SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 43
The Astronomy, Space and Science News Podcast
Exploring Venusian Volcanoes, the End of the Gaia Mission, and SpaceX's Historic Polar Orbit Launch
In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into the geological mysteries of Venus, where new research suggests that convection in its crust may explain the planet's numerous volcanoes. Unlike Earth, which supports life, Venus is a harsh environment with extreme temperatures and a crushing atmosphere. We discuss how this convection could indicate a more active geological landscape than previously understood, shedding light on the planet's evolution.
The Conclusion of the Gaia Mission
Next, we mark the end of an era as the European Space Agency officially powers down the Gaia spacecraft. After over a decade of groundbreaking work mapping the Milky Way, Gaia has provided invaluable data that has transformed our understanding of the galaxy. We highlight the mission's key achievements and the lasting legacy of its extensive data archive that will continue to inform astronomical research for years to come.
SpaceX's Manned Polar Orbit Mission
Additionally, we celebrate SpaceX's successful launch of its first manned mission to orbit above the Earth's poles. This historic flight, which included a variety of scientific experiments, showcases the capabilities of modern space travel and the potential for future polar exploration. We detail the mission's objectives, the crew's experiences, and the significance of this achievement in the context of human spaceflight.
00:00 Space Time Series 28 Episode 43 for broadcast on 9 April 2025
00:49 New study on volcanic activity on Venus
06:30 Implications of convection in Venus's crust
12:15 The end of the Gaia mission and its contributions
18:00 Highlights of Gaia's discoveries and data legacy
22:45 SpaceX's first manned polar orbit mission
27:00 Summary of recent space exploration milestones
30:15 Science report: Antibiotic use in livestock and environmental impacts
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✍️ Episode References
Physics of Earth and Planetary Interiors
https://www.journals.elsevier.com/physics-of-the-earth-and-planetary-interiors
European Space Agency
https://www.esa.int
Nature Communications
https://www.nature.com/ncomms/
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