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Tap into the experiences of NASA’s technical workforce as they develop missions to explore distant worlds—from the Moon to Mars, from Titan to Psyche. Learn how they advance technology to make aviation on Earth faster, quieter and more fuel efficient. Each biweekly episode celebrates program and project managers, engineers, scientists and thought leaders working on multiple fronts to advance aeronautics and space exploration in a bold new era of discovery. New episodes are released bi-weekly on Wednesdays. 

EPISODE 138: THE SUN, STAR OF OUR COSMIC SHOW

Sep 18, 2024 | Transcript | 21:34
The Sun is the star of our cosmic show, but there’s a lot we don’t know about it. Dr. Joseph Westlake, director of NASA’s Heliophysics Division, talks about how NASA studies the Sun for the benefit of all.  Read More
An illustration of the Roman Space Telescope in space. The violet background represents the cosmos. Credit: NASA

EPISODE 137: THE ROMAN SPACE TELESCOPE – UNCOVERING THE DARK UNIVERSE

Sep 04, 2024 | Transcript | 26:15
Set to launch in 2027, the Roman Space Telescope will help settle pressing questions about dark matter and dark energy, which make up about 95% of the universe. Read More

EPISODE 136: SOFT ROBOTICS

Aug 21, 2024 | Transcript | 21:46
Robots inspired by nature? A novel realm of engineering called soft robotics is being studied at NASA’s Langley Research Center. Engineers are working to understand how soft robotics could one day support space exploration, including missions to the Moon’s surface.  Read More

EPISODE 135: BIOFILM – DEALING WITH THE SCUM OFF THE EARTH

Aug 07, 2024 | Transcript | 14:34
Cleaning scum from bathtubs and pipes can be a costly chore. It’s even more challenging aboard spacecraft. NASA researchers are looking at ways to keep astronauts from having to deal with fungal or bacterial buildup, known as biofilm. Read More
Satellite image of Palmyra Atoll, a collection of tiny islands. The atoll's coastal boundaries are turquoise compared to the rest of the ocean.

EPISODE 134: THE INTERNET OF ANIMALS

Jul 24, 2024 | Transcript | 22:10
A NASA-led project called “The Internet of Animals” combines Earth satellite observations and animal tracking data to give a better idea of changing habitats. Read More
A bouquet of zinnia flowers grown aboard the International Space Station. They are photographed floating in the station's cupola which has windows that face Earth and space. This makes them appear to float above Earth. The flowers are shades of reds, oranges,and, and greens. Credit: NASA/Scott Kelly

EPISODE 133: THE SCIENCE OF SPACE GARDENING

Jul 10, 2024 | Transcript | 30:26
Growing vegetables in orbit? We’re doing that. Learn about food crop production in space and potential spinoff benefits for people on Earth. Read More
Graphic showing thousands of yellow dots around Earth. The dots represent orbital debris.

EPISODE 132: ORBITAL DEBRIS: REDUCING RISK WITH COST-EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES

Jun 26, 2024 | Transcript | 34:45
A new NASA report titled “Cost and Benefit Analysis of Mitigating, Tracking, and Remediating Orbital Debris” compares the cost-effectiveness of several strategies that could reduce the risk of collisions between spacecraft, including the space station, and orbital debris. Read More
An artist’s concept design of NASA’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle. Two astronauts ride aboard this imagined version. Its lights are on. Credit: NASA

EPISODE 131: THE ARTEMIS LUNAR TERRAIN VEHICLE

Jun 12, 2024 | Transcript | 24:31
In this episode, Jacob Bleacher, NASA's chief exploration scientist, tells us about the science goals of the Artemis Lunar Terrain Vehicle and how NASA is collaborating with industry to explore more of the Moon's surface than ever before. Read More
Ingenuity sits on Mars. It resembles a small box with four landing legs and rotors on top. The terrain is brownish-red with scattered pebbles and rocks.

EPISODE 130: INGENUITY’S FINAL FLIGHT: LESSONS LEARNED

May 29, 2024 | Transcript | 28:09
In this episode, Teddy Tzanetos, project manager for the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, tells us about what we’re still learning from Ingenuity’s final flight and how risk management can be used for opportunities. Read More