Episodios

  • The Moral Case for Space Science

    The Moral Case for Space Science
    Dec 12 2025
    Why do we explore space? In this Space Policy Edition rerun, Casey Dreier speaks with philosopher Dr. J. S. Johnson-Schwartz about why space science is a moral obligation, beyond economics or prestige.
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    1 h y 9 m
  • Should a (potential) biosignature revive Mars Sample Return?

    Should a (potential) biosignature revive Mars Sample Return?
    Nov 7 2025
    In 1996, a controversial claim of fossilized life in a Martian meteorite ignited a golden age of Mars exploration. Nearly 30 years later, a potential biosignature detected by the Perseverance rover at Jezero Crater has sparked… no major policy changes. Why? Lou Friedman joins the show to present his view.
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    1 h y 22 m
  • China’s growing space science ambitions

    China’s growing space science ambitions
    Oct 3 2025
    If the United States is indeed in a space race with China, why are we abandoning space science programs across the Solar System? This question, posed by guest Maxwell Zhu in a recent op-ed co-authored by The Planetary Society’s chief of space policy, reveals the current myopia around human spaceflight and the missing focus on a growing and ambitious new entrant into space science in the 21st century.
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    49 m
  • Does the rise of Elon mean the fall of NASA?

    Does the rise of Elon mean the fall of NASA?
    Sep 5 2025
    Atlantic writer Franklin Foer joins the show to discuss how NASA enabled the rise of Elon Musk, and, in doing so, sowed the seeds of its own decline.
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    1 h y 1 m
  • Is this the moment for in-space nuclear power?

    Is this the moment for in-space nuclear power?
    Aug 1 2025
    Dr. Bhavya Lal argues that the 2020s are a decisive decade for in-space nuclear power. Without nuclear, humans may never be more than visitors on Mars or the Moon.
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    1 h y 10 m
  • Are Democrats falling behind on space policy?

    Are Democrats falling behind on space policy?
    Jul 4 2025
    Our guest, Mary Guenther, argues that the Democratic Party is ceding leadership in space policy, and how linking space to jobs, supply chains, and climate could help refocus the party’s relationship with the Cosmos.
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    1 h
  • NASA’s 2026 budget

    NASA’s 2026 budget
    Jun 27 2025
    Alicia Brown from the Commercial Space Federation and Brittany Webster from the American Geophysical Union join the show to discuss NASA’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal.
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    1 h y 8 m
  • What does NASA need with an economist?

    What does NASA need with an economist?
    Jun 6 2025
    Former NASA chief economist Akhil Rao explains why NASA needs economic expertise to navigate the complex — and often misunderstood — market forces that will determine the success or failure of its private partnerships.
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    1 h y 16 m