Mission: Interplanetary

How will we govern the Moon?

Thus far, the only humans to walk on the Moon have been US astronauts. But the coming decade may see many more people there—people from several countries and even private corporations. How can we ensure peaceful cooperation between players with different interests? Cady & Andrew talk with NASA’s Chief Economist Alex MacDonald about the future of lunar governance. Also, the Artemis 1 launch, Cady obsesses over donuts, Andrew discovers some weird science, and a gorgeous new Sounds of Space courtesy of the great folks at SYSTEM Sounds. Lastly, check out NASA’s new document: Lunar Landing and Operations Policy Analysis.Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Visit our website at missioninterplanetary.com and drop us a line!HostsCady Coleman & Andrew MaynardTwitterCady Coleman: @Astro_CadyAndrew Maynard: @2020scienceInterplanetary Initiative: @II_ASU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are we learning from the JWST?

In a year of so many amazing achievements in space exploration, there may be nothing as inspiring and scientifically significant as the deployment of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The most powerful telescope ever built is allowing scientists to peer into the distant past—billions of years—to help fill gaps in our understanding of the universe and its history. What exactly are we learning from the JWST? NASA’s Amber Straughn, Deputy Project Scientist for the JWST, talks with Cady & Andrew about surprising new discoveries, and what’s still to come from this game-changing new telescope. Also, Cady sees a UFO, Andrew shares a favorite author, and a topical Sounds of Space courtesy of the great folks at SYSTEM Sounds.Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Visit our website at missioninterplanetary.com and drop us a line!HostsCady Coleman & Andrew MaynardTwitterAmber Straughn: @astraughnomerCady Coleman: @Astro_CadyAndrew Maynard: @2020scienceInterplanetary Initiative: @II_ASU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the future of food in space?

The first astronauts squeezed their meals out of a tube. But space food has come a long way since then. What might be on future lunar menus? How do we grow food in microgravity? Short answer: We science the heck out of it. Matt Damon has nothing on this week’s guest. NASA’s Bryan Onate talks with Cady & Andrew about how scientists are developing the future of space food. Also, Cady’s working on a book, Andrew contemplates the future of humanity, and both of them learn a new word from this week’s festive Sounds of Space, courtesy of the great folks at SYSTEM Sounds.Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Visit our website at missioninterplanetary.com and drop us a line!HostsCady Coleman & Andrew MaynardTwitterCady Coleman: @Astro_CadyAndrew Maynard: @2020scienceInterplanetary Initiative: @II_ASU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does religion have to do with space exploration?

Space exploration imagines itself as a secular endeavor with its foundations in science and engineering? But how accurate is this self-image? Religious Studies scholar Mary-Jane Rubenstein talks with guest hosts Tanya Harrison and Joe O’Rourke about the surprising affinities between religion and space exploration. Check out her forthcoming book on the subject! Also, Joe delights in revenge for the dinosaurs, Tanya speculates on a planet of cephalopods, and a tear-jerking new Sounds of Space from the great folks at SYSTEM Sounds.Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Visit our website at missioninterplanetary.com and drop us a line!HostsTanya Harrison & Joe O’RourkeTwitterInterplanetary Initiative: @II_ASUTanya Harrison: @tanyaofmarsJoe O'Rourke: @GeoJGoMary-Jane Rubenstein: @janeforbrains Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can building spaceships teach us about teams?

You’ve probably worked on teams, collaborating with groups of people to achieve shared goals. And it can be really difficult. Now imagine working with an immense team to do something as difficult as building a successful space mission. Tracy Drain has done it. Repeatedly. She’s the Lead Flight Systems Engineer for NASA’s Europa Clipper Mission, and she talks with Cady and Andrew about what she’s learned about running successful collaborations. Also, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Donnie Darko, and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy references, Andrew swoons over Tears for Fears covers and mashups, and a dreamy new Sounds of Space from the great folks at SYSTEM Sounds.Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Visit our website at missioninterplanetary.com and drop us a line!HostsCady Coleman & Andrew MaynardTwitterInterplanetary Initiative: @II_ASUCady Coleman: @Astro_CadyAndrew Maynard: @2020science Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.