The WeMartians Podcast delves into all aspects of the exploration of Mars, including robotic/human spacecraft and rocket engineering, planetary science, astronomy and other upcoming technology. Our episodes are research-supported and feature topical audio clips and special guests.
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¡En este podcast hacemos que la ciencia se vuelva divertida! Liz y Aldo entrevistan a expertos académicos de la Universidad de Guadalajara sobre las inquietudes más cotidianas de las personas, pero específicamente aquello que a las y los jóvenes nos interesa para nuestro presente y futuro. Dale play y acompáñanos a descubrir la ciencia en nuestro día a día y a desenmascarar los más grandes y absurdos mitos que nos alejan del conocimiento.
26 – Remembering Pathfinder
On July 4th, 1997, NASA’s Mars Pathfinder mission touched down on Mars, ending a 15 years period where no spacecraft operated in the Red Planet. Twenty years later, the mission’s impact on our understand of Mars is still felt. Jake is joined by Matt Golombek (Project Scientist), Brian Muirhead (Flight Systems Manager & Deputy Project Manager), Donna Shirley (Mars Exploration Program Manager), and Tanya Harrison (Planetary Scientist) who recount the story and explain why the mission plays such an important role in the last two decades of Mars exploration. Links The original Pathfinder Press Kit for Landing Day at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Launch Footage Paper by Matt Golombek on the Mission CNN Coverage of the Landing Part 1 Part 2 WeMartians music is “RetroFuture”, “Electrodoodle”, “We Got Trouble”, “Aretes” and “Heartwarming” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Additional sound effects by Sentuniman licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
25 – Building a Rover (feat. Abbie Hutty)
Europe’s ExoMars program has already kicked off with the Trace Gas Orbiter, currently manoeuvring downward to its final science orbit. But ExoMars is not limited to a single mission. By 2020, ESA hopes to launch the first European rover to the Red Planet. Abbie Hutty, a Lead Spacecraft Structures Engineer, comes on to talk about what it takes to design, test and build a rover chassis, from wheels to mast, and what this rover means in the broader view of Mars exploration and international cooperation. Links Abbie’s Twitter Account ESA’s ExoMars 2020 Mission Overview (check sidebar for more) Animation showing surface operations An older test showing the flexible metal wheels of ExoMars The opening of the Mars Yard at Stevenage, featuring Abbie herself WeMartians music is “RetroFuture” and “Electrodoodle” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
24 – Risks and Rewards (feat. Leonard David)
All the obstacles in spaceflight can theoretically be broken down in to subsets of risk. Whether personal risk, programmatic risk, financial risk or professional risk, these are the things holding back individuals and organizations from accomplishing goals. What does this mean for Mars and how can we overcome it? Jake sits down with award-winning journalist Leonard David to explore this topic and try to understand what steps must be taken next to continue towards the objective of putting people on the Red Planet. Links Leonard’s panel on Risk at Humans to Mars 2017 (skip to 4:02:43) Bill Maher’s Earth Day Video Editorial (this is what is supposed to be playing in the gap in the above live stream, but couldn’t be re-posted due to copyright rules) Buzz Aldrin/Leonard David book Mission to Mars – My Vision for Space Exploration Mars: Our Future on the Red Planet (companion book to the National Geographic series MARS) Leonard David’s Website WeMartians music is “RetroFuture” and “Electrodoodle” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
23 – Esker Questions (feat. Frances Butcher)
On Earth, geologists are pretty familiar with the concept of an esker, a snake-like ridge formation left behind by a receding glacier. Across our planet they can be found in areas where glaciers once dominated the landscape. The same is true on Mars, but eskers also require a time when glaciers could melt. Frances Butcher, a PhD student from the Open University, talks with Jake about these special kinds of Martian eskers that indicate a warmer, wetter environment than we once thought. Links Mars Timekeeping from the Planetary Society The Martian Calendar from the Planetary Society Frances’ abstract from the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference HiRISE image of the esker system Frances is studying Analgyph version if you’ve got 3D glasses Further Listening Don’t Panic Geocast has some great episodes on eskers if you want to delve in to more of the science behind them. Episode 51 goes over them in detail. WeMartians music is “RetroFuture” and “Electrodoodle” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
22 – The Orbital Martians (feat. Ben Etherington & David Fourman)
In a mashup episode that combines the formats of The Orbital Mechanics, a great weekly spaceflight podcast, and WeMartians, Jake, Ben and David explore a variety of Mars topics. Delve in to history as we mark the 37th anniversary since Viking 2’s batteries gave out and learn about the spacecraft and its mission. Ben walks us through NASA’s new Road Map to Mars, a flight plan for SLS and Orion leading all the way to the 2030s. Then, we explore SpaceX’s Red Dragon mission and learn about the four candidate landing sites being considered when the Hawthorne-based company makes its first landing on the Red Planet in 2021. You’ll also hear some of the great segments from The Orbital Mechanics, like #ThisWeekSF, upcoming spaceflight events, and space news. Note: If you are already a subscriber of The Orbital Mechanics, their episode 104 will be mostly the same content with some different introductions, ie. the same episode appears in both feeds. Links The Orbital Mechanics (subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher) Website Twitter Patreon #ThisWeekSF (This Week in SpaceFlight History) – Viking 2 Apollo Applications Program Voyager Mars (Photo 1 and Photo 2) Camera System (Weird Photo of imaging team) Astrobiology Instrument Schematic Jake’s KSP History Post on Viking 2 (from his past life) Spaceflight News NASA’s Mars Road Map (SLS/Orion) Lunar Orbit Types Blue Origin Developping Moon Lander Questions, Comments and Corrections Reddit – Insight into Falcon 9 Octoweb Construction Red Dragon & its Landing Sites Space News Article Jake’s Landing Site Map Red X = Crashed/Failed Landing Green Circle = Successful Landing Yellow Question Mark = Candidate sites for Mars2020/ExoMars Space “X” – Red Dragon Landing Site Candidates Deuteronilus Mensae (Photo 1 & Photo 2) Phlegra Montes (Photo 1 & Photo 2) Utopia Planitia (Photo 1 & Photo 2) Arcadia Planitia (Photo 1 & Photo 2) WeMartians music is “RetroFuture” and “Electrodoodle” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
21 – LPSC 2017
Every year, upwards of 2,000 planetary scientists descend upon a suburb of Houston to discuss the latest findings, share the work, and learn something new. A lot of Mars happens at these conferences, so WeMartians decided to attend it in person! Jake catches up with old friends, makes some new ones, and explores Mars like never before. Links History The original Lunar Science Conference poster from 1970 Pre-Conference Microsymposium 58 Website Oral Session Highlights What the heck is a yardang? Isaac Smith’s abstract using dessert to model Mars Polar Layer Deposits (yes, you read that right) Polar Layer Deposits NASA Night Livestream of the event Smallsats for Planetary Science Press Release CAPS Meeting Agenda Poster Sessions Justin Cowart’s Abstract Lauren Mc Keown’s Abstract Human Exploration Lockheed Martin’s Mars Base Camp Concept Harrison “Jack” Schmitt’s Abstract WeMartians music is “RetroFuture” and “Electrodoodle” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
20 – Mars2020 Landing Site Candidates
Ahead of the science, the surface operations, the tricky landing, interplanetary cruise, & launch of a NASA flagship class rover like Mars2020, the difficult decision of where to send the mission must be made. For the successor of Curiosity, this process is nearing completion as the 3rd workshop has narrowed the remaining candidates to three. Jake takes a long look at the mission requirements, landing site criteria, and Mars mapping techniques before exploring Jezero Crater, North East Syrtis and Gusev Crater to see what secrets might lie beneath the regolith. Links The Mars2020 Mission Landing Site Workshop Page Science Objectives Landing Site Criteria (Bottom of page) Mapping Mars Mars Quadrangles Airy Crater Image with Mariner 9, Viking 1, and Mars Global Surveyor images Airy-0 The Landing Sites Google Mars KMZ file to explore the landing ellipses on Google Earth Jezero Crater Jezero HIRISE image SETI Talk with Tim Goudge (53:37), who led the Jezero team’s presentation North East Syrtis NE Syrtis HIRISE Image Gusev Crater/Columbia Hills Columbia Hills HIRISE Image Spirit’s Traverse Why Return to the Columbia Hills? by Alex Longo WeMartians music is “RetroFuture” and “Electrodoodle” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
19 – Dome Sweet Dome (feat. Kelsey Lents and Jeffrey Montes)
A surface mission to Mars will involve a lengthy stay in a harsh environment. Many have argued that this could be a psychologically draining experience as astronauts are forced into confined spaces with no light, perhaps underground away from harsh radiation. But architects Kelsey Lents and Jeffrey Montes don’t believe that’s necessary. They and their teams helped design the Mars Ice House, a 3D-printed ice dome that caught the eye of NASA and became a feasibility study to build a surface habitat. LINKS (Mars Ice House) Mars Ice House – The initial concept and first place winner of NASA’s Centennial Challenge Video on Mars Ice House Mars Ice House – NASA Awards Announcement (1st place winner) LINKS (Mars Ice Home) Clouds AO Project Page NASA Article on Feasibility Study LINKS (Clouds AO) Clouds AO Website Clouds AO Twitter Clouds AO Instagram LINKS (SEArch+) SEArch+ Website SEArch+ Twitter SEArch+ Instagram SEArch+ Facebook WeMartians music is “RetroFuture” and “Electrodoodle” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
18 – The State of Mars 2017 (feat. Brendan Byrne & Emilee Speck)
The year 2016 was a big one for Mars, and 2017 might be even bigger yet. We’re joined by two space reporters from Orlando to talk about the highlights of last year in Mars exploration, and look ahead to 2017, which promises to take us closer to the Red Planet. Brendan Byrne is a reporter from WMFE Orlando and the host of “Are We There Yet?”, a podcast about space exploration. Emilee Speck is a reporter from WKMG with a passion for planetary missions. LINKS Brendan’s Twitter Account Emilee’s Twitter Account “Are We There Yet?” (website / Twitter) ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter Overview ESA Approves ExoMars 2020 Funding Curiosity discovers Manganese Curiosity discovers Boron NASA’s 1 Year Mission Bigelow seeking further use of their module Orion Update for January 2017 SLS Moves to Maiden Launch NASA’s VAB has new work platforms installed Commercial Crew capsule development schedule slips Falcon Heavy Landing Pads moving towards development National Geographic “Mars” Renewed for 2nd season WeMartians Theme Song is “RetroFuture” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
17 – Canada CanMars, too! (feat. Eric Pilles)
NASA currently operates two rovers on the surface of Mars, but in the next five years that population could more than double as JPL prepares its third rover, and space agencies in Europe and China look to create their own footholds. That’s why creating a pipeline of talent that can plan, target, drive and otherwise operate these rovers is so important. Enter CanMars – an anlogue mission run by the Canadian Space Agency using real rovers here on Earth. I caught up with Eric Pilles, the planning lead for CanMars 2016, to find out how he and his team of scientists from universities across Canada are learning the ins and outs of rover ops, and how the science drives their goals. Links Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration (University of Western Ontario) CPSX Twitter CPSX Facebook Canadian Space Agency’s CanMars Site Specs for the Mars Exploration Science Rover (MESR) WeMartians Theme Song is “RetroFuture” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
16 – Closed Ecological Systems (feat. Morgan Irons)
Living and working in a remote place requires more than just food, water, shelter and air. If we’re serious about maintaining the health of our future Martian astronauts, we’ll need to pay close attention to the mental health, and we’ll need to figure out a way to make food sustainable. The idea of farming on Mars isn’t new, but the ideas of Morgan Irons, founder and Chief Science Officer of Deep Space Ecology, certainly push them forward. Her “three-zone model” promises to create a closed ecological system that won’t collapse under pressure. Morgan joins us to tell us all about her startup and the way she sees future habitats working. Links Deep Space Ecology website (Twitter/Instagram) Morgan’s Twitter Morgan’s GoFundMe The Mars Epoch X3 Design Fly-through WeMartians Theme Song is “RetroFuture” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
15 – The Frosty Plains of Utopia Planitia (feat. Cassie Stuurman)
Some call water the “oil of the solar system” because of its importance in our eventual exploration of other planets. Finding new sources and learning about how to access it plays a key role in our future. Using the SHARAD instrument on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Cassie Stuurman and a team at University of Texas at Austin discovered a massive deposit of ice in the northern plains of Utopia Planitia. Cassie joins us to tell the tale of its discovery, characterization and importance. Links Cassie’s paper: “SHARAD detection and characterization of subsurface water ice deposits in Utopia Planitia, Mars” Cassie’s blog Cassie’s Twitter Account The SHARAD Instrument (courtesy of the Italian Space Agency) A SHARAD Radargram WeMartians Theme Song is “RetroFuture” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
14 – Methane in Stereo (feat. Nicolas Thomas)
The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter’s primary mission is to hunt down sources of trace gasses in the orbiter and characterize them. Chief among these chemicals is Methane, and when it is isolated on the surface, we’re going to want to know what that place looks like. Enter the Colour and Stereo Surface Imagine System, a state of the art instrument that can take stereo images of the surface, allowing us to see Mars in 3D. Nicolas Thomas, Principal Investigator of the instrument, joins us to tell us all about this fascinating device, including its operations, how it targets science and why finding methane is so important. Links The CaSSIS website (University of Bern) YouTube – How the Instrument was built ESA – CaSSIS Overview WeMartians Theme Song is “RetroFuture” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
13 – Making Humans Multiplanetary (feat. Anthony Colangelo)
Elon Musk has now bore his heart (of gold) to the world. His plans for making humans multiplanetary have been shared with us, including his incredible 42-engine reusable booster, his 100-person interplanetary spaceship, and his vision for colonizing Mars. Together they form the SpaceX Interplanetary Transport System, and they are nothing if not bold. I’m joined by Anthony Colangelo from the Main Engine Cut Off Podcast to talk more about this vision, including some of the realities of making it possible, the challenges they’ll face, and how to bring partners like NASA on board for the ride. Links Main Engine Cut Off Website Main Engine Cut Off Twitter YouTube – Making Humans a Multiplanetary Species YouTube – SpaceX Interplanetary Transport System Article – Mashable – “Don’t dismiss Elon Musk’s plan to colonize Mars” Article – Space.com – “Feasible or Fantasy? SpaceX’s Mars Plan Draws Expert Reactions” WeMartians Theme Song is “RetroFuture” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
12 – Mission to sMars (feat. the crew of HI-SEAS IV)
Understanding human social behaviour under conditions of remote isolation, close quarters, and constrained resources will one day be critical to successfully executing a crewed mission to Mars. Analogues and simulations provide a useful tool to learn these tactics. HI-SEAS IV (Hawaii Space Exploration Analogue and Simulation) is one such experiment, and six crewmembers recently exited after an entire year in a dome on the slopes of a Hawaiian volcano. We spoke with all six members of the crew and learned a lot of valuable lessons, not least of which is the power of the human spirit and ability to make anything possible. This special episode features interviews with all six members of the HI-SEAS IV crew, who recently completed a 1 year simulated Mars mission on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Crew members include Sheyna Gifford, Carmel Johnston, Cyprien Verseux, Christiane Heinicke, Andrzej Stewart and Tristan Bassingthwaighte. Links Periscope of Dome Egress BBC News – Paris Attacks HI-SEAS website Crew Twitter Accounts Sheyna Gifford Tristan Bassingthwaighte Christiane Heinicke Carmel Johnston Andrzej Stewart Cyprien Verseux WeMartians Theme Song is “RetroFuture” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Additional sound effects by Sentuniman, caquet, jandrasounds, breyenkatz, lolamadeus, klankbeeld, and bewagne, all licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/