logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2024
28m 41s

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 144: M...

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
About this episode
What does it take to mine the Moon? Engineers behind NASA's ISRU Pilot Excavator, or IPEx are digging into the answers. The robotic excavator is designed to unearth lunar regolith and extract oxygen for fuel. In this episode, Jason Schuler, IPEx principal investigator, and Drew Smith, IPEx lead design engineer, explore the engineering challenges, innovative ... Show More
Up next
Jul 10
Transformative Aeronautics
A NASA research program collaborates with universities to revolutionize the way we design, build, and operate aircraft. Angela Surgenor, deputy program director of the Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program, explains. 
17m 10s
Jun 26
Calibrating Satellite Image Data
Before scientists can use those satellite imagery for research, the data must be carefully calibrated to ensure measurements are accurate and consistent over time. Julia Barsi, NASA calibration scientist, explains. 
19m 39s
Jun 15
Space Nuclear Propulsion
Space nuclear power and propulsion engineering could play a key role in sending robots and humans to deep space, enabling faster and farther journeys. 
22m 44s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2024
IM-1
NASA and Intuitive Machines experts discuss the science and operations behind the IM-1 mission ahead of its journey to land on the Moon’s surface. HWHAP Episode 322. 
59 m
Apr 2025
Commercial Lunar Tools and Science
Two NASA Artemis experts discuss how the agency is preparing future moonwalkers to use new tools to explore the unique science near the lunar South Pole. HWHAP 381 
46m 24s
Jun 2019
Episode 3: Moon Girl
Meet the scientists who are making big discoveries by studying some very tiny rocks. The women of NASA’s Mid-Atlantic Noble Gas Research Laboratory (MNGRL) are getting ready to analyze never-before-seen Moon samples. These samples, collected by Apollo astronauts and brought back ... Show More
9m 38s
Feb 2024
Where to Land on the Moon
NASA experts discuss the considerations when looking at landing locations for future human missions to the Moon’s surface. HWHAP Episode 321. 
51m 21s
Mar 2024
VIPER
NASA's Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, also known as VIPER, is the agency’s first robotic lunar rover. Learn more about VIPER and its journey to the lunar surface. HWHAP Episode 328. 
48m 35s
Apr 2023
Unlocking Moon Mysteries: Water-Rich Lunar Glass Beads | Space Nuts #346
In this episode, you will be able to: Unravel the intriguing results of the Chang'e 5 mission and its implications on lunar water resources. Investigate the peculiar characteristics of 'Oumuamua and its potential hydrogen propulsion mechanism. Mitigate Earth's asteroid threats by ... Show More
45m 45s
May 2014
Over the Moon
<p>Over the Moon: What if we, over at the mother company Earth, Inc., looked at "assets" in our solar system like a corporation looks at its assets? What if we set our sights on that ne'er-do-well moon? Find out how we could harness the moon's resources to do more of Earth's bidd ... Show More
28m 28s
Jul 2021
Moon poop
Astronauts left something on the moon that could help unlock the origins of life itself. For more, go to http://vox.com/unexplainable It’s a great place to sign up for our newsletter, view show transcripts, and read more about the topics on our show. Also, email us! unexplainable ... Show More
24m 15s