This week I talk to Albert Falke and Line Drube of the European Commission's NeoShield-2 project (neoshield.net). We discuss the scope of the NeoShield project from technical challenges to the science of asteroids.

In a more philosophical tone I'll be bringing you a number of shows setting themes and things to think about in the upcoming year. This week, more thought on jobs and the future of work, and what it means to our own meaning.

Also, new missions from NASA

Do you go to the library? This week we ponder the meaning of libraries, long-term data storage, and the importance of access to good information.

Also, diamond batteries and Proxima B. Plus, I will be off until the new year.

This week we continue with threats to our planet from outer space, this time from our own home star. Solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and more.

Also, John Glenn, David Simons of project Manhigh, Magnets for bacteria, and new photos of Saturn.

In this episode we continue with near earth objects and discuss what we might actually be able to do about them.

Also, NASA's inflatable room on the ISS, and thoughts on suicide and civilization.

This week we cover the basics of Near Earth Objects, how we know about them, how often they might hit us, and the damage they can do.

Also, graphene bubbles and the EM Drive

This week we contemplate the universe from quarks to galaxies and everything in between.

Also, better photosynthesis and maybe Pluto has a slushy ocean.

This week we run down a few possibilities of what life might be like if we didn't need jobs at all (and didn't need money).

Also, paralyzed monkeys walk, and the James Webb space telescope. And a few thoughts about Trump.

This week we contemplate what you might actually do for a job in the future. Where will we turn when robots do more and more, and will there be enough jobs?

Also, a new map of the Earth, and NASA's asteroid warning system.

This week we look at how technology can impact economic scarcity, and how my industry, music, was turned upside down by tech almost two decades ago.

Also, a quote from the Outer Limits, Carbon sequestration, and Tabby's Star back in the news.