Planetary Radio brings you the human adventure across our solar system and beyond. We visit each week with the scientists, engineers, leaders, advocates and astronauts who are taking us across the final frontier. Regular features raise your space IQ while they put a smile on your face. Join host Mat Kaplan and Planetary Society colleagues including Bill Nye the Science Guy, Bruce Betts, and Emily Lakdawalla as they dive deep into the latest space news. The monthly Space Policy Edition takes you inside the DC beltway where the future of the US space program hangs in the balance. Visit planetary.org/radio for the space trivia contest, an episode guide, and much more. 

It could be a profound and historic discovery made on Earth’s nearest planetary neighbor.

Have We Found Evidence of Life on Venus?

The National Space Council’s Scott Pace talks with Casey Dreier about the current administration’s sweeping new strategy that integrates all elements of space development and exploration.

Space Policy Edition: The Moon-to-Mars Strategy, with Dr. Scott Pace

Former Dawn mission director Marc Rayman of JPL reveals the secrets of the bright spots on dwarf planet Ceres, and we celebrate his 10 years as Planetary Society CEO with Bill Nye.

A Planetary Mystery is Solved, and it’s Bill Nye’s Anniversary!

Georgetown University planetary scientist Sarah Stewart Johnson chronicles the long history of our fascination with Mars and the possibility of life there, culminating with Perseverance, the new rover now headed there.

The Sirens of Mars Call to Us

How will the universe end? That’s the question explored by cosmologist Katie Mack in her very entertaining new book.

Katie Mack and The End of Everything

New research reveals why Earth is on its own in this solar system’s habitable zone where liquid surface water flows, but the same isn’t true across the galaxy.

Make Room! Worlds May Crowd Some Habitable Zones

SuperCam principal investigator Roger Wiens shares how his new and improved laser-based spectrometer will help look for past life in Jezero Crater, while its microphone lets us listen to the Red Planet.

Another Ray Gun Heads for Mars. We Hear It Working.

The Coalition for Deep Space Exploration’s Mary Lynne Dittmar talks with Casey Dreier about how and why spacefaring nations prioritize funding for space development and exploration.

Space Policy Edition: Why the SLS is a National Asset, and Why That Matters

Splashdown! An astronaut and former leader of Dragon capsule development at SpaceX is back to celebrate the spacecraft’s successful mission, as a Planetary Society co-founder looks back.

Crew Dragon Triumphant, and a Planetary Society Founder Remembers

Our special guests are the leaders of the Emirates Mars Mission whose Hope spacecraft is now headed for the Red Planet.

Hope Leads the Way to Mars

The United Arab Emirates is headed for Mars as comet NEOWISE speeds back to the outer reaches of the solar system, and three white papers address the future of planetary science and defense.

A Mars Mission Begins, a Comet Exits, and the Future of Planetary Science

Join a Perseverance mission deputy project scientist to learn how the rover will search for past life on the Red Planet.

3 Billion Years Ago: Was Mars Alive?

Principal Investigator Alan Stern returns on the 5th anniversary of the New Horizons encounter with Pluto to tell us about the wealth of knowledge the spacecraft is still sending home from across the solar system.

To Pluto and Beyond with Alan Stern

How big is the space economy, and how big might it grow? Space policy expert Dr. Bhavya Lal brings the numbers down to Earth in a great conversation with Casey Dreier.

Space Policy Edition: A Trillion-Dollar Space Economy?

The leader of the Mastcam-Z team talks about how the best cameras ever on the surface of Mars will help us explore a region that could once have supported life.

Jim Bell Sends New Eyes to Mars

China has big plans for a space station, exploration of the Moon and Mars, and possibly a mission that will follow Voyager beyond the edge of the solar system.

China on the Final Frontier

Sail on! Leaders of the LightSail 2 mission join 50,000 supporters in celebration of a year in space.

LightSail 2: A Year of Solar Sailing

Are we learning how to keep men and women alive on a 3-year round trip to Mars?

Staying Alive in Space

The safe arrival of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon at the International Space Station is a huge success for NASA and policymakers who gambled years ago on the value of commercial partnerships for the agency.

Space Policy Edition: NASA’s Gamble Pays Off

After a special message we present highlights of the successful arrival at the International Space Station of the Crew Dragon spacecraft, followed by a visit to chilly Mars with planetary scientist Edgard Rivera-Valentin.

Crew Dragon Thrills While Mars Chills

Astrophysicist and former astronaut John “Hubble Repairman” Grunsfeld looks back over three decades of beautiful science and inspiration delivered by the Hubble Space Telescope.

Celebrating 30 Years of Hubble with Astronaut John Grunsfeld

Former astronaut Garrett Reisman helped lead development of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft that is about to carry astronauts to the International Space Station.

Crew Dragon Deep Dive with Astronaut Garrett Reisman

JPL scientist Kevin Hand is endlessly fascinated by the possibility of life in the hidden oceans of the outer solar system’s moons, and now he has written a great book about the quest to discover it.

Looking for Life in Alien Oceans

American astronauts are about to fly from Florida to the International Space Station for the first time in nine years, thanks to the commercial space development initiative advocated for years by Lori Garver.

The Crew Dragon Countdown Begins, With Former NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver

Philosopher James Schwartz shares his thoughts about the ethics of space exploration and settlement.