The “test like you fly” approach is an engineering philosophy that means testing hardware, software, and flight operations as close to reality as possible. Erika Alvarez, deputy director of NASA's Space Systems Department, explains.

So-called “soft skills” like good teamwork and communication can become just as valuable as technical skills to advance exploration.

On episode 425, NASA SCaN Deputy Program Manager Greg Heckler discusses the future of deep space communications and the technology supporting NASA missions in Earth orbit and the Moon.

On Episode 424, NASA Acting Chief Data and AI Officer Kevin Murphy discusses how artificial intelligence is supporting missions, research, and the future of human spaceflight.

On Episode 423, the CHAPEA 2 crew shares the latest updates from inside their yearlong simulated Mars mission at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, including updates on daily life, holiday celebrations, and habitat routines. NASA experts discuss how CHAPEA simulates Mars EVAs and spacewalk operations on Earth.

On episode 422, NASA’s Kathleen Karika and Kim Hurst discuss how the Artemis Accords are helping shape a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future for lunar exploration and beyond.

NASA's Artemis II mission flew NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, on a 10-day journey around the Moon in April 2026. Artemis II was the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years and NASA’s first mission with crew aboard the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft.

The crew successfully completed a parachute-assisted splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego on April 10, 2026. This audio clip is from the live broadcast of splashdown coverage and features the voices of mission control in Houston, Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman, and public affairs officer Rob Navias.

NASA's Artemis II mission flew NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, on a 10-day journey around the Moon in April 2026. Artemis II was the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years and NASA’s first mission with crew aboard the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft.

The crew successfully completed a parachute-assisted splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego on April 10, 2026. This audio clip is from the live broadcast of splashdown coverage and features the voices of mission control in Houston, Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman, and public affairs officer Rob Navias.

NASA's Artemis II mission flew NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, on a 10-day journey around the Moon in April 2026. Artemis II was the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years and NASA’s first mission with crew aboard the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft.

The crew successfully completed a parachute-assisted splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego on April 10, 2026. This audio clip is from the live broadcast of splashdown coverage and features the voices of mission control in Houston, Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman, and public affairs officer Rob Navias.

On Episode 421, NASA astronaut Andre Douglas and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jenni Gibbons discuss their roles as the Artemis II backup crew, including their training and mission support. The pair reflects on the historic flight around the Moon.