Best NASA CHALLENGER MISSION Podcasts (2024)

1
NASA’s Mars Sample Return Mission Faces Challenges, Major Overhaul Announced 7:06

18d ago7:06

7:06

NASA seeks ideas for Mars sample return mission, but faces significant challenges due to budget constraints. The troubled mission is now undergoing a major overhaul, potentially delaying it until 2040 and increasing the cost to over $11 billion. This story highlights the complexities and financial hurdles involved in bringing samples from Mars back…

1
Deal Reached To Clear Encampments at UC Riverside, LA Could See Longer Reviews For Affordable Housing, & Major Metro Bus Delays — The P. M. Edition 7:44

16m ago7:44

7:44

UC Riverside’s administration makes a deal with student protesters after police raid UCLA encampment. Some L.A. homeowners are fighting against affordable housing projects. Metro deals with delays as bus drivers express outrage over recent violence. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com.…

1
USC Announces Commencement Event, Conception Boat Captain Sentenced & Coyote Pup Season — The A.M. Edition 6:11

10h ago6:11

6:11

USC to hold family graduate celebration, in place of cancelled main stage ceremony. Conception boat captain gets lower prison term than prosecutors recommended. Why coyotes will likely be more active through September. Correction: In this episode of The L.A. Report A.M. Edition, we reported, in error, that a “pro-Palestinian group” descended on an …

1
NASA Funds Moon to Mars Exploration, Curiosity Rover’s Ancient Mars Discovery 7:42

1h ago7:42

7:42

NASA awards nearly $1.5 million towards Moon to Mars space exploration, while the Curiosity rover uncovers Earth-like environments on ancient Mars. Join Simply Mars as we explore the advancements in space technology and the potential for habitable environments on the Red Planet. Sources: https://spacecoastdaily.com/2024/05/nasa-awards-nearly-1-5-mi…

1
200+ Arrested As UCLA Clears Gaza Solidarity Camp, Some Asylum Seekers Are Becoming Homeless in LA, Last Year's Snowy Winter Is Not Likely to Repeat — The P. M. Edition 7:19

24m ago7:19

7:19

Officers in riot gear cleared UCLA's Gaza solidarity encampment last night. We go to a shelter in Boyle Heights where most people are new immigrants. A new study says all the snow Southern California got last winter was a once in a half-century event. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.co…

1
Police Move In On UCLA Protesters, San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Expansion & Walnut Recall — The A.M. Edition 7:15

2h ago7:15

7:15

Police in riot gear clear UCLA encampment. President Biden announced has expanded the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument by nearly 106,000 acres. Federal officials have gotten sick from recalled bulk boxes of walnuts. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Support the show: https://laist.com…

1
NASA Selects Companies for Mars Missions, Microbial Life in Earth’s Barren Spot 6:46

9h ago6:46

6:46

NASA chooses 9 companies for Mars Exploration Program concept studies. Earth's most barren spot found bursting with microbial activity, boosting the search for life on Mars. Join Simply Mars as we cover the progress of these companies and explore the hidden world beneath the surface of the Atacama Desert. Discover the potential for Mars missions an…

1
Growing Outrage Following Violence on UCLA Campus, UC President Opens Probe Into UCLA, & Earthquake Shakes Orange County — The P. M. Edition 8:58

17h ago8:58

8:58

Students, faculty, and lawmakers voice criticism over how UCLA handled the violence that injured over a dozen people. UC President Michael Drake ordered a review of UCLA’s response. A 4.1-magnitude earthquake strikes near Corona. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Support the show: h…

1
UCLA Protesters Clash Overnight, LA Considers New Homelessness Department & Strange Sea Creatures Return To SoCal Beaches — The A.M. Edition 6:17

1d ago6:17

6:17

Police presence has increased on UCLA's campus, following violent clashes overnight. LA leaders are looking to potentially create a homelessness department. Swarms of jelly-like creatures have washed up on SoCal beaches again. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Support the show: https://laist.co…

1
Challenges and Discoveries in Mars Exploration 6:05

1d ago6:05

6:05

NASA's Mars Sample Return mission faces hurdles, but it's a vital step to sending humans to the red planet. The European Space Agency's Hera spacecraft will study the aftermath of NASA's asteroid-crash test, with a captivating stop at Mars. Join us as we delve into the challenges and exciting discoveries in Mars exploration, from collecting rock sa…

1
Will Cutting Vacant Jobs Affect LA City Services? More SoCal Cities Call For Ceasefire, & Suehiro Cafe Replaced By Another Restaurant— The P. M. Edition 7:23

1d ago7:23

7:23

We look at LA Mayor Karen Bass's plan to cut over 2,000 city jobs ahead of a looming budget deficit. A dozen local cities pass resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. A new restaurant will replace beloved Suehiro Café. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Support the show: https:/…

1
#66 Saturn’s largest moon Titan is an incredible place, but could anything live there? Canadian Astrobiologist Dr Catherine Neish led a study on Titan’s habitability. She joins us for a fascinating chat ... 23:46

2d ago23:46

23:46

Titan. The largest moon in the Saturnian system has been a candidate as a habitable world ever since NASA’s Cassini mission sent back the first radar images of its surface in 2004. Astrobiologist Dr. Catherine Neish of Western University in Canada has spent years studying Titan, and has just published a study on the habitability of Titan. Catherine…

1
Judge Rules For SoCal Cities Challenging State Law, Impacts From Cutting LA's Vacant Jobs & Men Of Color In College — The A.M. Edition 6:32

2d ago6:32

6:32

What a judge's ruling could mean for building multiple units on single-family lots In California. How eliminating 21 hundred vacant city jobs in LA could impact services. Community colleges are banding together to boost graduation rates among men of color. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Supp…

1
NASA’s Simulated Mars Mission and ’Ice Spiders’ on Mars 6:34

2d ago6:34

6:34

Join us as we explore NASA's upcoming simulated Mars mission and the fascinating 'spiders' of Mars. NASA has selected four volunteers to embark on a 45-day mission to Mars without leaving Earth, providing valuable insights into the challenges of deep space exploration. Meanwhile, the European Space Agency has captured intriguing images of spider-li…

1
More Campus Protests Against War in Gaza, Hearings Continue in OC Snitch Scandal Case, & Ocean Noise Is Messing With Whales — The P. M. Edition 7:19

3d ago7:19

7:19

Three more local college campuses now have pro-Palestinian protest camps. The latest legal case in the Orange County “snitch scandal” is playing out in a San Diego courtroom. A program is working to slow our ships to quiet the ocean and help our whales. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.…

1
OC Jailhouse Snitch Scandal, LA's City Budget & An Invasive Beetle Is Killing Oak Trees In SoCal — The AM Edition 6:21

3d ago6:21

6:21

A hearing today on an Orange County murder case is the latest connected to a scandal alleging misconduct by the prosecution. Public input begins this week on the Los Angeles City budget. Forest managers fret over the spread of a beetle that kills California oak trees. Plus more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting …

1
Methane Mystery on Mars, China’s Mars Mission Ambitions 7:41

3d ago7:41

7:41

Scientists discover methane gas on Mars, raising questions about the possibility of life on the planet. China sets a target to overtake the US in Mars sample missions, intensifying the global competition in Mars exploration. Join us as we delve into the mysteries of Mars and the race to unlock its secrets. Sources: https://learningenglish.voanews.c…

1
Southern California Air Quality Report, OC Conspiracy Trial, Mission To Mission Festival, And Pizza City Fest LA— The Sunday Edition 10:21

4d ago10:21

10:21

A report from the American Lung Association rates Southern California air quality poorly. A court hearing tomorrow will address allegations that an Orange County Superior Court judge led a criminal conspiracy to cover up law enforcement misconduct. The San Gabriel Valley will host its third "Mission to Mission" open streets event today. And Pizza C…

1
Perseverance Rover’s Search for Ancient Life on Mars, Creepy Mars Spiders Revealed 6:43

4d ago6:43

6:43

NASA's Perseverance rover is on a groundbreaking mission, hunting for fossils in Jezero Crater on Mars. Meanwhile, discover the eerie phenomenon of 'Mars spiders' captured by the Mars Express orbiter. Join us as we explore the latest developments in the search for ancient life on Mars and the fascinating patterns created by these creepy spiders. So…

1
New Styrofoam Ban In LA, Healthcare Costs To Be Capped, Tenants Protest For More Rent Control— The Saturday Edition 11:10

5d ago11:10

11:10

L.A.’s Styrofoam ban took full effect this week - the city first approved the measure in 2022, and it has been implemented in phases. California healthcare providers will soon be limited on how much they can raise prices each year. And renters and some L.A. city council members rallied outside City Hall Friday, pushing for big cuts in how much land…

1
ESA Unveils Truth Behind Mars’ Spider Clusters, Curiosity Rover’s Newest Drill Sample 6:22

6d ago6:22

6:22

Are there spiders on Mars? ESA unveils the truth behind the mysterious clusters seen on the red planet. NASA's Curiosity rover presents its newest drill sample, 'Glasgow!', marking another milestone in its mission. Join us as we explore these exciting discoveries and advancements in Martian exploration. Sources: https://www.livemint.com/science/new…

1
The LA City Council Is Looking At Lowering Rent Increases, Metro Will Install Enclosed Barriers On Buses, & Pizza City Fest Is Coming — The P. M. Edition 7:47

6d ago7:47

7:47

New rent rules might be coming to L.A., and they could lower rent increases. Metro has declared a “public safety emergency” after two stabbings. All-you-can-eat pizza, endless beer and wine — Pizza City Fest is coming! Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Support the show: https://lais…

1
New CA Goal Limits Health Care Cost Increases, UCLA Joins Nationwide Gaza War Protests & Game Show Classes at Cal State LA — The A.M. Edition 7:35

6d ago7:35

7:35

A state board votes to limit health care cost increases to 3 percent annually. UCLA joins nationwide campus pro-Palestinian protests. Cal State LA has created TV game show classes to get students jobs in the industry. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Support the show: https://laist.com…

1
NASA’s Mars Farming Project, NASA’s Phallic Carving on Mars 6:14

7d ago6:14

6:14

NASA looks to researchers at Utah State University to problem-solve farming on Mars. A random reminder of NASA's humorous moment with a big ol' dick carving on the surface of Mars. Join us as we explore the innovative work being done by researchers and the lighthearted side of NASA's exploration of the Red Planet. Sources: https://ksltv.com/639930/…

1
USC Cancels Main Graduation Ceremony, Caltrans Vacant Homes Hearing, & Students Talk LAUSD Elections— The P. M. Edition 7:32

7d ago7:32

7:32

USC cancels its large graduation ceremony over security concerns as students protest the war in Gaza. Caltrans wants input on what to do with dozens of homes it owns near the 710. Students weigh in on L.A. Unified School Board elections. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Support the…

1
USC Campus Closed To Outsiders After Protest, LA County DA Staffer Charged With Accessing Confidential Files & A New Data Health Tool — The A.M. Edition 6:18

7d ago6:18

6:18

USC responds to yesterday's campus protest that resulted in arrests. A Los Angeles County District Attorneys' assistant faces eleven felony charges filed by the state attorney general. A new database in LA County focuses on health and wellness. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Support the show…

1
Perseverance Rover’s Search for Fossilized Life on Mars, ’Spider’ Phenomenon Revealed 7:47

8d ago7:47

7:47

NASA's Perseverance rover explores a promising location in the Jezero Crater to search for fossilized life on Mars. Meanwhile, ESA's Mars Express captures images of intriguing 'spider' formations created by sunlight interacting with carbon dioxide ice. Join us as we delve into the mysteries of Mars and the ongoing discoveries made by these missions…

1
USC Students Join Pro-Palestinian College Movement, LA County Makes Big Mental Health Investments, & Art Exhibit Campaigns For Domestic Workers— The P. M. Edition 6:23

8d ago6:23

6:23

USC students join the nationwide university movement in support of Palestinians. L.A. County's $45 billion proposed budget makes big investments for mental health. A West Adams pop up art exhibit campaigns for domestic workers rights. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Support the sh…

1
Spiders of Mars and Search for Fossilized Life 7:37

10d ago7:37

7:37

Discover the fascinating 'spiders' of Mars and NASA's search for fossilized life on the Red Planet. ESA's Mars Express captures images of intriguing formations created by sunlight interacting with carbon dioxide ice. NASA's Perseverance rover explores the Jezero Crater in search of potential evidence of past life. Join us as we delve into the myste…

1
UC Jobs For Undocumented Students? LAX Terminal Changes & SoCal Smog Ranking — The A.M. Edition 6:39

8d ago6:39

6:39

Legislation seeks to open campus jobs to undocumented students at University of California schools. Why LAX is planning to rename terminals and gates. What a recent report says about air pollution in SoCal. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Support the show: https://laist.com…

1
CA's Broadband Plan May Not Lower Prices, Weigh In On LA's Budget, & Major In Museum Studies — The P.M. Edition 6:39

9d ago6:39

6:39

Critics say California's broadband expansion plan won't lower internet prices for those who need it. There's still time to weigh in on L.A. City Mayor Karen Bass's budget. East LA College has a 'museum studies' major. We talk with students there. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Up…

1
LA County's Proposed $45.5 Billion Budget, LA Mayor Spending Plan Reduces 'Inside Safe' Funding & CA's Newest State Park — The A.M. Edition 7:33

9d ago7:33

7:33

LA County leaders to discuss proposed budget for next fiscal year. LA Mayor Karen Bass' spending plan calls for a reduction in her signature homelessness program. California's newest state park opens this summer. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Support the show: https://laist.com…

1
Mayor Bass Shares New City Budget, Why Apartment Developers Aren't Building Parking, How to Compost— The P.M. Edition 6:19

10d ago6:19

6:19

L.A.'s proposed city budget would cut some funding for the mayor's signature Inside Safe program to get unhoused people off the streets and eliminate many vacant city jobs. We also cover why many new apartment projects in Los Angeles don't include anywhere to park on-side. And it's Earth Day — so we made a guide to composting. Plus, more. Support T…

1
Break-in At LA Mayors' Home, Bass To Announce Budget Today & SoCal Steelhead Trout Declared Endangered — The A.M. Edition 6:50

10d ago6:50

6:50

A person has been arrested, following a break-in at LA Mayor's official residence. Karen Bass to release her budget today with money for hiring more cops. New protections announced for SoCal's steelhead trout. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Support the show: https://laist.com…

1
NASA Collaborates with SpaceX to Save Stranded Mars Samples, Evidence of Ancient Rivers on Mars 7:34

12d ago7:34

7:34

NASA seeks help from SpaceX to save stranded Mars samples, highlighting the growing role of private companies in space exploration. Newly discovered details on Mars suggest the existence of ancient rivers, providing evidence of persistent water flows. Join us as we explore the collaboration between NASA and SpaceX and the implications of ancient ri…

1
SCOTUS On Right To Sleep Outside, New L.A. Budget Proposal, UCLA Study On Happiness— The Sunday Edition 11:46

11d ago11:46

11:46

The Supreme Court will hear arguments Monday on a case that could allow California cities to issue fines for sleeping on public land and sidewalks. Mayor Karen Bass will present a new city budget Monday. A new study from UCLA has found that Angelenos say their quality of life has decreased in recent years. A game called Kubb has taken South Pasaden…

1
Mars Express Celebrates 25,000 Orbits, Curiosity’s Epic Landing on Mars 6:52

13d ago6:52

6:52

Mars Express marks 25,000 orbits with a spectacular Martian showcase. Get an update on Curiosity's historic landing on Mars from USGS scientist Ken Herkenhoff. Join us as we explore the latest discoveries and advancements in Martian science with Mars Express and delve into the complexities and challenges of the Mars Science Laboratory mission. Sour…

1
A New Electricity Fee For Californians, Murrieta Valley Unified's Notification Policy, Southeast LA's New Metro Line— The Saturday Edition 11:00

12d ago11:00

11:00

Californians could see a new monthly fee on their electricity bills under a new proposal from state regulators. The Murrieta Valley Board of Education voted to keep a policy to notify parents when their children change their gender identity despite a ban by the California Department of Education. A planned Metro line through Southeast L.A. County i…

1
Ingenuity’s Historic Flights on Mars, Curiosity Explores Gediz Vallis Ridge 6:32

14d ago6:32

6:32

Ingenuity's travels: New NASA video tracks Mars helicopter's 72 flights. Mars rover continues progress along upper Gediz Vallis ridge. Join us as we celebrate the groundbreaking achievements of NASA's Ingenuity helicopter and the ongoing exploration of Mars by the Curiosity rover. Discover the potential for aerial exploration on Mars and the valuab…

1
LA City Council Ethics Reform Advances, Chinatown Tenants To Get $15M In Rental Aid, & Free WiFi In Huntington Park — The P.M. Edition 7:19

13d ago7:19

7:19

The L.A. City Council's ethics reforms are step closer to being approved. L.A. passes a $15 million deal to subsidize rents for Chinatown's Hillside Villa Apartment tenants despite push back. Huntington Park rolls out free WiFi in public spaces. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Sup…

1
Anti-Nepotism Bill Moves Forward, Bus Tour Shows Black Expectant Parents Options For Care & A Native Plants Showcase — The A.M. Edition 7:25

13d ago7:25

7:25

Anti-nepotism bill sparked by LAist investigation moves forward in state senate. Black maternal mortality rate inspires new tour of hospitals. Morning Edition Host Susanne Whatley seeks advice from local landscaper in a garden of native plants. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Support the show…

1
Revolutionary Health Tech for Mars, Astrobiology Emojis on Mars Rover 6:05

15d ago6:05

6:05

A blood-sampling 'tricorder' could monitor Martian health. Discover the presence of astrobiology emojis on NASA's Perseverance Mars rover. Join us as we explore groundbreaking health technology for space travel and the fascinating world of astrobiology on Mars. Sources: https://spectrum.ieee.org/astronaut-health-in-space https://astrobiology.com/20…

1
Part Of Topanga Canyon Closed Until Fall, City Workers' Pay Raises Approved, & Black Maternal Health Week — The P.M. Edition 7:26

14d ago7:26

7:26

Caltrans says Topanga Canyon Boulevard will be closed all summer long. Pay raises are coming for L.A. city workers. In LA County, Black pregnant people face worse outcomes. A guide on how to have a healthy pregnancy. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Support the show: https://laist.…

1
What's Next For Tenants Of Chinatown's Hillside Villa? CA Sets Historic Limit On Water Contaminant & A Motorsports First In Long Beach — The A.M. Edition 6:35

14d ago6:35

6:35

LA leaders to vote on a deal to subsidize rents for people living in a Chinatown apartment complex. CA sets a first-in-the-nation water standard for a contaminant linked to cancer. Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame to induct its first woman driver. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Support th…

1
NASA’s Mars Sample Return Mission Update, Spiderlike Robot for Martian Cave Exploration 6:25

16d ago6:25

6:25

NASA announces an update for the Mars Sample Return mission, seeking innovative ideas to expedite the return of Mars rocks to Earth. Plus, a spiderlike robot called ReachBot could revolutionize Martian cave exploration. Join us as we discuss the challenges and advancements in Mars exploration. Sources: https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/nasa-announces-…

1
Andrew Do's Daughter Comments on OC Controversy, CA Declines To Charge LAPD Officer, & LAX People Mover Delayed — The P.M. Edition 7:53

15d ago7:53

7:53

Rhiannon Do says she had a limited role in the nonprofit that handled millions of taxpayer dollars. No criminal charges against the officer who fired inside a Burlington store and killed a teen in 2021. LAX 'people mover' won't be ready until late next year. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://l…

1
Disneyland Expansion Gets Preliminary Approval, San Gabriel Council Votes To Cancel Its DEI Commission & The Lakers Secure Playoff Spot — The A.M. Edition 6:35

15d ago6:35

6:35

Anaheim leaders give unanimous approval to Disneyland's expansion plan. San Gabriel council nixes a DEI-related commission. The Lakers are heading to the playoffs, after achieving victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Support the show: https://laist.com…

1
ExoMars Mission: Searching for Life on Mars, ESA’s Stunning Volcanic Pictures 7:19

17d ago7:19

7:19

Major mission to search for life on Mars: What do NASA and ESA hope to find? ESA shares never-seen-before pictures of volcanic region on Mars: 'high-altitude view'. Join us as we explore the groundbreaking ExoMars mission and the potential for finding evidence of life on Mars. Plus, be captivated by the stunning visuals of Mars' volcanic region cap…

1
Judge: LA Mishandled Evidence in Homelessness Lawsuit, LA County Launches Apartment Inspections, & Anaheim Considers Disneyland Expansion — The P.M. Edition 7:28

16d ago7:28

7:28

A federal judge has found that the city of L.A. mishandled evidence in a major homelessness lawsuit. A new program now requires apartment inspections in some parts of L.A. County. Anaheim City Council to consider a Disneyland expansion. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Support the …

1
LA Mayor Announces New Housing Campaign, San Gabriel Council Considers Shutting Down DEI Commission & NASA Seeks Overhaul Of Mars Sample Project — The A.M. Edition 7:10

16d ago7:10

7:10

Mayor Karen Bass talks homelessness and city budget in state of the city address. San Gabriel considers dropping equity panel after rejecting LGBTQ safe space program. NASA seeks to speed up and lessen the cost of its planned Mars Sample Return Project. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com. Support…

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