Space Wonders - an ESA podcast collection https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com This is an official channel of the European Space Agency, where you can find a variety of podcast series bringing you closer to the people, missions and discoveries that are expanding our understanding of the Universe.

]]> Thu, 25 Nov 2021 09:42:03 +0100 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2026 All rights reserved. Science 1440 serial This is an official channel of the European Space Agency, where you can find a variety of podcast series bringing you closer to the people, missions and discoveries that are expanding our understanding of the Universe. The European Space Agency - ESA The European Space Agency - ESA No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/11196390/SpaceWondersVisual_HIRES.png Space Wonders - an ESA podcast collection https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com 144 144 ESA & UNOOSA on: Satellites vs space debris ESA & UNOOSA on: Satellites vs space debris https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/satellites-vs-space-debris/ https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/satellites-vs-space-debris/#comments Fri, 26 Feb 2021 16:44:52 +0100 esaexploresoperations.podbean.com/288d39ab-4a1a-3f02-8b9b-fd41e18fbdf6 Satellites in orbit share near-Earth space with millions of fast-moving and dangerous debris objects. Tim Flohrer, Head of ESA's Space Debris Office, and Nathalie Ricard, Scientific Officer at the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), discuss the scale of the debris problem, asking what are our satellites are up against?

While you listen, check out the corresponding ESA-UN infographic that illustrates this topic.

]]> Satellites in orbit share near-Earth space with millions of fast-moving and dangerous debris objects. Tim Flohrer, Head of ESA's Space Debris Office, and Nathalie Ricard, Scientific Officer at the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), discuss the scale of the debris problem, asking what are our satellites are up against?

While you listen, check out the corresponding ESA-UN infographic that illustrates this topic.

]]> The European Space Agency - ESA false No 814 1 1 full ESA & UNOOSA on space debris: Falling to Earth takes a long time ESA & UNOOSA on space debris: Falling to Earth takes a long time https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/falling-to-earth-takes-a-long-time/ https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/falling-to-earth-takes-a-long-time/#comments Fri, 26 Feb 2021 16:50:33 +0100 esaexploresoperations.podbean.com/1d74d65c-cc18-3bc8-80ad-46c509462e3e Our planet's atmosphere gradually slows down satellites in orbit and brings them back down to Earth. However, depending on their altitude, this process can take an extremely long time. Had the dinosaurs launched a satellite into the furthest geostationary orbit, it would still be up there today. So, what do we do with spacecraft once they reach the end of their lives?

In episode 2 in our ESA-UN space debris series, Francesca Letizia and Xing-Yi Ang discuss the problem of slowly returning satellites, and what needs to be done to responsibly dispose of them at the end of their lives.

While you listen, check out the corresponding ESA-UN infographic that illustrates this topic.

]]> Our planet's atmosphere gradually slows down satellites in orbit and brings them back down to Earth. However, depending on their altitude, this process can take an extremely long time. Had the dinosaurs launched a satellite into the furthest geostationary orbit, it would still be up there today. So, what do we do with spacecraft once they reach the end of their lives?

In episode 2 in our ESA-UN space debris series, Francesca Letizia and Xing-Yi Ang discuss the problem of slowly returning satellites, and what needs to be done to responsibly dispose of them at the end of their lives.

While you listen, check out the corresponding ESA-UN infographic that illustrates this topic.

]]> The European Space Agency - ESA false No 958 1 2 full ESA & UNOOSA on space debris: The cost of avoiding collision ESA & UNOOSA on space debris: The cost of avoiding collision https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/the-cost-of-avoidning-collision/ https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/the-cost-of-avoidning-collision/#comments Fri, 26 Feb 2021 16:57:05 +0100 esaexploresoperations.podbean.com/b85e9cfd-36ee-3988-94c7-6bb652a1baa4 Space might seem an empty, vast expanse, but satellites in Earth's orbit face the constant risk of collision - with other satellites and rockets, dead or alive, or with fragments of their debris.

It is now routine for operators of spacecraft in busy highways to divert their mission out of harms way. In fact at ESA, each mission flown performs on average two 'collision avoidance manoeuvres' per year.

In this podcast, episode 3 in the ESA-UN space debris series, Benjamin Bastida Virgili and Hazuki Mori discuss the cost of these manoeuvres and what can be done.

While you listen, check out the corresponding ESA-UN infographic that illustrates this topic.

]]> Space might seem an empty, vast expanse, but satellites in Earth's orbit face the constant risk of collision - with other satellites and rockets, dead or alive, or with fragments of their debris.

It is now routine for operators of spacecraft in busy highways to divert their mission out of harms way. In fact at ESA, each mission flown performs on average two 'collision avoidance manoeuvres' per year.

In this podcast, episode 3 in the ESA-UN space debris series, Benjamin Bastida Virgili and Hazuki Mori discuss the cost of these manoeuvres and what can be done.

While you listen, check out the corresponding ESA-UN infographic that illustrates this topic.

]]> The European Space Agency - ESA false No 975 1 3 full ESA & UNOOSA on space debris: We're launching more than ever ESA & UNOOSA on space debris: We're launching more than ever https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-unoosa-on-space-debris-were-launching-more-than-ever/ https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-unoosa-on-space-debris-were-launching-more-than-ever/#comments Wed, 03 Mar 2021 10:05:41 +0100 esaexploresoperations.podbean.com/3b8865fd-3735-3601-80a9-0883c306c8a1 Since the beginning of the space age, with the launch of Sputnik in 1957, we have launched thousands of rockets carrying more than ten thousand satellites into space.

In recent years, this number has dramatically increased, as well as the variety of missions being flown. In this podcast, episode #4 in the ESA-UNOOSA space debris series, Ian Freeman and Francesca Letizia discuss what these changes mean for the future of spaceflight and the creation of space debris, While you listen, check out the corresponding infographic that illustrates this topic: https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2021/03/We_re_launching_more_than_ever#.YD9ND2zPUaw.link

]]> Since the beginning of the space age, with the launch of Sputnik in 1957, we have launched thousands of rockets carrying more than ten thousand satellites into space.

In recent years, this number has dramatically increased, as well as the variety of missions being flown. In this podcast, episode #4 in the ESA-UNOOSA space debris series, Ian Freeman and Francesca Letizia discuss what these changes mean for the future of spaceflight and the creation of space debris, While you listen, check out the corresponding infographic that illustrates this topic: https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2021/03/We_re_launching_more_than_ever#.YD9ND2zPUaw.link

]]> Since the beginning of the space age, with the launch of Sputnik in 1958, we have launched thousands of rockets carrying more than ten thousand satellites into space. In recent years, this number has dramatically increased, as well as the variety of missions being flown. In episode #4 of the ESA-UNOOSA space debris series, Ian Freeman and Francesca Letizia discuss what these changes mean for the future of spaceflight and the creation of space debris. While you listen, check out the corresponding infographic that illustrates this topic: https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2021/03/We_re_launching_more_than_ever#.YD9ND2zPUaw.link ESA false No 1054 1 4 full ESA & UNOOSA on space debris: The role of reentries ESA & UNOOSA on space debris: The role of reentries https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-unoosa-on-space-debris-the-role-of-reentries/ https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-unoosa-on-space-debris-the-role-of-reentries/#comments Mon, 15 Mar 2021 10:07:17 +0100 esaexploresoperations.podbean.com/4290deef-86b7-302b-82ed-b03581175f98 What goes up, nearly always comes back down. Roughly 100 satellites and rocket bodies reentered Earth's atmosphere every year in the last decade. It might sound scary, but atmospheric reentries are nothing to be worried about - in fact they are a fundamental tool in minimising the creation of space debris and ensuring a sustainable future in space.

In this podcast, episode 5 in the ESA-UN space debris series, Stijn Lemmens and Jorge del Rio Vera it discuss the risk from reentries and why they are so important.

While you listen, check out the corresponding ESA-UN infographic that illustrates this topic: www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Imag…e_role_of_reentries.

]]> What goes up, nearly always comes back down. Roughly 100 satellites and rocket bodies reentered Earth's atmosphere every year in the last decade. It might sound scary, but atmospheric reentries are nothing to be worried about - in fact they are a fundamental tool in minimising the creation of space debris and ensuring a sustainable future in space.

In this podcast, episode 5 in the ESA-UN space debris series, Stijn Lemmens and Jorge del Rio Vera it discuss the risk from reentries and why they are so important.

While you listen, check out the corresponding ESA-UN infographic that illustrates this topic: www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Imag…e_role_of_reentries.

]]> ESA false No 1061 1 5 full ESA & UNOOSA on space debris: Where today's debris came from ESA & UNOOSA on space debris: Where today's debris came from https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-unoosa-on-space-debris-where-todays-debris-came-from-1617192722/ https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-unoosa-on-space-debris-where-todays-debris-came-from-1617192722/#comments Wed, 31 Mar 2021 14:12:02 +0200 esaexploresoperations.podbean.com/a8646659-67fc-3674-8093-1333e92ee4f5 The millions of fragments of debris in orbit today are the direct result of 'fragmentation events' in the past. But how do we know what caused the 550 known, debris-creating events to date? And what can we learn from them?

In episode 6 of the ESA-UNOOSA space debris series, Vitali Braun and Jorge del Rio Vera discuss the various past events that have lead to today's debris environment, and what we can expect in the future.

While you listen, check out the corresponding infographic that illustrates this topic: www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Imag…ace_debris_creation.

]]> The millions of fragments of debris in orbit today are the direct result of 'fragmentation events' in the past. But how do we know what caused the 550 known, debris-creating events to date? And what can we learn from them?

In episode 6 of the ESA-UNOOSA space debris series, Vitali Braun and Jorge del Rio Vera discuss the various past events that have lead to today's debris environment, and what we can expect in the future.

While you listen, check out the corresponding infographic that illustrates this topic: www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Imag…ace_debris_creation.

]]> ESA false No 1458 1 6 full ESA & UNOOSA on: the impact of debris ESA & UNOOSA on: the impact of debris https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-unoosa-on-the-impact-of-debris/ https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-unoosa-on-the-impact-of-debris/#comments Wed, 31 Mar 2021 14:12:35 +0200 esaexploresoperations.podbean.com/8ca3f469-7ee1-32b0-9a5b-eb2067d5d361 Debris in orbit varies from millions of millimetre-sized particles to thousands of much larger objects like defunct satellites and rocket parts. As such the damage debris can cause varies from a gradual degradation of satellite parts over time to immediate and total destruction.

Find out about the damage debris can do - including leading to the "Kessler syndrome" - in episode 7 of the ESA-UN space debris podcast with Beatriz Jilete and Markus Woltran.

While you listen, check out the corresponding ESA-UN infographic that illustrates this topic: www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Imag…act_of_space_debris

]]> Debris in orbit varies from millions of millimetre-sized particles to thousands of much larger objects like defunct satellites and rocket parts. As such the damage debris can cause varies from a gradual degradation of satellite parts over time to immediate and total destruction.

Find out about the damage debris can do - including leading to the "Kessler syndrome" - in episode 7 of the ESA-UN space debris podcast with Beatriz Jilete and Markus Woltran.

While you listen, check out the corresponding ESA-UN infographic that illustrates this topic: www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Imag…act_of_space_debris

]]> ESA false No 1126 1 7 full ESA & UNOOSA on: space debris and human spaceflight ESA & UNOOSA on: space debris and human spaceflight https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-unoosa-on-space-debris-and-human-spaceflight/ https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-unoosa-on-space-debris-and-human-spaceflight/#comments Wed, 31 Mar 2021 14:26:58 +0200 esaexploresoperations.podbean.com/f87cb25b-0956-335f-a2fc-118e3bdd10f8 Humans in space have a lot to contend with, and for those orbiting in low-Earth orbit, space debris is a real concern.

So what's the risk to astronauts on-board the International Space Station? How safe are they when they perform a space walk, and what are the "clanking" sounds they report hearing? Find out in episode 8 of the ESA-UNOOSA space debris podcast with Vitali Braun and Ottavia Pesce.

While you listen, check out the corresponding infographic that illustrates this topic: www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Imag…d_human_spaceflight

**Links referred to in the podcast:

The robotic arm on the International Space Station checks the Columbus module for signs of impact: www.esa.int/Safety_Security/Hun…_science_laboratory

The 7 mm-diameter impact chip in the Cupola of the ISS, gouged out by a tiny piece of space debris: www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Imag…p#.YGQpHyPoJgY.link

]]> Humans in space have a lot to contend with, and for those orbiting in low-Earth orbit, space debris is a real concern.

So what's the risk to astronauts on-board the International Space Station? How safe are they when they perform a space walk, and what are the "clanking" sounds they report hearing? Find out in episode 8 of the ESA-UNOOSA space debris podcast with Vitali Braun and Ottavia Pesce.

While you listen, check out the corresponding infographic that illustrates this topic: www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Imag…d_human_spaceflight

**Links referred to in the podcast:

The robotic arm on the International Space Station checks the Columbus module for signs of impact: www.esa.int/Safety_Security/Hun…_science_laboratory

The 7 mm-diameter impact chip in the Cupola of the ISS, gouged out by a tiny piece of space debris: www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Imag…p#.YGQpHyPoJgY.link

]]> ESA false No 1095 1 8 full ESA & UNOOSA on space debris: sustainability over the long term ESA & UNOOSA on space debris: sustainability over the long term https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-unoosa-on-space-debris-sustainability-over-the-long-term/ https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-unoosa-on-space-debris-sustainability-over-the-long-term/#comments Tue, 13 Apr 2021 11:02:23 +0200 esaexploresoperations.podbean.com/f3b330a0-ac7c-3fa3-b4df-581ad6e25c90 Space may seem vast, but the orbits around Earth in which satellites reside are a limited natural resource. Since the beginning of the space age, millions of debris fragments have been created which now threaten any spacecraft that crosses their path.

So what can we do to protect these vulnerable regions for future generations? Find out in episode nine of the ESA-UNOOSA space debris series, with Stijn Lemmens and Tanya Keusen.

While you listen, check out the corresponding ESA-UN infographic that illustrates this topic: www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Imag…ainability_of_space

]]> Space may seem vast, but the orbits around Earth in which satellites reside are a limited natural resource. Since the beginning of the space age, millions of debris fragments have been created which now threaten any spacecraft that crosses their path.

So what can we do to protect these vulnerable regions for future generations? Find out in episode nine of the ESA-UNOOSA space debris series, with Stijn Lemmens and Tanya Keusen.

While you listen, check out the corresponding ESA-UN infographic that illustrates this topic: www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Imag…ainability_of_space

]]> ESA false No 1285 1 9 full ESA & UNOOSA talk trash: Directors Josef Aschbacher and Simonetta di Pippo in conversation ESA & UNOOSA talk trash: Directors Josef Aschbacher and Simonetta di Pippo in conversation https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-unoosa-on-space-debris-directors-josef-aschbacher-and-simonetta-di-pippo-in-conversation/ https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-unoosa-on-space-debris-directors-josef-aschbacher-and-simonetta-di-pippo-in-conversation/#comments Wed, 14 Apr 2021 15:05:29 +0200 esaexploresoperations.podbean.com/cf360a50-1c9b-38b7-ba91-bd4dce946773 In the final episode of the ESA-UNOOSA podcast on space debris, Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency, and Simonetta di Pippo, Director of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, discuss this topic of global concern.

What are the two leading organisations doing to tackle space debris? What more needs to be done? Is there reason to be hopeful?

]]> In the final episode of the ESA-UNOOSA podcast on space debris, Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency, and Simonetta di Pippo, Director of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, discuss this topic of global concern.

What are the two leading organisations doing to tackle space debris? What more needs to be done? Is there reason to be hopeful?

]]> ESA false No 1718 1 10 full André Kuipers on sheltering from oncoming space debris André Kuipers on sheltering from oncoming space debris https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-explores-andre-kuipers-on-sheltering-from-oncoming-space-debris/ https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-explores-andre-kuipers-on-sheltering-from-oncoming-space-debris/#comments Thu, 22 Apr 2021 11:24:06 +0200 esaexploresoperations.podbean.com/c22e6bd5-9539-3228-aff3-b644126abaa3 André Kuipers is one of a handful of astronauts who has had to 'shelter-in-place' from a piece of marauding space debris.

In 2012, a debris fragment was spotted heading towards the International Space Station. Its orbit was hard to predict but it looked like it could pass at a distance of approximately 10 kilometres: that meant code red.

ESA astronaut André, along with his fellow passengers, had to seek shelter in the two Soyuz spaceships which function as safe houses and as lifeboats. Fortunately, the debris passed safely by. We spoke to André about what this experience was like, and also to his wife Helen who recounts the exact moment she found out.

]]> André Kuipers is one of a handful of astronauts who has had to 'shelter-in-place' from a piece of marauding space debris.

In 2012, a debris fragment was spotted heading towards the International Space Station. Its orbit was hard to predict but it looked like it could pass at a distance of approximately 10 kilometres: that meant code red.

ESA astronaut André, along with his fellow passengers, had to seek shelter in the two Soyuz spaceships which function as safe houses and as lifeboats. Fortunately, the debris passed safely by. We spoke to André about what this experience was like, and also to his wife Helen who recounts the exact moment she found out.

]]> ESA false No 1134 2 1 full A fictional asteroid impact A fictional asteroid impact https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-explores-a-fictional-asteroid-impact/ https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-explores-a-fictional-asteroid-impact/#comments Wed, 28 Apr 2021 15:19:34 +0200 esaexploresoperations.podbean.com/8be7e645-5125-30dd-8bd3-edf67006f0c8 Once every two years, asteroid experts around the globe meet up and pretend an asteroid impact is imminent. Why? To prepare for the likely – but plausible – scenario in which this comes true.

In this episode, we speak about the hypothetical impact scenario playing out at this year's Planetary Defense Conference and why it matters, with Detlef Koschny, ESA's Head of Planetary Defence.

Get the full story on hypothetical asteroid 2021 PDC on the Rocket Science blog: https://blogs.esa.int/rocketscience/2021/04/26/deep-fake-impact/

]]> Once every two years, asteroid experts around the globe meet up and pretend an asteroid impact is imminent. Why? To prepare for the likely – but plausible – scenario in which this comes true.

In this episode, we speak about the hypothetical impact scenario playing out at this year's Planetary Defense Conference and why it matters, with Detlef Koschny, ESA's Head of Planetary Defence.

Get the full story on hypothetical asteroid 2021 PDC on the Rocket Science blog: https://blogs.esa.int/rocketscience/2021/04/26/deep-fake-impact/

]]> ESA false No 1273 3 1 full Your chance to name the next space weather mission Your chance to name the next space weather mission https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-explores-your-chance-to-namethemission-with-jussi-luntama/ https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-explores-your-chance-to-namethemission-with-jussi-luntama/#comments Wed, 19 May 2021 17:38:47 +0200 esaexploresoperations.podbean.com/5be5f930-cba9-3321-a79a-fe103a8c66aa ESA needs you. We need a name for our new spacecraft. Its mission? To spot potentially hazardous solar storms before they reach Earth.

We speak to Jussi Luntama, ESA's Head of Space Weather about the mission, why it needs a new name, and what kind of submissions he's hoping for.

Submit your proposal at: https://www.esa.int/Safety_Security/Space_weather/Name_ESA_s_new_mission

]]> ESA needs you. We need a name for our new spacecraft. Its mission? To spot potentially hazardous solar storms before they reach Earth.

We speak to Jussi Luntama, ESA's Head of Space Weather about the mission, why it needs a new name, and what kind of submissions he's hoping for.

Submit your proposal at: https://www.esa.int/Safety_Security/Space_weather/Name_ESA_s_new_mission

]]> ESA false No 1016 4 1 full Rescuing Integral: No thrusters, no problem Rescuing Integral: No thrusters, no problem https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/rescuing-integral-no-thrusters-no-problem/ https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/rescuing-integral-no-thrusters-no-problem/#comments Fri, 16 Jul 2021 16:38:54 +0200 esaexploresoperations.podbean.com/6f77d7a3-a769-39b3-a4b7-d1391d174f13 A year ago today, a failure on the Integral spacecraft meant it fired its thrusters for likely the last time. Hear Richard Southworth, Operations Manager for the mission explain how in the 365 days since, the spacecraft in Earth orbit has continued to shed light on the violent gamma ray Universe.

Not only that, Integral should soon be working even more efficiently than before, as mission control teams implement an ingenious new way to control the 18-year-old spacecraft.

]]> A year ago today, a failure on the Integral spacecraft meant it fired its thrusters for likely the last time. Hear Richard Southworth, Operations Manager for the mission explain how in the 365 days since, the spacecraft in Earth orbit has continued to shed light on the violent gamma ray Universe.

Not only that, Integral should soon be working even more efficiently than before, as mission control teams implement an ingenious new way to control the 18-year-old spacecraft.

]]> ESA false No 2356 5 1 full ESA‘s riskiest flyby – Solar Orbiter faces Earth debris ESA‘s riskiest flyby – Solar Orbiter faces Earth debris https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-s-riskiest-flyby-%e2%80%93-solar-orbiter-faces-earth-debris/ https://ESASpaceWonders.podbean.com/e/esa-s-riskiest-flyby-%e2%80%93-solar-orbiter-faces-earth-debris/#comments Thu, 25 Nov 2021 09:42:03 +0100 esaexploresoperations.podbean.com/62389dd9-c62a-372a-9482-d00798cd99cf We talk to Julia Schwartz, expert in flight dynamics, and Klaus Merz, space debris, about Solar Orbiter's upcoming risky Earth flyby. On 27 Nov, it will pass almost as close as the International Space Station in one of the closest flybys on record, which will see the spacecraft pass through two regions of hazardous debris. Could Solar Orbiter swerve from collision, if needed? Has the recent 'fragmentation event' increased the risk?

]]> We talk to Julia Schwartz, expert in flight dynamics, and Klaus Merz, space debris, about Solar Orbiter's upcoming risky Earth flyby. On 27 Nov, it will pass almost as close as the International Space Station in one of the closest flybys on record, which will see the spacecraft pass through two regions of hazardous debris. Could Solar Orbiter swerve from collision, if needed? Has the recent 'fragmentation event' increased the risk?

]]> ESA false No 1166 6 1 full