140 million miles away never felt closer.

Stories from the edge of possibility, from the people preparing to call Mars home.

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Dr. Alexandra Kemp

The arts kid and the science kid never had to be different people.

Dr. Alexandra Kemp joins Aspiring Martians to talk opera, aerospace human factors, microgravity research, and how a deeply personal mission is shaping her journey toward human spaceflight. Along the way, she shows how performance, engineering, and human-centered design can all intersect in surprising ways.

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From dreamers to doers, here are their stories.

Podcast Episodes
Dr. Anika Mehlis | Germany
Dr. Anika Mehlis | Germany

Analog astronaut Dr. Anika Mehlis explores Mars psychology, crew dynamics, leadership, communication delays, reentry, and what humans will need to thrive on Mars.

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Dr. Pacifica Sommers | USA
Dr. Pacifica Sommers | USA

Biologist and Mars analog astronaut Dr. Pacifica Sommers discusses Antarctica, the Mars Desert Research Station, NASA astronaut selection, exploration, and preparing humanity for life on Mars.

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Dr. Banu Cole | USA
Dr. Banu Cole | USA

Cancer biologist, helicopter pilot, and analog astronaut Dr. Banu Cole discusses MENA-00-WR, NASA HERA, Mars simulations, human performance, and preparing humanity for life on Mars.

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Dr. Dirk Raiser | Germany
Dr. Dirk Raiser | Germany

Physicist and Razzor Tech founder Dr. Dirk Raiser discusses analog astronaut missions, spacesuit design, commercial astronaut training, family, and his path toward space.

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Imagining a life on Mars, one everyday moment at a time.

Podcast Episodes
Inside The Habitat: SOLIS100 with Dr. Angelique Van Ombergen
Inside The Habitat: SOLIS100 with Dr. Angelique Van Ombergen

ESA Chief Exploration Scientist Dr. Angelique Van Ombergen covers all there is to know about SOLIS100, a 100-day isolation study designed to prepare crews for future Moon and Mars missions.

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Law on Mars with Michelle Hanlon
Law on Mars with Michelle Hanlon

Space lawyer Michelle Hanlon explores who makes the rules on Mars, from property and crime to human rights, governance and future Martian law.

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Inside The Habitat: NASA Analogs with Dr. Grace Douglas & Dr. Brandon Vessey
Inside The Habitat: NASA Analogs with Dr. Grace Douglas & Dr. Brandon Vessey

Go inside NASA’s CHAPEA and HERA analog missions to discover how the agency is preparing astronauts for long-duration life on the Moon and Mars. Plus, a bonus section at the end dedicated to the new and upcoming MMEA mission.

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Art on Mars with Nicole Stott
Art on Mars with Nicole Stott

What will art look like on Mars? Former NASA astronaut Nicole Stott explores painting in space, creativity, mental health, and why future Martians will need artists.

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Transmissions

Featured
This Was Never an Edge Case. Period.
This Was Never an Edge Case. Period.

What space systems still need to learn about menstruation.

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Featured
What We Become on Mars
What We Become on Mars

A review of Becoming Martian, with insights from our conversation with author Scott Solomon.

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The Uncertainty of Pregnancy Beyond Earth
The Uncertainty of Pregnancy Beyond Earth

IVF, loss, and the quiet work of building families beyond Earth with Kellie Gerardi

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When Faith Leaves Earth
When Faith Leaves Earth

How Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity adapt when humanity moves beyond its home planet.

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Pressurized Suits, Pressurized Minds
Pressurized Suits, Pressurized Minds

What decades of extreme-work research say about Mars.

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Meet the Host

Follow along with our host, Joe Sweeney, as he dives into the minds of those who dream of life on Mars, from pioneers to tourists, exploring the challenges and hopes of humanity's next great adventure.

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