Going Off World: Moon, Mars, Venus, and beyond

Going Off World EP 6: Mars...Soonish? with Dr Kelly and Zach Weinersmith

Kelly and Zach Wienersmith bring their scientific rigor and trademark humor to the Offworld Podcast, challenging our assumptions about Mars colonization while offering a thought-provoking roadmap for humanity's spacefaring future. The husband-wife team behind "A City on Mars" and the New York Times bestseller "Soonish" discuss how their research journey began with optimism about imminent space settlements but evolved into a pragmatic assessment of the monumental challenges we still face. From Kelly's expertise as a parasitologist to Zach's perspective as a science cartoonist, they provide a uniquely accessible window into complex questions about our cosmic future. "The data we have from 50 years of astronauts orbiting Earth is largely irrelevant to life on Mars," Kelly explains, highlighting how the lack of medical data on reproduction in space, effects of prolonged radiation exposure, and Mars' 40% gravity create significant unknowns. Meanwhile, Zach brings sobering perspective to the ecological challenges: "Biosphere 2 had eight people in three acres. We're talking about supporting a million people on Mars, and we barely have the science for eight." • Kelly's background as a parasitologist studying how organisms affect behavior provides unique perspective on biological challenges • Zach brings his experience as creator of Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal comics to make complex science accessible • Their previous book "Soonish" explored emerging technologies including space access and asteroid mining • Medical data from space stations may not apply to Mars conditions due to different gravity levels and radiation exposure • 40% Martian gravity might not prevent the health issues seen in zero gravity environments • Human reproduction in space remains largely unstudied but critical for long-term settlements • Closed-loop ecosystems like Biosphere 2 encountered significant problems with just eight people • Creating self-sustaining habitats for larger populations requires massive scientific advancements • Space law development is crucial now as it will shape humanity's cosmic activities for centuries • Technical challenges must be addressed alongside social, political and biological considerations • Mars settlement requires interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, engineers, artists, and legal experts Find Kelly and Zach's work at wienersmith.com, where you can also join their Discord community. Kelly co-hosts the podcast "Daniel and Kelly's Extraordinary Universe" twice weekly, and Zach continues creating SMBC comics available on his website and social platforms. 🎧 Listen Now On: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-off-world-moon-mars-venus-and-beyond/id1737881627 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6WjqRL2AZnLWO7Z3DTDjS1?si=d47c055cca1e4df7 Web: https://goingoffworld.buzzsprout.com/ Thank you for joining me on this ongoing journey into the future. Until next time, stay curious, and always think forward.

Going Off World EP 5: Gaming Our Way to Mars with Hunter Stanchak

Hunter Stanchek, former Apple and Magic Leap engineer, is building games that simulate thriving on Mars to inspire and train the next generation of space explorers. His company Thrive on Mars creates scientifically accurate, engaging games that teach players about surviving and flourishing in the harsh Martian environment while contributing to humanity's multi-planetary future. • Stanchek worked at Apple designing products like the Apple Watch before joining AR startup Magic Leap • The realization that space technology inspires STEM education while providing positive innovations led him to focus on Mars gaming • Unlike most Mars entertainment focusing on survival and death, Thrive on Mars deliberately emphasizes thriving and building sustainable settlements • Mission Control is their flagship real-time economic simulation game where players manage Martian resources using scientifically accurate values • The game economy uses blockchain technology and a cryptocurrency called "Marsha" that serves as the medium of exchange • Players can purchase Mars technology as NFTs with dynamic pricing based on actual demand in the game economy • The platform allows for testing new Mars innovations in the game before physical prototyping begins • Future games include Outpost Surge (turn-based roguelike) and Martian Resident (Unreal Engine 5 game with exploration and base building) • Gaming will become a recruitment pipeline for the space industry, training future mission controllers and astronauts • Players can stay updated through thriveonmars.com, Twitter, Discord, and weekly AMAs every Thursday at 2pm 🎧 Listen Now On: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-off-world-moon-mars-venus-and-beyond/id1737881627 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6WjqRL2AZnLWO7Z3DTDjS1?si=d47c055cca1e4df7 Web: https://goingoffworld.buzzsprout.com/ Thank you for joining me on this ongoing journey into the future. Until next time, stay curious, and always think forward.

Going Off World EP 4: Rocket Science and Story Craft

This conversation explores the future of space exploration with Dr. Jeffrey Landis, NASA researcher at the John Glenn Research Center. We delve into innovative technologies for upcoming missions to Mars and beyond, highlighting in-situ resource utilization and the intersection of science fiction and reality. • Insight into Dr. Jeffrey Landis's background and motivation for a career in science  • Discussion on solar power technologies and energy strategies used in Mars missions  • Examination of in-situ resource utilization for sustainable living on Mars  • Exploration of challenges and innovations for Venus exploration plans  • Consideration of the impact of science fiction on real-world scientific advancements  • Questions concerning human versus robotic capabilities in future space missions  • Reflection on the geopolitical implications of lunar colonization and exploration  • Overview of upcoming space missions and technological advancements in propulsion  You can follow the conversation's developments and explore more episodes with us or check out Dr. Landis's work for further discoveries in space.  🎧 Listen Now On: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-off-world-moon-mars-venus-and-beyond/id1737881627 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6WjqRL2AZnLWO7Z3DTDjS1?si=d47c055cca1e4df7 Web: https://goingoffworld.buzzsprout.com/ Thank you for joining me on this ongoing journey into the future. Until next time, stay curious, and always think forward.

Going Off World: EP 3 - Cruising the Red Planet with Dr. Tanya Harrison

This episode explores the journey of a planetary scientist who shares insights about Mars exploration, sustainability, and the future of humanity beyond Earth. We discuss how personal passion can inspire professional paths in the rapidly evolving space sector. • Sparked childhood interests leading to a career in planetary science  • Highlights from significant missions like Pathfinder and Curiosity  • The importance of sustainability in space exploration  • Ethical considerations in extraterrestrial resource extraction  • Innovations influenced by climates on Mars applicable to Earth  • The role of EPIC in reshaping research for community benefit  • The significance of diverse voices in space exploration  • Reflection on the interconnectedness of societal issues and space  • Final thoughts on envisioning a multi-planetary future  🎧 Listen Now On: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-off-world-moon-mars-venus-and-beyond/id1737881627 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6WjqRL2AZnLWO7Z3DTDjS1?si=d47c055cca1e4df7 Web: https://goingoffworld.buzzsprout.com/ Thank you for joining me on this ongoing journey into the future. Until next time, stay curious, and always think forward.

Going Off World EP 2: Dreams, Dollars and Deep Space with Sarah Pousho

Space exploration funding is not just for billionaires anymore. Sarah Pousho of Space Bridge Partners reveals how everyday people and brands can support space missions that benefit humanity here on Earth. The episode covers the evolution of space funding, innovative research driving unexpected benefits, and the democratization of the space sector.  • The significant role of private funding in space exploration  • Unexpected advancements in IVF due to space research  • The inclusivity of the space sector for diverse contributors  • The shift in public perception regarding the space industry  • The mission of Space Bridge Partners to connect capital with science  Stay updated with Space Bridge Partners through their LinkedIn page or website. 🎧 Listen Now On: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-off-world-moon-mars-venus-and-beyond/id1737881627 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6WjqRL2AZnLWO7Z3DTDjS1?si=d47c055cca1e4df7 Web: https://goingoffworld.buzzsprout.com/ Thank you for joining me on this ongoing journey into the future. Until next time, stay curious, and always think forward.