Are We There Yet?
Episodes
Talking to whales and searching for life in the universe
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Researchers are looking to nonverbal communication to find life within our universe, and we may be closer to knowing if aliens do exist.
A virtual space tourism launch and new space station plans
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Guests at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex can blast off into space without leaving the ground and Vast is creating a new space station.
Buzz in the commercial space industry
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A glimpse into some of the recent space news and how Space Florida plans to grow the aerospace industry.
SETI searches for extraterrestrial life and scientists probe beneath planetary surfaces
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are we alone in the Universe? The SETI Institute is working to answer that question.
Flying cars and a glimpse into the life of a stranded cosmonaut
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
NASA is working on technology to develop air taxis, bringing humanity one step closer to living like The Jetsons.
Relativity Space continues its 3D-printed rocket development and rovers take a 'Mars-cation'
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We'll get an update on Relativity Space's efforts to build its Terran R vehicle. Plus, why the Mars rovers are on vacation.
NASA's planetary defenders track potentially harmful asteroids
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tracking the threat of asteroids before they get too close and a look at a book chronicling the first U.S. women astronauts.
Are we spooked yet? A creepy tour of the cosmos on this Halloween
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the cosmos many eerie mysteries await us. From the haunting specter of stars from the past to super massive black holes lurking in the depths of th...
From 'water bears' to orbital workouts. Here's how NASA is preparing humans for long-duration missions
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Animals have been a part of NASA's research for generations. What scientists learn about them can help humans spend more time in space.
Can life exist on a planet without a surface?
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Can life exist on a planet without a surface? Plus, a look at new evidence from the Webb Space Telescope about galactic evolution.
Scientists psyched about mission to metal-rich asteroid Psyche
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
NASA scientists can't wait to launch a probe to the metal-rich asteroid Psyche. Its findings could uncover how our own planet formed.
The commercial space world is over the moon about lunar exploration
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The upcoming Artemis missions have grabbed the attention of the nation — and the commercial space sector. Plus, a look at how a NASA engineer honors...
The space dust has landed! Here's why scientists are so eager to examine asteroid dirt
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A capsule of space dust arrived on Earth from an asteroid hundreds of millions of miles away, and scientist can't wait to start analyzing the sample. ...
Once again, phosphine spotted in the clouds of Venus. Could this mean life on another planet?
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Signs of phosphine were detected in the atmosphere of Venus alluding to signs of life on the hot planet. Plus, a new era of moon exploration has start...
'The Six' explores the stories and impact of NASA's first female astronauts
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A new book by space journalist Loren Grush dives into the stories of the first female astronauts. Plus, a look at the new decadal survey outlining the...
Martian sounds create music and melodies in new science-inspired symphony
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sound that is collected by tiny microphones are being used to understand Martian life and create musical symphonies.
John Shoffner flew to space on a commercial spaceflight. His new mission is to inspire a new generation of space travelers
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
John Shoffner is working to inspire the next generation of astronauts to follow in his path. We also eplore the theoretical existence of white holes.
A tale of two climates. Tracking climate change on Earth and on Mars
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Scientists are working to understand climate change both here on Earth and on Mars. On Earth, these warmer temperatures are part of human-driven clima...
NASA Chefs prepare food good enough to send you into orbit
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Cooking for astronauts, space news around the world and a conversation with NASA astronaut Woody Hoburg.
How artificial gravity and a giant telescope may change space exploration
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Vast aerospace company is creating a space station with artificial gravity. We'll hear why gravity is a good thing in space exploration. Plus, a g...
A space for artistic inspiration with veteran astronaut Nicole Stott
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sending art into orbit. Veteran astronaut Nicole Stott talks about her Space for Art Foundation and fields questions from kids at a live taping Friday...
Sierra Space's new Dream Chaser hopes to bring people into orbit
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sierra Space plans to launch humans on the company’s Dream Chaser spacecraft. NASA’s Perseverance rover found evidence of organic molecules on Mar...
Asteroid dust returning to Earth could explain the origin of life
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What do scientists hope to learn from a sample of asteroid dust from NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission? Plus, a look at the public's reaction to one year of W...
Ripples in the cosmos: What we're learning from gravitational waves
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Scientists have observed more ripples in the fabric of space-time, in the form of gravitational waves. The most recent discovery appears to be superma...
OceanGate disaster puts spotlight on high-risk tourism, including space
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The catastrophic implosion of a submersible visiting wreckage of the Titanic that left all five people on board dead is raising questions about regula...
Sun science on the summer solstice and how Mars rocks get their names
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We dig into the science of the sun as we approach the summer solstice. Plus, a look at how rocks on Mars get their names.
From malware to barf, dealing with the nasty side of space exploration
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A security company found malware on an unnamed aerospace company's computers — what's the risk for the industry at large? And kids ask question abou...
Space-flown seeds take root in orbit, NASA's UAP interest, and Florida gets STARCOM
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Seeds adapt to grow in the harsh environment of space. Do they pass along these changes to the next generation? Researchers hope to soon find out.
Private space station astronaut John Shoffner speaks with WMFE from orbit
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Astronaut and Ax-2 mission pilot John Shoffner speaks with WMFE from orbit about art, food, and the future of commercial space travel.
"Unfolding the Universe" brings new perspective to Webb telescope images
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
At the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona Beach, a new exhibit gives patrons a new way to view and interact with images from the Webb Space Telesc...
"When The Heavens Went On Sale"
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Author Ashlee Vance's new book explores the people and companies reshaping the commercial space industry.
Can we make food from CO2? On Mars?
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Carbon dioxide is generally a bad thing when it comes to space travel. But what if you could harness it for good?
A conversation with commercial space pilot John Shoffner
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Shoffner is piloting the SpaceX Crew Dragon that will carry Axiom Space's second private space mission to the International Space Station
More private space missions mean more data on astronaut health
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A research institute is leveraging a surge in private space missions to collect critical data on how space travel affects the human body
What's driving the private space economy?
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We'll hear from one investor in the private space sector on what's driving this industry upward despite economic uncertainty.
Artemis II: We have a crew
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
NASA announced the next crew to head to the moon, the first in more than 50 years. Plus, a conversation with retired astronaut Eileen Collins.
Breaking down NASA's $27 billion budget proposal
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The proposal includes funding for NASA’s human missions like trips to the moon and maintenance of the International Space Station and science missio...
A commercial mission to the far side of the moon
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Firefly Aerospace is flying a mission to the far side of the moon for NASA, paving the way for astronauts and other companies to explore the lunar sur...
The history of women in the U.S. astronaut corps
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For Women's History Month, we revisit conversations chronicling the inclusion of female astronauts at NASA.
A 3D printed rocket could soon take flight. Where does it fit in to a growing launch market?
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Relativity Space plans to launch its first 3D printed rocket this week, joining a growing number of commercial launch companies. We'll hear from CEO T...
SETI's search for ETs & NASA's new science chief
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The SETI Institue has been searing for extraterrestrial life for decades. Now, the organization is closer than ever to hearing from life outside our p...
Measuring the sound of rockets & NSYNC's Lance Bass chronicles "The Last Soviet" in space
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
NASA's Artemis I launch was really loud. That's according to new research by physicists hoping to better understand the behavior of rocket sounds. Plu...
Starship & stitches: A look at SpaceX's Super Heavy test firing and the history of space mission patches
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
SpaceX completed a critical test of its Super Heavy booster. NASASpaceflight.com's Chris Gebhardt explains what's next for the massive vehicle that wi...
Mars updates: Percy's sample collection and the possibility of astronaut missions
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A look at the latest robotic explorer on Mars and a conversation about efforts to send humans to the red planet.
In the search for life in the universe, it's time to get nuclear
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As NASA develops nuclear thermal propulsion rockets for human exploration in our solar system, some astrobiologists say the technology could help us a...
Oh the places we're going, for science!
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
From missions to the moon, a heavy metal asteroid, and findings outside our solar system, it's going to be a busy year for space science.
The planet is getting hotter. Here's how NASA is measuring Earth's changing temperature
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Last year was the fifth warmest on record, according to new data released by NASA and the NOAA. How is NASA tracking out warming planet?
Neil deGrasse Tyson on the search for life outside our planet
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is there life out there? Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson says the answer to that question could come from our own solar system.
Making space accessible for all
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fourteen disabled crew members took trip on a Zero-G flight, conducting research with the hope of making space accessible for all.
Inflatable space is bursting at the seams
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Inflatable habits could be the future of space exploration. But before they leave this planet, they have to explode.
Artemis I is back on Earth. What's next?
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
NASA's newest moon mission appears to be a success. So what's next for the agency's lunar ambitions.
Seeing the clouds of Titan
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Webb Space Telescope has captured weather on Titan, one of the moons of Saturn.
To the moon, for good?
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
NASA's Artemis I mission is a big step in the agency's plans for permanent presence on the moon. Just how close is the agency to that goal, and what i...
From the moon to Mars
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
NASA's Artemis I mission has made it to the moon. We check in with the mission and preview what's ahead. Plus, the new documentary "Goodnight Oppy" ch...
Artemis I, take three
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
NASA’s next moon mission could take flight this week. Artemis I is poised to launch from Kennedy Space Center as early as Wednesday morning. The mis...
The Pillars of Creation in a brand new light
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We’re getting a fresh new look at this cosmic nursery thanks to the James Webb Space Telescope.
Zero G and I feel fine
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What’s it like to feel weightless, like the astronauts on the International Space Station?
From the Space Shuttle to Starship
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A look at a new documentary which highlights the people behind the scenes that kept the Space Shuttle program flying. Plus, and update on SpaceX's Sta...
Let's talk about the weather (and space, of course)
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
People in the path of Hurricane Ian are still dealing with its aftermath. Before and during the storm, residents rely on forecasts from meteorologists...
Six years of science: NASA's Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen reflects on his tenure as the agency's science cheif
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For the past six years, Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen has led NASA’s science division. From the deployment of the James Webb Space Telescope to landing a rob...
The science of averting disasters. From asteroid impacts to severe storms due to climate change, NASA is on the case
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As Florida prepares for Hurricane Ian, NASA is hoping to deflect another natural disaster -- an asteroid.
From the moon to Mars: A look at an intriguing finding on Mars and NASA's plans for deep space exploration
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How will NASA's lunar missions help get humans to Mars? And a look at an intriguing finding by NASA's newest Martian explorer in the search for signs ...
Failure to launch: A look at the delays and possible fixes to NASA's Artemis I mission
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Two attempts to launch NASA’s new moon rocket SLS and deep space capsule Orion have been waived off -- facing a handful of issues including a hydrog...
NASA is heading back to the moon. These kids have some important questions
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
NASA is heading back to the moon and some of our youngest listeners have some really important questions about the future of exploration.
NASA's next moon program Artemis takes flight next week. What sets this program apart from the Apollo missions?
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A historian discusses how NASA's new moon missions differ from the Apollo flights of the 1960s and 70s. Plus, a look at the criticism of the Artemis p...
Curiosity's decade of discovery on Mars
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A look back at Curiosity's decade of exploring Mars and what's ahead for the red planet rover. Plus, the Space Coast braces for at least 100,000 spect...
Space law -- it's complicated.
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As more countries and companies leave the planet, governing space is getting increasingly more complicated.
James Webb Space Telescope zooms in on other worlds & Planetary Radio's Mat Kaplan reflects on 20 years of hosting
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How can the James Webb Space Telescope help us spot other Earth-like worlds? Plus, a conversation with Planetary Radio's Mat Kaplan about his two deca...
Commercial space goes deep
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Commercial companies are setting ambitious goals and heading into deep space.
Oh the things we can see, thanks to JWST
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a week since the first James Webb Space Telescope images captivated scientists and the general public alike.
The big reveal: NASA drops stunning first images from James Webb Space Telescope
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
They’re here. The first images from the James Webb Space Telescope are out, revealing thousands of ancient galaxies, nebulae, and a close-up look at...
'Escaping Gravity': A conversation with NASA's former deputy administrator Lori Garver
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lori Garver served as NASA deputy administrator, its second in command, during the Obama administration. It was a tumultuous time for the agency. The ...
Protecting our planet for potential asteroid strikes
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Thursday marks World Asteroid Day, a U.N.-sanctioned campaign to raise awareness of the scientific opportunities, and planetary threats, posed by aste...
From a new space station to supply chain solutions, a check in with commercial space
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From filling the gap left by a retiring International Space Station to a possible solution to a unique supply chain issue, commercial space leaders we...
More moon science: Researchers explore lunar magma domes and growing plants on the moon
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A team of researchers received approval for a $35 million dollar mission to the moon. The group will explore an uncharted portion of the moon, which s...
For NASA's new moon-bound astronauts, it's time for some new suits
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
NASA needs new space suits. The agency wants to put people back on the moon in the 2020s, and to do it safely, it needs brand new space suits for use ...
MegaCon, MegaRocket. The science of going back to the moon
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From MegaCon Orlando -- the science of NASA’s next moon missions.
The power of parachutes
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What’s it like plummeting from space and landing…alive? We'll talk with Inspiration4 astronaut Chris Sembroski about the power of parachutes and h...
Starliner's redo, part two. Plus, the story of Susan Borman, Apollo 8 commander's wife
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Boeing’s Starliner is set for yet another test mission, a critical step before NASA lets its astronauts fly to space in it. So what’s at stake for...
What's at the center of our galaxy?
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
At the center of our galaxy lies a supermassive black hole. It’s a region of space where gravity is so strong nothing can escape it, not even light....
A new chapter in commercial space & how Elon's Twitter buy might impact SpaceX
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With the first all-private space mission in the books, what's ahead for the commercial space economy? Plus, a look at the impacts to SpaceX after foun...
The case for Uranus: Outlining the next decade of discovery
26 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Every 10 years, the National Academies submits a report, outlining what it thinks NASA should focus on when it comes to planetary science efforts. Ura...
Catching up with NASA's administrator & keeping an eye on the planet's health
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a busy week for space news. The first all-private crew is set to depart the space station after spending more than a week on board, a new crew ...
Private space station missions, Amazon's big rocket buy and NASA's next budget. Here's a rundown of the latest space news stories
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a busy few weeks on the space beat. We’ll chat with Anthony Colangelo, he covers spaceflight and the aerospace industry on his podcast M...
What it's like when black holes collide
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Some nine billion light years away, a pair of black holes are on a collision course. It’s a cosmic waltz that could come to an end in 10,000 years w...
A new era of space science takes flight thanks to private civilian missions
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
SpaceX is set to launch another crew of private astronauts from Kennedy Space Center, this time on a ten-day mission to the International Space Statio...
NASA'S new moon rocket has left the building & UAE's Hope probe tracks a year of Martian weather
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
NASA’s mega-rocket the Space Launch System has left the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center and made its way to a launch pad, ahead of...
A Florida couple heads to space on Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Next week, Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket is set to take 6 people to the edge of space and back. Central Florida married couple Sharon and Marc Ha...
"Becoming Off-Worldly" & the hunt for moon water
08 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It seems like a lot more people are going to space these days. Commercial companies are not only sending NASA astronauts into space, they’re giving ...
Can the U.S. and Russia partnership in space last despite growing tensions here on Earth?
01 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tensions between the U.S. and Russia are high as the U.S. imposed strict sanctions in the wake of the Russian military’s invasion of Ukraine, but so...
Taking art to new heights. A conversation with Dr. Sian Proctor about creating a space for inspiration
22 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Sian Proctor was one of four civilians to head to space last year thanks to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule. The mission called Inspiration 4 sent ...
A year on Mars & the gift of space
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
NASA’s Perseverance rover is celebrating one year on Mars. The robot explorer arrived last year after a seven month journey from Cape Canaveral in F...
"Alexa, take me to the moon."
08 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
NASA’s Orion space capsule will soon head on a mission to the moon and back, launching from Kennedy Space Center later this year. There won’t be a...
A curious carbon finding on Mars & the long wait for James Webb Space Telescope's first science campaign
01 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This past year, all eyes have been on NASA’s Perseverance rover as it explores Mars during its first year on the red planet. But a robotic explorer ...
The great Pluto debate reignites once more
25 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Back in 2006, a science organization changed the classification of Pluto as a planet, sparking a debate in both the astronomical community and pop cul...
Tracking a changing climate on Earth and the robots exploring Mars
11 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
NASA is focusing on climate change -- specifically, observing our changing climate from space. But NASA’s focus on climate isn’t new. It has been ...
Another year of space exploration
04 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It was a very busy year for space exploration. In 2021 we saw the arrival of three missions to Mars, multiple human launches -- from suborbital space ...
Inside NASA's Mission Control Center with its longest-serving flight director Paul Dye
28 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
NASA’s Mission Control Center is responsible for the safety of its astronauts and space hardware.It takes a special kind of person to take on that r...
The James Webb Space Telescope takes flight
21 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After decades of development, the James Webb Space Telescope takes flight. Scientists have been thinking about this moment since the 1990s -- a new se...
New astronauts, new rockets
14 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Meet new astronaut candidate Luke Delaney and hear from "Main Engine Cut Off" host Anthony Colangelo about the new commercial rockets in development.