Podcast appearances and mentions of casey dreier

How can we build a new Moon program while slashing science funding? Bill Nye takes the host's chair alongside Chuck Nice to tackle one of the most urgent issues facing our future in space with Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society, who's been tracking and analyzing NASA's funding for years. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free here: https://startalkmedia.com/show/bill-nye-takeover/Thanks to our Patrons anthonee rolfson, David Moncsko, 7Linden7, Kyle Meserve, Nancy Kimmel, Marc Gardiner, Carl Cheshire, El Mero Chingón Daniel Shin, Daniel Fisher, Christopher Crider, pintos dabeans, Alfric, Ry Guy, Juan Roa, Ph1lycheez, John4Disney, Esther Klein, Mako, Matthew Schuller, Alison L Bentley, Spencer Dohm, Brandon, David Yamanoha, Yash Goyal, Emily Hendrix, Mick W, Darin Wagner, Grant Cameron, Cheryl Courtright from Spring TX, Yonatan Gher, Edward Martin, erin grant, Emilio Martinez-Cordero, Nathan Trent, Pat D, Daniel Nicgorski, Alvan Mbongo, Colin Zwicker, Grand One, Adam, ubanamie320., Eric Mill, Aikya, Sean Dalglish, brian rowley, Philip, Quentin Walker, david smith, John Dusenberry, Karina Szalaiova, Ycros, Karel Netusil, Joe M, Rossell E Cameron, Gary Weber, Major King, david powell, Six String Sam, milky, Alyssa Solis, Wrama, Deanna Szwarc, Anthony Wiseman, Veronica Tash, Carrie Wilson-Bridges, Sebastian Cruz, Rhyskel, Kendra Meinert Hodson, princess, Jessy Kaiser, Anand Raman, Lance Davis, Yvonne S McCool, cameron campbell, Gene Davis, Greg, Micheal Jarka, Jenn [Z3120], Mark Lineberger, Jimmy Walker, Noëllie Newcastle, Andrew Nolen, Andrwnick, David Harrold, Vicki, Kaelyn P, and Kevin Staley for supporting us this week. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a whole week early.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On October 6, 2025, hundreds of space advocates from across the United States joined The Planetary Society and 20 partner organizations on Capitol Hill to deliver one clear message: protect NASA’s science budget. We begin with Ari Koeppel, AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow and Space Policy Intern at The Planetary Society, who shares why this moment matters for scientists facing uncertainty about their future. Then Britney Schmidt, planetary scientist at Cornell University and member of The Planetary Society’s Board of Directors, calls in from Washington, D.C., to share what it’s like on the ground as hundreds of advocates come together to defend the future of space science. Next, we take you to the press conference on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, featuring Bill Nye, CEO of The Planetary Society, Representative Glenn Ivey of Maryland’s 4th District, Marcel Agüeros, president-elect of the American Astronomical Society, and Brandon Jones, President of the American Geophysical Union. Together, they urge Congress to restore NASA’s science funding and maintain the United States' leadership in discovery. We close with Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, reflecting on the power of grassroots advocacy and what comes next for the Save NASA Science campaign. Finally, in What’s Up, Bruce Betts, The Planetary Society’s chief scientist, joins host Sarah Al-Ahmed to look ahead, exploring the great mysteries we could solve in the coming years if we continue to invest in space science. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-day-of-action-for-nasa-scienceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the United States is indeed in a space race with China, then we cannot abandon space science. That’s the claim made by Maxwell Zhu and The Planetary Society’s chief of space policy, Casey Dreier, in a recent op-ed in Payload Space. Their piece contrasted the growing ambitions of China’s coming space science program against the draconian cuts proposed by the White House in 2026. The results are stark: where China is pursuing new missions, the United States is abandoning them. Casey and Maxwell explore why this is the case, whether China sees this investment as part of a competition at all, and the structural challenges of integrating space science into a geopolitical context. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/maxwell-zhu-on-chinas-space-science-ambitionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NASA, the crown jewel of 20th-century technocratic liberalism, was the first to land humans on the Moon but now depends on SpaceX for its access to space. Atlantic writer Franklin Foer believes this reflects a diminishment of national capability and that NASA was inadvertently responsible for its own decline. He traces this transformation from a collective pursuit of higher values to a more individualistic — and idiosyncratic — motivation based on utility and extraction, and ties it to a larger trend in American politics over the past 50 years. Along the way, Frank and host Casey Dreier discuss if Elon Musk is the antithesis of Carl Sagan, the tensions between individualism and collectivism in American politics, and the role of the romantic ideal in the symbolism of space exploration. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/franklin-foer-on-nasas-declineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do astronauts get quality sleep in space? Erin Flynn-Evans, director of the Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory at NASA Ames Research Center, joins Planetary Radio to explore how her team studies sleep, fatigue, and circadian rhythms to keep astronauts healthy and mission-ready. She shares how her team translates sleep science into actionable strategies for NASA crews, and how a chance job as a sleep technician led her on a path to spaceflight research. Later in the show, Casey Dreier, The Planetary Society’s chief of space policy, and Jack Kiraly, our director of government relations, provide a quick update on NASA’s budget and what it means for the agency’s future. Then, Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, joins us for What’s Up to explore how and why our robotic spacecraft sometimes need to power down and rest. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-sleep-in-spaceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We welcomed Casey Dreier of The Planetary Society to discuss what is termed the Skinny Budget cutting NASA programs and science. Casey went through the issues and concerns in detail. You can hear the audio archives on our website and our Substack page, doctorspace.substack.com. The video will also be archived on our Substack page.

The Space Show hosted a discussion with Dr. Saralyn Mark, focusing on space medicine, human spaceflight, and the challenges of long-duration space travel. The conversation covered topics such as the impact of space on human health, advancements in space technology, and the potential for space research to benefit medical treatments on Earth. Dr. Mark emphasized the importance of international collaboration, ethical considerations, and continued funding for space exploration to address challenges and unlock new possibilities for human health and space colonization.Dr. Saralyn Mark was welcomed to the Space Show. We began by highlighting her extensive background in medicine and space exploration. Dr. Mark shared her journey from childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut to pursuing a medical career, eventually combining both passions through her work with NASA and her private company, Solamed Solutions. They discussed the challenges she faced as a woman in medicine and space, emphasizing the importance of women in these fields. The conversation also touched on the impact of space travel on human health, particularly in relation to osteoporosis research.David and Sara discussed the advancements and challenges in space medicine, highlighting the integration of space technology into everyday life and the need for public education about space benefits. Dr. Saralyn emphasized the progress made in keeping astronauts healthy in space, despite the risks, and predicted further advancements with precision innovation. They also discussed the relevance of space medicine to human health on Earth, with Dr. Saralyn noting that space provides a unique platform for understanding and addressing health issues on both fronts.Our guest discussed the challenges and ethical considerations of sending children into space, highlighting the risks and the need for further research on the effects of space travel on human development. She emphasized the importance of developing technologies and protocols not only for current astronauts but also for future generations who may travel to other planets. She also addressed concerns about children's health today, noting issues such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and the impact of fast food on health, as well as the emerging problem of long Covid, which can lead to chronic conditions affecting multiple body systems.We both talked about the importance of space research in understanding human biology and potential treatments, highlighting how space can serve as a platform for studying the immune system, aging, and medication effects. She emphasized that cutting funding for space research would hinder future discoveries and advancements. The conversation touched on the need for tailored countermeasures to reverse aging effects observed in space and the importance of continued research funding.In addition, the discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities of space colonization, particularly on Mars with its 38% Earth gravity. Dr. Saralyn explained that while we have data on microgravity and Earth gravity, we need specialized facilities to study partial gravity effects on human health, with new labs being developed near Orlando and other locations. She outlined three verticals for her company Soloman Solutions: consultancy, education through space explorer summits, and operational medicine to support space missions. David raised questions about the commercial space industry's role and the potential for 3D printing and tissue replication in space to lead to medical breakthroughs on Earth, to which she responded that while these technologies are promising for the future, they are not likely to become mainstream anytime soon.Dr. Mark discussed the importance of nutrition in space, highlighting that while it's crucial for both mental and physical health, space environments present unique challenges such as irradiation of food and changes in smell and taste due to fluid shifts. She explained that astronauts need to exercise 2-2.5 hours daily to maintain muscle and bone mass, and commercial space programs like Starlab are partnering with companies like Hilton to develop food solutions that are both nutritious on Earth and space compatible. Dr. Saralyn noted that while astronauts typically regain their sense of smell and taste upon returning to Earth, maintaining a balanced diet in space requires careful consideration of cultural preferences and the need for enjoyable meals.Near the end of the program, we both talked about the feasibility and challenges of sending humans to Mars, including the need for international collaboration, technological advancements, and ethical considerations around gene modification for space travel. They explored the potential benefits and risks of modifying human genes to enhance health in space, emphasizing the importance of careful regulation and ethical oversight. Sara mentioned ongoing efforts to simulate space environments on Earth and the psychological challenges of long-duration space travel, such as isolation and delays in communication. They also addressed the question of gender differences in space adaptation, noting that while women may have certain advantages, diversity in crew composition leads to better team dynamics and outcomes.In response to a listener question, Sara discussed the potential of hibernation-like states for long-duration space travel, highlighting ongoing research and challenges such as waking up and preventing cellular damage. She also addressed the impact of solar and galactic radiation on space missions, suggesting solutions like better shelters and nutraceuticals to protect astronauts. Ajay raised concerns about simulating partial gravity on Earth, and Dr. Saralyn mentioned new technologies being developed for this purpose. The discussion concluded with our guest emphasizing the need for global collaboration in space exploration and her hope to see a united effort to thrive on and beyond Earth.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4388: Sunday, June 22: 12 PM PDT; Dr. Karen Lloyd re her book “Intra-terrestrials: Discovering the Strangest Life on Earth”Broadcast 4389: Dr. Karen Lloyd | Sunday 22 Jun 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Karen LloydDr. Lloyd talks about her new book, "intra-Terrestrials: Discovering the strangest life on Earth."Broadcast 4390: Dr. Saralyn Mark | Tuesday 24 Jun 2025 700PM PTGuests: Dr. Saralyn MarkDr. Mark on advancing human spaceflight and health here on Earth and in space.Broadcast 4391: Hotel Mars with Doug Messier | Wednesday 25 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston, Douglas MessierDoug plans on addressing all things SpaceX, Starship and Elon Musk.Broadcast 4392: BY ZOOM: Dr. Ersilia Vaudo from France | Thursday 26 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: Dr. Ersilia VaudoDr. Vaudo will highlight her new book, The Story of Astrophysics in Five Revolutions.Broadcast 4393: Casey Dreier of The Planetary Society | Friday 27 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: Casey DreierCasey address the skinny budget for NASA science and space project cutbacksBroadcast 4394: Dr. Young Bay | Sunday 29 Jun 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Young K. BaeDr. Bay addresses the development of fusion energyLive Streaming is at https://www.thespaceshow.com/content/listen-live with the following live streaming sites:Stream Guys https://player.streamguys.com/thespaceshow/sgplayer3/player.php#FastServ https://ic2646c302.fastserv.com/stream Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

Please note that both the video and the audio of this program are archived on our Substack page, doctorspace.substack.com. I strongly recommend you watch the video version.We introduced Dr. Ersilia Vaudo, an astrophysicist and author from Paris with a 30-year career at ESA, including roles overseeing relations with NASA. He mentions her book and asks about her background in space and her motivation for writing her book, “The Story of Astrophysics in Five Revolutions.” Our guest started us of by sharing her journey into physics and astrophysics, describing how her early interest in science was nurtured by her family and experiences in nature. She explained that her decision to study physics was motivated by a desire to understand the universe and feel empowered by knowledge. Vaudo emphasizes the transformative nature of studying physics, as it challenges one's preconceptions and experiences. When asked if she saw the Moon landings live on TV, she expressed more interest in the scientific aspects of space exploration rather than the adventure itself. Vaudo also discussed her book on astrophysics, which aims to share the wonder of the field with a general audience by connecting historical events and scientific revolutions.Our discussion covered several key developments in cosmology and physics. Vaudo outlines five major revolutions (her book title) in our understanding of the universe: Newton's unification of terrestrial and celestial physics through gravity, Einstein's special and general relativity theories, Hubble's discovery of the expanding universe, and Dirac's contributions to quantum mechanics. I mentioned a recent theory challenge on a current Hotel Mars program to the Big Bang model, suggesting we might be inside a black hole. Vaudo emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind to new theories while maintaining a focus on experimental evidence.Vaudo discussed the five revolutions covered in his book, ending with the discovery of antimatter. She explained that modern scientific revolutions often involve teams rather than individual scientists, making storytelling today more challenging. John Jossy asked why dark matter and dark energy weren't included as a sixth revolution. Vaudo said that these topics were addressed in the book's final chapter, describing them as mysteries still being explored. She emphasized that dark energy, in particular, remains a fascinating enigma in our understanding of the universe.Vaudo discussed the challenges in science education and research, highlighting the growing impatience for quick answers and the increasing difficulty in generating new ideas. She emphasized the importance of mathematics as a critical thinking tool and suggests starting math education early to reduce anxiety. Vaudo shares his experience with an association that brings hands-on science experiments to disadvantaged areas, noting how this approach sparks curiosity and engagement in children. She also stressed the need for more experiential learning in primary schools to foster interest in science and mathematics.Dr. Vaudo discussed the influence of Galileo on the history of science and astronomy. She highlighted Galileo's contributions, including his use of the telescope, his intuition about the speed of light, and his pioneering work on relativity. Vaudo emphasized Galileo's bravery in challenging consensus and risking resistance to bring new ideas forward. The conversation touched on topics such as inflation theory, dark energy, and the role of funding in scientific exploration. Vaudo mentioned the importance of investing in science, noting that even basic research can lead to significant practical benefits in the future.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4388: Sunday, June 22: 12 PM PDT; Dr. Karen Lloyd re her book “Intra-terrestrials: Discovering the Strangest Life on Earth”Broadcast 4389: Dr. Karen Lloyd | Sunday 22 Jun 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Karen LloydDr. Lloyd talks about her new book, "intra-Terrestrials: Discovering the strangest life on Earth."Broadcast 4390: Dr. Saralyn Mark | Tuesday 24 Jun 2025 700PM PTGuests: Dr. Saralyn MarkDr. Mark on advancing human spaceflight and health here on Earth and in space.Broadcast 4391: Hotel Mars with Doug Messier | Wednesday 25 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston, Douglas MessierDoug plans on addressing all things SpaceX, Starship and Elon Musk.Broadcast 4392: BY ZOOM: Dr. Ersilia Vaudo from France | Thursday 26 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: Dr. Ersilia VaudoDr. Vaudo will highlight her new book, The Story of Astrophysics in Five Revolutions.Broadcast 4393: Casey Dreier of The Planetary Society | Friday 27 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: Casey DreierCasey address the skinny budget for NASA science and space project cutbacksBroadcast 4394: Dr. Young Bay | Sunday 29 Jun 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Young K. BaeDr. Bay addresses the development of fusion energyLive Streaming is at https://www.thespaceshow.com/content/listen-live with the following live streaming sites:Stream Guys https://player.streamguys.com/thespaceshow/sgplayer3/player.php#FastServhttps://ic2646c302.fastserv.com/stream Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

Casey Dreyer, Director of Space Policy at the Planetary Society, joined us in our Space Show Zoom room to discuss the proposed 2026 NASA budget. He criticized the budget as unprecedented, “unstrategic,” and damaging—highlighting a historic 25% cut that could cancel numerous missions and projects. Casey stressed that the budget breaks the Artemis consensus, cuts scientific research, and threatens NASA's workforce. He dismissed the possibility of significant internal savings, arguing that most mission costs are tied to personnel and would require major structural reform. Casey suggested the budget proposal reflected a broader shift in U.S. priorities away from science and questioned the lack of clear space policy leadership from the White House. He attributed the budget's anti-science stance more to Rust Vought of OMB than Elon Musk and noted that NASA was excluded from key budget conversations due to the absence of a confirmed administrator.The group discussed how budget cuts affect commercial space activity and NASA's ability to support it. Casey emphasized the importance of long-term commitments to programs like Artemis to sustain a commercial space economy. While some companies remain successful, many are shifting focus toward defense contracts due to market and funding uncertainties. Zoom participant Phil proposed reframing NASA's mission in terms of national competition with China to align with current political priorities. Casey agreed that emphasizing competition with China might be effective but warned against undermining NASA's nonpartisan image. He noted that while public support exists for NASA's science missions—such as climate observation and planetary defense—human spaceflight to the Moon or Mars is less popular.Casey also addressed potential solutions, including advocating for a supplemental budget or stronger congressional resistance. Zoom listener John H suggested a continuing resolution (CR) may be the most likely outcome, given Senate voting requirements and ongoing reconciliation bill discussions. Casey explained that while a CR might appear manageable, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) could impose harmful restrictions through aggressive executive interpretation.In discussing congressional prospects, Casey was skeptical about swift action due to a narrow Republican majority and competing legislative priorities. He warned that inaction could have severe consequences and reiterated the importance of public and congressional engagement.The conversation turned to the role of the National Space Council and the implications of JD Vance's leadership. Casey expressed concerns about the lack of strategic guidance and the administration's failure to advocate its own space policy vision. He emphasized the need for policy alternatives to reduce reliance on a single contractor—namely SpaceX—and criticized the current vulnerability of programs like the Space Launch System (SLS).When asked about China's potential to reach the Moon first, Casey speculated that it could lead to a symbolic loss for the U.S., though the political response remains uncertain. He stressed that the administration's lack of public advocacy for NASA's goals is damaging and that human spaceflight's popularity depends heavily on its visibility and perceived success.In closing, Casey described the Planetary Society's advocacy efforts, highlighting their independent and aggressive campaign against the proposed cuts. He reaffirmed the importance of preserving NASA's nonpartisan reputation while pushing for restored funding. He also mentioned an upcoming podcast episode on the NASA budget featuring guests from the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) and the American Geophysical Union (AGU). The group agreed to remain engaged and offer support to help reverse the budget cuts.Listeners and viewers, much more was discussed during the 1 hour 16 minutes with Casey so be sure to either watch all of the video or listen to all of the audio. We were joined in the Zoom room by Space Show Advisory Board members Bill Gowan, John Jossy, John Hunt, A.J. Kothari, and Dr. Phil Swan. Many more questions were asked of Casey including my end of the program for Casey and/or the Planetary Society to create an alternate budget to use in working to move away from the proposed skinny budget. Such an alternate budget by those who know and are familiar with space, science and NASA would also be a terrific and relevant handout to members of congress, staffers and even the president and his office. I hope Casey and his associates follow through on this suggestion. Please post your comments on either TSS blog for this program or our Substack page, doctorspace.substack.com.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4388: Sunday, June 22: 12 PM PDT; Dr. Karen Lloyd re her book “Intra-terrestrials: Discovering the Strangest Life on Earth”Broadcast 4389: Dr. Karen Lloyd | Sunday 22 Jun 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Karen LloydDr. Lloyd talks about her new book, "intra-Terrestrials: Discovering the strangest life on Earth."Broadcast 4390: Dr. Saralyn Mark | Tuesday 24 Jun 2025 700PM PTGuests: Dr. Saralyn MarkDr. Mark on advancing human spaceflight and health here on Earth and in space.Broadcast 4391: Hotel Mars with Doug Messier | Wednesday 25 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston, Douglas MessierDoug plans on addressing all things SpaceX, Starship and Elon Musk.Broadcast 4392: BY ZOOM: Dr. Ersilia Vaudo from France | Thursday 26 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: Dr. Ersilia VaudoDr. Vaudo will highlight her new book, The Story of Astrophysics in Five Revolutions.Broadcast 4393: Casey Dreier of The Planetary Society | Friday 27 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: Casey DreierCasey address the skinny budget for NASA science and space project cutbacksBroadcast 4394: Dr. Young Bay | Sunday 29 Jun 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Young K. BaeDr. Bay addresses the development of fusion energyLive Streaming is at https://www.thespaceshow.com/content/listen-live with the following live streaming sites:Stream Guys https://player.streamguys.com/thespaceshow/sgplayer3/player.php#FastServ https://ic2646c302.fastserv.com/stream Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) is poised to become one of the most powerful ground-based observatories ever built. On June 12, 2025, the U.S. National Science Foundation announced that the GMT will enter its Major Facilities Final Design Phase, bringing it one step closer to full construction. This week on Planetary Radio, host Sarah Al-Ahmed speaks with Rebecca Bernstein, Chief Scientist for the Giant Magellan Telescope Organization and astronomer at the Carnegie Institution for Science, about the groundbreaking technology behind GMT and how it will transform our understanding of the Cosmos. Later in the show, Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, returns to discuss his new op-ed in Space News on the White House’s controversial Mars plan, and why a bold vision without political consensus is unlikely to succeed. As always, we wrap up with What’s Up with Bruce Betts, chief scientist at The Planetary Society. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-gmtSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Please note that there were audio and technical difficulties with this program My apologies.Dr. Karen Lloyd, author of INTRATERRESTRIALS: Discovering The Strangest Life On Earth, was our guest for this 63-minute program. We explored a variety of strange life forms that she has studied using deep-sea submersibles such as ALVIN. Although we did touch on some land-based life later in the program, most of our discussion focused on organisms found several hundred to several thousand feet below the ocean surface.Early in the conversation, I asked Karen about DNA differences between these deep-sea organisms and surface creatures. She reminded us that her research primarily involves single-celled microbial life, but noted that their DNA is not drastically different from that of more familiar organisms.As a former scuba diver in my younger years, I asked several questions about the experience of deep-sea diving in mini-subs: the technology involved, the comfort level (or lack thereof), visibility, and the challenges of discovering and retrieving samples for study. Karen also shared insights about the crew—typically just three people per dive in ALVIN—the duration of these dives, and the training required to participate. One key takeaway was that many samples are collected from seafloor mud, as the life forms are too small to be seen with the naked eye.Despite ongoing audio issues during the broadcast, we received several excellent listener questions. One listener asked whether the organisms Karen studies are considered extremophiles—a topic we've discussed before on TSS. Don't miss her answer—it may surprise you. Another caller inquired about any commercial applications for her research or for the microbial life itself. Karen took time to name some of the organisms currently being studied, so listen closely for those details.A listener also raised concerns about ocean pollution and its impact on these life forms. While most of the organisms live too deep to be directly affected, Karen did discuss the broader dangers of plastic and other pollution, stressing that we should take these issues more seriously.Later in the program, we tackled a complex question about whether climate change is affecting these deep-sea environments. Karen gave a detailed response that's worth hearing in full. I also asked if microbial life differs across the world's oceans. While there is some diversity, she explained that the microbes are generally quite similar across different marine environments. She was also asked about microbial life in freshwater lakes, but noted that this is not a primary focus of her research.As the discussion continued, I asked Karen about the potential benefits to humans from studying these life forms. Her response was thoughtful and informative—another part of the program you won't want to miss. Before wrapping up, we discussed how these microorganisms contribute to oxygen production. I mentioned that I thought trees were responsible for that, and Karen explained the significant differences. She emphasized how essential deep-ocean microbial life is to sustaining human life with some good examples.Karen dives into all of this and much more in her book, which is an excellent and engaging read. She shares vivid stories that help readers appreciate the science and the importance of this research. While we did experience some audio issues during the show, I encourage you to listen to the entire interview and consider reading her book. This is a truly important subject that deserves our attention.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4388: Sunday, June 22: 12 PM PDT; Dr. Karen Lloyd re her book “Intra-terrestrials: Discovering the Strangest Life on Earth”Broadcast 4389: Dr. Karen Lloyd | Sunday 22 Jun 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Karen LloydDr. Lloyd talks about her new book, "intra-Terrestrials: Discovering the strangest life on Earth."Broadcast 4390: Dr. Saralyn Mark | Tuesday 24 Jun 2025 700PM PTGuests: Dr. Saralyn MarkDr. Mark on advancing human spaceflight and health here on Earth and in space.Broadcast 4391: Hotel Mars with Doug Messier | Wednesday 25 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston, Douglas MessierDoug plans on addressing all things SpaceX, Starship and Elon Musk.Broadcast 4392: BY ZOOM: Dr. Ersilia Vaudo from France | Thursday 26 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: Dr. Ersilia VaudoDr. Vaudo will highlight her new book, The Story of Astrophysics in Five Revolutions.Broadcast 4393: Casey Dreier of The Planetary Society | Friday 27 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: Casey DreierCasey address the skinny budget for NASA science and space project cutbacksBroadcast 4394: Dr. Young Bay | Sunday 29 Jun 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Young K. BaeDr. Bay addresses the development of fusion energyLive Streaming is at https://www.thespaceshow.com/content/listen-live with the following live streaming sites:Stream Guys https://player.streamguys.com/thespaceshow/sgplayer3/player.php#FastServhttps://ic2646c302.fastserv.com/stream Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

We welcomed Dr. Robert Bishop of Texas A&M University to The Space Show for a wide-ranging discussion on space exploration, technology, and education—highlighting Texas A&M's expanding leadership in space science, engineering, and research.After introducing the program and reminding listeners that The Space Show is a nonprofit, listener-supported initiative, I welcomed our guest, Dr. Robert Bishop, Vice Chancellor and Dean of Engineering at Texas A&M. Dr. Bishop began by outlining the university's major space and science research initiatives. While state-supported, he explained, much of the research is funded through contracts and grants from NASA, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other agencies. A key development is a new 400,000-square-foot research facility under construction near NASA's Johnson Space Center, featuring simulated lunar and Martian environments for both academic and industry use.Dr. Bishop addressed concerns about potential federal science funding cuts. He expressed confidence in adapting through more efficient funding models, such as forming a 501(c)(3) and expanding contract-based research. He emphasized that contracts should supplement—not replace—traditional grant funding, especially for open-ended basic research. He also called for a reevaluation of indirect cost structures to better sustain future research.We explored Texas A&M's national security-related research, including work in cybersecurity, hypersonics, and space defense. Dr. Bishop underscored the university's partnerships with federal and military organizations and emphasized the need to safeguard critical infrastructure amid rising global competition in space. He expressed concern about the uncertain future of U.S. space dominance.Dr. Bishop also introduced the TAMU Spirit platform, developed by Aegis Aerospace, which will host up to 12 experiments every six months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). While acknowledging the ISS's limited remaining operational timeline, he confirmed that contingency planning is underway for future commercial platforms.On space launch, I raised concerns about reliance on SpaceX and recent Starship test failures. Dr. Bishop noted that launch systems fall outside his expertise but acknowledged the importance of diversified infrastructure.We discussed Texas A&M's new space engineering program, which began as a master's degree in Fall 2023 and will expand to a bachelor's program in Fall 2024. The program integrates disciplines such as agriculture, architecture, and public policy, with a focus on sustaining human life on the Moon and Mars. While the university is not involved in space medicine or weapons research, it conducts foundational research in hypersonics and maintains active collaborations with astronauts and researchers at JSC.Our conversation also touched on the broader Texas space ecosystem, with contributions from UT Austin, Rice, and Baylor. Dr. Bishop emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary research—including studies on the environmental impact of space exploration and the use of small modular nuclear reactors for lunar power. In response to a listener question, he noted that while A&M is not currently working on space-based solar power, they are actively researching nuclear technologies for both Earth and space applications.Dr. Bishop spoke to the surging demand for engineering education at Texas A&M, which enrolls over 25,000 engineering students but still cannot meet national workforce needs. On the topic of AI, he described early efforts to create a comparative framework across disciplines, with ethical considerations woven throughout the curriculum—not as standalone courses, but through an integrated, vertical approach. He stressed academia's responsibility in helping industry navigate the ethical challenges of space exploration.In response to one of the many listener questions for this program, we discussed commercial opportunities in cislunar space, including communication, landing, and timing infrastructure. Dr. Bishop described cislunar space as a testbed for Earth-beneficial technologies like space medicine and advanced systems. We also explored concepts such as cycling trajectories between Earth and the Moon, space tourism, and large-scale orbital construction. While he believes current engineering capabilities can support such ambitions, he pointed to the need for more robust launch infrastructure Dr. Bishop highlighted Texas A&M's contributions to food production research aboard the ISS and noted the ongoing challenges of limited resources and talent shortages. He spoke positively about the university's close ties with government stakeholders and voiced support for bold space development goals. Before concluding, we briefly touched on student enthusiasm, space settlement, O'Neilian colonies, superstructures, and the emerging potential of space medicine.We invite you to share your thoughts and questions for Dr. Bishop on our Space Show blog or Substack page: doctorspace.substack.com.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Broadcast 4388: Sunday, June 22: 12 PM PDT; Dr. Karen Lloyd re her book “Intra-terrestrials: Discovering the Strangest Life on Earth”Broadcast 4389: Dr. Karen Lloyd | Sunday 22 Jun 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Karen LloydDr. Lloyd talks about her new book, "intra-Terrestrials: Discovering the strangest life on Earth."Broadcast 4390: Dr. Saralyn Mark | Tuesday 24 Jun 2025 700PM PTGuests: Dr. Saralyn MarkDr. Mark on advancing human spaceflight and health here on Earth and in space.Broadcast 4391: Hotel Mars with Doug Messier | Wednesday 25 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston, Douglas MessierDoug plans on addressing all things SpaceX, Starship and Elon Musk.Broadcast 4392: BY ZOOM: Dr. Ersilia Vaudo from France | Thursday 26 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: Dr. Ersilia VaudoDr. Vaudo will highlight her new book, The Story of Astrophysics in Five Revolutions.Broadcast 4393: Casey Dreier of The Planetary Society | Friday 27 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: Casey DreierCasey address the skinny budget for NASA science and space project cutbacksBroadcast 4394: Dr. Young Bay | Sunday 29 Jun 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Young K. BaeDr. Bay addresses the development of fusion energyLive Streaming is at https://www.thespaceshow.com/content/listen-live with the following live streaming sites:Stream Guys https://player.streamguys.com/thespaceshow/sgplayer3/player.php#FastServhttps://ic2646c302.fastserv.com/stream Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

Anthony is joined by Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society, and Eric Berger, Senior Space Editor at Ars Technica, to talk about the NASA 2026 budget proposal, the Jared Isaacman saga, and all the space policy storylines you could imagine.TopicsOff-Nominal - YouTubeEpisode 201 - Bad Ass, But Also Bad (with Casey Dreier and Eric Berger) (with Casey Dreier and Eric Berger) - YouTubeNASA's disastrous 2026 budget proposal in… | The Planetary SocietyThe Space Review: How NASA's proposed budget cuts are felt across the AtlanticThe Space Review: NASA's 2026 budget in brief: Unprecedented, unstrategic, and wastefulThe Planetary Society's NASA Data DashboardsIsaacman's bold plan for NASA: Nuclear ships, seven-crew Dragons, accelerated Artemis - Ars TechnicaThe administration's anti-consensus Mars plan will fail - SpaceNewsSpaceX's next Starship just blew up on its test stand in South Texas - Ars TechnicaShe was a Disney star with platinum records, but Bridgit Mendler gave it up to change the world - Ars TechnicaFollow CaseyCasey Dreier | The Planetary SocietyThe Planetary SocietyFollow EricEric Berger | Ars TechnicaEric Berger (@SciGuySpace) / XFollow Off-NominalSubscribe to the show! - Off-NominalSupport the show, join the DiscordOff-Nominal (@offnom) / TwitterOff-Nominal (@offnom@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow JakeWeMartians Podcast - Follow Humanity's Journey to MarsWeMartians Podcast (@We_Martians) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow AnthonyMain Engine Cut OffMain Engine Cut Off (@WeHaveMECO) | TwitterMain Engine Cut Off (@meco@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo) | TwitterAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo@jawns.club) - jawns.club

Bill Gowan joined us on this program to share his experience participating in The Planetary Society's annual Day of Action on Capitol Hill. This year's event took place in March and included training sessions, group feedback meetings, and visits to numerous congressional offices, primarily engaging with staffers from both the Senate and the House. While the Day of Action had its own structured agenda focused on space advocacy, Bill also brought his personal priorities with him advocating for three key goals: exploring other worlds, defending Earth, and finding life.During the first 15–20 minutes of the show, Bill walked us through the process of preparing for and participating in the Day of Action. He discussed the training which was led by Casey Dreier and Jack Kiraly (The Planetary Society's government relations representative in Washington, D.C.), and what it was like to engage directly with congressional staffers. His detailed narrative offered a strong introduction and background, providing listeners with valuable insights into the experience of citizen lobbying for space.Bill took several listener phone calls and responded to numerous email questions, as well as my own. Many of the questions focused on how receptive congressional staffers were to discussions about space, and whether they seemed genuinely interested. A recurring theme was the concern over proposed NASA budget cuts outlined in the President's so-called “Skinny Budget.” Bill provided helpful context, highlighting how these proposed cuts compared to previous budgets and emphasizing the growing resistance in Congress to such reductions—especially those targeting science programs. One particularly interesting exchange came when I asked Bill if he could tell whether a member of Congress was motivated by genuine interest in space and science—or simply liked spending taxpayer dollars. Bill's thoughtful response to that question is not to be missed.Bill also identified the specific members his group met with. While it's uncertain how any individual member will vote when the full budget bill comes up, Bill reported encouraging signs of support for preserving key NASA programs. Of course, much will depend on the final form of the bill and the political pressure applied during the legislative process.Later in the show, Bill made a strong case for civic engagement—encouraging all of us to talk to our elected officials, not just about space but about issues we care about more broadly. His explanation of why this matters was compelling and extended well beyond space advocacy. Before we wrapped up, Bill was asked how he would respond to someone who claims, “The country is broke—we have to cut spending, and that includes space.” His answer to this hypothetical but very real concern was both pragmatic and passionate.Finally, Bill was asked if he encountered any “space cadets” among the staffers or members of Congress. He smiled and shared that many expressed enthusiasm for space—citing childhood memories of Apollo, sci-fi movies and TV shows, and a general fascination with the cosmos. He believes many in Congress, even those not on space committees, have a “secret space cadet” gene.We thanked Bill for doing a fantastic job of sharing his experience with us and look forward to having him back next March to hear how his next Day of Action unfolds—as an enthusiastic, unpaid, and deeply committed space advocate.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming Programs:Tuesday, June 17: No program today | Tuesday 17 Jun 2025 700PM PTGuests: Dr. David LivingstonNo program today.Broadcast 4387: Hotel Mars with Dr. Enrique Gaztanaga | Wednesday 18 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: John Batchelor, Dr. David Livingston, Dr. Enrique GaztanagaNew black hole theory, Earth and moreBroadcast 4388 VIA ZOOM: Dr. Robert Bishop | Friday 20 Jun 2025 930AM PTGuests: Dr. Robert BishopVia Zoom; Texas A&M in space, AI, Cyber, space defense tech and moreBroadcast 4389: Dr. Karen Lloyd | Sunday 22 Jun 2025 1200PM PTGuests: Dr. Karen LloydDr. Lloyd talks about her new book, "intra-Terrestrials: Discovering the strangest life on Earth."Live Streaming is at https://www.thespaceshow.com/content/listen-live with the following live streaming sites:Stream Guys https://player.streamguys.com/thespaceshow/sgplayer3/player.php#FastServhttps://ic2646c302.fastserv.com/stream Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

John and I welcomed Casey Dreier from The Planetary Society to the program to discuss the proposed NASA space and science budget cuts and the elimination of several key projects. Casey suggested that the direction for these cuts likely originated from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), with minimal input or guidance from the space policy experts.He highlighted several affected programs, including significant budget reductions to the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, and the potential termination of the New Horizons and Venus missions. Casey also addressed the almost certain cancellation of the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Gateway program, both of which may die after Artemis 3.We also talked about a potential shift toward commercial Moon missions, though Casey noted the plans were vague and lacked clear direction. Our discussion covered broader topics as well, including cislunar development, cargo and resupply missions to the ISS, the outlook for private space stations, Mars exploration, and entry, descent, and landing (EDL) demonstrations.In Part 2 of the program, John focused on robotic missions—both current and planned—which are all heavily reliant on robotic technology. Casey added insights into the impact of budget cuts and restructuring at key NASA centers, including JPL and Goddard. Before concluding, we asked Casey about the implications of these changes for NASA scientists and engineers. He expressed concern about their uncertain job prospects, noting that opportunities for their highly specialized skills may be limited.Special thanks to our sponsors:Northrup Grumman, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Helix Space in Luxembourg, Celestis Memorial Spaceflights, Astrox Corporation, Dr. Haym Benaroya of Rutgers University, The Space Settlement Progress Blog by John Jossy, The Atlantis Project, and Artless EntertainmentOur Toll Free Line for Live Broadcasts: 1-866-687-7223For real time program participation, email Dr. Space at: drspace@thespaceshow.comThe Space Show is a non-profit 501C3 through its parent, One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. To donate via Pay Pal, use:To donate with Zelle, use the email address: david@onegiantleapfoundation.org.If you prefer donating with a check, please make the check payable to One Giant Leap Foundation and mail to:One Giant Leap Foundation, 11035 Lavender Hill Drive Ste. 160-306 Las Vegas, NV 89135Upcoming ShowsBroadcast 4383: ZOOM: Marcus Chown, UK author | Sunday 08 Jun 2025 1200PM PTBroadcast 4384: Dave Barnhart, CEO of Arkysis | Tuesday 10 Jun 2025 700PM PTBroadcast 4385 Hotel Mars with Eric Berger | Wednesday 11 Jun 2025 930AM PTBroadcast 4386: ZOOM: Bill Gowan | Friday 13 Jun 2025 930AM PTSunday, June 15: No program in honor of Father's Day | Sunday 15 Jun 2025 1200PM PTLive Streaming is at https://www.thespaceshow.com/content/listen-live with the following live streaming sites:Stream Guys https://player.streamguys.com/thespaceshow/sgplayer3/player.php#FastServ https://ic2646c302.fastserv.com/stream Get full access to The Space Show-One Giant Leap Foundation at doctorspace.substack.com/subscribe

John and I welcomed Casey Dreier from The Planetary Society to the program to go over the proposed NASA space and science budget cuts and project eliminations. Casey suspected the direction for the cuts originated out of OMB without much space guidance or thought. He identified several of the projects and programs identified for either a budget cut such as the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope to the New Horizons and Venus missions being totally eliminated. Casey also talked about the bleak future for SLS and the Gateway for their demise post Artemis 3. Casey talked about their being a shift to commercial Moon missions but with little detail and clarity. Cislunar development, cargo and resupply to the ISS, the future for the private space stations, Mars and EDL for Mars plus demos all were part of our discussion. In Part 2, John talked about the robotic missions including existing missions plus the future missions, all of course depending on robots. Casey worked in commentary about cuts and changes for both JPL and Goddard, two very important and key Nasa centers. Before concluding the program, our guest was asked about the impact of the layoffs for NASA scientists and engineers. Casey suggested they would have an uncertain future ahead of them as their might not be abundant job opportunities for these important skills. Read the full summary at The Space Show website, www.thespaceshow.com and also at doctorspace.substack.com.

1/2: #HOTEL MARS: CASEY DREIER, PLANETARY SOCIETY. DAVID LIVINGSTON.: NASA IN RETREAT FROM JPL. 1953

2/2: #HOTEL MARS: CASEY DREIER, PLANETARY SOCIETY. DAVID LIVINGSTON.: NASA IN RETREAT FROM JPL. 1963

What a wild week it's been for NASA. With drastic budget cuts looming—pending any action by Congress—then comes the sudden and unexpected pulling of Jared Isaacman for the role of NASA Administrator, with no replacement named. Then came the very public split between President Trump and Elon Musk, and a flurry of furious Twitter/X and Truth Social postings, aimed at each other with razor-sharp edges. And finally, the proposed and drastic cuts to NASA outreach and education budgets, slimming them to nearly nothing. These are strange and concerning times for America's space agency, a premier global brand and icon of peaceful American prowess. We turned to Casey Dreier, the Chief of Space Policy for The Planetary Society, who has been quite vocal in his concern, for context. These are critical times for spaceflight, so you won't want to miss this episode!Headlines Trump and Musk "Bromance" Ends: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik discuss the public falling out between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, which included Trump's threats to cancel SpaceX contracts and Musk's counter-accusations regarding the Jeffrey Epstein files. Commercial Crew Program and Boeing's Starliner: Tariq Malik highlights the critical role of SpaceX's Dragon in NASA's commercial crew program, especially given Boeing's Starliner delays, making NASA dependent on SpaceX for U.S. independent access to space. Japanese ispace Lunar Lander Failure: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik discuss the second failed attempt by the Japanese company ispace to land its Hakuto-R lunar lander on the moon, losing the European Space Agency's mini-rover, called Tenacious, in the process. Speculation on SpaceX Nationalization: The hosts discuss online speculation, including from Steve Bannon, about the possibility of the U.S. government nationalizing SpaceX, and Elon Musk's subsequent de-escalation. LAUNCH Act: Rod Pyle introduces the bipartisan LAUNCH Act, aimed at streamlining licensing for commercial space companies to encourage more rocket launches with faster approvals. Senate Reconciliation Bill: Tariq Malik and Rod Pyle discuss Senator Ted Cruz's Senate reconciliation bill, which proposes to restore funding for the Space Launch System (SLS), increase NASA's budget by $10 billion, and fund Artemis 4 and 5, missions previously targeted for alternate architectures. 60th Anniversary of First U.S. Spacewalk: The hosts commemorate Ed White's historic spacewalk during the Gemini 4 mission in 1965 and discuss anecdotes and lingering questions surrounding the event. Definition of an Astronaut/Spacewalker Debate: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik briefly touch on the ongoing debate about what defines an "astronaut" or "spacewalker," given varying definitions and commercial spaceflight. Tribute to Marc Garneau: The hosts pay tribute to Marc Garneau, Canada's first astronaut, who passed away at 76, highlighting his career with the Canadian Space Agency and his later political career. The Dark Age of NASA Science The Planetary Society's Mission: Space policy expert Casey Dreier provides an overview of the Planetary Society, its founding by Carl Sagan, its independence from government and corporate funding, and its projects like the Lightsail 2. Catastrophic NASA Budget Proposal: Casey Dreier These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/164 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Casey Dreier

What a wild week it's been for NASA. With drastic budget cuts looming—pending any action by Congress—then comes the sudden and unexpected pulling of Jared Isaacman for the role of NASA Administrator, with no replacement named. Then came the very public split between President Trump and Elon Musk, and a flurry of furious Twitter/X and Truth Social postings, aimed at each other with razor-sharp edges. And finally, the proposed and drastic cuts to NASA outreach and education budgets, slimming them to nearly nothing. These are strange and concerning times for America's space agency, a premier global brand and icon of peaceful American prowess. We turned to Casey Dreier, the Chief of Space Policy for The Planetary Society, who has been quite vocal in his concern, for context. These are critical times for spaceflight, so you won't want to miss this episode!Headlines Trump and Musk "Bromance" Ends: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik discuss the public falling out between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, which included Trump's threats to cancel SpaceX contracts and Musk's counter-accusations regarding the Jeffrey Epstein files. Commercial Crew Program and Boeing's Starliner: Tariq Malik highlights the critical role of SpaceX's Dragon in NASA's commercial crew program, especially given Boeing's Starliner delays, making NASA dependent on SpaceX for U.S. independent access to space. Japanese ispace Lunar Lander Failure: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik discuss the second failed attempt by the Japanese company ispace to land its Hakuto-R lunar lander on the moon, losing the European Space Agency's mini-rover, called Tenacious, in the process. Speculation on SpaceX Nationalization: The hosts discuss online speculation, including from Steve Bannon, about the possibility of the U.S. government nationalizing SpaceX, and Elon Musk's subsequent de-escalation. LAUNCH Act: Rod Pyle introduces the bipartisan LAUNCH Act, aimed at streamlining licensing for commercial space companies to encourage more rocket launches with faster approvals. Senate Reconciliation Bill: Tariq Malik and Rod Pyle discuss Senator Ted Cruz's Senate reconciliation bill, which proposes to restore funding for the Space Launch System (SLS), increase NASA's budget by $10 billion, and fund Artemis 4 and 5, missions previously targeted for alternate architectures. 60th Anniversary of First U.S. Spacewalk: The hosts commemorate Ed White's historic spacewalk during the Gemini 4 mission in 1965 and discuss anecdotes and lingering questions surrounding the event. Definition of an Astronaut/Spacewalker Debate: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik briefly touch on the ongoing debate about what defines an "astronaut" or "spacewalker," given varying definitions and commercial spaceflight. Tribute to Marc Garneau: The hosts pay tribute to Marc Garneau, Canada's first astronaut, who passed away at 76, highlighting his career with the Canadian Space Agency and his later political career. The Dark Age of NASA Science The Planetary Society's Mission: Space policy expert Casey Dreier provides an overview of the Planetary Society, its founding by Carl Sagan, its independence from government and corporate funding, and its projects like the Lightsail 2. Catastrophic NASA Budget Proposal: Casey Dreier These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/164 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Casey Dreier

What a wild week it's been for NASA. With drastic budget cuts looming—pending any action by Congress—then comes the sudden and unexpected pulling of Jared Isaacman for the role of NASA Administrator, with no replacement named. Then came the very public split between President Trump and Elon Musk, and a flurry of furious Twitter/X and Truth Social postings, aimed at each other with razor-sharp edges. And finally, the proposed and drastic cuts to NASA outreach and education budgets, slimming them to nearly nothing. These are strange and concerning times for America's space agency, a premier global brand and icon of peaceful American prowess. We turned to Casey Dreier, the Chief of Space Policy for The Planetary Society, who has been quite vocal in his concern, for context. These are critical times for spaceflight, so you won't want to miss this episode!Headlines Trump and Musk "Bromance" Ends: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik discuss the public falling out between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, which included Trump's threats to cancel SpaceX contracts and Musk's counter-accusations regarding the Jeffrey Epstein files. Commercial Crew Program and Boeing's Starliner: Tariq Malik highlights the critical role of SpaceX's Dragon in NASA's commercial crew program, especially given Boeing's Starliner delays, making NASA dependent on SpaceX for U.S. independent access to space. Japanese ispace Lunar Lander Failure: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik discuss the second failed attempt by the Japanese company ispace to land its Hakuto-R lunar lander on the moon, losing the European Space Agency's mini-rover, called Tenacious, in the process. Speculation on SpaceX Nationalization: The hosts discuss online speculation, including from Steve Bannon, about the possibility of the U.S. government nationalizing SpaceX, and Elon Musk's subsequent de-escalation. LAUNCH Act: Rod Pyle introduces the bipartisan LAUNCH Act, aimed at streamlining licensing for commercial space companies to encourage more rocket launches with faster approvals. Senate Reconciliation Bill: Tariq Malik and Rod Pyle discuss Senator Ted Cruz's Senate reconciliation bill, which proposes to restore funding for the Space Launch System (SLS), increase NASA's budget by $10 billion, and fund Artemis 4 and 5, missions previously targeted for alternate architectures. 60th Anniversary of First U.S. Spacewalk: The hosts commemorate Ed White's historic spacewalk during the Gemini 4 mission in 1965 and discuss anecdotes and lingering questions surrounding the event. Definition of an Astronaut/Spacewalker Debate: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik briefly touch on the ongoing debate about what defines an "astronaut" or "spacewalker," given varying definitions and commercial spaceflight. Tribute to Marc Garneau: The hosts pay tribute to Marc Garneau, Canada's first astronaut, who passed away at 76, highlighting his career with the Canadian Space Agency and his later political career. The Dark Age of NASA Science The Planetary Society's Mission: Space policy expert Casey Dreier provides an overview of the Planetary Society, its founding by Carl Sagan, its independence from government and corporate funding, and its projects like the Lightsail 2. Catastrophic NASA Budget Proposal: Casey Dreier These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/164 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Casey Dreier

PREVIEW: Colleague Casey Dreier of the Planetary Society comments on the last of the NASA hardware extant for a moon landing mission. More later. 1958

As debates over NASA's future heat up, questions about the value of space exploration are popping up everywhere. This week on Planetary Radio, we're tackling the tough questions head-on with The Planetary Society's staff, including Casey Dreier, chief of space policy, and Ambre Trujillo, digital community manager. They break down the biggest misconceptions about space science, public versus private investment, and why exploration still matters in an ever-changing world. Then Jack Kiraly, director of government relations, joins us for a space policy update. We discuss the growing movement to save NASA science, how community action is ramping up, and what’s happening behind the scenes on Capitol Hill. And in What's Up with Bruce Betts, we explore some of the most recent NASA spinoffs, technologies developed for space that are making life better here on Earth. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-space-science-under-fireSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration is proposing a nearly 25% cut to NASA's budget as well as deep cuts to space technology funding. We talk about it with Casey Dreier and Christopher Cokinos.

NASA’s science programs are facing the largest proposed budget cut in more than 40 years. This staggering 47%reduction could cancel missions, waste billions in U.S. taxpayer investments, and unravel decades of discovery. In this episode of Planetary Radio, host Sarah Al-Ahmed is joined by Casey Dreier, The Planetary Society’s Chief of Space Policy, and Jack Kiraly, Director of Government Relations. Together, they break down what the “passback” stage of the federal budget process means for NASA, which missions and programs are in jeopardy, and how you can help push back. Later in the show, Chief Scientist Bruce Betts joins us for a reflective What’s Up as we explore the science that could be lost and why it still deserves to be saved. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-passback-budget-breakdownSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Sarah Al-Ahmed and Casey Dreier for a special live recording of Planetary Radio at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C., immediately following The Planetary Society’s Day of Action. In this episode, we explore the complex geopolitical landscape NASA faces as it works toward returning humans to the Moon and exploring other worlds. With growing influence from commercial space companies, potential budget cuts, and changes in committee leadership, this pivotal moment in space exploration is shaping NASA’s future. We’re joined by Bill Nye (CEO, The Planetary Society), Nancy Chabot (Chief Scientist, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory), Rep. George Whitesides (Representative, CA-27), Rep. Judy Chu (Co-chair, Congressional Planetary Science Caucus, Representative, CA-28), and Antonio Peronace (Chief Executive, Space for Humanity). Together, we explore how evolving national priorities, key lawmakers, and the rapid growth of the commercial space sector could reshape U.S. space policy, potentially redefining the motivations that have driven space exploration since the Apollo era. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-live-from-dcSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Apollo program put humans on the Moon, but behind that historic achievement were engineers whose stories have gone largely untold. In this episode, “LA Made: The Other Moonshot” host Joanne Higgins joins Planetary Radio to share the powerful history of Charlie Cheatham, Nate LeVert, and Shelby Jacobs, three Black engineers in Los Angeles who helped make Apollo possible while navigating racism and exclusion. We discuss how their technical brilliance shaped the space program, why their stories were left out of the history books, and how telling them now can help create a more equitable space community for the future. Plus, Casey Dreier checks in from Washington, D.C., during The Planetary Society’s Day of Action, where advocates from across the U.S. gathered to support NASA science. And in What’s Up, Bruce Betts and Sarah explore the Apollo-era technologies still in use today. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-the-other-moonshotSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NASA's science missions have transformed our understanding of the Universe, from breathtaking images of deep space to robotic explorers on Mars. But now, a reported 50% cut to NASA's science budget threatens to shut down missions, halt discoveries, and devastate the future of space exploration. This week, Casey Dreier and Jack Kiraly from The Planetary Society's space policy team break down the fight ahead, explain why these cuts would be catastrophic, and explain how you can take action before they become part of the official presidential budget request. Then, Science Editor Asa Stahl joins us to discuss the power of grassroots advocacy and Planetary Society members' impact in defending space science over the past 45 years. Plus, Bruce Betts returns for What's Up with a celebration of Lunar PlanetVac and a look ahead to this week's lunar eclipse. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-extinction-level-event-for-nasa-scienceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jake and Anthony are joined by Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society, to talk about the current era of Executive action, Congressional pushback (or not) against it, and the upcoming Day of Action.TopicsOff-Nominal - YouTubeEpisode 186 - It's Like the Cinnamon Challenge (with Casey Dreier) - YouTubeThe Day of Action | The Planetary SocietyThe Space Advocate Newsletter, February 2025 | The Planetary SocietyHouse hearing debates ways to improve Artemis - SpaceNewsFollow CaseyCasey Dreier | The Planetary SocietyThe Planetary SocietyFollow Off-NominalSubscribe to the show! - Off-NominalSupport the show, join the DiscordOff-Nominal (@offnom) / TwitterOff-Nominal (@offnom@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow JakeWeMartians Podcast - Follow Humanity's Journey to MarsWeMartians Podcast (@We_Martians) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow AnthonyMain Engine Cut OffMain Engine Cut Off (@WeHaveMECO) | TwitterMain Engine Cut Off (@meco@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo) | TwitterAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo@jawns.club) - jawns.club

The internet is buzzing about Asteroid 2024 YR4, currently ranked as the highest-threat asteroid in our skies. But is it really cause for concern? Our Public Education Specialist, Kate Howells, breaks down the facts. Then, we shift from potential impacts to stunning space imagery as Finn Burridge from the Royal Observatory Greenwich shares how astrophotographers worldwide can participate in the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition. Finally, our space policy experts, Casey Dreier and Jack Kiraly, discuss how the new Trump administration has impacted NASA in its first weeks. Stick around for What’s Up with Bruce Betts, as he explains how we assess asteroid threats using the Torino Impact Hazard Scale. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-2024-YR4-and-a-new-administrationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take you to Planetary Society headquarters, where Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist and host of StarTalk, interviews Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye about the organization's 45-year history of empowering the world's citizens to advance space science and exploration. Then, we share an update on the incoming Trump administration's proposed pick for the next NASA Administrator, Jared Isaacman. Planetary Society Chief of Space Policy, Casey Dreier, and Director of Government Relations, Jack Kiraly, give us the details. We close out with Bruce Betts as he discusses the Van Allen belts and shares a new random space fact in What's Up. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-startalkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Presidential elections in the United States don't just shape the country's future — they set the course for space exploration. This week, Casey Dreier, the chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, analyzes what the incoming Trump administration could mean for NASA's funding, human spaceflight, and its Science Mission Directorate. Meanwhile, budget cuts have triggered another round of layoffs at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Jack Kiraly, Planetary Society director of government relations, explains why it happened, and what U.S. residents can do to help. Plus, Bruce Betts is back with What's Up and another fascinating Random Space Fact. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-election-nasaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jupiter's moon Europa is one of the most promising targets in the search for life. The Planetary Society and space advocates around the world fought to make Europa Clipper a reality. This week, we learn more about the tumultuous history of the mission with Casey Dreier, our chief of space policy. Mat Kaplan, senior communications adviser, gives an update on the successful launch of the European Space Agency's Hera mission and the delayed launch of Europa Clipper due to Hurricane Milton. Then, Bruce Betts, chief scientist at The Planetary Society, discusses two opportunities to view comets in the October sky in What's Up. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-clippers-championsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jake and Anthony are joined by Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society, to share the Good News about Human Spaceflight.TopicsOff-Nominal - YouTubeEpisode 164 - Middle Finger to Entropy (with Casey Dreier) - YouTubeThe Crusade to Reclaim Hubble - jakerobins.comSpace Policy Edition: Is Human Spaceflight a… | The Planetary SocietyEscaping Earth: Human Spaceflight as Religion (Roger D. Launius, Smithsonian Institution)Space Policy Edition: Real and Acceptable… | The Planetary SocietyFollow CaseyCasey Dreier | The Planetary SocietyThe Planetary SocietyFollow Off-NominalSubscribe to the show! - Off-NominalSupport the show, join the DiscordOff-Nominal (@offnom) / TwitterOff-Nominal (@offnom@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow JakeWeMartians Podcast - Follow Humanity's Journey to MarsWeMartians Podcast (@We_Martians) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow AnthonyMain Engine Cut OffMain Engine Cut Off (@WeHaveMECO) | TwitterMain Engine Cut Off (@meco@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo) | TwitterAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo@jawns.club) - jawns.club

Fans of Venus were saddened in late 2022 to learn that one of NASA's upcoming Venus missions, VERITAS, was defunded, but with the help of space advocates, the mission is now back on. Darby Dyar, the deputy principal investigator for VERITAS, returns triumphantly to Planetary Radio to share the story. We also take a look at the new U.S. House of Representatives budget request for NASA and how it will impact programs like Artemis and Mars Sample Return with Casey Dreier, our chief of space policy. We'll close out our show with Olympic cheer as Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, shares a new random space fact in What's Up. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-victory-for-veritasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse passed over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This week on Planetary Radio, we take a trip to The Planetary Society's Eclipse-O-Rama festival in Fredericksburg, Texas, where hundreds gathered to witness totality. We share the reactions of festival attendees along with snippets from the talks given by special guests at the event, including Bill Nye, the CEO of The Planetary Society, Bethany Ehlmann, president of The Planetary Society and principal investigator for the NASA Lunar Trailblazer mission, and Bee Hayes-Thakore, Vice President of Marketing at Kigen and member of The Planetary Society's board of directors. Tim Dodd, better known as the Everyday Astronaut, and Bob Pflugfelder, popularly known as Science Bob, share their experiences. Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, tells us about the solar features people may have seen during the eclipse in What's Up. Then we get an update on the Mars Sample Return mission with Casey Dreier, The Planetary Society's chief of space policy, and Jack Kiraly, our director of government relations. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-eclipse-o-ramaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The countdown is on! With less than a month until the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, Planetary Radio is buzzing with anticipation. This celestial event will sweep across Mexico, the United States, and Canada, promising a spectacular view to millions. Jim Bell, a professor from the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University and former president of The Planetary Society's Board of Directors, will share captivating tales from his global eclipse-chasing journeys. But before diving into the cosmic wonders, we'll bring you the latest updates on the proposed US Presidential Budget. The Planetary Society's space policy experts, Casey Dreier and Jack Kiraly, will explain what this budget proposal means for NASA's funding and future projects. Then, the great Bruce Betts will pop in for What's Up as host Sarah Al-Ahmed looks forward to high-fiving him in person at The Planetary Society's upcoming Eclipse-O-Rama event in Texas, U.S. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-eclipse-chasingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A team co-led by the Southwest Research Institute has made a groundbreaking discovery, revealing evidence of hydrothermal or metamorphic activity on the icy dwarf planets Eris and Makemake in the Kuiper Belt. The lead author of this research, Chris Glein, joins Planetary Radio to explain. But our journey doesn't stop there. We dive into the newly reformed US Planetary Science Caucus with The Planetary Society's top space policy experts, Casey Dreier and Jack Kiraly. Our senior communications adviser, Mat Kaplan, celebrates a monumental achievement in space exploration — the successful landing of Intuitive Machine's Odysseus spacecraft on the lunar surface. And don't miss the latest installment of What's Up with Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, as he shares a new random space fact. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-eris-and-makemakeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jake and Anthony are joined by Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society, to talk about the latest on Mars Sample Return, JPL layoffs, and everything space policy.TopicsOff-Nominal - YouTubeEpisode 142 (with Casey Dreier) - YouTubeHow layoffs at JPL can be traced to a stalemate in Congress | The Planetary SocietyThe path forward for Mars Sample Return | The Planetary SocietyThe U.S. Senate threatens to cancel Mars Sample Return | The Planetary SocietyThe Planetary Exploration Budget Dataset | The Planetary SocietyThe 2024 Day of Action | The Planetary SocietyFollow CaseyCasey Dreier | The Planetary SocietyThe Planetary SocietyFollow Off-NominalSubscribe to the show! - Off-NominalSupport the show, join the DiscordOff-Nominal (@offnom) / TwitterOff-Nominal (@offnom@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow JakeWeMartians Podcast - Follow Humanity's Journey to MarsWeMartians Podcast (@We_Martians) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow AnthonyMain Engine Cut OffMain Engine Cut Off (@WeHaveMECO) | TwitterMain Engine Cut Off (@meco@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo) | TwitterAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo@jawns.club) - jawns.club

This week on Planetary Radio, we take a peek behind the scenes at National Geographic's new documentary, “The Space Race,” which celebrates the triumphs and struggles of the first African-American space pioneers and astronauts. Co-directors Diego Hurtado de Mendoza and Lisa Cortés, space pioneer Ed Dwight, and astronaut Leland Melvin join us to discuss the film. But first, Casey Dreier, The Planetary Society's chief of space policy, and Jack Kiraly, our director of government relations, give an update on the U.S. budget gridlock that caused the recent layoff of hundreds of people at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Twitch streamer Moohoodles joins the show later to talk about her upcoming stream with Planetary Radio, and we close out with What's Up with Bruce Betts and a new random space fact. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-space-raceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BREAKING NEWS. JPL is laying off about 530 people. Why did that happen and what it means for major NASA missions like Artemis and Mars Sample Return? Figuring it out with Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society.

BREAKING NEWS. JPL is laying off about 530 people. Why did that happen and what it means for major NASA missions like Artemis and Mars Sample Return? Figuring it out with Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at The Planetary Society.

Part 2 of our deep dive into space policy with Casey Dreier the Chief of Space Policy at the Planetary Society. This week we learn about the Mars Sample Return mission and how the upcoming US election might affect NASA.100 Patreons By Show 200: https://www.patreon.com/SpaceandthingsCasey Dreier: https://www.planetary.org/profiles/casey-dreierThreads: https://www.threads.net/@caseydreierspace LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-dreier-7371a054/The Planetary Society:https://www.planetary.org/Space Advocacy 101 Course: https://www.planetary.org/coursesPlanetary Radio: Space Policy Edition with Casey Dreier:https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/space-policy-edition The Space Advocate Newsletter:https://secure.planetary.org/site/SPageNavigator/advocacy_newsletter.html Planetary Society Day Of Action:https://www.planetary.org/advocacy/day-of-action Full show notes: https://spaceandthingspodcast.com/Show notes include links to all articles mentioned and full details of our guests and links to what caught our eye this week.Image Credits: NASASpace and Things:X: https://www.twitter.com/spaceandthings1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spaceandthingspodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/spaceandthingspodcast/Merch and Info: https://www.spaceandthingspodcast.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/SpaceandthingsBusiness Enquiries: info@andthingsproductions.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/spaceandthings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're celebrating lunar missions and the space advocacy that helps make them happen this week on Planetary Radio. Casey Dreier and Jack Kiraly, chief of space policy and director of government relations at The Planetary Society, update you on our next Day of Action in Washington, D.C. Kate Howells, our public education specialist, shares the triumph and challenges of the Japanese space agency's SLIM lunar lander, as Japan becomes the fifth nation to make a successful soft landing on the Moon. We begin our coverage of the upcoming 2024 total solar eclipse in Mexico, the United States, and Canada on April 8th with Bethany Ehlmann, the president of our board of directors and the principal investigator of NASA's upcoming Lunar Trailblazer mission. She joins us for a mission update and a look at how eclipses affect spacecraft near the Earth and Moon. We'll top off this lunar celebration with Bruce Betts, our Chief Scientist and everyone's favorite master of random space facts, as he shares some history about an iconic Apollo image. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-blazing-a-trail-to-the-moon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we speak to Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy at the Planetary Society. We've been wanting to take a deeper dive into space policy for a while now and Casey is the perfect person to help us understand how it all works. Part 2 of this interview will be in next week's podcast.100 Patreons By Show 200: https://www.patreon.com/SpaceandthingsCasey Dreier: https://www.planetary.org/profiles/casey-dreierThreads: https://www.threads.net/@caseydreierspace LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-dreier-7371a054/The Planetary Society:https://www.planetary.org/Space Advocacy 101 Course: https://www.planetary.org/coursesPlanetary Radio: Space Policy Edition with Casey Dreier:https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/space-policy-edition The Space Advocate Newsletter:https://secure.planetary.org/site/SPageNavigator/advocacy_newsletter.html Full show notes: https://spaceandthingspodcast.com/Show notes include links to all articles mentioned and full details of our guests and links to what caught our eye this week.Image Credits: The Planetary SocietySpace and Things:X: https://www.twitter.com/spaceandthings1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spaceandthingspodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/spaceandthingspodcast/Merch and Info: https://www.spaceandthingspodcast.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/SpaceandthingsBusiness Enquiries: info@andthingsproductions.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/spaceandthings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We check in on the congressional budget process for NASA, Mars Sample Return's spiraling cost growth, and the impending end of the regulatory holiday for human commercial space launch companies. Jack Kiraly, director of government relations for The Planetary Society, joins host Casey Dreier to provide the latest insight and analysis on these issues. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/summer-2023-congressional-statusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jake and guest host Casey Dreier are joined by Paul Byrne to talk about NASA's planetary science budget and the trials and tribulations that it is experiencing today.TopicsOff-Nominal - YouTubeEpisode 108 - Super Secret about Plutonium (feat. Paul Byrne and Casey Dreier)Follow JaimePaul Byrne (@ThePlanetaryGuy) | TwitterFollow Off-NominalSubscribe to the show! - Off-NominalSupport the show, join the DiscordOff-Nominal (@offnom) / TwitterOff-Nominal (@offnom@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow JakeWeMartians Podcast - Follow Humanity's Journey to MarsWeMartians Podcast (@We_Martians) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit@spacey.space) - Spacey SpaceFollow CaseyCasey Dreier (@CaseyDreier) | TwitterThe Space Advocate NewsletterOff-Nominal MerchandiseOff-Nominal Logo TeeWeMartians Shop | MECO Shop

Casey Dreier of The Planetary Society joins me to talk about the NASA FY2024 budget request and what it means for Artemis, the ISS, and planetary science.Correction: At some point in the show, we said DAVINCI is managed out of APL, but it's actually run out of Goddard. Sorry, Maryland!This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 35 executive producers—Pat, Joonas, Bob, The Astrogators at SEE, Fred, David, Kris, Joel, Dawn Aerospace, Jan, Matt, Robb, Warren, SmallSpark Space Systems, Frank, Ryan, Lars from Agile Space, Donald, Moritz, Simon, Theo and Violet, Benjamin, Chris, Pat from KC, Russell, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Steve, Jorge, Andrew, Lee, Tyler, and four anonymous—and 831 other supporters.TopicsCasey Dreier (@CaseyDreier) / TwitterCasey Dreier | The Planetary SocietyThe Planetary SocietyPlanetary Society (@exploreplanets) / TwitterT+235: Artemis I, 2022 Midterms (with Casey Dreier) - Main Engine Cut OffPresident's Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Strengthens NASA, Space Economy | NASANASA's FY 2024 Budget | The Planetary SocietyThe Planetary Society Welcomes Continued… | The Planetary SocietyCasey Dreier on Twitter: “Here is the ugly truth in the NASA budget proposal”Biden Requests Another Big Increase for NASA, Wants Space Tug to Deorbit ISS – SpacePolicyOnline.comThe Space Station Decision | Hopkins PressThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOFollow @meco@spacey.space on MastodonListen to MECO HeadlinesJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterMusic by Max JustusArtwork photo by SpaceX

While we wait for the result of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, enjoy this special bonus episode of Space Policy Edition featuring The Planetary Society's Chief Advocate and CEO answering dozens of space policy questions submitted by our members. These twice-annual policy briefings are moderated by Mat Kaplan, and are an exclusive benefit for Planetary Society members. Want to submit questions next time? Join us at planetary.org/join Our regular Space Policy Edition episode will be published next Friday, November 11, after the U.S. midterm elections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She is only the tenth director of JPL, and the first woman to hold the position. It's a homecoming for Laurie Leshin who got her PhD at Caltech, the operator of JPL on behalf of NASA. Laurie talks about her priorities for the lab, and how excited she is about the missions already underway and those to come. Planetary Society chief advocate Casey Dreier analyzes Russia's announcement that it will withdraw from the International Space Station. Casey also shares his love of “Contact.” The classic science fiction film based on Carl Sagan's novel has just celebrated its 25th anniversary. Bruce Betts will join us for another tour of the night sky and more in What's Up. There's more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-jpl-director-laurie-leshinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.