Are We There Yet?

The James Webb Space Telescope is nearing the finish line, with a campaign of full systems tests on the horizon. The mega space-based telescope is an incredible machine -- with a sunshield that once deployed in space will be the size of a tennis court.

Once it’s operational, the telescope will give scientists an unprecedented view of the infrared universe. But getting there has been a challenge -- with the telescope’s complexity adding to delays in developing and building it and the coronavirus pandemic further slowing down the project.

We’ll chat with Gregory Robinson, he’s the program manager for the James Webb Space Telescope, about what’s ahead for the observatory and how NASA plans to get it into space.

Then, what’s at the edge of our solar system? We’ll speak with our panel of experts on this week’s “I’d Like to Know” segment -- exploring the Kuiper belt.

The James Webb Space Telescope is nearing the finish line, with a campaign of full systems tests on the horizon. The mega space-based telescope is an incredible machine -- with a sunshield that once deployed in space will be the size of a tennis court.

On Saturday, SpaceX successfully launched two NASA astronauts from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a mission to the International Space Station. It’s the first time humans have launched from the U.S. since the end of the space shuttle program in 2011.

At a time when protests were breaking out across the county, for a brief moment, millions of people watched the launch and looked to the sky marveling at what humans are capable of doing.

We’re going to talk about the long-lasting impact of this launch -- from the inspiration it delivered to the innovation it paves the way for.

We’ll start with Jackie Wattles. She covers commercial space and innovation for CNN and was at the launch Saturday. She joins us to talk about how this moment paves the way for future innovation -- like missions to the moon and Mars -- and how it inspires others to take giant leaps once more.

Then, Kyle Jeter teaches astronomy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. He made the three hour trip  twice to watch the launch with his son and plans to use this moment of inspiration in his classroom. We’ll talk with Mr. Jeter about how SpaceX’s launch will inspire the next generation of human explorers.

On Saturday, SpaceX successfully launched two NASA astronauts from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a mission to the International Space Station. It’s the first time humans have launched from the U.S. since the end of the space shuttle program in 2011. We’re going to talk about the long-lasting impact of this launch -- from the inspiration it delivered to the innovation it paves the way for.

It’s finally here. The launch of American astronauts from American soil is happening this week with the launch of NASA’s Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley on a SpaceX rocket.

The launch of the Crew Dragon capsule with astronauts on board has been nearly a decade in the making. We’ll speak with The Atlantic’s staff reporter Marina Koren about the mission, how we got here and the challenges along the way.

Then, we’ll speak with former astronaut and SpaceX Direct Garret Reisman about the private company’s push to fly astronauts and the paradigm shift of commercial space vehicles.

It’s finally here. The launch of American astronauts from American soil is happening this week with the launch of NASA’s Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley on a SpaceX rocket.

In a little over a week, SpaceX will attempt to launch two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station from Florida -- the first human launch from the United States in nearly a decade.

Since the start of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, the Kennedy Space Center has worked to support the next chapter of human launches. We’ll speak with center director Bob Cabana about the transition to support Commercial Crew partners SpaceX and Boeing and what’s in store for astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley as they make their final preparations for flight from Florida.

Then, a giant radio dish in Puerto Rico observing our universe. The Arecibo observatory is a radio telescope unlocking all sorts of secrets in the cosmos. On this week’s “I’d Like to Know” segment, our expert physicists explain what radio astronomy is and how Aricebo is helping scientists see deeper into our universe.

 

WMFE will present “Return to Flight,” a special program about this historic launch, at noon May 27. Learn more >

In a little over a week, SpaceX will attempt to launch two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station from Florida -- the first human launch from the United States in nearly a decade.

For the past 25 years, CBS radio correspondent Peter King has covered human launches from Florida -- including the last Space Shuttle launch in 2011.

Later this month, SpaceX will launch two NASA astronauts atop a Falcon 9 rocket. It will be the first human launch in nearly a decade. We’ll talk with Peter about his experience covering astronaut launches from Kennedy Space Center.

Then, the James Webb Space Telescope is behind schedule and over budget. A listener asks just how much longer can other space-based telescopes like Hubble last as we wait for the next generation to come online? We’ll put that question to our panel of experts on this weeks “I’d Like to Know” segment.”

For the past 25 years, CBS radio correspondent Peter King has covered human launches from Florida -- including the last Space Shuttle launch in 2011. Later this month, SpaceX will launch two NASA astronauts atop a Falcon 9 rocket. It will be the first human launch in nearly a decade. We’ll talk with Peter about his experience covering astronaut launches from Kennedy Space Center.