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The ambitious Martian Moons Exploration (MMX) mission is expected to launch to Mars on 20th October 2026 and return a sample from the surface of Phobos by 2031. Several years in the making, it is a collaborative venture between CNES, DLR, NASA and led by JAXA. The post Episode 137: Bouncing on Phobos. MMX – Mars Sample Return Mission appeared first on AstrotalkUK.

Every national space programme rests on four pillars: visionary leadership, unwavering political and economic commitment, realistic ambitions, and a deep acknowledgement that fundamental science is the essential bedrock for a successful and enduring space programme. Professor Wu, Ji has continued that tradition of putting science first. In this interview, recorded during COSPAR2026 in Florence. He talks about his priorities of science, international collaboration and the profound significance of adherence to "Systems Engineering". The post Episode 136: Science – The Bedrock of China’s Space Program appeared first on AstrotalkUK.

Just between you and me, one of the best parts of this podcast is the opportunity it gives me to meet some very unique and special people, like today’s guest, […] The post Episode 135: Pulsars, Politics and Faith – Dame Jocelyn Bell-Burnell appeared first on AstrotalkUK.

The European Solar Telescope is a project to build ever laregr telescope on Earth but this time for a solar telescope. This interview was recorded in Tenerife but the EST will be built on the negighboring Island of Las Palmas. The post Episode 134: The European Solar Telescope project with Dr Hector Socas-Navarro appeared first on AstrotalkUK.

The Toliman Space Telescope. A small, novel spacecraft looking for Earth-like planets in our nearest neighbour star system, Alpha Centauri. The post Episode 133: The Toliman Space Telescope – an update appeared first on AstrotalkUK.