Jess Bunchek on Space Farming, Aeroponics & DLR Research
Can we grow fresh food in space? Astrobotanist Jess Bunchek takes us inside her work at DLR, from Antarctica to advanced aeroponics, revealing how space farming could transform life both off-world and here on Earth. Susan Wise: Welcome to Stars Launch Pod: Space Technology and Research Sciences, brought to you by StarSciences.org, where we connect, collaborate, and accelerate. I'm your host, Susan Wise, and I’m thrilled to have with us today Jess Bunchek, astrobotanist and PhD candidate at DLR. Basically, you’re a plant scientist, right? Jess Bunchek: A very specialized plant scientist. Susan Wise: I love it. Welcome
Alyssa Carson on Mars, Astrobiology & Inspiring the Next Generation of Space Explorers
Join us as we talk with Alyssa Carson, astrobiologist and aspiring astronaut, about her journey from a curious child fascinated by space to a pioneering researcher exploring the possibility of life on Mars. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and inspiring advice from someone chasing her dreams beyond Earth—and learn how she’s empowering the next generation to do the same. Susan Wise: Hi, and welcome to Stars Launch Pod: Space Technology and Research Sciences, brought to you by StarSciences.org, where we connect, collaborate, and accelerate. I'm your host, Susan Wise, and joining us today is Alyssa Carson, astrobiologist and aspiring
James Webb Space Telescope discovers a hot Jupiter exoplanet leaking twin gas tails that defy explanation
Astronomers have used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to discover that a distant "hot Jupiter" planet has two staggeringly long tails composed of helium that currently defy explanation. The observations represent the first study of gases leaking from a planet beyond the solar system during one of its complete orbits, and help paint the most complete picture of atmospheric escape thus far. The extrasolar planet, or exoplanet, in question is WASP-121b, also known as "Tylos," located around 858 light-years away. WASP-121b is an example of an "ultrahot Jupiter," a massive gas giant planet found so close to its parent star that it
The Squid, the Gene, and the Martian Pharmacy: A NASA Scientist on Engineering Life for Space
Dr. Jamie Foster is working toward a multi-planet future, but her laboratory is far from the stark, sterile imagery of hard science fiction. As a professor at the University of Florida’s Department of Microbiology and Cell Sciences, Dr. Foster’s research is unique: her lab is situated at the Kennedy Space Center in a place called the Space Life Sciences Lab. Her team is focused on fundamental questions of survival: how do humans, animals, and the microbes they carry thrive in the punishing environment of space, and how do stresses like microgravity or radiation affect their health? “We’re definitely looking
Launching Space Careers: Bill West & the Space Workforce Institute
Bill West, Executive Director of the Space Workforce Institute, about the future of the space economy and the people powering it. Discover how new workforce standards, credentials, and training programs are opening doors for professionals from all backgrounds to launch their careers in space. From welders to cybersecurity experts — find out how you can be part of the next giant leap in the space industry. Susan Wise: Hi, and welcome to Stars Launch Pod, Space Technology and Research Sciences, brought to you by StarSciences.org — where we connect, collaborate, and accelerate. I'm your host, Susan Wise, and
Legged Robots & Lunar Soil: Douglas Jerolmack on NASA’s LASSIE & TRUSSES Projects
Geophysicist Douglas Jerolmack explores how legged robots are transforming planetary exploration. From NASA’s LASSIE and TRUSSES projects to surprising discoveries about lunar soil, crack patterns on Mars, and even the secret mud behind Major League Baseball, this episode reveals how persistence, creativity, and collaboration are driving the future of science—on Earth and beyond. Susan Wise: Hi, and welcome to Stars Launch Pod: Space Technology and Research Sciences, brought to you by StarSciences.org, where we connect, collaborate, and accelerate. I'm your host, Susan Wise, and I’m honored to have with us today Douglas Jerolmack, professor of Earth and Environmental