Summary
The podcast episode titled "The Future of the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab | Cosmic Queries" features an interview with Lori Glaze, the new director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a branch of NASA. The hosts, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice, ask Glaze about JPL's upcoming missions, including the Europa Clipper mission, which will study Jupiter's icy moon Europa, and the Psyche mission, which will visit a metal asteroid. They also discuss JPL's history and future plans, as well as topics such as spacecraft propulsion, the potential for fusion energy, and the feasibility of human exploration of other planets.
The conversation covers a range of topics related to space exploration and technology, including the challenges of building spacecraft for solar-powered missions at Jupiter's distance and the importance of planetary protection when bringing back samples from Mars. The hosts and guest also answer questions from listeners, including the effects of gravity on light and the development of an ion space engine for interplanetary travel.
Overall, the podcast episode provides insight into JPL's work and Glaze's role as director, while maintaining a lighthearted and friendly tone. Listeners can follow Glaze on Twitter at @LoriOfMars and can find JPL on social media at @NASAJPL.
