On a Mission

Latest Episodes:

A Matter of Life and Death Nov 05, 2018

Show notes

Earth is a living, dynamic world thanks to volcanoes and the planetary heat that fuels them. The InSight mission wants to see if Mars also has a heartbeat deep inside its cold exterior.

True Grit on the Road to Mars Nov 05, 2018

Show notes

Space missions often defy the odds, overcoming all obstacles. The people who work on these missions also face challenges to get where they are today. Marleen Martinez Sundgaard, the testbed lead for InSight, personifies this tenacious spirit.

Music of the Spheres Oct 29, 2018

Show notes

The Earth "rings" when earthquakes strike, just as vibrations through a bell create a ringing sound. The InSight mission will see if tremors cause Mars to chime with its own planetary song.

The Danger of Going to Mars Oct 29, 2018

Show notes

Many spacecraft have died trying to get to Mars. The current record for Mars missions is 18 successes, and 25 failures. The InSight mission hopes to improve the odds.

Episode 0, Trailer Oct 16, 2018

Show notes

Eight stories, one mission to outer space. “On a Mission,” a new podcast from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, launches October 29.