Are We There Yet?
393 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★ - 346 ratingsThere’s a lot going on up there. Join space reporter Brendan Byrne each week as he explores space exploration. From efforts to launch humans into deep space, to the probes exploring our solar system, "Are We There Yet?" brings you the latest in news from the space beat. Listen to interviews with astronauts, engineers and visionaries as humanity takes its next giant leap exploring our universe.
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Episodes
Commercial space goes deep
July 26, 2022 20:07Commercial companies are setting ambitious goals and heading into deep space.
Oh the things we can see, thanks to JWST
July 19, 2022 17:40It’s been a week since the first James Webb Space Telescope images captivated scientists and the general public alike.
The big reveal: NASA drops stunning first images from James Webb Space Telescope
July 12, 2022 19:06They’re here. The first images from the James Webb Space Telescope are out, revealing thousands of ancient galaxies, nebulae, and a close-up look at a planet outside our own solar system.
'Escaping Gravity': A conversation with NASA's former deputy administrator Lori Garver
July 05, 2022 17:12Lori Garver served as NASA deputy administrator, its second in command, during the Obama administration. It was a tumultuous time for the agency. The Space Shuttle was retiring, Obama canceled NASA’s costly Constellation program, and the agency was at odds with Congress on how to move NASA forward. Garver was there for all of those conversations and takes a critical look back at what happened during her time at NASA in a new memoir.
‘Escaping Gravity’: A conversation with NASA’s former deputy administrator Lori Garver
July 05, 2022 16:12 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MBLori Garver served as NASA deputy administrator, its second in command, during the Obama administration. It was a tumultuous time for the agency. The Space Shuttle was retiring, Obama canceled NASA’s costly Constellation program, and the agency was at odds with Congress on how to move NASA forward. Garver was there for all of those conversations and takes a critical look back at what happened during her time at NASA in a new memoir.
Protecting our planet for potential asteroid strikes
June 28, 2022 19:39Thursday marks World Asteroid Day, a U.N.-sanctioned campaign to raise awareness of the scientific opportunities, and planetary threats, posed by asteroids. So we’re taking this week’s episode to explore asteroids.
From a new space station to supply chain solutions, a check in with commercial space
June 21, 2022 17:51From filling the gap left by a retiring International Space Station to a possible solution to a unique supply chain issue, commercial space leaders weigh in on the future of the industry.
More moon science: Researchers explore lunar magma domes and growing plants on the moon
June 14, 2022 12:59A team of researchers received approval for a $35 million dollar mission to the moon. The group will explore an uncharted portion of the moon, which scientists say was formed by magma below the surface.
For NASA’s new moon-bound astronauts, it’s time for some new suits
June 07, 2022 16:39 - 28 minutes - 38.9 MBNASA needs new space suits. The agency wants to put people back on the moon in the 2020s, and to do it safely, it needs brand new space suits for use on the lunar surface. NASA is working with two private companies to design, develop and build the new suits -- at a price of up to $3.5 billion.
For NASA's new moon-bound astronauts, it's time for some new suits
June 07, 2022 12:39NASA needs new space suits. The agency wants to put people back on the moon in the 2020s, and to do it safely, it needs brand new space suits for use on the lunar surface. NASA is working with two private companies to design, develop and build the new suits -- at a price of up to $3.5 billion.
MegaCon, MegaRocket. The science of going back to the moon
May 31, 2022 16:55From MegaCon Orlando -- the science of NASA’s next moon missions.
The power of parachutes
May 24, 2022 11:00What’s it like plummeting from space and landing…alive? We'll talk with Inspiration4 astronaut Chris Sembroski about the power of parachutes and how the technology helped get him back on the planet.
Starliner’s redo, part two. Plus, the story of Susan Borman, Apollo 8 commander’s wife
May 17, 2022 05:58 - 27 minutes - 38.4 MBBoeing’s Starliner is set for yet another test mission, a critical step before NASA lets its astronauts fly to space in it. So what’s at stake for Boeing? And why is having two providers so important for NASA?
Strainer’s redo, part two. Plus, the story of Susan Borman, Apollo 8 commander’s wife
May 17, 2022 05:58 - 27 minutes - 38.4 MBBoeing’s Starliner is set for yet another test mission, a critical step before NASA lets its astronauts fly to space in it. So what’s at stake for Boeing? And why is having two providers so important for NASA?
Starliner's redo, part two. Plus, the story of Susan Borman, Apollo 8 commander's wife
May 17, 2022 01:58Boeing’s Starliner is set for yet another test mission, a critical step before NASA lets its astronauts fly to space in it. So what’s at stake for Boeing? And why is having two providers so important for NASA?
What’s at the center of our galaxy?
May 10, 2022 16:14 - 28 minutes - 12.9 MBAt the center of our galaxy lies a supermassive black hole. It’s a region of space where gravity is so strong nothing can escape it, not even light. While the name supermassive might make it seem like these things are easy to spot -- they’re really not.
What's at the center of our galaxy?
May 10, 2022 12:14At the center of our galaxy lies a supermassive black hole. It’s a region of space where gravity is so strong nothing can escape it, not even light. While the name supermassive might make it seem like these things are easy to spot -- they’re really not.
A new chapter in commercial space & how Elon’s Twitter buy might impact SpaceX
May 03, 2022 16:41 - 27 minutes - 12.8 MBWith the first all-private space mission in the books, what's ahead for the commercial space economy? Plus, a look at the impacts to SpaceX after found Elon Musk announced plans to buy Twitter.
A new chapter in commercial space & how Elon's Twitter buy might impact SpaceX
May 03, 2022 12:41With the first all-private space mission in the books, what's ahead for the commercial space economy? Plus, a look at the impacts to SpaceX after found Elon Musk announced plans to buy Twitter.
The case for Uranus: Outlining the next decade of discovery
April 26, 2022 12:39Every 10 years, the National Academies submits a report, outlining what it thinks NASA should focus on when it comes to planetary science efforts. Uranus came out the big winner.
Catching up with NASA’s administrator & keeping an eye on the planet’s health
April 19, 2022 20:12 - 28 minutes - 12.9 MBIt’s a busy week for space news. The first all-private crew is set to depart the space station after spending more than a week on board, a new crew of NASA astronauts is set to launch to the station this weekend, and the agency’s next mega moon rocket experienced some troubles during a test at its launch pad, prompting more delays. We’ll speak with NASA administrator Bill Nelson about these stories
Catching up with NASA's administrator & keeping an eye on the planet's health
April 19, 2022 16:12It’s a busy week for space news. The first all-private crew is set to depart the space station after spending more than a week on board, a new crew of NASA astronauts is set to launch to the station this weekend, and the agency’s next mega moon rocket experienced some troubles during a test at its launch pad, prompting more delays. We’ll speak with NASA administrator Bill Nelson about these stories
Private space station missions, Amazon’s big rocket buy and NASA’s next budget. Here’s a rundown of the latest space news stories
April 12, 2022 16:43 - 28 minutes - 12.9 MBIt’s been a busy few weeks on the space beat. We’ll chat with Anthony Colangelo, he covers spaceflight and the aerospace industry on his podcast Main Engine Cutoff.
Private space station missions, Amazon's big rocket buy and NASA's next budget. Here's a rundown of the latest space news stories
April 12, 2022 12:43It’s been a busy few weeks on the space beat. We’ll chat with Anthony Colangelo, he covers spaceflight and the aerospace industry on his podcast Main Engine Cutoff.
What it’s like when black holes collide
April 05, 2022 16:18 - 27 minutes - 12.8 MBSome nine billion light years away, a pair of black holes are on a collision course. It’s a cosmic waltz that could come to an end in 10,000 years which will shake space and time. It’s now the second possible observation of two massive black holes colliding -- and scientists are eager to watch the destruction.
What it's like when black holes collide
April 05, 2022 12:18Some nine billion light years away, a pair of black holes are on a collision course. It’s a cosmic waltz that could come to an end in 10,000 years which will shake space and time. It’s now the second possible observation of two massive black holes colliding -- and scientists are eager to watch the destruction.
A new era of space science takes flight thanks to private civilian missions
March 29, 2022 16:24SpaceX is set to launch another crew of private astronauts from Kennedy Space Center, this time on a ten-day mission to the International Space Station. Researchers are taking advantage of the increased access to space -- and human subjects -- thanks to these private space missions.
NASA’S new moon rocket has left the building & UAE’s Hope probe tracks a year of Martian weather
March 22, 2022 15:53 - 27 minutes - 12.8 MBNASA’s mega-rocket the Space Launch System has left the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center and made its way to a launch pad, ahead of an uncrewed mission around the moon and back later this year. It’s the first time a moon-class rocket has seen Launch Complex 39B since the days of Apollo and marks the start of NASA’s newest moonshot missions called Artemis.
NASA'S new moon rocket has left the building & UAE's Hope probe tracks a year of Martian weather
March 22, 2022 11:53NASA’s mega-rocket the Space Launch System has left the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center and made its way to a launch pad, ahead of an uncrewed mission around the moon and back later this year. It’s the first time a moon-class rocket has seen Launch Complex 39B since the days of Apollo and marks the start of NASA’s newest moonshot missions called Artemis.
A Florida couple heads to space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft
March 15, 2022 18:44 - 27 minutes - 12.8 MBNext week, Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket is set to take 6 people to the edge of space and back. Central Florida married couple Sharon and Marc Hagle will be on the flight from West Texas. Sharon Hagle is the founder and CEO of SpaceKids Global, a non-profit organization aimed at getting kids, especially girls, interested and excited about STEM learning. She hopes to share her experience in space with future explorers -- and highlight all the different career paths that lead to space.
A Florida couple heads to space on Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft
March 15, 2022 14:44Next week, Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket is set to take 6 people to the edge of space and back. Central Florida married couple Sharon and Marc Hagle will be on the flight from West Texas. Sharon Hagle is the founder and CEO of SpaceKids Global, a non-profit organization aimed at getting kids, especially girls, interested and excited about STEM learning. She hopes to share her experience in space with future explorers -- and highlight all the different career paths that lead to space.
“Becoming Off-Worldly” & the hunt for moon water
March 08, 2022 20:34 - 27 minutes - 12.8 MBIt seems like a lot more people are going to space these days. Commercial companies are not only sending NASA astronauts into space, they’re giving ordinary people with the right amount of cash the chance to fly in space, too.
"Becoming Off-Worldly" & the hunt for moon water
March 08, 2022 15:34It seems like a lot more people are going to space these days. Commercial companies are not only sending NASA astronauts into space, they’re giving ordinary people with the right amount of cash the chance to fly in space, too.
Can the U.S. and Russia partnership in space last despite growing tensions here on Earth?
March 01, 2022 13:38Tensions between the U.S. and Russia are high as the U.S. imposed strict sanctions in the wake of the Russian military’s invasion of Ukraine, but some 150 miles above Earth an important partnership between the U.S. and Russia remains: the International Space Station. Historically, the partnership between the two countries has transcended political tension here on Earth. But how long will that last?
Taking art to new heights. A conversation with Dr. Sian Proctor about creating a space for inspiration
February 22, 2022 13:34Dr. Sian Proctor was one of four civilians to head to space last year thanks to SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule. The mission called Inspiration 4 sent the crew on a three-day orbital trip and back.
A year on Mars & the gift of space
February 15, 2022 12:52NASA’s Perseverance rover is celebrating one year on Mars. The robot explorer arrived last year after a seven month journey from Cape Canaveral in Florida. It’s on the hunt for evidence of ancient life on Mars and is tasked with selecting and preparing samples of Martian rocks to send back to Earth.
“Alexa, take me to the moon.”
February 08, 2022 17:16 - 27 minutes - 12.8 MBNASA’s Orion space capsule will soon head on a mission to the moon and back, launching from Kennedy Space Center later this year. There won’t be a crew on board, but there will be a familiar voice. Lockheed Martin partnered with Amazon to install Alexa voice assistance on the capsule.
"Alexa, take me to the moon."
February 08, 2022 12:16NASA’s Orion space capsule will soon head on a mission to the moon and back, launching from Kennedy Space Center later this year. There won’t be a crew on board, but there will be a familiar voice. Lockheed Martin partnered with Amazon to install Alexa voice assistance on the capsule.
A curious carbon finding on Mars & the long wait for James Webb Space Telescope’s first science campaign
February 01, 2022 18:17 - 28 minutes - 12.9 MBThis past year, all eyes have been on NASA’s Perseverance rover as it explores Mars during its first year on the red planet. But a robotic explorer that landed there nearly a decade ago has made a curious finding -- carbon.
A curious carbon finding on Mars & the long wait for James Webb Space Telescope's first science campaign
February 01, 2022 13:17This past year, all eyes have been on NASA’s Perseverance rover as it explores Mars during its first year on the red planet. But a robotic explorer that landed there nearly a decade ago has made a curious finding -- carbon.
The great Pluto debate reignites once more
January 25, 2022 14:38Back in 2006, a science organization changed the classification of Pluto as a planet, sparking a debate in both the astronomical community and pop culture. More than 15 years later, a new paper is reigniting that debate.
Tracking a changing climate on Earth and the robots exploring Mars
January 11, 2022 15:23NASA is focusing on climate change -- specifically, observing our changing climate from space. But NASA’s focus on climate isn’t new. It has been observing the Earth’s climate for more than 50 years.
Another year of space exploration
January 04, 2022 15:37It was a very busy year for space exploration. In 2021 we saw the arrival of three missions to Mars, multiple human launches -- from suborbital space flights to commercial NASA missions -- two missions to asteroids and a massive space telescope took flight. And there’s no signs of slowing down in 2022. From moon missions to a busy launch schedule, there’s a lot to look forward to when it comes to space exploration.
Inside NASA’s Mission Control Center with its longest-serving flight director Paul Dye
December 28, 2021 16:00 - 28 minutes - 12.9 MBNASA’s Mission Control Center is responsible for the safety of its astronauts and space hardware.It takes a special kind of person to take on that responsibility.
Inside NASA's Mission Control Center with its longest-serving flight director Paul Dye
December 28, 2021 11:00NASA’s Mission Control Center is responsible for the safety of its astronauts and space hardware.It takes a special kind of person to take on that responsibility.
The James Webb Space Telescope takes flight
December 21, 2021 12:46After decades of development, the James Webb Space Telescope takes flight. Scientists have been thinking about this moment since the 1990s -- a new set of eyes that will see father into our universe than ever before.
New astronauts, new rockets
December 14, 2021 14:35Meet new astronaut candidate Luke Delaney and hear from "Main Engine Cut Off" host Anthony Colangelo about the new commercial rockets in development.
Biden’s space agenda & the ethics of exploration
December 07, 2021 18:04 - 28 minutes - 12.9 MBWhat's ahead for space policy under a Biden administration? And how can we ethically explore space?
Biden's space agenda & the ethics of exploration
December 07, 2021 13:04What's ahead for space policy under a Biden administration? And how can we ethically explore space?
“A smashing good time”: NASA plans to knock an asteroid out of orbit to learn how to save our planet from a future impact
November 23, 2021 18:00 - 28 minutes - 12.9 MBNASA’s DART mission is set to launch tonight from Vandenberg in California, on a 10-month mission that ends when it smashes into a tiny rock in space. The spacecraft is part of NASA’ planetary defense plan -- figuring out ways to save our own Earth should an asteroid threaten to hit us.