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The largest, most detailed global map of Mars ever created is now available to the public. Stitching together 110,000 individual images taken over six years by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, scientists at Caltech created a 5.7-terapixel map that can be zoomed in to a resolution of five meters (16 feet) per pixel. Pictured: A zoomed-out view on the left showing Valle Marineris (circled), shown up close on the right. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS.

NASA has funded its latest batch of far-out ideas. The Innovative Advanced Concepts program funds futuristic projects that may have the potential to revolutionize space exploration. This year’s winning projects include a quantum radar system for remote sensing, a plan to pulverize incoming asteroids, an extremely high-speed propulsion system driven by radioactivity, and more.

SpaceX says their Starship vehicle is ready to fly. The new spaceship, which SpaceX hopes will someday carry astronauts to Mars, now awaits the Federal Aviation Administration’s approval for its first uncrewed test launch. With the combination of the Super Heavy rocket first stage and the Starship upper stage, this would be the largest and most powerful rocket ever launched.

If you dream of standing on another planet, avoid the nightmarish surface of Venus. The planet next door used to be a lot like Earth, and if you somehow found yourself there back then you’d enjoy moderate temperatures and views of liquid water oceans. Today, the planet is much less hospitable — standing on the surface of Venus would quickly kill you in very unpleasant ways. Learn more about why robotic emissaries are our best bet for exploring this harsh but fascinating world. Pictured: An image of Venus's surface created by combining data from the Pioneer, Venera, and Magellan missions. Image credit: NASA.

What happens behind the scenes when Congress funds NASA? The latest episode of Planetary Radio: Space Policy Edition features a conversation with Jean Toal Eisen, a former senior staffer on the Senate Appropriations Committee who drafted legislation directing billions of dollars to NASA. She unpacks how decisions and priorities are made behind closed doors, and the motivations and drivers of the people who make them. Want to ensure that your voice is heard behind those closed doors? The Planetary Society’s space policy and advocacy program educates lawmakers about space exploration and important missions, connects our members with their representatives at key decision-making moments, and makes sure space is always part of the conversation. Do your part to support this crucial program.

Tune into one of the world’s biggest space parties. Last week, Planetary Radio host Sarah Al-Ahmed brought her mic to Yuri’s Night in Los Angeles, an annual celebration of all things space. Hear her interviews with Star Trek cast members, JPL Director Laurie Leshin, astronaut Jessica Watkins, and more.