Planetary Radio

Series produced by Mat Kaplan

Series image

The Planetary Society's travel show that takes you to the final frontier, featuring commentary by Society CEO Bill Nye the Science Guy.

For over 20 years, we've been proud to bring Planetary Radio to our dedicated listeners. However, after careful consideration, we discontinued our traditional broadcast distribution on Aug. 2, 2023. We invite Radio stations to continue airing the extended podcast version of the show, along with any of our previous episodes. You can find the extensive archive of our broadcasts and our new podcast MP3s here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/radio-episodes-files For more information about Planetary Radio, visit our website at https://www.planetary.org/radio. For inquiries or support, contact Sarah Al-Ahmed, the host and producer of Planetary Radio, at planetaryradio@planetary.org. Thank you again for being an integral part of the Planetary Radio family. We look forward to continuing our cosmic journey together through the wonders of our podcast and beyond. Hide full description

For over 20 years, we've been proud to bring Planetary Radio to our dedicated listeners. However, after careful consideration, we discontinued our traditional broadcast distribution on Aug. 2, 2023. We invite Radio stations to continue airing the extended podcast version of the show, along with any of our previous episodes. You can find the extensive archive of our broadcasts and our new podcast MP3s here: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/radio-episodes-files For more information about Planetary Radio, visit our website at https://www.planetary.org/radio. For inquiries or support, contact Sarah Al-Ahmed, the host and producer of Planetary Radio, at planetaryradio@planetary.org. Thank you again for being an integral part of the Planetary Radio family. We look forward to... Show full description


519 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
Curiosity rolls on: Mars Science Laboratory project scientist Ashwin Vasavada
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Caption: A Picture Postcard From Curiosity's Navcams: NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover used its black-and-white navigation cameras to capture panoramas of this scene at two times of day; blue, orange, and green color was added to a combination of both panoramas for an , Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
The Curiosity rover’s lead researcher reviews the latest findings and images from Mars’ Gale Crater.

Bought by KIYU-FM, WFHB, KWMR, KBUT Crested Butte, Colo., WMUU-LP and more


  • Added: Jan 19, 2022
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 10
We have touched the Sun: The Parker Solar Probe’s triumph
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Caption: Artist’s impression of Parker Solar Probe approaching the Alfvén critical surface, which marks the end of the solar atmosphere and the beginning of the solar wind. Parker Solar Probe’s crossing into this zone in April 2021 means the spacecraft has “touche, Credit: NASA/Johns Hop
A spacecraft has penetrated the Sun’s corona for the first time, revealing unprecedented data and capturing a mind-blowing video.

Bought by KBUT Crested Butte, Colo., C89.5 - KNHC Seattle, WFHB, KIYU-FM, KWMR and more


  • Added: Jan 11, 2022
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 13
Return to the Moon: Preparing for splashdown in the Pacific
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Caption: Host Mat Kaplan talks with USS John P. Murtha captain Gervy Alota next to the Orion capsule test article aboard the ship., Credit: Mat Kaplan
A shipboard update on how the Artemis 1 Orion capsule will be recovered from the Pacific Ocean.

Bought by C89.5 - KNHC Seattle, WFHB, KIYU-FM, KVSC, KWMR and more


  • Added: Jan 05, 2022
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 14
A good year for space: Planetary Society all-stars review 2021
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Caption: Solar system montage with eight planets, Credit: NASA/JPL
Seven Planetary Society experts and enthusiasts celebrate 2021’s many space science and exploration milestones.

Bought by KIYU-FM, WFHB, KBUT Crested Butte, Colo., KWMR, KRZA and more


  • Added: Dec 29, 2021
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 12
Discovering Mars with Jim Bell and William Sheehan
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Caption: A mosaic of 102 Viking orbiter images of Mars, showing a hemisphere of the planet centered on the immense Valles Marineris canyon system. Prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey., Credit: NASA/JPL/USGS
“Discovering Mars” is the new chronicle of humanity’s long relationship with the Red Planet, assembled by space historian William Sheehan and Mars ...

Bought by KUT, KIYU-FM, WFHB, WMUU-LP, KWMR and more


  • Added: Dec 22, 2021
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 11
JWST is ready for launch and amazing science
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Caption: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope seen being prepared for transport to French Guiana for launch later this year., Credit: NASA/Chris Gunn
Three astronomers share what they hope the James Webb Space Telescope will reveal about our universe after its launch this month.

Bought by WFHB, KIYU-FM, KWMR, KRZA, KVNF and more


  • Added: Dec 14, 2021
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 11
A conversation with the director of “Don’t Look Up”
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Caption: Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio are astronomers trying to save the world from a comet in Don't Look Up., Credit: Netflix
Director Adam McKay and planetary defense expert Amy Mainzer join us for a conversation about the film and the science behind it.

Bought by KUT, WAMC Northeast Public Radio, KIYU-FM, WFHB, RadioStPete Florida and more


  • Added: Dec 08, 2021
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 14
Discovering life elsewhere: How can we be sure?
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Caption: Artist concept of the surface of exoplanet Trappist-1f, a world that may be capable of supporting life., Credit: NASA
NASA’s Jim Green and Mary Voytek want the science community to develop tools that will help us evaluate potential evidence of life beyond Earth.

Bought by KVSC, WFHB, KIYU-FM, WJCU, KWMR and more


  • Added: Dec 01, 2021
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 12
Into the anthropocosmos with Ariel Ekblaw
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Caption: Artist's depiction of TESSERAE self-assembling structures in orbit around Mars., Credit: Artist Rendering of TESSERAE (TU Dortmund)
“Into the Anthropocosmos” is MIT Space Exploration Initiative director Ariel Ekblaw’s collection of innovations that will improve life in space and...

Bought by WFHB, KIYU-FM, KCNP, KWMR, WXAV 88.3FM Chicago and more


  • Added: Nov 24, 2021
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 12
The DART asteroid impact mission begins, with Nancy Chabot
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Caption: Illustration of DART, from behind the NEXT–C ion engine, Credit: NASA/Johns Hopkins APL
The DART mission begins its journey that will end when it smashes into an asteroid, demonstrating how we might save Earth from a devastating impact.

Bought by WFHB, KIYU-FM, WYAP, KWMR, WJCU and more


  • Added: Nov 16, 2021
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 12
Spacecraft communications and navigation with Badri Younes
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Caption: The Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex (CDSCC) is one of three Deep Space Network (DSN) facilities. Each of the facilities is located approximately 120 degrees of longitude apart so that at least one station is able to downlink and uplink signals , Credit: NASA
Spacecraft need a navigation and communication infrastructure to carry out their missions. Learn how NASA does it and what’s in store for the future.

Bought by KIYU-FM, WFHB, KCNP, KWMR, WJCU and more


  • Added: Nov 10, 2021
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 11
Sarah Al Amiri and the new UAE mission to the asteroid belt
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Caption: An artist's impression of the future UAE asteroid mission spacecraft flying over an object in the main belt., Credit: UAE
The head of the United Arab Emirates space agency announces a new mission to explore seven asteroids.

Bought by WFHB, KIYU-FM, KWMR, WMUU-LP, KRZA and more


  • Added: Nov 03, 2021
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 11
Sally Ride: Our 2005 Conversation
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Caption: Sally Ride in orbit aboard Space Shuttle Challenger, Credit: NASA
A first-ever encore of our wonderful conversation with the first American woman in space.

Bought by WFHB, KIYU-FM, KWMR, WJCU, KRZA and more


  • Added: Oct 27, 2021
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 11
Amazing Technology at the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts Symposium
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Piece image
Here’s our sampling of the leading edge research presented by NIAC Fellows at NASA’s 2021 virtual gathering.

Bought by KIYU-FM, WFHB, WJCU, KWMR, KRZA and more


  • Added: Oct 19, 2021
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 12
Leaders of the Lucy asteroid mission
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Caption: The Lucy spacecraft observes one of the Trojan asteroids in Jupiter's orbit in this artist concept., Credit: Southwest Research Institute
Principal investigator Hal Levison and colleagues prepare us for the launch of NASA’s Lucy spacecraft in an exclusive interview.

Bought by KIYU-FM, WJCU, KWMR, WMUU-LP, KRZA and more


  • Added: Oct 12, 2021
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 12
Why didn’t Dawn land on dwarf planet Ceres?
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Caption: Dwarf planet Ceres is shown in these false-color renderings, which highlight differences in surface materials., Credit: NASA/JPL-CalTech/UCLA/MPS/DLR/IDA
The ion engine-powered Dawn spacecraft will orbit Ceres for many years. Could it have touched down on the surface of the dwarf planet?

Bought by C89.5 - KNHC Seattle, WFHB, KIYU-FM, WJCU, KWMR and more


  • Added: Oct 06, 2021
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 13
Mars Beckons: The 2021 Humans to Mars Summit
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Caption: This artist's concept depicts astronauts and human habitats on Mars., Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Highlights of the annual gathering of leaders and experts who are building toward humans walking on the Red Planet.

Bought by KIYU-FM, WJCU, KWMR, WMUU-LP, KBUT Crested Butte, Colo. and more


  • Added: Sep 29, 2021
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 11
The Wonderful: a new documentary about the International Space Station
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Caption: Astronaut Cady Coleman, ISS-27 flight engineer, looks over two of four flutes brought with her to the International Space Station in her small allotment of personal items. She is in the Cupola., Credit: NASA
Director Clare Lewins and NASA astronaut Cady Coleman discuss the new documentary “The Wonderful: Stories from the Space Station.”

Bought by WORT, KIYU-FM, WFHB, KWMR, WJCU and more


  • Added: Sep 21, 2021
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 13
The Case for a Return to Enceladus
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Caption: An artist's impression of the late Cassini spacecraft approaching the giant water plumes emanating from the icy surface of Enceladus., Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Flying a spacecraft through geysers spewing from Saturn’s moon Enceladus might reveal the building blocks of life or even life itself.

Bought by KIYU-FM, WFHB, WJCU, WMUU-LP, KWMR and more


  • Added: Sep 15, 2021
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 12
An ESCAPADE to Mars, on the cheap
From: Mat Kaplan
Series: Planetary Radio
Caption: The ESCAPADE Mars mission will consist of two identical satellites — “Blue” and “Gold” — that will study how the planet’s ionosphere and magnetic field interact., Credit: Rocket Lab
Can NASA send robotic explorers to Mars for a tiny fraction of what most missions cost?

Bought by WFHB, KIYU-FM, WJCU, KWMR, KBUT Crested Butte, Colo. and more


  • Added: Sep 08, 2021
  • Length: 28:50
  • Purchases: 11

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