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 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
EPISODE 132: ORBITAL DEBRIS: REDUCING RISK WITH COST-EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES
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
EPISODE 131: THE ARTEMIS LUNAR TERRAIN VEHICLE
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
EPISODE 130: INGENUITY’S FINAL FLIGHT: LESSONS LEARNED
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
EPISODE 129: ACCELERATING DISCOVERIES WITH OPEN SCIENCE
In this episode, Dr. Chelle Gentemann, Open Science Program Scientist for the Office of the Chief Science Data Officer, explains NASA’s initiative to make science more collaborative, accessible, and inclusive. Known as Transform to Open Science, or TOPS, the program encourages increased access to research and data. Read More
EPISODE 128: ENGINEERING INFLATABLE STRUCTURES FOR SPACE
How inflatable habitats moved from concept papers to the International Space Station, and what NASA is doing to eventually put one on the Moon. Read More
EPISODE 127: CHIEF PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICER
Dave Mitchell brings extensive experience as an engineer and project manager to a new position leading a small team with the broad mandate of improving acquisitions and program and project management across NASA. Read More
EPISODE 126: GATEWAY: THE LOGISTICS OF AN OUTPOST AT THE MOON
In this episode we’ll focus on Gateway, a small space station NASA is developing to place in orbit at the Moon. We’ll speak with Mark Wiese, who leads the team that will ensure Gateway will receive the cargo, equipment, and supplies it needs to support Artemis astronauts. Read More