Shows
Planetary RadioThe Science You’ve EnabledThe 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 fo...
2023-05-3150 min
Planetary RadioLooking back on Voyager’s 45th AnniversaryPlanetary 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-anniversarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2023-03-081h 15
Planetary RadioPlanetary Radio stories with Mat KaplanNew host Sarah Al-Ahmed bids a fond farewell to Mat Kaplan, Planetary Radio’s former host, in a special interview as Mat shares stories from his two decades as creator and producer of the show.
2023-01-041h 04
Planetary RadioTouchdown! The Sights and Sounds of Perseverance on MarsThe 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-highlightsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2021-02-2452 min
Planetary RadioPlanetfest ’21: To Mars and Back AgainThe 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...
2021-02-1743 min
Planetary Radio‘Oumuamua: Avi Loeb says it may have been artificialIs interstellar object ‘Oumuamua an alien artifact? Harvard professor Avi Loeb explores his theory in a new book and in a fascinating conversation with Mat Kaplan.
2021-01-2755 min
Planetary RadioObservatory Director Francisco Córdova on the Devastating Loss of AreciboHost Mat Kaplan talked with the Arecibo Observatory director just hours before the giant radio telescope came crashing down.
2020-12-0246 min
Planetary RadioSpace Policy Edition: NASA's Post-Election LandscapeWith the United States election over, Casey Dreier and Mat Kaplan welcome back Planetary Society Chief of D.C. Operations Brendan Curry for a review of what may be in store for the U.S. space program.
2020-11-1358 min
Planetary RadioBeyond Earth’s Edge: A Celebrity Space Poetry Jam!Creators of an outstanding new collection of poems about spaceflight and exploration join Mat Kaplan to talk about the book as Bill Nye and other notables read selections.
2020-10-141h 07
Planetary RadioProtectors of Earth! (and Other Worlds)NASA’s planetary protection officer joined Mat Kaplan’s Humans to Mars summit panel for a great conversation about protecting worlds throughout the solar system from what could be devastating contamination.
2020-10-071h 10
Planetary RadioIn the Clean Room With the Mars 2020 RoverHost Mat Kaplan and Planetary Society solar system specialist Emily Lakdawalla go inside NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory clean room to see the Mars 2020 rover.
2020-01-0847 min
Planetary RadioPlanetary Society All-Stars Look Back at 2019 and Ahead to 2020Planetary Society experts Jason Davis, Casey Dreier and Emily Lakdawalla join host Mat Kaplan to recap the big space moments of 2019 and explore what's ahead in 2020.
2020-01-011h 17
Planetary RadioFinding Wonder and Meaning in a Book by Carl Sagan’s DaughterMat Kaplan talks with Sasha Sagan about For Small Creatures Such as We
2019-10-3050 min
Planetary RadioNASA’s Home for the Bleeding Edge: The 2019 NIAC SymposiumMat Kaplan visits with NIAC Program Executive Jason Derleth, seven leaders of funded studies, and astronaut Mae Jemison.
2019-10-161h 17
Planetary RadioReflections of Humanity in a Spacesuit for MoonwalkersHost Mat Kaplan in a long and fascinating conversation with Nicholas de Monchaux, author of Spacesuit: Fashioning Apollo
2019-08-141h 07
Planetary RadioPlanetary Radio Live at Science Museum OklahomaJoin Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye and host Mat Kaplan as they visit Oklahoma City’s outstanding public science museum.
2019-08-071h 14
Planetary RadioPlanetary Radio Live with Bill Nye at Science Museum OklahomaJoin 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
2019-08-071h 14
Planetary RadioApollo 11 and the Woman Who Helped Get It HomePoppy 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...
2019-07-1755 min
Planetary RadioSharing a Passion for Mars at the Humans to Mars SummitThis 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 ch...
2019-05-2955 min
Planetary RadioBONUS: Introducing Science Rules! with Bill NyeHost 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 a...
2019-05-1704 min
Planetary RadioA Last Visit With LightSail 2 at the Cubesat Developers WorkshopMat 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. Vis...
2019-05-1545 min
Planetary RadioPlanetary Radio Live Defends Planet Earth!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: ...
2019-05-0853 min
Planetary RadioThe Skies of Super-Earths and Mini-NeptunesThere 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...
2019-05-0155 min
Planetary RadioThe Triumph of a Failed Moon LandingThe 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...
2019-04-1738 min
Planetary RadioCelebrating Yuri’s Night with Legendary Astronaut Story MusgraveThe 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 a...
2019-04-1044 min
Planetary RadioBill Nye and Planetary Radio Live at Extreme STEAMPlanetary 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/adcho
2019-03-201h 10
Planetary RadioAn Israeli Lander Launches Toward the MoonNon-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...
2019-02-2748 min
Planetary RadioA Fond Farewell to Spirit and OpportunityThe 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/multim...
2019-02-201h 08
Planetary RadioA Great Day for Space Explorers: The Landing of InSightJoin 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.html
2018-11-281h 00
Planetary RadioSpaceX Builds a Big Falcon RocketA 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.html
2018-09-2642 min
Planetary RadioBig Science, Big Rocket at the Marshall Space Flight CenterMat 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://w...
2018-09-051h 21
Planetary RadioSpace, Rockets, and a Senatorial Encounter in Huntsville, AlabamaHost 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.html
2018-08-2957 min
Planetary RadioPluto Occults! Join Us on the MountainPluto 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 segme...
2018-08-2237 min
Planetary RadioGiving Mysterious Venus the Love (and Science) She DeservesWe 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 ex...
2018-08-1557 min
Planetary RadioDiving Into That Lake on MarsOur 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...
2018-08-0148 min
Planetary RadioDwarf Planet Ceres Thrills as a Dying Visitor Closes InCeres 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.planetar...
2018-07-0433 min
Planetary RadioA Conversation with Freeman DysonThere’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 everyth...
2018-06-1339 min
Planetary RadioIt’s Rocket Science: Testing PlanetVac in the Mojave DesertJoin 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...
2018-06-0648 min
Planetary RadioSpace Policy Edition: Space Policy Directive 2—This Time it's CommercialPresident 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.html
2018-06-011h 11
Planetary RadioA Sacred Place: The National Air and Space Museum with Ellen StofanPlanetary 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 Chasin...
2018-05-3035 min
Planetary RadioChasing New Horizons to Pluto with Alan Stern and David GrinspoonThe 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...
2018-05-2356 min
Planetary RadioWhy Mars? We’ve Got the AnswersThe 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 Har...
2018-05-1638 min
Planetary RadioPlanetary Radio Live! – Celebrating Curiosity on MarsJoin 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.html
2018-04-251h 37
Planetary RadioYuri’s Night 2018!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.html
2018-04-1856 min
Planetary RadioVisiting the Earth-Like Worlds of TRAPPIST-1We 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.p...
2018-04-1131 min
Planetary RadioSpace Policy Edition: Lori Garver on what a NASA Administrator (and Deputy) actually doesLori 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.html
2018-04-061h 17
Planetary RadioVisiting the Birthplace of PlanetVacSpace 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.html
2018-03-0744 min
Planetary RadioThe Eyes of a New Mars Rover: Mastcam-ZMat 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. Space is hard. Sample return is even harder, says Senior Editor Emily Lakdawalla. Bruce Betts presents Mat Kaplan with a musical Random Space Fact in this week’s What’s Up segment. Learn more and see images here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0221-jim-bell-mastcam-z-science-meeting.html
2018-02-2149 min
Planetary RadioSpace, SETI, the Singularity and ShostakWhere 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? These and other questions were taken up by Mat Kaplan’s panel at the recent Space Tech Summit, where he was joined by Bill Diamond and Seth Shostak of the SETI Institute, and Doug Vakoch of METI (Messaging Extraterrestrial Intelligence) International. Bill Nye reports on his successful trip to Washington DC, while Bruce Betts and Mat look up at the night sky and share a Random Spac...
2018-02-0759 min
Planetary RadioSpace Policy Edition #21: Bill Nye and the State of the UnionPlanetary 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.
2018-02-0230 min
Planetary RadioGoing to Sea to Sail Through Space: Orion Ocean Recovery TestingJoin 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. You’ll hear from the NASA Recovery Director Melissa Jones, the Commanding Officer of the Anchorage and veteran astronaut Stephen Bowen. Planetary Society Digital Editor Jason Davis says we are learning how to recognize signs of life on distant exoplanets. Bruce Betts knows What’s Up in the night sky. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0131-orion-ocean-recovery-testing.html
2018-01-3138 min
Planetary RadioLiving in Space!Mat Kaplan talks with participants in the National Space Society’s recent Space Settlement Summit about human destiny in space. There’s a consensus that we are making real progress, both technological and political, toward permanent installations on the Moon and elsewhere. The total lunar eclipse is almost here. Bruce Betts has the where and when in this week’s What’s Up report. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0124-living-in-space-nss-space-settlement-summit.html
2018-01-2437 min
Planetary RadioMysterious Tabby’s Star, With Tabby HerselfIt 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. The Curiosity rover has spent another busy four months on Mars. Emily Lakdawalla returns with an update on its progress. Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan share two new contests and begin preparations for a total lunar eclipse. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2018/0110-tabbys-star-tabetha-boyajian.html
2018-01-1044 min
Planetary RadioExploring the Latest Planetary Science Discoveries With Emily LakdawallaA 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. Someone will win a half-scale model of the LightSail 2 cubesat when Bruce Betts joins Mat Kaplan for this week’s What’s Up. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2017/1220-emily-lakdawalla-agu-report.html
2017-12-2037 min
Planetary RadioPresident Trump Sets Course for the MoonOn 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. Poor Venus! Digital Editor Jason Davis explains why the cloud-shrouded furnace planet has been ignored by NASA for many years. Cowabunga! Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan head for the warm beaches of Southern California for an on location edition of What’s Up. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2017/1213-trump-space-memorandum.html
2017-12-1331 min
Planetary RadioA Visitor From the Stars: ‘OumuamuaThe 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. Elon Musk has decided on the payload the first Falcon Heavy rocket will carry into space. It’s Musk’s electric sports car, says Bill Nye. The Science Guy talks with Mat Kaplan about several other space stories in the news. India’s next mission to the moon is simply amazing, as Emily Lakdawalla reports. The perfect gift for any young sp...
2017-12-0647 min
Planetary RadioBob Richards of Moon ExpressMoon 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. Sample return and Mars missions would follow. Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye returns with concern for the future capabilities of a Hubble telescope descendant. And Bruce Betts surprises Mat Kaplan with an anniversary celebration that’s fit for the cosmos. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2017/1129-bob-richards-of-moon-express.html
2017-11-2958 min
Planetary RadioCanada Rises…And So Does the SunCanada has a new Space Advisory Board, and The Planetary Society’s Kate Howells is a member. Mat Kaplan also talks with Jeff Kuhn and Thomas Rimmele, two of the scientists working toward completion of the biggest solar telescope in history. Emily Lakdawalla has issued her annual recommendation of books for children. Have you written your #spacehaiku? The Planetary Society is collecting poems from around the world. Bruce and Mat present a few in this week’s What’s Up segment. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2017/1122-howells-dkist.html
2017-11-2232 min
Planetary RadioPlanetary Radio Live on the Eve of the EclipseWith 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. Also at Southern Illinois University Carbondale for the show was the Jenny Johnson Band with its new song, “Solar Eclipse.” Bruce Betts arrives later with a post-eclipse What’s Up report. The guys have found one last rubber asteroid to give away in the space trivia contest. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2017/0830-planetary-radio-live-eclipse.html
2017-08-301h 14
Planetary RadioCassini Project Scientist Linda Spilker’s Last Update Before the Grand FinaleIt’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. Mat also announces a live Cassini celebration on the evening of September 18, 2017. Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan are back from the Great American Eclipse’s path of totality with another What’s Up segment and a new space trivia contest that features the eclipse. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2017/0823-linda-spilker.html
2017-08-2335 min
Planetary RadioEd Stone and Forty Years of Voyager in SpaceIt 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. You’ve got an extra week to enter the space trivia contest, part of this week’s What’s Up segment with Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2017/0816-ed-stone.html
2017-08-1632 min
Planetary RadioPlanetary Radio Live! Living on MarsWill 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. Mat also talked with the six men and women who are nearing the end of the eight-month HI-SEAS V Mars analog mission in Hawaii. Later, Bruce Betts arrived on stage with another examination of the current night sky, along with a new space trivia contest. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio...
2017-07-261h 26
Planetary RadioA Cosmic Voyage with Astronomer Sandra FaberVeteran 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. Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye tells us about his contribution to a conversation about protecting other worlds from aggressive life here on Earth. Bruce Betts takes us to the broiling highlands of Venus and the frigid plains of Mars for the space trivia contest. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2017/0705-sandra-faber.html
2017-07-051h 04Planetary RadioSpace Policy Edition #14 – Ice Giants and Ocean Worlds BeckonA 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.
2017-07-051h 04Planetary RadioSpace Policy Edition #13 – The 2018 White House Budget and Is Mars Exploration in Retrograde?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.
2017-06-021h 10
Planetary RadioBill Nye Saves the World…With SpaceIt 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, Friday, April 21st. 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. Planetary Society Senior Editor Jason Davis marks the beginning of the end for the Cassini mission at Saturn. While Bruce Betts and Mat are fresh out of rubber asteroids, there’s no shor...
2017-04-2634 minPlanetary RadioMcDonald Observatory and the Quest for Dark EnergyThe 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.
2017-04-1948 min
Planetary RadioReady for Space: LightSail 2 UpdateThe 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 including Project Manager Dave Spencer and Society CEO Bill Nye the Science Guy. In addition to his regular What’s Up segment, LightSail Program Manager Bruce Betts provides his assessment of the effort. Casey Dreier reviews the just-announced NASA budget proposal from the Trump Administration. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2017/0320-lightsail-2-update.html
2017-03-2234 min
Planetary RadioPlanetary Radio Live: Near Earth Objects—The Killer Asteroid ThreatLeaders 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. This special episode presents excerpts of that lively discussion with JPL Senior Research Scientist Amy Mainzer, Manager of NASA/JPL’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies Paul Chodas, and NASA’s Planetary Defense Officer Lindley Johnson. Also on stage was Planetary Society Director of Science and Technology Bruce Betts. Bruce stayed for this week’s What’s Up segment. Related links are here: http://www.planetar...
2017-02-221h 38
Planetary RadioRunning Before the Sun: Astronomer Jay PasachoffNo 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. With Emily Lakdawalla away, Mat Kaplan welcomes back Planetary Society Digital Editor Jason Davis. Bill Nye is following major space developments in Europe. Enter the space trivia contest for another shot at winning the award-winning space exploration board game Xtronaut. Related links are here http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2016/1205-jay-pasachoff.html
2016-12-0639 min
Planetary RadioTo Mars! With National GeographicThe 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. It took two years, but Emily Lakdawalla has completed an important visual document focused on Mars rover Opportunity. Bill Nye steps aside for Planetary Society Director of Space Policy Casey Dreier with a look toward Donald Trump’s NASA. One listener will win a spectacular new Pluto globe in the What’s Up space trivia contest. Related links are here http://www...
2016-11-2246 min
Planetary RadioPluto and Titan and Iran, Oh My!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.
2016-11-1536 min
Planetary RadioInside Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwoHost 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. Emily Lakdawalla provides a taste of this busy month throughout the solar system. NASA has reached an important milestone according to Bill Nye the Science Guy. And “The Honeymooners” are Bruce and Mat’s special guests on Whats’ Up. Related links are here http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2016/1107-enrico-palermo-tsc.html
2016-11-0845 min
Planetary RadioMatt Taylor Rocks RosettaLast year it was New Horizons at Pluto. In 2016, the thrilling end of the Rosetta comet mission generated the greatest public interest and enthusiasm. Mat Kaplan talks with Matt Taylor, the Rosetta Project Scientist, just two weeks after the spacecraft touched down on 67/P. Emily says there’s reason for hope and joy after the Schiaparelli crash on Mars. Bill Nye is counting down to the US election. Mat Kaplan and Bruce Betts offer a slightly tardy Halloween edition of What’s Up. Related links are here http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2016/1031-matt-taylor.html
2016-11-0130 minPlanetary RadioAlan Stern and a Triumph at PlutoAlan 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. Emily Lakdawalla and Bruce Betts report in from the DPS meeting, where Bill Nye the Science Guy is heard giving Alan Stern and his team the Society’s Cosmos award. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2016/1024-alan-stern.html
2016-10-2538 min
Planetary RadioRocket Road Trip!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. Emily Lakdawalla has the announcement of new evidence for water plumes on Jupiter’s moon Europa. Bill Nye reports from the International Astronautical Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico. Those cosmic cut-ups, Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan, have a new What’s Up space trivia contest and much more. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2016/0926-rocket-road-trip.html
2016-09-2733 min
Planetary RadioCassini at Saturn: The Final YearThe 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. Emily Lakdawalla introduces us to the wonders of Gaia and its one billion stars. Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan have their usual good time exploring the current night sky and offering another space trivia contest. Bill Nye is away. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2016/0919-cassini-update-linda-spilker.html
2016-09-2029 min
Planetary RadioCould the Soviet Union Have Won the Space Race?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. Emily Lakdawalla prepares us for the launch of OSIRIS REx to asteroid Bennu. Bill Nye looks forward to the great North American total solar eclipse. What the current night sky offers, and a new space trivia contest make this week’s What’s Up segment shine. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2016/0822-soviet-space-race-logsdon.html
2016-08-2346 min
Planetary RadioFighting for Space: Former NASA Deputy Administrator Lori GarverShe 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.
2016-07-0538 min
Planetary RadioPlanetary Radio: Space Policy Edition #2--Why Juno? Why Jupiter? Why Now?This month Jason Callahan, Casey Dreier and Mat Kaplan ask whether the Moon vs. Mars human destination debate makes sense, examine a new report on CubeSats by the National Academies, and explain how a thrilling planetary science mission like Juno gets a thumbs up from NASA.
2016-07-011h 09
Planetary RadioCountdown to JupiterJuno 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. Emily Lakdawalla has the scoop on China’s next lunar mission—a rover on the Moon’s mysterious farside. And a Chinese mission from the past is at the core of this week’s space trivia contest on What’s Up. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2016/0627-scott-bolton-juno.html
2016-06-2840 min
Planetary RadioGetting Humans to MarsThree NASA leaders talk with host Mat Kaplan about the progress we're making toward leaving footprints on the Red Planet.
2016-05-3156 min
Planetary RadioBig Test for LightSail2The 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. Mat Kaplan tells Senior Editor Emily Lakdawalla why he’s a bit frustrated by some media descriptions of the beautiful new Hubble image of Mars. And Bruce returns for the regular What’s Up segment, including a chance to win Offworld Trading Company, the new economic strategy game set on a future Mars. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2016/0523-lightsail-2-ditl.html
2016-05-2429 min
Planetary RadioDream Chaser: The Return of the SpaceplaneWe’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. Emily lets us sample her “What’s Up in the Solar System” May roundup. Bruce Betts helps Mat Kaplan feel better about missing the transit of Mercury. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2016/0509-mark-sirangelo-dream-chaser.html
2016-05-1028 min
Planetary RadioAt Space Symposium with the Leader of the European Space AgencyThe 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. Emily Lakdawalla shows us the moon as you’ve never seen it before. SpaceX is rolling on to Mars according to Bill Nye. Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan learn what a psychopomp has to do with one of our solar system’s most distant worlds. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/plan...
2016-05-0331 min
Planetary RadioA Death Valley Conversation About Life, The Universe and EverythingBeautiful 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. Curiosity has drilled another hole in Mars. Emily Lakdawalla tells us why and where. Someone will win three of Tyler Nordgren’s great posters on this week’s What’s Up segment with Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2016/0425-nordgren-tarter-death-valley.html
2016-04-261h 11
Planetary RadioPlanetary Radio Extra--NASA's 2017 Budget ProposalCasey 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. The outlook for this mostly positive, 700-page proposal is hazy, especially in an extremely volatile election year. You'll hear the good, the bad, and the bewildering in this extended conversation.
2016-02-231h 03Planetary RadioPlanetary Radio Extra: Our Space Policy Experts Analyze NASA's Proposed 2017 BudgetCasey 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.
2016-02-231h 03
Planetary RadioPlanetary Radio Extra: LightSail UpdateThe 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.
2016-02-0921 minPlanetary RadioPlanetary Radio Extra: LightSail UpdateThe 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.
2016-02-0921 min
Planetary RadioCivilizations Among the Clustered Stars?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. Emily Lakdawalla and Bill Nye examine the science and excitement around “Planet 9.” “This Week in Space History” is just one feature of our What’s Up segment with Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan. Related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2016/0125-distefano-globular-cluster-life.html
2016-01-2641 min
Planetary RadioMaster of the Moon Rocks: NASA Astromaterials Curator Francis McCubbinFrancis McCubbin is the new Astromaterials Curator at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where the priceless collection includes the Apollo moonrocks. Join Mat Kaplan’s visit. Emily Lakdawalla reports on Curiosity’s busy and beautiful Mars trek. Bill Nye remembers David Bowie and remarks on the role of space in popular entertainment. Mat and Bruce learn on What’s Up that beer was invented just one year ago. One Sednan year. Photos of the JSC Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation Office and related links are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2016/0111-astromaterials.html
2016-01-1238 min
Planetary RadioAd Astra Builds "The Martian's" Rocket EngineMat 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. An Ad Astra audio tour and photos are here: http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2016/0104-2016_review.html
2016-01-0534 minPlanetary RadioPlanetary Radio Extra: Planetary Society Experts 2015 ReviewBruce 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.
2016-01-051h 01Planetary RadioPlanetary Radio Extra: Ad Astra Rocket Company Audio TourAd 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.
2016-01-0536 minPlanetary RadioPlanetary Radio Extra: Casey Dreier on the 2016 NASA BudgetMat Kaplan sits down with our Director of Advocacy, Casey Dreier, for a discussion of NASA's 2016 budget.
2015-12-2238 min
Planetary RadioPlanetary Deep Drill: Join the Desert Field TestDrilling 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. Emily Lakdawalla has good news from Venus and comet 67/P. Mat returns with Bruce Betts for What’s Up and a special, light-hearted feature celebrating relativity. Learn more about the show here:http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2015/1214-planetary_deep_drill.html
2015-12-1528 minPlanetary RadioField Test: Planetary Deep DrillDrilling 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.
2015-12-1528 min
Planetary Radio12/7/15 Planetary Radio: A Journey To SpaceJourney 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. Emily Lakdawalla, Bill Nye and Bruce Betts celebrate an amazing achievement by the Japanese space agency at Venus. Host Mat Kaplan offers another big holiday prize package in the space trivia contest. More show info is here:http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2015/1207-journey_to_space.html
2015-12-0834 min
Planetary RadioA Tiny Explorer Called TwinkleA small but talented UK team is building Twinkle, a small spacecraft with a big mission—exploring the atmospheres of planets orbiting other stars. Emily Lakdawalla has posted her annual review of children’s books about space. Listen to win a signed copy of Randall Munroe’s “Thinking Big.” Bill Nye talks about good news for would-be asteroid miners, while Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan ponder first words on Mars in What’s Up. More show info is here:http://www.planetary.org/multimedia/planetary-radio/show/2015/1130-twinkle_exoplanet.html
2015-12-0128 min