Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science
The Planetary Society
Planetary Radio brings you the human adventure across our Solar System and beyond. We visit each week with the scientists, engineers, leaders, advocates, and as...
This week on Planetary Radio, we celebrate the enduring legacy of Ed Stone, the longtime project scientist for NASA’s Voyager mission and former director of JPL. Mat Kaplan, senior communications advisor at The Planetary Society, takes us to the unveiling of the Dr. Edward Stone Voyager Exploration Trail at JPL, where we hear from past and present JPL leaders, Voyager mission team members, and Ed Stone’s family. Plus, we kick off the episode with the much-anticipated launch of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket and wrap up with What’s Up, as Bruce Betts explores the rare planetary configuration that made Voyager’s Grand Tour possible. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-ed-stone-trailSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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57:23
Does It Fly? Putting science in entertainment to the test
This week, we discuss how to examine the science behind our favorite TV shows and movies with the co-hosts of the "Does It Fly?" podcast, Hakeem Oluseyi and Tamara Krinsky. Produced by Roddenberry Entertainment, "Does It Fly?" takes an expert approach to breaking down the science of popular media, from lightsabers to Dune's stillsuits. Hakeem brings his astrophysics expertise, while Tamara provides her media industry insights as they join Planetary Radio to explore where science and fiction intersect. Stick around for What's Up with Bruce Betts and this week's Random Space Fact. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-does-it-fly See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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56:52
Revisiting K2-18 b: JWST finds a lead in the search for life on a mysterious exoplanet
This week we revisit one of the most remarkable exoplanet discoveries of 2024 with the help of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). JWST detected signs of methane and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of K2-18 b. Knicole Colón, the deputy project scientist for exoplanet science for JWST, explains how this discovery could reshape our search for life beyond Earth and teach us more about the enigmatic class of exoplanets known as sub-Neptunes. Stick around for What's Up with Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-jwst-new-lead-in-search-for-life See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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51:28
Emily Calandrelli becomes the hundredth woman in space
This week, we celebrate a remarkable milestone as Emily Calandrelli, also known as “the Space Gal,” becomes the 100th woman to venture into space. Emily shares her experiences on the Blue Origin voyage, what she took to space, and how motherhood influenced her reaction to seeing Earth from space. Then Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts joins for What's Up and a list of fun things to do in zero-g. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-100th-woman-in-space See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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55:41
Space Policy Edition: The Challenges of Change at NASA
How does change happen within NASA, and what prevents it? Marcia Smith, founder of Space Policy Online, joins the show to discuss the opportunities and pitfalls faced by incoming presidential administrations and how NASA has—and hasn’t—changed over the decades. Will Artemis be reimagined? Will public-private partnerships introduce more risk than reward? And is change even the right default attitude to take? Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/change-and-continuity-at-nasa-with-marcia-smith See 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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