3 chapters across the catalog
NASA Psyche Mission Delay and Pronunciation
NASA delays the Psyche mission to a metal-rich asteroid due to software testing issues at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The hosts poke fun at an NPR reporter's specific pronunciation of "NASA," comparing it to the "blue dress/gold dress" auditory illusion.
Koch Brothers, Hollywood Storylines, and Flight Turbulence
Activists criticize the Koch brothers for funding climate denial, while "Hollywood Health and Society" works to provide resources for TV writers to include climate change storylines. A scientific study suggests that increased CO2 levels are making the jet stream more turbulent, leading to bumpier flights and more passenger injuries. Researchers at NASA's JPL lab are working with producers to ensure these environmental themes are factually represented in media.
NASA Whistleblower Thomas Baines Jones Jr. and the Challenger
Producer John Calvin Jones shares the story of his father, Thomas Baines Jones Jr., a rocket specialist at JPL who investigated the Challenger explosion. Jones Jr. concluded that a faulty design would cause shuttles to explode regularly, but he was fired after presenting his findings to NASA leadership. The story highlights how the agency allegedly prioritized funding over engineering safety and merit.
