Podcasts · Science · Kids & Family

NASA's Curious Universe

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

110 episodes · in order

An official NASA podcast bringing you mind-blowing stories you won’t find anywhere else.

More about the show

What does it take to launch a rocket? What happens when we go looking for life beyond Earth? And what can the universe teach us next?

With extraordinary access to the people and places behind NASA’s exploration of space, Curious Universe brings you closer to the discoveries shaping what we know about our universe.

Don’t forget your curiosity.

Episodes page 1 of 3

  1. Introducing NASA’s Curious Universe

    · 1:40

    Our universe is a wild and wonderful place. Join NASA astronauts, scientists and engineers on a new adventure each week — all you need is your curiosity. First-time space explorers welcome.

  2. Only on Earth

    · 18 min

    When you think of NASA, you might think of all the incredible mysteries of outer space. But we’re also pretty invested in another very special place … our home. In this episode, join us as we celebrate all the ways…

  3. Our Window to the Stars

    · 17 min

    Decades of planning. One heart-pounding setback. Over a million mesmerizing images of space. This is the story of the Hubble Space Telescope, our window to the stars.

  4. The Astronaut Training Pool

    · 18 min

    Before astronauts head to space, they have to dive into the Neutral Buoyancy Lab. Take a swim in NASA's underwater training ground with astronaut Nick Hague.

  5. Sewing for Spaceflight

    · 15 min

    Sewing machines, tape, scissors. Just like you might visit a tailor to get your pants hemmed or your suit fitted, NASA calls on a group of very creative problem-solvers to custom-make protective shields for our space…

  6. Field Notes: Grand Mesa, Colorado

    · 8:45

    Snowmobile rides. Deep-sea dives. Forest treks. NASA experts travel to some amazing environments, from the very hot to the very cold, to learn more about our planet. Jessica Merzdorf, Earth science writer, recaps a…

  7. The Star in Our Backyard

    · 15 min

    Our Sun holds the solar system together and is responsible for life as we know it. Though it may seem calm and unchanging, the Sun is dynamic. Join NASA solar scientists on a trip around the Sun, our lively and…

  8. We're Going to Mars!

    · 19 min

    In this episode of our Curious Universe podcast, join us on a journey to the Red Planet.

  9. Introducing NASA’s Curious Universe Season Two

    · 1:53

    Our universe is a wild and wonderful place. Join NASA astronauts, scientists and engineers on a new adventure each week — all you need is your curiosity. Go asteroid hunting, explore faraway galaxies, and watch a black…

  10. Our Laboratory in Space

    · 19 min

    Orbiting 250 miles above Earth, astronauts aboard the International Space Station explore farther into our solar system and work on thousands of studies that will help us back here on Earth. Join ESA (European Space…

  11. Asteroid Hunting

    · 22 min

    NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will attempt a daring feat: to briefly reach out its mechanical arm and grab a sample from an asteroid’s surface. Dante Lauretta, Heather Enos, and Ron Mink introduce you to NASA’s asteroid…

  12. Our Cosmic Time Machine, The James Webb Space Telescope

    · 19 min

    The James Webb Space Telescope will explore every phase of cosmic history: from the formation of the very first galaxies in the early universe, to our cosmic backyard of the Solar System. Webb is the largest space…

  13. From Space to Farm

    · 21 min

    Farmers rely on the accuracy of a crucial NASA and USGS mission, Landsat, to make decisions about crops. Those decisions have far-reaching implications that can impact what you see on your dinner plate!

  14. Seasons of the Sun

    · 21 min

    As Earth makes its annual trip around the Sun, we feel the impacts of its journey in the form of seasons. Our planet’s tilt in relation to the Sun determines what season we experience here on Earth. But, did you know…

  15. The Crawlers

    · 20 min

    A pair of behemoth machines called crawler-trans­porters have carried the load of taking rockets and spacecraft to the launchpad for more than 50 years at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

  16. Inside a Black Hole

    · 20 min

    Don't let the name fool you: a black hole is anything but empty space. Black holes are some of the most extreme, bizarre and fascinating objects in the universe. Regina Caputo and Jeremy Schnittman describe what it…

  17. Sounds of Mars

    · 16 min

    On February 18, 2021, NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover completed its 300 million mile journey and landed safely on the Red Planet. Here’s what it heard. This special episode of NASA’s Curious Universe features the…

  18. Introducing Season Three of Curious Universe

    · 1:28

    Our universe is a wild and wonderful place. Join NASA astronauts, scientists and engineers on a new adventure each week — all you need is your curiosity.

  19. Curious Universe: Let’s Go Planet-Hunting!

    · 19 min

    What do we know about the planets outside our solar system? NASA planet hunters Jessie Christiansen and Knicole Colon take us beyond...into the exciting world of exoplanets.

  20. Curious Universe: Interpreting Our Universe

    · 23 min

    You’ve probably seen beautiful images of space taken from telescopes around the world and out in orbit. But how does a bunch of intergalactic information become a vibrant photograph? And what else can we see, feel, and…

  21. Curious Universe: Earth’s Expanding Oceans

    · 19 min

    With Earth’s recent record-breaking temperatures, the pace of sea level rise has accelerated. NASA scientists take us on a trip into their research right here on our home planet. Join us as we fly over Antarctic ice…

  22. Curious Universe: Building Highways in the Sky

    · 19 min

    When you think of NASA, you probably think about outer space. But the first “A” in NASA - aeronautics - means we’re busy crafting a lot closer to home. Aerospace engineers Shivanjli Sharma, David Zahn, and Mike…

  23. Plasma, Plasma, Everywhere!

    · 19 min

    The night sky is full of planets, satellites, and cosmic objects we can see with our eyes and telescopes. In between all that material there’s a huge amount of invisible matter and the vast majority of it is called…

  24. Rocket Assembly Required

    · 22 min

    Twenty-four American astronauts went to the moon between 1968 and 1972. In the next few years, we are going back. To get there, we’ll need a dedicated team, and a powerful new rocket. NASA’s Sharon Cobb and Abdiel…

  25. Journey to Venus

    · 23 min

    Let’s go to Venus! This year, two NASA missions were chosen to explore Earth’s “twin” planet, Venus. But with extreme temperatures and toxic clouds, these missions have to prepare for a difficult journey. Join Venus…

  26. A Day in Space

    · 22 min

    Have you ever dreamed of spending a day in space? Join astronauts Shane Kimbrough, Megan McArthur, and Thomas Pesquet throughout their day living and working on the International Space Station.

  27. Curious Universe: Introducing the Webb Space Telescope Mini-Series

    · 2:23

    NASA is preparing to launch the largest and most powerful space telescope ever constructed. Join us for a special James Webb Space Telescope mini-series as we explore the science, engineering, people, and launch of…

  28. Webb Space Telescope: Into the Unknown

    · 20 min

    The James Webb Space Telescope is going to open a new window into the universe. It will show us stars, galaxies, planets, and other objects as we’ve never seen them before. In the first of four episodes of our…

  29. Webb Space Telescope: Building the Next Discovery Machine

    · 20 min

    Webb is preparing for a million-mile journey to its lookout point over the universe. Engineers have been hard at work designing, installing, and testing the world’s next discovery machine that will change astronomy for…

  30. Webb Space Telescope: The Global Village

    · 20 min

    A scientist from Italy who studies baby stars. A Californian spacecraft refrigeration pioneer. A Dominican-American engineer who saw space as her refuge from a tough life at home. Meet three people who represent a…

  31. Webb Space Telescope: Go for Launch with ESA Expert

    · 21 min

    After years of preparation and anticipation, it’s time to send the world’s most powerful telescope to space. Ariane 5 rocket expert Rudi Albat (ESA) takes you through launch day and describes why the launcher that will…

  32. Bonus: Still Curious?

    · 22 min

    At NASA, we are driven by curiosity, and we know you are too! Join us as we hear from our previous episode experts about what they’re interested in and answer some questions from listeners like you. What are you still…

  33. Introducing Season Four

    · 1:52

    In season four, explore the lifesaving systems of space suits, break through the sound barrier, and search for life among the stars. First-time space explorers welcome.

  34. Mysteries of the Moon

    · 25 min · S4 E1

    The Moon is our constant cosmic companion and the only planetary body outside of Earth where humans have set foot. As we prepare to head back to the Moon with the Artemis program, let's take a look at what we know…

  35. Earth’s Weather Watchers

    · 24 min · S4 E2

    Planets throughout the universe are full of fascinating weather, including Earth! Hear how NASA and NOAA work together to predict, monitor, and respond to Earth’s ever-changing weather. Explore Earth’s weather with…

  36. Going Supersonic!

    · 23 min · S4 E3

    When a plane flies faster than the speed of sound, you get a sonic boom! But what if we could change those physics? Join NASA test pilot Nils Larson and aerospace engineer Lori Ozoroski to hear how we’re flying faster…

  37. How to Grow Plants in Space

    · 24 min · S4 E4

    As humanity sets its sights on longer-term life in space, we’re going to need ways to sustain ourselves. That’s where plants come into play! Take a tour of Kennedy Space Center’s lush Plant Processing Area with Ray…

  38. The Search For Life: Are We Alone?

    · 25 min · S4 E5

    Are we alone in the universe? It's a question studied in science fiction, but also by teams here at NASA. Join us as we search for signs of life outside of Earth with scientists Aki Roberge, Ravi Kopparapu, and Shawn…

  39. Up & Away with Sounding Rockets

    · 26 min · S4 E6

    Explore sounding rockets, and the experiments they take to the skies, with space physicist Alexa Halford and sounding rocket program assistant chief Cathy Hesh.

  40. Field Notes: Astronaut Shannon Walker

    · 17 min · S4 E7

    From dusty deserts to icy mountain tops, NASA experts visit incredible places along their career path. But what about our explorers who take their work off the Earth? Join astronaut Shannon Walker on a look back at her…

  41. Webb’s First Images

    · 20 min · S4 E8

    On July 12, 2022, a fundamentally new era of exploring our universe begins. This special season finale episode features an overview of the James Webb Space Telescope’s first detailed cosmic images. Learn what this…

  42. Bonus: Happy Holidays from NASA!

    · 20 min

    Before we return with season five in 2023, celebrate the holidays with us! Join Goddard news chief Rob Garner, NASA social media lead Stephanie L. Smith, and astronaut Shannon Walker on this special, holiday-themed…

  43. Introducing Season Five

    · 2:02

    In season five, join us as we fight wildfires, defend the Earth from asteroids, and explore the invisible world of gravitational waves! New episodes every Tuesday.

  44. Defending the Planet from Asteroids

    · 28 min · S5 E1

    Our solar system contains millions of asteroids, orbiting our sun and rocketing through the night sky! Join scientists Kelly Fast, Tom Statler, and Davide Farnocchia as we discover what we can learn from these building…

  45. The Invisible World of Gravitational Waves

    · 22 min · S5 E2

    Information about the universe is all around us. But there’s more than meets the eye! Gravitational waves are the invisible ripples in spacetime caused by supermassive interstellar activity. Join astrophysicists Ira…

  46. Wildfires from Space

    · 23 min · S5 E3

    Wherever you live on Earth, wildfires touch your life. Explore how NASA scientist Doug Morton and Canadian firefighter-turned-researcher Josh Johnston use satellites to track the changing landscape of wildfires from…

  47. Stargazers Welcome

    · 20 min · S5 E4

    The night sky isn’t just for experts, it belongs to all of us! And we here at NASA love to encourage people to go out and take a look. Amateur astronomer Kevin Hartnett, Hubble Social Media Lead Elizabeth Tammi, and…

  48. How to Build A Spacecraft

    · 21 min · S5 E5

    Spacecraft go through a lot - exploring dangerous worlds across the cold expanse of space. Not to mention the chaos of a launch! So how do we build a mission that can take on dangerous environments and the harrowing…

  49. Field Notes: Nhulunbuy, Australia

    · 18 min · S5 E6

    Tropical rainforests, snowy mountain peaks, even the Australian outback – NASA experts travel to a wide range of environments right here on Earth to better understand our universe. Miles Hatfield, NASA heliophysics…

  50. Suiting up for Space

    · 28 min · S5 E7

    Spacesuits are more than just garments – in the airless vacuum of space or on the freezing surface of the moon, they keep astronauts alive. Explore how NASA engineers like Amy Ross and Paromita Mitra have contributed…

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