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Small Steps, Giant Leaps

NASA’s technical workforce put boots on the Moon, tire tracks on Mars, and the first reusable spacecraft in orbit around the Earth. Learn what’s next as they build missions that redefine the future with amazing discoveries and remarkable innovations.

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Episode 141Oct 30, 2024

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 141: Planetary Defense at NASA

The best planetary defense is a good planetary offense. Learn how NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office works to detect, track, and mitigate threats from asteroids and other near-Earth objects.

Episode 140Oct 16, 2024

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 140: Artificial Intelligence at NASA

NASA has a long history with AI, using it in various applications like autonomous Mars rover navigation and detecting planets in other solar systems. Today, NASA is embracing AI for more members of the workforce, enabling innovation.

Episode 139Oct 2, 2024

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 139: NASA's Cosmic Origins Program

NASA’s Cosmic Origins Program seeks to understand the origins of the universe, including the formation and evolution of galaxies, stars, and planets. In this episode, Dr. Swara Ravindranath, deputy chief scientist, and Dr. Ron Gamble, a theoretical astrophysicist, discuss their research and the program's goals. They also highlight the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences. 

Episode 138Sep 18, 2024

Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 138: The Sun, Star of Our Cosmic Show

The Sun is the ultimate source of life in our solar system, a radiant powerhouse that bathes Earth in the energy necessary for everything from photosynthesis to weather patterns. Its warmth and light sustain us. However, the Sun’s influence isn't always benign. Its solar wind—a stream of charged particles—can disrupt our technology, causing communications blackouts and GPS glitches. In this episode, Dr. Joseph Westlake, director of NASA’s Heliophysics Division, joins us to shed light on why the Sun is such a critical focus for space research.