Podcast appearances and mentions of Mat Kaplan

Few writers have captured the wonder of science through storytelling as powerfully as Dava Sobel. In this episode, we celebrate her remarkable career and her recent honor as the recipient of The Planetary Society’s 2025 Cosmos Award for Outstanding Public Presentation of Science. Mat Kaplan, senior communications advisor at The Planetary Society, sits down with Sobel for a conversation about the human lives behind great scientific discoveries, from Galileo and Copernicus to the women of the Harvard Observatory and Marie Curie’s lab. Later in the show, Jack Kiraly, our director of government relations, joins us with an encouraging update on our public advocacy campaign to save NASA science. And don’t miss What’s Up with Bruce Betts, where we reflect on the role of science communicators and share a fresh Random Space Fact. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-cosmos-awardSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Volcanoes aren’t just an earthly phenomenon. They’re found all across the Solar System. In this compilation episode of Planetary Radio, we explore volcanic and geothermal activity on planets, moons, and distant dwarf planets. You’ll hear from Rosaly Lopes, Nick Schneider, Rae Paoletta, Robbie Herrick, Scott Hensley, and Christopher Glein as they share insights into everything from lava flows on Venus and eruptions on Io to the mysterious heat signatures of icy bodies like Eris and Makemake. This journey spans over 20 years of Planetary Radio, featuring interviews hosted by both current host Sarah Al-Ahmed and founding host Mat Kaplan. Then, our Chief Scientist, Dr. Bruce Betts, returns for What’s Up and shares new findings from NASA’s Juno mission, which recently completed close passes by Jupiter’s volcanic moon, Io. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-volcanic-worldsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Planetary Radio, we celebrate the enduring legacy of Ed Stone, the longtime project scientist for NASA’s Voyager mission and former director of JPL. Mat Kaplan, senior communications advisor at The Planetary Society, takes us to the unveiling of the Dr. Edward Stone Voyager Exploration Trail at JPL, where we hear from past and present JPL leaders, Voyager mission team members, and Ed Stone’s family. Plus, we kick off the episode with the much-anticipated launch of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket and wrap up with What’s Up, as Bruce Betts explores the rare planetary configuration that made Voyager’s Grand Tour possible. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-ed-stone-trailSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Get up to speed on the latest in commercial space news. Mat Kaplan, the senior communications advisor for The Planetary Society, returns with an update on the fate of the Boeing Starliner astronauts, the imploding and exploding adventures of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, and a brief look forward to SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission. Asa Stahl, our science editor, shares the good news about the European Space Agency's Ramses mission, which hopes to rendezvous with asteroid Apophis before its closest approach to Earth in 2029. Then our public education specialist, Kate Howells, shares some tips on how to deal with space rocks in her new article, "What would happen if we nuked an asteroid?" We end our show with What's Up with Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, and a new random space fact. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-ramses-and-rocketsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planetary Radio takes a melodic adventure to the Ravinia Festival in Illinois, USA, for the public premiere of the "Moons Symphony." Mat Kaplan, senior communications advisor at The Planetary Society, speaks with a panel of amazing guests, including members of the Europa Clipper, Dragonfly, and Cassini teams, about the discoveries that inspired the music. Then, Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, marks the end of the 2024 Summer Olympics with a random space fact in What's Up. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-moons-symphony See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scientists have discovered over 5,500 exoplanets, but they're just getting started. We dive into the stunning variety of exoplanets beyond our Solar System with Jessie Christiansen, the project scientist for the NASA Exoplanet Archive. But first, The Planetary Society's science editor, Asa Stahl, shares more about the upcoming Habitable Worlds Observatory, a cutting-edge space telescope designed to hunt for worlds that could harbor life. We also give an update on the International Space Station with our senior communications advisor, Mat Kaplan. Stick around for What's Up with Bruce Betts as we discuss the advances in exoplanet detection and share a new Random Space Fact. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-five-thousand-worlds-and-countingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week was a big one for commercial space. Our senior communications advisor, Mat Kaplan, discusses the first crewed Boeing Starliner test and SpaceX Starship launch. Then Asa Stahl, our science editor, lets you know how to observe the upcoming nova in Corona Borealis. RadioLab's Latif Nasser returns to Planetary Radio with a new public naming contest for a quasi-moon of Earth. Then, we dive into some naming conventions for space objects in What's Up with our chief scientist, Bruce Betts. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-nova-and-naming-contestSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As humanity aims to explore new frontiers in space, the need for good roboticists has never been greater. Robotics leagues and competitions offer a gateway into the field, connecting aspiring engineers with a vibrant community where enthusiasts can learn to accomplish their space dreams. Kelly Biderman, the CEO of Havoc Robotics, joins Planetary Radio to share how the National Havoc Robot League helps to prepare the next generation of space engineers. Then we hear from Florence Pouya, the former captain of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team, as she shares her insights with our senior communications adviser, Mat Kaplan, during their time at the Humans to Mars Summit in Washington, D.C. Stick around for What's Up with Bruce Betts and a new random space fact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our old pal Mat Kaplan of the Planetary Society has just returned from the 2024 Humans to Mars Summit, and he's happy to tell us exactly how close we are to colonizing the Red Planet. 

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.

Venture into the hearts of worlds and uncover how we study planetary interiors this week on Planetary Radio. Sabine Stanley, professor of planetary physics at Johns Hopkins University and author of the new book "What's Hidden Inside Planets?" discusses some of the amazing things that lie under the surfaces of the worlds in our Solar System. But first, Mat Kaplan, senior communications advisor at The Planetary Society, gives an update on the first Commercial Lunar Payload Services mission and the timeline for NASA's Artemis program. We close out this show with Bruce Betts, our chief scientist, as he shares information on our new book, "Casting Shadows: Solar and Lunar Eclipses with The Planetary Society." Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-whats -hidden-inside-planetsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Members of The Planetary Society staff revisit some of 2023's most exhilarating moments and groundbreaking discoveries in space this week on Planetary Radio. Kate Howells, Public Education Specialist, announces the winners of The Planetary Society's Best of 2023 awards. Jack Kiraly, Director of Government Relations, shares the strides made in space advocacy. Then Rae Paoletta, Director of Content and Engagement, and Mat Kaplan, Senior Communications advisor and former host of Planetary Radio, return to break down their favorite space moments of the year. Stick around until the end for What's Up with Bruce Betts, the Chief Scientist of The Planetary Society, as he looks forward to the next year of space science and exploration. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-looking-back See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes, when you want to learn more about other worlds, all you have to do is step out your door. Mat Kaplan, Planetary Radio's creator and former host, takes us on an adventure with planetary geologist Kirby Runyon as they tour New Mexico, U.S.'s varied geology and compare it to other worlds. They'll explore the dunes of White Sands National Park, the Mars-like geology of Kilbourne Hole, and the rocks in the Carrizozo Lava flow. Then Bruce Betts, the chief scientist of The Planetary Society, and host Sarah Al-Ahmed discuss the most otherworldly places they've been in this week's What's Up. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-astrogeologic-experience See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Planetary Radio, we're traveling back in time to uncover the luminous infancy of Jupiter and its impact on its enigmatic moon, Io. Carver Bierson, a postdoctoral researcher at Arizona State University, tells the tale of how Jupiter's radiant beginnings might have turned Io from a water-rich moon into a world with lakes of lava. You'll also hear from two legendary figures of space exploration, Voyager project manager Suzanne Dodd and Voyager project scientist Linda Spilker, as they delve into the endeavor to reestablish contact with the iconic Voyager 2 spacecraft with our senior communications advisor, Mat Kaplan. And don't miss "What's Up" with our chief scientist, Bruce Betts, as he answers a question from our Planetary Society member community. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-lost-oceans-and-found-signals See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long-time Planetary Radio Host Get ready for a cosmic journey like no other! This episode of The BIG Sci-Fi Podcast is about to launch you into an interstellar conversation with none other than Mat Kaplan. With a 20-year legacy as the voice behind Planetary Radio up through the end of 2022, and his current role steering the comms ship at The Planetary Society, Mat's insights are truly out of this world. So, prep your listening gear for a space odyssey of words and wonders. https://www.planetary.org Join the Planetary Society at: https://www.planetary.org/membership This podcast is a proud part of the Trek Geeks Podcast Network and works hard to bring you great content from all over the science fiction universe. We would love to hear your feedback, suggestions, and ideas. Just take a moment to send us an email at thebigscifipodcast@gmail.com. Check our podcast out and learn more about the other great podcasts on the network by visiting trekgeeks.com. Check out all of our social links in one place:https://linktr.ee/thebigscifipodcast Check out Cris' amazing YouTube channel for Trek content galore:https://www.youtube.com/@yellingaboutstartrek1532 Check out Brian's new book available at Amazon for Kindle and in paperback:https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brian-Donahue/author/B0C3BQ93VD?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Check out Adeena's website for more about her book series, career, and science:https://adeenamignogna.com/

It's going to take a lot of collaboration to get humans to Mars, but we're up for the challenge. This week on Planetary Radio, Mat Kaplan, senior communications adviser at The Planetary Society, takes us to the 2023 Humans to Mars Summit in Washington, D.C. We'll share his conversation with three NASA Associate Administrators, Nicola Fox, James Free, and James Reuter about the international, commercial, and robotic collaboration it will take to put the first humans on the Red Planet. Then Bruce Betts and Sarah Al-Ahmed share What's Up in the night sky and a chance to win a grab bag of prizes in one of our last space trivia contests. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-humans-to-mars See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Planetary Society has just announced the latest awards in its Science and Technology Enabled by the Public (STEP) Grant program. With regular host Sarah Al-Ahmed on vacation, Mat Kaplan returns to introduce the principal investigator for a project that will prepare us to grow food on the Moon and Mars. Another PI and his team plan to analyze extreme life in super salty lakes. Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts heads the STEP Grant program. He'll give us an overview, and a quick look at the satisfying success of the previous projects. Stick around as Mat joins Bruce for this week's What's Up. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-step-grant-principal-investigatorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planetary Radio creator Mat Kaplan shares a look behind the scenes at the 2023 Planetary Defense Conference in Vienna, Austria. You'll hear exclusive interviews with planetary defense specialists from around the planet as they gather to push the boundaries of asteroid and comet deflection technologies. Stick around for What's Up with Bruce Betts, an update on the night sky, and a look forward to the upcoming Eta Aquarid meteor shower.Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-planetary-defense-conferenceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of space exploration with our special guest, Mat Kaplan. Mat is a seasoned radio host who recently stepped away from the mic after two decades and a thousand episodes of the Planetary Society's acclaimed podcast, Planet Radio. In this interview, Mat shares his passion for science and space, his approach to presenting complex information to the public, and his secrets to conducting engaging interviews with renowned scientists, engineers, astronauts, and authors. Main Discussion: Learn about the Planetary Society, a professional home for space enthusiasts for over 22 years, and its programs and initiatives. Explore the origins of the Planetary Society, founded in 1980 by Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray, and Lou Friedman, with the mission to empower the world's citizens to advance space science and exploration. Discover how the Planetary Society has evolved over the years, with tens of thousands of members, and a new generation of talented staff dedicated to their vision of knowing our cosmos and our place within it. Hear about the Planetary Society's contributions to space missions, including allowing the public to share in them by putting their names on plaques or CDs, and their efforts to shepherd missions through Congress by forming a caucus for planetary science and working with the Executive Branch. Learn about the Planetary Society's new initiatives, such as its online member community and book club, and its passion for sharing the beauty and joy of space and science with everyone on Earth. Key Points: Mat Kaplan's inspiring body of work with Planet Mat Kaplan: Radio How Mat combined his twin passions for radio and space exploration Mat's approach to presenting complicated information in an accessible and fascinating way The importance of doing thorough research and homework before interviews The art of listening and being prepared to change directions during interviews Showing appreciation for the work of the guests and sharing their fascination Mat's passion and energy for the topic and how it engages listeners Elements of a good question, including finding unique nuggets of information Utilizing the internet to access resources and enhance interviews Events: Find out about the Planetary Defense Conference in Vienna and the asteroid Hunters IMAX, and how the Planetary Society is involved in these exciting initiatives. Resources Mentioned in the Episode   The Planetary Society - Member Community - Book Club - Planet Radio Podcast

Planetary Radio's creator Mat Kaplan guest hosts for this look back at the Jet Propulsion Lab's celebration of the 45th anniversary of the Voyager mission. Stick around for his conversation with Ann Druyan, creative director for the Golden Record carried by the probes. Mat and Bruce Betts reunite for this week's What's Up and space trivia contest.Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-voyager-45th-anniversarySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This brain trust of SETI experts was hosted in February of 2020, back when live, in-studio conversations happened, and discussions of alien artifacts and UAPs was fringe science. The discussion includes James Benford's strategy for finding ETI artifacts and a proposition for both passive and active observations by optical and radio listening, radar imaging and launching probes. A debate on the implications of our own technosignatures. And what if we find nothing? A profound result: suggesting that, perhaps, no ET intelligence has yet come to look at Earth, or perhaps other civilizations are simply not as curious as we, good at concealing their activities, or simply lost to deep time. Many of the topics covered have now become mainstream science! The Director of National Intelligence has just released the second Annual Report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon. NASA has commissioned an independent study on unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs) led by Professor Keating's friend and colleague, Former chair of Princeton's astrophysics department, and President of the Simons Foundation, David Spergel. https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-to-set-up-independent-study-on-unidentified-anomalous-phenomena/ And of course, our friend, Harvard Astronomy Professor Avi Loeb's Galileo Project for the Systematic Scientific Search for Evidence of Extraterrestrial Technological Artifacts ( https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/galileo/home ). See our latest episode with Avi here: https://youtu.be/N9lUceHsLRw Our Aliens, UFOs, & Extraterrestrial Intelligence playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJGKdZD30K__D6oamWCq9uvSFKVoatsCf James Benford is President of Microwave Sciences, Inc. in Lafayette, California, specializing in High Power Microwaves and their space applications. His interests include electromagnetic power beaming for space propulsion, and experimental intense particle beams. He has a PhD in Physics in plasma physics (UCSD 1969). He co-edited Starship Century, dealing with the prospect of star travel, an anthology of fact & fiction. See jamesbenford.com. Paul Davies is Director of the Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science at Arizona State University. His research spans cosmology, astrobiology and theoretical physics. He has made important contributions to quantum field theory in curved spacetime, with applications to inflationary cosmology and black holes. He was among the first to champion the possibility that microbial life could be transferred between Mars and Earth in impact ejecta. He is the author of 28 books, including most recently The Eerie Silence: Renewing Our Search for Alien Intelligence. Mat Kaplan was the host of Planetary Radio from the Planetary Society from its' 2002 premiere through 2022. He was a Planetary Society staff member for more than 15 years, He hosts live events for Southern California Public Radio called NEXT, and frequently serves as moderator or speaker at space and science gatherings. Video of this episode: https://youtu.be/nCXV3PSQGAY Connect with Professor Keating:

New host Sarah Al-Ahmed bids a fond farewell to Mat Kaplan, Planetary Radio's former host, with a heartwarming compilation of messages from fans, followed by a special interview with Mat about his two decades as creator and producer of the show. Be sure to catch Sarah and Bruce Betts in this week's What's Up as they share a special gaming-themed trivia question. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2023-stories-with-mat-kaplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Student engagement is key for learning. This is especially important for subjects like science. Some studies have found that while most students enjoy science, many dislike science classes. Why are students less interested in science, especially as they get older? How can we make science education more engaging and accessible for all students?    In this episode, Kevin discusses making science education interesting with the host and producer of Planetary Radio, Mat Kaplan.

It's Mat Kaplan's last episode as host of Planetary Radio. He has gathered several of his colleagues to celebrate an outstanding year across the Solar System and beyond. New host Sarah Al-Ahmed sticks around to join Bruce Betts and Mat for her first What's Up appearance, including listeners' suggestions for what Mat should take on next! Discover more at  https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-year-in-space-reviewSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Mat Kaplan returned to Naval Base San Diego to greet the return of the Artemis 1 Orion spacecraft aboard the USS Portland. Stay with us for a collage of entertaining excerpts of 10 of the very best Planetary Radio episodes produced over the last two decades. Incoming host Sarah Al-Ahmed points to a new article about the JWST's stunning infrared image of Neptune. Don't miss Mat serenading Bruce Betts in this week's What's Up! Discover more at  https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-best-of-planetary-radio-orion-capsule-recoverySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A rollicking conversation with two of the most entertaining, most creative Planetary Radio guests across our 20-year history about the role of creativity in space and life. Andy Weir's “The Martian” and “Project Hail Mary” have been New York Times number one bestsellers. Rob Manning oversees all engineering operations at the Jet Propulsion Lab, and knows as much as any human being about how to land on the red planet. Sarah Al-Ahmed helps Mat Kaplan celebrate the success of Artemis 1, while Bruce Betts receives his 20th anniversary gift from Mat! Discover more at  https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-rob-manning-andy-weirSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mat Kaplan has been hosting the Planetary Society's podcast, Planetary Radio, since its inception 20 years ago. He recently announced that he was retiring from the program, with Sarah Al-Ahmed taking his place. Managing Editor T. Rick Jones wanted to talk to him before he left the show and also wanted to meet his successor. This video is the result. It turns out they're both huge Star Trek fans as well as space nerds, so there was lots to geek out about! Plus, it's the return of T's Trek Trivia (sort of.)

John Grunsfeld didn't just ride the Space Shuttle into orbit five times. He accumulated two-and-a-half days of spacewalk time as he worked on the Hubble Space Telescope. The former NASA associate administrator returns to Planetary Radio for a very personal conversation with Mat Kaplan. We'll also attend a screening of the great new documentary, “Goodnight Oppy” about the Mars Exploration Rovers. Sarah Al-Ahmed celebrates the 50th anniversary of the last Apollo moon mission, and Bruce Betts continues that theme with the new space trivia contest. Discover more at  https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-john-grunsfeld-goodnight-oppySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been on host Mat Kaplan's bucket list for years. Join him for a tour of the cavernous Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab at the University of Arizona, where the mirrors for the Giant Magellan Telescope or GMT are being spun into reality. Want your own GMT? You might win a model kit when Bruce Betts delivers this week's What's Up space trivia quiz. Stumped by what to get that space nerd in your life? Check out The Planetary Society's gift guide! Mat and Sarah Al-Ahmed share their favorite suggestions. Discover more at  https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-buell-jannuzi-ua-mirror-labSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mat Kaplan, host of Planetary Radio for The Planetary Society, joins Jake and Anthony to talk about the 20th anniversary of the show, his upcoming retirement, and what it's been like to cover space in this way for all those years.TopicsOff-Nominal - YouTubeEpisode 85 - The Highest I've Been (with Mat Kaplan) - YouTubeVisibly Loose Nuts - UNISEX | WeMartians PodcastDr. Pete Flavored Soda - SodaStreamPlanetary Radio | The Planetary SocietyInterview with Louis Friedman | The Planetary SocietyPlanetary Society on Twitter: “It's official: LightSail 2 has reentered Earth's atmosphere and burned up, as expected. What a phenomenal mission this was! We are proud of everything this spacecraft accomplished, and of all the people who made it happen.”Follow MatMat_Kaplan (@PlanRad) / TwitterPlanetary Radio | The Planetary SocietyPlanetary Society (@exploreplanets) / TwitterFollow JakeWeMartians Podcast - Follow Humanity's Journey to MarsWeMartians Podcast (@We_Martians) | TwitterJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit) | TwitterFollow AnthonyMain Engine Cut OffMain Engine Cut Off (@WeHaveMECO) | TwitterAnthony Colangelo (@acolangelo) | TwitterOff-Nominal MerchandiseOff-Nominal Logo TeeWeMartians Shop | MECO Shop

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.

Join host Mat Kaplan as he proudly introduces the person who will take on the show he created 20 years ago. Then we'll join astrophysicist Brian Keating at a joyful gathering of cosmologists who hope to reveal secrets of the Universe through the new Simons Observatory. You might win Brian's new book about thinking like a Nobel Prize winner in the What's Up space trivia contest. There's more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-introducing-new-host Youtube video of the Simons Observatory event panel: We Are Cosmologists, Ask Me Anything: https://youtu.be/c4L782wUStw Connect with me:

Join host Mat Kaplan as he proudly introduces the person who will take on the show he created 20 years ago. Then we'll join astrophysicist Brian Keating at a joyful gathering of cosmologists who hope to reveal secrets of the Universe through the new Simons Observatory. You might win Brian's new book about thinking like a Nobel Prize winner in the What's Up space trivia contest. There's more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-introducing-new-hostSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mat Kaplan once again hosted the live webcast from the annual NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts or NIAC symposium. He presents a speed dating sample of highlights. How about a Mars habitat grown from mushrooms? A lunar farside radio telescope built by robots? Or a kilometer-long space station launched by a single rocket? We'll also join Planetary Society chief scientist Bruce Betts for another What's Up scan of the night sky and more. There's more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-2022-niac-projectsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 100,000 came to the Kennedy Space Center hoping to see Artemis 1 head for the Moon on August 29. Among them were leaders of the European Space Agency (ESA), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and the Italian Space Agency (ASI). They sat down with Mat Kaplan for conversations about the international collaboration behind the Artemis program, along with some of the other brilliant successes they have achieved. We also celebrate the 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's speech that set the United States on course for the Moon. There's a JWST T-shirt waiting for the winner of the new What's Up space trivia contest. And there's more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-esa-dlr-asi-leadersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NASA Jet Propulsion Lab scientists Armin Kleinboehl and Marek Slipski lead a new project that is recruiting thousands of citizen explorers. They explain to host Mat Kaplan how this massive effort may help us finally understand how the once plentiful Martian surface water disappeared. Then we look back to the dawn of science as Bruce Betts closes out our latest What's Up space trivia contest. And there's a meteor shower around the corner! There's more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-cloudspotting-on-marsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Mat Kaplan leads with a special announcement. Then we spend a fascinating hour with the former director of NASA's Planetary Science division and retired chief scientist Jim Green, who reports on a recent workshop that explored the potential of radio telescopes on the Moon's farside. He also shares anecdotes from his long history of space science and NASA service. There's more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-james-green-lunar-science See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Planetary Society's LightSail 2 rocketed into orbit three years ago. Society CEO Bill Nye, chief operating officer Jennifer Vaughn, and LightSail program manager Bruce Betts join Mat Kaplan for a look at the long road to this award-winning mission, the current status of the spacecraft, and what's ahead. Society editorial director Rae Paoletta provides a sneak peek at the June Solstice edition of The Planetary Report, and digital community manager Sarah Al-Ahmed shares highlights of the just-completed meeting of the American Astronomical Society. Take your shot at winning Bruce's new book about the solar system in this week's What's Up segment. There's more to discover at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-lightsail-2-third-anniversary-nye-betts-vaughn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lindy Elkins-Tanton's wonderful new memoir is titled, “A Portrait of the Scientist as a Young Woman.” Host Mat Kaplan talks with Lindy about this sometimes harrowing, often heroic, and adventurous chronicle of her path toward leadership of the Psyche asteroid mission. This new conversation follows their brief encounter in a Jet Propulsion Lab clean room that we presented last May. Your chance to win Lindy's book arrives in this week's What's Up segment with Bruce Betts. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-lindy-elkins-tanton-portrait-of-the-scientist-book See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join host Mat Kaplan in Washington D.C. for conversations with outstanding presenters at the first in-person Humans to Mars Summit in three years. You'll hear from Inspiration 4 astronaut Sian Proctor, chief engineer for NASA's robotic exploration program “Hoppy” Price, and the designer of  award-winning Martian homes. NASA deputy administrator and former space shuttle commander Pam Melroy delivered a brilliant keynote. Then Bruce Betts tells us about the new STEP Grant opportunity from The Planetary Society.  Hear and discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-2022-humans-to-mars-summit See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Mat Kaplan has returned from the UK and the recording of The Moons Symphony by the London Symphony Orchestra. You'll hear excerpts from our Planetary Radio Live show celebrating this intersection of art and science with composer Amanda Lee Falkenberg and three distinguished planetary scientists. It was produced at Imperial College London before a live audience. Hear and discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-planetary-radio-live-moons-symphony See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Psyche is a 279 kilometer-wide (173 mile-wide) hunk of metal in space. Psyche is also a magnificent spacecraft that will soon head toward its namesake in the asteroid belt. Host Mat Kaplan recently visited the JPL clean room where the probe was in final preparation for launch. You'll hear conversations with mission leaders including principal investigator Lindy Elkins-Tanton and project manager Henry Stone. We're fresh out of metal asteroids at The Planetary Society, but you might win the rubber variety in this week's What's Up space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-Psyche-mission-elkins-tanton See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Mat Kaplan joined the Los Angeles celebration of humanity becoming a spacefaring species. He talked with the Yuri's Night founders and others under the Space Shuttle Endeavour.  The much-anticipated Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey was issued as we finished this week's show. Planetary Society senior space policy adviser Casey Dreier will give us a brief overview of its recommendations. We'll close with Bruce Betts and your chance to win a r-r-r-rubber asteroid in the space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-yuris-night See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Biden administration is proposing $26 billion for NASA next year, with significant increases benefiting the Artemis program, Mars Sample Return and Earth Science missions. But not everything is good news: NEO Surveyor and Mars Ice Mapper are both slated for significant cuts, and inflation may take a bite out of any increases NASA would receive on paper. With Congress facing elections in the fall, how likely is it that NASA will get this funding? What consequences will this have on Planetary Society priorities? And what does this mean for the future of exploration? Chief Advocate Casey Dreier and host Mat Kaplan are joined by The Planetary Society's Chief of D.C. Operations, Brendan Curry, to explore NASA's next big budget. Discover more here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/nasa-budget-request-brendan-curry See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recommendations made in the 2023-2032 Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey will be revealed on April 19. One of the 11 design studies commissioned for the survey explores a flagship mission to Neptune. The Neptune Odyssey project engineer is Brenda Clyde. Her colleague, Kirby Runyon, is the project scientist. They'll take us inside this exciting concept and remind us of why an ice giant orbiter is long overdue. Even Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan were surprised by the answer to this week's space trivia contest. You'll hear it and more in What's Up. Hear and discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-brenda-clyde-kirby-runyon-neptune-odyssey See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle Kunimoto was one of Forbes magazine's 30 Under 30 in science. Now she leads the most successful search for exoplanets that relies on data delivered by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite or TESS. She shares this fast-growing catalog of worlds in her first Planetary Radio conversation. Bruce Betts and Mat Kaplan also kick off a new series of great prizes in the What's Up space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-michelle-kunimoto-tess See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Planetary Society has awarded another eight Gene Shoemaker near-Earth object grants to outstanding amateur astronomers and observatories around the world. We'll meet recipients from Chile, Croatia and the United States after chief scientist Bruce Betts tells us about the program. Bruce will then return with Mat Kaplan for yet another What's Up tour of the sky and a new space trivia contest. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-shoemaker-neo-awards See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The JWST's instruments have been turned on. Now begins the months-long preparation for observations that will reveal our universe as never before. 2006 Nobel Prize for Physics laureate John Mather is the senior project scientist for the new telescope. He shares his hope for what's to come and a look back at how this mighty instrument came to be. He and Mat Kaplan also take a deep dive into the origin of the cosmos. Bruce Betts says early risers have a treat waiting for them in the predawn sky. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-john-mather-jwst See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are approaching the 10th anniversary of Curiosity's arrival in the Red Planet's Gale crater. The rolling laboratory is still making profound discoveries as it reveals beautiful vistas and closeups. Project scientist Ashwin Vasavada shares some of the most significant finds in the last year. We're deep into winter in the northern hemisphere, making Orion, Mat Kaplan's favorite constellation, hard to miss in the night sky. Bruce Betts tells us there's much more to see in this week's What's Up. Discover more at https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2022-ashwin-vasavada-curiosity-update See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.