Small Steps, Giant Leaps
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 141: PLANETARY DEFENSE AT NASA
The best planetary defense is a good planetary offense. Learn how NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office works to detect, track, and mitigate threats from asteroids and other near-Earth objects. Read More
EPISODE 140: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AT NASA
NASA has a long history with AI, using it in technology like autonomous Mars rover navigation and detecting planets in other solar systems. Today, NASA is embracing AI for more members of the workforce, enabling innovation. Read More
EPISODE 139: NASA’S COSMIC ORIGINS PROGRAM
Where did we come from? It’s the ultimate question. Drs. Ron Gamble and Swara Ravindranath, scientists for NASA’s Cosmic Origins Program, are working to find out. Read More
EPISODE 138: THE SUN, STAR OF OUR COSMIC SHOW
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
EPISODE 137: THE ROMAN SPACE TELESCOPE – UNCOVERING THE DARK UNIVERSE
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
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
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
EPISODE 134: THE INTERNET OF ANIMALS
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
EPISODE 133: THE SCIENCE OF SPACE GARDENING
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