Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science

The Planetary Society

1343 - Book Club Edition: “To Be Taught, If Fortunate” with Becky Chambers

Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science is the long-running flagship podcast produced by The Planetary Society, a non-profit organization co-founded by Carl Sagan and currently led by CEO Bill Nye. Based in Pasadena, California, the program serves as a weekly bridge between the scientific community and the general public, documenting the ongoing human endeavor to explore the solar system and the universe beyond. Since its debut in 2002, the show has provided detailed coverage of space missions, astronomical discoveries, and the evolution of aerospace technology.

The podcast is currently hosted by Sarah Al-Ahmed, who assumed the role from founding host Mat Kaplan in early 2023. Each weekly installment typically centers on a long-form interview with a guest from the scientific, engineering, or advocacy sectors of the space industry. Guests include NASA mission leads, research scientists, astronauts, and policy experts. These conversations focus on the technical requirements of planetary exploration, the search for life beyond Earth, and the advancement of space-based observation.

A core component of the weekly program is the "What's Up" segment featuring Dr. Bruce Betts, the Society’s Chief Scientist. This segment provides listeners with information regarding current night sky observations, highlights from space history, and a weekly space trivia contest. Additionally, the show produces a specialized "Space Policy Edition" on the first Friday of every month. Hosted by Chief Space Policy Adviser Casey Dreier, this series examines the intersection of politics, economics, and orbital mechanics, analyzing how governmental budgets and legislative priorities shape the future of space exploration.

The editorial focus remains on evidence-based science and the advocacy of space exploration as a tool for advancing human knowledge. By interviewing figures from organizations such as the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and various private aerospace firms, Planetary Radio maintains a comprehensive record of modern astronomical progress. The program is distributed via major digital platforms and public radio stations globally.

1343 - Book Club Edition: “To Be Taught, If Fortunate” with Becky Chambers