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From the moon to Mars: A look at an intriguing finding on Mars and NASA's plans for deep space exploration

 NASA’s Perseverance rover collected rock samples for possible return to Earth in the future from two locations seen in this image of Mars’ Jezero Crater: “Wildcat Ridge” (lower left) and “Skinner Ridge” (upper right). Photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS.
NASA’s Perseverance rover collected rock samples for possible return to Earth in the future from two locations seen in this image of Mars’ Jezero Crater: “Wildcat Ridge” (lower left) and “Skinner Ridge” (upper right). Photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS.

NASA’s Artemis missions aim to return humans to the lunar surface for the first time in nearly half a century. But the agency doesn’t want to stop there. These moon missions of today are paving the way for astronaut missions to places like Mars and beyond.

Space policy analyst Laura Forczyk joins the show to  look at the long-term plans for astronauts in deep space and how Artemis is leading the charge.

Plus, scientists say NASA’s Perseverance rover has made its most exciting discovery on Mars in its search for signs of life on the red planet. University of Florida astrobiologist Dr. Amy Williams brings us up to speed on the latest development from the Martian surface.

Brendan Byrne is Central Florida Public Media's Assistant News Director, managing the day-to-day operations of the newsroom, editing daily news stories, and managing the organization's internship program. Byrne also hosts Central Florida Public Media's weekly radio show and podcast "Are We There Yet?" which explores human space exploration, and the weekly news roundup podcast "The Wrap."