Science to satisfy curiosity

Juno has found that Europa produces less oxygen than previously thought. The NASA spacecraft measured outgassing from the icy moon’s surface, allowing scientists to calculate that the rate of oxygen being produced at Europa is substantially less than most previous studies suggested. Still, the million kilograms (1,000 tons) of oxygen produced by the moon every 24 hours would be enough to keep a million humans breathing for an entire day. Pictured: This view of Europa is a composite image of three datasets collected by the Juno spacecraft during a 2022 flyby. Image credit: NASA et al.

China has named the spacecraft that will take taikonauts to the Moon. China's human spaceflight agency, CMSA, recently announced that the spacecraft that will take Chinese astronauts (called taikonauts) beyond low Earth orbit has been named Mengzhou, meaning "Dream Vessel." China conducted a test flight of the spacecraft in 2020, and expects its full debut flight around 2027. The lander that will carry taikonauts to the lunar surface has been named Lanyue, which means "Embracing the Moon." Both names were chosen through ​​a public contest.

NASA’s latest class of astronauts has graduated. The 10 astronaut graduates are now eligible for flight assignments, and the next round of NASA astronaut applications has officially opened. Selected for training in 2021, the astronaut graduates were chosen from a pool of more than 12,000 applicants and successfully completed more than two years of required basic training, including spacewalking, robotics, space station systems, and more.

Mars Sample Return is all about the science. The joint project between NASA and the European Space Agency will bring samples of rock, soil, and atmospheric gasses collected on Mars and bring them to Earth. The reason? To better understand Mars, search for signs of past or present life, and ultimately learn more about our place in space. Learn more about the science behind Mars Sample Return and why it’s worth getting those samples back to Earth. Plus, read the Scientific American op-ed by Planetary Society Chief of Space Policy Casey Dreier, in which he argues for the value of the Mars Sample Return program. Pictured: NASA's Perseverance rover with one of the sample tubes it has collected and deposited for return to Earth. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS.

The Planetary Science Caucus is back, thanks to your support. Following a two-year hiatus, the Congressional Planetary Science Caucus has officially been rechartered thanks to the leadership of The Planetary Society working in conjunction with Caucus co-chairs Representatives Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) and Judy Chu (D-California). Members of Congress are already joining the Caucus to rally in support of space science, research, and exploration.

Eris and Makemake are hot right now. Figuratively, because the two icy dwarf planets are hot topics in the space science world due to a recent discovery revealing evidence of hydrothermal or metamorphic activity in their interiors. And literally, as those interiors might be hotter than previously thought. Chris Glein, Lead Scientist at the Southwest Research Institute who made the discovery, joins this week’s Planetary Radio to explain.

One year and 10,000 members in, we’re celebrating our member community. Planetary Society members can enter a celebratory giveaway contest to win a signed photo of Bill Nye, a pair of Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, and more. Not a member yet? Join today to get access to our growing online community including special events like our monthly virtual book club. You can see an example of our latest book club meeting in this video recording from the Q&A with “Moon Rush” author Leonard David.