Ashwin Vasavada, Leader of Scientists Roving Mars

The new Mars Science Laboratory Project Scientist is not new to the mission. Ashwin Vasavada has worked on the Curiosity rover since 2004. Emily Lakdawalla returns from one of her favorite planetary science conferences. So many new rocket engines! Bill Nye says this is a good thing. The What’s Up segment offers a rubber asteroid, ninjas and a gorgeous night sky.

Related Links:

• Ashwin Vasvada at JPL
• Curiosity, The Mars Science Laboratory Rover
• 47^th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference
• Emily: Looking Forward to the LPSC Conference
• SpaceX Raptor Methane-Burning Rocket Engine
• Blue Origin BE-4 Methane-Burning Rocket Engine

This week's grand prizes are a lovely Planetary Radio t-shirt, a 200-point iTelescope.net astronomy account, and a Planetary Society rubber asteroid!

This week's question:

What was the first spacecraft to orbit the moon?

To submit your answer:

Complete the contest entry form at http://planetary.org/radiocontest or write to us at [email protected] no later than Tuesday, April 5th at 8am Pacific Time. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.

Last week's question:

We want to honor Laika the dog by turning her name into a space acronym. What should LAIKA stand for? It could be a spacecraft, an instrument, a type of planetary feature...you name it. Winners will be picked based on evaluation of your entry’s creativity, humor or both.

Answer:

The answer will be revealed next week.

Question from the week before:

How many science instruments does the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter carry?

Answer:

There are four science instruments (or four suites of instruments for a total of eight) now on their way to Mars aboard ESA’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter.