Shows / Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science
Planetary Radio brings you the human adventure across our Solar System and beyond. We visit each week with the scientists, engineers, leaders, advocates, and astronauts who are taking us across the final frontier. Regular features raise your space IQ while they put a smile on your face. Join host Sarah Al-Ahmed and Planetary Society colleagues including Bill Nye the Science Guy and Bruce Betts as they dive deep into space science and exploration. The monthly Space Policy Edition takes you…
Episodes
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceHope Leads the Way to Mars
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceA Mars Mission Begins, a Comet Exits, and the Future of Planetary Science
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science3 Billion Years Ago: Was Mars Alive?
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceTo Pluto and Beyond with Alan Stern
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceSpace Policy Edition: A Trillion-Dollar Space Economy?
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceJim Bell Sends New Eyes to Mars
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceChina on the Final Frontier
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 Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceLightSail 2: A Year of Solar Sailing
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceStaying Alive in Space
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceSpace Policy Edition: NASA’s Gamble Pays Off
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceCrew Dragon Thrills While Mars Chills
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceCelebrating 30 Years of Hubble with Astronaut John Grunsfeld
Former astronaut and NASA Associate Administrator John Grunsfeld is often called the Hubble Repairman. He made three space shuttle trips to the space telescope…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceCrew Dragon Deep Dive with Astronaut Garrett Reisman
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceLooking for Life in Alien Oceans
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceThe Crew Dragon Countdown Begins, With Former NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceSpace Policy Edition: Our Moral Obligation to Explore Space
Are we morally obligated to pursue space exploration? What ethical considerations should we consider when creating space policy? Philosopher James Schwartz…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceLife on Mars: Joining the Quest with Penny Boston and Jim Green
Mat Kaplan recently hosted the first of a series of Explore Mars live and interactive events. NASA astrobiologist Penelope Boston and NASA Chief Scientist…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceThe Royal Astronomical Society at 200
“The object of THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY shall be the encouragement and promotion of Astronomy, Solar-System Sciences, Geophysics and closely related…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceNASA Administrator James Bridenstine Returns
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceThe Slime Mold and the Universe
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceSpace Policy Edition: Our Equinox Space Policy Briefing
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceThe Next 10 Years: Continuing our Solar System Tour
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceThe Next 10 Years…An Introduction to the Decadal Survey
Preparations at NASA are underway for creation of the next planetary science decadal survey, a roadmap intended to guide exploration of our solar neighborhood…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceBuilding Our Future on Mars
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceThe Return of Cosmos and Ann Druyan
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceSpace Policy Edition: NASA's 2021 Budget Request Brings Billions
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceAfrican Eyes Look to the Cosmos
One people, one sky. That motto belongs to Astronomers Without Borders. Its founder and retired leader, Mike Simmons, recently brought a guest to Planetary…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceThe Search for 100 Earths
Yale astronomer Debra Fischer has spent decades hunting for exoplanets. Now she leads the 100 Earths project that includes the Lowell Observatory and…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceLife=Matter+Information: Paul Davies and the Demon in the Machine
Physicist, cosmologist, astrobiologist and author Paul Davies’ new book explores what he believes to be the defining quality of life on Earth and perhaps…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceAnother Goldilocks World and the Space Telescope That Discovered It
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceSpace Policy Edition: Is the Moon a Stepping-Stone or a Cornerstone for Mars? (with Laura Seward Forczyk)
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceA Great Space Observatory Goes Dark: The Legacy of Spitzer
The Spitzer Space Telescope, one of NASA’s four great space observatories, was decommissioned on January 30. Mat Kaplan celebrates its discoveries and legacy…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceMighty Jupiter Revealed
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceThe Coming Descent to Asteroid Bennu
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceThe MILO Institute: Opening the Solar System for Exploration by All
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceSpace Policy Edition: Houston, We Have a Space Force (with Brian Weeden)
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceIn the Clean Room With the Mars 2020 Rover
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and SciencePlanetary Society All-Stars Look Back at 2019 and Ahead to 2020
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceWhat’s Next for Mars Exploration?
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceMeet the Planetary Society’s Newest Asteroid Hunters
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceThe Creators of The Expanse
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceSpace Policy Edition: The Biggest Policy Moments of the Decade (with Marcia Smith)
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceA Toast to Alcohol in Space
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceSeeking the Killer Space App with Space Tango
Organizations are using the microgravity environment of the International Space Station to develop unique new products. One of them is Kentucky-based Space…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceSpace Books and Gifts for Space Kids of all Ages
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceA Passionate Conversation with Carolyn Porco
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceOur Mysterious Sister: Venus
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceSpace Policy Edition: How a Report Can Move Mountains
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceFinding Wonder and Meaning in a Book by Carl Sagan’s Daughter
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceHow Long Was Mars Wet?
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceNASA’s Home for the Bleeding Edge: The 2019 NIAC Symposium
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceSpace Policy Edition: Happy Fiscal New Year!
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceNobel Prize Winner Michel Mayor…and More
Astronomer and astrophysicist Michel Mayor has just been awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize for physics. Listen to Mat’s 2016 conversation with this revered…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceHow to Defend Your Planet
Planetary scientist Vishnu Reddy studies space objects ranging from satellite debris to planet-killing asteroids. He shares the status of our effort to avoid…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceAd Astra: The Movie!
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceHow to Build a Starship: The 2019 Starship Congress
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceThe Unexpected Space Center: Los Alamos National Laboratory
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceSpace Policy Edition: Why Apollo Ended (with John Logsdon)
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceA Comet’s Legacy, and a Helicopter is Ready for Mars
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…
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and ScienceWhat Will You Send to the Moon?
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…