Épisodes

  • Artemis II milestone, workforce changes, budget caps - NASA's latest developments
    Feb 26 2025
    Welcome to our latest podcast on NASA's recent developments. This week, the most significant headline comes from Janet Petro, NASA's Administrator, who shared an exciting milestone in the Artemis II mission. The stacking of the Space Launch System's twin solid rocket boosters at Kennedy Space Center brings us one step closer to launch[1].

    Looking ahead, NASA has a busy couple of weeks. Next week, they're set to launch SPHEREx, PUNCH, and the Intuitive Machines – 2 mission. The following week, they'll land on the Moon twice with Firefly's Blue Ghost Mission One and IM-2. These missions are crucial for advancing our understanding of space and the universe[1][4].

    On the policy front, NASA is implementing changes to its workforce. About 5% of NASA's workforce accepted a resignation offer and will transition to administrative leave. Additionally, all employees are expected to report full-time in-person to a NASA center or facility by February 28, with some time-limited exceptions approved[1].

    Budget allocations are also a topic of interest. The White House proposed $25.4 billion for NASA in 2025, a modest 2% increase over 2024. However, this is far less than originally planned due to spending caps passed by Congress in 2023. These caps create a zero-sum game between federal agencies, impacting NASA's spending priorities[5].

    These developments have significant impacts on American citizens, businesses, and state and local governments. For instance, the PUNCH mission will provide new information about solar events, potentially leading to more accurate predictions about space weather events that could impact our daily lives[4].

    As Janet Petro noted, "I want to take a moment to recognize your dedication and the work that keeps NASA moving forward." This dedication is crucial for advancing our understanding of space and its impacts on our planet.

    Next steps to watch include the upcoming launches and the continued implementation of workforce changes. For more information, visit NASA's official website. If you're interested in staying updated on NASA's latest developments, consider following their social media channels.

    That's all for today. Thank you for tuning in to our podcast on NASA's latest news and developments. Stay curious about space and its wonders.
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    3 min
  • NASA Missions and Partnerships Soar in 2025
    Feb 24 2025
    Welcome to the Curious Universe podcast, where we dive into the latest news and developments from NASA. This week, we're excited to share with you some significant updates from the agency.

    First off, let's talk about the most significant headline: NASA and SpaceX are gearing up for the launch of the SPHEREx and PUNCH missions on February 28. These missions aim to explore the universe in unprecedented ways. SPHEREx will delve into the first second after the Big Bang and search for key ingredients for life in our galaxy, while PUNCH will observe the Sun's corona as it transitions into the solar wind[1].

    This launch is part of NASA's ambitious plan for 2025, which includes several other missions such as the Europa Clipper, Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER), and the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe. These missions are crucial for advancing our understanding of the universe and its many mysteries[2].

    In terms of policy changes and budget allocations, NASA's Science division is set to receive $7.6 billion in FY 2025, a decrease of $229.3 million from the FY 2023 enacted level. Despite this, the agency is committed to restructuring missions within the Earth System Observatory and expanding suborbital or orbital demonstrations[2].

    On the partnership front, NASA is working closely with industry partners like SpaceX and Boeing. The Commercial Crew Program, based out of Kennedy Space Center, is planning two crew rotation missions to the International Space Station in 2025. This collaboration is crucial for sustaining a critical national asset and enabling groundbreaking research[4].

    As Janet Petro, Kennedy Center Director, puts it, "The next year promises to be another exciting one at Earth’s premier spaceport. We have an amazing workforce, and when we join forces with industry and our other government partners, even the sky is no limit to what we can accomplish."

    Looking ahead, citizens can engage with NASA's missions by tuning into the live launch broadcast of SPHEREx and PUNCH on February 28, streaming on NASA+. For more information, visit the NASA website.

    That's all for today's episode. Stay curious and keep looking up!

    Resources:
    - NASA's SPHEREx Mission: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spherex/
    - NASA's FY 2025 Mission Fact Sheets: https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/nasa-fiscal-year-2025-mission-fact-sheets.pdf
    - NASA's Kennedy Space Center: https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/kennedy/nasa-kennedy-looks-to-thrive-in-2025/
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    3 min
  • NASA's 2025 Shakeup: Personnel Changes and Budget Allocations Shaping Space Exploration
    Feb 21 2025
    Welcome to our latest podcast on NASA's latest news and developments. This week, we're focusing on significant personnel actions and budget allocations that are shaping the future of space exploration.

    According to NASA sources, a major personnel action is expected to take place around February 21, 2025, though details remain scarce. This action is part of a broader task titled "OPM: Guidance on Probationary Periods, Administrative Leave, and Details," and is based on guidance from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The action office is the Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO), and it follows previous tasks that identified employees on probationary periods and requested exemptions[1].

    Moving on to budget allocations, NASA's Fiscal Year 2025 budget provides $7.6 billion for Science, a $229.3 million decrease from the FY 2023 enacted level. Key achievements planned for FY 2025 include the launch of the Europa Clipper, Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER), and several other missions. The agency will also make final selections for the next Heliophysics Small Explorers mission, the first Earth System Explorers missions, and the first Astrophysics Probe mission[2].

    These budget allocations have significant impacts on various stakeholders. For American citizens, these missions represent a continued investment in space exploration and scientific research. For businesses and organizations, partnerships with NASA offer opportunities for innovation and growth. For state and local governments, NASA's activities contribute to economic development and job creation.

    As Janet Petro, Kennedy Center Director, noted, "The next year promises to be another exciting one at Earth’s premier spaceport. We have an amazing workforce, and when we join forces with industry and our other government partners, even the sky is no limit to what we can accomplish[5]."

    Looking ahead, NASA's Kennedy Space Center is set to thrive in 2025 with initiatives to maximize efficiency and reliability. The Commercial Crew Program (CCP) plans two crew rotation missions to the International Space Station, and continues working with Boeing toward certification of the Starliner system[5].

    For more information on NASA's latest developments, visit nasa.gov. Stay tuned for updates on the personnel action and budget allocations, and join us next time for more insights into the world of space exploration. Thank you for listening.
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    3 min
  • NASA's Horizon 2025: Powering the Future of Exploration and Innovation
    Feb 19 2025
    Welcome to our podcast on the latest news and developments from NASA. This week, we're starting with a significant headline that's making waves in the space community. According to NASA sources, a major personnel action is on the horizon, with an internal suspense date of February 21, 2025. This action, part of a task titled "OPM: Guidance on Probationary Periods, Administrative Leave, and Details," is based on guidance from the Office of Personnel Management and has left many wondering what exactly it entails[4].

    Moving on to other key developments, NASA's Kennedy Space Center is gearing up for an exciting year in 2025. The center plans to launch more than 90 government, commercial, and private missions, including two crew rotation missions to the International Space Station with SpaceX. This marks the 25th year of crewed operations for the space station, underscoring NASA's commitment to sustaining a critical national asset and enabling groundbreaking research[1].

    In terms of partnerships, NASA's Goddard Engineering and Technology Directorate is fostering a dynamic environment for collaborative space engineering and technology development. By partnering with industry, academia, nonprofits, and international entities, NASA is unlocking access to essential funding, state-of-the-art equipment, and extensive expertise[2].

    On the budget front, the President's Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 includes significant funding for NASA, with a focus on advancing U.S. space industry technology, enhancing climate science, and investing in the Artemis campaign of lunar exploration. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized that an investment in NASA is an investment in America for the benefit of humanity[5].

    So, what does this mean for American citizens, businesses, and state and local governments? These developments underscore NASA's commitment to pushing the boundaries of exploration and innovation, which can have far-reaching impacts on our daily lives. From advancing climate science to inspiring the next generation of leaders, NASA's work is crucial for our collective future.

    In the words of Kennedy Center Director Janet Petro, "The next year promises to be another exciting one at Earth’s premier spaceport. We have an amazing workforce, and when we join forces with industry and our other government partners, even the sky is no limit to what we can accomplish."

    Looking ahead, we can expect more updates on NASA's personnel actions and budget allocations. For more information, visit NASA's official website. And if you're interested in staying up-to-date on the latest developments, be sure to follow NASA's social media channels.

    That's all for today's podcast. Thank you for tuning in, and we'll see you next time.
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    3 min
  • NASA's 2025 Budget and Exciting Missions Ahead: Exploring the Moon, Sun, and Beyond
    Feb 17 2025
    Welcome to our podcast, where we dive into the latest news and developments from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA. This week, we're excited to share with you some significant updates that are shaping the future of space exploration.

    First off, let's talk about NASA's budget for 2025. The agency has allocated $7.6 billion for science, which is a $229.3 million decrease from the previous year. However, this budget still supports some exciting initiatives, including the launch of the Europa Clipper mission, which will explore Jupiter's icy moon, and the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, or VIPER, which will search for water on the Moon[1].

    Another key development is the expansion of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services, or CLPS, program. This initiative is leveraging commercial partnerships to send new lunar science payloads to the Moon's surface. In fact, Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro says that 2025 promises to be an exciting year, with multiple missions and partnerships pushing the boundaries of exploration[3].

    We also want to highlight NASA's new podcast series, "Sun + Eclipse," which is part of the agency's Curious Universe podcast. This series is all about the Sun and the upcoming total solar eclipse in April 2024. Listeners can learn about the cultural connections and historical significance of solar studies, as well as get insights from NASA experts on how to prepare for the eclipse[2][4].

    Now, let's talk about the impact of these developments on American citizens, businesses, and organizations. The CLPS program, for example, is creating new opportunities for commercial companies to partner with NASA and advance lunar exploration. This is not only good for business but also for the advancement of science and technology.

    As for international relations, NASA is continuing to collaborate with international partners, such as the European Space Agency, on missions like the Rosalind Franklin ExoMars Rover. This cooperation is crucial for advancing our understanding of the universe and pushing the boundaries of space exploration[1].

    Looking ahead, there are some exciting events to watch out for. In 2025, NASA plans to launch multiple new missions, including the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe and the Total and Spectral Solar Irradiance Sensor-2. The agency will also make final selections for the next Heliophysics Small Explorers mission and the first Earth System Explorers missions[1].

    If you want to learn more about NASA's latest developments, be sure to check out their website and social media channels. And if you're interested in getting involved, NASA offers many opportunities for citizens to engage with their programs and provide input.

    That's all for today's podcast. Thanks for tuning in, and we'll see you next time.
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    3 min
  • NASA's Busy Year Ahead: Artemis Advances, Missions Planned, and Engaging the Public
    Feb 14 2025
    Welcome to our podcast on the latest from NASA. This week, we're starting with a significant event that just passed us by - literally. A giant asteroid, named 2025 CV, safely passed Earth on February 12 at a distance of 4,760,000 km, more than five times the distance between Earth and the Moon[1].

    But let's dive into some of the key developments at NASA. The agency is gearing up for a busy year with several missions and initiatives. The Artemis program, aimed at establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon, is making strides. Firefly’s spacecraft, carrying NASA science and tech, has departed Earth’s orbit and is on its way to the Moon’s orbit, marking a significant step towards lunar exploration[4].

    In terms of policy and budget, NASA's fiscal year 2025 plans include launching several missions such as the Europa Clipper and the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER). The agency is also restructuring missions within the Earth System Observatory and assessing options for implementing the Aerosol and Cloud, Convection, and Precipitation designated project[2].

    NASA's Kennedy Space Center is looking forward to an exciting year with over 90 government, commercial, and private missions planned. The Commercial Crew Program is set to conduct two crew rotation missions to the International Space Station with SpaceX[5].

    These developments have significant impacts on various stakeholders. For American citizens, these missions and initiatives open up new opportunities for space exploration and scientific discovery. Businesses and organizations are also benefiting from partnerships with NASA, such as Firefly and SpaceX. State and local governments are involved in supporting these missions, and international relations are strengthened through collaborations like the one with JAXA on the Precipitation Measurement Mission[2].

    As Janet Petro, Kennedy Center Director, noted, "The next year promises to be another exciting one at Earth’s premier spaceport. We have an amazing workforce, and when we join forces with industry and our other government partners, even the sky is no limit to what we can accomplish."

    Looking ahead, citizens can engage with NASA's missions by following updates on the Artemis Blog and other NASA resources. The agency also offers various educational programs and podcasts, such as the Curious Universe podcast, which recently launched a new series on the Sun and solar eclipses[3].

    For more information, visit NASA's official website. And if you're interested in staying updated on the latest from space, tune in to our next episode where we'll cover more exciting developments from NASA. Thank you for listening.
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    3 min
  • NASA's Asteroid Monitoring, Planetary Defense, and Upcoming Initiatives for FY 2025
    Feb 12 2025
    Welcome to our latest podcast on NASA's recent developments. This week, we're starting with a significant headline: a massive 47-foot asteroid is set to soar past Earth today, safely passing at a distance of 4.76 million kilometers, about five times the distance between Earth and the Moon[1].

    NASA continuously monitors asteroids near Earth to evaluate potential threats. This particular asteroid, 2025 CV, is moving at a speed of 21,072 miles per hour and will be closest to Earth at 2:52 PM IST today. Another asteroid, 2025 CN2, roughly the size of a bus, is set to approach Earth tomorrow. These space rocks pose no threat to Earth, thanks to NASA's planetary defense efforts.

    Speaking of planetary defense, Lindley Johnson, Lead Program Executive for NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office, shared the agency's strategy to tackle potential asteroid threats. A global team of astronomers called the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) tracks asteroids and assesses the level of potential danger, issuing warnings accordingly. If an asteroid poses a regional threat, NASA notifies the White House and releases an official public statement. For global threats, IAWN coordinates with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs to develop an international response plan.

    In other news, NASA has announced several new initiatives and program launches for Fiscal Year 2025. The agency plans to select over 600 new awards, grants, and contracts to small businesses and continue to incubate and mature NASA commercial technologies[2]. Key achievements planned for FY 2025 include the launch of Europa Clipper, Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER), and multiple new lunar science payloads to the surface of the Moon through the Commercial Lunar Payload Services project.

    However, not all news is positive. NASA has begun dismantling its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) programs following a recent executive order from President Donald Trump[5]. This decision has raised concerns about the impact on the agency's goals to increase representation within its workforce and foster diversity in space exploration.

    Looking ahead, NASA is preparing for a total solar eclipse in April 2024 with a new six-part podcast series, Sun + Eclipse Series, which offers insight into research from NASA scientists and firsthand accounts from “eclipse chasers”[3].

    For more information on NASA's latest developments, visit their official website. If you're interested in staying updated on NASA's news and initiatives, subscribe to their newsletters and follow their social media channels. Thank you for tuning in, and we'll see you next time with more updates from the world of space exploration.
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    3 min
  • Groundbreaking Asteroid Discovery, NASA Budget Shifts, and Upcoming Missions - A NASA Weekly Update
    Feb 10 2025
    Welcome to this week's NASA update. We're kicking off with a groundbreaking discovery that's making headlines. NASA's Lucy spacecraft has observed the first contact binary orbiting asteroid, a remarkable find that sheds new light on the mysteries of our solar system. During a flyby in the main asteroid belt, Lucy spotted a satellite, named Selam, orbiting a larger asteroid, Dinkinesh. This encounter not only tested the spacecraft's tracking and imaging system but also provided a unique glimpse into the complex dynamics of asteroid systems[1].

    Moving on to policy and budget updates, NASA's fiscal year 2025 budget includes significant allocations for various missions and programs. The agency plans to launch several key missions, including the Europa Clipper and the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER). The budget also supports increased investment in the Habitable Worlds Observatory Technology Maturation project and the Commercially Enabled Rapid Space Science (CERISS) initiative. However, there are reductions in the Explorer Future missions budget and the budgets for the Hubble and Chandra observatories[2].

    In terms of partnerships and collaborations, NASA's Kennedy Space Center is gearing up for an exciting year. The Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative will continue to leverage commercial partnerships to deliver payloads to the Moon. The center also plans to support crew rotation missions to the International Space Station with SpaceX and is working towards certifying Boeing's Starliner system[4].

    Looking ahead, NASA has several key events and milestones on the horizon. The agency will host a media teleconference to discuss the science and technology flying aboard Intuitive Machines' second flight to the Moon. Additionally, Axiom Mission 4 is slated to launch from Florida no earlier than spring 2025, marking another significant step in private astronaut missions[5].

    These developments have significant impacts on various stakeholders. For American citizens, these missions and initiatives represent a continued push into space exploration and scientific discovery. Businesses and organizations are also benefiting from partnerships and contracts with NASA. Internationally, collaborations like the Artemis Accords, which Finland recently signed, underscore the global commitment to safe and responsible space exploration.

    As Janet Petro, Kennedy Center Director, noted, "The next year promises to be another exciting one at Earth’s premier spaceport. We have an amazing workforce, and when we join forces with industry and our other government partners, even the sky is no limit to what we can accomplish."

    For more information on these developments and upcoming events, visit NASA's official website. And if you're interested in staying up-to-date on the latest space news, tune in to NASA's diverse podcast portfolio, which offers a range of shows that take you on a tour of the galaxy and beyond[3].

    That's all for this week's update. Thanks for joining us on this journey into the world of NASA. Stay curious and keep looking up.
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    4 min