Space Science with Marshall Porterfield (GotG57)

In this episode, Emma the Space Gardener talks with Marshall Porterfield, Professor of Biological Engineering & Space Biophysics at Purdue University, who offers up some highlights from his long career in space science. During a stint as Division Director for Space Life and Physical Sciences at NASA headquarters in Washington DC. Marshall oversaw the Human Research, Physical Sciences, and Space Biology Programs including research and engineering assets at six NASA centres. He established the first open science, and advanced integrated omics research programs including NASA GeneLab and the NASA Twins Study.

What space-related happenings are you looking forward to this year? You can let me know by sending an email to earth[at]spacebotany[dot]uk, leave a comment here or come and find me on Mastodon as @[email protected].

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Hello, and welcome to Gardeners of the Galaxy, the podcast for all of the sentient beings in the Universe who have a passion for plants. I’m Emma the Space Gardener, and I will be your host as we explore gardening on Earth… and beyond!]

We’re two weeks in to 2024, and already we’ve been reminded that spaceflight is hard.

Astrobotic’s Peregrine Mission One, carrying the first US-built lunar lander launched since the Apollo program, ran into problems shortly after reaching space. A propellant leak means that there’s no chance of a soft landing on the Moon, although the team is working to prolong the operational life of the spacecraft as long as possible, allowing some of the scientific payloads to collect valuable data. But while Peregrine One may not last as long as most people’s New Year’s