Planetary Society logo
  • “Exploration is in our nature.” - Carl Sagan

Since 2002, Planetary Radio has visited with a scientist, engineer, project manager, advocate, or writer who provides a unique perspective on the quest for knowledge about our Solar System and beyond. The full show archive is available for free.

Search Planetary Radio

Morning and Evening from Mt. Sharp

Curiosity rolls on: Mars Science Laboratory project scientist Ashwin Vasavada

The Curiosity rover’s lead researcher reviews the latest findings and images from Mars’ Gale Crater.

The Design and Engineering of Curiosity front cover

Planetary Radio Live! – Celebrating Curiosity on Mars

Join us for an utterly fascinating live conversation with Emily Lakdawalla about her brand new book, The Design and Engineering of Curiosity: How the Mars Rover Performs Its Job. Also joining us at Caltech were Curiosity Project Scientist Ashwin Vasavada and JPL Research Scientist Abigail Fraeman.

Curiosity self-portrait, sol 32

Ashwin Vasavada, Leader of Scientists Roving Mars

The new Mars Science Laboratory Project Scientist is not new to the mission. Ashwin Vasavada has worked on the Curiosity rover since 2004.