Episode Overview

In the thrilling 137th episode of *This Week In Space*, hosts Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik engage in a captivating conversation with Dr. Jason Steffen, a physics professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a vital member of the Kepler Space Telescope mission's science team.

While the Kepler mission officially concluded in 2018, the astonishing discoveries and revelations from its data are still rippling through the scientific community today.

Insights from Dr. Steffen

Dr. Steffen likens the influx of data from Kepler to 'drinking from a firehose,' emphasizing the overwhelming yet exhilarating nature of the information collected.

Over its four-year primary mission, Kepler successfully identified thousands of verified exoplanets, significantly enhancing our understanding of planets beyond our solar system.

However, not many are aware of the remarkable second act for Kepler, known as the K2 mission, which emerged after the failure of two of its reaction wheels in 2013.

NASA cleverly pivoted to keep the mission alive by employing solar wind pressure for stabilization, allowing the telescope to focus on new and exciting celestial targets.

The Kepler Space Telescope

This 37-inch marvel of engineering orbits the sun alongside Earth and effectively functions as an immense photometer—a sophisticated light meter that enhances our ability to analyze star brightness and, subsequently, the planets that orbit them.

Future of Space Exploration

During this must-hear episode titled 'Strange New Worlds,' listeners can expect insights into the future of space exploration and the profound implications of the findings from Dr. Steffen and his team.

Space News Highlights

This week's space news addresses some thought-provoking questions:

- Is the Space Launch System (SLS) at risk of being rendered obsolete?

- Are we responsible for extinguishing potential life on Mars?

- A peculiar report from Uranus surprises many, raising eyebrows among astronomers.

The Kepler Exoplanet Mission continues to stir interest, showcasing how its groundbreaking findings have reshaped our understanding of cosmic structures.

Exciting News for Space Enthusiasts

Want to unleash your inner astronaut? Model rocket aficionados can now launch their very own version of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Esteemed model maker Estes has produced an intricately detailed scale replica, retailing for $149.99, with a special 10% discount available through collectSPACE.com.

Join Us!

Join us every Friday for *This Week In Space*, where we delve deep into the latest developments in space exploration and scientific discovery.

Be sure to tune in to hear the latest on humanity's strides toward the moon and our ambitions for Mars!

You won't want to miss this episode filled with astonishing revelations and thrilling cosmic discussions!