Episode 1301: Three Cheers for Mars

One week, three crafts, one planet. On this first episode of Season 13 we're aiming for Mars. We discuss three successful missions arriving at the red planet within one week of each other, the "Hope" mission from the United Arab Emirates, China's Tianwen-1 Mission, and the most discussed mission of the three, NASA's Perseverance Rover. We go into all of the amazing firsts so far, and what the mission should accomplish during its time on the red planet. Also, find out why Mark doesn't like calling the rover "Percy". Next, we discuss the future for RocketLab, including their CEO literally eating their hat as they announce the design of a new rocket. Finally we discuss the Inspiration 4 mission, which will send ordinary people to space along with helping a good cause...but is it really giving anybody a chance to go, or is it favoring certain people more than others? Show recorded 3-1-2021 Host: Sawyer Rosenstein Panelists: Gene Mikulka, Mark Ratterman, Dr. Kat Robison