Human Exploration and Science: Episode 1 - Dr. Ellen Stofan

Joining us in this episode of the “Human Exploration and Science” series of our Deep Space Podcast is Dr. Ellen Stofan, John and Adrienne Mars Director of the National Air and Space Museum, and former NASA Chief Scientist.  
 
In a conversation with the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration CEO and President Dr. Mary Lynne Dittmar, Dr. Stofan speaks about the rationale behind space science and human deep space exploration. For Stofan, who has spent time studying the behavior and composition of volcanoes on Mars, Venus and Saturn’s moon Titan, what really drives space science is understanding how the Earth works. As a geologist and planetary scientist, Stofan also explains why it is critical to not only focus on space science, but to send humans into deep space to explore in the field, and why Mars is our horizon goal for human space exploration. Dr. Dittmar and Dr. Stofan also touch on the diversity challenges we still face in the space field, and why space exploration is worth the world’s effort and investment, even as we go through a global crisis.