr 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio Live was the only public event at the just-completed Planetary Defense Conference in Italy. Join us for excerpts from an all-star celebration of worldwide efforts to find, track, characterize and eventually deflect killer Near-Earth Objects.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Rob Manning and Landing on Mars

Tue, 14 Apr 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Landing on Mars is hard, and the bigger you are, the harder it gets. Rob Manning returns to tell us about one of NASA’s best hopes for getting much bigger spacecraft down there—spacecraft that may one day carry humans.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Humans Orbiting Mars: Report on the Workshop

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 05:00:00 +0000

A human mission to orbit Mars might be possible by 2033, and it might be accomplished at reasonable cost and with existing or nearly-ready technology. Three leaders of a recent Washington DC conference on this topic provide a report.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Robert Bigelow and His Expandable Space Habs

Tue, 31 Mar 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Bigelow Aerospace’s BEAM expandable/inflatable space module will be attached to the International Space Station later this year. Mat travels to the company’s headquarters for a conversation with founder and CEO Robert Bigelow.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Big News From Little Worlds

Tue, 24 Mar 2015 05:00:00 +0000

Senior Editor Emily Lakdawalla has returned from the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Texas with the latest revelations about our solar system. She shares them in an extended report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Leaving Behind a Life on Mars—Former Curiosity Project Scientist John Grotzinger

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 05:00:00 +0000

The Mars Science Laboratory rover has accomplished its primary goals on the Red Planet, and John Grotzinger has left his central role to become Chair of the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences at the California Institute of Technology. He shares his thoughts about the ongoing mission and much more.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides on LauncherOne and the Return of SpaceShipTwo

Tue, 10 Mar 2015 05:00:00 +0000

6,000 job-seekers came to the new Long Beach, California home of Virgin Galactic’s LauncherOne rocket on a recent morning. We sit down with CEO George Whitesides for a conversation about this new effort and the return of SpaceShipTwo.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Jim Bell Welcomes “The Interstellar Age”

Tue, 03 Mar 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Planetary scientist and author Jim Bell has just written “The Interstellar Age—Inside the Forty-Year Voyager Mission.” He talks with Mat Kaplan about the magnificent grand tour of the outer solar system that is now headed toward the stars.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Jonathan Goff Says Let’s Redirect an Asteroid

Tue, 24 Feb 2015 06:00:00 +0000

ARM is the Asteroid Redirect Mission, and sometimes it seems that it doesn’t have a friend in the world. But it does, and Jonathan Goff of Altius Space Machines is one.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Found! Beagle 2 on Mars

Tue, 17 Feb 2015 06:00:00 +0000

The Beagle 2 Mars lander disappeared after it separated from the Mars Express orbiter on Christmas Day, 2003. Eleven years later, it has been found, partially-deployed on the Martian surface. Longtime Beagle 2 mission leader Mark Sims tells the story.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Extra: A Deep Dive into the New NASA Budget—A New Mission to Europa, But the End of Opportunity?

Tue, 10 Feb 2015 06:00:00 +0000

The just-released budget for the US space agency has much that fans of planetary science can be grateful for, though the news is not all pos.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Year of the Icy Worlds

Tue, 10 Feb 2015 06:00:00 +0000

We’ll visit the Jet Propulsion Lab on its Icy Worlds Day to learn more about spacecraft exploring Ceres, Enceladus and Europa from leaders of these missions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Tales From a 4 Billion Year Old Piece of Mars...On Earth

Tue, 03 Feb 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Robina Shaheen and Mark Thiemens tell us how an ancient Mars meteorite has revealed much about the red planet. Mat holds a tiny fragment of the rock in their UC San Diego lab.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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LightSail Prepares to Take Flight

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 06:00:00 +0000

The Planetary Society has just announced that LightSail will be launched into orbit on its first test flight in May. We’ll talk with Project Manager Doug Stetson and embedded LightSail reporter Jason Davis about what to expect.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Recipe for a Small Planet

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Astronomer and planetary scientist Courtney Dressing is the lead author of research that may have found the formula for the mass and composition of Earth-like planets. She reveals the ingredients and why she spent time at JPL while in high school.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Dr. J and the World’s Biggest Telescope

Tue, 13 Jan 2015 06:00:00 +0000

Joe Liske, host of Hubblecast, is also the top scientist on the European Southern Observatory’s European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT), now under construction on a Chilean mountaintop. “Dr. J” tells us what this largest ever telescope will help us discover.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Exciting Year Ahead on the Final Frontier

Tue, 06 Jan 2015 06:00:00 +0000

The Planetary Society’s experts look forward to a great year of firsts in the solar system and beyond.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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2014: The Year in Space

Tue, 30 Dec 2014 06:00:00 +0000

Our annual review of the greatest events and accomplishments over the last year features analysis and commentary by Bill Nye the Science Guy, Emily Lakdawalla, Jason Davis, Casey Dreier and Bruce Betts, along with a special new year’s gift of Neil deGrasse Tyson.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Where Did The Air Go? Bruce Jakosky on the MAVEN Mars Mission

Tue, 23 Dec 2014 06:00:00 +0000

Not just the air. Where is the water that was plentiful on the red planet billions of years ago? MAVEN may help answer these questions. Principal Investigator Bruce Jakosky reports on the early, exciting science data.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Sara Seager and the Search for Earth’s Twin

Tue, 16 Dec 2014 06:00:00 +0000

MIT planetary scientist and astrophysicist Sara Seager is on a quest. She wants to find a warm, wet exoplanet with signs of life. It could be Earth 2.0.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Orion Launches Into History

Tue, 09 Dec 2014 06:00:00 +0000

NASA’s Orion spacecraft has taken its first step toward Mars and an asteroid mission. The Planetary Society’s Jason Davis was at the Kennedy Space Center for the December 5 mission.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Kip Thorne and the Science of Interstellar

Tue, 02 Dec 2014 06:00:00 +0000

Spoiler alert. Famed physicist Kip Thorne says you might be able to survive a plunge into a black hole after all! That’s just one molecule of the fascinating science behind the science fiction film he helped create. We’ll talk about the movie and Kip’s new book, “The Science of Interstellar.”Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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2014: The Year We Landed on a Comet

Tue, 25 Nov 2014 06:00:00 +0000

Not just landed. Orbited, too. European Space Agency Senior Science Advisor Mark McCaughrean helps us celebrate the Rosetta orbiter and the Philae lander.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Cassini Mission Update From Project Scientist Linda Spilker

Tue, 18 Nov 2014 06:00:00 +0000

Cassini is safe! Project scientist Linda Spilker returns with a regular update on Saturn, its moons and rings not long after learning that the mission is funded through its 2017 plunge into the planet.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Digging Deep With Kris Zacny and the Planetary Deep Drill

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 06:00:00 +0000

If there’s life on Mars, it’s probably deep beneath the surface. That’s just one reason we need a tool like Planetary Deep Drill on the red planet and other mysterious worlds around our solar system. Honeybee Robotics’ Kris Zacny introduces us to the innovative prototype.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The SpaceShipTwo and Antares Disasters: Special Coverage With John Logsdon

Tue, 04 Nov 2014 06:00:00 +0000

It was a terrible, tragic week for commercial space development. Historian and space policy analyst John Logsdon helps up understand the greater meaning of the SpaceShipTwo and Antares disasters on this special edition of Planetary Radio, with additional thoughts from Bill Nye.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A MESSENGER From Mercury—Principal Investigator Sean Solomon Returns

Tue, 28 Oct 2014 05:00:00 +0000

MESSENGER has been orbiting the innermost planet for more than three-and-half-years. Principal Investigator Sean Solomon returns with a status report as the mission enters its final phase.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Ancient Water Was Here Before the Sun

Tue, 21 Oct 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Ilse Cleeves is lead author of a paper that concludes up to half of our solar system’s water is older than the solar system itself. The implications for life across the galaxy are profound.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Yale’s Debra Fischer and the Ever More Precise Search for New Worlds

Tue, 14 Oct 2014 05:00:00 +0000

It’s terribly hard to find exoplanets that look like our homeworld. The search requires development of astoundingly powerful and precise instruments. That’s the job Debra Fischer and her team have taken on.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Live! We See Thee Rise: The Canadian Space Program

Tue, 07 Oct 2014 05:00:00 +0000

We welcomed 1,600 Canadian space enthusiasts to the University of Toronto for our October 1st celebration of Canada in space! Join Mat Kaplan and Bill Nye with their guests, Canadian space writer Elizabeth Howell, University of Western Ontario planetary scientist Gordon “Oz” Osinski, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Bruce Betts appeared via Skype to lead a rousing Random Space Fact cheer on What’s Up.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Conversation With Congressman Lamar Smith

Tue, 30 Sep 2014 05:00:00 +0000

The Chairman of the powerful Science, Space and Technology Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives joins us for a talk about planetary science, Europa, a human flyby of Mars and much more.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Live: MAVEN Arrives at Mars!

Tue, 23 Sep 2014 05:00:00 +0000

The latest guest of the Red Planet arrived in orbit on the evening of September 22, 2014. Planetary Radio Live was watching with fingers crossed in Pasadena, California.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Dr. Bell Goes to Washington

Tue, 16 Sep 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Planetary Scientist Jim Bell of Arizona State University joined other experts in front of the US House of Representatives Space Committee on September 10th. Get his report this week.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Miguel Alcubierre, Inventor of Warp Drive?

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Inspired by Star Trek, distinguished physicist Miguel Alcubierre developed the general relativity-based model for warp drive 20 years ago. Hear why he doubts it will ever be a reality, and learn about his current research on gravitational waves.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Smashing Holes in Mars to Look for Life

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Explore Mars wants to look for life on the Red Planet. Not past life. Life thriving under the Martian surface right now. Chris Carberry will tell us how the ExoLance project might find it.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Alan Stern and a Big Milestone on the Way to Pluto

Tue, 26 Aug 2014 05:00:00 +0000

New Horizons passed through the orbit of Neptune on August 25th. By cosmic coincidence, this was the 25th anniversary of Voyager 2’s flyby of that big, blue world. We catch Principal Investigator Alan Stern right after a celebration in Washington.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Journey to the Center of Jupiter: Creating Fantastic Pressure With the World’s Largest Lasers

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Physicist Gilbert "Rip" Collins of the Lawrence Livermore National Lab will tell us about recent use of the world’s most powerful lasers to recreate conditions at the cores of giant planets.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Search for Extraterrestrial Polluters?

Tue, 12 Aug 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Harvard’s Henry Lin led work that determined the soon-to-be-launched James Webb Space Telescope may be able to detect an alien civilization by analyzing its atmosphere.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Death-Defying Climax for Venus Express

Tue, 05 Aug 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Venus Express Project Scientist Håkan Svedhem tells us about the spacecraft’s harrowing descent into the Venusian atmosphere, what it is currently up to, and what he’d like to see next at that forbidding planet.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Jay Barbree on “Neil Armstrong: A Life of Flight”

Tue, 29 Jul 2014 05:00:00 +0000

In his 55 years as NBC’s space correspondent, Jay Barbree has won the respect and friendship of many astronauts. Neil Armstrong stands above them all. Now Jay has created this very personal chronicle about his friend, with help from Neil and many of the other pioneering spacefarers.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Keith Cowing and the ISEE-3 Rebooters

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 05:00:00 +0000

They have generated excitement, enthusiasm and support throughout the world. The ISEE-3 Reboot Project has succeeded in gaining control over the 36-year old spacecraft, but will they be able to move it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Live: The LightSail Countdown Begins!

Tue, 15 Jul 2014 05:00:00 +0000

LightSail, the Planetary Society’s innovative solar sail cubesat, will ride into space on the huge SpaceX Falcon Heavy, now in development. Bill Nye and others join us for a live celebration of this announcement.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Discovered: Titan's Magic Island

Tue, 08 Jul 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Cornell grad student Jason Hofgartner reports on the discovery of what appears (and disappears!) to be an island on one of Titan’s frigid lakes.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Was a Natural Fuel Cell Key to the Origin of Life on Earth?

Tue, 01 Jul 2014 05:00:00 +0000

There’s so much we don’t know about the origin of life here or anywhere else in the universe. But there must have been an energy source. Researcher Laurie Barge led work that simulated the natural formation of a fuel cell that may have taken place in Earth’s primordial oceans.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Elisa Quintana on the Discovery of Earth 2.0

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Kepler-186f is the very first exoplanet that is both the size of our own world and in the habitable zone surrounding its star. SETI Institute scientist Elisa Quintana is lead author of the paper announcing its existence.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Pathways To Exploration: John Logsdon Analyzes the Human Spaceflight Report

Tue, 17 Jun 2014 05:00:00 +0000

The National Research Council released its long-awaited report June 4th. Distinguished space policy analyst John Logsdon returns to Planetary Radio with his take on this latest attempt to determine the proper role of humans in space.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Astronomers Without Borders: Spreading the Wonder Worldwide

Tue, 10 Jun 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Astronomers Without Borders Founder and President Mike Simmons and his colleagues share the passion, beauty and joy of the night sky from Argentina to Zambia.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Starlight Festival Cassini Mission Update

Tue, 03 Jun 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Cassini Project Scientist Linda Spilker joins us at the first Starlight Festival in Big Bear Lake, California, and festival MC Andre Bormanis makes a bonus appearance on the show.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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At Spacefest VI With Apollo Astronaut Gene Cernan and a Host of Proud Space Geeks

Tue, 27 May 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio visited Spacefest in Pasadena to talk with planetary scientist and space artist Dan Durda, Marc Rayman of the Dawn asteroid mission, and a guy who calls himself the Space Cowboy. We also eavesdrop on Apollo 17 Commander Gene Cernan and his lifelong fan, Griffith Observatory Curator Laura Danly.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Living and Working on Mars—A Conversation at the International Space Development Conference

Tue, 20 May 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio visits the 33rd ISDC to talk with three explorers who’ve set their sights on the Red Planet: MD and space medicine researcher Susan Jewell, Meteorite Man Geoff Notkin, and Mars Program Formulation Office Manager at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Charles Whetsel.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Special Planetary Radio Advocacy Report From Casey Dreier: A Good Week in Washington

Tue, 13 May 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio host Mat Kaplan learns why Director of Advocacy Casey Dreier is cautiously optimistic about the budget outlook for planetary science and exploration, so long as Planetary Society members and others keep making their voices heard in the nation's capitol.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Spinoff 2013: Bringing Space Technology Home

Tue, 13 May 2014 05:00:00 +0000

NASA has just published "Spinoff 2013," the latest of its annual reports on outstanding innovations developed for space that are solving problems and improving lives here on Earth. Technology Transfer Program Executive Daniel Lockney is our guest.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Neil deGrasse Tyson

Tue, 06 May 2014 05:00:00 +0000

The host of COSMOS: A Spacetime Odyssey, returns to our show with a behind the scenes look at the spectacular television series.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Live at the USA Science and Engineering Festival with Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs

Tue, 29 Apr 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Join us at the world’s biggest public science event in Washington DC, where we talk about dirty jobs in space with television’s terrific Mike Rowe.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Second Earth, and OSIRIS REx is Go for Asteroid Bennu

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Finally found: an Earth-sized planet in the habitable zone. You’ll hear lead scientist Elisa Quintana make the announcement. Then OSIRIS REx mission Principal Investigator Dante Lauretta will tell us how the spacecraft will return a sample of material from the birth of the solar system.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Live at Yuri’s Night—Under Space Shuttle Endeavour

Tue, 15 Apr 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Join the party as we celebrate the 53rd anniversary of humanity’s transition to spacefaring species with Yuri’s Night Executive Director Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides, Virgin Galactic CEO and Yuri’s Night co-founder George Whitesides, and astronaut Ron Garan, who heads Fragile Oasis.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Microbes in Orbit: Cheryl Nickerson’s Revealing Biomedical Research

Tue, 08 Apr 2014 05:00:00 +0000

You may have heard that the sometimes deadly Salmonella bacterium becomes stronger in microgravity. Cheryl Nickerson tell us about this and other results her team has conducted in low Earth orbit.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Rocketing Into the Aurora With Neal Brown

Tue, 01 Apr 2014 05:00:00 +0000

It’s back to Alaska, this time to the Poker Flat Research Range, where former Director Neal Brown and his staff launched sounding rockets into the heart of the Aurora Borealis. Emily Lakdawalla explores newly-discovered and very distant dwarf planets, and Bill Nye the Science guy has the latest on NASA’s planetary science budget.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Emily Lakdawalla At Her Favorite Conference While Alan Stern Stirs Up the Solar System

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Emily shares highlights from last week’s Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, and Alan Stern provides updates on the Rosetta comet mission and his New Horizons probe that is nearing Pluto, and addresses the controversy around Uwingu’s Name a Martian Crater project.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Alaskan Aurora Adventure!

Tue, 18 Mar 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Join Mat Kaplan and other Aurora “virgins” as they seek the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska, and meet retired rocketeer and Director of the Poker Flat Research Range, Neal BrownLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Exploring Black Holes and Supernovae With NuSTAR

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 05:00:00 +0000

Principal Investigator Fiona Harrison provides an X-ray tour of some of the universe's most fascinating objects, Casey Dreier has analysis of NASA's 2015 budget plans, and Bill Nye sees the inherent optimism of science in the verification of another 715 exoplanets.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Planetary Radio Special Feature: NASA Unveils Its Proposed FY2015 Budget

Wed, 05 Mar 2014 06:00:00 +0000

NASA unveiled its 2015 budget plans in a March 4 media briefing. Minutes later, Planetary Radio host Mat Kaplan got an enlightening and engaging analysis from Planetary Society Director of Advocacy Casey Dreier. You’ll hear about the winners, the losers, and the uncertain futures of many NASA initiatives and missions.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Verified: More Than 700 New Worlds

Tue, 04 Mar 2014 06:00:00 +0000

SETI Institute researcher and member of the Kepler team Jason Rowe helps us dig into the latest big announcement about hundreds of planets in solar systems like our own.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Talking with JPL's Blaine Baggett and Ed Stone About "The Stuff of Dreams"

Tue, 25 Feb 2014 06:00:00 +0000

JPL’s Blaine Baggett and former JPL director Ed Stone talk “The Stuff of Dreams,” a documentary about an era in planetary exploration that was both exhilarating and exasperating. Emily Lakdawalla explains why Curiosity has joined the fraternity of backward driving rovers on Mars, and Bill Nye considers the not-too-distant future when airliners and spaceliners will share the sky.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Getting Humans to Mars Without Breaking the Bank

Tue, 18 Feb 2014 06:00:00 +0000

NASA scientist Harley Thronson tells us about a new initiative that is figuring out how we will get men and women to the red planet at a reasonable price. You can read their initial report. Emily Lakdawalla reports on Curiosity’s passage over dunes that made engineers nervous. Bill Nye reveals NASA’s plans for a lunar rover that may launch in 2018. Mat Kaplan joins Bruce Betts in a TV studio to record this week’s What’s Up segment. You can watch!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Surprising Budget News for Planetary Exploration

Tue, 11 Feb 2014 06:00:00 +0000

Good news, for a change! Congress decided to provide $127 million more for planetary science than was requested by the President. Bill Adkins of Adkins Strategies in Washington and the Society’s Director of Advocacy, Casey Dreier say a battle has been won, but the war for science continues. Emily Lakdawalla helps us understand how an eye in the Martian sky helps track Curiosity on the surface. Bill Nye addresses the mastodon in the room, and there’s a new and cool prize for the winner of the What’s Up space trivia contest.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Back to Planetary Radio Live With the Mars Rovers

Tue, 04 Feb 2014 06:00:00 +0000

Our celebration of the Mars rovers continues from Southern California Public Radio’s Crawford Family Forum, this week featuring planetary scientist and author Jim Bell, Curiosity Project Scientist John Grotzinger, JPL Mars Engineering Manager Rob Manning and Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye. Emily takes us to Curiosity’s latest find on the red planet, and Bruce Betts joins Mat to gaze at the night sky and give away ISS-Above, the little device that tells you when the International Space Station is overhead.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Live Celebrates the Mars Rovers

Tue, 28 Jan 2014 06:00:00 +0000

Opportunity has been rolling across Mars for 10 years! We celebrate the Mars Exploration Rovers and their sisters on the red planet at Planetary Radio Live, this week featuring MER Principal Investigator Steve Squyres. Emily Lakdawalla and Bill Nye join Mat in front of a capacity crowd at Southern California Public Radio’s Crawford Family Forum. Bruce Betts closes the show with a live Random Space Fact and rover trivia contest.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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From Earth to the Edge of the Universe: A New Edition of “The Cosmos”

Tue, 21 Jan 2014 06:00:00 +0000

Astronomers Jay Pasachoff and Alex Filippenko join us for a conversation about their newest version of their monumental textbook, "The Cosmos." Emily Lakdawalla helps us say good morning to the just-awakened Rosetta spacecraft, while Bill Nye is fascinated and puzzled by what looks like a jelly doughnut on the Martian surface.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Gemini Planet Imager: Worlds Made Visible

Mon, 13 Jan 2014 06:00:00 +0000

Principal Investigator and physicist Bruce Macintosh joins astronomer Franck Marchis to celebrate first light from the most powerful instrument for imaging exoplanets.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A 2014 Preview From Emily Lakdawalla

Mon, 06 Jan 2014 06:00:00 +0000

24 spacecraft are either busy exploring the solar system or speeding toward an exciting destination. The Planetary Society's Senior Editor takes us on a whirlwind advance tour.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Amy Mainzer Is Hunting Asteroids With NEOWISE

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Take a spacecraft that can no longer survey the realm of galaxies and repurpose it to discover thousands of much nearer asteroids and comets. Put it to sleep for 2.5 years, then wake it up and start discovering even more! JPL’s Amy Mainzer is Principal Investigator for NEOWISE, the mission using this amazing space telescope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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10 Years A Roving: A.J.S. Rayl on the Mars Exploration Rovers

Mon, 23 Dec 2013 06:00:00 +0000

What a long, wonderful trip it has been for Spirit and Opportunity, the Mars Exploration Rovers. Planetary Society reporter A.J.S. Rayl has been writing about their adventure every month for ten years. She looks back on this week’s show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Big Week for Space Science at the AGU and Beyond

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 06:00:00 +0000

The annual fall meeting of the American Geophysical Union revealed lots of science, some of it astounding. Emily Lakdawalla was there with Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator Casey Dreier, whose news was not quite as good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Comet ISON: Much More Than a Memory

Mon, 09 Dec 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Maybe it wasn’t “the comet of the century,” but ISON has left a scientific legacy that is beyond compare. That’s according to Karl Battams of NASA’s Comet ISON Observing Campaign on this week’s show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Celebrating the Admiral of the Solar System

Mon, 02 Dec 2013 06:00:00 +0000

The life of explorer and teacher Dr. Bruce Murray was celebrated last November 10th at Caltech. This week we present a few excerpts from the tributes paid to the former JPL Director and co-founder of the Planetary Society.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Alyssa Rhoden and the Rise of the Europa Underground

Mon, 25 Nov 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Alyssa Rhoden studies Jupiter’s moon Europa…from a distance. She, many other scientists and millions of space exploration fans around the globe want to see a mission to this ice world that hides a vast, warm ocean. That’s why she and several colleagues have created Destination: Europa, and they want your help.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Live Celebrates the Launch of MAVEN

Mon, 18 Nov 2013 06:00:00 +0000

The successful launch of MAVEN was covered by Mat Kaplan, Bruce Betts and Emily Lakdawalla, with special, launch site reports from Jim Bell and Bill Nye.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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SpaceUp LA: What would you do with $13 Billion?

Mon, 11 Nov 2013 06:00:00 +0000

What would YOU do with an extra $10 Billion for space exploration and development? That’s what Mat Kaplan asked the passionate space enthusiasts at the 2013 SpaceUp LA Unconference.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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All-Sky Optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

Mon, 04 Nov 2013 06:00:00 +0000

A burst of laser light could let humanity know it is not alone in the universe. Harvard’s Paul Horowitz and Curtis Mead will give us an update on the technological wonder of Optical SETI that watches the entire sky for billionth of a second pulses from the stars.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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It's Hot! Plutonium 238 is Back

Mon, 28 Oct 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Casey Dreier tells the winding tale of Plutonium 238, the radioactive isotope that is vital for exploration of the solar system. The US came dangerously close to exhausting its supply. Even with production restarted, there are major challenges facing explorers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Juno's Brief Home Visit on the Road to Jupiter

Mon, 21 Oct 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Juno Principal Investigator Scott Bolton reviews the spacecraft's Earth flyby and previews its long stay at our solar system's king of planets.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Emily Lakawalla's DPS Report

Mon, 14 Oct 2013 05:00:00 +0000

The Planetary Society’s Senior Editor and Planetary Evangelist recaps this year’s revealing meeting of the Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The New Horizons Initiative

Mon, 07 Oct 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Carl Sagan’s longtime artistic collaborator, Jon Lomberg, designed the cover for the Voyager Interstellar Record. Now he wants to upload another message from Earth to New Horizons, the spacecraft on its way to Pluto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Gregory and James Benford on the "Starship Century"

Mon, 30 Sep 2013 05:00:00 +0000

“Starship Century—Toward the Grandest Horizon” is the new collection of fact and fiction assembled by Gregory and James Benford. The brothers are among the leaders of a renaissance in research and thinking about interstellar travel. They have returned to Planetary Radio to talk about this story of human destiny among the stars.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Can We Touch the Stars? Lou Friedman at the 100-Year Starship Symposium

Mon, 23 Sep 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Only days after Voyager 1 reached interstellar space, forward thinkers met in Houston, Texas to consider how humans can become a starfaring species. Planetary Society Emeritus Executive Director Lou Friedman reports from the meeting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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MAVEN Mars Mission's Bruce Jakosky

Mon, 16 Sep 2013 05:00:00 +0000

The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN) orbiter leaves for the red planet in November of 2013. Bruce Jakosky of the University of Colorado Boulder is its Principal Investigator. Mat Kaplan sat down with Bruce at a recent MAVEN workshop.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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PLANETARY RADIO LIVE: LADEE Launches for Luna

Mon, 09 Sep 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio returned to the Crawford Family Forum for live coverage of the LADEE launch on September 6th.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Remembering Bruce Murray

Mon, 02 Sep 2013 05:00:00 +0000

The passing of Planetary Society co-founder and former JPL Director Bruce Murray has been marked around the world. Planetary Radio takes its turn with this special tribute.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Taikonauts on the Moon? A Conversation With Leonard David

Mon, 26 Aug 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Leonard David has been writing about space exploration for more than five decades. Now he has turned his attention to China’s ambitious plans.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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NASA's Charlie Bolden Visits Earth Missions at JPL

Mon, 19 Aug 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Two missions are coming together in a high bay clean room at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. SMAP and ISS RapidScat went on display for a visit by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. Mat Kaplan and Emily Lakdawalla provide special coverage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Bleeding Edge--NIAC Chooses 12 New Out There Projects

Mon, 12 Aug 2013 05:00:00 +0000

They might be happy if one in ten of the projects they fund makes it in the real world…because that project just might change the world. We talk with Jay Falker, Program Executive for the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts Program about 12 crazy and not so crazy ideas that have just received early seed funding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Ancient Snows of Mars

Mon, 05 Aug 2013 05:00:00 +0000

When she was learning to forecast the weather in Hawaii, Brown University grad student Kat Scanlon didn’t suspect it would help her uncover evidence for rain or, more likely, snow that helped shape the surface of Mars billions of years ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Europa Report--New Science Fiction Film Embraces the Science

Mon, 29 Jul 2013 05:00:00 +0000

If you’re willing to accept the premise, the thrilling new independent feature film presents one of the most scientifically and technically accurate tales ever put on screen. We’ll talk with the director and producer, and then ask science advisor Kevin Hand for a reality check. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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JPL and England Wave at Saturn

Mon, 22 Jul 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Hundreds came out on the JPL mall on Friday, July 19th to salute the Cassini spacecraft as it captured a rare image of Earth from the outer solar system. Among them were the mission Deputy Project Scientist, Scott Edgington, and the Cassini Program Manager, Earl Maize.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Touring Mt. Wilson with George Ellery Hale's Descendants

Mon, 15 Jul 2013 05:00:00 +0000

On this special vacation edition of the show, we climb to the Mount Wilson Observatory to join a special tour for the descendants of the facility’s fascinating founder, George Ellery Hale.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Tim Spahr of the Minor Planet Center

Mon, 08 Jul 2013 05:00:00 +0000

There’s a place to go when you find a space rock headed our way, or headed any which way. Tim Spahr directs the Minor Planet Center, the global clearinghouse for all information about asteroids, comets and other relatively small bodies like moons.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Water on the Moon!

Mon, 01 Jul 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Amanda Hendrix looks for and studies water in our solar system, where it has been found in surprising locales. Earth's moon, for instance. She talks about Luna’s ice and the weathering of its ancient surface.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Cosmic Concert: Singer/Songwriter Peter Mayer on Planetary Radio Live

Mon, 24 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Join us at the intersection of science, nature, music and wonder for a very special Planetary Radio Live with the great Peter Mayer. Bill Nye is with host Mat Kaplan on stage in this unique episode, the longest we've ever presented. You'll hear eight of Pete's beautiful songs, including one that will be on his new CD.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Landing On Mars With JPL's Matt Golombek

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Join us at JPL for a conversation with Mars landing site selection leader Matt Golombek. Matt is also now Project Scientist for the Mars Exploration Rover program, and shares the great news from Opportunity about its latest discovery. Emily Lakdawalla presents a guest blog entry that features splendid images from Mars Express, while Bill Nye traces the convoluted ways of space science funding in Washington. Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan are at a legendary Pasadena eatery for this week’s What’s Up. Cosmic hot dog, anyone?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Saving Science Education With Pamela Gay AND Creating the Blackest Black

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

A Planetary Radio double header includes a visit with CosmoQuest’s Pamela Gay. She and colleagues are working to replace vital federal funds for science education and citizen science programs. We also go to the dark side with David Carnahan of NanoLab, developer of carbon nanotubes that may help us discover Earth-like planets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Tasting the Air of Distant Worlds

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 05:00:00 +0000

There will soon be one thousand confirmed exoplanets, but how do we learn more about such distant worlds? We talk to the leader of a team that has recently developed technology capable of revealing the spectra of these planets, which allows us to tease apart their composition. Emily Lakdawalla invites you to find the next “face” on Mars, while Bill Nye says another asteroid flyby is good news. Our special What’s Up space trivia contest prize will put your picture in orbit!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Live at the Space Tech Expo with Bill Nye, Xcor and Zero-G

Mon, 27 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

PlanRad Live takes to the road again, this time visiting the Space Tech Expo in Long Beach, California for a conversation with enthusiastic team members at Xcor Aerospace, where they are building the Lynx spaceplane, and the Zero Gravity Corporation, whose “G-Force One” plane has allowed thousands of men and women to experience weightlessness. Bill Nye joined the fun on stage, and Bruce Betts arrived with t-shirts for the winners of the live What’s Up space trivia contest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Advocating for Planetary Science/Star Trek Meets Spacefarers

Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

The director and cast of Star Trek: Into Darkness meet up with real space travelers. Also: Planetary science funding from NASA is in trouble, so a delegation led by Bill Nye the Science Guy descended on Washington DC last week to sound the alarm. Planetary Society Advocacy chief Casey Dreier provides a report, and comments on the Society’s support for NASA’s Asteroid Retrieval Mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Sun Rings: Music of the Spheres From the Kronos Quartet

Mon, 13 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

The internationally renown string quartet talk about creating and performing Terry Riley's Sun Rings, that incorporates Don Gurnett's space sounds.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Saving Earth: Asteroid Emergency Tabletop Exercise at the 2013 PDC

Mon, 06 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

The last installment of our Planetary Defense Conference coverage makes a deep impact as hundreds of attendees participate in an asteroid mitigation exercise. You’ll hear from astronauts Ed Lu and Rusty Schweikart, Near Earth Object expert Don Yeomans, Cathy Plesko of the Los Alamos National Laboratory and many more.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Kindred Spirits: Alison Gibbings and Carolyn Shoemaker at the Planetary Defense Conference

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Our special coverage of the PDC continues with two planetary scientists separated by almost 60 years in age, but with similar dedication and enthusiasm for saving the planet.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Live at the Planetary Defense Conference!

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio host Mat Kaplan joined Bill Nye and four passionate planetary explorers on stage at the Planetary Defense Conference in Flagstaff, Arizona.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Yuri's Night 2013 Under Space Shuttle Endeavour

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio Live was on stage at the World Space Party with guests George and Loretta Whitesides and Bobak "Mohawk Guy" Ferdowsi.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Basics of Interplanetary Flight With Dave Doody

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

JPL’s Dave Doody doesn’t just fly around the solar system, he teaches others how it's done. We talk about what students learn in his non-technical class, the Basics of Interplanetary Flight.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Saturn Update from Cassini Project Scientist Linda Spilker

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

We pay another visit to the queen of planets with Cassini Mission Project Scientist Linda Spilker. She always brings us fascinating news from Saturn, its moons and rings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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More of Our ALMA Adventure in Chile's Atacama Desert

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Our special coverage of the ALMA Observatory inauguration continues, with the President of Chile, the incoming ALMA Director, and much more from the Atacama Desert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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ALMA Adventure

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

The first of two shows about Mat Kaplan's journey to Chile's Atacama Desert for the inauguration of the Atacama Large Millimeter small millimter Array, the most ambitious, Earth-based astronomy project in history.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Drill Baby Drill! On Mars

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

With the first use of its drill and delivery of samples to its internal instruments, Curiosity is now a fully-functioning science station on Mars. JPL Sampling System Scientist Luther Beegle provides an update.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Alan Stern's Golden Spike Sets Sights on the Moon

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Alan Stern is back to tell us about Golden Spike, his new company that plans to put human clients on the surface of the moon by the end of this decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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One In A Million!

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 06:00:00 +0000

UC Berkeley SETI researcher Andrew Siemion and his colleagues have put an upper limit on the number of civilizations in our galaxy that are capable of giving us a call. He’ll explain their reasoning and provide other search updates.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Chris Lewicki of Planetary Resources: Mining Asteroids For Fun and Profit

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Chris Lewicki is the passionate President of Planetary Resources. He leads the company's mission to find, capture and deliver asteroids to its space-resource hungry clients.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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2012 DA14--Coming Soon to a Planet Near You!

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 06:00:00 +0000

The 45-meter Near Earth Asteroid flies by on February 15. NASA brought together asteroid experts to discuss it and others of its threatening kind.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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An Imminent Asteroid Encounter

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Spain’s La Sagra Observatory discovered Asteroid 2012 DA14 just a year ago. Now it’s nearing Earth once again. Jaime Nomen of La Sagra is back to prepare us for this very close flyby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Debra Fischer Hunts for a Second Earth at Alpha Centauri

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Yale Professor of Astronomy Debra Fischer is one of our planet’s most successful discoverers of exoplanets. She has set her sights on Alpha Centauri, where she hopes to find a Earth-sized world in the habitable zone: not too hot, not too cold for life.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Gigantic ALMA Radio Telescope in Chile

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 06:00:00 +0000

ALMA will make sharper images than the Hubble Space Telescope, yet it’s a radio telescope! ALMA scientists Alison Peck and Al Wooten tell us about this array of 66 huge dishes in Chile’s Atacama desert.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Visiting the AAS Meeting for a JWST Update and More

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 06:00:00 +0000

The 221st meeting of the American Astronomical Society was a great place to learn about the James Webb Space Telescope from Jason Kalirai and Dean C. Hines.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Listening Once Again to Amateur Astronomy Pioneer John Dobson

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 06:00:00 +0000

A reprise of our very popular conversation with the delightful 97-year old John Dobson, inventor of the Dobsonian telescope that brings the universe within everyone’s reach.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Looking Back, Looking Forward: Beginning a New Year In Space

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Planetary Society experts review the challenges and triumphs of 2012 and look forward to a new and exciting year. You’ll hear Bill Nye the Science Guy, Emily Lakdawalla on new missions, Casey Dreier on “Saving our Science,” and Bruce Betts’ review of great projects, as well as a musical rendition of “Random Space Fact.”Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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PLANETARY RADIO LIVE: Special Curiosity Report Continues

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Our fascinating, live conversation with Curiosity Project Manager Richard Cook and Project Scientist John Grotzinger continues. Richard and John are joined on stage by Bill Nye the Science Guy, Emily Lakdawalla and Mat Kaplan.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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PLANETARY RADIO LIVE: Celebrating Rover Curiosity

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 06:00:00 +0000

The leaders of the Curiosity mission join Bill Nye, Emily Lakdawalla and host Mat Kaplan for a live conversation about the thrilling mission on Mars.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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First Earth-Sized Exoplanet is Next Door!

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Xavier Dumusque is the young astronomer who was lead author for the announcement of the first exoplanet found in the Alpha Centauri system, just 4.3 light years from Earth. It's also the first Earth-sized world found outside our own system.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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All Together Now! The News From Curiosity

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Mars Science Laboratory Project Scientist John Grotzinger's fascinating comments at the December 3 press conference, followed by analysis from Emily Lakdawalla.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Approaching Pluto, and Learning About Uwingu From Alan Stern

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 06:00:00 +0000

New Horizons Principal Investigator Alan Stern returns with a Pluto mission update. He also introduces us to Uwingu.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Dawn Mission Update and At Home With Marc Rayman

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Dawn is on its way from Vesta to Ceres, the biggest of the asteroids. Mission Director and Chief Engineer Marc Rayman says all is well, with much more great science to come.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Celebrating Carl Sagan With Lou Friedman, Lynda Obst, Kip Thorne and More

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 06:00:00 +0000

November 9 was Planetary Society founder Carl Sagan's birthday, so we gathered a few of his close friends and several young scientists he inspired in front of a live audience. They also helped us celebrate Planetary Radio's 10th anniversary! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Curiosity Sniffs Martian Air/Shuttle Endeavour Opens to the World

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Scientists have revealed the first data gathered by Curiosity, the Mars Science Laboratory Rover, about the Martian atmosphere, while Space Shuttle Endeavour has opened to the public.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Vacuum Cleaner on Mars

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 05:00:00 +0000

It’s called PlanetVac, and it’s an amazingly simple way to collect a soil sample on Mars. Or on the moon. Or on an asteroid. We’ll learn about it from Kris Zacny of Honeybee Robotics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Amazing Science at the 2012 DPS Meeting

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The 44th Annual Meeting of the AAS Division of Planetary Sciences hosted hundreds of researchers and revealed volumes of scientific results. Join us at the conference.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Amateur Astronomers Work to Save Earth!

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The Planetary Society's Bruce Betts provides an overview of the Shoemaker NEO grant program, and we meet two dedicated grant recipients.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Exploring the XDF, The Deepest Image of Our Universe, With Garth Illingworth

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 05:00:00 +0000

UC Santa Cruz astronomer and XDF Principal Investigator Garth Illingworth takes us on a tour of this magnificent new image.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Curiosity Finds a Martian Stream Bed and Endeavour Flies Home

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Emily Lakdawalla reports on Curiosity's discovery of an ancient stream bed, and Endeavour flies over the California plant where it was built.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Live at PATS With OSIRIS REx!

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 05:00:00 +0000

We're live at the Pacific Astronomy and Telescope Show, with JPL astrodynamicist Steve Chesley and Planetary Society Director of Projects Bruce Betts. Steve and Bruce reveal the exciting OSIRIS REx mission to an asteroid and then back to Earth with a precious soil sample. Enter the contest to name the asteroid! Bill Nye and Emily Lakdawalla check in, and one listener will win a Celestron FirstScope telescope.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Celebrating 35 Years of the Voyager Mission

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Voyagers 1 and 2 just reached 35 years of travel in space. What a great reason to celebrate! Join Voyager Project Scientist Ed Stone, Ann Druyan, Emily Lakdawalla and Robert Picardo in this special live edition of our show. Bill Nye reports on a separate celebration in London and on the International Space Station, and Bruce Betts is back in fine form with Mat Kaplan for this week’s What’s Up.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Conversation With Telescope Inventor John Dobson

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 05:00:00 +0000

When John Dobson invented the Dobsonian telescope he changed the face of amateur astronomy. The 96-year old pioneer talks with Mat Kaplan. Emily Lakdawalla loves Curiosity’s self-portraits. Bill Nye the Science Guy is in London to host a youth webcast with International Space Station astronaut Sunita Williams. Bruce Betts keeps us from getting Lost in Space and helps Mat give away a cool Curiosity bumper sticker in What’s Up.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Author David Brin Considers and Writes "Existence"

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Award-winning science fiction author, physicist and futurist David Brin returns to talk about his monumental new novel, Existence. Emily Lakdawalla previews a very busy month of great planetary science, while Bill Nye invites listeners to learn about a campaign to restore funding for the exploration of our solar system. Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan give away another space pen in this week’s What’s Up look at the night sky, and a look back at this week in space history.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Remembering Neil Armstrong/ChemCam is Zapping Martian Rocks!

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Emily Lakdawalla and Bill Nye the Science Guy join Mat Kaplan for a special remembrance of Neil Armstrong. Then we visit with the principal investigator for the first ray gun on Mars. Roger Wiens leads the ChemCam team that is using its powerful laser to zap and analyze Martian rocks. It’s just one of the Curiosity Rover success stories. Win a ChemCam bumper sticker and a Planetary Radio t-shirt in the weekly What’s Up space trivia contest!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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More From Planetfest With Andrew Chaikin and Scott Hubbard

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Our Planetary Radio Live celebration of Mars rover Curiosity at Planetfest continues with more from space historian Andrew Chaikin, former NASA Mars czar Scott Hubbard and Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye the Science Guy. Emily breaks the news about NASA’s choice for a Discovery mission, and Bruce Betts joins Mat Kaplan for a What’s Up look at the night sky and a new space trivia contest.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Live at Planetfest 2012!

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 05:00:00 +0000

PlanRad Live welcomes space historian and writer Andrew Chaikin, former NASA Mars Czar Scott Hubbard, and Bill Nye the Science Guy to a live conversation at Planetfest: Curiosity Knows No Bounds, just a few hours before the triumphant landing of the big new rover on Mars. Host Mat Kaplan is also joined by Emily Lakdawalla, Bruce Betts and award-winning barbershop quartet Hi-Fidelity.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Astronaut Tom Jones at SETIcon

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Skywalker, scientist and author Tom Jones joins us in a fireside chat about Near Earth Objects and much more. Emily Lakdawalla tours the Applied Physics Lab in Maryland. Bill Nye the Science Guy put high value on the mission of Curiosity, the MSL Rover, even if it had not landed successfully. What’s Up in the night sky.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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More Planetary Radio Live at the Aquarium of the Pacific: Oceans Everywhere

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 05:00:00 +0000

We return to the Aquarium for much more of our conversation about seas on Earth and seas on other worlds, featuring Dave Bader, Kevin Hand and Bill Nye. Emily Lakdawalla concludes her video tour of Curiosity's cameras and instruments.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio Live at the Aquarium of the Pacific

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 05:00:00 +0000

What better place to talk about Earth's oceans and the seas of other worlds?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Fire and Ice With Volcanologist Rosaly Lopes

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 05:00:00 +0000

JPL volcanologist Rosaly Lopes has discovered more volcanos than anyone else, including 71 on Jupiter’s moon Io. She is fascinated by these fiery (and sometimes frigid) features of our dynamic solar system, and shared her love at the recent SETIcon.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Mae Jemison of the 100 Year Starship Initiative

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Retired astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison leads the 100 Year Starship Initiative. You’ll hear Mat’s conversation with her about this ambitious project in a SETIcon II fireside chat.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Lockheed Martin CTO Ray Johnson

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The Chief Technology Officer for the world's largest aerospace company wants more young people to consider careers as engineers.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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More From the Air and Space Museum

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Our special live show at the National Air and Space Museum continues with curator David DeVorkin, Space Policy Institute founder John Logsdon, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Planetary Society blogger Emily Lakdawalla and science rapper Funky 49.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Live at the National Air and Space Museum

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Join us for the first half of a conversation with David DeVorkin, John Logsdon and Bill Nye.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Remembering Ray

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 05:00:00 +0000

We look back to the Planetary Society's 2003 birthday party for Ray Bradbury, with tributes from distinguished fans and eloquent words from the master himself.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Cassini Project Scientist Linda Spilker With a Saturn Mission Update

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio's most frequent guest returns with the latest news from the great ringed world, its moons, and its rings.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Author Kim Stanley Robinson Takes Us to 2312

Mon, 28 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Kim Stanley Robinson shares his vision of a brave new solar system 300 years in the future with his new novel, 2312.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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VIP Tour of a Huge Solar Sail BONUS: Falcon 9 and Dragon Head for the ISS!

Mon, 21 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Join the VIP tour! Planetary Radio visited L’Garde, Incorporated to see how its giant solar sail is coming together. You’ll hear from Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, NASA Chief Technologist Mason Peck, and L’Garde co-founder Gordon Veal.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Visiting the Spacecraft Technology Expo

Mon, 14 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Spaceplanes, spacesuits and rockets, oh my! Mat Kaplan talks to exhibitors and others at the first ever Spacecraft Technology Expo in Los Angeles.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Astronomer Franck Marchis

Mon, 07 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Based now at the SETI Institute’s Carl Sagan Center, Franck Marchis recently visited the Planetary Society for a conversation with host Mat Kaplan. He uses several of Earth’s most powerful telescopes to study what he calls multiple asteroid systems.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Cutting-edge Approaches to Protecting Interplanetary Astronauts

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:00:00 +0000

As if extremes of temperature and lack of air weren’t enough! Some scientists believe it’s space radiation that will keep humans from venturing deep into our solar system. Not so, say three teams of NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC)-funded researchers. Each is exploring a cutting-edge approach to protecting astronauts on their way to Mars and other destinations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Pioneer Anomaly... Solved!

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 05:00:00 +0000

After decades of mystery and investigation, after the recovery of gigabyte after gigabyte of data stored in obsolete computer formats, the whatdunit surrounding Pioneers 10 and 11 has finally reached its conclusion.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Taking Back the Night -- International Dark Skies Week

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:00:00 +0000

There are millions of urbanites who have never seen the wonders of a truly dark night sky. Scott Kardel of the International Dark Sky Association is fighting to restore the sky our ancestors knew so well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Searching for Pandora With Debra Fischer

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Yale exoplanet hunter Debra Fischer is about to begin looking for worlds in the star system that is nearest to Earth. She'll tell us about new technology enabling this effort, and how you can join the search.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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SETI Scientist Jill Tarter Continues the Search

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The Director of the Center for SETI Research is thrilled to have the Allen Telescope Array back in the hunt for extraterrestrial intelligence. She also tells us about SETILive.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Big News All Around the Solar System From Emily Lakdawalla

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The 2012 Lunar and Planetary Science Conference attracted many of the world's finest planetary scientists. This year it also attracted Emily Lakdawalla and Bill Nye the Planetary Guy. Emily provides a special report on amazing new discoveries about our solar system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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"Drifting on Alien Winds" With Author and Artist Michael Carroll

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 05:00:00 +0000

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Discovery of a New and Neighborly Asteroid

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 05:00:00 +0000

With Planetary Society help, La Sagra Observatory discovered big near-Earth object 2012 DA14. Guest: Jaime Nomen.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Can Laser Bees Save Earth? Exploring Asteroid Deflection With Alison Gibbings

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +0000

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Alan Stern: Organics on Pluto and Fairy Castles on the Moon

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

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Alan Stern Puts His Stamp On Pluto

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

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Rocketplanes, Space Yachts and New Space Geeks at SpaceUp!

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

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James Webb Space Telescope Status Report from Deputy Program Director Eric Smith

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

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Planck Project Scientist Jan Tauber on a Mission Milestone

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

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The SpaceUp Unconference and A Free Online Astronomy Class

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

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How "Outside In" Will Rock Your Solar System

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Outside In is a spectacular IMAX movie being made out of nothing but actual photos of our solar system and beyond -- no computer-generated images. Hear how and why it's coming together from its creator, Stephen van Vuuren, and his associate Mike Malaska.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Is Anybody Home? Assessing A Planet's Habitability

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

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Planetary Radio LIVE Continues! With John Callas of the Mars Exploration Rovers and Joy Crisp of the Mars Science Laboratory

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Here's the second half of our December show recorded in front of a live audience: Mars rover updates, two more spacey songs from KJ Williams, and the big finish of Emily Lakdawalla's proof that she is not covering up evidence of aliens in our solar system! You'll also hear a brand new What's Up segment from Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Planetary Radio LIVE! With John Callas of the Mars Exploration Rovers and Joy Crisp of the Mars Science Laboratory

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

We once again go before a live audience for an all Mars rover show. We've also got singer KJ Williams, Bill Nye the Planetary Guy, and Emily Lakdawalla's proof that she is not covering up evidence of aliens in our solar system!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Astronaut Rex Walheim: NASA Is Looking for a Few Good Spacemen and Women

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

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Emily Lakdawalla's Special Report on the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

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Author Dava Sobel's New Book About Copernicus: A More Perfect Heaven

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

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New Mexico Space Adventure: Back to the First International Planetary Caves Workshop

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:00:00 +0000

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New Mexico Cave Adventure With Penny Boston and the First International Planetary Caves Workshop

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 06:00:00 +0000

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Touring the National Solar Observatory at Sacramento Peak

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 06:00:00 +0000

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New Mexico Journey: Dale Frail of the Very Large Array Radio Telescope

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 06:00:00 +0000

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One Planet, Two Stars, With Laurance Doyle

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Multidisciplinary scientist Laurance Doyle led the team that has announced discovery of the first extrasolar planet circling two stars. He also talks about his plan to analyze communication by and among other species.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Cassini Saturn Update From Linda Spilker

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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All-Star CalTech Panel Discussion: Moving an Asteroid

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Emily Lakdawalla Reports on the Latest Planetary Science

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Emily Lakdawalla Reports on the Latest Planetary ScienceLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Beauty of Space with Space Artists Don Dixon and Jon Ramer

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Building a Better Galaxy With Javiera Guedes

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Ending the World With a Song at Dragon Con

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Opportunity Reaches Endeavour, and Planetary Radio Wins an Award!

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Opportunity reaches Endeavour Crater, Emily Lakdawalla visits a New Horizons science meeting about Pluto, Bill Nye discusses a planet made of diamond, and Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan celebrate the award of a Parsec award to Planetary Radio.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Apollo 15 Astronaut Al Worden

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Apollo 15 Astronaut Al WordenLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Flying With Your Telescope to the Edge of Space

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Visiting Vesta Fiesta, With Pablo Gutierrez-Marques of the Dawn Mission

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Two Clouded Mysteries: Jupiter and the Pioneer Anomaly

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Staying in Shape in Space With Astronaut Clay Anderson

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Become an Icehunter With Pamela Gay

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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An Optical SETI Update From Paul Horowitz

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Atlantis: Space Shuttle Launch Party

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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NBC Space Correspondent Jay Barbree's MOON SHOT

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Leaving for Jupiter with the Juno Mission's Scott Bolton

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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The Mystery and Music of Saturn's Rotation with Don Gurnett

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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More Planetary Radio Live With Mike Brown

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Planetary Radio Live! Featuring Mike 'Pluto-Killer' Brown

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Scattered Clouds and Fog...On Mars

Mon, 30 May 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Einstein and Gravity Probe B

Mon, 23 May 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Dawn Approaches Giant Asteroid Vesta

Mon, 16 May 2011 05:00:00 +0000

After three-and-a-half years of ion-propelled flight, Dawn is finally on final approach to Vesta. We'll get a mission status report from Marc Rayman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Moon As You've Never Seen It Before

Mon, 09 May 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Another Cassini Update from Project Scientist Linda Spilker

Mon, 02 May 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Students for the Exploration and Development of Space

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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LIFE Heads for Space Aboard Shuttle Endeavour

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Debra Fischer, Discoverer of Worlds

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Cosmic Rants From Phil Plait, the Bad Astronomer

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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PI Sean Solomon's MESSENGER is Orbiting Mercury!

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0000

PI Sean Solomon's MESSENGER is Orbiting Mercury!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Sloan Digital Sky Survey Captures the Universe

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Folksinger Peter Mayer Sings of the Cosmos

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0000

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Life's Building Blocks Found in an "Impossible" Meteorite

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Life's Building Blocks Found in an Impossible" Meteorite"Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Stardust-NExT Encounters Comet Tempel 1

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Jessica Sunshine returns to talk about the flyby of comet Tempel 1 by Stardust-NExT. She is joined by Emily Lakdawalla and Mat Kaplan.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Kepler Discovers Hundreds of Extrasolar Planets!

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Kepler Discovers Hundreds of Extrasolar Planets!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Exploring NewSpace at the 2011 San Diego SpaceUp Unconference

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 06:00:00 +0000

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Voyager 1 at the Edge of the Solar System, With Ed Stone

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 06:00:00 +0000

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Tasting a Super-Earth's Atmosphere

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 06:00:00 +0000

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Rafael Navarro-Gonzalez and Chris McKay Say the Vikings Probably DID Discover Organics on Mars

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 06:00:00 +0000

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Microrovers Exploring With Bruce Betts

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 06:00:00 +0000

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Building Spaceships at SpaceX With Jeff Richichi

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 06:00:00 +0000

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Looking Forward to a Year of Exploration, with Emily Lakdawalla

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 06:00:00 +0000

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Cassini's Linda Spilker With Another Report From Saturn

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 06:00:00 +0000

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Bill Nye Visits the SOFIA Telescope

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 06:00:00 +0000

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Mike Brown's New Book: How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 06:00:00 +0000

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Arsenic and Odd Life

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:00:00 +0000

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Kids in Space!

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 06:00:00 +0000

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Astounding Comet Hartley 2

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 06:00:00 +0000

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New Model for the Seas of Mars

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 06:00:00 +0000

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Special Launch Coverage From the Kennedy Space Center

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 06:00:00 +0000

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Lou Friedman: The Rebirth of Russian Space Exploration?

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Return to DPS With Lucy McFadden and Carolyn Crow

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Listening for the Big Bang With LISA

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Special Coverage of the Division for Planetary Sciences Annual Meeting

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Gregory and James Benford on Benford Beacons for SETI

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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New Era of Science on the International Space Station

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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New Beginnings With Lou Friedman

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Solar Probe Plus Will Fly to the Sun

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Water: Now It Has Been Found on an Asteroid!

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Ray Bradbury Turns 90 and The Best Mars Map Ever

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Special Coverage of SETIcon

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Talking With Mary Roach, Author of Packing for Mars

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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The Giant Magellan Telescope

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Giant Magellan Telescope Director Patrick McCarthy. Emily Lakdawalla on Mars' acne. Bill Nye says a solar sail could test relativity.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Sun - Thief of Comets

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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The Eyes of WISE Deliver Sky Survey Prize

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Rosetta Swoops Past Asteroid On Way To Comet

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Looking for E.T.'s Laser Beam: An Optical SETI Update

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0000

An update on the Optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence from Harvard's Paul Horowitz.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Kepler Discovers Hundreds of Exoplanets

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Going Behind the Scenes With LightSail 1

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Dawn is Setting Records On Its Way to Vesta

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Shoemaker NEO Grant Recipients Protecting Our Planet

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Falcon 9 Launch, Another Jupiter Smackdown, IKAROS...and a Surprise

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Phoenix is Dead...Long Live Phoenix!

Mon, 31 May 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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James Cameron on the Science of Avatar

Mon, 24 May 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Planetary Society Executive Director Lou Friedman on solar sails IKAROS and LightSail-1

Mon, 17 May 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Saturn Update From Cassini Project Scientist Linda Spilker

Mon, 10 May 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Planetary Radio Live!

Mon, 03 May 2010 05:00:00 +0000

PlanRad goes before a live audience to talk rockets with Bill Nye, Jeff Richichi of SpaceX, and JPL pioneer James Burke.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Paul Davies, Author of The Eerie Silence""

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Conference on the Future of the American Space Program with Bill Nye

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Bill Nye the Science Guy reports on last week's conference about the future of the US space program.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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It's Mars Rover Opportunity, Only Smarter

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 05:00:00 +0000

JPL engineer Daniel Gaines helped develop new software for Opportunity to autonomously select objects for close-up imaging as she races across Mars. Emily Lakdawalla is thrilled by evidence of recently active volcanos on Venus. Bill Nye salutes three decades of service by retiring Planetary Society founder Lou Friedman.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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This is Global Astronomy Month

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Alan Stern: The Busiest Man in Space Exploration?

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Saving the Hubble Space Telescope in IMAX 3D

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Your Personal Photoshoot on Mars?

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0000

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Stephen Hawking Accepts the Cosmos Award

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:00:00 +0000

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100 Millions Solar Systems Like Our Own?

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:00:00 +0000

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Can Mirror Bees Save Our Planet?

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 06:00:00 +0000

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Buzz Aldrin and Andrew Chaikin on the Proposed NASA Budget

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 06:00:00 +0000

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Planetary Society's Lou Friedman on NASA's New Plans

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 06:00:00 +0000

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Mars Rover Project Manager John Callas

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:00:00 +0000

John Callas tells us why an end to Spirit's roving does not mean the end of her work on the red planet. Emily Lakdawalla looks to the other side of Mars where Opportunity is rolling up to a baby crater, and Bill Nye is head over heels for the highest ever skydive.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Galaxy Builder Andrew Benson

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 06:00:00 +0000

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William Borucki on Kepler's Search for Another Earth

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 06:00:00 +0000

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Celebrating the International Year of Astronomy With Pamela Gay

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 06:00:00 +0000

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Getting WISE With the Universe

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 06:00:00 +0000

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Shedding New Light on Saturn

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 06:00:00 +0000

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Lightsail Update and Haute Cuisine in Space

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:00:00 +0000

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The Dish(es): Australia and the Deep Space Network

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Australia's key role in the Deep Space Network is explored with Glen Nagle of the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A MESSENGER Mercury Mission Update From Sean Solomon

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 06:00:00 +0000

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Celebrating our Anniversary With Arthur C. Clarke

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio is seven years old. We'll celebrate by looking back to our beginnings, with science fiction writer and futurist Sir Arthur C. ClarkeLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Caves of Mars and the Geysers of Enceladus

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

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We're Back! Bill Nye Describes the LightSail Project

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

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Celebrating Carl Sagan and a New Solar Sail With Ann Druyan

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Solar sailing returns with LightSail, announced on the 75th anniversary of Carl Sagan's birth.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Lou Friedman Reviews the Augustine Human Spaceflight Report

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

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Judging a Planet's Habitability With Abel Mendez

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Former JPL Director Bruce Murray on the Persistence and Importance of Water Ice

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Lunar Smackdown! Special LCROSS Impact Coverage

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Water on the Moon!

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Is This How to Land People on Mars?

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Robert Zubrin Says "Mars Now!"

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Robert Zubrin, 22nd Century Martian

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Mount Wilson After the Fire

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Saturn Update From Cassini Deputy Project Scientist Linda Spilker

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Saturn Update From Cassini Deputy Project Scientist Linda SpilkerLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Meaning of LIFE

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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We're on Asteroid Watch With JPL's Don Yeomans

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Astronomer Heidi Hammel on the New Jupiter Impact

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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50 Years of Space Spinoffs

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Mars Exploration Rover Project Manager John Callas

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0000

John Callas reports on Spirit and Opportunity, Bill Nye debates the future of humans on the Moon, and Bruce Betts looks to the Perseid meteor shower in his What's Up review of the night sky.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Ray Bradbury Looks Back at Apollo 11

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Andrew Chaikin and Voices From the Moon

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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The End of Ulysses -- How Engineers Kept It Alive So Long

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Project Scientist Richard Vondrak

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Phil Christensen Wants Your Help Imaging Mars

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Earth Observation at the World Resources Simulation Center Design Event

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Alan Stern's Biggest Planetary Science Mysteries

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Chris McKay on the Phoenix Mission's Big Surprise

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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New Life for Hubble Space Telescope, New Leader for NASA

Mon, 25 May 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Oldest Bang Since the Big Bang!

Mon, 18 May 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Kepler Begins Search for Other Earths

Mon, 11 May 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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A Mars Exploration Rover Update with Project Scientist Bruce Banerdt

Mon, 04 May 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Bruce Banerdt provides a status report on Spirit and Opportunity. Bill Nye has something old and something new to talk about, and Bruce Betts returns from the Planetary Defense Conference in Spain with news of Near Earth Objects and other things in the night sky.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Amateur Astronomers Avoiding Armageddon: New Shoemaker NEO Grant Awardees

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Space Stinks! Astronaut and Author Tom Jones

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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A Cassini Saturn Update from Linda Spilker

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Have Spacesuit, Will Travel

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Are There Puddles on Mars?

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Exoplanet Finder Debra Fischer

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Going to Bed for NASA

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Going to Bed for NASALearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Bringing Astronomy to the People With Mike Simmons

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0000

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Space Debris Can Ruin Your Day

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 06:00:00 +0000

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Signs of Life? Discovery of Martian Methane Plumes

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 06:00:00 +0000

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Elon Musk of SpaceX

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Elon Musk of SpaceXLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Diving Europa with the Makers of Under the Sea 3D and Lonne Lane

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 06:00:00 +0000

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Doing Science on the Moon: The Lunar Science Institute

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 06:00:00 +0000

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Return to Jupiter with the Juno Mission

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 06:00:00 +0000

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Celebrate the Mars Rovers With Jim Bell

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Jim Bell and Bill Nye talk Spirit and Opportunity in celebration of 5 years on Mars. Emily Lakdawalla's Q&A looks forward to a Mars flyby by the Dawn spacecraft.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Looking for ET's Flashlight: Optical SETI

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:00:00 +0000

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Looking Back at the Phoenix Mars Polar Lander With Peter Smith

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:00:00 +0000

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Andrew Chaikin on the 40th Anniversary of Apollo 8

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 06:00:00 +0000

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Report on the Annual Meeting of the American Geophysical Union

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 06:00:00 +0000

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Armadillos in Space: Neil Milburn of Armadillo Aerospace

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 06:00:00 +0000

Armadillos in Space: Neil Milburn of Armadillo AerospaceLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Martian Ice is Everywhere...Almost

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 06:00:00 +0000

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An Enormous New Eye on the Universe

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:00:00 +0000

Astronomer Richard Ellis looks forward to the Thirty Meter Telescope.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Going to the Moon With India!

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:00:00 +0000

Going to the Moon With India!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Lou Friedman on the Roadmap to Space

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:00:00 +0000

Planetary Society Exec. Director Lou Friedman on the new plan for human exploration of space.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Future American Space Policy, Part 1: President-Elect Barack Obama's Plan

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 06:00:00 +0000

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The Journey To Palomar -- A New Documentary

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:00:00 +0000

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Andrew Chaikin's Passion for Mars

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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MESSENGER Sails by Mercury for a Second Flyby

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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Cassini at Saturn: An Update From Linda Spilker

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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Where to Look for Life on Mars

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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Public Outreach and Amateurs in Space!

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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Ann Druyan on New Honors for Carl Sagan

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Longtime partner Ann Druyan is proud of NASA's new Carl Sagan Fellowships. Bill Nye has a tribute for his old professor.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Astropulse: A New Way for ET to Phone Home

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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Northrop Grumman Space Technology President Alexis Livanos

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Northrop Grumman Space Technology President Alexis LivanosLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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Ulysses Mission Operations Manager Nigel Angold on the End of the Solar Polar Journey

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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Jut Wynne in the Caves of the Atacama

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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David Morrison of NASA's Lunar Science Institute and Jack Gregg on the Lunar Regolith Challenge

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Distinguished scientist David Morrison of NASA's Lunar Science Institute, while Jack Gregg heads speaks about the 2nd Lunar Regolith Challenge.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Phoenix Mars Lander Update: Taste the Water!

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 05:00:00 +0000

An exciting update from the Phoenix Mars Lander team, with further insights from Emily Lakdawalla. Bill Nye also celebrates Phoenix.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Observing Earth With Space Studies Board Chair Charles Kennel

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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Astonishing Mercury, With MESSENGER Principal Investigator Sean Solomon

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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Why We Need Missions to Earth

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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WALL*E and the Future of Robots in Space

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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William Hartmann on 100th Anniversary of Tunguska's Big Bang

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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The Milky Way: A New Galactic Self-Portrait

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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Ralph Lorenz and Titan Unveiled

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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Landing on Mars: How Hard Can It Be?

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 05:00:00 +0000

JPL's Rob Manning explores just a few of the challenges of landing a spacecraft on another planet. We also get a Phoenix mission update from Emily Lakdawalla, who says not everything is going well.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Phoenix on Ice: One Week in the Martian Arctic Circle

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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Seven Minutes of Terror and Triumph: Phoenix Lands on Mars

Mon, 26 May 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Seven Minutes of Terror and Triumph: Phoenix Lands on MarsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Countdown to Touchdown on Mars

Mon, 19 May 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Countdown to Touchdown on MarsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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XCOR's Lynx: Another Ride Into Space

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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Turning Moondust Into Air and Water

Mon, 05 May 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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The Brightest Light in the Universe

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:00:00 +0000

The Brightest Light in the UniverseLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Billions and Billions of Earthlike Planets?

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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A Mars Rover Update From Steve Squyres

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Steve Squyres gives us a status report on Spirit and Opportunity, and Bill Nye comments on the rings that appear to surround one of Saturn's small moons. Last week Emily Lakdawalla told us why objects in space are round, but this time her Q&A explains why they're not.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Analyzing Alien Atmospheres

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Analyzing Alien AtmospheresLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Flying Through the Geysers of Enceladus

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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Sir Arthur Clarke: A Tribute

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Sir Arthur Clarke: A TributeLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Look Out! It's a Martian Avalanche!

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 05:00:00 +0000

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John Anderson and the Flyby Anomaly

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 05:00:00 +0000

John Anderson and the Flyby AnomalyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Saving the Planet: The Apophis Mission Design Competition

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 06:00:00 +0000

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More From JPL's Linda and Tom Spilker

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:00:00 +0000

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A Cassini at Saturn Progress Report with Linda and Tom Spilker

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 06:00:00 +0000

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Celebrating the MESSENGER Mercury Flyby With Sean Solomon

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 06:00:00 +0000

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Astronaut Clay Anderson: Staying In Shape In Space

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 06:00:00 +0000

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Examining the Vision for Space Exploration: A Workshop Preview

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 06:00:00 +0000

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MESSENGER Reveals Mercury

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 06:00:00 +0000

MESSENGER Reveals MercuryLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Near Miss for Mars and Bill Nye Pays Tribute to Mercury!

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 06:00:00 +0000

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A Winged MESSENGER Reaches Mercury, and Bill Nye Premieres!

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 06:00:00 +0000

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A Very Good Year: Looking Back at 2007

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 06:00:00 +0000

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Ion Engines Drive Dawn to Asteroids Vesta and Ceres

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 06:00:00 +0000

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Observing Earth: Annmarie Eldering's Eye On Our Atmosphere

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 06:00:00 +0000

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A New Generation Looking for ET

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 06:00:00 +0000

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Stardust@Home Update from Andrew Westphal

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 06:00:00 +0000

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Planetary Radio 5th Anniversary Show: Astronomer Geoff Marcy on Discovery of Fifth Planet in Star System

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 06:00:00 +0000

We celebrate our 5th anniversary by learning about discovery of a five-planet star system, the largest found so far. Q&A on Jupiter's red spot.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Mars Exploration Rover Program Manager John Callas

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 06:00:00 +0000

John Callas provides a status report on Spirit and Opportunity. Emily Lakdawalla is looking at brilliant Comet Holmes in her Q&A report, and Bruce Betts also makes room for Holmes in his What's Up! review of the night sky.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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To Phobos and Back

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 06:00:00 +0000

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Building the J-2X Rocket Engine for the Return to the Moon

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 06:00:00 +0000

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The Universe in Ultraviolet: Bill Blair on the FUSE Mission

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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Mark Showalter: Unraveling the Mysteries of Planetary Rings

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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Space Elevator Games and Serious Planetary Science

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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Celebrating Sputnik With Louis Friedman in Moscow

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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Homer Hickam, the Original Rocket Boy, Revisits His October Sky

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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A New Race to the Moon: The Google Lunar X Prize

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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Cassini at Weird Iapetus

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 05:00:00 +0000

Cassini at Weird IapetusLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Pioneer Anomaly: Changing the Laws of Physics?

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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A Hole In The Universe

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 05:00:00 +0000

A Hole In The UniverseLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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At the EuroPlanet Conference With Doug Ellison

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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Bill McKinnon and Ices and Seas in the Outer Solar System

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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Talking With the NEEMO Aquanauts

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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Phoenix is on its way to Mars

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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Phoenix Mars Lander Principal Investigator Peter Smith

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 05:00:00 +0000

Phoenix Mars Lander Principal Investigator Peter SmithLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Honoring Ray Bradbury, Mars Photographer

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 05:00:00 +0000

Honoring Ray Bradbury, Mars PhotographerLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The 7th International Conference on Mars

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 05:00:00 +0000

500 members of Earth's Mars appreciation club gathered at CalTech in Pasadena, California last week. Scientists presented the latest research on Mars.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A New Dawn for Interplanetary Exploration

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 05:00:00 +0000

A New Dawn for Interplanetary ExplorationLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Going South to Look for ET

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 05:00:00 +0000

Going South to Look for ETLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Are There Giant Caves on Mars?

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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Amateur Astronomers on the Lookout for Near Earth Objects

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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Digging for Dollars on the Moon: The Lunar Regolith Challenge

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 05:00:00 +0000

Special coverage of NASA's Lunar Regolith Challenge, with robot excavators after a $250,000 prize.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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New Horizons at Jupiter: A Report From Alan Stern

Mon, 28 May 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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Exploring The Mystery of Dark Matter with Richard Massey

Mon, 21 May 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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Studying the Rings With Imke de Pater

Mon, 14 May 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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What's New at Saturn? Checking In With Cassini's Linda Spilker

Mon, 07 May 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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The Most Earthlike Extrasolar Planet Yet -- A Conversation With Co-Discoverer Stephane Udry

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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Science Fiction Author Kim Stanley Robinson Saves Earth!

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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Spaceward Bound: Chris McKay Leads Scientists and Teachers in the Mojave Desert

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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Cosmology: Five Big Things You Need to Know

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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A Sea Under the South Pole of Enceladus?

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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Mars Express Confirms Lots of Polar Ice! Where's the Rest?

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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Lou Friedman on the International Lunar Decade

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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Europe's Rosetta On Its Way to a Comet

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 05:00:00 +0000

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You Can Search for Stardust!

Mon, 07 Aug 2006 05:00:00 +0000

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Lakes on Titan and an International Lunar Decade

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 05:00:00 +0000

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Putting the Universe on Canvas With Astronomical Artist Don Dixon

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 05:00:00 +0000

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Turning the Spotlight to Uranus and Neptune with Heidi Hammel

Mon, 17 Jul 2006 05:00:00 +0000

Turning the Spotlight to Uranus and Neptune with Heidi HammelLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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John Rummel: Protecting the Planets from Earth Invaders

Mon, 10 Jul 2006 05:00:00 +0000

John Rummel: Protecting the Planets from Earth InvadersLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Talking With the Top of the World: Stephen Grasby at the Europa Analog on Ellesmere Island

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 05:00:00 +0000

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Bob Pappalardo and the Mysteries of Europa

Mon, 26 Jun 2006 05:00:00 +0000

Bob Pappalardo and the Mysteries of EuropaLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Planetary System That Looks Like Home

Mon, 19 Jun 2006 05:00:00 +0000

A Planetary System That Looks Like HomeLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Solving Cosmic Mysteries Deep Under the Earth

Mon, 12 Jun 2006 05:00:00 +0000

Art McDonald is Director of the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory, two kilometers deep in a nickel mine in northern Canada.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Sending an SOS to Congress: Save Our Science!

Mon, 05 Jun 2006 05:00:00 +0000

Planetary Society Executive Director Lou Friedman talks about the Save Our Science campaign's recent trip to Washington.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Big Eye in the Martian Sky: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Project Scientist Rich Zurek

Mon, 29 May 2006 05:00:00 +0000

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Project Scientist Rich Zurek returns with an update on the craft now orbiting Mars.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Many Missions of JPL's Kevin Baines

Mon, 22 May 2006 05:00:00 +0000

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Rusty Schweickart and More from the International Space Development Conference

Mon, 15 May 2006 05:00:00 +0000

More from ISDC, including Apollo astronaut Rusty Schweickart on asteroid deflection, Elon Musk of SpaceX, and X Prize Foundation's Peter Diamandis.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Join Us at the International Space Development Conference

Mon, 08 May 2006 05:00:00 +0000

Special coverage from the 25th annual ISDC in Los Angeles, featuring Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye the Science Guy, and Burt Rutan.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Help Us Find Star Dust at Home!

Mon, 01 May 2006 05:00:00 +0000

Stardust mission researcher Andrew Westphal returns with news about what the spacecraft brought back to Earth, and how the public will help find more.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Rob Manning Says Landing on Mars is Hard!

Mon, 24 Apr 2006 05:00:00 +0000

Landing people on Mars will be hard, but JPL's Rob Manning and other engineers are working on solutions.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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News from Saturn and a New Companion for Venus

Mon, 17 Apr 2006 05:00:00 +0000

The Planetary Society's Emily Lakdawalla reports on the arrival of Venus Express; Cassini Deputy Project Scientist Linda Spilker has news from Saturn.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Looking for Life with Chris McKay

Mon, 10 Apr 2006 05:00:00 +0000

Planetary scientist Chris McKay talks about where and how we should look for life in the universe, including Europa and Mars.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Bright New Star in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

Mon, 03 Apr 2006 05:00:00 +0000

Paul Horowitz talks about his new attempt to detect pulses of laser light from distant civilizations with the Optical SETI Dedicated Observatory.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Oceanographer John Delaney Jumps in Europa's Ocean

Mon, 27 Mar 2006 06:00:00 +0000

Oceanographer John Delaney believes our growing knowledge of Earth's oceans will help us explore the sea under Europa's ice.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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News From the 37th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference

Mon, 20 Mar 2006 06:00:00 +0000

Emily Lakdawalla reports on the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, while Stardust co-investigator Scott Sandford describes exciting results.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Harvard Physicist Lisa Randall on Hidden Dimensions and New Universes to Explore

Mon, 13 Mar 2006 06:00:00 +0000

Harvard physicist and author Lisa Randall talks about hidden dimensions and other universes.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Europa: Life Beneath the Ice?

Mon, 06 Mar 2006 06:00:00 +0000

Highlights from a public forum on what may be found in Europa's ocean and how to reach it, w/ Chris McKay, Bob Pappalardo, Torrence Johnson, and more.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Third Time's the Charm for Dan McCleese and the Mars Climate Sounder

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 06:00:00 +0000

Mars Climate Sounder Principal Investigator Dan McCleese on instrument's third chance to reach the red planet, on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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On the Way to Pluto with New Horizons Principal Investigator Alan Stern

Mon, 20 Feb 2006 06:00:00 +0000

Principal Investigator Alan Stern returns for the first time since launch of New Horizons toward Jupiter, Pluto and beyond.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Has NASA's Vision for Space Exploration Become Nearsighted?

Mon, 13 Feb 2006 06:00:00 +0000

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Closing In On An Interplanetary Mystery: The Pioneer Anomaly

Mon, 06 Feb 2006 06:00:00 +0000

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The Orion Nebula As You've Never Seen It

Mon, 30 Jan 2006 06:00:00 +0000

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A Great Week for Space Exploration

Mon, 23 Jan 2006 06:00:00 +0000

Andrew Westphal on what's been found in the Stardust Sample Return Capsule and John Spencer on the New Horizons launch and the upcoming Jupiter flyby.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Stardust Samples Streak Safely Home

Mon, 16 Jan 2006 06:00:00 +0000

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A Special Reprise: The Planetary Society's 25th Anniversary Gala

Mon, 09 Jan 2006 06:00:00 +0000

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Countdown to Sample Return: A Stardust Special

Mon, 02 Jan 2006 06:00:00 +0000

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Still Making a Deep Impact, with Jessica Sunshine

Mon, 26 Dec 2005 06:00:00 +0000

Still Making a Deep Impact, with Jessica SunshineLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Uranus and Neptune Take Center Stage With Heidi Hammel

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 06:00:00 +0000

Uranus and Neptune Take Center Stage With Heidi HammelLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, and Your Ticket to Space

Mon, 12 Dec 2005 06:00:00 +0000

NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, and Your Ticket to SpaceLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Lou Friedman on China's Rising Star in Space

Mon, 05 Dec 2005 06:00:00 +0000

Lou Friedman on China's Rising Star in SpaceLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Martian Anniversary for Spirit and Opportunity!

Mon, 28 Nov 2005 06:00:00 +0000

One Martian year of Spirit and Opportunity on Mars with Jim Bell, Cornell University; Q and A on a crusty moon; special trivia contest prize.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Off to Pluto and Its Three Moons with Alan Stern

Mon, 21 Nov 2005 06:00:00 +0000

New Horizons PI Alan Stern on the mission to Pluto, and discovery of 2 new moons. Q&A: movies from rocket launches. New trivia contest.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Special Edition: Planetary Society's 25th Anniversary Gala

Mon, 14 Nov 2005 06:00:00 +0000

The Planetary Society celebrates 25 years with 300 close friends, including Ray Bradbury and Bill Nye. Also, a new What's Up space trivia contest.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Peering Down at Huygens: Cassini Revisits Mysterious Titan

Mon, 07 Nov 2005 06:00:00 +0000

Steve Wall, deputy leader of the Cassini RADAR team, on new images of Huygens' landing site and a shoreline. Asteroids on Q&A, new What's Up Contest.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Touring the Planets With Dava Sobel

Mon, 31 Oct 2005 06:00:00 +0000

Dava Sobel has just written The Planets. Not a drop of water on Jupiter's moon Io in Q and A, space headlines, and Mars comes close.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Ray Bradbury Returns!

Mon, 24 Oct 2005 05:00:00 +0000

The beloved author, poet and visionary is back to talk about his inspirations, the romance of space exploration, and much more. Q&A on the biggest object in the Kuiper Belt, and a new space trivia contest on What's Up.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Venus Express Leaves for Earth's Twin

Mon, 17 Oct 2005 05:00:00 +0000

Venus Express Project Scientist Håkan Svedhem talks about the first mission to the mysterious planet in more than a decade. Q&A on Jupiter's Great Red Spot and other storms. What's Up announces TWO new space contests.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Gamma Ray Bursts: Explaining the Universe's Biggest Bangs

Mon, 10 Oct 2005 05:00:00 +0000

Swift satellite principal investigator Neil Gehrels on what causes the universe's biggest explosions. Q&A on the rings of Saturn, and a new space trivia contest during our What's Up segment about the night sky and more.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Going Up! Ben Shelef of the Spaceward Foundation on Space Elevator Development

Mon, 03 Oct 2005 05:00:00 +0000

The Spaceward Foundation is about to host the first Space Elevator Games. Founder Ben Shelef talks about this and other projects. Q&A on where to look for life in our solar system and a new What's Up space trivia quiz.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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NASA's Chief Scientist on the Vision for Space Exploration

Mon, 26 Sep 2005 05:00:00 +0000

NASA's Jim Garvin comments on the agency's just announced plans for human exploration and new spacecraft. Also Lou Friedman, Q&A on craters throughout the solar system, and Bruce Betts with a new What's Up contest.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Japanese Hayabusa Probe Reaches Asteroid

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 05:00:00 +0000

Project Manger Junichiro Kawaguchi celebrates the arrival at asteroid Itokawa, with further insights provided by former JPL Director Bruce Murray. Q&A on ice volcanoes, and a new trivia contest on What's Up.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's Project Manager and Project Scientist

Mon, 12 Sep 2005 05:00:00 +0000

MRO Project Manager Jim Graf and Project Scientist Rich Zurek introduce us to their powerful new spacecraft. Running out of big Near Earth Objects on Q&A, and we get Lost In Space" during the latest What's Up."Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Pioneer Anomaly: A Mystery in Deep Space

Mon, 05 Sep 2005 05:00:00 +0000

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Amateur Astronomy: Do It Yourself Space Exploration

Mon, 29 Aug 2005 05:00:00 +0000

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A Tour of the Solar System With Bill Hartmann

Mon, 22 Aug 2005 05:00:00 +0000

A Tour of the Solar System With Bill HartmannLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Mike Brown, Discoverer of 2003 UB313...Planet 10?

Mon, 15 Aug 2005 05:00:00 +0000

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Author and Four-Time Shuttle Astronaut Tom Jones

Mon, 08 Aug 2005 05:00:00 +0000

Author and Four-Time Shuttle Astronaut Tom JonesLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Year of Saturn Discoveries From Cassini

Mon, 01 Aug 2005 05:00:00 +0000

A Year of Saturn Discoveries From CassiniLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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NASA Goes for Star Trek Science: Bob Cassanova of the Institute for Advanced Concepts

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 05:00:00 +0000

NASA Goes for Star Trek Science: Bob Cassanova of the Institute for Advanced ConceptsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Deep Impact Begins to Reveal Comet Secrets

Mon, 18 Jul 2005 05:00:00 +0000

Deep Impact Begins to Reveal Comet SecretsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Space Shuttle Flight Director Talks About Return to Flight

Mon, 11 Jul 2005 05:00:00 +0000

Space Shuttle Flight Director Talks About Return to FlightLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Deep Impact Special

Mon, 04 Jul 2005 05:00:00 +0000

Deep Impact SpecialLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Cosmos 1: Solar Sail Special Report

Mon, 27 Jun 2005 05:00:00 +0000

Cosmos 1: Solar Sail Special ReportLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Solar Sail Countdown

Mon, 20 Jun 2005 05:00:00 +0000

Solar Sail CountdownLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Move Over Hubble: The Spitzer Space Telescope

Mon, 13 Jun 2005 05:00:00 +0000

Move Over Hubble: The Spitzer Space TelescopeLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Threat of Military Space Debris

Mon, 06 Jun 2005 05:00:00 +0000

The Threat of Military Space DebrisLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Saving Voyager

Mon, 30 May 2005 05:00:00 +0000

Saving VoyagerLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Era of Solar Sailing Begins

Mon, 23 May 2005 05:00:00 +0000

Era of Solar Sailing BeginsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Astronomer, Astrobiologist and Fast Pitch Outfielder Woody Sullivan

Mon, 16 May 2005 05:00:00 +0000

Astronomer, Astrobiologist and Fast Pitch Outfielder Woody SullivanLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Farewell to Star Trek Enterprise

Mon, 09 May 2005 05:00:00 +0000

Farewell to Star Trek EnterpriseLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Tribute to Philip Morrison

Mon, 02 May 2005 05:00:00 +0000

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Mars Express Finds a Frozen Sea

Mon, 25 Apr 2005 05:00:00 +0000

Mars Express Finds a Frozen SeaLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Conversation with Sally Ride

Mon, 18 Apr 2005 05:00:00 +0000

A Conversation with Sally RideLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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By the Light of a New World

Mon, 11 Apr 2005 05:00:00 +0000

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Genesis Rises From The Ashes With a Piece of the Sun

Mon, 04 Apr 2005 05:00:00 +0000

Genesis Rises From The Ashes With a Piece of the SunLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Saturn Update from Cassini's Linda Spilker

Mon, 28 Mar 2005 06:00:00 +0000

A Saturn Update from Cassini's Linda SpilkerLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Neil deGrasse Tyson on the Future of Space Exploration

Mon, 21 Mar 2005 06:00:00 +0000

Neil deGrasse Tyson on the Future of Space ExplorationLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Chasing Volcanoes Around the Solar System

Mon, 14 Mar 2005 06:00:00 +0000

Chasing Volcanoes Around the Solar SystemLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Astro Turf: M.G. Lord's New Book About the Private Life of Rocket Science

Mon, 07 Mar 2005 06:00:00 +0000

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John Casani on NASA's Prometheus Project

Mon, 28 Feb 2005 06:00:00 +0000

John Casani on NASA's Prometheus ProjectLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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NASA's Budget: Good News and Bad News

Mon, 21 Feb 2005 06:00:00 +0000

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Pluto's Diamond Jubilee

Mon, 14 Feb 2005 06:00:00 +0000

Pluto's Diamond JubileeLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Sami Asmar: The Man Who Told Us The Huygens Probe Made It

Mon, 07 Feb 2005 06:00:00 +0000

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Astronaut Owen Garriott on How to Explore the Solar System

Mon, 31 Jan 2005 06:00:00 +0000

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Director James Cameron Searches for Aliens

Mon, 24 Jan 2005 06:00:00 +0000

Director James Cameron Searches for AliensLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Visit With Spirit Mission Manager Mark Adler

Wed, 19 Jan 2005 06:00:00 +0000

As the incredibly successful Mars Exploration Rover mission continues, Planetary Radio talks with Spirit's manager about what is being accomplished. We also hear from the second pair of Student Astronauts.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Sweet Sound of Success...The Huygens Probe on Titan

Mon, 17 Jan 2005 06:00:00 +0000

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Deep Impact: The Real Thing

Mon, 10 Jan 2005 06:00:00 +0000

Deep Impact: The Real ThingLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Year of Roving Across Mars

Mon, 03 Jan 2005 06:00:00 +0000

We celebrate one (Earth) year of Mars Exploration Rovers on the red planet with Principal Investigator Steve Squyres and Project Manager Jim Erickson; Emily Lakdawalla goes where no spacecraft has gone before.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Huygens Probe Sets Off On Its Own for Saturn's Moon Titan

Mon, 27 Dec 2004 06:00:00 +0000

Huygens Probe Sets Off On Its Own for Saturn's Moon TitanLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Wes Huntress on the NASA Administrator's Resignation and a New Super Mars Rover

Mon, 20 Dec 2004 06:00:00 +0000

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Deflecting Asteroids Headed Our Way

Mon, 13 Dec 2004 06:00:00 +0000

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IBM Enters SETI@Home's Game

Mon, 06 Dec 2004 06:00:00 +0000

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The Depths of Space: A New Book About the Pioneer Planetary Probes

Mon, 29 Nov 2004 06:00:00 +0000

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Europe's SMART-1 Reaches the Moon!

Mon, 22 Nov 2004 06:00:00 +0000

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Solar Sail Ready for Liftoff

Mon, 15 Nov 2004 06:00:00 +0000

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On The Edge of Science: The NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts

Mon, 08 Nov 2004 06:00:00 +0000

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Black Cats and Other Mysteries--Cassini-Huygens at Saturn's Moon Titan

Mon, 01 Nov 2004 06:00:00 +0000

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Getting Ready for Titan with Chris McKay

Mon, 25 Oct 2004 05:00:00 +0000

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A Conversation With Jet Propulsion Lab Director Charles Elachi

Mon, 18 Oct 2004 05:00:00 +0000

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A Special Planetary Radio: SpaceShipOne Wins the X Prize!

Mon, 11 Oct 2004 05:00:00 +0000

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Former Soviet Space Program Director Roald Sagdeev on the Sputnik 1 Anniversary

Mon, 04 Oct 2004 05:00:00 +0000

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Amateur Astronomers Work to Save the Planet

Mon, 27 Sep 2004 05:00:00 +0000

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SETI@Home Chief Scientist Dan Werthimer Says Sorry, Wrong Number

Mon, 20 Sep 2004 05:00:00 +0000

SETI@Home Chief Scientist Dan Werthimer Says Sorry, Wrong NumberLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Genesis Rises From the Ashes/Planetary Protection

Mon, 13 Sep 2004 05:00:00 +0000

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Billions of Earths?

Mon, 06 Sep 2004 05:00:00 +0000

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Genesis Returns With a Bit of the Sun

Mon, 30 Aug 2004 05:00:00 +0000

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In the Footsteps of Carl Sagan: Neil Tyson of the Hayden Planetarium

Mon, 23 Aug 2004 05:00:00 +0000

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Encore Presentation: Ray Bradbury's 83rd Birthday Party!

Mon, 16 Aug 2004 05:00:00 +0000

Encore Presentation: Ray Bradbury's 83rd Birthday Party!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Moonwalker Harrison Schmitt Visits Planetary Radio

Mon, 09 Aug 2004 05:00:00 +0000

Moonwalker Harrison Schmitt Visits Planetary RadioLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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MESSENGER Spacecraft Heads for Mercury

Mon, 02 Aug 2004 05:00:00 +0000

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Thunderbirds Director Jonathan Frakes of Star Trek Fame

Mon, 26 Jul 2004 05:00:00 +0000

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Apollo Astronauts Visit Planetary Radio

Mon, 19 Jul 2004 05:00:00 +0000

Apollo Astronauts Visit Planetary RadioLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Visit With NASA Associate Administrator Ed Weiler

Mon, 12 Jul 2004 05:00:00 +0000

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Cassini-Huygens Reaches Saturn

Mon, 05 Jul 2004 05:00:00 +0000

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A SpaceShipOne Special!

Mon, 28 Jun 2004 05:00:00 +0000

A SpaceShipOne Special!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Cassini Visits Phoebe at Saturn!

Mon, 21 Jun 2004 05:00:00 +0000

Cassini Visits Phoebe at Saturn!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Donna Shirley and Science Fiction's New Home

Mon, 14 Jun 2004 05:00:00 +0000

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How's the Weather on Mars?

Mon, 07 Jun 2004 05:00:00 +0000

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Hunting for Extrasolar Planets

Mon, 31 May 2004 05:00:00 +0000

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A Teenager in Space?

Mon, 24 May 2004 05:00:00 +0000

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SETI@Home Turns Five!

Mon, 17 May 2004 05:00:00 +0000

SETI@Home Turns Five!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Opportunity Reaches Endurance Crater on Mars

Mon, 10 May 2004 05:00:00 +0000

Steve Squyres and Phil Christensen discuss Opportunity's latest goal, Endeavour Crater; Emily Lakdawalla knows how to find a spacecraft sailing out beyond Pluto, and Bruce Betts has a lock on a couple of comets.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Charley Kohlhase: Engineer, Artist, Cassini Mission Designer

Mon, 03 May 2004 05:00:00 +0000

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Ray Bradbury Returns!

Mon, 26 Apr 2004 05:00:00 +0000

Ray Bradbury Returns!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Magnets Roving on Mars

Mon, 19 Apr 2004 05:00:00 +0000

This week we hear about the strategically located magnets on the Mars Exploration Rovers and how are telling us more about the red planet.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Celebrate With The Mars Exploration Rover Team

Mon, 12 Apr 2004 05:00:00 +0000

With lots to celebrate, The Planetary Society threw a party for the scientists and engineers who have made Spirit and Opportunity such amazing successes, and you're invited!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Life on Mars...and Earth

Mon, 05 Apr 2004 05:00:00 +0000

We visit Harvard biologist Andrew Knoll for a conversation about finding life on the red planet. Emily Lakdawalla is seeing red on another of Earth's neighbors, and Bruce Betts spins a tale of Death Stars, cockroaches and trivia contests on What's Up!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Salty Sea on Mars

Mon, 29 Mar 2004 06:00:00 +0000

A Salty Sea on MarsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Far Out Sedna

Mon, 22 Mar 2004 06:00:00 +0000

Far Out SednaLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Defending Earth From Asteroids

Mon, 15 Mar 2004 06:00:00 +0000

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Confirmed: Water Was on Mars!

Mon, 08 Mar 2004 06:00:00 +0000

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Jim Bell, The Pancam Man!

Mon, 01 Mar 2004 06:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio talks with the developer of the Pancam on the Mars Exploration Rovers, Jim Bell. We also feature the last pair of Student Astronauts, and another visit with Astrobots Biff Starling and Sandy Moondust.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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RATs, Astrobots, and a Six Iron on the Moon!

Mon, 23 Feb 2004 06:00:00 +0000

RATs, Astrobots, and a Six Iron on the Moon!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Stardust Status Report

Mon, 16 Feb 2004 06:00:00 +0000

Stardust Status ReportLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Astrobots are Back on Our Show!

Mon, 09 Feb 2004 06:00:00 +0000

After a long hiatus, Biff Starling and Sandy Moondust return to the air. You'll also hear from Mars Exploration Rover Entry, Descent and Landing Chief Engineer Wayne Lee, and from two more of the Student Astronauts.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Mars Exploration Rover Flight Director Chris Lewicki

Mon, 02 Feb 2004 06:00:00 +0000

Opportunity is on a roll and Spirit is almost back to full health as we visit with the young Flight Director for the mission. We also hear from two more of the Student Astronauts.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Opportunity Lands and Hope Builds for Spirit

Mon, 26 Jan 2004 06:00:00 +0000

We celebrate the perfect landing of Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity with special guest Rob Manning, plus lots more, including two more Student Astronauts, and a "name that outcropping" contest from Bruce Betts.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The First Student Astronauts Arrive

Mon, 12 Jan 2004 06:00:00 +0000

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Spirit Lands on Mars!

Mon, 05 Jan 2004 06:00:00 +0000

Follow the incredibly exciting and finally triumphant arrival on Mars of the Mars Exploration Rover as it happened at Wild About Mars, the Planetary Society's big weekend event at the Pasadena Convention Center.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Columbia's Aftermath: "Butterfly on a Bullet"

Mon, 29 Dec 2003 06:00:00 +0000

Columbia's Aftermath: Butterfly on a Bullet""Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Steve Squyres Is Ready for Mars

Mon, 22 Dec 2003 06:00:00 +0000

Doctor Steven Squyres talks about the challenges, human and robotic, facing the Mars Exploration Rover mission; Emily Lakdawalla is watching for shooting stars...on Mars, and Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan attend the Planetary Society's holiday party.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Mars Exploration Rover Update

Mon, 15 Dec 2003 06:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio gets a Mars Exploration Rover status report from Deputy Project Scientist, Dr. Albert Haldemann; Emily Lakdawalla can tell how old a planet is from its surface.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Women in Space

Mon, 08 Dec 2003 06:00:00 +0000

Women in SpaceLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Wes Huntress Encore for the Beginning of Our Second Season

Mon, 01 Dec 2003 06:00:00 +0000

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One year of Planetary Radio

Mon, 24 Nov 2003 06:00:00 +0000

One year of Planetary RadioLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Planetary Society's Red Rover Goes To Mars Project with Emily Lakdawalla

Mon, 17 Nov 2003 06:00:00 +0000

The Planetary Society's Red Rover Goes To Mars Project with Emily LakdawallaLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Moon Rocks, Martian Meteorites and More at the NASA Astromaterials Lab

Mon, 10 Nov 2003 06:00:00 +0000

Moon Rocks, Martian Meteorites and More at the NASA Astromaterials LabLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A South African Teen Joins the Student Astronauts

Mon, 03 Nov 2003 06:00:00 +0000

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The Planetary Society Goes to Washington

Mon, 27 Oct 2003 06:00:00 +0000

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China Joins the Spacefaring Nations Club

Mon, 20 Oct 2003 05:00:00 +0000

China Joins the Spacefaring Nations ClubLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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To The Moon With the Lunar Prospector

Mon, 13 Oct 2003 05:00:00 +0000

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The Moon, Ion Engines, and Helium 3 ...What More Could You Want?

Mon, 06 Oct 2003 05:00:00 +0000

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A Gala Evening With Galileo and His Daughter

Mon, 29 Sep 2003 05:00:00 +0000

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Claudia Alexander, the Final Galileo Project Manager

Mon, 15 Sep 2003 05:00:00 +0000

Claudia Alexander, the Final Galileo Project ManagerLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Holographic Doctors and Galileo's Daughter: A Visit With Robert Picardo

Mon, 08 Sep 2003 05:00:00 +0000

Holographic Doctors and Galileo's Daughter: A Visit With Robert PicardoLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Traveler's Guide to Mars

Mon, 01 Sep 2003 05:00:00 +0000

A Traveler's Guide to MarsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Martian Birthday Party for Ray Bradbury

Mon, 25 Aug 2003 05:00:00 +0000

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Four Decades of Mars Exploration

Mon, 18 Aug 2003 05:00:00 +0000

Four Decades of Mars ExplorationLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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SMART-1 Goes to the Moon

Mon, 11 Aug 2003 05:00:00 +0000

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The Envelope Please: Choosing the 2007 Mars Scout Mission, Part 2

Mon, 04 Aug 2003 05:00:00 +0000

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The Envelope Please: Choosing the 2007 Mars Scout Mission, Part 1

Mon, 28 Jul 2003 05:00:00 +0000

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From Russia With Love: A Solar Sail Update

Mon, 21 Jul 2003 05:00:00 +0000

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Pluto Will Finally Get a Visitor

Mon, 14 Jul 2003 05:00:00 +0000

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An Encore for Sir Arthur and Another New Extrasolar Planet

Mon, 07 Jul 2003 05:00:00 +0000

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Bill Nye the Science Guy and Sandy Moondust!

Mon, 23 Jun 2003 05:00:00 +0000

Bill Nye the Science Guy and Sandy Moondust!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Joy Crisp is On Her Way to Mars

Mon, 16 Jun 2003 05:00:00 +0000

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Society President Wes Huntress and a Little Guy Named Biff""

Mon, 09 Jun 2003 05:00:00 +0000

Society President Wes Huntress and a Little Guy Named Biff""Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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High Flyin', Cave Divin' Planetary Science with Dan Durda

Mon, 02 Jun 2003 05:00:00 +0000

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Phil Christensen Explores Mars in the Infrared

Mon, 26 May 2003 05:00:00 +0000

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Journey to the Center of the Earth!

Mon, 19 May 2003 05:00:00 +0000

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Getting a Rover's-Eye View of Mars

Mon, 12 May 2003 05:00:00 +0000

Hear excerpts of the Mars Exploration Rover imaging team lead Jim Bell's presentation last week at Planetary Society headquarters; Emily looks for life on the moon, while Bruce Betts says to get ready for this week's lunar eclipse!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Columbia Experiment Recovered!

Mon, 05 May 2003 05:00:00 +0000

Columbia Experiment Recovered!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Looking Back: Jurrie van der Woude's 37 years at JPL

Mon, 28 Apr 2003 05:00:00 +0000

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Return to Mars: Two Rover Landing Sites Chosen

Mon, 21 Apr 2003 05:00:00 +0000

Matt Golombek tells us about the Mars Exploration Rover landing site selection process and the exciting destinations just chosen. What objects hold the solar system's speed record? We'll find out from Emily.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A Microphone on Mars?

Mon, 14 Apr 2003 05:00:00 +0000

What would you sound like on Mars? Berkeley researcher Greg Delory and the Planetary Society have developed the Mars Microphone, so that we can find out.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Deep Space 1 / ET Phones Home!

Mon, 07 Apr 2003 05:00:00 +0000

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Masters of Science Fiction

Mon, 31 Mar 2003 06:00:00 +0000

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A Visit With Sir Arthur C. Clarke

Mon, 24 Mar 2003 06:00:00 +0000

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SETI@home Aims Arecibo at the Best ET Candidates

Mon, 17 Mar 2003 06:00:00 +0000

SETI@home Aims Arecibo at the Best ET CandidatesLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Life in the Extreme

Mon, 10 Mar 2003 06:00:00 +0000

Life in the ExtremeLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Cool Science: Ice on Europa and Mars

Mon, 03 Mar 2003 06:00:00 +0000

Cool Science: Ice on Europa and MarsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Volcanoes of Io

Mon, 24 Feb 2003 06:00:00 +0000

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Optical SETI Has an Eye for Extraterrestrial Messages

Mon, 17 Feb 2003 06:00:00 +0000

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100 Extrasolar Planet Candidates...and Counting!

Mon, 10 Feb 2003 06:00:00 +0000

100 Extrasolar Planet Candidates...and Counting!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Special Live Edition of Planetary Radio: The Loss of Space Shuttle Columbia

Mon, 03 Feb 2003 06:00:00 +0000

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A Renaissance Space Man: Dr. William Hartmann Talks About His Novels, Art and Research

Mon, 27 Jan 2003 06:00:00 +0000

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Another Benefit of Space Science? Shuttle Experiment Offers Glimmer of Hope in the Mideast

Mon, 20 Jan 2003 06:00:00 +0000

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A Microwave Push to the Stars?

Mon, 13 Jan 2003 06:00:00 +0000

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Earth Shattering Impacts

Mon, 06 Jan 2003 06:00:00 +0000

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Star Trek Science

Mon, 23 Dec 2002 06:00:00 +0000

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Interview with Freeman Dyson

Mon, 16 Dec 2002 06:00:00 +0000

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Planetary Radio Looks at SETI

Mon, 09 Dec 2002 06:00:00 +0000

Planetary Radio Looks at SETILearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Interview with Bruce Betts

Mon, 02 Dec 2002 06:00:00 +0000

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Interview with Louis Friedman

Mon, 25 Nov 2002 06:00:00 +0000

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