Why NASA is betting big on Artemis II moon mission

Why NASA is betting big on Artemis II moon mission

Author: Scientific American April 3, 2026 Duration: 19:47
In this episode of Science Quickly, we break down the successful launch of NASA’s Artemis II mission—the first crewed journey toward the moon in more than 50 years—as space editor Lee Billings explains how the Orion spacecraft will slingshot around the moon, what risks still lie ahead, why this test flight matters for future lunar landings, and how everything from heat‑shield concerns to the spacecraft’s upgraded toilet fits into NASA’s larger plan to build a long‑term presence on the moon. Recommended Reading: Live: NASA’s Artemis II moon mission launches Artemis II’s journey to the moon, day by day NASA’s moon mission day one: a toilet mishap and spacecraft maneuvers NASA’s Artemis II launches on first crewed moon mission of the 21st century E-mail us at sciencequickly@sciam.com if you have any questions, comments or ideas for stories we should cover! Discover something new everyday: subscribe to Scientific American and sign up for Today in Science, our daily newsletter. Science Quickly is produced by Kendra Pierre-Louis, Fonda Mwangi, Sushmita Pathak and Jeff DelViscio. This episode was edited by Alex Sugiura, with fact-checking by Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck. Our theme music was composed by Dominic Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever feel like you want to stay on top of the latest science news but don't have hours to dig through journals? That's the space where Science Quickly lives. Each episode is a compact, engaging conversation designed to fit into your daily routine, whether you're commuting or just taking a break. Host Rachel Feltman brings her sharp curiosity and a journalist's eye to every topic, joined by other seasoned reporters from Scientific American who are out there talking to the researchers on the front lines. You'll hear more than just headlines; this podcast delves into the how and why behind fascinating discoveries, from quirky animal behaviors to groundbreaking climate tech and the inner workings of the human brain. The tone is conversational and often witty, making complex ideas accessible without oversimplifying them. It’s a variety show in the best sense, meaning you might explore a deep dive on neutrino detection one day and the science of a perfect cookie the next. Tuning in regularly feels like having a direct line to the most interesting developments, explained by people who are genuinely excited to share them. For anyone with a budding interest in how the world works or a long-time science enthusiast looking for a efficient update, this series from Scientific American consistently delivers substance and surprise in a manageable format.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Science Quickly
Podcast Episodes
The Dead Composer Whose ‘Brain’ Still Makes Music [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:25
In a hauntingly innovative exhibit, brain cells grown from the late composer Alvin Lucier’s blood generate sound. Set in a museum in Perth, Australia, the installation blurs the line between art and neuroscience. Host Ra…
Mary Roach on the Science of Swapping Human Parts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:05
In this episode of Science Quickly, host Rachel Feltman explores the age-old quest to replace failing human body parts with science writer Mary Roach. From ancient surgery to modern medical marvels, Roach shares insights…
Vaccine Shakeups, Brain Injury Warnings and Boozy Chimps [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:49
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee has been reshaped, with new recommendations on the horizon. Meanwhile studies reveal subtle brain changes in contact sports players and highligh…
Algorithmic Social Media Is Driving New Slang [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:55
From viral slang such as “skibidi” to the rise of so-called brain rot, linguist and content creator Adam Aleksic, aka the “Etymology Nerd,” and associate editor Allison Parshall, who covers the mind and brain, unpack how…
The Role Our Microbiome Plays In Our ‘Gut Feelings’ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:26
Scientists are tuning in to a surprising conversation happening inside us—between our gut and our brain. Host Rachel Feltman chats with Maya Kaelberer, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona’s department of…
Kissing Bugs, Koalas and Clues to Life on Mars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:37
A paper published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention argues that Chagas disease is now endemic in the U.S. Koalas may finally be spared from a deadly epidemic. Meanwhile NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover has…
Unpacking the Brain’s Role in Inventing Your Perception [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:37
Human brains don’t just perceive reality—they invent it. In this episode of Science Quickly, cognitive neuroscientist Daniel Yon speaks with host Rachel Feltman about how perception is an active process of prediction in…
How a Tick Bite Can Make You Allergic to Meat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:09
A tick bite can trigger a rare allergy to red meat and animal products, forcing major lifestyle changes. Scientist Lee Haines joins host Rachel Feltman to break down what causes alpha-gal syndrome, why it’s spreading and…
Marsquakes, Vaccine Politics and Mammoth Microbiomes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:45
This week’s roundup dives into Mars’s lumpy mantle, a nasal spray that may help prevent COVID and the growing confusion around vaccine access in the U.S. Plus, researchers link phone use while on the toilet to hemorrhoid…

«1...678910