Podcasts about NIAC

In this second installment of Planetary Radio’s coverage from the 2025 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, host Sarah Al-Ahmed highlights more of the technologies presented by the NIAC fellows. Mary Knapp of MIT Haystack Observatory shares her team’s Great Observatory for Long Wavelengths project, a space-based radio array designed to detect magnetic fields around distant exoplanets. Michael Hecht, also from MIT Haystack Observatory and principal investigator for the MOXIE experiment on NASA’s Perseverance rover, discusses Exploring Venus with Electrolysis, a concept that could turn Venus’s dense atmosphere into fuel for long-duration flight and exploration. Benjamin Hockman from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory introduces two projects: Gravity Poppers, tiny hopping probes that could map the interiors of asteroids and comets, and his team’s concept for a Venus balloon observatory. Finally, Justin Yim from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign presents LEAP, a legged robot designed to hop through the icy plumes of Saturn’s moon Enceladus in search of clues to its hidden ocean. Then stay tuned for What’s Up with Dr. Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-niac-symposium-part-2See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each year, NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts program (NIAC) funds visionary ideas that could shape the future of space exploration. In this first of two episodes from the 2025 NIAC Symposium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, Planetary Radio host Sarah Al-Ahmed introduces some of the concepts presented at this year’s event. You’ll hear from Martin Bermudez and Josh Simpson from Skyeports LLC. Bermudez is the company’s CEO and principal investigator for the LUNGS Project, and Simpson is a glass artist and co-investigator. Together, their team is exploring how to build glass-blown lunar habitats from melted Moon dust. You’ll also meet Christine Gregg, research engineer at NASA’s Ames Research Center, who’s developing architected metamaterials to stabilize giant space structures. And finally, John Mather, Nobel laureate and senior astrophysicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, shares his team’s work on an inflatable starshade that could help us see Earth-like worlds around distant stars. Then stick around for What’s Up with Dr. Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-niac-symposium-part-1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textStruggling to sell while managing tech? You're not alone. In this episode of Joey Pinz Conversations, we talk with startup founder and product visionary Jean Templin live from ConnectWise IT Nation Secure 2025. Jean dives into the very real sales challenges faced by MSPs and how AI-driven real-time coaching is transforming the conversation—literally.

The efficient movement of large amounts of oxygen over long distances could help sustain a permanent human presence on the Moon.

On April 2, 2025, NIAC hosted a Congressional Briefing in the U.S. Senate on the prospect for diplomacy with Iran under the Trump Administration featuring The American Conservative's Curt Mills, Center for International Policy's Negar Mortazavi, and NIAC President Jamal Abdi, moderated by NIAC Policy Director Ryan Costello. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym_RrdofI0Y

Join Haaretz Editor-in-Chief Aluf Benn in conversation with Patt Morrison for a critical discussion on Israel's ongoing crisis. As part of the America at a Crossroads Israel in Crisis Briefing series, Benn provides expert analysis on the latest developments in Israel, including military strategy, political shifts, and regional tensions.From the impact of the war in Gaza to the evolving relationship between Israel and the United States, this briefing delivers key insights into the challenges facing Israel today.Aluf Benn has been the Editor in Chief of Haaretz, the longest running newspaper currently in print in Israel, since 2011. Haaretz is now published in both Hebrew and English. Aluf Benn holds an MBA degree from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and a degree from Tel Aviv University. At Haaretz, Benn has served as an investigative reporter and head of the news division. His articles have been published in a variety of international newspapers, including The New York Times, The Guardian, Foreign Affairs and Newsweek. 

Moving across the surface of Enceladus can be more tricky than you think. Rough icy terrain can be hard for wheels. No atmosphere makes helicopters impossible. Thus, hopping and jumping might be the answer!

Moving across the surface of Enceladus can be more tricky than you think. Rough icy terrain can be hard for wheels. No atmosphere makes helicopters impossible. Thus, hopping and jumping might be the answer!

Which NIAC project would be the best to bring to life? Are there really more stars than grains of sand on Earth? Is the solar eclipse going away from us? What's on my shelf behind me? Answering all these questions and more in this Q&A.

Which NIAC project would be the best to bring to life? Are there really more stars than grains of sand on Earth? Is the solar eclipse going away from us? What's on my shelf behind me? Answering all these questions and more in this Q&A.

NASA just funded a NIAC project to study the possibility of building large structures on the Moon, on Mars and in space out of glass. Blowing glass bubbles similarly to how it's done on Earth.

NASA just funded a NIAC project to study the possibility of building large structures on the Moon, on Mars and in space out of glass. Blowing glass bubbles similarly to how it's done on Earth.

Venus has a thick layer of clouds that obscures our view of the surface. To tackle that, this NIAC project suggests launching a balloon with a tether that will go below the cloud layer and help us image Venus surface.

Venus has a thick layer of clouds that obscures our view of the surface. To tackle that, this NIAC project suggests launching a balloon with a tether that will go below the cloud layer and help us image Venus surface.

We all want to see potentially habitable exoplanets around Sun-like stars. But to do that you need a starshade. Something to cover the star and reveal the faint planets around it. What can we build these structures from to make them rigid and strong enough? Finding out in this interview.

We all want to see potentially habitable exoplanets around Sun-like stars. But to do that you need a starshade. Something to cover the star and reveal the faint planets around it. What can we build these structures from to make them rigid and strong enough? Finding out in this interview.

Space Docks are everywhere in science fiction. It's the most logical way to build big constructions in space. So, NASA funded a futuristic project that studies the possibility of assembling structures in space.

Space Docks are everywhere in science fiction. It's the most logical way to build big constructions in space. So, NASA funded a futuristic project that studies the possibility of assembling structures in space.

The MOXIE experiment on the Perseverance rover showed that creating oxygen on other planets is possible. Now, we can apply the same logic to Venus. This could allow the creation of constantly floating balloons, leading to cloud cities in the future.

The MOXIE experiment on the Perseverance rover showed that creating oxygen on other planets is possible. Now, we can apply the same logic to Venus. This could allow the creation of constantly floating balloons, leading to cloud cities in the future.

Imagine a lunar pipeline built by robots that could transport oxygen to future Moon bases.

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E23In this episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna delves into a series of remarkable advancements in space science, covering everything from the universe's expansion rate to innovative concepts for lunar habitats. Join us as we explore the latest findings that are reshaping our understanding of the cosmos.Highlights:- Hubble and James Webb Collaboration: Discover how combined observations from the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes have refined the measurement of the universe's expansion rate, known as the Hubble constant, to approximately 72.6 kilometers per second per megaparsec.- Arctic Ocean as an Enceladus Testbed: Learn about scientists using Earth's Arctic Ocean to simulate conditions on Saturn's moon Enceladus, searching for chemical signatures that could indicate extraterrestrial life.- Changes in M87 Black Hole: Get insights into the evolving dynamics of the M87 black hole, including the movement of its luminous ring, which reveals critical information about its orientation and surrounding environment.- Meteorite Ownership Debate: Explore the fascinating and complex world of meteorite ownership, as recent discoveries spark discussions about the balance between private collectors and scientific research.- NASA's PUNCH Mission: Follow the progress of NASA's PUNCH mission, which aims to study the sun's outer atmosphere using a fleet of four compact satellites, enhancing our understanding of solar wind dynamics.- Visionary Concepts from NASA: Discover NASA's NIAC program's groundbreaking proposals for 2025, including innovative ideas for lunar habitats made from lunar glass and advanced propulsion systems for deep space exploration.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, Tumblr, and TikTok. Share your thoughts and connect with fellow space enthusiasts. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Astronomy Daily brings you the latest in space and astronomy news00:50 - Hubble and James Webb refine the Hubble constant03:20 - Arctic Ocean used to simulate Enceladus conditions06:15 - M87 black hole shows signs of change09:30 - Meteorite ownership and the debate over scientific access12:20 - NASA's PUNCH mission prepares for launch15:00 - Innovative concepts from NASA's NIAC program for 2025✍️ Episode ReferencesNASA[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)Hubble Space Telescope[HST](https://hubblesite.org)James Webb Space Telescope[JWST](https://www.jwst.nasa.gov)Event Horizon Telescope[EHT](https://eventhorizontelescope.org)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](https://www.astronomydaily.io)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily--5648921/support.

What happened to Starship during test flight 7? Astronomers see a black hole's jets forming in real-time. Curiosity finds ripples of an ancient shore, and an insanely high-resolution image of Andromeda captured by Hubble.

What happened to Starship during test flight 7? Astronomers see a black hole's jets forming in real-time. Curiosity finds ripples of an ancient shore, and an insanely high-resolution image of Andromeda captured by Hubble.

Using today's propulsion technology means a trip to Neptune still takes about twelve years.

The Gaia mission is over, New Glenn gets to orbit, SpaceX catches SuperHeavy but loses Starship, and we finally get an explanation for little red dots.

The Gaia mission is over, New Glenn gets to orbit, SpaceX catches SuperHeavy but loses Starship, and we finally get an explanation for little red dots.

Bend-forming could certainly transform in-space manufacturing, literally shaping a new generation of spacecraft built in space.

FLUTE would use the physics of fluids to create a large mirror more than four hundred times the size of the mirror in the Hubble Space Telescope.

A team of researchers is studying a new mission concept to search for microbial life deep beneath the thick icy crust of mysterious Enceladus.

Imagine searching for signs of water or oxygen on a planet many light years away by peering through the blinding light of distant stars.

America stands at a pivotal crossroads.With serious threats to America's democracy posed by nationalists, populists and other non-democratic candidates and forces, America at a Crossroads has offered weekly programming continuously since 2020 to encourage activism and passion to combat these threats to our American democracy.Through our weekly virtual town hall series, America at a Crossroads, we focus on combating authoritarianism and preserving American democracy.Register for our upcoming programs at jewsunitedfordemocracy.org/events/

EVE could dive deep into one of the steep crevasses on Enceladus where water-ice jets burst from the ocean below.

Pristine pits on the lunar surface may hold the secrets to the Moon's geologic history.

A team of researchers are hoping fungi and asteroids will help solve future astronauts' agricultural dilemma.

This week, we're diving deep into some really clever and cutting-edge tech for Martian habitats... made from fungus! Dr. Lynn Rothschild of the NASA Ames Research Center has been working for years on how mushroom mycelia might be utilized as a habitat-building resource. It's quite fascinating--the organic material can be used to make bricks, to create shaped structures, and even to create an "astropharmacy" to supply certain compounds needed by the crew of a Mars excursion! And it is sufficiently enticing that NASA's NIAC innovation program has given her no less than five grants (which are not easy to get!) to study the possibilities. Join us for this really engaging and blue-sky conversation! Headlines: • ISS has been experiencing a slow air leak, increasing from 0.2 pounds per day to 3.7 pounds per day, causing concern for NASA's Office of the Inspector General • Jupiter's Great Red Spot has been shrinking and "pulsing" over time, as observed by the Hubble Space Telescope, with scientists predicting it will eventually stabilize as a smaller, circular storm • A rare G4-class solar storm triggered widespread auroras visible at much lower latitudes than usual, with NOAA issuing warnings to protect power grids and communication systems Main Topic - Living in Martian Mushrooms: • Dr. Rothschild explains synthetic biology as creating something new with biology, either by altering existing organisms or creating new ones from scratch • The concept of using fungal mycelium for off-world habitats originated from a student project to create a biodegradable drone body • Mycotecture involves growing habitats and structures using mycelium, which can bind various materials like sand, regolith simulant, and wood chips • The properties of mycelium-based materials can be tuned by adjusting the substrate and post-processing, ranging from styrofoam-like to hardwood-like consistencies • Dr. Rothschild's vision for a stable off-world habitat includes using cyanobacteria to process atmospheric gases and minerals, which would then feed the fungi used in construction • Cross-contamination concerns on Mars are addressed, with the lack of liquid water on the surface making it unlikely for introduced organisms to thrive • Additional applications of mycelium-based technology include biomining, water filtration, and even food production • Dr. Rothschild also discusses the Astro Pharmacy project, which aims to develop an on-demand drug production system for astronauts • While these technologies have significant potential for Earth-based applications, developing them for space allows for more freedom to explore revolutionary ideas without existing infrastructure constraints Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Lynn Rothschild Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: uscloud.com veeam.com

This week, we're diving deep into some really clever and cutting-edge tech for Martian habitats... made from fungus! Dr. Lynn Rothschild of the NASA Ames Research Center has been working for years on how mushroom mycelia might be utilized as a habitat-building resource. It's quite fascinating--the organic material can be used to make bricks, to create shaped structures, and even to create an "astropharmacy" to supply certain compounds needed by the crew of a Mars excursion! And it is sufficiently enticing that NASA's NIAC innovation program has given her no less than five grants (which are not easy to get!) to study the possibilities. Join us for this really engaging and blue-sky conversation! Headlines: • ISS has been experiencing a slow air leak, increasing from 0.2 pounds per day to 3.7 pounds per day, causing concern for NASA's Office of the Inspector General • Jupiter's Great Red Spot has been shrinking and "pulsing" over time, as observed by the Hubble Space Telescope, with scientists predicting it will eventually stabilize as a smaller, circular storm • A rare G4-class solar storm triggered widespread auroras visible at much lower latitudes than usual, with NOAA issuing warnings to protect power grids and communication systems Main Topic - Living in Martian Mushrooms: • Dr. Rothschild explains synthetic biology as creating something new with biology, either by altering existing organisms or creating new ones from scratch • The concept of using fungal mycelium for off-world habitats originated from a student project to create a biodegradable drone body • Mycotecture involves growing habitats and structures using mycelium, which can bind various materials like sand, regolith simulant, and wood chips • The properties of mycelium-based materials can be tuned by adjusting the substrate and post-processing, ranging from styrofoam-like to hardwood-like consistencies • Dr. Rothschild's vision for a stable off-world habitat includes using cyanobacteria to process atmospheric gases and minerals, which would then feed the fungi used in construction • Cross-contamination concerns on Mars are addressed, with the lack of liquid water on the surface making it unlikely for introduced organisms to thrive • Additional applications of mycelium-based technology include biomining, water filtration, and even food production • Dr. Rothschild also discusses the Astro Pharmacy project, which aims to develop an on-demand drug production system for astronauts • While these technologies have significant potential for Earth-based applications, developing them for space allows for more freedom to explore revolutionary ideas without existing infrastructure constraints Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Lynn Rothschild Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: uscloud.com veeam.com

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We return to the 2024 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Symposium for part two of our coverage. Astronaut and NIAC external council member Mae Jemison honors Lou Friedman, the co-founder of The Planetary Society, for his contributions to the space community and the NIAC program. Then Kenneth Carpenter from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and his colleagues pitch their plan for an Artemis-enabled Stellar Imager. Steven Benner from the Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution and his team tell us about their plan for an add-on to large-scale water mining operations on Mars to screen for introduced and alien life. We close out with Bruce Betts, chief scientist of The Planetary Society, in What's Up, as we celebrate LightSail 2 being announced as one of the winners of this year's Gizmodo Science Fair.  Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-niac-part-2See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us on a journey to the 2024 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Symposium. We'll hear from the teams behind two NIAC projects that could help us study distant planets and potentially reach them ourselves. Marshall Eubanks from Space Initiatives, Inc. and his colleagues will introduce us to their concept for a swarm of laser sailing pico spacecraft that could travel interstellar distances. Then Ryan Sprenger from Fauna Bio Inc. joins us to discuss how hibernation could help humans reach other worlds. Then, our chief scientist, Bruce Betts, joins us for What's Up and a new random space fact. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2024-niac-part-1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happened at the earliest stages of the Universe and what is it expanding into? Can they just put a telescope inside a Starship? Why do I like the NIAC program so much? Answering all these questions and much more in this week's episode of Overtime Q&A.

What happened at the earliest stages of the Universe and what is it expanding into? Can they just put a telescope inside a Starship? Why do I like the NIAC program so much? Answering all these questions and much more in this week's episode of Overtime Q&A.

Fluids behave very differently in space. We can make good use of it. For example, a recent NIAC grant was awarded to investigate a Magnetohydrodynamic Drive for Hydrogen and Oxygen Production in Mars Transfer. This is a system that should provide breathing oxygen for a journey to Mars made out of water with no moving parts in it.

Fluids behave very differently in space. We can make good use of it. For example, a recent NIAC grant was awarded to investigate a Magnetohydrodynamic Drive for Hydrogen and Oxygen Production in Mars Transfer. This is a system that should provide breathing oxygen for a journey to Mars made out of water with no moving parts in it.

Mars is full of toxic perchlorates that can be very harmful for future human missions. So, when people go to Mars, they will need to fix it. NASA has awarded a NIAC grant for a project that can help solving this problem. It's called Detoxifying Mars: the biocatalytic elimination of omnipresent perchlorates.

Mars is full of toxic perchlorates that can be very harmful for future human missions. So, when people go to Mars, they will need to fix it. NASA has awarded a NIAC grant for a project that can help solving this problem. It's called Detoxifying Mars: the biocatalytic elimination of omnipresent perchlorates.

Astronomy Cast Ep. 711: NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) by Fraser Cain & Dr. Pamela Gay Streamed live March 4, 2024. NASA works on many missions using tried and true technology, but they also invest in creative ideas that could drive the future of space exploration. It's called NASA's Innovative Advanced Concepts or NIAC.   This video was made possible by the following Patreon members: Jordan Young BogieNet Stephen Veit Jeanette Wink Siggi Kemmler Andrew Poelstra Brian Cagle David Truog Ed David Gerhard Schwarzer THANK YOU! - Fraser and Dr. Pamela