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 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
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
This episode has been archived as it may contain outdated information or references that may not reflect current policy or programs. Read More