The human stories behind the science: Dava Sobel receives the Cosmos Award
Few writers have captured the wonder of science through storytelling as powerfully as Dava Sobel. In this episode, we celebrate her remarkable career and her recent honor as the recipient of The Planetary Society’s 2025 Cosmos Award for Outstanding Public Presentation of Science. Mat Kaplan, senior communications advisor at The Planetary Society, sits down with Sobel for a conversation about the human lives behind great scientific discoveries, from Galileo and Copernicus to the women of the Harvard Observatory and Marie Curie’s lab. Later in the show, Jack Kiraly, our director of government relations, joins us with an encouraging update on our public advocacy campaign to save NASA science. And don’t miss What’s Up with Bruce Betts, where we reflect on the role of science communicators and share a fresh Random Space Fact. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-cosmos-awardSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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1:02:54
Making space matter: A space journalist’s journey
What does it take to turn a love of space into a global career in science journalism? Sarah Cruddas has done just that. With a background in astrophysics and a passion for storytelling, she’s become a leading voice in space media, covering rocket launches, interviewing astronauts, and writing books that bring the Cosmos down to Earth. In this episode, Sarah shares her path from the U.K. to the front lines of space communication and why she believes storytelling is essential to the future of exploration. She also reflects on the challenges of breaking into the field, the power of listening, and how space can unite people across the globe. Plus, Bruce Betts joins us for What’s Up, where we talk about what makes a great space journalist. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-making-space-matterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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56:20
Space Policy Edition: What does NASA need with an economist?
Former NASA Chief Economist Akhil Rao explains why NASA needs economic expertise to navigate the complex—and often misunderstood—market forces that will determine the success or failure of its private partnerships. As NASA relies ever more on commercial companies to enable its own exploration efforts, it is imperative, Rao believes, to provide clear-eyed perspectives that highlight the challenges and solutions required to reach success. And why NASA puts itself at risk for pursuing faith-based program investments after dissolving the strategy and economics team at the agency a few months ago. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/space-economy-akhil-raoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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1:14:51
The dark age of NASA science? Analyzing the FY 2026 budget proposal
The White House has released its Fiscal Year 2026 congressional budget justification for NASA, and the implications are staggering. If enacted, this proposal would slash NASA’s science program funding by nearly half, cancel dozens of active and upcoming missions, and reduce the agency’s workforce by one-third. Sarah Al-Ahmed is joined by Jack Kiraly, The Planetary Society’s director of government relations, to examine what’s in the nearly 500-page document, what it means for the future of space science and exploration, and how advocates can still act to save NASA science. Then, in What’s Up, Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts shares insights on China’s newly launched asteroid sample return mission, Tianwen-2. The spacecraft will rendezvous with near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa, offering new scientific opportunities amidst a moment of global uncertainty in space exploration. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-FY-2026-budget-proposalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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59:17
Volcanic worlds across the Solar System
Volcanoes aren’t just an earthly phenomenon. They’re found all across the Solar System. In this compilation episode of Planetary Radio, we explore volcanic and geothermal activity on planets, moons, and distant dwarf planets. You’ll hear from Rosaly Lopes, Nick Schneider, Rae Paoletta, Robbie Herrick, Scott Hensley, and Christopher Glein as they share insights into everything from lava flows on Venus and eruptions on Io to the mysterious heat signatures of icy bodies like Eris and Makemake. This journey spans over 20 years of Planetary Radio, featuring interviews hosted by both current host Sarah Al-Ahmed and founding host Mat Kaplan. Then, our Chief Scientist, Dr. Bruce Betts, returns for What’s Up and shares new findings from NASA’s Juno mission, which recently completed close passes by Jupiter’s volcanic moon, Io. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-volcanic-worldsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
About Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science
Planetary Radio brings you the human adventure across our Solar System and beyond. We visit each week with the scientists, engineers, leaders, advocates, and astronauts who are taking us across the final frontier. Regular features raise your space IQ while they put a smile on your face. Join host Sarah Al-Ahmed and Planetary Society colleagues including Bill Nye the Science Guy and Bruce Betts as they dive deep into space science and exploration. The monthly Space Policy Edition takes you inside the DC beltway where the future of the US space program hangs in the balance. Visit planetary.org/radio for an episode guide and much more.
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