Shows
WeMartians Podcast135 - A Farewell to InSight (feat. Bruce Banerdt)NASA's InSight mission landed in 2018 and completed its primary mission two years later. From there it pursued an extended mission, gathering as much scientific data as it could before ultimately ending late last year as dust on the solar panels starved it of energy. Dr. Bruce Banerdt, the Principal Investigator for the mission, joins Jake to talk about its legacy and successes, and where we go from here.Follow BruceBruce at JPLFollow Jake & WeMartiansWeMartians.comPatreon (https://www.wemartians.com/support)WeMartians Shop (shop.wemartians.com)Mailing List (https://wemartians.com/signup...
2023-02-0955 min
WeMartians Podcast134 - Blood, Sweat, and Rockets (feat. MG Lord)NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has a storied history of exploration, but if you go back far enough the stories get pretty wild. Its early days feature a gutsy team of rocket engineers blowing up engines in the hills around Pasadena while moonlighting as communists and occultists. This "Suicide Squad" is featured in a new podcast series by MG Lord, and MG joins Jake to talk about it.Follow MG LordBlood Sweat and RocketsMG's WebsiteFollow Jake & WeMartiansWeMartians.comPatreon (https://www.wemartians.com/support)WeMartians Shop (shop.wemartians.com)Mailing List (https://wemartians...
2023-01-2941 min
WeMartians Podcast133 - The State of the Moon (feat. Brendan Byrne and Emilee Speck)Last year saw a successful Artemis 1 flight, the launch of multiple lunar robotic missions, and the continued development of the CLPS program. What's ahead for 2023? Will it continue this string of exciting progress in lunar exploration? Friends of the show and space reporters Brendan Byrne and Emilee Speck join Jake to talk it through.Follow Brendan and EmileeEmilee's Twitter (@ EMSpeck)Fox Weather Earth and SpaceWMFE's Are We There Yet?Follow Jake & WeMartiansWeMartians.comPatreon (https://www.wemartians.com/support)WeMartians Shop (shop.wemartians.com)Mailing List (https://wemartians.com/signup)Twitter (@we_martians...
2023-01-1042 min
WeMartians Podcast132 - Artemis Ahead (feat. Eric Berger)The Artemis I Orion capsule splashed down in the Pacific this week, a triumphant finale to a mission that faced so many challenges getting to launch. With Artemis I behind us, what's ahead for the Artemis program and the road to a lunar landing? Ars Technica journalist Eric Berger joins Jake to talk about the future of the program and the challenges it will face.We Orion, SLS, Starship and ArtemisHere’s why NASA’s Artemis I mission is so rare, and so remarkable - Ars TechnicaAfter the Artemis I mission’s brilliant success, why is an...
2022-12-1335 min
WeMartians Podcast131 - Juno at Europa (feat. Scott Bolton)Juno has been exploring the Jupiter system since 2016, and has taught us a lot about the clouds, the magnetosphere, and the origin of the largest planet in our solar system. Now in its extended mission, it's exploring the Jovian moons in a series of flybys, including a recent pass by Europa. The mission's PI Scott Bolton joins Jake to talk about this flyby, the science results we've gotten, and what's ahead for this intrepid explorer.We talk Juno and EuropaFirst images of EuropaClosest images of Europa from Star trackerJunoCam imagesFollow ScottScott's...
2022-11-0343 min
WeMartians Podcast130 - Voyager at 45 (feat. Linda Spilker)Voyagers 1 and 2 have been exploring our solar system for over 45 years now. Despite the age of their instruments and computers and power source, they continue to deliver scientific data and contribute to present day discovery. Dr. Linda Spilker, who worked on Voyager since its launch, joins Jake to talk about its value today and its legacy tomorrow.We talk Voyager 1 and 2Voyager 1 AACS AnomalyVoyager 45th AnniversaryFollow LindaLinda's Twitter (@LindaSpilker)Follow Jake & WeMartiansWeMartians.comPatreon (https://www.wemartians.com/support)WeMartians Shop (shop.wemartians.com)Mailing List (https://wemartians.com/signup...
2022-10-1838 min
WeMartians Podcast129 - Sailing the Clouds of Venus (feat. Paul Byrne)The clouds of Venus have long been a dream of humans to explore, and at last a mission concept called Phantom could be here to do it! But the road ahead for this idea is neither straight nor easy. Paul Byrne joins Jake to talk about how it will help us understand the solar system, and why it might not even get the chance to compete for a spot.We talk Phantom and New Frontiers 5Twitter Thread about PhantomNew Frontiers 5 Community Announcement - Tell NASA what you thinkFollow PaulPaul's Twitter (@ThePlanetaryGuy)...
2022-10-0445 min
WeMartians Podcast128 - Time TravellingNASA's SLS rocket has been in development for over a decade and at last was ready to take off from the Space Coast. But leaks and other technical problems thwarted it on its first attempts. Jake travelled to Florida to see it and reports on how it went, and how weaknesses in the program's architecture don't end at lift off.We talk the Space Launch System1st Scrub - Space News2nd Scrub - Space NewsYears after shuttle, NASA rediscovers the perils of liquid hydrogen - Ars TechnicaWe got a leaked look at NASA’s future Mo...
2022-09-1932 min
WeMartians Podcast127 - Checking in on CLPS (feat. Anthony Colangelo)The Commercial Lunar Payload Services Program (CLPS) began in 2018 with the promise of bootstrapping a new, inexpensive lunar delivery economy; it was to be a pathway for lunar science to the Moon's surface. Since then, a handful of companies have been racing to get the first launches off, but it hasn't all been smooth sailing. Main Engine Cut Off's Anthony Colangelo joins Jake to talk about their progress, and what we should keep an eye on as the first launches approach.We talk Commercial Lunar Payload ServicesMasten files for BankruptcyDraper wins CLPS task orderVIPER Delayed...
2022-08-0946 min
WeMartians Podcast126 - Ten Years of Being Curious (feat. Abigail Fraeman)Curiosity landed on Mars ten years ago and has been exploring Gale Crater ever since. After achieving its primary mission, it's embarked on a series of extended missions to continue to unravel mysteries in the rocks. Deputy Project Scientist for the mission Abigail Fraeman joins Jake to talk about her favourite moments and to discuss what comes next for the impressive rover.We talk Curiosity and MarsCuriosity Mission UpdatesFollow Abby and CuriosityAbby’s Twitter (@abbyfrae)Curiosity Mission UpdatesWhere is CuriosityFollow Jake & WeMartiansWeMartians.comPatreon (https://www.wemartians.com/su...
2022-07-2742 min
WeMartians Podcast125 - Spiralling Down to Mercury (feat. Lina Hadid)BepiColombo, a joint mission between ESA and JAXA, is on a long meandering journey to Mercury. Last month, it made its 2nd of six flybys of the innermost planet, spiralling its trajectory down to a place where it can enter orbit. Lina Hadid, a space plasma physicist from the Laboratoire de Physique des Plasma in Paris, joins Jake to talk about the flyby campaigns, what science we can do on them, and how we're warming up for the big show.We talk Mercury and BepiColomboScience Opportunities of BepiColombo's Cruise PhaseFollow LinaLina's...
2022-07-1236 min
WeMartians Podcast124 - The Future of the Mars Program (feat. Scott Hubbard)For two decades, the modern Mars program has been sending spacecraft almost every launch window to Mars, and we have Scott Hubbard to thank for much of that. As the first director of the Mars Program, he instituted much of the paradigm we have today. But with Mars Sample Return on the horizon, Scott joins Jake to talk about how things are changing and what it means for the future.We talk Mars Sample Return and the Mars ProgramPlanetary Science Decadal Survey 2023-2032The MASWG ReportWeMartians Coverage of the MASWG ReportFollow Scott...
2022-06-2846 min
WeMartians Podcast123 - A Moon-Sized Opportunity (feat. Brett Denevi)NASA is headed to the Moon in more ways than one. A coalition of human spaceflight, planetary science, and commercialization advocates stand to make an exciting decade of Lunar exploration. But such a collaboration does not come easy, and there's lot of work to get done before we execute it. Planetary Scientist Brett Denevi joins Jake to talk about the opportunities, the challenges, and the incredible science that awaits.We talk NASA and the MoonPlanetary Science Decadal Survey 2023-2032The Endurance Rover studyAll the Mission Concept Studies from the DecadalFollow BrettBrett's...
2022-06-1548 min
WeMartians Podcast122 - Uranus Awaits (feat. Amy Simon)Last month, the new Planetary Science Decadal Survey was released and recommended as its top flagship mission a Uranus Orbiter and Probe. It's been 36 years since we last visited the Ice Giant, and now the science community is ready to take a closer look. Dr. Amy Simon from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center joins Jake to talk about the mission, how it works, and why it's so important to understand the Ice Giants.We talk Uranus, Orbiters and ProbesPlanetary Science Decadal Survey 2023-2032The full Uranus Orbiter and Probe StudyAll the Mission Concept Studies from...
2022-05-2434 min
WeMartians Podcast121 - The Decadal Survey Part 2 (feat. Casey Dreier)Every ten years, the National Academies convenes an extraordinary survey of the planetary science community to produce a recommendation for NASA on what to prioritize in planetary exploration for the next decade. It's a remarkable endeavour to scientifically and democratically determine a consensus on questions, priorities and methods used to explore the planets. Casey Dreier, Chief Advocate of the Planetary Society, joins Jake in an epic two part podcast series to discuss everything the report contains and how it will affect planetary science to come.We talk Findings and Recommendations of the Planetary Science Decadal Survey...
2022-05-0349 min
WeMartians Podcast120 - The Decadal Survey Part 1 (feat. Casey Dreier)Every ten years, the National Academies convenes an extraordinary survey of the planetary science community to produce a recommendation for NASA on what to prioritize in planetary exploration for the next decade. It's a remarkable endeavour to scientifically and democratically determine a consensus on questions, priorities and methods used to explore the planets. Casey Dreier, Chief Advocate of the Planetary Society, joins Jake in an epic two part podcast series to discuss everything the report contains and how it will affect planetary science to come.We talk Findings and Recommendations of the Planetary Science Decadal Survey...
2022-05-0358 min
WeMartians Podcast119 - Cryovolcanism on Pluto (feat. Kelsi Singer)New Horizons flew past Pluto in 2015 but work continues on discovering its secrets. One area of study is the activity of so called cryovolcanoes, icy mounds spewing liquidy water and reshaping Pluto's surface. Dr. Kelsi Singer, deputy project scientist for New Horizons, joins Jake to talk about her recent paper on the subject.We talk Pluto, cryovolcanoes and subsurface oceansKelsi's Paper on CryovolcanoesNew York Times coverage of the paperFollow Kelsi and New HorizonsKelsi's TwitterNew Horizons SiteFollow Jake & WeMartiansWeMartians.comPatreon (https://www.wemartians.com/support)WeMartians Shop (shop...
2022-04-1936 min
WeMartians Podcast118 - Planetary Exploration at Rocket Lab (feat. Peter Beck)Rocket Lab is about more than just rockets. With their Photon bus, they can provide an end to end platform service to enable low-cost planetary exploration to multiple destinations. With flights coming up to the Moon, Venus and Mars, they've become an important player in the planetary exploration space. CEO Peter Beck joins Jake to talk about their approach and why it's important.We talk Rockets, Planets, and MoreRocket Lab to fly NASA mission CAPSTONE to the MoonRocket Lab to fly private mission to VenusRocket Lab to enable EscaPADE to MarsRocket Lab Solar Panels to...
2022-04-0535 min
WeMartians Podcast117 - Back to Venus (LPSC 2022)Since the last time the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference was held in person, the Venus community went from 0 to 3 missions on the books. Their energy at the conference was electric, and Jake catches up with people working on all three of the missions to find out how they're preparing for this sudden resurgence in study, and how VERITAS, EnVision, and DAVINCI will help us uncover the fascinating mysteries of the 2nd planet.We talk Venus, VERITAS, EnVision and DAVINCI.NASA selects VERITAS and DAVINCIESA selects EnVisionFollow Sue, Thomas and MargaretSue's TwitterThomas's...
2022-03-2233 min
WeMartians Podcast116 - China and the Planets (feat. Andrew Jones)China has recently released a white paper outlining the next five years in spaceflight and it includes some interesting plans for the exploration of the planets. From lunar ambitions to Martian ones, Jupiter and beyond, China has big sights set. Andrew Jones returns to the show to talk about these plans and what China hopes to accomplish.We talk Zhurong, Chang'e, and the Chinese National Space AdministrationFirst sample attempt fails (August)Follow AndrewAndrew's TwitterAndrew's Author page on SpaceNews[Andrew's Author page on Planetary.org[(https://www.planetary.org/profiles/andrew-jones)Follow...
2022-03-0850 min
WeMartians Podcast115 - Pieces of Mars (feat. Avi Okon)The Perseverance rover has been exploring Mars for over a year now, and in that time it has collected six different rock cores. But these cores did not come easy, and Mars has thrown more than a couple curveballs at the rover operations team during this time. JPL's Avi Okon joins Jake to talk about these challenges, and how the sample caching system has performed throughout the first year.We talk Perseverance, Drills, and Rock SamplesFirst sample attempt fails (August)More on attempt 1Assessing sample attempt 7 (January)Rotating the bit to eject broken sampleEjecting last...
2022-02-2250 min
WeMartians Podcast114 - New Beginnings for MAVEN (feat. Shannon Curry)NASA's MAVEN spacecraft is about to embark on its 5th extended mission observing the atmosphere of Mars, at a time when the sun's activity reaches a peak. The new PI for the mission, Dr. Shannon Curry, joins Jake to talk about this new mission, why it's so exciting, and how the work MAVEN is doing contributes to the overall exploration of our solar system.We talk MAVEN, Mars, and the SunMAVEN submits its EM5 reviewLow-cost Science Mission Concepts for Mars ExplorationFollow ShannonMAVEN's TwitterMAVEN PlaylistShannon's TwitterFollow Jake & WeMartiansWeMartians...
2022-02-0846 min
WeMartians Podcast113 - What Makes a Planet (feat. Phil Metzger)In 2006, the IAU voted to define "Planet" in a way that had a profound impact on planetary science, most notably with regards to Pluto. But what is the story behind this decision, and why is it important to the field of exploration? Dr Phil Metzger joins Jake to talk about his new paper covering the very subject, and explains the context behind culture and science's different views on the subject.We talk Pluto, Planets, and TaxonomyMoons are planets: Scientific usefulness versus cultural teleology in the taxonomy of planetary science (Phil's Paper)Follow Phil...
2022-01-2550 min
WeMartians Podcast112 - Artemis in 2022 (feat. Brendan Byrne and Emilee Speck)NASA's flagship human spaceflight program Artemis got through a tough 2021 and has a challenging 2022 ahead of it. Space reporters Brendan Byrne and Emilee Speck join Jake to talk about these challenges, and what we're excited to cover in the year to come.We talk Artemis, SLS, Starship, and AstronautsWhite House endorses ArtemisNASA awards SpaceX Human Landing System ContractGAO denies Blue Origin Protest of HLS AwardFederal Court dismisses Blue Origin lawsuit for HLS AwardSpaceX lands SN10 only to have it exposedSpaceX successfully lands SN15Green run aborts earlySLS Fully StackedComplex Launch Constraints for SLSSLS Engine Controller...
2022-01-1143 min
WeMartians PodcastThere's More to ExploreJake talks about the decision to start covering more than just Mars in 2022.Follow Jake & WeMartiansWeMartians.comPatreon (https://www.wemartians.com/support)WeMartians Shop (shop.wemartians.com)Mailing List (https://wemartians.com/signup)Twitter (@we_martians)Jake’s Twitter (@JakeOnOrbit)Off-Nominal PodcastMarsti.meMarsti.meLearn about time on Mars! See live mission clocks, learn about sols and Mars years and solar longitude, and discover your Martian birthday! Visit Marsti.me, a new site from Jake.Tharsis Planetary ParkCelebrate Mariner 9's 50th anniversary with the Tharsis Planetary Pa...
2022-01-0404 min
WeMartians PodcastRed Planet Review - Jan 1, 2022In this free episode of Red Planet Review, Jakes keeps you up to date on Perseverance's new sample, Curiosity's holiday break, and the regulatory process for SpaceX big new rocket.HeadlinesFAA delays Starship Environmental Review CompletionPerseverance UpdateBlog on the Jezero Geology2021 in Samples - PerseveranceRobine with SuperCam rastersNew Perseverance SampleWhere is Perseverance?Curiosity UpdateSols 3333-3343Sols 3344-3346Sol 3330 360 panoramaWhere is Curiosity?Follow Jake & WeMartiansWeMartians.comPatreon (https://www.wemartians.com/support)WeMartians Shop (shop.wemartians.com)Mailing List (https://wemartians.com/signup)Twitter (@we_martians)Jake’s Twitter (@JakeOnOrbit)Off-Nominal PodcastMarsti.meMa...
2022-01-0110 min
WeMartians Podcast2021 Holiday ContentHi there, Martians!The holidays are here and we're on our break until the new year, but I don't want you to be without content! Listen in to some info about two other shows you can check out: Off-Nominal and Red Planet Review.ContentOff-NominalRed Planet ReviewFollow Jake & WeMartiansWeMartians.comPatreon (https://www.wemartians.com/support)WeMartians Shop (shop.wemartians.com)Mailing List (https://wemartians.com/signup)Twitter (@we_martians)Jake’s Twitter (@JakeOnOrbit)Off-Nominal PodcastMarsti.meMarsti.meLearn about time on Mars! See live mission clocks, le...
2021-12-1404 min
WeMartians Podcast111 - Space Genes (feat. Chris Mason)Space is a dangerous and challenging environment for the human body, but we're not completely helpless against it. One way to adapt ourselves to space is to unlock the power of the human gene. Geneticist Dr Chris Mason joins Jake to talk about his book The Next 500 Years where he lays out the science behind gene therapy and how it can help us leave Earth to Mars and beyond.We talk humans, genes and spaceThe Next 500 YearsFollow ChrisMason Lab WebsiteChris's TwitterFollow Jake & WeMartiansWeMartians.comPatreon (https://www.wemartians...
2021-12-0831 min
WeMartians Podcast110 - The Ancient Floods of Mars (feat. Tim Goudge)Mars' river valleys are an iconic feature, formed billions of years ago in a different climate. Planetary Scientist Tim Goudge joins Jake to talk about how they were formed, and how one such formation method may have been more important than we once thought.We talk Mars river valley networkTim's PaperCoverage of Tim's PaperFollow TimUT Planetary Surface Processes GroupTim's TwitterFollow Jake & WeMartiansWeMartians.comPatreon (https://www.wemartians.com/support)WeMartians Shop (shop.wemartians.com)Mailing List (https://wemartians.com/signup)Twitter (@we_martians)Jake’s Twitter (@JakeOnOrbit)Off-Nominal Po...
2021-11-2344 min
WeMartians Podcast109 - Remembering Mariner 9 (feat. William K. Hartmann)Fifty years ago this month, the Mariner 9 mission became the first spacecraft to orbit another planet beyond Earth. It created the first global map of Mars and set the course for Martian exploration for the next five decades. Dr. William K Hartmann was a co-investigator on the mission and wrote the book The New Mars: Discoveries of Mariner 9, and he joins Jake to talk about the impact this mission has, even today.We talk Mariner 9NSSDC Profile for Mariner 9Follow BillBill's Profile at Planetary Science InstituteBill's space-inspired paintingsFollow Jake & WeMartians...
2021-11-0955 min
WeMartians Podcast108 - Space, UAE, and the World (feat. Sarwat Nasir)The UAE started their space agency in 2014 and have accelerated at a remarkable pace since then, including putting their first orbiter around Mars this year. The work continues with new mission announcements, astronaut selections and more. Dubai-based space journalist Sarwat Nasir joins Jake to report on Expo 2021 and IAC 2021, two back to back space conferences happening in the UAE.We talk UAE, Space and the WorldThe Hope Mission Data PortalUAE and Israel Co-operate on BeresheetSpace is the UAE's most promising sectorUAE to launch asteroid missionFollow SarwatSarwat's Publications at the National NewsSarwat...
2021-10-2634 min
WeMartians Podcast107 - Perseverance in Conjunction (feat. Vivian Sun)The Perseverance Rover has been operating for over 200 sols already. It's travelled far with the help of the Ingenuity helicopter and is already delivering great science, including acquiring its first rock sample. NASA JPL's Vivian Sun joins Jake to talk about the mission's successes and failures, and what we can expect from it next.We talk Perseverance RoverWith First Martian Samples Packed, Perseverance initiates Remarkable Sample Return CampaignPerseverance Team BlogFollow VivianVivian's WebsiteFollow Jake & WeMartiansWeMartians.comPatreon (https://www.wemartians.com/support)WeMartians Shop (shop.wemartians.com)Mailing List...
2021-10-1343 min
WeMartians Podcast100 - Zhurong Rover on Mars (feat. Andrew Jones)The Chinese National Space Administration's Tianwen-1 mission made history this month when its Zhurong rover landed safely in Utopia Planitia, Mars. Space journalist Andrew Jones joins Jake to talk about the landing process, the surface operations, and what effect this mission's success will have on space domestically in China and abroad.We talk Tianwen-1 and Zhurong RoverZhurong lands safely in Utopia PlanitiaZhurong rolls onto surfaceFollow AndrewAndrew's Profile at SpaceNewsAndrew's Profile at Space.comAndrew on Twitter (@AJ_FI)Follow Jake & WeMartiansWeMartians.comPatreon (https://www.wemartians.com/support)WeMartians Shop...
2021-05-2539 min
WeMartians Podcast99 - A SpaceX Moon Lander for Artemis (feat. Casey Dreier)NASA has selected SpaceX's Starship to receive the sole award to take NASA astronauts to the surface of the Moon for the Artemis program. It's a non-traditional choice for NASA, and The Planetary Society's Chief Advocate Casey Dreier joins Jake to talk about what this means going forward for NASA and space exploration.We talk SpaceX Starship and ArtemisCasey's Writeup on the Lander selectionPlanetary Radio's Space Policy Edition on StarshipFollow Casey DreierCasey's Profile at the Planetary SocietyCasey on Twitter (@CaseyDreier)The Space Advocate NewsletterFollow Jake & WeMartiansWeMartians.comPatreon...
2021-05-1148 min
WeMartians Podcast98 - Ingenuity Takes Flight (feat. Teddy Tzanetos)NASA made history this week as it flew Ingenuity, the Mars Helicopter, for the first time. The small technology demonstrator is the first powered aircraft to fly on another planet. JPL engineer Teddy Tzanetos joins Jake to talk about how it works, how it came together, and what he hopes its success does for space exploration.We talk Ingenuity the Mars HelicopterIngenuity succeeds at first flightIngenuity succeeds at second flightIngenuity succeeds at third flightPotential Science that could be done with a Mars HelicopterMars Helicopter Design ConceptsFollow Teddy TzanetosTeddy's profile at JPL
2021-04-2745 min
WeMartians Podcast97 - The Future of Mars Exploration (feat. Bruce Jakosky)As NASA embarks on a journey to return samples from Mars, the Mars Program faces a challenge maintaining a diverse portfolio of spacecraft alongside the cost of its flagship missions. Planetary Scientist and MAVEN Principal Investigator Bruce Jakosky chaired the Mars Architecture Strategy Working Group and was tasked with helping NASA figure out how to solve it. He joins Jake to talk about how we can keep exploring the whole planet while focusing so many resources into samples.We talk Mars Exploration Program at NASAThe MASWG ReportSpaceNews coverage of the MASWG reportFollow Bruce...
2021-04-2040 min
WeMartians Podcast96 - LPSC 2021This year, the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference goes virtual, and Jake reports "live" to catch up on mission updates and science themes. Scientists Sabrina Khan, Alyssa Pascuzzo, and Eva Scheller join Jake to report some interesting results from Mars.We talk Mars Planetary Science2020 LPSC Cancellation2020 Virtual LPSC Podcast Poster Session Part 12020 Virtual LPSC Podcast Poster Session Part 2Sabrina's AbstractAlyssa's AbstractNYT coverage of Eva's StudyEva's PaperFollow Sabrina, Alyssa and EvaSabrina TwitterAlyssa TwitterEva TwitterFollow Jake & WeMartiansWeMartians.comPatreon (https://www.wemartians.com/support)WeMartians Shop (shop.wemartians.com)Mailing...
2021-03-3036 min
WeMartians Podcast95 - Big Rocket Roundup (feat. Anthony Colangelo)The next two years could see multiple new heavy lift rockets enter the space world, bringing with them the capability to send bigger and better payloads to the Moon, Mars and beyond. Main Engine Cut Off Podcast host Anthony Colangelo joins Jake to catch us up on the latest developments in SLS, New Glenn, Vulcan and Starship.We talk Big RocketsSLS Green Run CoverageVulcan Pathfinder Arrives at the CapeNew Glenn Delays, Launchpad UpdatesStarship SN10 FlightFollow Anthony and Main Engine Cut OffAnthony TwitterMain Engine Cut Off TwitterMain Engine Cut Off Website...
2021-03-1650 min
WeMartians Podcast94 - Guiding Perseverance to the Ground (feat. Swati Mohan)NASA landed its 9th successful surface mission and 5th rover on Mars, Perseverance. To place is safely in the treacherous Jezero Crater, Perseverance used two new technologies: Range Trigger and Terrain Relative Navigation. Mars 2020 Guidance, Navigation and Controls Operations Lead Swati Mohan joins Jake to talk about these technologies and how they did their job so well.We talk Perseverance Entry, Descent, and LandingIncredible Perseverance EDL FootageFollow Swati and Mars 2020Swati TwitterMars 2020 TwitterMars 2020 WebsiteSwati's profile on the Mars 2020 WebsiteFollow Jake & WeMartiansWeMartians.comPatreon (https://www.wemartians.com/support)WeMartians...
2021-03-0242 min
WeMartians Podcast93 - WeMartians Live - Mars 2020 Perseverance Lands on MarsWe talk the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover LandingWeMartians Live Video StreamJPL Raw Feed - Mission Control Audio OnlyJezero Crater Mineralogy MapLanding Ellipses at MarsEDL Footage - HDFollow Tanya and our GuestsTanya Twitter (@TanyaOfMars)For All Mankind BookDebarati Twitter (@SpaceWicca)Mike Twitter (@MikeSeibert)Follow Jake & WeMartiansWeMartians.comPatreon (https://www.wemartians.com/support)WeMartians Shop (shop.wemartians.com)Mailing List (https://wemartians.com/signup)Twitter (@we_martians)Jake’s Twitter (@JakeOnOrbit)Off-Nominal PodcastWeMartians Season 5 Mission Patches Now AvailableCelebrate the arrival of Hope, Tianwen-1 and Perseverance with our Season 5 Mi...
2021-02-231h 07
WeMartians Podcast92 - Hope Arrives at Mars (feat. Sarah Al Amiri)The United Arab Emirates Space Agency became the first Arab nation to send an interplanetary probe to Mars this week. Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, UAE Space Agency Chair and Hope Science Lead Sarah Al Amiri joins Jake to talk about the spacecraft's arrival, what's next, and what it means for the UAE and the world.We talk Mars HopeHope enters orbit around MarsFirst image of Mars from HopeFollow Sarah and the UAE Space AgencyMars Hope TwitterUAE Space Agency TwitterSarah Al Amiri TwitterMars Hope WebsiteFollow Jake & WeMartians...
2021-02-1632 min
WeMartians Podcast91 - Canadarm3 (feat. Ken Podwalski)NASA's Lunar Gateway is an international partnership that plans to put a small station in orbit around the Moon in 2024. Canada, the first country to join the program, will contribute a next-generation robotic arm to facilitate the station's work - Canadarm3. Ken Podwalski, Gateway Program Manager at the Canadian Space Agency, joins Jake to talk about the arm, it's role at Gateway, and Canada's plans for the future in space.We talk Canadarm3 and GatewayCanada becomes first nation to sign on to GatewayMDA awarded Candarm3 ContractCanada to send astronauts to the Moon with NASA...
2021-02-0243 min
WeMartians Podcast90 – Volcanos on Mars (feat. Davitia James)Much like Earth, Mars is a volcanic world and is home to the largest volcanos in the solar system. But it's activity has quieted since its early eras and volcanism on Mars today is quite different than what we have here on Earth. Planetary Vulcanologist Davitia James joins Jake to talk about the similarities and differences of these volcanos, and what else we need to learn about them.We talk volcanos on MarsRecent activity in Cerberus FossaeThe Eastern CaribbeanFollow DavitiaDavitia's Twitter Account (@VolcanoDavi)Montserrat Volcano Observatory (Facebook)Seismic Research Centre at...
2021-01-1935 min
WeMartians Podcast89 – Five Years of WeMartians (feat. Brendan Byrne and Emilee Speck)Five years ago, WeMartians debuted its first episode. We've learned a lot since then, both in how the space world works, and how podcasts work, too! Space reporters and friends of the show Brendan Byrne and Emilee Speck join Jake to have a bit of a humorous look back at the first podcast and how far everything has come.We talk Five Years of the WeMartians PodcastThe First WeMartians Podcast, January 20th, 2016Follow Brendan and EmileeEmilee Speck's Twitter (@EMSpeck)ClickOrlando.com (Space)Space Curious PodcastBrendan Byrne's Twitter (@SpaceBrendan)WMFE Orlando (Space)Are...
2021-01-0543 min
WeMartians Podcast88 – Lunar Science’s Next Giant Leap (feat. Renee Weber)NASA is getting serious about sending people back to the Moon. And when the Artemis program lands on the surface, there’s a whole world of science to uncover. Renee Weber from NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center joins Jake to talk about her new report on what NASA should prioritize when it finally sends astronauts back.
We talk Artemis and Lunar Science
Moon Trek
Artemis Science Definition Team releases report
The Report
Follow Renee and Artemis
Renee’s Twitter (@moonshakes)
Profile on Renee at NASA
Follow Jake & WeMartians
Website (www.wemartians.com)
P...
2020-12-1541 min
WeMartians PodcastGoingPro Updates & Red Planet Review – Dec 5th, 2020It’s the end of the year, and traditionally around this time we ask for support from you, the listener, as we continue to produce space content on this podcast every month! WeMartians is entirely listener-funded, and as I noted about year ago this month, I’ve begun #GoingPro by making changes in my life in pursuit of creating space content full time. None of that is possible without you!
And so as we kick off our December drive to gather support, it’s a great time to showcase one of the perks of being a Patron!
...
2020-12-0520 min
WeMartians Podcast87 – HALO (feat. Michael Staab)NASA is building a new outpost at the Moon called the Lunar Gateway. It’s a place for science but also a place to stage lunar activities like landings on the surface. Michael Staab from Northrop Grumman joins us to talk about the core module of Gateway, HALO, and what we can expect from it when it gets there.
We talk HALO and Lunar Gateway
NASA Awards Northrop Grumman contract for HALO
Recent plans for HALO
Follow Michael and HALO
NASA’s Lunar Gateway site
Michael’s Twitter (@AstroStaab)
Michael’s LinkedIn
Follow Jake & W...
2020-12-0142 min
WeMartians Podcast86 – Equitable Design (feat. Kavya Manyapu)As more and more human spaceflight vehicles enter service, and more and more people have access to spaceflight, the need to design vehicles to accommodate different kinds of passengers becomes more and more important. Kavya Manyapu, a spacesuit engineer on Boeing’s Starliner program, joins Jake to talk about equitable design, and the challenges and payoffs of pursuing it.
We talk spacesuits and equitable design
Boeing Suit unveiling
Follow Kavya and Boeing’s Starliner
Kavya’s Wikipedia
Profile on Kavya in Rocket Women
Kavya’s appearance on Space4U Podcast
Boeing Starliner Site
Boeing Future U...
2020-11-1037 min
WeMartians Podcast85 – Vera Rubin Ridge (feat. Abigail Fraeman)In early 2019, NASA’s Curiosity Rover wrapped up a year-long chapter in its mission exploring Vera Rubin Ridge, an elevated rocky plateau with high iron content. Many months later, we’re starting to see the science results roll in. JPL’s Abigail Fraeman, the Deputy Project Scientist for the mission and campaign leader for the ridge chapter, joins Jake to talk about what we learned about the ridge, and how it surprised us.
We talk Vera Rubin Ridge on Mars
A view of Vera Rubin Ridge from Curiosity as it climbed up
Vera Rubin Ridge from orbit...
2020-10-2042 min
WeMartians Podcast84 – The Mars Underground (feat. Charity Phillips-Lander)The surface of Mars has been a subject of repeated exploration, from both in orbit and in situ. But this exploration is only skin-deep, and a growing community of scientists are calling on NASA to explore the Mars underground. Charity Phillips-Lander joins Jake to talk about this exciting world underground and how she thinks we might have a chance to learn about it with a mission concept called MACIE.
We talk Subterranean Exploration of Mars
Visions and Voyages – Planetary Decadal Survey, 2013-2023
New Decadal Survey Page
The MACIE Concept Page
MACIE White Paper
Follow Charity Ph...
2020-10-0638 min
WeMartians Podcast83 – Humans to Mars 2020The annual Humans to Mars summit went virtual this year, and WeMartians stopped by to listen in on the discussions about getting humans to Mars. From life support to surface power, politics, and medicine, the summit covers a wide variety of topics. Guests Shawna Pandya, Robyn Gatens, Michelle Munk, Lee Mason, Marcia Smith and Chris Carberry join Jake to see where we’re at in this long-term plan.
Humans to Mars Summit
Explore Mars website
This year’s Humans to Mars Summit Agenda
Follow Explore Mars and our Guests
Explore Mars on Twitter
Shawna Pand...
2020-09-0855 min
WeMartians Podcast82 – WeMartians Live – Mars 2020 Perseverance LaunchIn the first ever WeMartians live video webcast, Jake is joined by co-host Tanya Harrison and special guests Alexandra Pontefract, Nathan Williams, and Phillip Hargrove to experience the launch of the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover.
Mars 2020 Perseverance
Video Version of this Webcast
NASA successfully launches Mars 2020
Follow our Guests
Tanya Harrison Twitter (@TanyaOfMars)
Alexandra Pontefract (@astrobio_alex)
Phillip Hargrove Twitter (@FlightMastrPhil)
Main Engine Cut Off (@WeHaveMECO)
Follow Jake & WeMartians
Website (www.wemartians.com)
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Jake’s...
2020-08-041h 15
WeMartians Podcast81 – A Probe Called Hope (feat. the Mars Hope team)It’s the Summer of Mars, and in between the larger space agencies of the United States and China vying to put the next rover on the surface, a small, upstart space agency in the United Arab Emirates is also looking to make their mark. Team members Mohsen Al Awadhi, Hessa Rashid Al Matroushi and Ayesha Al Sharafi from the UAE’s Mars Hope mission join Jake to talk about their successful launch and what they hope this mission will say to the people of the UAE and the world.
Mars Hope
Mars Hope launches Successfully
F...
2020-07-2940 min
WeMartians Podcast79 – Preparing for a Martian Launch (feat. Tory Bruno)NASA’s Mars2020 Rover is set to launch this summer on an Atlas V rocket from the United Launch Alliance. But it is no trivial payload, and a lot of work goes into preparing a rocket for this kind of journey. ULA’s CEO Tory Bruno joins Jake to talk about those preparations as they get close to this historic mission.
We talk Atlas V and Perseverance
Atlas V assembly begins
The Mars2020 Website
NASA Perseverance Rover Twitter
Follow Tory
Tory on Twitter (@ToryBruno)
ULA’s Website
ULA Twitter (@ULALaunch)
Follow Jake & WeMartians
W...
2020-06-0249 min
WeMartians Podcast78 – The Quest for a Piece of Mars (feat. Chris Herd)NASA’s Mars2020 Rover is set to launch this summer to kick off an intense series of missions set to bring back a sample from Mars. But retrieving these samples is no small task. The University of Alberta’s Chris Herd, member of the Project Science Group for the mission, joins Jake to discuss Mars samples and all the challenges that go into getting them home.
We talk Sample Science for Mars2020 Perseverance
Chris named to Project Science Group
The Mars2020 Website
NASA Perseverance Rover Twitter
Mars helicopter named Ingenuity
Follow Chris
Chris on Twit...
2020-05-1939 min
WeMartians Podcast77 – Persevering through ATLO (feat. Christina Hernandez)The ATLO phase of a planetary mission (Assembly, Test and Launch Operations) is the most intense of any part of its development. Amid a global pandemic, Perseverance’s time at it is even more remarkable. NASA JPL’s Christina Hernandez, a systems engineer on the rover team, joins us to talk about what it’s like getting a flagship mission out the door and to the launch pad.
We talk ATLO for Mars2020 Perseverance
The Mars2020 Website
NASA Perseverance Rover Twitter
Follow Christina
Christina on Twitter (@estrellasycafe)
Astronucelart Instagram Account
Follow Jake & WeMartians
W...
2020-05-0536 min
WeMartians Podcast76 – A New Science Paradigm (feat. Elizabeth Frank)For a long time, planetary science missions have been the exclusive domain of space agencies like NASA. But in the 21st century, things are changing, and commercial actors are increasingly involving themselves not just as suppliers to governments, but as mission leaders themselves. Elizabeth Frank from First Mode joins Jake to talk about a new paradigm for planetary science.
We talk Government, Industry, and Planetary Science
Elizabeth’s rejected LPSC abstract
Follow Elizabeth
Elizabeth on Twitter (@efrankplanetary)
Elizabeth’s Website
First Mode
Follow Jake & WeMartians
Website (www.wemartians.com)
Patreon (www.patreon.com...
2020-04-2149 min
WeMartians Podcast75 – Virtual LPSC (Part 2)The annual Lunar and Planetary Science Conference is the premier gathering for planetary scientists worldwide. But, like many events, it was cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. We’ve covered it every year, and despite viral concerns, this year is no different. We speak with six planetary scientists about the work they were going to present by creating a virtual, simulated audio poster session. Stop step in, grab a drink, and learn about some cool space science.
We Mars Planetary Science and LPSC
Corbin Kling (@planetarydrone)
Abstract on Noctis Labyrinthus
Justin Cowart (@jccwrt)
Abstract on...
2020-04-0245 min
WeMartians Podcast74 – Virtual LPSC (Part 1)The annual Lunar and Planetary Science Conference is the premier gathering for planetary scientists worldwide. But, like many events, it was cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. We’ve covered it every year, and despite viral concerns, this year is no different. We speak with six planetary scientists about the work they were going to present by creating a virtual, simulated audio poster session. Stop step in, grab a drink, and learn about some cool space science.
We Mars Planetary Science and LPSC
Joe Levy (@colddirt)
Abstract on Glaciers and Boulders
Frances Butcher (@fegbutcher)
Ab...
2020-03-3151 min
WeMartians Podcast73 – Moving ExoMars (feat. Natalie Panek)The ExoMars mission will be Europe’s first Mars rover, and when it drives off the platform on Mars to begin operating, it will do so on chassis and wheels made in Canada. Natalie Panek from MDA joins Jake to talk about the Rosalind Franklin’s mobility system, and how the rover will move around on the Red Planet.
We talk Rover Mobility Systems
Wheel walking Tests
More Wheel Walking!
Video shows deployment sequence of wheels and rover (you can also hear the clinking sounds of the metal treads)
Follow Natalie
Natalie on Twitter (@nmpa...
2020-03-1731 min
WeMartians Podcast72 – Taking Stock of Planetary Protection (feat. Wendy Calvin)Planetary Protection is the framework by which we protect the worlds we explore from our own environment, and Earth from the worlds we explore. And while it’s purpose is important, its specifics can get out of sync as we learn more about science, technology, and when our priorities for exploration and development of space change. Dr. Wendy Calvin, a member of the Planetary Protection Independent Review Board, joins Jake to talk about her assessment of the current policies and the recommendations they made to NASA.
We talk Planetary Protection
The PPIRB Report
Follow Wendy
2020-02-2544 min
WeMartians PodcastAsk me Anything! – Patreon Milestone EpisodeIn December we launched our #GoingPro campaign and you, the listeners, really stepped up! We hit our 200 patron milestone with hours to spare. And that means Jake’s on the hook for an Ask Me Anything podcast! So here it is.
Patrons from around the world submitted questions and we’ve asked Anthony Colangelo from Main Engine Cut Off and Off-Nominal to come by and read them. It is a fun filled episode with questions spanning space and non-space areas.
Thanks so much for your support in this endeavour. We hope you have fun listening.
2020-02-0447 min
WeMartians Podcast71 – Martian Dust Towers (feat. Nick Heavens)Dust is ubiquitous on Mars, and the way it moves around can be quite unique. While the global dust storm might be Mars most recognizable dusty weather pattern, the Dust Tower can be equally interesting. Planetary scientist Nick Heavens joins Jake to talk about these massive structures lifting dust into the upper atmosphere and leaking water in to space.
We Mars missions, Artemis, and Commercial Crew
Nick’s Paper on Martian Dust Towers
Follow up by the ExoMars NOMAD Team
Follow Nick
Nick on Twitter (@WeatherOnMars)
Follow Jake & WeMartians
Website (www.wemartians.co...
2020-01-2939 min
WeMartians Podcast70 – The State of Mars 2020 (feat. Brendan Byrne & Emilee Speck)We’re in a new decade, and Mars is kicking it off strong with four missions to the Red Planet in July. As we do every year, we’re joined by Brendan Byrne and Emilee Speck to preview the missions as well as everything else ahead of us in 2020.
We Mars missions, Artemis, and Commercial Crew
Mars 2020 Name the Rover Contest
ExoMars 2020 Parachute Progress
UAE’s Mars Hope nearly assembled
Long March 5 returns to flight
Starliner in good shape after shortened flight
NASA received $22.6B budget
Previous Conversations with Brendan and Emilee
Episode 18 – State of Mars...
2020-01-0745 min
WeMartians PodcastRed Planet Review – #GoingPro EditionHappy Holidays Martians!
We’re #GoingPro, and we thought it would be a good opportunity to showcase what you get for becoming a Patron by sharing an episode of Red Planet Review, our weekly news show normally reserved for our $3+ Patreon supporters.
To celebrate #GoingPro, we thought we’d end 2019 with a fresh new show that’s available to ALL listeners.
If you like what you hear today, consider joining the hundreds of other listeners over at Patreon. With a pledge of $3 or more, you can get a show like this every Friday, a grea...
2019-12-2013 min
WeMartians Podcast69 – Looking for Life on Mars on Earth (feat. Teresa Fornaro)In July, ESA plans to launch the 2nd ExoMars mission, a rover called the Rosalind Franklin that will search for signs of life on Mars. It’ll do so with the MOMA instrument. Recently, scientists from ESA and NASA embarked on an expedition to the Pilbara region in Australia to practice identifying biosignatures in rocks to prep them for their eventual interpretation of the data coming back. Teresa Fornaro, co-investigator on the MOMA instrument, joins Jake to talk about the instrument, the mission, and the expedition.
We talk MOMA, ExoMars, and Life on Mars
The ExoMars we...
2019-12-1743 min
WeMartians Podcast68 – The Case of the Inexplicable Oxygen (feat. Melissa Trainer)For years, the NASA Curiosity Rover has been quietly sniffing the atmosphere in Gale Crater with its SAM instrument. Today, scientists are finally getting a handle on that vast dataset, and they’re turning up some crazy results, especially an unexplained oxygen spike! Dr. Melissa Trainer from NASA Goddard, lead author on a paper covering the results, joins Jake to talk about this peculiar behaviour.
We talk Oxygen, Curiosity, and Atmospheres
Melissa’s Paper on Atmospheric Composition (Open Access)
NASA press release on the paper
Follow Melissa Trainer
The Curiosity Rover Home Page
Melissa’s Wiki...
2019-12-0343 min
WeMartians Podcast67 – From Hainan to Mars (feat. Andrew Jones)Next year brings a quartet of missions heading from Earth to Mars, including one from the Chinese National Space Administration. Freelance journalist Andrew Jones, a specialist in Chinese space, joins Jake to talk about the mission, Huoxing-1, and what to expect leading up to China’s first Mars mission.
We talk China, Space, and Huoxing-1
Huoxing-1 mission objectives and science payloads
YF-77 Test Firing
How not to land an orbital rocket booster (SpaceX)
China’s Mars Technology is Ready for 2020 Launch (IEEE Spectrum)
Follow Andrew Jones
Andrew Jones Twitter (@AJ_FI)
Andrew’s Space News A...
2019-11-1241 min
WeMartians Podcast66 – IAC 2019The 70th International Astronautical Congress descended on Washington, DC this week, with 6300 delegates from around the world coming together to talk about space technology, policy and more. Jake is on site to report on the happenings, and connected with a range of people on robotic missions and human architectures.
Guests include Walter Cugno from Thales Alenia Space, Khaled Ali Al Hashmi from the United Arab Emirates Space Agency, and Gary Napier from Lockheed Martin.
We talk ExoMars, Mars Hope, and Human Landing Systems
ExoMars Parachute Woes
Mars Hope nears completion
Blue Origin announces National...
2019-10-3032 min
WeMartians Podcast65 – Starship on Course (feat. Anthony Colangelo)On September 28th, 2019, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk presented an update to the Starship architecture. To talk about what has changed and what hasn’t, Jake is joined by podcast partner Anthony Colangelo from Main Engine Cut Off in a two part conversation between the two shows.
You can listen to part 2 of the conversation on the MECO feed or by clicking here.
We talk SpaceX & Starship
Starship’s Website
SpaceNews coverage of Starship Update
Part 2: T-135 Jake Robins on Starship
Follow Anthony Colangelo
Main Engine Cut Off Podcast & Blog
Main Engine Cut Off...
2019-10-0832 min
WeMartians Podcast64 – The Dusty Plains of Arcadia Planitia (feat. Ali Bramson)SpaceX has been requesting HiRISE images from an area called Arcadia Planitia as potential landing sites for their Starship vehicle. Dr Ali Bramson, a planetary scientist at the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Lab and expert on the region, joins Jake to talk about what’s going on there and why SpaceX might be interested.
We talk SpaceX, Starship, and Arcadia Planitia
SpaceX requests landing site candidate images
Some textures of Arcadia Planitia
An example of “Brain Terrain”
Polygonal terrain in Canada
Planetary Society piece on Terraced Craters
The SpaceX Landing Site Candidate HIRISE requests...
2019-09-2435 min
WeMartians Podcast63 – The 9th International Mars Conference (feat. Nina Lanza)We talk the 9th International Mars Conference
Tweet thread on Methane from Justin Cowart
Content from the MEPAG meeting
Content from 9th Mars Presentations
Follow Nina Lanza
Nina Lanza’s Twitter (@marsninja)
Nina back on Episode 11
Follow Jake & WeMartians
Website (www.wemartians.com)
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Off-Nominal Podcast
Most Recent Episode: The Dark Lord
The WeMartians Season 3 Mission Patch
This is the Season 3 (2018) commemorative WeMartians Mission Patch. We’ve partnered with space fan and talented graphic artist Beth K...
2019-08-2747 min
WeMartians Podcast62 – Through Stargate to Mars (feat. Jordan Noone)We talk Relativity Space 3D-printed rockets
Telesat signs with Relativity Space
Relativity signs contract to build launch pad
Relativity to build rocket factory at Stennis
Follow Jordan Noone and Relativity
Relativity Space Website
Work for Relativity!
Relativity Space Twitter
Jordan Noone Twitter
Relativity Space Instagram
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Website (www.wemartians.com)
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Off-Nominal Podcast
Most Recent Episode: Carpet-Bombing Venus
Upcoming Seattle Meetup!
Join us in south Seattle on August 31st for another meetup at th...
2019-08-1334 min
WeMartians Podcast61 – Five Years in the Martian Atmosphere (feat. Gina DiBraccio)We talk the MAVEN mission
MAVEN Reveals Speed of Solar Wind Stripping Martian Atmosphere
MAVEN atmospheric escape simulation video
Follow Gina DiBraccio and MAVEN
The MAVEN Mission Page
Dr Gina DiBraccio on Instagram
Follow Jake & WeMartians
Website (www.wemartians.com)
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Twitter (@we_martians)
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Off-Nominal Podcast
Most Recent Episode: Carpet-Bombing Venus
The WeMartians Season 3 Mission Patch
This is the Season 3 (2018) commemorative WeMartians Mission Patch. We’ve partnered with space fan and talented graphic artist Beth Kerner to put toget...
2019-07-3040 min
WeMartians Podcast60 – Why Go To Mars? (feat. Michael Robinson)It’s been 50 years since Apollo 11, and while there’s still a lot to celebrate about the whole Apollo era, it also begs the question, “why haven’t we gone back?” Michael Robinson, historian and host of the podcast Time to Eat the Dogs joins Jake to dig in to what motivates people to go to deep space and Mars in an attempt to understand how to make it happen again.
We Talk Motivations for People to Explore Mars and Deep Space
Planetary Radio Space Policy Edition feat. Roger Launius
Time to Eat the Dogs interview with Cathe...
2019-07-1642 min
WeMartians Podcast59 – Artemis (feat. Casey Dreier)NASA is sending people back to the Moon, or so they say. A human deep space program is easier said than done. The Planetary Society’s Casey Dreier returns to the show to talk about politics, policy, and balancing skepticism with excitement.
We Talk NASA’s Moon Plan, Artemis
Mars Wars by Thor Hogan (free pdf)
What can we learn from a Failed Return to the Moon?
A Crash Program or a Modest Proposal?
NASA awards PPE Contract for Gateway
A Look at NASA’s Budgets
Follow Casey
Casey’s Twitter
Casey’s Profile on The Pla...
2019-06-0645 min
WeMartians Podcast58 – Calling Home from Mars (feat. Michael Staab)Getting data back from our Mars spacecraft requires some pretty robust communications technology. But the infrastructure that rovers like Curiosity relay their images through is aging, and scientists are starting to worry about what would happen if they fail. NASA JPL’s Michael Staab joins Jake to talk about a new idea to reinforce that infrastructure and keep those data flowing back each and every sol.
We Talk Mars Communications
MAVEN lowers orbit to facilitate communications
Follow Michael
Michael’s Twitter (@AstroStaab)
NASA JPL
Follow Jake & WeMartians
Website (www.wemartians.com)
Patreon (www...
2019-05-0742 min
WeMartians Podcast57 – How to do EVAs on Mars (feat. Stan Love)NASA’s BASALT program (Biologic Analog Science Associated with Lava Terrains) has been working on understand how to do real science on an EVA since 2016. Jake is joined by NASA Astronaut, planetary scientist and program participant Stan Love to learn the challenges imposed by a Red Planet Spacewalk and what kinds of things the agency is trying to overcome them.
We Talk Mars, EVAs, and Science
Astrobiology Special Issue on BASALT
Intro by Stan Love
Paper overview by PI Darlene Lim
Off-Nominal Podcast Episode 17 (Jake’s Pick was BASALT)
Follow Jake & WeMartians
Website (www.wema...
2019-04-1635 min
WeMartians Podcast56 – LPSC 2019 (The Legacy of Apollo)Jake is on-site at the 50th annual Lunar and Planetary Science Conference to report on Mars science results and the shift to the Moon. Fifty years from Apollo’s first landing, lunar samples are still having an incredible impact on all planetary science, and as we look to the future, we have so much more to be excited about. Three special guests join Jake to talk about this exciting topic.
We Talk Mars and Apollo Lunar Science
InSight pauses Mole deployment
HP3 Heat Flow Probe results Abstract
DLR Blog on Heat Flow Probe with Team Updates
AP...
2019-03-2742 min
WeMartians Podcast55 – Glen Torridon (feat. Kristen Bennett)Curiosity recently drove down from the Vera Rubin Ridge, its home for the last year and a half, into a new clay-rich area called Glen Torridon. Planetary Scientist Kristen Bennett joins Jake to talk about what this new area is like and what questions we hope to answer in the next chapter of this rover’s mission.
We Talk Curiosity and Glen Torridon
Curiosity says Farewell to Vera Rubin Ridge
360 view of Vera Rubin Ridge as Curiosity Departs
Curiosity Computer troubles
Follow Kristen
Kristen’s Twitter (@planetkilobravo)
Follow Jake & WeMartians
Website (www.wema...
2019-03-0536 min
WeMartians Podcast54 – Women In Space 2019 (feat. Mallika Sarma and J.A. Grier)WeMartians visits Arizona to attend the 2019 Women in Space Conference, an interdisciplinary event covering science, engineering, and policy with a reimagined, humanized perspective. Jake and guests discuss some of the science as well as the social challenges women and other marginalized groups face as they try to explore space.
We talk the Human side of Exploration
WISC 2019 Conference Schedule
Sex Differences in Body Composition, Physical Activity, and Total Energy Expenditure When in a Challenging and Novel Environment (Sarma, M. S.)
Space Ethics and Our Expanding Vision for Exploration: Core Conversations (Grier, J. A.)
All other WISC...
2019-02-1129 min
WeMartians PodcastRed Planet Review – Anniversary EpisodeHappy New Year Martians!
It’s been 1 year since we launched the Red Planet Review weekly news roundup for our $3+ Patreon supporters. To celebrate, we thought we’d kick off 2019 with a fresh new show that’s available to ALL listeners.
If you like what you hear today, consider joining the hundreds of other listeners over at Patreon. With a pledge of $3 or more, you can get a show like this every Friday, a great way to keep up on the news! Plus, you’ll help support things like the WeMartians Travel Grant, for which applicat...
2019-01-1119 min
WeMartians PodcastWeMartians 2019 UpdateIn a quick holiday update, Jake shares an update on the podcast announcing the WeMartians Travel Grant, looking ahead to our next Patreon Goal and content for 2019, as well as two upcoming conferences and Podcast Meetups!
We talk 2019 Podcast News
Introducing the WeMartians Travel Grant
Our Next Patreon Goal
Meetup Schedule (stay tuned!)
Follow Jake & WeMartians
Website (www.wemartians.com)
Patreon (www.patreon.com/wemartians)
WeMartians Shop (shop.wemartians.com)
Check out the new PLANETARY design in support of the grant!
Twitter (@we_martians)
Jake’s Twitter (@JakeOnOrbit)
Listener Survey 2018
New Shirt Design!
In...
2018-12-2711 min
WeMartians Podcast52 – Comin’ up Jezero (feat. Tim Goudge)NASA has selected the next landing site for its future Mars rover, Mars 2020. Jezero Crater is an incredible ancient river delta spilling in to the side of a crater. But what really makes it special, plus how and why did NASA pick it? Jake is joined by planetary scientist Tim Goudge, who led the advocacy of Jezero through the process, to explain its charm.
We talk NASA’s Mars 2020 rover and Jezero Crater
NASA Announces Jezero Crater as Landing Site Mars 2020 Rover
Previous Coverage of the Mars 2020 Rover
Episode 10 – Science meets Engineering on t...
2018-12-1155 min
WeMartians Podcast51 – Entry, Descent, and LandingOn November 26th, 2018, NASA successfully landed the InSight spacecraft on the surface of Mars. It was their 8th successful landing, went picture-perfect, and seemed to defy the common thought that Mars landings rarely work. Jake recounts the landing, provides historical context to the events, and asks the question of whether NASA’s entries, descents, and landings are as failure-prone as some make it out to be.
We Talk InSight and Entry, Descent, and Landing
Viking Press Kit
Mars Pathfinder Press Kit
Mars Polar Lander Press Kit
Mars Exploration Rovers Press Kit
Mars Phoenix Press Kit
Mars Sc...
2018-12-0435 min
WeMartians Podcast50 – The Journey to Mars is Hyperbolic (feat. Mark Wallace)NASA’s InSight lander arrives on Mars on November 26th. It is an exciting event that ends the 7 month cruise phase since its launch on May 5th. But how did it get there? NASA JPL’s Mark Wallace, the Lead Trajectory Analyst for InSight’s, joins Jake and explains how to plan a journey across the solar system.
We Talk InSight’s Trajectory
Porkchop Plots
InSight Press Kit
Previous Coverage of InSight
Episode 36: Systems Engineering InSight (feat. Farah Alibay)
Episode 41: Thirty Years to the Centre of Mars (feat. Bruce Banerdt, Philippe Lognonné, and Tim Linn)
2018-11-1353 min
WeMartians Podcast49 – Moon to Mars (feat. Laura Forczyk)NASA continues to advance it’s Moon-first strategy, and commercial companies are starting to hop on board. Along with international interest, it all forms the backbone of NASA’s Moon to Mars strategy. Space consultant and founder of Astralytical Laura Forczyk returns to the show to talk with Jake about what this all means for Mars.
We talk Moon and Mars
Blue Origin signs agreement with OHB and MT
dearMoon
Airbus/Blue Origin backed Moon Race
NASA’s Moon to Mars strategy
Previous Coverage of Mars Strategy
Episode 34 – Moon vs Mars (feat. Laura Forczyk)
Episode...
2018-10-2341 min
WeMartians Podcast48 – Zooming in on Mars (feat. Melissa Rice and Elsa Jensen)NASA’s upcoming flagship mission Mars2020 will send a state of the art rover to the surface of Mars. Along for the ride will be an impressive camera called Mastcam-Z which will unveil Mars in a way never seen before. Planetary scientist Melissa Rice from Western Washington University and instrument operations manager Elsa Jensen from Malin Space Science Systems join Jake to talk all about the new camera, how it’s put together and what questions it might help us answer.
We talk Mastcam-Z and NASA’s Mars2020 Rover
Planetary Society’s Mastcam-Z Outreach content
NASA’s page on...
2018-10-0254 min
WeMartians Podcast47 – Recovering Opportunity (feat. Mike Seibert)The Opportunity Rover hasn’t been heard from since June 10th, and things are starting to look dire. NASA recently released a new plan to recover the intrepid Mars explorer but the plan hasn’t convinced everyone of its merit just yet. Engineer and former rover driver Mike Seibert returns to the show to talk about the plan, how it compares with Spirit’s recovery, and why some may not be as excited about it as others.
We talk NASA’s Opportunity Recovery Plan
NASA’s Press Release on the new Opportunity Rover Plan
Is NASA’s Opportunit...
2018-09-1839 min
WeMartians Podcast46 – Keeping Mars Alive (feat. Rick Davis)NASA may have pivoted to the Moon, but Mars remains a horizon goal. Keeping the different departments at the Agency focused and working together towards this goal is no small task. Jake is joined Rick Davis, Assistant Director for Science and Exploration, to talk about how NASA is working to send Humans to Mars.
We Talk Humans to Mars
NASA’s Mars Human Landing Sites Study
Previous Coverage of NASA & Humans to Mars
Episode 1: The Waxing Interest in Mars (January 2016)
Episode 24: Risks & Rewards (feat. Leonard David, May 2017)
Episode 34: Moon vs. Mars (feat. Laura Forczyk, De...
2018-08-2151 min
WeMartians Podcast45 – Coming Together for Mars (feat. Jeff Johnson)Missions to Mars don’t happen by accident. A ton of planning goes in long before the spacecraft is even selected. Understanding the consensus wishes of the scientific community is critical to putting resources into the right missions, and one group that helps gather that consensus is the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group. Jake is joined by Jeff Johnson, planetary scientist from Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab and the current MEPAGC hair to talk about how MEPAG works and everything that it does.
(note: in the interview, you may hear Jeff mistaken identify himself as the Go...
2018-07-3157 min
WeMartians Podcast44 – Ashes to Ashes, Clay to Dust (feat. Mark Lemmon)There’s a serious Global Dust Storm happening right now on Mars. Several regional storms have kicked up a tremendous amount of dust into the skies, blocking out the sun and jeopardizing the Opportunity rover’s safety. But despite the threat, this is a great chance to do some science on Mars weather. Jake is joined by Space Science Institute’s Mark Lemmon to discuss these storms formation and what we’re learning from them.
We Discuss Mars Dust Storms and the NASA rover Curiosity and Opportunity
Most recent JPL news release on the Global Dust Storm
Cu...
2018-06-2649 min
WeMartians Podcast43 – The Great Climate Debate (feat. Ashley Palumbo)We’ve got plenty of evidence of liquid on the surface of Mars today. Lakes and channels indicate a past life abundant with water. But despite the evidence, scientists have had trouble modelling an ancient Mars climate warm enough to support the theory. Was the past warm and wet like the geology shows, or was it cold and icy like the climate models suggest? Brown University’s Ashley Palumbo, a Martian climatologist, joins Jake to talk weather, rain and mathematical models of the Red Planet’s mysterious history.
We Discuss Mars Past Climate
Ashley’s LPSC Abstract...
2018-06-1251 min
WeMartians Podcast42 – A Culture of Safety (feat. Holly Griffith)Before sending people in to space, space agencies like NASA or commercial companies like Boeing & SpaceX must take stock of risks to crew and vehicle and do their best to mitigate them. But how does this process actually work? How do you quantify risks to people? And most importantly, how do you determine that the risk is acceptable before you fly? Jake is joined by Holly Griffith, an engineer on the Safety team for NASA’s Orion Spacecraft, to talk about risks and to have a candid conversation about what’s at stake when making these kinds of decisions.
2018-05-2241 min
WeMartians Podcast41 – Thirty Years to the Centre of Mars (feat. Bruce Banerdt, Philippe Lognonné & Tim Linn)NASA’s InSight mission, a lander to study the interior of Mars, lifted off from California on May 5th, 2018. For the scientists working on this geophysics mission, it’s been a long time coming. Jake travels down to Vandenberg to “see” the launch, and gets behind the scenes to hear the true story of this mission, thirty years in the making. Jake is joined by InSight Principal Investigator Bruce Banerdt, SEIS instrument Principal Investigator Philippe Lognonné, and Lockheed Martin Deputy Project Manager for InSight, Tim Linn.
We Discuss NASA’s InSight Mission
The InSight website
The Verge Scien...
2018-05-0940 min
WeMartians Podcast39 – LPSC 2018Every year, upwards of 2,000 planetary scientists descend upon a suburb of Houston to discuss the latest findings, share the work, and learn something new at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC). A lot of Mars happens at these conferences, so WeMartians decided to attend it in person! Jake catches up with old friends, makes some new ones, and explores Mars like never before. This year, we explore the fascinating use of Earth Analogs to help us better understand the science happening on Mars.
We discuss #LPSC2018, Earth Analogs and their value at Mars
What a...
2018-03-2845 min
WeMartians Podcast38 – Martian Mission Control (feat. Sophie Gruber and Reinhard Tlustos)Behind every successful space mission is a talented team of support staff back on Earth, guiding the astronauts along the way. When we go to Mars, it will be much the same. But how can we practice these valuable skills? Mars analogues are a great way, and recently, the Austrian Space Forum completed a three week simulation called AMADEE 18. Project Manager Sophie Gruber and Flight Director Reinhard Tlustos join Jake to talk about the mission to the Oman Desert, and what it takes to get the astronauts to succeed.
We Discuss Habitats, Science, and International Collaboration
...
2018-03-0643 min
WeMartians Podcast37 – Red Car for the Red PlanetAfter years of delays, SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket has finally flown, sending a test payload of a Tesla Roadster with a mannequin called Starman to interplanetary space. With the launch, it becomes the most powerful rocket in the world. Jake, along with Anthony from the Main Engine Cut Off podcast, travelled to Florida to watch the launch from the Kennedy Space Center Press Site and returns to talk about the history, development and future of this fantastic launch vehicle.
We Discuss SpaceX, Falcon Heavy and BFR
SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy Rocket
James Corden talks SpaceX on...
2018-02-1339 min
WeMartians Podcast36 – Systems Engineering InSight (feat. Farah Alibay)This year is a Mars launch window, and NASA is taking full advantage of it with their Discovery-class InSight mission. This little lander will launch in May and land on Mars in November. Farah Alibay is a Payload Systems Engineer on this mission, and she joins Jake to talk about InSight’s objectives, integrating the instruments with the spacecraft, and the MarCO technology demonstrator.
We Discuss NASA InSight and MarCO
NASA’s InSight Landing Page
InSight’s Wikipedia
InSight unfurls its solar panels ahead of launch
Past Coverage of InSight
Episode 2: Every Twenty Six Months...
2018-01-3046 min
WeMartians PodcastBONUS – New Year, New Patreon, New ShopHopefully everyone is having a great holiday break. I wanted to take the opportunity during this downtime to share some of the cool stuff we just launched!
This podcast is the audio version of the blog posts we put out early this week for the listeners who don’t follow along on the website or our social media. We think the message is too important to wait, and this way we don’t have to clutter up our first episode with 10 minutes of housekeeping!
New Patreon Rewards and Goals
Introducing the WeMartians Shop
Follow Jake & WeMa...
2017-12-2210 min