Have we gone to Mars yet?

Axiom Space Mission AX-3: Astronauts Share Insights on Space Travel and Future Mars Missions

Join us for an exhilarating episode of "Have We Gone to Mars Yet?" as hosts Marcus Pettersson and Susanna Lewenhaupt dive into the awe-inspiring world of space exploration with the crew of the Axiom Space Mission AX-3. In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome esteemed astronauts Marcus Wandt, Michael López-Alegría, Walter Villadei, and Alper Gezeravcı, who recently returned from an unforgettable visit to Sweden. As they share their unique experiences, the astronauts reflect on their diverse backgrounds and rigorous training that have prepared them for the extraordinary challenges of space travel. With the commercial space sector rapidly evolving, our guests provide valuable insights into how advancements in technology are shaping the future of space missions. One of the highlights of their trip was a visit to Saab, where they explored the remarkable Gripen aircraft. This experience sparked a fascinating discussion about the differences between flying fighter jets and spacecraft. The astronauts candidly share their thoughts on the intricacies of piloting in different environments, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and skill in both arenas. Throughout the episode, the crew delves into the challenges of preparing for space missions, shedding light on the rigorous training regimes and the critical role of teamwork in achieving success. Their personal anecdotes reveal the dreams that inspired them to reach for the stars and the perseverance required to overcome obstacles on their journeys to becoming astronauts. Listeners will be captivated by their reflections on the significance of dreams and aspirations in the realm of space exploration. As they contemplate the future of human presence beyond Earth, the astronauts discuss potential missions to the Moon and Mars, igniting a sense of wonder about what lies ahead for humanity in the cosmos. The episode culminates in an engaging live Q&A session, where the audience has the opportunity to interact with the astronauts. This interactive segment allows listeners to gain deeper insights into their experiences and perspectives on the future of space exploration. Tune in to "Have We Gone to Mars Yet?" for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that will leave you dreaming of the stars and pondering the limitless possibilities of our universe. Whether you're a space enthusiast or just curious about the adventures of our astronauts, this episode is a must-listen that will fuel your imagination and passion for exploration. Join us as we continue to explore the question: Have we gone to Mars yet? Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

10. Marcus Wandt - ESA project astronaut

Just over a year after Marcus Wandt was selected to ESA's astronaut reserve, it is time for him to go to the International Space Station as ESA's first project astronaut ever. We talk to him about what this means for the Swedish and European space industry in general. We also meet up with Adrianos Golemis, ESA Flight surgeon and responsible for Marcus' health, and Luca Anniciello, Increment training lead, and the person who ensures that the astronauts' training is adapted to that particular astronaut's mission. And, we have a chat with Alexis DeJarnette, Public Affairs Officer at Axiom Space who talks about the AX-3 mission and the future of the private space market. Have we gone to Mars yet? is produced in collaboration with Saab. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

09. Masaki Fujimoto - JAXA

Have we gone to Mars yet? visits Japan and Professor Masaki Fujimoto, Deputy Director General at JAXA’s Institute of Space and Astronautical Science to talk about a few of JAXA's space missions. All of them small steps towards the long-term goal to land on planet Mars. Hayabusa 2 was a sample return mission to the primordial asteroid Ryugu, launched in December 2014 with the samples returned in December 2020.  We also hear about MMX - Martian Moons eXploration, a sample return mission to Phobos, the inner of Mars’s two moons, which will be launched sometime in 2024.  And of course, the recent SLIM mission - Smart Lander for Investigating the Moon, that was launched on the 7th of September this year, and will reach the Moon sometime in the beginning of 2024. もう 火星に 行った？ Have we gone to Mars yet? is made at Beppo by Rundfunk Media in collaboration with Saab Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

08. Avi Loeb - Professor of Science at Harvard University

We want to reach the stars.  But, how fast do spaceships go? The ISS moves at almost 28 000 km per hour. And to leave earth a rocket needs to get up to about 40 000 km, per hour. So if we are talking about going to Alpha Centauri, our closest naighbour, 4.5 lightyears away, even with the fastest spaceship on the market it would take tens of thousands of years to get there. Light, on the other hand, just a few years - the speed of light is 300 000 km / second. But to go that fast you would have to lose all your mass, which you can't. But what if we tried to make a spaceship as small as possible? Avi Loeb is a professor at Harvard, and one of the minds behind a project called Breakthrough Starshot Initiative!  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

07. Hélène Huby - Co-Founder & CEO at The Exploration Compan

Former Airbus and Ariane employee Hélène Huby co-founded the Exploration Company in 2021 with the goal to provide affordable ways for anyone to access space. We went to Munich to talk to her about their mission to democratize space exploration. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.