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Artwork for Planetary Radio: Space Policy Edition

Planetary Radio: Space Policy Edition

The Planetary Society
NASA
Apollo Program
Lunar Exploration
Sublime Experience
Space Policy
Space Exploration
Cultural Significance Of the Moon
NASA Artemis Program
Cremains On the Moon
Mars Sample Return
Space Shuttle Program
Historical Perspectives On the Moon
American South
Role Of Literature In Science
U.S. Government Investment
Funding
China
Human Spaceflight
Spacex
Artemis Program

The politics, policy, and history behind space exploration.

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes119Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsNewsScience

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Artwork for Planetary Radio: Space Policy Edition

Latest Episodes

Casey Dreier, chief of space policy at The Planetary Society, speaks with former NASA strategic advisor on China, Patrick Besha, about China’s long-term space strategy and what real competition in space may look like in the decades ahead.

Chief of Space Policy Casey Dreier and Director of Government Relations Jack Kiraly break down what NASA authorization bills actually do and why these laws matter for long-term U.S. space policy, from science missions to human spaceflight and planeta... more

After DOGE cuts, mass staff departures, and a blink-and-you-missed-it pivot to Mars, how much did NASA actually change in 2025? Space Policy Online founder Marcia Smith returns to assess a turbulent year.

Why do we explore space? In this Space Policy Edition rerun, Casey Dreier speaks with philosopher Dr. J. S. Johnson-Schwartz about why space science is a moral obligation, beyond economics or prestige.

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Recent Guests

Dr. JS. Johnson-Schwartz
Philosopher and author, focusing on the moral implications of space exploration
Episode: The Moral Case for Space Science
Lou Friedman
Executive Director Emeritus of the Planetary Society and advocate for Mars sample return
Planetary Society
Episode: Should a (potential) biosignature revive Mars Sample Return?
Maxwell Zhu
Graduate student at the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs, co-author on China's space science project
Yale University
Episode: China’s growing space science ambitions
Franklin Foer
Staff writer at The Atlantic
The Atlantic
Episode: Does the rise of Elon mean the fall of NASA?
Dr. Bhavya Lal
Professor of Policy Analysis at the Rand School of Public Policy and co-author of the report on in-space nuclear power.
Rand School of Public Policy
Episode: Is this the moment for in-space nuclear power?
Mary Guenther
Inaugural director of space policy at the Progressive Policy Institute, former professional committee staff member in the US Senate covering space and science.
Progressive Policy Institute
Episode: Are Democrats falling behind on space policy?
Alicia Brown
Executive Director of the Commercial Space Federation
Commercial Space Federation
Episode: NASA’s 2026 budget
Brittany Webster
Assistant Director of Science Policy and Government Relations for AGU
American Geophysical Union
Episode: NASA’s 2026 budget
Akhil Rao
Former Chief Economist at NASA, Professor of Economics
Rational Futures
Episode: What does NASA need with an economist?

Host

Casey Dreyer
Host of the series, he serves as the Chief of Space Policy and engages in discussions around the interplay of space exploration, politics, and policy-making.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 40 ratings
  • Sean

    Brilliant show so informative

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Marskid555
    United Kingdom5 months ago
  • Are Democrats Falling Behind

    Such a good episode, not just for this show but in terms of space podcasts in general. Bookmarking this one for repeated listens and some deep thinking.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Oak Galaxy
    Australia8 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

There is a recognition of the show's high-quality content and the expertise of its guests and host.
Listeners appreciate the informative discussions on complex topics related to space policy.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Moral Case for Space Science
Q: What are the problems with space settlement now as a moral obligation for the survival of the species?
Immediate plans for space settlement overlook the harsh conditions and ethical implications for future generations living in such environments.
The Moral Case for Space Science
Q: What is the moral case that you make for space exploration?
The moral obligation to explore space centers on the knowledge we gain, which has intrinsic value beyond economic benefits.
The Moral Case for Space Science
Q: Do you believe that humans have a moral obligation to explore space?
Yes, that obligation can come from many places, including the importance of scientific study and understanding.
China’s growing space science ambitions
Q: Can you tell me how you came to this in terms of space policy in particular?
Maxwell Zhu discusses the challenge of justifying space science funding amidst competing geopolitical pressures and highlights the need for hard data to underscore the importance of China's space science growth.
Does the rise of Elon mean the fall of NASA?
Q: Do you believe then through that experience that human spaceflight functionally then defines NASA to the broader public?
Foer asserts that human spaceflight defines NASA largely due to its presence in popular culture, as it has produced dramatic, memorable moments that connect more significantly with the public compared to other aspects of NASA's work.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Planetary Radio: Space Policy Edition

What is Planetary Radio: Space Policy Edition about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on the intricate interplay of politics, policy, and history surrounding space exploration, this series offers listeners a comprehensive look at pressing issues in the space sector. Topics frequently discussed include funding challenges for NASA, geopolitical competition in space, especially between the U.S. and China, and the implications of private sector involvement in space initiatives. By hosting a range of expert guests, the series not only informs listeners about current challenges but also advocates for revitalized engagement in U.S. space policy, highlighting the need for comprehensive narratives that connect space exploration to broader societal themes. Each episode succinctly balances the history of space initiatives with ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Planetary Radio: Space Policy Edition?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Planetary Radio: Space Policy Edition:

1. Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas
2. Hard Fork
3. StarTalk Radio
4. The Foreign Affairs Interview
5. The NPR Politics Podcast

How many episodes of Planetary Radio: Space Policy Edition are there?

Planetary Radio: Space Policy Edition launched 7 years ago and published 119 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Planetary Radio: Space Policy Edition?

Recent guests on Planetary Radio: Space Policy Edition include:

1. Dr. JS. Johnson-Schwartz
2. Lou Friedman
3. Maxwell Zhu
4. Franklin Foer
5. Dr. Bhavya Lal
6. Mary Guenther
7. Alicia Brown
8. Brittany Webster

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