This week on Planetary Radio, we’re sharing a special conversation from our friends at the Smart Girl Dumb Questions podcast. Host Nayeema Raza sits down with The Planetary Society’s Chief of Space Policy, Casey Dreier, to explore one of the most common questions in space exploration: Why does space matter, and is it really worth the cost? Casey breaks down how space exploration impacts daily life, from GPS and weather forecasting to cutting-edge technologies and scientific discoveries that could reshape our future. Together, Nayeema and Casey unpack the big ideas behind NASA’s ~$25 billion budget at a moment when U.S. national priorities are shifting. Stick around after the interview for a special U.S. Thanksgiving-week edition of What’s Up with Chief Scientist Bruce Betts. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2025-smart-girl-dumb-questionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

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