This Week in Space 235

Robots have, and always will, be the first to go to the dark and scary places in space. For many years, Dr. Jim Green oversaw these missions for NASA as their Chief Scientist. He joins us to talk about the past, present, and future of planetary exploration. Jim has always been passionate about NASA's science programs and believes we're quite likely to find life off-Earth in the near future. Join us!

Headlines:

• NASA Unveils New X-70 Fractal X-Plane with Reconfigurable Tech
• Earth Gains Temporary “Mini Moon” Asteroid 2026 QQ8
• NASA Hosts First-Ever Max Power Air Show Highlighting Space Innovation
• Deep Space Nine’s Iconic “Trials and Tribble-ations” Episode Turns 30

Main Topic: Planetary Exploration, Science Funding, and Planetary Defense With Dr. Jim Green

• Top Unexplored Targets: Sending a Submarine to Europa’s Ocean
• How Political Changes Affect NASA’s Budget and Science Programs
• Mars Sample Return: Obstacles, Funding Challenges, and Possible Human Exploration Synergy
• Science Communication: Relating New Discoveries to Everyday Life and Public Engagement
• JPL’s “7 Minutes of Terror” and Changing Outreach Strategies
• Building Support for Planetary Defense and the DART Mission
• Black Swan Events: How Earth is Threatened by Rare, High-Speed Oort Cloud Comets
• Innovative Approaches to Science Education through the Metaverse and Outreach

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

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Links

• NASA announces experimental X-70 Fractal aircraft: A 'new beginning for aeronautics'
• Earth has captured a new mini moon  — but it won't stick around for long
• Max Power: NASA hosting its 1st air show this weekend on Florida's Space Coast
• 'Trials and Tribble-ations' at 30: The classic 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine' episode that brought Captains Kirk and Sisko face-to-face
• When Voyager 1 goes dark, what comes next?
• Curiosity - 7 Minutes of Terror
• Searching for Signs of Intelligent Life: Technosignatures
• Metavisionaries